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Getting rid of Herniated disc

Introduction A pinched nerve on the neck causes muscle numbness and weakness and radiates a lot of pain on the shoulder and arm. It is an irritating experience that most people, especially athletes do not like to undergo. The traumatic episode of cervical radiculopathy also called a pinched nerve requires special attention to get rid of. Our Turramurra clinic has specialists who will help you lose a pinched nerve on the neck. Taking on different exercises will also help do away with your traumatic experience and get back to your daily activities including sports. Athletes never want to lose time away from their activities and leaving a pinched nerve unattended will lead to complications and more discomfort. Symptoms of a pinched nerve Identifying a herniated disc is not complicated. The building pain from the disc pushing onto the neck nerves starts at the neck and moves down to the arms. • The pain is sharp or a burning sensation that causes great discomfort. • Movements of the neck or the damaged nerve area increase the pain. • Tingling in the hands or fingers. • Loss of sensation. • Muscle weakness on the shoulder, hand, or arm. • Pins and needles. • Poor motion range of the neck. Exercises for a pinched nerve in the neck There are specific exercises proven to help avert the pain caused by a pinched nerve in the neck. These exercises are aimed at relieving the pain in the neck and arms to help retain normal neck functioning. They also help improve neck motion range and strengthen the muscles in the neck. Gentle stretches, activities, or exercises push the disc back from the nerve area or root. Traction movements of the neck are effective in gently stretching the neck muscles and joints to stop the pain. The flexibility of the nerves in the neck, back, arms and spin are regained with specific and gentle care. Neck stretch exercise Neck stretches should not increase the pain. If the stretch increases the pain we recommend you stop the neck stretches and try a new approach. • Neck extension exercises where one lies on their back on a bed or table with the neck at the edge and gently lowering and letting your head hang. Hold the position and repeat a couple of times. • Neck extension with head lift. This is the same exercise as the neck extension but you try to raise your head gently against gravity. • Neck retraction exercise where you lie on your back and tuck your chin towards the chest to make a double chin and repeat the process. • Shoulder retraction exercises. You sit or stand against a wall, arms by your side, and bend the elbows to 90 degrees then lower the shoulders down and back, and then push the arms towards the wall as you squeeze together the shoulder blades. • Isometric hold, where one sits up and relaxes their shoulders with the hand placed on the forehead. You then press your head into your hands without any head movements. Gentle follow-up activities • Swimming • Cycling • Yoga • Walking Avoid high-impact exercises that will increase pain to the healing area such as jumping, powerlifting, running or exercises that require sharp movement of the neck or wide range motion of the neck.

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Chiropractic care and the brain

The brain is the most multifaceted part of the human body. It is the heart of mindfulness and it also monitors all controlled and uncontrolled movement in addition to body functions. It interconnects with every single part of the body via the nervous system, which is a complex of networks that transmit electrochemical signals.

The nervous system

The nervous system is divided into two portions which both play an important role in the body. These two division comprises the Central nervous system and the Peripheral nervous system.

Unique functions of the nervous system

1. Gathers signal from both inner part and outer part of the body

2. Transmit that gathered information to the processing zones in the brain and spinal cord.

3. Process transmitted information in the central nervous system

4. Transfer signal back to muscles, glands, organs thus generating the required response.

The Central nervous system

As mention above, the central nervous system is made up of the brain and spinal cord. This two-portion are very delicate as a result, they are perfectly encased by the bone.

The unique function of the central nervous system

The central nervous system being the communication and coordination system in the body, it plays the following roles

• Obtains messages from stimuli all over the body

• Infer the stimuli

• React to the messages and transmit activity.

The brain

The brain is one of the principals and most multifaceted organs in the human body. It comprises of more than 100 billion nerves that interconnect in a series of the network called synapses.

Component of the brain and their function

The brain is made up of several specified areas that operate together. This specialized area includes;

• The cortex is the outermost layer of brain chambers. It controls thinking and voluntary movements.

• The brain stem is situated between the spinal cord and the other area of the brain. Control respiration and sleep.

• The basal ganglia situated in the Centre of the brain. It organizes messages amid multiple brain areas.

• The cerebellum is another important part that is responsible for coordination and balance.

Lobes of the brain

The brain is divided into the following lobes:

• The frontal lobes are accountable for problem-solving plus judgment and motor function.

• The parietal lobes which bring about sensation, handwriting, plus body position.

• The temporal lobes responsible for memory and hearing and finally the occipital lobe which controls vision.

Just as mention above, the brain is the regulatory center of the body. It regulates thoughts, memory, speech, and movement and many more. It adjusts the function of many organs. When the brain is well, it mechanizes quickly and automatically. But when problems transpire, the results can be upsetting.

Many problems such as inflammation, brain tumours can transpire in your brain leading to memory loss, loss of vision, a problem with motion and many more. This problem can be permanent when care is not considered. Imagine losing your vision just like that, it’s very upsetting.

When faced with brain problem, Chiropractic adjustments is all you need. A chiropractic adjustment is known worldwide to improve brain function in almost every phase of human presentation. Every human being deserves this care and remembers, this care work very well and it has never failed.

Don't allow yourself to lose your brain function permanently, seek chiropractor and for sure, you will never regret it.

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What Is Mal De Debarquement Syndrome?

When you go out to the sea on a cruise ship, usually, your body and brain have to get used to that constant motion. It is known as “getting your sea legs”; it normally keeps you crashing into the wall whenever the ship bobs down or up.  After a cruise, you will need time to get back your land legs. Usually, this occurs within a few hours or minutes, but it can sometimes take up to two days. However, with MdDS (mal de debarquement syndrome), you cannot shake the feeling that you are still on the boat. The phrase means “illness of disembarkment” in French.  Who Can Get MdDS?  When you get MdDS, you will feel like you are swaying or rocking even though you are not. This can happen to anyone; however, it is more common in women who are aged between 30 and 60. It isn't clear if your hormones play a role. Also, those who get migraines have a high chance of getting this neurological condition, but doctors are not sure how these two conditions are linked.  Symptoms of MdDS  Mainly, you will feel like you are swaying, rocking or bobbing when without any reason. You might feel like you are unsteady and even start staggering a bit.  Other Symptoms  • Having a hard time focusing  • Feeling very tired  • Depression  • Confusion  • Anxiety  The symptoms might go away when you are riding in a train or car, but they will return when you stop moving. They will worsen with:  • Intense visual activity, such as playing video games.  • Trying to be still; for instance, when you are going to sleep.  • Tiredness  • Stress  • Flickering lights  • Fast movement  • Being in a closed-in space  Diagnosing MdDS  Diagnosis of mal de debarquement is often performed by excluding other conditions, and the tests involved are usually unpleasant. Travelling for the MdDS diagnosis is contra-indicated for those suffering from this condition, especially if you are in remission, which will create further problems if you need an official diagnosis.  MdDS Treatment Options  The condition has been recognised and researched for many years; the cause has been difficult to find and researchers worldwide continue to hypothesize. Studies suggest a connection with a migraine variant or related to a condition called motion sickness. The majority agrees that it's a neurological condition.  These are very limited in most parts of the world. You can be referred for VRT (vestibular rehabilitation therapy). The problem is that you have to travel for this. Although VRT can restore your sense of physical confidence, the therapy can hike levels of symptom, especially if you over-do the exercises.  Neuro-Physiotherapy  There's good evidence from anecdotes that neurological physiotherapy is beneficial. Accessing this therapy, however, can be impossible or problematic.  The outlook for people suffering from MdDS was gloomy until recently. Recent research has led to the development of 2 potential protocols MdDS treatment: cranial stimulation and optokinetic stimulation. The ultimate goal is an effective protocol that you can use while at home. Great progress in the past few years has given patients with MdDS a renewed sense of optimism.

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Plagiocephaly Infographic by Chatfield Chiropractic

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More than just a headache... Do you suffer from migraines?

Let’s just look at a rather startling statistic, one which may surprise you – BUPA has stated that around two million Australians alone are affected regularly by migraine attacks. That’s actually more than startling, that’s worrying, and for those who are affected, the days which are blighted by such a condition are painful, distressing, and extremely long.

Why is this figure so high? Well, health professionals put this partly down to the lifestyles we lead nowadays, full of stress, not enough sleep, unhealthy food choices, and too much alcohol at the weekends. Of course, this isn’t the only reason, but it’s certainly one that we should be taking note of.

If you’re one of those two million Australians then you will understand completely the debilitating nature of a migraine attack, and even if you only suffer from the lesser kind, a migraine with aura, then you will still be more than grateful to find a treatment option which works for you. Put simply, migraines aren’t fun, and they certainly aren’t just a bad headache, which they often get unfairly labelled as.

Luckily, help is at hand, and chiropractic treatment could be the answer to your migraine-free prayers. Here at Eastland Chiropractic we see and treat countless people, just like you, who are all wanting an effective treatment option to lessen the frequency of their migraine attacks, and to be able to pinpoint their exact cause and trigger. Of course, triggers are entirely personal, so a one on one approach is required. Ringwood chiropractor, Dr Leask, is highly skilled in the gentle stretching movements and manipulations which work together with other holistic based options, all making up the effectiveness of chiropractic in treating migraine sufferers.

Of course, identifying your personal trigger is a good first go-to, and we can help you successfully pin-point what kicks off your migraine, whether you suffer from migraine with aura, or the worst kind – migraine without aura. For many people this could be due to hormonal fluctuations at certain times of the month, a response to a stressful time in their lives, an ingredient they are particularly sensitive to in a food or drink, an unhealthy sleep pattern, or even a perfume or odour which causes the onset of a migraine. Whatever your personal trigger, identification and avoidance is a good first step, combined with chiropractic to help lessen the severity and frequency of migraine attacks.

A migraine is not just a headache, and it is certainly not something to be taken lightly. If you are a regular sufferer, then call the practice now on 03 9095 7990 to arrange an appointment to find out more about how chiropractic treatment could be a fantastic first step towards a migraine free, or at least a less affected, life. There is no need to take to your bed in darkness so frequently anymore, so take that first step towards help, and look forward to taking back control of your life.

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12 Reasons to Wear Your Baby

If you’re one of many mothers who carries her baby in a carseat when you’re out and about, you’re not doing yourself or your baby any favors.  If you haven’t started to experience pain in your shoulders, neck, or back, you can expect to as your baby grows.  Besides this, babies are hardwired to want to be close to you, and will be happier when held.

Much as you might like to, you really can’t just hold your baby all the time, or can you? Actually, with babywearing, you can. Babywearing helps you hold your baby while freeing your hands to do other things.  There are several benefits to babywearing for both you and baby. Here are just a few:

1.   Convenience - Babywearing can offer the perfect compromise when your baby wants to be held, but you have things to do.  It also makes it easier to get around stores with narrow aisles, crowded places, or uneven terrain.

2.   Comfort - Trying to hold your baby while you’re up and around gets tiring. Babywearing places most of the the baby’s weight on your hips, with some of the weight distributed across your back and shoulders.  

3.   Workout - As a new mom, you’re lucky to find time for a nap and a shower, forget exercise.  With babywearing, not only are you able to get up and move around more, you will burn more calories with the same activities thanks to carrying the extra weight.

4.   Closeness - Babywearing not only keeps your baby physically close to you, it keeps you emotionally connected to your baby.  The closer you are, the more aware you are of baby’s needs, and able to tend to those needs often before baby starts to fuss for your attention.

5.   Happy baby - No explanation needed.

6.   Cost - Compared to many strollers, baby slings are inexpensive. The options are many, but when the budget is tight, babywearing can be done with little more than a couple of yards of fabric and perhaps an internet video to show you how to do it.

7.   Soothe baby - Babies are calmed by the sounds of mother’s heartbeat, her smell, the sound of her voice, and the rhythms of her movement.  It makes sense, these things are a baby’s whole world before birth.

8.   Calms upset tummies - Many babies suffer from gas, reflux, or colic. The upright position and gentle pressure on baby’s tummy can help relieve the discomfort of these issues.

9.   Physical development - The rhythms of your movements while wearing baby as you go through your day helps develop baby’s sense of balance and coordination.  Some studies have shown that premature babies who are worn gain weight faster than those who are not.

10.   Safety - Small children have a tendency to wander away, usually the second you turn your head.  Wearing your small child in crowds or potentially dangerous situations can keep him safe.

11.  Emotional security - Most carriers can support up to 35 to 40 pounds, or more, great for averting a meltdown in a toddler who is becoming overstimulated.

12.   Learning - Babywearing increases the amount of time babies spend in the quiet alert state associated with learning and interaction with the environment and caregivers.  This state is the state in which most of baby’s learning happens.

Babywearing does not need to be limited to just mom.  Dads, grandparents, and other caregivers can and should get in on the babywearing action.  All of the above benefits apply, no matter who is wearing the baby.

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Risk of Falling

According to Dr. Skelton and Professor Todd,coordinators of the Prevention of Falls Network Europe (ProFaNE), a fall is an event in a person coming to rest on the ground, floor, or other lower level suddenly and without warning, as a consequence of a medical condition, a violent blow, an accident, and loss of consciousness.   A fall is a major issue for public health particularly among older people or those from the high-risk population compounded by a serious health problem that requires admission or immediate medical assistance.

Risk of Falling Facts

Falls become more frequent with increasing age according to various research studies about falls and fall-related injuries shows that falls  It is the leading cause of admission to hospitals or residential care settings with or without serious any injuries among older people.  To have a clearer picture of how big the public health problem is, let's have a brief overview of falls incidence statistics from a variety of studies in different countries:

·         Fall is the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries among the elderly, half occur in their own home

·         One out of three older adults ages 65 and older falls each year, but less than half report the incident to their healthcare providers

·         30% of people over 65 and 50% of those over 80 fall each year

·         20 - 30% of those who fall suffer injuries that lessen mobility and independence and increase the risk of premature death

·         Falls are recorded as a contributing factor in 40% of admissions to nursing homes

·         Approximately half of all fallers who fracture their hips are never functional walkers again and 20% will die within six months

·         Most non-injurious falls (75%-80%) are never reported to health professionals

Medical conditions associated with the Risk of Falling

The risk of falling increases with the aging process as the body undergoes age-related physical and cellular changes.  Although anyone can fall, ageing makes a person vulnerable to health problems that can cause falling.  Growing old can limit our everyday activities which puts the elderly at a higher risk of falling and the top in the high-risk population when it comes to falling. Poor eyesight, weakened muscle, and reduced reaction time are typical characteristics of old age.

We cannot dismiss the fact that physical changes and deteriorating health conditions are part of aging. However, there are certain health problems even when acquired at a younger age can increase your risk of falling. Knowing these medical conditions can help you understand your risks.  If you have a Heart disease or failure, suffered from a stroke in the past, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, or arthritis, has a low blood pressure, vision problems and mental confusion, then falls can be a big concern.  Heart diseases can cause balance problems which can result to fall-related injuries. Stroke can compromise a person's ability to move safely as sensory imbalances occur during the attack.  Low blood pressure is a common cause of falling because of dizziness or fainting. A person with Parkinson’s disease is likely to have tremors and stiff muscles, which can result to frequent falls and balance problems.  

The Risk of Falling

No matter how careful we are, we can always fall. The good news is there are many things that you and your family can do to reduce the risk of falling and prevent future falls. Aside from maintaining a safe environment for the younger generation, full awareness of what's going on for the young adults, you can also reduce the risk of falling among the older people in your home.  You can employ a healthcare provider to assist the elderly living at home.

Healthcare experts are fully aware that different people have different needs.  Identification of the high-risk population and knowledge of the complex causal interaction between risk factors and fall occurrence are important in mapping preventive measure across all ages.  Always remember that falling shouldn't be dismissed, especially if it happened frequently causing any type of discomfort.  A visit to a falls clinic or consultation from a specialist is recommended in this case.

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We Heart It.

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Kyle Anderson Brooklyn, NY

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