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Disc Bulges & How Chiropractic Care Can Help

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Disc Bulges

When it comes to spinal health, many individuals are familiar with terms like “herniated disc,” “sciatica,” or “lower back pain.” However, one term that often arises yet may not be fully understood is “disc bulge.” This blog aims to shed light on what disc bulges are, their symptoms, causes, and how chiropractic care can play a vital role in managing and alleviating the discomfort associated with this condition.

What is a Disc Bulge?

The spine consists of a series of vertebrae, which are cushioned by intervertebral discs. These discs absorb shock and allow for flexibility in movement. A disc bulge occurs when the outer layer of the disc—the annulus fibrosus—begins to weaken or become damaged, causing the inner gel-like substance (nucleus pulposus) to protrude outward. This bulging can place pressure on nearby nerves and cause discomfort.

Symptoms of a Disc Bulge

A disc bulge can present a variety of symptoms, including:

  • Pain: Often localized in the lower back, neck, or the affected region, this pain may radiate into the arms or legs depending on the location of the bulge.
  • Numbness or Tingling: Pressure on nerves can lead to sensations of numbness or tingling in specific areas.
  • Weakness: In some cases, there may be muscle weakness in the affected areas, impacting mobility and strength.
  • Restrictions in Movement: Many individuals experience reduced range of motion, making daily activities challenging.

Causes of Disc Bulges

Disc bulges can arise from a multitude of factors, including:

  • Age: As we age, the discs lose water content and elasticity, making them more prone to bulging.
  • Degenerative Disc Disease: Wear and tear from everyday activities over time can weaken discs.
  • Injury: Trauma from accidents, falls, or heavy lifting can contribute to disc bulging.
  • Poor Posture: Prolonged poor posture can strain the spine and its discs.
  • Genetics: A family history of spine problems may increase the risk of developing disc issues.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Chiropractic care focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular disorders, with an emphasis on treatment through manual adjustment and manipulation of the spine. Here’s how chiropractic care can be beneficial for those with disc bulges:

  1. Pain Relief: Chiropractic adjustments can alleviate pain by restoring proper alignment to the spine and decreasing nerve irritation.
  2. Improved Mobility: Regular chiropractic adjustments can help enhance range of motion, enabling individuals to perform daily tasks with greater ease.
  3. Reducing Inflammation: Specific techniques used in chiropractic care can reduce inflammation around the affected area, leading to less pain and discomfort.
  4. Strengthening Exercises: Chiropractors often incorporate therapeutic exercises that focus on strengthening the core and supporting muscles, which can help stabilize the spine and reduce the risk of further injury.
  5. Education on Posture and Ergonomics: Chiropractors can provide guidance on proper posture and ergonomics to prevent strain on the spine, promoting long-term spinal health.
  6. Holistic Approach: Chiropractic care emphasizes the treatment of the whole person, considering lifestyle and overall health, which can contribute to more effective long-term outcomes.

Conclusion

Living with a disc bulge doesn’t have to be a life sentence of pain and discomfort. With a comprehensive understanding of this condition and the support of chiropractic care, individuals can find relief and regain their quality of life. If you or someone you know is struggling with a disc bulge, consider consulting with a licensed chiropractor who can tailor a treatment plan to your specific needs. Embrace the journey to improved spinal health and well-being!

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Shooting Pain Down the Leg? Sciatica!

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Sciatic Pain

Suffering from that usual shooting pain down the leg? Find out in this blog the reasons of why it can occur and why it is a common back problem in today’s society!

What Is Sciatic Pain?

Sciatic pain also known as sciatica is an issue that causes compression of the sciatic nerve. This can be caused by many different joints, muscles and tendons in the body. Because of its origin and dense musculature surrounding, makes it susceptible to pinching.

Why Is Sciatica A Common Issue?

Sciatica is a common issue in this generation due to the amount of sitting and slouching at desks. Not only do people work from home but the issue with this is people seating arrangements. Ergonomic seating is a big issue and is a necessity to improve worker satisfaction and longevity in any business.

How Does Sciatica Occur?

Sciatic pain can be caused by many different things. This can involve muscles such as the piriformis which is located in the buttock region. It can also be caused by compression of the spinal nerves in the lower lumbar spine or pelvic joint. Each of these problems can be exacerbated with previous injuries which have caused spinal trauma such as disc bulges or fractures.

How Can Chiropractors Help?

Chiropractors examine the area that is pressuring the nerve. Being experts in both joints and muscles allows chiropractors to pin point the underlying issue and improve the symptoms from the get go. Chiropractors may use spinal adjustments or soft tissue therapy depending on the severity of the sciatic pain. Low force techniques such as activator methods and pelvic blocking may be used on patients with moderate-severe inflammation.

If you are someone currently suffering with Sciatic pain or just a general back pain our team of chiropractors can help get you back on track! We also offer Remedial Massage which may be of benefit if tight muscles are a cause of the issue.

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Back Supports? The Big Problem

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Back Support

Back supports are a big part of the problem when it comes to back pain and decreasing the amount of time it takes to recover. You may ask why? This is what we will be explaining in this blog about back supports!

What Do Back Supports Achieve?

Back supports aim to increase the pressure around your abdominal muscle bellies to help prevent and secure you from over stretching or exerting yourself. Depending on the brace they may allow for the body to maintain a certain posture.

Why Are Back Supports Bad?

Back supports are great for maintaining certain positions when muscles are being engaged and you work a physical job although whilst sitting at a desk or driving a car this is when back support braces can cause more harm than good.

How Do Back Supports Negatively Impact Back Pain?

Long hours of back support during sedentary types of activity can cause muscles to weaken to the point where you are unable to function without the brace! Muscles get lazy if they are no being worked and being that the brace is doing their job for them the body begins to weaken in those regions.

What Is The Best Way To Target Back Pain?

Back pain sucks and it shouldn’t be something that stops you from living your life. The easiest way to start your journey is to visit a healthcare professional. Usually it is best to make an initial appointment and find out what is actually going on. No back pain is the same and should not be treated the same either.

How Do Chiropractors Help?

Our Chiropractors help by first assessing and diagnosing the problem at hand. Then after soft tissue therapies and chiropractic adjustments are used, with a combination of other various techniques to help decrease not only the pain but improve the overall function of the body.

If you are someone that is currently suffering from back pain our chiropractors can help get you back on track today!

Book online today or call on 9302 1023 to book your first appointment today.

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3 Easy Ways To Manage Your Sciatica!

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Sciatic Pain

Sciatica is a term used for a pain that shoots down one or at times both sides of the legs. This is a cause from irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. This is a common issue with people suffering from sciatica hence why many have heard of this term before. In this blog we will be talking about the common causes of sciatica and how we can manage this condition!

Common Causes Of Sciatica

  • Disc protrusion in the lower back causing inflammation and compression of the sciatic nerve
  • Bone or disc degeneration in the lower back region
  • Spondylolisthesis
  • Tight Piriformis Muscle causing compression of the sciatic nerve – most common cause due to over-sitting

3 Ways To Manage Sciatica

  • Avoid prolonged sitting and get moving more!
  • Stretching and exercising the lower back and glute muscles to reduce tension within the area!
  • Seeing a chiropractor! Chiropractors are able to alleviate symptoms of sciatica by decompressing the spine and reducing tension within the piriformis muscle if its causing symptoms.

*Our Chiropractors are upskilled in many areas of rehabilitation. If you are someone who is suffering from sciatica or sciatic like pains book an appointment today or give our team a call today on 9376 2002 at The Melbourne Chiropractor to find out how we can help you out today!

*You Can Visit Us At Any Of Our 3 Locations – Broadmeadows – Westmeadows – Fawkner

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Can Chiropractic Care Help Pelvic Instability?

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Good vs Bad Pelvic Tilt

The pelvis has several nerves and muscles that pass through the area and refer to each other depending on the issue at hand. Pelvic pain is a complaint that may be experienced typically at the base of the low back, the Sacro iliac joints (SIJ) or in the sides of the gluteus maximus muscles.

What are the causes of pelvic pain?

Anterior Pelvic Tilt

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Anterior pelvic tilts occur when the pelvis is moved towards the front of the pubis and the SIJ’s are lifted upwards. The feeling of this can be one of an extenuated low back curve which may be uncomfortable or even painful. 

Posterior Pelvic Tilt

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Posterior pelvic tilts occur when the pelvis tilts backwards lowering the SIJ’s and bringing the pubis up. The feeling can be that of stiffness and a loss of the lumbar curve which can cause increased pressure on the intervertebral discs which may lead to degeneration.

Lateral Pelvic Tilt

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Lateral pelvic tilt causes changes to “leg length”. This can also be caused by scoliosis of the lumbar spine and can cause instability between both sides of the body. This can lead to one side of the body in more pain than the other side and cause discrepancies in muscle tone between both sides.

Pelvic Instability

Pelvic Instability can be caused by trauma such as dislocation of the pubic symphysis during childbirth or changes to the sacroiliac joints where they become affected.

Symptoms of an anterior pelvic tilt can include pain at the base of the low back, a feeling of having tight low back muscles, thighs or hamstrings, or feeling a lack of strength in the gluteus and core muscles.

What are the symptoms of pelvic pain?

How can Chiropractic Care Help?

Chiropractic Care helps with pelvic concerns as joint mobilization and muscle relaxation helps with changing overall biomechanics. Pelvic pain due to tilting or rotation can be alleviated with simple spinal adjusting which involves the chiropractor in using a force that moves the joints into a particular range back to its “regular” state. A chiropractor may also use low force techniques such as drop piece or pelvic blocks which help to encourage the pelvis to sit in a more comfortable position to alleviate pain. The main goal of our team of chiropractors at The Melbourne Chiropractor is to restore mobility, range of motion, decrease overall pain and reset the joints out of alignment to help correct posture in the affected region/s. BOOK NOW

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Our Broadmeadows Massage Clinic is located on 1 Paris Rd, Broadmeadows, Just off Camp Road
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Can Chiropractors Help With Back Pain?

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Chiropractic Treatment Low Back Pain

Back pain is known as the most common cause of bodily pain in Australia. It affects up to 90% of the population at least once throughout their life. There are many different forms of back pain ranging from acute to chronic with various symptoms associated with it. They may include radiating pain down the legs or pins and needles in lower body regions.

The Most Common Causes of Back Pain Include:

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Low Back Pain Causing Dysfunction

How to help manage back pain

There are several things you can do that may help prevent and manage back pain:

  • Ice or Heat can provide relief in the acute stages (<48 hours).
  • Stretches and exercises specific for low back pain can help improve or even decrease pain.
  • Keep heavy lifting minimal and when doing so using correct technique to do so (knees bent).
  • Keeping active such as a simple walk and decreasing seated activity helps increase mobility and flexibility throughout the area.
  • Visit your allied health professional and see how they can implement certain techniques to alleviate your back pain.
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Using Correct Lifting Techniques

5 ways Chiropractors may be able to help with back pain

Chiropractic care can help alleviate low back pain using just a few ways below:

Spinal Adjustments

Our Chiropractor will assess the areas that are restricted within the spine in both the upper and lower sections to ensure they correct the dysfunctions identified. This will help improve function in the area by reducing tension and alleviating the pain causing the issue. Surrounding areas will also be assessed to ensure that they are not pulling or twisting the area in an unnatural position causing what we think to be the “main” cause of back pain.

Low Back Stretches and Exercises

Low Back exercises and Low Back Stretches may be implemented to help assist with building strength and maintaining flexibility throughout the area of concern. The exercises will be tailored towards what areas of the body need exercise and stretches although general exercises will be given aswell to ensure that the patient has a variety to choose from to suit their needs.

Remedial Massage Therapy, Dry Needling or Cupping

If needed our chiropractors may refer you to our remedial massage therapists or even implement other modalities such as Dry Needling or Cupping to help decrease muscle tightness, especially for people suffering with low back pain.

Posture Checks

Our Chiropractors at The Melbourne Chiropractor understand that different modalities should be used to help alleviate pain and discomfort. there is not one recipe that works for every patient hence why our clinic has various practitioners performing different types of chiropractic care. Posture for low back pain can be a big problem and this is why our chiropractors will check for instability within the hips, changes to toe in and toe out of the foot and changes to upper back and lower back curvature. It is common to find underlying postural related issues that can have an impact long term on recovering from back pain hence why our team take a holistic approach to chiropractic care to ensure everything gets done the right way from the beginning.

Doctor Referrals or Specialists

Our Broadmeadows Chiropractor especially has worked with patients of surgeons who have had spinal fusions or surgeries related to previous low back pain. What we find is patients who have had surgery before have a limitation in low back movement hence why we try to alleviate the tension associated with the area that has been fused. At times we also may refer patients out to surgeons to get a second set of eyes to look at the situation although most of the time we will refer to a doctor to get the right information to proceed. Most times our team of chiropractors will refer for an X-ray and create a report before sending a patient of to a GP for further testing.

If you are someone who is suffering from low back pain and doesn’t know where to start, or wondering what to expect on your first chiropractor visit, our team of chiropractors or remedial massage therapists are more than happy to help you get back on track. You can always contact us or book online @ https://themelbournechiropractor.com.au/book-now

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Best Low Back Stretches in 2022 for Back Pain!

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Low Back Pain

Low Back Pain can become debilitating and extremely annoying when it continues to annoy you throughout the day. Our practitioners have put together for you the Top 3 Low Back Stretches that will help alleviate and minimise your Low Back pain!

Lower Back Erector Spinae Stretch (Lower Back Muscles)
Procedure: (2 Variations)

  • (Seated) Sit on the floor, positioning one leg straight. Cross the other leg over the top
  • Placing your foot on the outside of the thigh
  • Reach your opposite arm over the crossed leg and use it as a lever
    to rotate your trunk.
  • (Laying on your back) Lay on your back with one knee bent
  • The other leg extended.
  • Roll the bent knee over the extended knee
  • Pull it towards the ground with your arm.
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Laying On Back Variation

Recommended Tasks:

  • Hold the stretch for 30 seconds.
  • Perform the stretch 3 times.
  • Rest for 15-30 seconds between stretches.
  • Complete this stretch twice per day.
    Special Instructions:
    • Take the muscle to a point of gentle and comfortable pulling
    • If you feel increasing tightness, discomfort or pain, ease off the stretch until you find a point your muscle can relax
    • Breathe normally throughout, focusing on relaxation

Quadratus Lumborum Stretch (Lower Back stretch)
Procedure: (3 Variations)

  • (Seated) With your body seated, maintain an upright position and with the arm of the side that needs to be stretched
  • Move it overhead and lean across
  • (Standing) put the leg of the side being stretched behind the other
  • Reach with your arm overhead
  • (Standing Ver.2) Using a support with your feet placed together.
  • Reach your arms overhead
  • reach over to the support to stabilise yourself.
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Standing Variation

Recommended Tasks:

  • Hold the stretch for 30 seconds.
  • Perform the stretch 3 times.
  • Rest for 15-30 seconds between stretches.
  • Complete this stretch twice per day.
    Special Instructions:
    • Take the muscle to a point of gentle and comfortable pulling
    • If you feel increasing tightness, discomfort or pain, ease off the stretch until you find a point your
    muscle can relax
    • Breathe normally throughout, focusing on relaxation

Piriformis Stretch (Buttock Stretch)
Procedure: (3 Variations)

  • (Seated) Sit on the floor with your back against a wall (if possible)
  • Start with both legs straight
  • Bring one into your chest (the side needing stretch)
  • Ensure you keep the foot on the ground
  • (Lying down) Lay on your back with your knees bent.
  • Cross one leg (needing the stretch)
  • Rest the ankle on the on the outside of the other thigh.
  • Reach through and grab the back of your thigh
  • Pull it up towards your chest gently until you feel a stretch
  • (Facing the floor) Start on all fours (knees and palms on floor).
  • Cross one leg so the ankle is in front of the other knee.
  • Gently slide the body backwards
  • Keeping the lower leg on the ground.
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Laying Down Variation

Recommended Tasks:

  • Hold the stretch for 30 seconds.
  • Perform the stretch 3 times.
  • Rest for 15-30 seconds between stretches.
  • Complete this stretch twice per day.
    Special Instructions:
    • Take the muscle to a point of gentle and comfortable pulling
    • If you feel increasing tightness, discomfort or pain, ease off the stretch until you find a point your muscle can relax
    • Breathe normally throughout, focusing on relaxation

*Note: If you are suffering from severe Low back pain, shooting pains down the legs, troubles lifting limbs due to soreness, sciatica or joint pain and need more than just a good stretch our team of practitioners are always happy to help and bookings are available online 7 days a week!

https://themelbournechiropractor.com.au/book-now

What Can Our Team Do To Help?

Depending on the severity of the injury or area of concern our practitioners will treat accordingly to your complaint. Treatments that may be provided but are not limited to include:

  • Spinal manipulation, Activator Methods, Drop Piece, SOT and other adjustive techniques can help alleviate joints that have restriction such as spinal segments and joints (LeFebvre, Peterson & Haas, 2012)
  • PNF/PIR/prescribed stretching – Stretching has shown to reduce pain, improve functionality of the wrist and hand also maintains strength and improves patients in both long and short-term outcomes.
  • Remedial Massage, Trigger point therapy or use of handheld massager – Have shown to decrease pain/tenderness, enhance both range of motion and quality of life and influence flexibility (Shah et al., 2015) (Imtiyaz, Veqar & Shareef, 2014)
  • Advice on daily living activities/diet – This enables advice on how to change to make healthy        actions into habits and may offer a valuable alternative with potential for long-term   impact. (Gardner, Lally & Wardle, 2012)
  • Prescribed exercises – produce more beneficial outcomes in terms of increased strength, improved function and reduced pain scores. (Fernandes, Pedrinelli & Hernandez, 2015)
  • Dry Needling or Cupping to the surrounding musculature to help decrease tension and inflammation around the area of the hand and forearm.
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