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24Jul

Chiropractic and Massage go together like movies and popcorn

People often call us and say “I don’t know if I need chiropractic treatment or a massage”.  The answer is – you probably need both.  Because Chiropractic treatment and massage go together like movies and popcorn.  So why is that?  And should you have the massage first, or the chiro?

Why Massage and Chiro go together

Our bodies are made up of a complex system of soft tissue, muscles, tendons and bones, all working together to provide strength and mobility.  This is known as the muscular-skeletal system.  In broad, basic terms, Chiropractic treatment generally addresses the function of joints, while massage works the soft tissue and muscle that holds those joints in place. If either is not working properly, it will have a negative impact on the ability of the other to operate optimally.  Having both treatments maximizes the effectiveness of both – so the sum of the parts ends up being greater than the whole.

Massage Before or After Chiro?

This is a tricky one.  On the one hand, having Chiro first allows the massage therapist to manipulate your muscles around the newly adjusted joints, ensuring they do not pull the bones out of alignment.  On the other hand, having a massage before Chiro relaxes all the muscles, which allows for a more effective adjustment of the joints.  In the end, the best course of action is to talk to your Chiropractor and ask what would be most beneficial for your own specific circumstances.

When to have one and not the other

Whilst Chiro and massage treatments complement one another perfectly sometimes, it is not appropriate to do both at the same time:

  • If you have an acute injury with a great deal of instability, pain and/or swelling it may not appropriate to have a massage in the early stages of treatment
  • Sometimes your practitioner will suggest alternating Chiropractic and massage appointments in order to avoid extended gaps between appointments, especially when you are pressed for time
  • Certain conditions – such as the early stages of pregnancy – can be contraindicated for some treatments

 

As with most things, the best course of action is to find a practitioner you trust, and follow their advice.  Sometimes life will get in the way and you won’t be able to follow the optimum treatment plan to the letter.  But if you and your practitioner communicate honestly, you will find a balance that works for you.

If you think you might need chiropractic and/or massage treatment, call our Baulkham Hills Clinic on 9639 7337 to make an appointment.

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12Jul

Put lower back pain behind

Lower back pain is one of the most common causes of visits to a Chiropractor. But the term ‘lower back pain’ covers a multitude of causes, conditions and types of pain. So let’s have a look at what they might be.

 

 

What is the Lower Back?

The Lumbar spine is what is commonly known as the lower back. It comprises of five vertebrae – L1-L5 – which start around the waist and finish at the sacrum. These are the largest vertebrae in the body. The lower back takes most of the weight of the upper half of the body, which considering the head alone weighs about 5kg, is quite a load!

 

 

What Causes Lower Back Pain?

There are essentially two types of LBP – acute and chronic.

 

Acute pain is generally caused by some sort of sudden trauma – a car or sporting accident, a fall, or something similar. The pain generally relates to a sprain of the ligaments, or strain of the muscles or tendons. This accounts for up to 70% of LBP.

 

Chronic lower back pain can relate to a wide range of conditions, including:

  • Ruptured or herniated lumbar disc
  • Degenerative Disc Disease
  • Spinal Stenosis
  • Sciatica
  • Arthritis
  • Spondylolisthesis
  • Compression fracture

 

 

Signs & Symptoms

Signs of problems with your lower back can include redness, swelling, tenderness to the touch, and ‘listing’ to one side.

 

Lower back pain can come in many forms:

  • dull, aching pain
  • pain that is sharp and travels through the buttocks and legs
  • Pain that worsens after sitting for a long time, or is worse in the mornings and improves with movement
  • Pain that is relieved in different positions
  • Pain that comes and goes

 

 

Treatment

Chiropractors can treat a wide range of lower back pain. Depending on the source of the pain your Chiropractor will use soft tissue work, manipulation & adjustment, dry needling, TENS machine, and massage. Low impact exercises like yoga, walking and swimming might be recommended, as well as specific prescribed exercises and stretches.

 

Your Chiropractor may also recommend anti-inflammatories or over the counter pain medication in the early stages, depending on the cause and level of pain. Rest and heat/ice treatment can also be useful.

 

 

If you are suffering from lower back pain, call our Baulkham Hills Clinic on 9639 7337 so you can put that pain behind you.

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10Jul

Hallux Abducto Valgus

 

No, it’s not a spell from Harry Potter, but a very painful curse!

 

Hallux Abducto Valgus – more commonly known as Bunions - not only look painful, they are painful.  Why is it that some people get them, and others don’t?  And what causes them anyway?  Today we look at all things bunion related.

 

What is a Bunion?

A bunion is a deformity that develops in the joint at the base of your big toe – the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP).  This deformity is actually a progressive partial dislocation of the joint which pushes the big toe towards the second toe, pulling the metatarsal bone outwards.  There is also a lesser known condition – the Bunionette.  This is essentially the same condition, but occurs on the joint of the little toe.

 

Who gets Bunions?

Whilst bunions may seem like an older person condition, they can actually occur at any age, particularly if there is a genetic predisposition.  Generally, women are more prone to bunions than men.  Somewhere between 10-25% of the population is likely to suffer from bunions.

 

Symptoms

The most obvious symptom is the appearance of the foot and toe.  However, bunions are often also painful and can cause joint stiffness.  The increased pressure in the joint can cause the skin around the joint to become thickened, red and sore.  As the condition progresses, it often changes how the foot works.  The pressure the big toe puts on the other toes increases, sometimes leading to problems like hammer toe and claw toe.  You might experience pain and difficulty in walking, which increases as the bunion worsens.

 

Bursitis and Metatarsalgia may also occur as complications, but they are topics for another day.

 

What Causes Bunions?

There are a number of causes of bunions:

  • Hereditary – if your mum or dad suffered from bunions, you might get them too.
  • Congenital – some people are born with conditions that can increase the likelihood of bunions. These include low arches or flat feet, cerebal palsy, or hypermobile joints
  • Biomechanical – sometimes the way the muscles and joints work together when walking can place excessive pressure on this joint, and speed up progression of the condition
  • Arthritis
  • Shoes – high heels, or shoes that are too tight in the toe, pushing the toes together, can cause bunions

 

How do you Treat Bunions?

Ideally, if you notice a bunion forming – get treatment early.  This may slow the progress and delay the most painful symptoms.

 

In the first instance – check your shoes.  It seems we say this all the time when talking about feet-related issues, but it is essential.  If your shoes are too narrow or pointy – particularly through the toe box, your big toe will be pushed sideways, and a bunion is sure to follow.  High heels can also be a culprit, so limit the heels where possible.

 

Symptoms can be relieved with ice – for no more than 20 minutes at a time – or sitting with a rubber band stretched and secured around the bit toes to ‘pull’ them out will provide some relief.

 

Your podiatrist may recommend padding, to cushion the area.  It is important to seek professional advice here, as the padding needs to fit properly or it may exacerbate the problem.  If biomechanics are the cause of your bunion, orthotics will help correct the way the foot functions.  Orthotics should be properly fitted by a qualified Podiatrist.

 

In extreme cases, you may consider surgery.  This will generally not be done until the patient is an adult, as it may return of the foot is still growing.  Surgery may involve shaving the bone, removing the end of the bone, or breaking and realigning the bones.  Recover can take up to 12 months.

 

 

So, if you notice a bunion beginning to form make an appointment to see a Podiatrist right away.  You won’t necessarily stop it forming, but you can certainly slow down its progress!

 

To make an appointment with our expert Podiatrist call our Baulkham Hills Clinic on 9639 7337.

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05Jul

Mind over matter – why mindfulness matters

‘bringing ones complete attention to the present experience on a moment to moment basis’

– Jon Kabat Zinn

 

The term mindfulness is often linked with the idea of meditation. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but mindfulness is actually a worthwhile activity in and of itself. You don’t have to meditate to be mindful.

 

We live in a very stressful world. Work pressures, money worries, family problems, not to mention being time poor, can often get the better of us. We end up living on autopilot. And thinking about adding another thing to our ‘to do’ list is just not what we are looking for. The great thing about mindfulness is that, whilst it’s wonderful if you can set aside some time, it’s not essential. You can practice mindfulness while you are going about your daily activities – cleaning your teeth, waiting for the bus, chopping vegetables for dinner.

 

 

Benefits of Mindfulness

Mindfulness can help manage and reduce a whole host of negative reactions and thought processes:

  • you will become less ‘reactive’ to situations, bringing a sense of calm and stillness to your everyday life
  • your stress and anxiety levels will be reduced as you learn to better direct and manage your thought processes
  • clear thinking will be become easier, allowing you to address problems more effectively
  • improved memory and attention
  • increased creativity
  • your sense of wellbeing will increase, as you are better able to manage the negative emotions that sometimes get the better of all of us
  • studies have shown that mindfulness can assist in managing addictions and eating disorders

 

How to practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness isn’t about emptying your head. It is about anchoring yourself in the present by turning your attention to your breathing, body and senses.

  • Focus – on your senses – be aware of what you can see, hear, smell and feel.
  • Concentrate - on what you are doing. Be aware of where your body is and how it is moving. For instance, if you are making dinner, concentrate on the placement of the knife when you are chopping, the swirl of the spoon when you are stirring.
  • Judgement – don’t pass judgement on anything. Be aware things are there, but don’t let them impact you
  • Breathe – be aware of your breathing. How does it feel and sound? Is it fast or slow, deep or shallow? But don’t try and change it. Just be aware

 

 

How to get started

  • If you can identify part of the day where your mind tends to wander to anxiety causing or negative thoughts you have found the perfect time to start
  • Start small. It takes time and practice to get the hang of mindfulness, so take baby steps
  • Practice daily – little and often. Just like when you first start a new exercise routine. After all, the mind is a muscle too
  • Don’t worry or get frustrated if your thoughts wander. Take a deep breath and gently direct your mind back to where you want it to be
  • As you get used to the practice, try including it in other parts of your day. You will quickly begin to get a feel for the right time and quantity of mindfulness for you

 

 

If you would like to talk about mindfulness, give our Baulkham Hills clinic a call on 9639 7337.

 

 

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03Jul

Rock, paper, scissors

Sometimes choosing between a chiropractor, physiotherapist and osteopath for treatment of your pain or injury can seem like a game of rock, paper, scissors.  Who is best?  What treatment is most appropriate?  How do I choose?

 

The truth is that there are more similarities between the three professions than there are differences.  So, firstly, let’s look at how each profession describes themselves, how the are the same and how they differ, and how to go about choosing the right treatment for you.

 

Chiropractic

According to the Chiropractic Association of Australia, a chiropractor offers ‘drug free modality of treatment concerned with the diagnosis, management and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system’.

 

Problems treated by Chiropractors include neck and back pain, headaches, sciatica, disc injuries, whiplash, sports injuries, pregnancy related problems, carpal tunnel syndrome, scoliosis and the symptoms of a wide range of diseases of the nervous and musculoskeletal system.  Chiropractors use a range of modalities, including spinal adjustment, dry needling (acupuncture), heat treatment, soft tissue work, TENS treatment, ultrasound therapy, SmartTools and the prescription of exercises.

 

 

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapists ‘assess, diagnose, treat and prevent a wide range of health conditions and movement disorders’ according to the Physiotherapy Association of Australia.

 

Physiotherapists treat sports injuries, pregnancy related problems, and symptoms relating to strokes, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s Disease.  Physiotherapists employ the use of stretching, massage, hydrotherapy, ultrasound, TENS treatment, splints, braces, crutches and exercise prescription.

 

 

 

Osteopathy

Osteopathy Australia describes Osteopathic treatment as ‘focus(ing) on how the skeleton, joints, muscles, nerves, circulation, connective tissue and internal organs function as a holistic unit’.

 

Conditions treated include back & neck pain, sciatica, shin splints, repetitive strain injuries, headaches and migraines and foot & heel problems.  Techniques used include myofascial release, craniosacral release, lymphatic drainage, massage and exercise prescription.

 

 

Same, Same but different…

Chiropractors, Physiotherapists and Osteopaths all undertake a minimum of four to five years at university, where they study evidence-based treatment.  All are regulated by the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Agency, and are overseen by a professional association.  So regardless of which profession you choose to go with, you can be assured that the practitioner is highly trained, and supervised.

 

 

 

How to Choose

As you can see there is, in a broad sense, very little difference between the three professions.  So how do you choose who to see?  The best way to determine who will work for you is to evaluate the practitioner themselves.  A few ideas:

  • ask friends and family if they have seen anyone they can recommend. Not much beats first had experience.
  • Look at the website for the practitioner/clinic. Does it seem professional and knowledgeable.
  • Does the practice offer a range of modalities. If so, they are more likely to be able to tailor a treatment plan that is ideal for you.
  • Evidence based. Make sure the practitioner uses evidence-based treatments.  Talk to the practitioner about why they are recommending certain things so you have an understanding not just of what, but why.
  • You need to feel a rapport or level of trust with your practitioner.  Sometimes it will be a long road to recovery, sometimes you might feel worse before you feel better.  So you need to have faith in the person you are working with.

 

 

If you are suffering from any of the conditions mentioned, give our Baulkham Hills clinic a call on 9639 7337 to see if our experienced practitioners can help you.

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01Jul

Is your hair standing on End?

 

Sympathetic Rush - Part 1

Some people, when they visit the chiropractor – or dentist or doctor for that matter – experience a strong physical response.  Increased hear rate, sweating, heavy breathing.  Sometimes, there is even an emotional response – feelings of panic, stress, even tearfulness.  Don’t be alarmed.  This feeling is a normal natural response, is not generally dangerous, and can be managed simply and quickly.

 

But what is this feeling?  And why does it happen to some and not others?  Well, it is known a Sympathetic Rush, or Adrenalin Rush.  And some people are more prone to experience it because of their body chemistry.  So let’s have a look at the origins and causes, and what you can do if you experience Sympathetic Rush.

 

 

The Autonomic Nervous System

The Autonomic Nervous System is the system in our bodies that manages all the functions of our body that are not consciously controlled.  Things like breathing, heartbeat and digestion.

 

This system has two main strands, which work together to balance each other out.

 

Sympathetic Nervous System

This system controls what is commonly called the ‘fight or flight’ reaction.  Release of a neurotransmitter called Norepinephrine activates the brain, muscles, thyroid and adrenal glands.  When the Sympathetic nervous system is triggered you will experience an increase in heart rate and blood sugar levels, sweatiness, dilation of pupils and that feeling we all know - hair ‘standing on end’.  In short, your body becomes ‘stimulated’ – in order to defend the body against attack.

 

Stimulation of the Sympathetic Nervous system can be episodic – a response to acute stress in any given moment.  Like a visit to the chiropractor or the dentist.  It can also be a long term problem, caused by ongoing stress and lifestyle issues such as poor sleep, anxiety disorders or poor diet.  This long term type of response can cause adrenal fatigue, and increase the likelihood of episodic Sympathetic Rush.

 

Parasympathetic Nervous System

In contrast, the Parasympathetic System manages the healing and regeneration of the body.  The neurotransmitter Acetylcholine activates the liver, kidneys, spleen, stomach and intestines.  Your heart rate will slow, blood pressure decrease, and digestion is stimulated.  The Parasympathetic system is the one responsible for healing and regeneration.  By activating digestion, it helps eliminate toxins from the body and increases the immune system.  So we can see how important this aspect of the Autonomic Nervous System is.  However, if the Parasympathetic System is dominant, we can become depressed and lethargic, along with experiencing weight gain and low blood pressure.

 

 

A Delicate Balance

These two systems need to remain in a delicate balance in order for us to function normally on a day to day basis.  But sometimes, one or the other is triggered and becomes dominant.

 

 

Next time, we will talk about what causes Sympathetic Rush, whether there is such a thing as Parasympathetic Rush, and what you can do to reduce the likelihood and severity of these inconvenient, sometimes scary episodes.  If you would like advice on the Autonomic Nervous System call our Baulkham Hills Clinic on 9639 7337.

 

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28Jun

Is your hair standing on end?

Part 2

 

In our last post we talked about the delicate balance between the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems and their effect on the body.  Now, let’s have a look at what it is that causes Sympathetic Rush, and what you can do about it.  And is there such a thing as Parasympathetic Rush?

 

Causes of Sympathetic Rush

When you are in a stressful situation – such as a dentist visit, or visiting the chiropractor, where you know you may feel discomfort – the body releases Norepinephrine, which triggers Sympathetic Rush.  It is automatic and completely outside of our control.  So even though our brain knows we are completely safe, our body takes over the wheel.

 

If you are over tired, not eating properly, under a great deal of stress or have an underlying condition like diabetes, peripheral nerve disorder or neuromuscular junction disorders, you are more likely to experience Sympathetic Rush.

 

Other things that can trigger a Sympathetic Rush Response are sugar, caffeine, cigarettes, drugs & alcohol and too much exercise.

 

Once the Rush symptoms have been triggered we very quickly feel unwell.  But there is a way to resolve the problem.

 

 

The Good News

If you experience Sympathetic Rush it is important to recognize it and respond as quickly as possible.  Whilst the Sympathetic Nervous System responds very quickly, the Parasympathetic System is, by nature, slower.  However, there are a number of things you can do for immediate relief:

 

  • Try and stay calm – not always easy to do, but it is important to try and slow everything down. If you happen to be driving pull over somewhere safe and wait it out.
  • Control your breathing – slow deep breaths
  • Close your eyes and if possible lie down
  • Try and reduce the level of light
  • Drink some water to stimulate your digestion, but don’t have anything sugary!
  • Meditate – if you frequently suffer from this response, find an easy, quick meditation you can do anywhere. It will come in very handy.

 

If you often suffer from this type of reaction, some lifestyle things you might consider are:

  • Make sure you get enough rest and sleep. These are not necessarily the same thing.  You need both.
  • Reduce your intake of sugar, caffeine, alcohol cigarettes and drugs.
  • Regular yoga and meditation
  • Improve your diet – you know the drill, plenty of fresh vegetables and lean meats
  • Look at the stressors in your life and see if there is some way you can reduce them. This is not always possible, but sometimes a small change is all it takes.

 

 

Parasympathetic Not-Rush

Since the Parasympathetic Nervous System is activated by rest, it follows that there is no equivalent ‘rush’.  It’s more like a ‘flow’.  But dominance of the parasympathetic system can be just as destructive as the Sympathetic System.  In some ways it can be more insidious, because it can creep up on you with little or no warning.  If you are feeling fatigued, depressed, gaining weight for no apparent reason, you could be suffering from an unhealthy dominance of your Parasympathetic System.

 

The key to rebalancing this system is to start some more dynamic exercise to increase your heart rate.  Acupuncture, with its focus on balance can also help.  It is also wise to have your thyroid function tested.

 

 

If you suffer from Sympathetic Rush, make sure you let your health professional know so that they can monitor you throughout treatment and make sure you are OK before you leave their premises.  If you would like to know more about this condition, call our Baulkham Hills Clinic on 9639 7337.

 

 

 

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21Jun

Have you been putting your back into it?

 

 

The ins and outs of Bulging Discs

 

 

Bulging Disc. Slipped Disc. Protruding Disc. Herniated Disc.  All these are terms for essentially the same thing, and they can cause a great deal of pain.

 

Bulging discs are a very common occurrence, and can happen at any point on the spine from neck to tail.  Fortunately, Chiropractors are experts in spinal care, and able to treat the problem effectively.

 

What is a bulging disc?

Spinal discs are the cartiligous pads that sit between the vertebrae, absorbing shock and providing flexibility.  They are also the point where the spinal nerves exit the spinal canal and travel out to the rest of the body.

 

Each disk has at its center a gelatinous nucleus, held together by a fibrous outer layer called the annulus.  When a disc is ‘bulging’, the inner gelatinous core is putting pressure on the annulus, causing it to ‘bulge’ out of its normal shape.  This puts pressure on the nerves exiting the spinal canal, causing pain.  A disc is considered to have herniate when the annulus tears and the inner nucleus protrudes fully through the outer covering.

 

Causes

There are a number of potential causes of damage to the spinal discs:

  1. Sudden Load or Trauma – discs can sustain damage suddenly in the case of accident, such as a car accident of bad fall, or through poor lifting technique of a heavy load, which places strain on the spine.
  2. Accumulated Trauma – much like RSI, repeated poor lifting technique or poor posture over a long period of time can cause accumulated damage to a disc, resulting in bulging
  3. Environmental – excess abdominal fat, poor core stability and lower limb strength. Whilst these are unlikely to cause bulging discs in themselves, when combined with sudden or accumulated trauma they will certainly contribute to the likelihood of damage
  4. Genetics and Pre-Existing Weakness – some people have a weakness in the annulus, or it may have a higher than normal elastin component, making it less sturdy. While this is generally not a problem, it can leave them at increased risk of bulging discs.

 

 

Symptoms

Pain is generally the first symptom that people notice, although it is the last to develop.  The pain is caused by the bulging annulus putting pressure on the nerves as they exit the spinal canal.

 

Bulging Disc pain is generally exacerbated by lifting, sitting, bending and even coughing or sneezing.

 

As the condition worsens you may feel pins and needles, tingling, numbness and sciatic pain.  If you experience bladder or bowel disruption you should seek immediate medical attention, as this could mean the disc has herniated.  A fully herniated disc may require surgery so it is essential to see a professional as soon as possible.

 

A medical professional will likely order an MRI or CT scan in order to confirm the cause of your pain.

 

 

Treatment

The first stage of treatment will aim to encourage the nucleus to return to the center of the disc in order to reduce pressure on the annulus.  This will reduce the pain and allow the annulus to build up some scar tissue, making it stronger.  Your Chiropractor will recommend anti-inflammatory medication, taping or bracing of the affected area, and use dry needling and soft tissue massage.  Based on which area of the spine is affected, there will be certain positions and movements you should avoid and your Chiropractor will talk you through these.

 

Once the initial pain and inflammation has subsided, your Chiropractor will begin to recommend exercises aimed at improving your core strength, stabilizing the spine and improving your range of motion.

 

Once your core strength has improved exercised aimed at lengthening the muscles, and remedial massage will be used to ensure all the core muscles are at optimum strength to support the spine.

 

 

An Ounce of Prevention

Once you have had a Bulging Disc, you won’t ever want to experience it again.  Sadly, depending on the cause of the initial episode, many people suffer a recurrence.  Luckily, there are things you can do to reduce that risk:

  1. Make sure you continue with your rehab until your Chiropractor is happy with the result. Just because you feel better, it does not mean the problem is completely resolved, so listen to the experts and keep going until they say you can stop!
  2. Your Chiropractor should be like your dentist. You should go for regular ‘checkups’ just to make sure problems aren’t developing.  Your practitioner will tell you how often you should check in once you are back to full health.
  3. Have your Chiropractor check out your lower limbs to make sure you have no underlying postural problems that are contributing to your disc problems. Sometimes orthotics, or chair pads to help with posture can make all the difference.

 

 

If you are suffering from back pain, and think it might be a bulging or herniated disc, call our clinic on 9639 7337 to make an appointment with our experience Chiropractor.

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19Jun

Ingrown Toenails

 

For such a tiny part of your body, an ingrown toenail can certainly pack a punch in terms of pain.  Anyone who has had one will tell you how excruciating they can be.  So lets have a look at what they are, what causes them, and how they can be treated.

 

 

What is an Ingrown Toenail?

An Ingrown Toenail occurs when the corners or edges of the nail grow into the adjacent skin, causing the skin to break.  The usually occur in the big toe, and can happen on either side of the nail.

 

 

Symptoms

Initially, you may feel pain on pressure – when you press on the nail, or when you wear a shoe that presses on the toe or nail.  As the condition progresses, the pain intensifies, and you may feel pain even when your toe is not under pressure.  The skin around the area may swell and become red.  If an infection develops, which is not unusual, you may notice heat in the area, bleeding and pus.

 

People with Diabetes or Peripheral Vascular Disease are at particular risk of infection with ingrown toenails and must take great care to have them treated promptly by a professional.

 

 

Causes

There are a number of causes that contribute to ingrown toenails:

 

  • Shoes: if your shoes are too tight, short, narrow or shallow in in toe box, the pressure on your toes can cause the nails to grow in. Even socks or tights that are too tight can create a problem.
  • Cutting Nails – if you trim your nails too short, or curve the corners this can increase the likelihood of ingrown toenails and infections
  • Injury – damage to the nail bed can cause the nail to grow incorrectly
  • Structure – some people are born with large or curved nails, or have a genetic predisposition to this painful condition.

 

 

 

Treatment

If you suspect you have an Ingrown Toenail, you should make an appointment to see a Podiatrist as soon as possible, as the condition can escalate quickly.  This is particularly important if you have diabetes or circulatory problems due to the risk of complications.

 

If the ingrown toenail is very mild your Podiatrist may recommend changing to footwear with more room, and bathing your toe in warm salty water several times a day.  This may be sufficient to allow the nail to grow out.  However, if the problem is more severe, you may require surgery.

 

Surgery can be conducted under local anaesthetic at the Podiatry clinic.  This is called a Partial Nail Avulsion.  The podiatrist will remove a section of the nail and its root from the nail bed.  Phenol may be used to sterilise the nail bed to ensure the nail does not regenerate.  If there are any signs or risk of infection, antibiotics may be prescribed before and after the surgery.  Some pain and discomfort may occur after surgery, however this is usually manageable with paracetamol after the anaesthetic has worn off.

 

Generally, you will need to wear soft shoes or sandals for about a week after surgery and will have to keep the toe clean and dry at all times - Rubber gloves are great for covering the toe when showering.  Your Podiatrist will keep a close eye on the healing progress and advise you of the aftercare required at home.  Return to activity is dependent on how quickly the toe heals. Your Podiatrist will let you know when you are able to go back to return to activity, particularly those that are water based, such as swimming.

 

In some rare cases, or if there is nail thickening and distortion, the entire nail may need to be removed. Quite often, this can be done in the podiatry clinic, however difficult cases may need to be done under general anaesthetic in hospital.

 

Once you have had your Ingrown Toenail removed, there are a number of things you can do to ensure you do not get another:

 

  • Make sure your shoes fit correctly and give your toes plenty of room
  • Correct nail cutting technique
  • Good foot hygiene will reduce the risks, as fungal infections increase the likelihood of problems

 

 

 

If you think you may have an ingrown toenail, make an appointment today to visit or experienced Podiatrist for an assessment at our conveniently located Baulkham Hills clinic on 9639 7337.

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14Jun

Kids at the Chiropractor

 

Why Chiropractic Care of Children doesn’t need to be Controversial

 

 

Earlier this week we talked about pregnancy and massage. That got us to thinking about babies. There has been a lot of controversy about chiropractic treatment of babies and young children, and sadly some claims that chiropractic treatment can solve all sorts of illnesses that in reality it cannot. However, there is a place for careful chiropractic treatment of babies and young children.

 

If we accept that the healthy growth and development of the spine and nervous system in children is essential, we can see that there is a place for chiropractic care in certain circumstances. But first, let’s have a look at the development of the spine.

 

 

Spinal Development

When a baby is born, their spine is in a clear C shape, the classic ‘foetal position’. It is made up of very small bones surrounded by cartilage. In fact, the spine does not fully ossify (turn to bone) until around the age of 20.

 

As your baby grows, the spine starts to take on the S shape of an adult spine. Around 3 months, when your baby starts lifting their head, the cervical (upper) spine takes on a backwards C shape. As your baby begins to crawl and then walk, the lumber (lower) spine also develops a backward C shape. Allowing your baby’s spine to make these changes in shape is vitally important to their healthy development.

 

Spending too much time in car-seats or baby carriers can restrict development of the muscles in the neck, impacting on the development of the cervical spine changes. This is why ‘tummy time’ is so important. It allows your baby to learn to lift their head, strengthening the muscles and creating the right shape for the spine. Similarly, too much time on their back in a pram or upright with unsupported spine and legs can be problematic.

 

The ideal position for young babies is in a sling, providing support for the C shape of the spine, but allowing strength to develop in the cervical spine.

 

Healthy development of the curves in our spines is important because they provide us with both flexibility and shock absorption. So if anything disturbs these natural developments, long term health issues can be the result.

 

Chiropractic Care in Childhood

Chiropractors are specialists in the development of the musculoskeletal system. This means they are uniquely qualified to determine if there are problems in the structural development of our bodies.

 

Bearing in mind that children’s bodies are not just mini versions of adult bodies, an experienced Chiropractor will approach treatment of babies and children very differently to that of an adult.

 

The ubiquitous ‘cracking’ which chiropractors have in the past been famous for is not appropriate in children and should never be attempted. Treatment is much gentler, and will typically focus on gentle muscular manipulations. No strong force should be used, and if you have seen a chiropractor doing so, you should not allow them to treat your young child.

 

Chiropractors can, however, provide safe, gentle treatment that ensures your child’s musculoskeletal development is healthy, and correct problems that may result from birth trauma or intervention, car-seats, and - as they get older - school bag weight, computer and phone use and sporting injuries.

 

 

If you have any concerns about your child’s development, call our Baulkham Hills Clinic on 9639 7337 to make an appointment with our experienced Chiropractor.

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