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Top Mattress Advice From Chiropractors!

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Correct Mattress For Posture


Most chiropractors agree that traditional mattresses should be replaced every 5-10 years. However, choosing an expensive new bed that you will be sleeping on for the next several years can be stressful, especially if you have no idea where to start. To make things more complicated, we acknowledge that there is no single style of mattress that works for everyone.

Valuable tips to help you choose one that works for you!
FIRMNESS:
 We recommend a medium to firm mattress; however, this ultimately comes down to your personal preference.
 Choose a firmness that keeps your spine in a neutral position. Have someone snap a picture, then assess how you line up in your habitual sleep position.
 Back sleepers typically prefer a firmer mattress, while side sleepers may desire a little more cushioning.

 When in doubt, go with the firmer option – you can always soften a mattress with a topper, but
you can never firm up a soft mattress.
 Spring mattress can help distribute force better if you have a sleep partner.
 Latex mattresses are not the best for hot sleepers.
 Or just consider a separately adjustable bed if your sleep partner prefers a different mattress style.

MATTRESS TOPPERS:
 A topper can help dissipate pressure points on your hips and shoulders, but it is not advisable go too thick with a built-in topper; it will be like fusing a cheap mattress onto your good one. You can always add (or replace) an additional aftermarket topper if needed.
 If you are considering a coil spring mattress, choose one that you can flip. Built-in mattress toppers usually cannot allow that.

ASSESSMENT:
 When mattress shopping, wear comfortable clothes and lie down on several beds to see which one feels best.
 Do not judge something by the first few seconds of comfort. Lay on it for at least 10-15 minutes.
 Opt for vendor that offers a trial period of up to 60 days or with a reasonable return or exchange policy. However, bear in mind that anything new can be uncomfortable at first.
 Give a new mattress at least a few break-in nights before you abandon it (it takes 3 weeks to 3 months to get used to a new mattress, so be patient).
 If you noticed your mattress sags or is more than 7-10 years, that is a sign to change it!

COST:
 You spend one-third of your life on a mattress, we wouldn’t recommend to skimp on that investment.
 Conversely, the most expensive is not always the best!

Still unsure about what is out there in the market? Here is a good resource for mattress reviews https://bedbuyer.com.au (even from Chiropractors!)

Looking for the right pillow? Click on the following link to choose the right one for you today! https://themelbournechiropractor.com.au/blog/pillow-talk-choosing-the-right-one/

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Chiropractors More Than Just “Bone Crackers”?

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Chiropractic Therapy

We like to think that chiropractic care is much more than an in-clinic physical treatment. It is about health, wellness and happiness.
In the long run, we are helping your spine and muscles to change bad habits. Many postural problems are caused by strain and stress in everyday life. Although the human body is designed for daily activities like walking and standing, modern day lifestyles with sedentary desk jobs or mobile devices have presented new challenges.

When chiropractors help free up “stuck” joints, your spine and joints will be able to adapt to daily stress more effectively.
Don’t get us wrong, bad habits might not be the cause for all your problems, but they can more likely worsen your condition or aggravate your pain!


Chiropractic care keeps you moving! Movement is an important part of staying healthy. After your chiropractic treatments, most people find it easier to move their joints. When the spine is in better
alignment, tension around the joints and muscles can be reduced hence people can enjoy their day with freer movements and minimal discomfort.
You may also notice that you have better awareness of changes to your physical wellbeing. By working closely with a chiropractor to reduce your chronic pain and overall body functioning, you tend to be better able to sense when something is not quite right. For example, you will notice restrictions in your movements much sooner than you would if you struggled with daily stiffness and discomfort.

Chiropractors are trained and equipped with more gentle techniques to help with neuro-musculoskeletal issues in pregnant women, people with osteoporosis and infants.


What can you do outside of a chiropractic office?
While we work together in your appointment, treatment does not usually end there. There are also the things you can do on your own to help your body stay healthy and promote faster recovery.

Some examples are:

  1. Increase water intake to help reduce inflammation in your body
  2. Become aware of your body positions and posture (pay attention to the way you look at your
    devices)
  3. Not sleeping on your belly as this will create more stress in your neck or pelvis
  4. Keeping up with your prescribed exercises to maintain your flexibility and strength in joints
  5. Take a 5-minute walk after your adjustments to improve your response to chiropractic care

There are so much more a chiropractor can help and advise on your health concerns. Our chiropractors are ready to help anyone that prioritizes good health and a pain free lifestyle.
We are open 7 days a week till late (and even on most public holidays).

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https://themelbournechiropractor.com.au

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Can Chiropractors Help With Scoliosis?

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Scoliosis Testing & Treatments


The spine is made up of a stack of rectangular-shaped building blocks called vertebrae. When viewed from behind, the spine normally appears straight. With scoliosis, however, the spine is curved — often appearing like an S or C — with rotation of the vertebrae. This curvature gives the appearance that the person is leaning to one side.
During your initial consultation, your chiropractor will conduct a thorough history, physical examination and postural analysis. Your chiropractor may send you off for an x-ray to determine the degree and severity of the curve, and to determine the likelihood of progression of the curve in teens or pre-teens. Depending on the severity of the curve, your chiropractor will discuss your best option to maintain mobility and flexibility in your spine and to prevent worsening of the condition.

You may be surprised that many adults suffer from chronic back/neck achiness without being aware of the possibility of scoliosis. One of the most common symptoms chiropractors see with scoliosis patients are the imbalances of the muscles surrounding and attaching to the spine. Due to the curved nature of a scoliotic spine, certain muscles may be weaker or tighter that might be contributing to the general discomfort in one’s spine.
Chiropractors may help with these imbalances through restoring mobility and flexibility of your joints. Spinal manipulation or soft tissue mobilization techniques may be used to achieve that.
There are many types of scoliosis – meaning there are many different ways of helping it. Rehabilitation exercises and stretches may also be helpful to help your own body hold itself in the proper aligned position.

How Can You Detect Scoliosis At Home?
A general test you can perform at home to detect the possibility of scoliosis is the Adam’s test. This test can be a screening tool for people who have a family history of scoliosis. This is especially important as an early detection on growing kids/teenagers where growth spurts can accentuate the curve of the spine quicker than an adult that has reached spinal maturity. Adam’s forward bend test (best performed with thin clothing or with spine visible):

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  1. With knees straight and feet together, get the patient to bend forward at the waist until the back comes in the horizontal plane.
  2. Examiner looks from behind along the horizontal plane. You will be looking for any signs of scoliosis such as spinal asymmetry, unlevel shoulder blades, unlevel hips, the head that does not line up with the pelvis or a rib hump.
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You will also want to pay attention to the following signs:

  • Difference in shoulder height
  • Difference in shoulder blade position or height
  • The head isn’t centered with the rest of the body
  • Difference in hip position or height
  • When standing straight, difference in the way the arms hang beside the body
  • Asymmetry or prominence in the ribs seen from the front or back

If you are concerned that you might have scoliosis, reach out to the team at The Melbourne Chiropractor 9302 1023.

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https://themelbournechiropractor.com.au/

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Sugar In Your Body 😋

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Easter 2024


Easter is often a tough time for all the sweet tooth out there!
Researchers have proven that sugar is a key contributor to weight gain.
But how? Table sugar is made up of 2 molecules – glucose & fructose. Glucose is what your body uses for energy, whereas fructose is often turned into fats in your liver which is a key contributor to weight gain.
When you eat a lot of sugar, it causes your blood glucose to rise. Your body naturally produces insulin to get the glucose out of your blood and into the cells to be used for energy. However, these insulin hormones can also signals the body to store fat.

Over time, your body can build a resistance to insulin, which can result in Type II Diabetes!

The worst part?
Not only do you start to “gain weight”, your body will have a tough time getting the energy out of the fat
cells, which means – your brain thinks you are hungry, and you eat even more. It is a vicious cycle!

Further research has shown that excessive intake of dietary sugars can lead to metabolic disorders and induce the increase of inflammatory mediators, which results to low-grade chronic inflammation or systemic inflammation. Inflammation is part of the body’s natural healing process. However, inflammation that continues beyond the healthy, acute healing phase may take a toll on the body.
Large amounts of sugar may also lead to impaired immune system function which may bring upon more complications to conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBS), psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

No matter how sweet it is to taste, added fructose (from sucrose and high fructose corn syrup) should be avoided in the diet, whereas consuming fruit seems to provide health benefits.

For the sweet tooth, we suggest snacks like berries, or citrus fruits, baking with raw honey, or consuming dark chocolate in replace of milk chocolate. Always remember the recommended plain water intake to help fight inflammation and other irritants in the body!

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https://themelbournechiropractor.com.au/

References:
Ma, X., Nan, F., Liang, H., Shu, P., Fan, X., Song, X., Hou, Y., & Zhang, D. (2022). Excessive intake of sugar: An accomplice of
inflammation. Frontiers in immunology, 13, 988481. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2022.988481

DiNicolantonio, J., Mehta, V., Onkaramurthy, N., & O’Keefe, J. (2018) Fructose-induced inflammation and increased cortisol: A
new mechanism for how sugar induces visceral adiposity. Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases, 61 (1), 3-9.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcad.2017.12.001.

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Pillow Talk – Choosing The Right One!

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Pillow Use

Do you know that we spend on average 6-8 hours sleeping every day? – longer if you like lounging in bed with your telly!

Unfortunately, we tend to overlooked the importance of getting the right pillow and this can lead to sore shoulders, sore neck, sore back or other issues when we get up in the morning.

One major to point out is to NOT sleep on your belly! Sleeping on your tummy is commonly the cause for chronic neck pain, headaches or migraine from the long duration of twisting your neck to the side to
breathe.

A general rule of thumb is that your sleeping posture should be as neutral as you would standing upright: The spine should not be curved sideways due to too high or too low of a pillow, and the spine should maintain its lordotic and kyphotic curve when you are lying on your back. (Think about good ergonomics even when you are sleeping)

Some useful tips when choosing a pillow:

  1. Make sure your pillow supports your neck and head to allow your spine to be aligned when you lie on your side (A contour pillow generally works best for side sleepers).
  2. A thinner pillow may be better for back sleepers so that your head is not propped up too high creating tension in your suboccipital muscles.
  3. It can take up to 2 weeks to get used to a new pillow – so be patient.
  4. It is recommended to change your pillow every 2 to 3 years (especially when it looses it shape or height).
  5. Get someone to observe your posture while you sleep because what feels comfortable may not have the right support for your body type.
  6. Bonus tip for low back support: placing another pillow under your knees when you are on your back or between the knees when you are on your side helps keep the spine and pelvis in the neutral position.

*Remember to mention your pillow the next time you come in for your appointment and our chiropractors will help you with any of your questions.

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https://themelbournechiropractor.com.au/

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Neck Humps & Chiropractic Care

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Dowager's Hump

Ever heard of a neck hump or are you someone that is currently from this postural change? Well thankfully our team of chiropractors are able to assist you with improving this hump using various treatments and techniques listed within this blog including ways to prevent the “neck hump” from occurring!

What Is The Neck Hump?

The neck hump also known as dowager’s hump is a condition that causes rounding of the cervico-thoracic junction. This can be seen in people from all walk of life including teenagers although can be seen more in females due to osteoporosis.

How Can I Prevent The Hump?

Prevention is always key and hence why maintaining correct posture when sitting, lifting and working will eliminate day to day stress which may implicate the area causing pain. Bit by bit stress in joints deteriorates the region causing both limitations in movement and of course symptomatic pain.

How Can A Neck Hump Be Corrected?

Correction is not always simple as both degeneration and compression are determine factors of improvement over time. Usually exercises can help strengthen the muscles in the area but that alone will not have an affect on the joint structure. Techniques such as the use of a dennerol can help improve the cervical curve of the neck but a routine must be formed daily to help correct it.

How Can Chiropractors Help?

Chiropractors aim to correct joint dysfunction hence why dowager’s hump is seen throughout our clinics in those with postural changes. Our chiropractors use adjustments and low force techniques including high and low impact stretching to lengthen and decompress the joints affected by the hump.

If you are someone looking to change your neck hump our team of chiropractors are here to help you out! Call on 9302 1023 or book online today to get your posture checked!

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Skeeter Syndrome & Bug Bites This Summer!

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Mosquito Bite

Been bitten by a mosquito and now suddenly you have a blister likesore? Dont worry you may be suffering from an allergic reaction to the mosquitos saliva! In this blog we will be talking about how, why and what you can do to both prevent and treat this concern.

How Does Skeeter Syndrome Occur?

Skeeter syndrome is simply just an allergic reaction to a mosquito bite. It causes inflammation within the sore creating excess fluid forming a fluid filled blister.

What Are The Signs and Symptoms?

Before your body gets to the stage of blistering you may feel itchy, sore and red around the area where the mosquito as bitten. There is actually no difference apart from when your body reacts to the saliva within the bite. After this occurs inflammation will cause the body to fill the area and Blister!

How Can I Treat Skeeter Syndrome?

Like every other bug bite that may cause a blister like lesion you must for one not pop it! The reason being is that the body will try to repair the skin underneath the lesion that when out in the open becomes susceptible to infection. The best way to ensure you dont end up with an open wound is to gently cover and wash the area. Betadine is also a great disinfectant and can help kill any germs on the outside. Avoid scratching the area and use a cold compress to help with the itching. If swelling persists, redness and pus begins to appear visit your GP as medications may be needed to help treat the infection.

What Happens If The Blister Bursts or Pops?

Not all is lost but now you are left with an open wound! Be sure not to remove the blister as this helps protect the wound underneath and allows it to heal safely. Be sure to use betadine on the sore to help disinfect the area and use a breathable bandage such a cutifilm to help protect the sore. A light bandage will also help to protect the area without restricting breathability. Be sure to change the the film every couple of days and use salt baths to accelerate wound healing!

How Can I Prevent Skeeter Syndrome?

Prevention is simple! Aerogard spray, long sleeve tops and pants help prevent areas of skin exposed to mosquitos. Be careful of sitting in damp areas over summer or lakes as mosquitos are more prominent in these areas.

How Can Chiropractors Help?

Unfortunately for skin irritation and blistering our team of health care professionals are not able to help ease or increase the rate of healing when it comes to these types of concerns. Although if you are suffering from any muscle or joint aches our team could be the right choice to help!

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Summer 2024!

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Summer 2024

Here Comes Summer! But where is the sun? 

Well unfortunately for Melbourne we have been getting cloudy but also very humid days, but what does this mean for the sun? In this blog we will explain the downsides to no sun but also what we should be doing to protect ourselves this summer to live a long and healthier life!

How Does The Missing Sun Affect Us?

No sun is actually a bad thing for Melbourne. This means that our beaches grow with algae and due to all the flash floods our water systems become contaminated. On top of that due to the degree of heat we have be subject to we can still get burnt by UV rays!

How Do We Protect Our Skin From The Sun?

We can protect our skin from the sun using sunscreen, hats and long sleeve clothes but also we want to be comfortable! Remember shade is your best friend and don’t forget even on overcast days we can still get burnt! But doing some type of skin covering over summer you will be reducing your risk of skin cancer and limit the damage done to your skin long term!

What Is There To Do If It’s Not Beach Weather?

There are heaps of summer activities which are great especially this time of the year! Some great summer activities include volleyball, golf, outdoor basketball or soccer and lets not forget about the tennis!

How Can Chiropractors Help This Summer?

Best thing about this period is the amount of physical activity that you can be doing outdoors but remember not to rush into thing to quickly and injure yourself! Thankfully our chiropractors are back to full speed during this period and are available 7 days late. If you are someone who is suffering from headaches, neck or back pain give our team a call on 9302 1023 or book something in online today!

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Happy New Year 2024

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Happy New Year 2024

New Year New Me? If only it was that easy! Thankfully our Melbourne chiropractors are here to help smash your physical and wellness goals in the new year of 2024!

How Can A Chiropractor Help This New Year?

Chiropractors help in many ways not just with regards to aches and pains but also functional goals. Exercise and stretching are components which need to be tailored to the individual to bring out the best in them.

What Else Do Chiropractors Help With Apart From Back or Neck Pain?

Our Melbourne Chiropractors help with various musculoskeletal conditions such as headaches, sciatica, sharp rib pain, vertigo, BPPV, pregnancy and paediatrics (colic & reflux). Apart from symptoms our chiropractors help with functional and mobility of a patient by creating change through both joints and muscles of affected regions found on the initial examination and ongoing assessment!

How Do I Create A Wellness Plan This New Year?

Creating a wellness plan in 2024 is simple and easy. Just think about what your goals are and write them down and set yourself a timeframe to complete these all! Remember rushing your goals may cause injury or unwanted stress so make your goals realistic and achievable!

If you are someone who wants to make a difference this new year and wants to get the added benefits of seeing a chiropractor you can call us on 9302 1023 or book online to organise your first appointment!

We offer specialized appointments for pregnancy and paediatrics also with the added benefits of various techniques used during standard appointments to enhance patient care!

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Merry Christmas 2023

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Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas! Another day year of setting up the Christmas tree and enjoying quality time with friends and family but lets not forget how our body feels from the aftermath!

Aches and pains from hours of seated activity in awful couches or playing an outdoor game of soccer or cricket for the first time in years good become one of the last times.

The amount of “holiday injuries we see during this period is great for us as chiropractors but at the same time we to need a break over Christmas and here we will show ways in which you can combat these injuries before they happen.

How Do I Stay Injury Free Over Christmas Break?

Listen to your body! If you are someone who works a desk job and does little to no exercise, overextending yourself could cause more harm than good. Gardening the whole backyard in a day is also an example that we see throughout the year which brings people in with “sudden” back pain or sciatica.

What Should I Do Whilst With The Family?

Engage in family time but know when to much sitting or to much physical activity is enough. If you are a fit individual this is less likely to affect you although uncomfortable seating or longstanding can still bring on unwanted pains.

What To Do When The Pain Starts?

Sit down and relax. Rest is best and if possible call up your nearest chiropractor to get in for an adjustment. Being that it is the holiday period time slots may be limited from clinic to clinic but thankfully our practices will be open throughout Christmas and New Years for any emergency appointments!

Call our clinic on 9302 1023 and we will book you in with the next available practitioner over the holiday period!

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