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Understanding Dowager’s Hump & How Chiropractic Adjustments Can Help

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Dowager's Hump

Dowager’s hump, also known as upper thoracic kyphosis, is a common postural condition characterized by an abnormal rounding of the upper back. This condition often affects older adults, particularly postmenopausal women, leading to a noticeable hump at the base of the neck. While it can be attributed to various factors, including osteoporosis, muscle weakness, and poor posture, chiropractic care offers a promising approach to improve this condition and enhance overall spinal health.

What Causes Dowager’s Hump?

Dowager’s hump is typically caused by:

  1. Osteoporosis: A decrease in bone density can weaken vertebrae and lead to compression fractures.
  2. Poor Posture: Prolonged slouching can contribute to the development of thoracic hyperkyphosis.
  3. Muscle Weakness: Weakening of the back muscles can exacerbate poor posture.

The combination of these factors can lead to discomfort, decreased mobility, and a reduced quality of life. Fortunately, research highlights how chiropractic care can effectively address the underlying issues associated with dowager’s hump.

The Role of Chiropractic Adjustments

Chiropractic adjustments aim to restore proper alignment of the spine, improve posture, and alleviate pain. A number of studies have shown the efficacy of chiropractic care in managing postural issues, including dowager’s hump.

Research Findings

  1. Improvement in Posture:
    A study published in the Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain demonstrated significant improvements in spinal posture and curvature through chiropractic adjustments. Participants receiving regular spinal manipulation showed increased thoracic extension and better postural alignment, which directly corresponds to the alleviation of symptoms associated with dowager’s hump.
  2. Pain Reduction:
    Another study published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine examined the role of spinal manipulation for cervical and thoracic spine issues. Results indicated that patients reported significant reductions in pain levels after undergoing a series of chiropractic adjustments. This is particularly relevant for those suffering from discomfort associated with dowager’s hump.
  3. Enhanced Mobility:
    Research in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation explored the effects of chiropractic adjustments on mobility and functional outcomes. The findings suggested that individuals who received chiropractic care experienced improved mobility and functional capabilities, contributing to an overall better quality of life.
  4. Muscle Strengthening:
    A study in The Spine Journal examined the relationship between chiropractic adjustments and muscle strengthening. Participants who engaged in chiropractic care along with tailored exercise programs demonstrated enhanced strength in their back muscles, which is crucial for supporting proper posture and combatting the effects of dowager’s hump.

Additional Benefits of Chiropractic Care

  • Holistic Approach: Chiropractors not only focus on spinal adjustments but also advise on lifestyle modifications, exercise regimens, and ergonomic strategies to promote long-term health.
  • Patient-Centered Care: Chiropractic care is individualized, allowing practitioners to tailor treatment plans to each patient’s specific needs and conditions.
  • Non-Invasive Treatment: Chiropractors provide a non-invasive alternative to pain relief, reducing the reliance on medications and surgical interventions.

Chiropractic care presents a valuable option for individuals suffering from dowager’s hump. Through spinal adjustments, targeted exercises, and lifestyle advice, chiropractic practitioners can help improve spinal alignment, reduce pain, and enhance mobility. If you or a loved one is dealing with the discomfort of dowager’s hump, consider consulting with a licensed chiropractor to explore how adjustments can support better posture and overall health.

Always consult with a healthcare provider before beginning any new treatment plan, and remember that consistent care and attention to posture are key components in managing dowager’s hump effectively.

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With the right support and care, dowager’s hump can be effectively managed and improved in most instances, leading to a more comfortable and active life! Book online today or call us on 9302 1023 to make your appointment today and eliminate the hunch!

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Understanding Head Pressure and Eye Disturbances: The Role of Chiropractic Care

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Head Pressure & Vision Changes

Head pressure and eye disturbances are common complaints that can significantly impact daily life. Whether you’re experiencing a sensation of fullness in your head, throbbing headaches, or visual disturbances such as blurriness or double vision, these symptoms can be concerning. Often, patients seek solutions through various medical channels, but one approach that might be overlooked is chiropractic care.

The Connection Between Head Pressure and Eye Issues

Head pressure often arises due to various factors such as tension headaches, sinus issues, or migraines. These conditions can exert pressure not just on the head but also on surrounding structures, including the eyes. When blood flow is restricted or nerves are irritated, patients may experience visual disturbances. Here are a few possible connections:

  1. Tension Headaches: These are commonly linked to muscle tension in the neck and shoulders. As muscle tension builds, it can pull on the cranial structures and lead to sensations of head pressure as well as eye strain.
  2. Migraines: These severe headaches are often accompanied by visual symptoms known as aura, causing disturbances such as flashing lights or zigzag patterns.
  3. Sinus Pressure: Sinus infections can lead to inflammation and swelling, creating pressure that radiates to the head and eyes, resulting in discomfort and visual symptoms.

Understanding these connections is crucial in finding relief. While medication can provide temporary relief, it often doesn’t address the underlying issues contributing to head pressure and eye disturbances.

How Chiropractors Can Help

Chiropractic care focuses on the relationship between the body’s structure—primarily the spine—and its function, aiming to promote the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Here are several ways chiropractors can assist with head pressure and eye disturbances:

  1. Spinal Adjustments: Misalignments in the cervical spine can contribute to tension in the neck and shoulders. By realigning the spine, chiropractors can help alleviate tension in surrounding muscles, thus reducing head pressure.
  2. Soft Tissue Therapy: Chiropractors are skilled in various soft tissue techniques that help relieve muscle tightness and tension. This can reduce pain and discomfort associated with head pressure and diminish its impact on vision.
  3. Postural Correction: Poor posture can lead to increased tension in the neck and upper back. Chiropractors often provide guidance on maintaining better posture to reduce strain on the spine and surrounding muscles, which can alleviate head pressure.
  4. Lifestyle and Ergonomic Advice: Chiropractors often provide recommendations for lifestyle changes and ergonomic adjustments, such as proper workstation setup, exercises, and stretches that can help mitigate symptoms.
  5. Holistic Approach: Chiropractors view the body as a whole and often incorporate complementary therapies, such as nutritional advice or stress-reduction techniques, which can address the multifaceted nature of head pressure and eye disturbances.

Seeking Help

If you’re experiencing head pressure and eye disturbances, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause. If you suspect that your symptoms may be related to muscle tension, spinal alignment, or posture, a chiropractor may be a beneficial part of your treatment team.

Head pressure and eye disturbances can be debilitating, but they are not always a reflection of serious health issues. A chiropractor can offer valuable support through spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapies, and lifestyle advice. By addressing the root causes of your discomfort, you can find relief and improve your quality of life. If you’re struggling with these symptoms, consider scheduling an appointment with a chiropractor for a thorough examination and personalized care plan. Your journey to relief and wellness could start with a simple visit—one that focuses on holistic health and the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

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All About Torticollis Syndrome

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Neck Pain

What is Torticollis?

Torticollis also known as a “Wry Neck” is a debilitating neck injury that can last up to several months depending on its severity.

How Does Torticollis Occur?

– Incorrect Posture

– Bad Pillow

– Bad Sleeping Position

– Strenuous Activity

– Incorrect Lifting

Symptoms Of Torticollis!

– Neck Pain

– Headaches

– Jaw Pain

– Cramping

– Loss Of Neck Motion

Things To Avoid When You Have Torticollis!

– Exercise

– Strenuous Activity 

– Desk Work

– Seated Activity

How To Fix Torticollis?

– See A Chiropractor

– Mobility/Stretching (if possible)

How Can A Chiropractor Help?

Chiropractors use techniques to adjust the spinal joint that is stuck and inflamed. This is the usual cause of Torticollis and in turn muscles tense up to protect the joint that is in strife.

If you are someone that is suffering from Torticollis our team of chiropractors at The Melbourne Chiropractor are able to help with your debilitating neck pain! We use various methods to help free up the muscles and reduce the tension of the joint!

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Can You Prevent Headaches?

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Headache Prevention

Headaches… Are they preventable?

In short, YES! In this blog we will explain what can cause a headache and ways in which you can help stop these ongoing headaches from occurring!

What Causes Headaches?

Headaches can be caused by emotional and physical work or just the standard response which we get allot from patients which is dehydration! 

Some of the most common causes include:

– Poor Posture

– Bad Sleeping Arrangement (Pillow)

– Long Periods Of Looking Up

– Working In Enclosed Spaces

– Strenuous Activities

– Dehydration

What Can Improve Headaches When They Occur?

– Rehydrate

– Neck Stretches

– Sleep

– Massage 

– Chiropractic Care

How Can I Stop Headaches From Occurring?

Easiest way to stop headaches is to find out how and when they will begin. Sometimes there is a common trigger. Maybe you woke up with a headache? Maybe you didn’t drink anything today or maybe you twisted suddenly and strained your neck! All reasons that should be looked into and can cause headaches!

If you are currently suffering from headaches and it has become to far gone to diminish its symptoms our team of chiropractors can help! Not all headaches are preventable from the above due to other types of headaches caused by other factors such as sinusitis, vestibular headaches or even aura like migraines. To book an appointment call us on 9302 1023 or book online today to get yourself assessed and find the correct plan to suit your needs!

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Can Chiropractic Care help TMJ Pain?

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Jaw Pain

The TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) can become one those areas that makes an annoying clicking sounds to one that brings on excruciating headaches and face pain. It is the main joint that connect your jaw to your skull and has many ligaments, muscles and nerves associated with the region. Most common causes of Jaw pain are due to stress, trauma, arthritis, grinding your teeth, clenching or joint dysfunction.

What are Symptoms of TMJ?

  • Neck pain
  • Headaches or Migraines
  • Ear or Tooth Aches
  • Face pain when chewing or biting
  • Tenderness in the area, face jaw or neck
  • Pain when opening the mouth
  • Clicking or popping jaw sounds
  • Ear ringing
  • Dizziness

How Chiropractic Care Helps TMJ pain

Chiropractic Adjustments

Our Chiropractors may use adjustments on your jaw if we see there is a need to. Most of the times only 5 to 10% of cases need to be adjusted as muscles in the area are usually the main problem.

Exercises or Stretches

We recommend certain exercises or stretches to help alleviate tension within the region. Usually due to the extreme tightness within the jaw gentle stretches and exercises can help out allot, especially with preventing flareups of the region.

Massage or Trigger Point Therapy

Chiropractors may use soft tissue release techniques especially trigger points in the area as muscle bundles tend to form. Surrounding musculature may also be involved and will be treated accordingly based on the examination findings.

Postural Issues / Sleeping Habits

Our Chiropractors will also look at your posture and check for any related issues to the problem. Sleeping habits and lifestyle changes such as standing desks or better sitting ergonomics can go a long way especially with upper body tension and tightness.

Tips To Help Reduce TMJ pain

  • Using Heat or Ice packs help to relax the facial muscles surrounding the TMJ area.
  • Gentle Stretches to the area can help improve joint mobility (Open, close and side to side movements)
  • Changes to sleeping habits (Change Pillows)

Note* If you are currently suffering from any problematic concerns such as jaw pain, neck or back pain, are wondering what we do on your first chiropractic session or would like to make a booking, you can always contact us to find out more! Online bookings available 7 days a week Saturdays and Sundays @ https://themelbournechiropractor.com.au/book-now

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Visit our Broadmeadows, Westmeadows or Fawkner Health Clinic Today!

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Has Time Run Out To Fix Your Posture?

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Can You Fix Your Poor Posture?

Our Chiropractors at The Melbourne Chiropractor have seen first hand that poor posture can cause devastating affects on the bodies musculoskeletal system for both young and older patients. What they have found is areas of dysfunction caused by poor posture have influenced problems such as degeneration, sprains or strains or even put people at risk of overuse type injuries.

How long you have had poor posture is not a reason to think it cannot be changed, the biggest issue, is how it was caused and what other underlying factors such as trauma or medical problems the patient is dealing with. Most times we find that posture can be improved within the first 8-12 weeks if it is a functional cause, although depending on the severity it may take up to 6 months to see changes in areas that are severely degenerated and affected by poor posture. Lifestyle factors and habits will also come in to play as forward posture at the desk from long hours can limit the amount of change from therapy.

What Is Considered Poor Posture?

  • Forward head carriage
  • Rolling of the shoulders (forward)
  • Increased curve in the low back
  • Increased curve in the upper/mid back
  • In toeing of the feet
  • Scoliosis / Kyphosis Curve
  • Unbalanced hips and shoulders
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Good Vs Bad Postures

Associated Problems Caused by Poor Posture?

Most Common Causes of Poor Posture

Ways To Improve Posture

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Changing Seating Position at Work

How Can The Melbourne Chiropractor Help Your Posture?

Note* If you are currently suffering from postural issues the early you start the better off you will be. If you are wondering what we do on your first chiropractic session or would like to make a booking, you can always contact us to find out more! Online bookings also available 7 days a week @ https://themelbournechiropractor.com.au/book-now

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Why Does My Pain Keep Coming Back?

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Neck Pain

Are you experiencing continuous neck or back pain that seems to come and go? If so, this is a chronic issue that can be very common as the body likes to adapt to certain stressors put upon it that forces the body to change in a way to avoid pain or further damage.

The body developing changes occurs over a period of time in small instances. Patterns begin to develop and this can be from injuries in the past, poor posture, daily activities, work related issues or lack of mobility in an area. 

Your musculoskeletal system creates new patterns to help decrease pain although in doing so it tightens up and creates stiffness around the spine in turn altering function. This then creates a problem that can cause postural changes and possible acute episodes of pain. As mentioned before many of these issues may be caused by work posture, lifting incorrectly, a poor pillow or poor sleeping conditions. This can usually cause issues such as neck pain, low back soreness and a decrease in both flexibility and mobility of certain regions of the body.

This can become an issue and should be addressed as soon as possible so that the source of pain can be addressed and a health professional can help correct the issue and influence the body in making the right changes to get back on track!

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Low Back Pain Causing a Shift In Posture

What can you do?

  • Seek advice early as it may help decrease the severity of your chronic episode and also prevent it from getting worse.
  • Relapses can be minimised by getting regular check ups to ensure mobility through the joints and tension throughout the muscle is decreased.
  • Being aware of acute episodes or tightness that continues to reoccur and finding a health professional early on before things progress.
  • Find the underlying cause of pain as at times you may find the source of the pain may not be in the area you are feeling it!

When should you seek help?

  • When Numbness or tingling occurs
  • Sharp or shooting pains down either arms or legs 
  • Occurrence of Migraines and Headaches
  • Continuous pain that’s on and off
  • Pain that’s getting worse over time
  • Joint pain or stiffness
  • Changes to posture or scoliosis
  • Pain becoming more frequent and more severe 
  • Pain that is not eased by rest 
  • Pain that’s waking you up at night 
  • Changes in urination
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Migraines and Headaches Caused by Tension

*Note – The longer you take to recognise your pain and do something about it the worse it may get. Getting to the root of the problem early on is ideal as it will help eliminate not only the pain but also enhance overall wellbeing. Get in contact with our team at The Melbourne Chiropractor today and lets get you back on track today!

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Chiropractic Care and How Does It Help?

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Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is recognized as being a way to help decrease pain and increase overall functional well-being. Chiropractor’s may help you achieve a healthier lifestyle by giving you strategies to overcome stress, injuries, pain, and other musculoskeletal conditions. This can all be done with various methods and not one person is treated the same to the other hence why many modalities are used to make the changes needed to make a difference!

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Chiropractic Mobilisation

What Are The Benefits?

Chiropractic care may help improve

  • Flexibility
  • Overall Energy
  • Coordination
  • Mobility
  • Decreased stress
  • Increased productivity and concentration
  • Better emotional wellbeing
  • Increased athletic performance
  • Better sleep (relaxation)

Chiropractic care may help with

Our Chiropractic Approach

At The Melbourne Chiropractor we bring out the best from our patients by striving to achieving health and wellbeing. Our aim is to reach patient goals and from there do our best to continue to exceed our patients expectations. We always try to offer various treatment modalities and our clinic offers that. Some of the things we bring to the table include both Manual adjustive techniques and low force techniques such as drop piece and activator methods. We also offer dry needling and cupping therapy including remedial massage, soft tissue and trigger point therapies. Our clinic not only offers passive care but we also involve the patient into their own care by creating thorough plans to get them back on their feet long term. We do this by supplying the patient with exercises and stretches and we give various options depending on the situation. Usually to get to such a stage we do a thorough examination which enables us to make an accurate judgment of how to guide you through your healthcare journey.

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The Melbourne Chiropractor Treatment Room (Broadmeadows Clinic)

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 at the The Melbourne Chiropractor are here to help get you back on track! BOOK NOW

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Am I Suffering From Tension Headaches?

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Tension Type Headache


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
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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 Your Chiropractor Can Help With Stress!

About Stress

We all become stressed at some time or another and it’s only when your stress levels remain high that it can be damaging to your health and cause pain. Different circumstances affect different people so what stresses one person might not be the same for another. No matter where your stress arises from, the good news is our team at The Melbourne Chiropractor can help.

Why am I so stressed?

Stress usually comes from three areas of life: work, relationships, money. But it can include health problems, pain and postural changes of the spine caused by injury or even stress itself. When we overthink and worry about things tension is built up in the spinal regions. Stress can also be caused by long lasting mental or emotional strain and pressure caused by adverse events, or very demanding life circumstances.

How Do I Know I Am Stressed?

If you are someone who is not coping with stress it can have an adverse effect on the whole body: emotionally, physically and mentally. The more common stress symptoms are:

  • muscle tension
  • chest pain
  • anxiety
  • pain in the lower back
  • lack of focus
  • problems sleeping
  • depression
  • indigestion/reflux
  • tiredness
  • headaches
  • feeling overwhelmed
  • over or under-eating

Can a Chiropractor Decrease Stress?

Chiropractic treatment is able to relieve you of the symptoms. As the body endures more stress it makes it a lot more sensitive to imbalances of a physical nature and to pain. Our Chiropractors can help you reach your functional goals by mobilizing the spinal joints and decreasing tightness in the surrounding musculature, thus relieving pain. When tension builds in your body, the outcome is more often than not soreness or a feeling of tightness in a variety of places.

How often do I need to visit a Chiropractor?

It depends on your circumstances which can include whether or not you are in acute or chronic pain, if you have been suffering from stress for a certain period of time and how often you have been treated in the past. It is always beneficial to have a burst of treatment to start as this enables you to get on top of the problem sooner and decrease its severity in a shorter time frame. Management protocols on a fortnightly or monthly basis can help eliminate stress and keeps you on track to live a better healthier lifestyle.

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