One of the biggest types of stress that can affect our body that is often forgotten, is emotional or mental stress.  In modern society, it can be so hard to switch off and unload the mental burden from the day.  When we have such a high mental burden and are without the means to deal with it, we can trigger a heightened stress response which can lead to adrenal fatigue and burnout in the long term.  Stress can definitely be a factor in acute situations, and it is also often a factor in chronic and hard-to-resolve conditions.
 
While many people may assume that emotions only reside in the brain, it’s now known that the basis of emotions are formed by different hormones, brain chemicals and other molecules in the body.[1]  This is what we refer to as a physiological response.   One of the techniques we utilise at Sprouting Health is a stress-reduction technique called Neuro Emotional Technique (NET).  NET is used by body-oriented practitioners to help physical problems that have an associated stress component. 
 
There are a range of studies that have shown the benefits of NET on physical pain and also traumatic stress symptoms. One study[2] found that after a short course of NET treatment, pain measurements in a cohort of chronic neck pain sufferers were significantly improved when compared to a control group which received a sham protocol of NET. Chronic neck pain sufferers may benefit from NET treatment in the relief of trigger point sensitivity. Further research including long-term randomised controlled trials for the effect of NET on chronic neck pain, and other chronic pain syndromes are recommended.
 
If you are experiencing any chronic pain or feel that your emotional stress may be taking a toll on your physical body, give us a call and we look forward to seeing if we can help manage your symptoms.


[1] Ruff, M., & Caldera, P. (2019, February 12). Candace Pert & the molecules of emotion: Documentary film overview. Candace Pert, PhD. Retrieved March 13, 2022, from http://candacepert.com/news/candace-pert-the-molecules-of-emotion-documentary-film-overview/

[2] Bablis, P., Pollard, H. & Bonello, R. Neuro Emotional Technique for the treatment of trigger point sensitivity in chronic neck pain sufferers: A controlled clinical trial . Chiropr Man Therap 16, 4 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-1340-16-4
 

If you spend a lot of time on your feet, whether it be for work or leisure, you may have experienced painful feet at some point. Either a short or long term issue, this can be a frustrating symptom that has the potential to limit or put a stop to your normal daily activities. If you experience severe pain along the bottom of your foot, there is a chance that you may be suffering from plantar fasciitis. You’ve probably heard of this condition as it isn’t entirely uncommon, and you may also have hear that it is extremely difficult to overcome. While it does come with challenges of treatment and management, the good news is that there are options and your chiropractor may be able to help you manage this!
 
What IS plantar fasciitis?
There is a thick band of tissue running along the bottom of your foot, from your heel to your toes. This band is called the ‘plantar fascia’ and is responsible for protecting the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves of your foot, as well as allowing your foot to function appropriately while you’re on the move. Plantar fasciitis describes an inflammation of the plantar fascia.
 
What causes plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is typically an overuse injury, often seen in individuals who perform high levels of activity or spend large portions of the day on their feet. Other causes can include wearing shoes without appropriate support to the arch of the foot. Being overweight can also cause extra strain on these structures and result in inflammation.
 
How does plantar fasciitis present?
Usually begins as a mild pain that progressively becomes worse but can also present with rapid onset following an event that may aggravate the plantar fascia (change in activity, more time on feet than usual, sporting event). It typically creates a stabbing sensation on the bottom of the foot, most often near the heel but can be in other areas also. Normally a person may report pain with the first few steps getting out of bed in the morning or after periods of rest. Interestingly, the pain is usually worse AFTER exercise rather than during physical activity.
 
How to treat plantar fasciitis?
Your chiropractor can perform adjustments to your feet/ankles/knees/hips/spine which can help to alleviate pressure/pain and allow for appropriate biomechanics, giving your feet the best opportunity to relax and heal. Your chiropractor can also give you some stretches to perform on a daily basis to help relieve tension and alleviate the pain and tension associated with plantar fasciitis.
 
 
Yelverton, C., Rama, S., & Zipfel, B. (2019). Manual therapy interventions in the treatment of plantar fasciitis: A comparison of three approaches. Health SA = SA Gesondheid, 24, 1244. https://doi.org/10.4102/hsag.v24i0.1244
 
Buchanan BK, Kushner D. Plantar Fasciitis. [Updated 2022 Feb 2]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-.

Recurrent headaches have become more prevalent in kids with an annual prevalence of about 5% among 3-year-old children (11). Headaches can affect quality of life in children and perhaps affect their performance in daily activities and school. Children with recurrent headaches have been reported to be more stressful and have higher levels of depression compared to those with none (12).

The cause of headaches in children can be multifactorial. Such causes can be psychological factors, nutrition, socioeconomic factors, and co-morbidities (1, 3, 5, 7, 9). Trauma to the head or neck, as well as prolonged static postures, have also been related to children with headaches (2, 4, 10).

There is some evidence that suggest spinal manipulation can be used to help adults with chronic headaches (10). It is not uncommon for children to receive manipulation for headache since it is common presenting symptom for 11-20% of school aged children and adolescents in chiropractic practice (6).

A recent research study was carried out to investigate more on the effects of chiropractic care and children with headaches. This study was separated into two groups where children in one group received spinal manipulation compared the control group where the children received sham manipulations (8). This study was only carried out for 4 months. The results from this study found that the children who received chiropractic care experienced fewer headaches, but it did not reduce the intensity of the headache. (8)

There still needs to be more research for this result to be conclusive but since manipulation is easily applicable with no or mild side effects, chiropractic spinal manipulation might be considered as a valuable treatment option for your child with a headache.
 
 
References

1. Anttila P, Metsahonkala L, Aromaa M, Sourander A, Salminen J, Helenius H, Alanen P, Sillanpaa M. Determinants of tension-type headache in children. Cephalalgia. 2002;22(5):401–8.
2. Clar C, Tsertsvadze A, Court R, Hundt GL, Clarke A, Sutcliffe P. Clinical effectiveness of manual therapy for the management of musculoskeletal and non-musculoskeletal conditions: systematic review and update of UK evidence report. Chiropr Man Ther. 2014;22(1):12.
3. Erlichman J, Hall A, Dean A, Godwin B, Mascarenhas M. Integrative nutrition for pediatrics. Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care. 2016;46(6):165–71.
4. Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache S. The international classification of headache disorders, 3rd edition (beta version). Cephalalgia. 2013;33(9):629–808.
5. Hetlevik O, Bjorna CH, Lundring IT, Gjesdal S. Adolescents consulting general practitioners for psychological problems-a nationwide, register-based study in Norway. Fam Pract. 2019;36(1):77–83.
6. Hestbaek L, Jorgensen A, Hartvigsen J. A description of children and adolescents in Danish chiropractic practice: results from a nationwide survey. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2009;32(8):607–15.
7. Lateef TM, Merikangas KR, He J, Kalaydjian A, Khoromi S, Knight E, Nelson KB. Headache in a national sample of American children: prevalence and comorbidity. J Child Neurol. 2009;24(5):536–43.
8. Lynge, S., Dissing, K.B., Vach, W. et al. Effectiveness of chiropractic manipulation versus sham manipulation for recurrent headaches in children aged 7–14 years - a randomised clinical trial. Chiropr Man Therap 29, 1 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12998-020-00360-3
9. Nelson S, Coakley R. The pivotal role of pediatric psychology in chronic pain: opportunities for informing and promoting new research and intervention in a shifting healthcare landscape. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2018;22(11):76.
10. Posadzki P, Ernst E. Spinal manipulations for tension-type headaches: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Complement Ther Med. 2012;20(4):232–9.
11. Singhi S, Jacobs H, Gladstein J. Pediatric headache: where have we been and where do we need to be. Headache. 2014;54(5):817–29.
12. Termine C, Ozge A, Antonaci F, Natriashvili S, Guidetti V, Wober-Bingol C. Overview of diagnosis and management of paediatric headache. Part II: therapeutic management. J Headache Pain. 2011;12(1):25–34.

13.    Weber Hellstenius SA. Recurrent neck pain and headaches in preadolescents associated with mechanical dysfunction of the cervical spine: a cross-sectional observational study with 131 students. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2009;32(8):625–34.

1. Wilson MC, Krolczyk SJ. Pediatric post-traumatic headache. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2006;10(5):387–90.