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Understanding Back Spasms: Causes, Symptoms & What You Can Do

A sudden back spasm can stop you in your tracks—bringing sharp pain, limiting your range of motion (ROM), and sometimes sidelining you for hours or even days. While it may feel like a simple cramp, a back spasm often signals that your body is protecting itself from deeper issues, such as strain, injury, or structural imbalance.
In this blog, we’ll break down what back spasms really are, explore their most common causes, and share practical steps you can take—from professional care to home remedies—to manage and prevent them.

What Exactly Is a Back Spasm?
A back spasm is an involuntary, sudden contraction of one or more muscles in the back. Unlike a fleeting muscle twitch, spasms can cause sharp or aching pain, stiffness, and even radiating discomfort into the hips or legs. They most commonly affect the lower back but can occur in other regions as well.
Spasms can last anywhere from a few minutes to several days—or longer—depending on the cause and severity.

What Causes Back Spasms?
Back spasms are usually the result of underlying strain, stress, or imbalances in the body. Common causes include:

Muscle Overuse
Overworking your back muscles—especially without proper form or rest—can lead to inflammation and fatigue. Activities like lifting heavy objects improperly, repetitive motion, or intense exercise without recovery can all trigger spasms.

Acute Injuries
Falls, sudden twists, or high-impact activities that push the spine beyond its natural range can result in strains or microtears in the muscles. The body often reacts with spasms to stabilize the injured area and prevent further damage.

Poor Posture
Long hours spent sitting—especially with poor posture or in non-ergonomic setups—place extra stress on the muscles supporting your spine. Over time, this fatigue can cause spasms, particularly among those with sedentary lifestyles or desk jobs.

Underlying Spinal Conditions
Chronic conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease may also lead to spasms. In these cases, tight muscles may be reacting to nerve irritation or instability in the spine. If you’re experiencing persistent back spasms with numbness, tingling, or leg weakness, it’s essential to consult a Chiropractor.

Nutrient Deficiency and Dehydration
Low levels of key electrolytes—especially magnesium and potassium—can impair muscle function and increase susceptibility to cramps and spasms. Dehydration compounds the problem by reducing your muscles’ ability to contract and relax efficiently.

Treatment For Back Spasms

A licensed chiropractor can assess the root cause of your back spasms through a thorough examination and history. They’ll then develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include:

  • Soft Tissue Therapy: Precise massage techniques to reduce muscle tension and promote healing.
  • Spinal Adjustments & Mobilization: Gentle adjustments to restore joint mobility , decrease muscle and decrease the pain
  • Rehabilitation Exercises & Stretching: Tailored movements to strengthen weak muscles, improve endurance, and prevent future spasms.

Home Remedies to Help Manage Back Spasms

  • Heat and Cold Therapy: Apply a cold pack for 5–10 minutes, wait for your skin to return to normal temperature, then use a heating pad for 15–20 minutes. This helps reduce inflammation and increase blood flow.
  • Gentle Movement and Stretching: Slowly move through your spine’s range of motion. Gentle stretches can help release tight muscles and relieve tension.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drinking water consistently helps maintain muscle health and prevent electrolyte imbalances.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Anti-inflammatory medications may offer temporary relief, but should be used sparingly.
Rest, But Don’t Overdo It: Give your body time to heal, but avoid prolonged inactivity, which can worsen stiffness and delay recovery.

Back spasms are your body’s way of signaling distress—don’t ignore them. Whether caused by poor posture, overuse, or an underlying condition, getting to the root of the issue is key to lasting relief. With the right combination of professional treatment, lifestyle changes, and home care, you can relieve current symptoms and prevent future episodes.
If back spasms are disrupting your life, consider consulting a chiropractor for a personalized assessment and treatment plan.

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Correcting Posture: A Chiropractor’s Guide to Improving Your Spine Health

As chiropractors, we often see patients who are unaware of the impact that poor posture can have on their overall health and well-being. Slouching, slumping, or leaning forward can put strain on the muscles, joints, and spine, leading to a range of issues including back pain, headaches, and even breathing difficulties.

Fortunately, chiropractic care can play a crucial role in correcting posture and improving spinal health. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of chiropractic care for posture correction and provide an overview of what to expect from a spinal correction program.

Why Chiropractic Care is Effective for Posture Correction

Chiropractic care is a non-invasive, holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders related to the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. By using a combination of spinal adjustments, exercises, and lifestyle advice, chiropractors can help correct posture by:

  1. Improving spinal alignment: By adjusting the spine to its proper position, chiropractors can help reduce pressure on the joints and muscles, alleviating pain and discomfort.
  2. Strengthening core muscles: Exercises and stretches can help build strength and stability in the core muscles, which are essential for maintaining good posture.
  3. Increasing range of motion: Chiropractic care can help improve flexibility and mobility in the spine and surrounding muscles, making it easier to maintain good posture.

How Long Does it Take to Correct Posture?

The amount of time it takes to correct posture depends on several factors, including:

  1. Severity of the issue: Mild cases of poor posture may require less time and effort to correct than more severe cases.
  2. Frequency of chiropractic care: Regular adjustments and exercises can lead to faster results than sporadic or infrequent care.
  3. Individual progress: People with a strong commitment to maintaining good posture and making healthy lifestyle choices may see faster results than those who do not.

On average, patients can expect to see noticeable improvements in their posture within 2-6 weeks of starting chiropractic care. However, some cases may require longer treatment periods or more intense care.

What to Expect from a Spinal Correction Program

A spinal correction program typically involves a combination of the following:

  1. Initial consultation: A thorough examination and assessment to identify areas of poor posture and underlying causes.
  2. Spinal adjustments: Gentle, non-invasive adjustments to restore proper spinal alignment.
  3. Exercises and stretches: Customized exercises to strengthen core muscles and improve flexibility.
  4. Lifestyle advice: Guidance on maintaining good posture through exercise, stretching, and daily habits.

Correcting posture is a process that requires patience, dedication, and the right guidance. As chiropractors, we are committed to helping our patients achieve optimal spinal health and well-being through gentle, effective care. Whether you’re seeking relief from back pain or simply looking to maintain good posture, we invite you to schedule an appointment with us today!

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Best Exercises for Disc Bulges: A Chiropractic Perspective

If you’re reading this, you might be one of the many people affected by a disc bulge. This condition can be painful and frustrating, but the good news is that incorporating specific exercises into your routine can help alleviate symptoms and promote recovery. As a chiropractor, I want to share some of the best exercises I recommend for patients dealing with disc bulges.

Understanding Disc Bulges

Before we delve into exercises, let’s briefly understand what a disc bulge is. The intervertebral discs act as shock absorbers for our spine. A disc bulge occurs when the outer layer of the disc weakens, allowing the inner gel-like substance to push outward. This can lead to nerve compression, resulting in pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs depending on the location of the bulge.

Importance of Exercise

While rest can be beneficial initially, prolonged inactivity can worsen the situation. Exercise plays a critical role in strengthening the muscles that support the spine, improving flexibility, and promoting healing. However, it’s essential to approach this cautiously, as some activities may exacerbate the injury. Always consult a healthcare professional or a chiropractor before starting any new exercise regimen, especially if you have a disc bulge.

Best Exercises for Disc Bulges

Here are some safe and effective exercises to consider. Always begin with a warm-up and stop if you experience pain.

1. Pelvic Tilts

How to do it:

  • Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
  • Gently arch your lower back, and then flatten it against the floor.
  • Hold each position for a few seconds, alternating between arching and flattening.

Benefits: This exercise helps strengthen your abdominal muscles, providing support to your spine and improving flexibility.

2. Cat-Cow Stretch

How to do it:

  • Start on your hands and knees in a tabletop position.
  • Inhale and arch your back, dropping your belly towards the floor (Cow).
  • Exhale and round your back towards the ceiling (Cat).
  • Repeat for 10-15 repetitions.

Benefits: This dynamic stretch improves flexibility in the spine and engages the core muscles.

3. Cobra Stretch

How to do it:

  • Lie face down with your hands under your shoulders.
  • Slowly push up, lifting your chest while keeping your hips on the ground.
  • Hold for 15-30 seconds, then lower back down.

Benefits: This exercise helps to gently stretch the spine and may alleviate pressure on the discs.

4. Bridges

How to do it:

  • Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart.
  • Press your feet into the ground, lifting your hips towards the ceiling.
  • Hold for a few seconds, then lower back down.

Benefits: Bridges strengthen the glutes and lower back, which are critical for spinal stability.

5. Knees to Chest Stretch

How to do it:

  • Lie on your back and pull one knee toward your chest.
  • Hold the position for 15-30 seconds, then switch to the other leg.
  • For a deeper stretch, pull both knees to your chest simultaneously.

Benefits: This stretch helps relieve tension in the lower back and can provide soothing relief.

6. Wall Sit

How to do it:

  • Stand with your back against a wall and walk your feet out.
  • Slide down the wall until your knees are bent at a 90-degree angle, holding your back flat against the wall.
  • Hold for 20-30 seconds, gradually increasing as you get stronger.

Benefits: Wall sits strengthen the quadriceps and support overall spine stability.

Tips for Safety and Progress

  • Listen to Your Body: If any exercise causes pain, stop immediately. It’s essential to differentiate between discomfort and pain.
  • Focus on Form: Proper technique is crucial to prevent further injury. If unsure, consult with a chiropractor to ensure you’re performing these exercises correctly.
  • Stay Consistent: Aim for a balanced routine that includes flexibility, strength, and aerobic exercises. Consistency is key to recovery.
  • Incorporate Rest: Adequate rest is vital. Give your body time to heal, especially after flare-ups.

Conclusion

Disc bulges can be challenging, but with the right exercises and a commitment to your recovery, you can alleviate some of the symptoms and regain your strength. Always remember to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise routine, particularly if you’re dealing with an injury like a disc bulge. By implementing these exercises into your lifestyle, you can take significant steps towards recovery and improved spinal health.

If you’re looking for more personalized advice or assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local chiropractors. Your journey towards recovery and wellness is just a few stretches away!

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Protecting Yourself from the Heat: A Guide to Sun Protection and Heat Stroke Prevention

As the summer months approach, it’s essential to prioritize sun protection and heat safety to avoid heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke. As chiropractors, We have seen first hand the devastating effects of heat stroke on the body from burns to the skin to dizzy spells and irritability. In this blog, we’ll discuss the risks and symptoms of heat stroke, and provide valuable tips on how to stay safe in the sun.

Understanding Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s temperature regulation system is overloaded, causing the body temperature to rise rapidly. This can happen when the body is exposed to extreme heat for an extended period, often without adequate hydration or sun protection.

Symptoms of Heat Stroke

Heat stroke can manifest in different ways, but common symptoms include:

  • Confusion, agitation, or disorientation
  • Headache, dizziness, or nausea
  • Rapid heartbeat or pulse
  • Dry, flushed skin with no sweating
  • Seizures or loss of consciousness

Causes of Heat Stroke

Heat stroke can be triggered by various factors, including:

  • High temperatures (35°C or higher)
  • Direct exposure to the sun (especially during peak hours)
  • Lack of hydration or water intake
  • Physical exertion or exercise in extreme heat
  • Pre-existing medical conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes

Sun Protection Strategies

To prevent heat stroke and sun-related illnesses, follow these essential sun protection tips:

  1. Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, and Slide:
    • Slip on protective clothing, including hats, long-sleeved shirts, and pants.
    • Slop on broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.
    • Slap on a wide-brimmed hat or use a parasol to shield your face and neck.
    • Seek shade, especially during peak sun hours (10 am – 4 pm).
    • Slide on sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection.
  2. Hydrate and Rehydrate:
    • Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
    • Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water per day.
    • Monitor your urine output to ensure it’s pale yellow or clear.
  3. Take Breaks and Rest:
    • Take regular breaks to rest and cool down in shaded areas.
    • Avoid intense physical activity, especially during peak heat hours.
    • Use cooling packs or towels to help regulate your body temperature.
  4. Stay Informed and Plan Ahead:
    • Check the weather forecast and heat index before heading outdoors.
    • Plan your outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day
    • Bring a first aid kit and know how to respond to heat-related emergencies.

What to Do in Case of a Heat-Related Emergency

If you or someone you know is experiencing heat stroke symptoms, follow these steps:

  1. Call 000 or seek immediate medical attention if the person is unconscious, has difficulty breathing, or has a fever above (39.4°C).
  2. Move the person to a shaded area and remove excess clothing.
  3. Use cool compresses or towels to help lower their body temperature.
  4. Provide cool water or electrolyte-rich drinks to help rehydrate.

Heat stroke and sun-related illnesses are preventable with proper sun protection and heat safety precautions. As a chiropractor, it’s essential to prioritize education and awareness on these critical health topics. By following the tips outlined in this blog, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from heat-related emergencies.

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Knee & Ankle Pain Coming From Your Hips!?

You may experience knee or foot pain without remembering that you have injured it. Well, it might be coming from the joint above or below!

Our body is connected in a way that one joint may have an effect on the other if dysfunction arises and joints are not moving properly as it should.

Here is a scenario, you have a muscle spasm in your low back and you are leaning towards one side when you walk. What that ultimately does is putting more weight on one knee when you limp.

Now, muscles adapt to new movements fairly quickly. A week of limping may be enough to allow the knee muscles to work differently and puts different pressure onto the knee joint itself. As time goes by long after your back spasm recovers, you may notice that you get the occasional knee soreness and that might be because your joints and muscles are just used to move in the improper way.   

Conversely, if you have a history of multiple ankle injuries and the ligaments are weaker, this may affect the way you walk and in turn, affect your pelvic alignment!

Whatever it is, having a check-up from a qualified chiropractor can help you understand your biomechanics better and improve your overall function sooner.

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Top Mattress Advice From Chiropractors!


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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Skeeter Syndrome & Bug Bites This Summer!

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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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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Neck Pains & Strains

Are you someone that has woken up with a sudden neck pain or maybe done an awkward movement at the gym that has caught your neck in an excruciating position? Well thankfully in this blog we will be running through some reasons of why this can occur, ways to help combat this from happening again and how you can eliminate the pain when it does happen!

How Does Neck Pain Occur?

There are many different variables that can cause neck pain. These can include simple things we do from day to day such as sitting or slouching at a desk, to sleeping on the couch or in funny positions in bed. Obviously trauma always plays a part in pain meaning that most contact sports can make you susceptible to not only neck pain but general low back pain.

How To Manage Neck Pain?

Neck pain can be managed in a few ways including stretching and massage therapy. Other natural remedies include heat or warm baths. This can help to ease muscle tension within the region.

How To Stop Neck Pain From Happening?

The easiest way to stop a pain from occurring in any region of the body is to first identify what is the cause!

This can be something as simple as a bad pillow or poor ergonomic seating at work. A quick search on sleeping positions and effective seating for desk jobs can get you sorted out real quick!

How Can A Chiropractor Help?

Chiropractors are a go to specialist when it comes to neck pain. Being that neck pain is a general term it is ideal to be assessed and diagnosed with the underlying issue from the get go. Neck pain can be a cause of muscle tightness or joint restriction and this is something a chiropractor can identify. The goals of a chiropractor may be to use chiropractic adjustments or stretches, including rehabilitative exercises to strengthen any weak muscles.

If you are someone that is currently suffering from sudden neck pain or limited neck mobility, our chiropractors may be able to help get you sorted! We have multiple clinics with both chiropractors and remedial massage therapists available 7 days late!

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A Day At The Races!

Melbourne Cup 2023 is here but wait have you bought your winning ticket? The point of this blog isn’t really about the races…. What it is really about is the awkward positions you will be in, the amount of screaming and drinking you will be doing and the after affects of all this and obviously how to better prepare yourself for the Melbourne Cup of 2023!

What To Bring To The Races!

There are many things but obviously slip slop slap! This Tuesday on the 7th of November we will be hitting a scorching 29 degrees in Melbourne. This is great weather for the cup but we have to make sure we are wearing sunglasses, hats and of course a nice outfit to fit into the crowd of horse racing! Sunscreen is the number one thing to remember this Tuesday and lets be honest finding a great spot to sit and protect yourself from not only the harsh weather but save yourself from a bad back the next morning is a must!

What Will Be The Aftermath Of The Races?

This is all dependant on whether or not you took care of yourself on the day! It is not uncommon for allied health professionals to get an urgent call the next day for sore back and especially falls from poor drinking decisions. Safeguard yourself and monitor not only your alcohol consumption but also look after your mates on the day of the races!

How Can Chiropractors Help?

For once this is just an accident waiting to happen kind of scenario. Our chiropractors work on musculoskeletal injuries hence why the Melbourne Cup is a great day for our team of specialists. No matter how bad the problem is our chiropractors or remedial massage therapists will be able to walk you through various treatment options and assess your physical wellbeing. If X-rays are required… which hopefully would not be needed they can be taken externally through a referral from us!

If you are someone that finds themselves in a bit of strife either on Melbourne Cup Day or the day after our team of chiropractors will be available across our locations in Melbourne. Give our team a call on 9302 1023 or book online to find a time that suits you best!

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