If you suffer from neck pain, you’re not alone. Up to 50% of people will experience neck pain at some point in their life² and general practitioners are consulted seven times per week for neck pain.³

Here are a few tips to help manage and prevent neck pain:

• Work on your posture – for every 2.5cm of forward head movement, the strain on your neck muscles doubles.
• Get the ergonomics right – make sure your computer screen is elevated so you are not looking down.
• Move your neck and shoulders gently through its full range everyday – forward and back, side to side and left to right.
• In bed, try and sleep on your side or back and avoid sleeping on your stomach. Ensure your pillow isn’t too high and is supportive of your neck.

Chiropractic care is one way to help manage and relieve discomfort caused by neck pain. Chiropractic adjustments reduce joint restrictions or misalignments in the spine and other joints in the body in an effort to reduce inflammation and improve function.

If you’re looking for an alternative to treating neck pain, why not consider a chiro? Visit Cranbourne Chiropractic Centre and book online here.

1. Digital Australia: State of the Nation 2015–16, Ernest & Young, https://digitalasiapacific.ey.com/Home/pdf?id=SotN-Report-AU-2015-16

2. Hogg-Johnson S, van der Velde G, Carroll LJ, et al. The Burden and Determinants of Neck Pain in the General Population: Results of the Bone and Joint Decade 2000–2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders. Eur Spine J. 2008;17(Suppl 1):39-51. doi:10.1007/s00586-008-0624-y

3. Australian Journal of General Practice: https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2018/may/neck-pain

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As part of the Australian Chiropractors Association’s Back to School campaign, Cranbourne Chiropractic Centre here in Cranbourne North is encouraging Aussie kids to adopt positive spinal health habits.

These habits include:

• Carrying a backpack correctly with both straps, adjusting it to the correct height and ensuring only the essentials are packed, with heavier items to the back of the bag to reduce weight.
• Maintaining good posture when sitting in a classroom by keeping their shoulders back and relaxed with both feet firmly on the floor.
• Trying to reduce recreation screen time to two-hours every day.
• Eating a balanced, healthy diet and staying hydrated, helping kits to keep kids active in the playground and alert in the classroom.
• Getting enough physical activity is key for a child’s wellbeing, so as a guide, kids should try and get at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily.

Let’s help kids practise these positive spinal health habits this back to school season and all year round.

I welcome you to make an appointment for more advice and assistance on implementing these positive health habits into your child’s daily activity.

We are even able to assist with fitting your child’s backpack to suit their current level of development. Contact us at Cranbourne Chiropractic Centre to book your appointment.

For more information on these tips and the Back to School campaign, visit backtoschool.org.au  

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CERVICAL SPINE:

The neck is comprised of the cervical spine which consists of 7 vertebrae that begin from the base of the skull till the thoracic spine. The cervical curve of the spine is very critical and manages the overall spinal health. Any type of dysfunction in this region can lead to pain, migraines, headaches, stiffness and many other problems. The neck is supported by different ligaments and muscles. Neck pain occurs when these surrounding structures become inflamed or irritated. Neck pain ranges between minor, moderate, severe or excruciating.

SYMPTOMS OF NECK PAIN:
These include the following:

Limited range of motion

Stabbing or sharp pain

Tenderness or soreness

Radiating pain which radiates towards the shoulders, fingers, arms, neck, and head

CAUSES OF NECK PAIN:

Abnormal sleep postures

Poor standing or sitting postures

Sport injuries

Falls

Whiplash

Old age leading to degenerative disorders

Spinal stenosis-compression of nerves leading to numbness

Degenerative disc disorders that result in tingling or numbness

Rare causes include tumors, infections, growth abnormalities, and cancer

HOW CHIROPRACTORS CAN TREAT THE SYMPTOMS OF NECK PAIN?

Neck pain treatment and chiropractic adjustments performed by the chiropractors at Cranbourne Chiropractic Centre are highly effective. It manages the neck pain in the most efficient way and helps in relieving the discomfort, swelling and other symptoms linked with the neck pain. Routine visits to the chiropractor help in relieving the neck pain in a safe, non-addictive and non-invasive pattern.

A gentle chiropractic adjustment is performed which reduces the locking in the neck. It also helps in relieving the inflammation and swelling linked with spinal and other joints of the body. The chiropractic treatment effectively improves the functioning of the nervous system and joints. The improved functioning of the spine and nervous system helps in treating the discomfort linked with the neck pain.

BENEFICIAL EFFECTS OFFERED BY CHIROPRACTIC TREATMENT:
Chiropractic care may help:

Reduce inflammation

Improve range of motion of the neck

Improve flexibility

Improve lifestyle with increased activities

Reduce discomfort and pain

VERDICT:

To identify whether you are suitable for the chiropractic treatment or not, the chiropractors at Cranbourne Chiropractic Centre in Cranbourne North perform an initial consultation and examination. The chiropractors then develop a treatment plan according to the pain severity. It may include neck adjustments, mobilization, rehabilitative exercises, massage, and more.

To book an appointment call 9581 2624 or book online at www.cranbournechiro.com.au

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Unfortunately they then proceeded to spend the next 20 minutes on their phones or devices looking down playing games etc! We had to leave so I’m not sure how long they were out in this wonderful park playing on their electronic devices. How sad!

Neck pain and poor posture often go hand in hand. With the increased use of electronic devices and screen time people of all ages are getting into static, hunched, forward head positions for long periods of time, resulting in increased muscle tension and tightness in the joints of the neck and upper back. What’s called ‘Tech Neck’ these days.

Part of the problem is that we aren’t getting outside as much as we used to. Kids are stuck inside on their devices and unfortunately looking for adults for inspiration is no good as they are also head down on their devices.

As a chiropractor this is what we are up against. Hours of screen time leading to poor posture, neck pain, headaches, upper back pain etc. Tech neck and even worse ‘Digital Dementia’ where the brain doesn’t think for itself anymore due to sensory overload from too much screen time.

And so even when we get people outside to enjoy the local parks, they stay chained to their phones. For your neck and your kids, go and enjoy our local parks but keep off your phones.

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If you are one of the 50%¹ of Australians that sit at an office desk from 9am – 5pm (or some variation of that) then you are probably guilty of sitting in that same position for most of the day, often unaware of the potential effects of poor posture on your spine.

Between sitting at home on the couch, on the train to work and in the office all day, you could only be left with around one hour to stand, walk and exercise.²

While sitting down for long periods of time cannot be entirely avoided, improving your posture and staying active throughout the day can prove beneficial for your spinal health and overall wellbeing.

Here are a few helpful tips to get in the habit of practicing good posture:

• With spring here and daylight savings, take advantage of the weather by going for a walk during your lunch break or after work.
• Take the stairs instead of the lift up to the office.
• Take little breaks every 30 minutes by walking to the coffee machine or bathroom to keep your body moving.
• Pay attention to the way you sit at work – avoid hunching or slouching at your desk. Sit back in your chair and make sure your back is well-supported by the chair.
• When at your desk distribute your body weight evenly on both hips and keep your feet flat on the floor.
• If you have a height adjustable desk, try alternating frequently between standing and sitting If your workplace does not offer standing desks, it may be a good idea to request one.

Take a moment to assess your office desk. Are there any elements that are putting stress or strain on your body? Keep the mouse and telephone within easy reach so you don’t have to stretch to reach them. Adjust your computer screen so that your neck is in a neutral position and be mindful of your posture while sitting.

It is easy to forget to take a break when we are busy at work. So, set an alarm on your phone to remind you or use the reminders on the Straighten Up app.

Taking these habits home with you will help put them into practice in everyday life and will also ensure that good posture and spinal care is integrated into every aspect of your life.

For more information on maintaining a healthy spine in the work place, check with chiropractor Dr Shaun from Cranbourne Chiropractic.

¹Safe Work Australia 2017, Sitting and Standing, www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sedentary, Web.
²Australian Chiropractors Association, ‘How much time do you spend sitting each day?,’ Sit Right, www.chiropractors.asn.au/sitright, Web.

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Why it Matters:

Each day we work with people, young and old, who are experiencing the symptoms associated with tech neck. By creating a plan of care that may include stretching, adjustments, and postural exercises; we have been able to help our patients overcome these aches and pains without giving up their mobile phones and tablets. 

• Looking down at your phone, tablet, or computer for long periods of time can cause muscle strains and neck pain which is now known as tech neck.
• Researchers have discovered the angle of your head when text messaging places tremendous amount of stress on your neck and spine.
• Taking short breaks to stretch at least every 30 minutes helps your body feel better by improving your posture and resetting your balance.

Next Steps:

Next time you are on the phone, stop for a moment and see if your head is creeping forward. If your chin is tucked down and your ears are in front of your shoulders, then you are in the forward head posture we call tech neck. It’s a good time to take a break, stretch, and reset. If you are experiencing any pain or headaches, then please reach out so we can work with you to create a plan to help you stay connected without suffering from tech neck.

Science Source(s):

Head flexion angle while using a smartphone. Ergonomics. 2015

Effects of a Resistance and Stretching Training Program on Forward Head and Protracted Shoulder Posture in Adolescents. JMPT 2017

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Why it Matters:

As you go through life and your spinal discs go through the aging process, your facet joints end up taking on extra load. Unfortunately, this excess stress and pressure can wear down your facet joints. What results is the beginning of the degenerative process, which means you can end up with adhesions, restricted motion, bone spurs and, well…pain.

• The facet joints of your spine slide and glide as you move.
• Restrictions or adhesions in the facets can occur with age and injury.
• Chiropractic adjustments help the facet joints move freely and decrease painful restrictions in motion.  

Next Steps:

The facet joints of your spine love to move, and, in fact, movement helps them stay healthy and may even slow down the degenerative process. Chiropractic adjustments may help reduce adhesions on these joints, allowing you to move more freely and with less pain. Here at Cranbourne Chiropractic Centre, we believe that when you’re moving better, you’re feeling better, and we’re proud to be a part of the healthcare team that helps you stay active!

Science Source:

Magnetic resonance imaging zygapophyseal joint space changes (gapping) in low back pain patients following spinal manipulation and side-posture positioning: a randomized controlled mechanisms trial with blinding. JMPT 2013

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Why it Matters:

Driving a car, working on the computer, and using a tablet/phone all usually result in less than ideal posture. And when you start to lean forward, it places a tremendous amount of extra pressure on the discs in your neck and spine. This can cause increased compression and lead to pain. Even just a few inches of forward head posture can double or triple the amount of stress on the spinal joints in your neck.

• The average human head weights approximately 3.6-4.5kg.
• For every 2.5cm of forward head posture, an additional 4.5kg of weight is added to your spine.
• Forward head posture may result in muscle imbalances, a high risk for spinal degeneration, reduced range of motion, and pain.

Next Steps:

Take a moment today at work and notice if your shoulders are rounding, the head has moved forward, and upper back is hunched over. If you see yourself slouching into this posture, let us know. We would love to provide you with some exercises you can do at work to help strengthen the muscles supporting your spine and combat these muscle imbalances. And remember, the more time you spend in this posture, the more likely you are to suffer head and neck pain.

Science Source(s):

The Physiology of the Joints, Volume III. 6th ed. London: Churchill Livingstone; 2007.

Myofascial trigger points, neck mobility and forward head posture in unilateral migraine. Cephalalgia 2006

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Multiple research studies have shown that chiropractic is considered one of the most safe and effective treatments to reduce pain from your neck, low back, and more. Even if you are suffering from spinal stenosis, disc herniations, or foraminal encroachment-chiropractic may be able to help.

2 REDUCE HEADACHES
The second health benefit of chiropractic care, especially important if you have struggled with chronic headaches. Researchers have discovered that chiropractic care can reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches.

With over 20 million people suffering from headaches every day, this is a massive development in healthcare! The most common type of headaches includes; tension headaches and migraines. Tension headaches often include neck pain, muscle pain, and facial pain. Migraines are usually throbbing, can cause nausea and light sensitivity, and some even include an aura.

3 IMPROVED QUALITY OF LIFE
Many people don’t go to the doctor when they have pain. They go to the doctor when that pain interferes with their quality of life!

If you have a healthcare issue that is keeping you for enjoying your hobbies, hanging out with friends and family, and limit your ability to perform well at work- then you are likely going to start researching on Google and eventually call a doctor to get answers.

Fortunately, getting back to your active lifestyle, and improving your quality of life (or in science-speak, “functional ability”) is one proven benefits of chiropractic care.

4 REDUCED MEDICATION USE
Researchers have discovered that people who receive chiropractic care are 49% less likely to fill an opioid prescription. And, in my opinion, if we were able to reduce opioid use by nearly 50% just be helping people get well with chiropractic care- this world would be a different place!

Even what many people consider to be “safe” medications like NSAID’s contribute to over 100,000 hospitalizations, and over 3,000 deaths each year. Drugs should rarely be viewed as a first line treatment for spinal pain. Your body is designed to move and recover- so going to a doctor focused on movement and recovery seems like a good idea to not only reduce your medication use but to get the best results possible.

5 PERFORMANCE
Did you know that every major sports team in the USA has a chiropractor available to their athletes to help with injury prevention and sports performance?

That’s right, teams in the NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL all have chiropractors integrated into their healthcare team to keep their athletes performing at their top level all season long.

No one can perform their best when in pain, so chiropractors are used to keeping the athletes feeling good, but with a focus and eye towards sport-specific performance.

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Hand, wrist, and arm pain often starts with a neck problem. When a spinal disc in your neck irritates or presses on a nerve, it can result in arm pain. Just like the power lines that bring electricity to your house, your brain and spinal cord split into individual nerve roots that deliver information to every part of your body. The nerves in your neck are specifically focused on providing strength and sensation to your head and arms.

• A bulged or herniated disc in your neck can irritate or compress the nerves that travel to your hands, arms, and shoulders.
• A recent study of people with cervical (neck) disc herniation showed improvement in over 86% of those who received chiropractic adjustments.
• Improving spinal mobility, decreasing inflammation, and improving your posture may help prevent future episodes of neck and arm pain.

A painful arm as a result of a pinched nerve in your neck very rarely requires surgery. Getting rid of the inflammation, decompressing the nerve, and giving the disc time to heal are all part of a complete plan we use each day to help our patients reduce their symptoms and get their life back.

Science Source(s):

Symptomatic, Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Confirmed Cervical Disk Herniation Patients: A Comparative-Effectiveness Prospective Observational Study of 2 Age- and Sex-Matched Cohorts Treated With Either Imaging-Guided Indirect Cervical Nerve Root Injections or Spinal Manipulative Therapy. JMPT 2016

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