It’s a question that has challenged generations of patients and their doctors. The answer has changed over the years. When I was in medical school in the early 1980s, bedrest for a week or more was often recommended for severe back pain. This sometimes included hospital admission. Then, research dem…
Blog posts : "General"
A Lifetime of Adventure
In recent conversations with their colleagues Ailsa and Doug have discovered that there is just one degree of separation between them and Elon Musk. The connection comes from their colleague Scott Haldeman, he is the Chairman of the Research Council for the World Federation of Chiropractic and is cu…
Mobile Phones are changing our Skeleton and Turning Us into Hunchbacks
Children as young as six are developing hunched backs and text neck syndrome from using their mobile phones. And experts warn they are at risk of degenerative spinal disease, chronic headaches, osteoarthritis and reduced mobility as a result.
A survey by the Chiropractors’ Association of NSW sh…
Managing a First or Acute Episode of Low Back Pain
What is low back pain?
Low back pain is very common. So common, in fact, that most (80%) Australian adults will experience at least one episode of low back pain during their lifetime. Although often very painful, most low back pain is not caused by a serious problem and will resolve with some si…
Cramps, Spasms, Tremors & Twitches
Sometimes muscles contract when they shouldn’t. Sometimes it’s merely weird and annoying, and sometimes it’s painful or even crippling. Although common and often unnerving, odd muscle contractions are rarely medically worrisome. There are several major types of unwanted contractions:
- E…
What can I do about tension headaches?
There is quite a lot that you can do yourself to get relief from tension headaches.
Relaxation — They are called “tension” headaches for a reason! Stress relief and relaxation is often the magic bullet with chronic headaches. Most tension headaches can be traced to mental and emotional overexe…
Scoliosis Awareness Month
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a progressive, lateral curvature of the spine. When viewed from the side, the spine should have curves. But when viewed from the front, the spine should be straight.
The most commonly found type of scoliosis is called “adolescent idiopathic scoliosis”. Idiopa…
The Human Brain: Anatomy and Function
The brain directs our body’s internal functions. It also integrates sensory impulses and information to form perceptions, thoughts, and memories. The brain gives us self-awareness and the ability to speak and move in the world. Its four major regions make this possible: The cerebrum, with its…
The Long and the Short of It: The Five Types of Bones
The human skeleton has a number of functions, such as protection and supporting weight. Different types of bones have differing shapes related to their particular function.
So, what are the different types of bones? How are they categorized?
There are five types of bones in the skeleton:…
Skeletal System Pathologies: Common Disorders and Conditions
The skeletal system, which includes bones, ligaments, and cartilage, gives structure to the body. The pathologies described below can occur when stress and aging affect the skeletal system.
1. Sciatica Can Result from Disc Herniation
The lumbar spine bears the weight and stress of the b…
Did you know that there is a specific word that defines the act of stretching and yawning concurrently?
Pandiculation (plural pandiculations)
A stretching and stiffening of the trunk and extremities, as when fatigued and drowsy or on waking, often accompanied by yawning.
http://essentialsomatics.com/hanna-somatics-articles-case-studies/pandiculation-safe-alternative-stretching
Why Do You Stretch After Sleeping?
Every morning when you wake up, instinct takes over, and you feel compelled to stretch out your body. Why do we do this? Aside from feeling good, it actually does help to wake you up. Stretching works to increase flexibility and range of motion in the muscles and joints. It also improves circu…
5 Awesome Ligaments
How much do you enjoy moving? A lot, I bet. While many attribute our ability to move to the muscular system, it actually goes a little deeper than that! Your skeletal system is a rigid organ (yep, it’s living tissue!) that, without your awesome ligaments, wouldn't be able to move normally!
Liga…
Chiropractic Australia president Rod Bonello responds to RACGP.
"The RACGP stands accused of an “injustice” against patients after it urged GPs to stop referrals to chiropractors.
On Wednesday, the college said GPs should “seriously reconsider any support for chiropractic involvement” in the care of patients, saying the evidence base for chiropractic was li…
Functions of the Blood: 8 Facts about Blood
The heart pumps blood through a vast network of arteries and veins. Blood is a living fluid. It transports oxygen and other essential substances throughout the body, fights sickness, and performs other vital functions. Below are 8 important facts about blood.
1. Blood Is Fluid Connective Tissue
…Muscle Contractions: How Neurotransmitters And Chemical Reactions Move Muscles And Bones
How do the bones of the human skeleton move? Skeletal muscles contract and relax to mechanically move the body. Messages from the nervous system cause these muscle contractions. The whole process is called the mechanism of muscle contraction and it can be summarized in three steps:
(1) A me…
Five Cool Facts about the Middle and Inner Ear
Do you hear what I hear? It’s the sound of some awesome anatomy truthiness coming atcha! The middle and inner ear are kind of overlooked in the cool anatomical structures department, so I decided to honor some of the awesome things inside that head of yours.
1. The smallest bone in the bo…
My previous Chiropractor didn’t do that?
Like all health professionals we get stuck in our opinions as to the cause of dysfunction and what best approach to take when treating. Most experienced practitioners understand that things change over time and we learn that not all our patients appear to respond equally to the same stimulus …
Chiropractic In The Media.
Some of you may have seen the recent media attention regarding chiropractic, all chiropractors registered in Australia need to adhere to the codes and guidelines set out by the legislation, some registrants unfortunately do not behave appropriately. Below is the policy statement from one of …
Prevent Back Pain, Orthotics Are Out, Exercise Is In
Lower back pain is an almost universal if unwelcome experience. About 80 percent of those of us in the Western world can expect to suffer from disruptive lower back pain at some point in our lives. But if we begin and stick with the right type of exercise program, we might avoid a recurrence, ac…