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31Jul

Be prepared

 

Your first visit to a Chiropractor or Podiatrist can be a little daunting. You don’t know what to expect, and that can make you anxious and unsure. Especially if you have heard horror stories from ‘well meaning’ friends or relatives. But there are some things you can do to prepare for your appointment that might help.

 

 

Chiropractor

  • Firstly, think about why it is you are seeing the Chiropractor. Have a list of questions and concerns to talk over with your practitioner so they have a good idea of the overall picture of your condition
  • Gather together any scans or x-rays that might be relevant, and a list of medications, as these might impact your treatment or the reasons for your condition
  • If you are the sporty type with an exercise related injury, our Sports and Exercise Chiropractor would like to see footage of you in action. This will give your practitioner an idea of where you might need help, and why you are experiencing discomfort.
  • Wear comfortable clothes that are easy to take off. Think about what area of your body you want your Chiropractor to treat and make sure they will be able to access the area easily in your clothing, particularly if you are concerned about undressing
  • Most Chiropractors will want you to fill out an initial consultation form that may include some medical history, so try and arrive a few minutes early. This will also allow you time to be relax and be comfortable in your surroundings before your appointment

 

 

Podiatrist

  • As with the Chiropractor, think about what has caused you to make the appointment, as well as any other concerns you might have in relation to your feet and ankles.
  • Scans, x-rays and medication list will help your Podiatrist see the whole picture, particularly if you have any underlying health conditions such as diabetes
  • Bring your work or walking shoes with you, particularly if your concern is orthotics related. The Podiatrist will want to have a look at what you are wearing and how you are walking.
  • If you are seeing the podiatrist for orthotics, try and wear or bring shorts that show the knee, so your practitioner can watch how your knees move while walking
  • Don’t paint your nails or get a pedicure before your appointment. Your podiatrist will want to look at your nails, and may end up ruining a good paint job, so wait until after your appointment. If your nails are already painted, try and remove it before your appointment – it will save time. Depending on why you are seeing them, they may also want to take a nail sample, so don’t cut your nails either.
  • Do wash your feet if at all possible. If your appointment is after a long day of work, try and remember to take something to spray on your feet to freshen them up – there are plenty of sprays containing peppermint or eucalyptus that you can use

 

Being prepared is not so difficult, and can help you get the most from your appointment with any health practitioner. If you would like to make an appointment with a Chiropractor or Podiatrist, call our Baulkham Hills Clinic on 9639 7337 today.

 

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26Jul

You are only as old as your feet!

 

Our feet take a bit of a pounding over the course of our lifetime. Carrying all our weight, walking, running, jumping, wrapped up in socks and shoes, hopping over hot sand. We really ask a lot of them. And as we get older, some of that wear and tear – not to mention general aging - starts to cause problems. But this doesn’t have to be the case. So we thought we should have a look at what aging does to your feet, and how you can avoid some of the more uncomfortable consequences.

 

 

  1. Circulation

As we age, our circulation slows, particularly in our extremities, and this can be exacerbated by conditions like diabetes and arterial disease. This slowing of circulation makes healing slower. So cuts and blisters take longer to heal, and infection can set in, which in turn can lead to ulcers.

Solution – Massage is great for increasing blood flow and maintaining good circulation. As you age, it is a good idea to have a regular Neurovascular screening to ensure your circulation is not compromised. And it is important to have cuts, blisters and other problems treated quickly by a Podiatrist to avoid the risk of infection.

 

 

  1. Tendons Tighten

As we age, the water content of our tendons – which attach muscles to bones – reduces and they dry out, causing them to stiffen. This leads to a greater risk of tear or rupture. This condition can also affect our ligaments.

Solution – Staying active and including stretching exercises in your daily routine can avoid stiffening of the tendons.

 

 

  1. Ligaments Lengthen

Ligaments connect bones to other bones. Over the course of our life, these begin to stretch, flattening our feet and leaving us at risk of ankle sprains.

Solution – Again, staying active and exercising will help, as will shoes that provide good support.

 

 

 

 

  1. Foot Size and Shape Change

Our feet can change size by half a size or more as we get older, and the shape of our feet can change to reflect the shape of our shoes.

Solution – it is important to always have your shoes properly fitted. Sorry – buying shoes on the internet is never a good idea.

 

 

  1. Arthritis

Our feet have 30 joints! And all of them can be affected by arthritis, although most commonly it is the big toe or the midfoot joints that are affected. Arthritis will generally cause pain as well as stiffness in the morning and evening.

Solution – Supportive footwear and shoe inserts can help, as will losing weight if you are a bit on the heavier side.

 

 

  1. Fat Disappears!

In what seems to be a cruel twist of fate, as we begin to struggle to keep the fat off our bodies, the fat begins to disappear from our feet. The bottom of the foot is lined with adipose tissue, the role of which is to provide cushioning and insulation. As we age, this tissue, which is relate to collagen production, thins, causing our feet to feel sore by the end of the day.

Solution – Well cushioned shoes, insoles or gel inserts will help with this condition.

 

 

  1. Toes Deform

Years of being squashed into shoes can cause toes to develop curls, lumps and bends they didn’t originally have. Hammer toes, corns and calluses can change the shape of toes and are largely caused by footwear.

Solution – be careful with your choice of shoe. Avoid pointy toes, and limit high heels to special occasions. As long as you spend the bulk of your day in shoes that provide sufficient room and support, you should limit the problem. It is also important to have any corns or calluses that do develop treated by a Podiatrist as soon as possible – before they get out of hand. Or should I say foot?

 

 

  1. Dry Skin

As with the disappearance of the fat pads on the bottom of the feet, the reduction in collagen production, as well as reduced sebum production can cause dryness in the skin of the feet and cracking in the heels.

Solution – Stay hydrated! Both internally, by drinking plenty of water, and externally by using a quality moisturizer on the feet twice a day.

 

 

  1. Thick Toenails

Toenails tend to grow more slowly as we age, and this can lead to them thickening and becoming more brittle.

Solution – Regular visits to a Podiatrist will help keep your nails looking smooth and healthy and not like bear claws!

 

 

  1. Swelling

Feet and ankles can develop swelling. This can be due to a range of conditions including poor circulation, cardiovascular disease or even be a result of a medication.

Solution – Massage is always a great solution for swelling, but it is also wise to check with your GP about what might be the underlying reason for the swelling. Compression stockings might also be useful.

 

 

If you want your feet to feel as young as you do, please give our Baulkham Hills Clinic a call on 9639 7337 to make an appointment with our expert Podiatrist.

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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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