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What is causing my shoulder pain?

Why do you get Shoulder pain?

The shoulder is made up of many different soft tissue structures which include but are not limited to muscles, ligaments and tendons, bones and nerves in such a small area. This means the shoulder is highly susceptible to injury or localised trauma. Shoulder pain can be caused by structural or postural imbalances which can include rounded shoulders and muscle imbalances.

TMCShoulder.jpg
Anatomy of the Shoulder

What Causes Shoulder Pain?

  • Prolonged sitting or driving
  • Overuse
  • Postural changes
  • Sporting injuries
  • Direct trauma
  • Repetitive strain injuries
  • Underlying/Previous Injury
TMC.ShoulderPain
Common Area of Shoulder Pain

What are the most common shoulder complaints?

Subacromial Bursitis (Shoulder Inflammation)
Reasons for diagnosis: (Faruqi & Rizvi, 2019)

  • Aggravated by movements involving the shoulder with a reduced range of motion
  • Due to trauma or overuse which is usually on one side (can be both sides)
  • Localized shoulder pain with possibility of redness and swelling in the area
  • Affected activity due to pain

Subacromial Pain Syndrome
Reasons for diagnosis: (Diercks et al., 2014)

  • Non traumatic and usually unilateral (can be bilateral)
  • Localized pain around the acromion with multiple muscles that are hypertonic such as supraspinatus, teres minor/major and rear deltoid
  • Affected activity due to pain
  • Aggravated by lifting the affected arm

Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
Reasons for diagnosis: (Varacallo & Mair, 2019)

  • Due to trauma or overuse which is usually unilateral (can be bilateral)
  • Localized shoulder pain with an associated muscle weakness of supraspinatus, subscapularis infraspinatus and teres minor
  • Affected activity due to pain
  • Aggravated by movements involving the shoulder (can be a pinching or stabbing sensation)

Myofascial Pain Syndrome of the Shoulder
Reasons for diagnosis: (Alvarez & Rockwell, 2019)

  • Localized pain at the shoulder with possible radiations
  • Aggravated by movements involving the shoulder or when the affected muscle is palpated
  • Due to trauma or overuse on the affected side
  • Affected activity due to pain

How can The Melbourne Chiropractor help you?

Our practitioners offer various treatments and techniques which include:

Depending on your needs and situation our practitioners will guide you in the right direction when it comes to achieving your goals. Examination and diagnosis will have to be done before going ahead with a plan that best suits your complaint!

Bookings available online 24/7 using the link below https://themelbournechiropractor.com.au/book-now

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What is causing my Elbow to swell?

Elbow Swelling Also Known as Olecranon Bursitis can be caused by: (Pangia & Rizvi, 2019)

  • Localized pain at the elbow which radiates throughout the flexor muscles in the forearm (front side)
  • Aggravated by movements involving extension at the elbow
  • Due to trauma or overuse which can cause redness and swelling
  • Can be due to Arthritis or loose bone fragments
  • Affected activity and loss of range of motion due to pain
TMCTypesofBursitis
Common Types of Bursitis

Factors that could be contributing to the problem: (Blackwell, Hay, Bolt & Hay, 2014)

Can Chiropractor Care Help?

Yes! Our chiropractors can help by doing some of the following below:

  • Activator and drop piece techniques, also known as adjustive techniques, have been shown to decrease pain and increase range of motion
  • Trigger point therapydry needling and handheld massagers have shown to decrease pain and tenderness within the forearm region, enhance both range of motion and overall flexibility
  • Prescribed stretching and exercise! Stretching has been shown to decrease pain and improve function in patients in both long- and short-term outcomes

Blackwell, J., Hay, B., Bolt, A., & Hay, S. (2014). Olecranon bursitis: a systematic overview. Shoulder & Elbow

Pangia, J., & Rizvi, T. (2019). Olecranon Bursitis.

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Am I Suffering From Tension Headaches?


About Tension Type Headaches: (Chowdhury, 2012)

  • Usually bilateral pressing or tightening sensation around the head
  • Spinal joint dysfunctions found in cervical spine including tight musculature such as Suboccipital muscles and Traps
  • Affected daily activity and decreased concentration due to pain or photophobia
  • Headache worse in the afternoon, due to stress or tiredness
HeadacheTypes.jpg
Various headache types

Factors that could be contributing to the problem: (Ahmed, 2012)

  • Smoking Stress/Alcohol Sedentary Lifestyle
  • Psychopathology Strenuous activities
  • Trauma/Previous Neck Injury Forward head posture
  • Low Work Satisfaction Environment

Can a Chiropractor Help?

Yes! Some ways in which our chiropractors can help include but are not limited to:

  • Spinal manipulation/activator and drop piece techniques, also known as adjustive techniques, have been shown to decrease pain and increase range of motion
  • Trigger point therapy, dry needling and handheld massagers have shown to decrease pain and tenderness, enhance both range of motion and quality of life whilst influencing flexibility.
  • Prescribed stretching and exercise! Stretching has been shown to reduce pain and improving functionality and overall wellbeing in patients in both long- and short-term outcomes

Ahmed, F. (2012). Headache disorders: differentiating and managing the common subtypes. British Journal Of Pain, 6(3), 124-doi:10.1177/2049463712459691

Chowdhury D. (2012). Tension type headache. Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology, 15(Suppl 1), S83–S88.
doi:10.4103/0972-2327.100023

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Check out our Blog on our Top 3 Neck Stretches that you could be doing to help alleviate your symptoms today!

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How Can a Chiropractor Help with Joint Pain?

What causes joint pain?

Joint pain is a common complaint that refers to discomfort, aches or soreness in joints of the body. Joint pain most commonly is a cause of arthritis, which is inflammation or pain coming from within the joint. Joint pain varies in severity from mild pain (causing discomfort or soreness only after certain activities) or more severe which limits movement or causes weight bearing to become extremely painful.

Joint.Pain
Areas effected by joint inflammation

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and the main cause of joint pain. Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage at the ends of bones wears down over time. This can happen in any joint but the most common areas include the fingers, thumbs, neck, elbow, lower back, hips, knees and big toes. Like joint pain, Osteoarthritis can range in severity from mild to severe. Common symptoms of Osteoarthritis includes inflammation of the joint, pain and stiffness in the joint. Activity usually increases the severity causing joint swelling, decreased range of movement and muscle weakness. 

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis is the second most common form of arthritis. It is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the joints causing inflammation and joint damage. Rheumatoid arthritis usually attacks smaller joints of the body, such as hands, feet and wrists. Larger joints including the knees and hips can also be affected depending on the severity. Common symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis include throbbing or aching pain that is worse in the morning or after sitting for a while, joint stiffness especially in the mornings, inflammation causing the joints to swell, become hot and tender to touch.

Injury/trauma

This is caused by the wearing out of a joint after any kind of physical injury. The injury could be from sport, a car accident, a fall or any other source of physical trauma. These injuries can cause damage to the cartilage and/or the bone, changing the mechanics of that joint and causing it to wear out quicker. The process of the joint wearing out can then be accelerated by further injury. Common symptoms include joint pain, swelling, joint stiffness and limited range of motion. 

Can Chiropractic care help with joint pain?

Chiropractic care is considered a safe practice that works to optimise the function of your joints, therefore making it possible to improve your motion with less pain. Chiropractic adjustments aim to realign the spine and improve the function of the nervous system in order to:

Reduce nerve impingement

If joints of the spine become misaligned they can apply unwanted pressure on the nerves causing pain, tingling, shooting pains and/or burning sensations. A Chiropractic adjustment aims to realign the spine in order to remove the pressure from the nerves so that they are no longer being irritated and therefore decreasing the pain felt by the patient. 

Improve joint mobility

Mobility within the joints is essential when dealing with joint stiffness and pain. The adjustments performed by a Chiropractor may help to regain mobility of the joints and optimize function within the body. As you progress through your treatment, you may notice that you have more ease of mobility and flexibility. The Chiropractor may also teach you new posture exercises so that you are able to keep your spine in better alignment at home in between adjustments. 

If you are having troubles with joint pain, consider seeing your local Chiropractor or and tell them about the issues you are experiencing so that they can create a tailored plan to reach your health goals. Explaining the problem to the best of your ability with adequate information of your problem to a health professional enables you to enhance your overall care as health care professionals are able to take a thorough history and complete a physical exam based on your ongoing complaint.

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Top Exercises in 2022 for Disc Bulges

What is a disc Bulge?

  • Intervertebral discs have a thick outer layer called the annulus which surrounds the soft gel-like centre also known as the Nucleus. This sits between each of your vertebrae and creates a shock absorber during forceful activities such as walking, running and jump.
  • A bulging disc or herniated disc is when the disc starts to protrude out. The soft gel-like centre pushes through the outer ring. This puts pressure on the spinal cord and nearby nerve roots. This can also cause inflammation in the area.
  • When this process happens, nerve roots get irritated, this can cause numbness and tingling down the lower or upper limb on one side and/or weakness in your legs. This is commonly known as sciatica.
Disc bulge diagram

Signs/symptoms of a bulging disc?

  • Numbness and tingling down the upper or lower limbs (i.e arms or legs)
  • Sharp or stabbing pain in the spine
  • Shooting pain down the arms or legs, generally affects only one side (Sciatica)
  • Weakness in the leg and/or foot on one side. This can cause difficulty in walking
  • Restricted range of movement
  • Constant lower back or neck pain
  • Pain can last up to anywhere between days or weeks
  • Loss of bowel and bladder control. This is extremely rare but if this occurs it is a condition called Cauda Equina Syndrome. This condition is caused by spinal nerve roots being compressed in the lower back, cutting of sensation and movement. This requires immediate medical attention.

Where do bulging discs commonly occur?

  • Disc bulges can occur anywhere along the spine, but most often occurs in the lower back (lumbar spine). However, they can also occur in the neck (cervical spine).

What causes a bulging disc?

  • A bulging disc most often occurs from age-related wear and tear on the spine. This is often called disc degeneration. As people age the disc in between the bones decreases, becomes less flexible and weakens. The disc, therefore, begins to shrink and the spaces between the vertebrae get narrower. Leading the disc to be more prone to tearing or rupturing. This can be due to repetitive stresses to the spine overtime. It is most common to see males ages between 20-50 years old likely to have a herniated/disc bulge.
  • A traumatic event, such as a fall or motor vehicle accident causes a herniated disc.
  • Lifting something incorrectly/improper and repetitive heavy lifting. Using your back to bend over and lift something heavy can cause a disc bulge.
  • Increased weight gain can cause more pressure and stress on the discs in your lower back.
  • Repetitive activities that strain your spine. Constant lifting, pulling, bending or twisting can add a lot of stress to your spine, affecting your discs.
  • Frequent long drives or sedentary lifestyle can put pressure in your back, compressing your discs, especially in the lower back.
  • Smoking can lessen the oxygen supply to the discs and cause faster degeneration to occur in your spine.

What exercises should you avoid if you have a bulging disc?

  • You should avoid heavy lifting of weights/deadlift. This adds more pressure to the intervertebral discs.
  • Sit-ups or crunches. Repetitive bending and pulling of the neck, will cause more aggravation to the disc bulge.
  • Running or jumping type of exercises, causes repeated stress and force on the spine.
  • Stretching exercises (stretches that involve bending at the waist, twisting or turning), this places a lot of pressure and stress on the inflamed bulging disc.

Top exercises in 2021 for bulging discs

  1. Prone Lumbar Extension / Half cobra pose
Half Cobra Pose
Half Cobra Pose
  • Firstly, lay on your stomach on a flat surface and then slowly prop yourself up onto your elbows while keeping your hips in contact with the floor.
  • Hold this position for 5-10 seconds
  • Gradually build up the hold for 30 seconds.
  • Aim for 6-12 repetitions.
  • Make sure you perform this slowly and carefully.
  • How it helps:
  • Relieves pressure on the herniated disc by opening the intervertebral disc spaces.
  • Helps push the disc bulge back towards the centre more, helping to alleviate some pain in the lower back.

2. Full Prone Extension / Full Cobra pose (more advanced stretch)

Full Cobra Pose
Full Cobra Pose
  • Firstly, lay on your stomach on a flat surface and then slowly press up on your hands while keeping your hips in contact with the floor and lower back relaxed.
  • Hold this position for 5-10 seconds
  • Gradually build up the hold for 30 seconds.
  • Aim for 6-12 repetitions.
  • Make sure you perform this slowly and carefully.
  • How it helps:
  • Relieves pressure on the herniated disc by opening the intervertebral disc spaces.
  • Helps push more of the disc bulge back towards the centre more, helping to alleviate some pain in the lower back.

3. Spinal Decompression

Decompression
Hanging from a bar
  • Use a pull up bar or the top of a door (something you can hang down from) and allow your body to just hang down.
  • Hold for 30 seconds and for 2 sets
  • Release slowly from this position. Do not jump straight down (you can use a stool/chair underneath your feet to stand back on)
  • How it helps:
  • Opens up the intervertebral spaces, taking some pressure off the bulging disc. Therefore, it decreases pain intensity and quicker recovery.

4. Cat/Camel Exercise

Cat Camel Exercise
Cat Camel Exercise
  • Go on your hands and knees (all four positions). Inhale and let your stomach drop towards the floor while looking up with your head. Then exhale and slowly round your spine while pressing into the floor with your hands whilst bringing your chin to your chest
  • Aim for 10-12 repetitions, 2-3 sets.
  • How it helps:
  • Relieves pressure on the herniated disc by opening the intervertebral disc spaces.
  • Helps improve mobility of the whole spine.

Please stop any of these exercises if they cause any increase or any type of pain!

It is also important to have relative amounts of rest to help decrease the intensity and severity of the pain caused by a disc bulge.

Disc bulges or herniations improve on their own with relative rest within a couple of days and completely resolve between 12-16 weeks. However, it is important to prevent this from occurring by getting your spine checked by a chiropractor to help prevent wear and tear from happening too quickly in your spine. Spinal health is important to maintain. A chiropractor will be able to assess your spine thoroughly to see if there are any signs of joint restrictions that may impact your intervertebral disc spaces and may also send you out for x-rays to see how healthy your disc spaces are. Our Chiropractors see many cases of disc bulges and are able to give you appropriate advice on what to do to help alleviate the pain conservatively, if unable to do so, we will refer you to a GP for further investigation if needed.

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How Do Chiropractors Find Where To Adjust?

What Is a Chiropractic Adjustment?

A Chiropractic Adjustment is a force that is placed through a joint in a specific direction to help alleviate pain within the area and restore movement back to the restricted joint. Usually after a joint does get adjusted it may feel like there is more mobility in the area, increased flexibility and overall just feeling allot better in the area of previous concern.

There are a number of people who try to “self-adjust” themselves to try and get the same effects from what they receive from the chiropractor. Most times people find that the ease of tension only last for short periods as they are not moving joints that are restricted, in fact, they are moving joints above and below the restriction hence why the pain continues to come back and progress. It is common also for people who crack their joints to overstrain themselves from forceful cracking. This can also lead to hypermobility of the joints and cause issues with muscles and ligaments moving further than they naturally should causing risks of harm.

How Does A Chiropractor Know What To Adjust?

Chiropractors are trained professionals with over 5 years of university experience at university completing a double degree in Health Sciences and Applied Sciences (Chiropractic). The degree gives our qualified and experienced health professionals the ability to use various treatment modalities and an understanding of how the musculoskeletal system and neurological areas work within the body.

Manual adjusting is just one of the tools that chiropractors use. When applying this technique usually chiropractors will check for areas of restriction and tenderness by using a physical examination. Things such as posture, walking stance and joint mobility are some factors that come into play when considering where to adjust. Once the patient is on the table relaxed our chiropractors will use use their hands across the spine to check for any inconsistencies throughout the spine and to see where tension and restriction is present.

FindingAdjustTMC.jpg
Finding Areas to Adjust and Treat

At The Melbourne Chiropractor our Chiropractors use a holistic approach meaning that most of the time a full body adjustment will be completed although in some cases restrictions in areas may not be present.

Note* If you are suffering from any aches or pain and want to know more about how we our team at The Melbourne Chiropractor can help you contact us today or book online @ https://themelbournechiropractor.com.au/book-now

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Shoulder Injuries and How We Can Help!

Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy


Reasons for diagnosis: (Varacallo & Mair, 2019)

  • Due to trauma or overuse which is usually unilateral (can be bilateral)
  • Localized shoulder pain with an associated muscle weakness of supraspinatus, subscapularis, infraspinatus and teres minor
  • Affected ADL’s and/or decrease concentration due to pain
  • Aggravated by movements involving the shoulder (can be a pinching / stabbing sensation)

Myofascial Pain Syndrome of the Shoulder


Reasons for diagnosis: (Alvarez & Rockwell, 2019)

  • Localized pain at the shoulder with possible radiations
  • Aggravated by movements involving the shoulder or when the affected muscle is palpated
  • Due to trauma or overuse on the affected side
  • Affected ADL’s and/or decrease concentration due to pain

Subacromial Bursitis (Shoulder)


Reasons for diagnosis: (Faruqi & Rizvi, 2019)

  • Aggravated by movements involving the shoulder with a reduced range of motion
  • Due to trauma or overuse which is usually unilateral (can be bilateral)
  • Localized shoulder pain with a possibility of both redness and swelling in the area
  • Affected ADL’s and/or decrease concentration due to pain

Subacromial Pain Syndrome


Reasons for diagnosis: (Diercks et al., 2014)

  • Non traumatic and usually unilateral (can be bilateral)
  • Localized pain around the acromion with multiple muscles that are hypertonic
  • Affected ADL’s and/or decrease concentration due to pain
  • Aggravated by lifting the affected arm

Supraspinatus Tendinopathy


Reasons for diagnosis: (Spargoli, 2018)

  • Non traumatic and usually unilateral (can be bilateral)
  • Localized shoulder pain with supraspinatus muscle weakness
  • Affected ADL’s and/or decrease concentration due to pain
  • Aggravated by lifting the affected arm

Biceps Tendinopathy


Reasons for diagnosis: (Varacallo & Mair, 2019)

  • Localized pain with possible radiation of pain into the shoulder
  • Aggravated by movements involving the biceps with pain on range of motion
  • Due to trauma or overuse which is usually unilateral (can be bilateral)
  • Affected ADL’s and/or decrease concentration due to pain

How can The Melbourne Chiropractor help you?

Our practitioners offer various treatments and techniques which include:

Depending on your needs and situation our practitioners will guide you in the right direction when it comes to achieving your goals. Examination and diagnosis will have to be done before going ahead with a plan that best suits your complaint!

Bookings available online 24/7 using the link below https://themelbournechiropractor.com.au/book-now

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What is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is an abnormal S or C shape curve of the spine which develops in infancy or early childhood. Usually, scoliosis is seen in teenagers as the curve tends to become more prominent due to lifestyle choices such as prolonged sitting and slouching. Unfortunately both genders are affected by this change of the spine although it is more common in females and they are over 5 times more likely to continue to evolve into more severe angles of spine curvature.

Scoliosis Picture
Normal vs Scoliotic Spine Diagram

What Causes it?

Idiopathic – Most common type of scoliosis. There is no known cause of this type.

Congenital – This is due to an anomaly or change in the formation of bones in the spine.

Neuromuscular – muscle and nerve imbalances in your spine. This form causes much quicker changes than other types of scoliosis.

Degenerative – Known as adult scoliosis. This develops overtime due to uneven wear and tear of discs and joints of the spine.

Signs and Symptoms to Look Out For:

  • Head tilt
  • Prominent rib cage on one side
  • Uneven shoulders
  • Uneven hips
  • Loss of height
  • Back pain
  • Changes to gait / walking
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Numbness, weakness or pain in legs
Types of scoliosis
Types of Scoliosis in the human spine

How does chiropractic treatment help?

The Chiropractic team at the The Melbourne Chiropractor understand that pain is best managed by creating long term changes! Firstly, the pain needs to be alleviated with adjustive techniques or low force techniques to the spine, soft tissue massage to the surrounding musculature and then be accompanied with an exercise regime to help make the changes needed to influence bad habits and behaviours! Many of our patients seek.

By creating a change to your musculoskeletal system, it will help decrease muscle tension and restrictions through the spinal segments which in turn allow you to use your spine to further strengthen it! If you are seeking treatment which will help restore your structural and functional health our chiropractors and osteopaths at the The Melbourne Chiropractor are here to help get you back on track! BOOK NOW

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Are Massage Guns Worth The Investment?

About Massage Guns

The massage gun has become a quick an easy recovery tool among athletes and non-athletes alike. Because of the current range of prices we will be writing about the majority of massage guns you will see online in this post! So below are some points that show its effectiveness!

Can improve blood flow and release lactic acid build up

Lactic acid build up is caused by low oxygen levels in the muscles. After any strenuous activity, the body has a hard time breaking off this build up which causes cramps and soreness. The percussive force from massage guns improves blood flow and helps the body release lactic acid.

Quickly relieve muscle pain

Athlete or not using a massage gun can provide easy and quick relief as you can use the device wherever and whenever you need it!

Can help to prevent injuries

Sports injuries are often caused by cramps because the muscles haven’t been given enough time to warm up and get blood throughout the area. Using a massage gun for a few minutes before a workout or a sporting event can help blood and oxygen circulate better, preparing muscles for the activity.

Can help improve flexibility and range of motion

Using a massage gun increases blood flow and circulation to the regions it is used on this means that joints become more flexible and any foregoing soreness eliminated.

Can a massage gun replace allied health services or traditional massage therapy?

There is no denying the benefits of using a massage gun it’s portable and easy to use. However, the fact still remains that these devices, while powerful and effective, can’t replicate what trained professionals can do. If for example, you’re experiencing excessive muscle pain trained health professionals such as remedial massage therapists are able to isolate the problem areas and are able to adapt their treatment protocols to suit your needs. This is something that no gadget would be able reproduce!

Are they worth it?

Well if you are someone that is suffering from only mild soreness from working out and looking for a quick “drug free” pain alleviator then a massage gun may be of use. Although if you are suffering from acute or chronic episodes of pain it would be best to come in and see your local Chiropractor or Remedial Massage Therapist to see how we can improve your quality of life!

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Can a Chiropractor Help With Flexibility?

About Flexibility

Flexibility is usually taken for granted since it is only when you realise you aren’t as flexible as you used to be that you decide to work on your range of movement. The truth is; there are multiple factors that affect your flexibility and they go from being overweight to mobility issues. Your profession or chosen lifestyle can also affect your overall flexibility. You can address this problem in numerous ways and chiropractic care is one of them.

Does chiropractic really help?

Chiropractic aims to improve your flexibility in a completely natural manner without medications and using products that promise miraculous results. It’s a holistic approach towards a more flexible you.

If you’re wondering whether chiropractic can really help you, then you’ll be glad to know its benefits for flexibility have been scientifically proven.

Improving flexibility

The reason you should work on improving your range of motion is because poor flexibility affects strength, endurance, and overall quality of life. You can improve flexibility in a number of ways including:

  • Eating a Healthy Diet                           
  • Getting Enough Sleep
  • Losing Weight
  • Staying Active
  • Visiting a Chiropractor
  • Stretching and Exercise

What does a chiropractor do to improve flexibility?

Chiropractic care involves spinal adjustments and manipulation to other parts of one’s body to adjust the joints, bones and muscles in order to relieve the pain, improve flexibility, and restore range of motion. The adjustments can be performed manually or with various techniques such as electrical stimulation, trigger point therapy, ultrasound etc. Your chiropractor can also recommend exercises you should do to improve your range of motion successfully.