​Knocks and bumps are part of life. It may be accidental or perhaps as part of certain physical activities or sports. Besides concussion, knocks and bumps to the head or neck region can certainly impact the upper cervical spine. The birthing process alone can create upper cervical subluxation on little humans; and the impact of it may not be detected immediately or emphasized by conventional health providers and their interventions. Various dysfunctions and different presentations developed through the lifetime may well be linked to upper cervical dysfunction.
 
So, it’s not just neck pain. This is why it is important to look after your upper cervical spine:

1. Spinal Cord Tension – Dentate ligament tension can distort spinal cord structure, leading to system wide dysfunction
2. Cerebral hypoperfusion – Tension in arterial and venous system can lead to oxygen and nutrient deprivation to the brain
3. Cerebrospinal fluid pooling – CSF pooling can result in inadequate drainage, increasing pressure and neuroinflammation
4. Maladaptive neuroplasticity – Maladaptive brain can lead to Neuro, Endocrine, and Immune system dysfunction and widespread autonomic deficit
5. Sensorimotor integration errors – Poor sensorimotor integration disrupting motor planning, balance and coordination
6. Increased stress – Chronic overactive sympathetic nervous system reduces the capacity to prepare for, adapt and recover from stress
7. Chronic pain – Inflammation and muscle tension resulting in stimulation of nociceptive (pain) fibres resulting in increased intensity and sensitivity to pain

 
Chiropractic care observes the interconnectedness of the upper cervical function with overall body function. Chiropractic adjustments can correct the upper cervical subluxation, restore proper function and help the body to heal better. If you desire optimal function, get your upper cervical checked by a Chiropractor, book in a consult with us!
 
References:
Ogura T, Tashiro M, Masud M, Watanuki S, Shibuya K, Yamaguchi K, Itoh M, Fukuda H, Yanai K. Cerebral metabolic changes in men after chiropractic spinal manipulation for neck pain. Alternative Therapies in Health & Medicine. 2011 Nov 1;17(6).
 
Lelic D, Niazi IK, Holt K, Jochumsen M, Dremstrup K, Yielder P, Murphy B, Drewes AM, Haavik H. Manipulation of dysfunctional spinal joints affects sensorimotor integration in the prefrontal cortex: a brain source localization study. Neural plasticity. 2016;2016(1):3704964.
 
Tracey I, Mantyh PW. The cerebral signature for pain perception and its modulation. Neuron. 2007 Aug 2;55(3):377-91.
 
Surgical Neurology Vol51 (5,) May 1999, Pp 500-505
 
www.chiropracticneuroscience.com – Dr Monique Andrews

​When we experience back pain, it can be hard to understand where the pain is coming from – whether it be a disc, a joint, or your muscles! However, most people do not know that our back pain can also be a result of our gut inflammation!
 
Gut inflammation can occur for several reasons, but a lot of the time it can be due to an imbalance of certain bacteria, fungi, viruses or more! For example, the Candida Albicans fungi can overgrow in our intestines when our gut microbiota is not intact.
 
Your gut works hard to keep you healthy, so we must work hard to keep our gut healthy! Gut bloating, belching, passing gas, heartburn, intestinal pain, constipation and/or diarrhea are all symptoms of gut inflammation which can ultimately affect our pain levels that present in our back and even our hips!
 
When our body is in “fight or flight” for extended periods of time, our digestion shuts down because your body is under stress and is focusing on keeping you alive, therefore your digestion isn’t an immediate concern.
 
When our digestion capability is compromised, it is important to try and encourage it to be better in any way that we can – this means feeding it food and nutrients that it likes and can re-create an effective microbiome. Research shows you may experience less low back pain when you limit: Alcohol, caffeine, simple sugars, refined foods, fried foods, gluten, and dairy.
 
Proper nutrition cannot eliminate all pain, especially among patients with chronic pain and inflammation, but it is a great place to start. A healthy diet and a healthy gut can help your body reduce inflammation substantially.
 
When combining a healthy diet with chiropractic care, you are giving your nervous system the best chance to thrive and have proper function restored. We want to remove the interference to the body’s natural processes. Combining a healthy diet with a chiropractic care management plan, proper hydration, exercise, and stress reduction is a fantastic way to help lower inflammation in your body and gut.
 
References:
 
https://www.physicaltherapystudiocity.com/post/gut-and-back-pain

What is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin produced in the skin during sun exposure. It also comes from dietary sources like fish, fortified foods and supplements when necessary. Whilst vitamin D is known to help absorb calcium and maintain strong bones, its benefits extend beyond the skeletal system. Vitamin D receptors are present on immune cells and known to have a direct effect on immune system regulation. (1)
How Vitamin D supports the Immune System:

• Stimulates antimicrobial peptides- Vitamin D triggers the production of specific peptides called cathelicidin and defensins, which have antiviral and antibacterial properties (2).
• Supports immune cell function- It enhances the performance of T-cells and macrophages, cells that are critical in defending against pathogens (1).
• Reduces inflammation- it helps prevent excessive inflammatory responses, reducing the risk of chronic inflammation (3).

Why Vitamin D Deficiency is Common
Even in areas like Australia known for their sunshine, vitamin D deficiency is still surprisingly common. Factors that contribute include

• Spending more time indoors (especially in winter)
• Aging skin which can reduce vitamin D production
• Chronic health conditions or gut issues that affect absorption.

It is estimated that up to 31% of Australian adults have insufficient vitamin D levels, particularly in winter (4).
Tips for Supporting Vitamin D Levels

1. Get more sunlight – aiming for 10-30 mins a day of sun on the arms and legs, several times per week.
2. Eating Vitamin D rich foods – including salmon, egg yolks, fortified foods including milks and cereals, mushrooms.
3. Consider supplementation- consult your healthcare professional if supplements would be required, especially if a lot of time is spent indoors.

Vitamin D is a critical nutrient for immune resilience, inflammation control and infection prevention. This, combined with regular care, sunshine, good nutrition and stress management should be a key part of your wellness criteria, especially in our colder winter months.
 
References

1. Aranow C. Vitamin D and the immune system. J Investig Med. 2011;59(6):881–886.
2. White JH. Vitamin D signalling, infectious diseases, and regulation of innate immunity. Infect Immun. 2008;76(9):3837–3843.
3. Mora JR, Iwata M, von Andrian UH. Vitamin effects on the immune system: vitamins A and D take centre stage. Nat Rev Immunol. 2008;8(9):685–698.
4. Australian Bureau of Statistics. Vitamin D levels in Australians, 2011–12. ABS Catalogue No. 4364.0.55.006. Canberra: ABS; 2014.

        How Weather Affects Arthritis – And Why It’s Becoming More Common

Many people living with arthritis will tell you: they can feel the weather in their bones. For decades, people have reported that cold, damp, or stormy weather worsens their joint pain. While the exact science behind this connection is still under investigation, a combination of environmental and demographic factors may explain why arthritis is both widespread and increasingly impactful.
The Weather-Arthritis Connection
Changes in the weather — particularly drops in barometric pressure — are thought to influence how tissues and joints behave. When pressure falls, tissues may expand slightly, leading to increased pressure on joints. This can make symptoms like stiffness, swelling, and pain worse, especially in those with inflammatory types of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.
Cold temperatures can also cause muscles to contract and joints to stiffen, further contributing to discomfort. High humidity and rain are also commonly associated with increased joint sensitivity, though more research is needed to fully understand why.
The Role of an Ageing Population
One reason arthritis is becoming more prevalent is the ageing global population. As people live longer, chronic conditions like arthritis naturally become more common. Age-related wear and tear on joints, combined with slower regeneration of cartilage and tissues, makes older adults particularly vulnerable to osteoarthritis. This demographic shift means healthcare systems must increasingly adapt to meet the needs of people with chronic musculoskeletal conditions.
Chiropractic Care and Arthritis Relief
While conventional treatments like medication and physical therapy are widely used, complementary therapies are gaining attention. Chiropractic care offers a drug free approach which involves the manual adjustment of the spine and joints — has shown promise in managing arthritis symptoms, particularly in cases involving the spine and lower back.
A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic interventions may help improve joint mobility, reduce pain, and enhance quality of life in patients with osteoarthritis.(1) Chiropractic care can also help by improving posture, reducing muscle tension, and promoting better movement patterns, all of which may ease strain on arthritic joints.
Managing Arthritis Proactively
If you’re dealing with arthritis that flares with the weather, or you're exploring supportive therapies, here are some practical steps. Stay warm: Dress in layers, use heating pads, and consider warm baths to ease stiffness. Exercise regularly: Gentle activity like walking, yoga, or swimming helps maintain joint flexibility.


Arthritis might be common, especially among older adults, but with the right care and proactive management — including staying informed about weather impacts and available therapies — it doesn’t have to control your life.

Reference

1.         Thorman P, Dixner A, Sundberg T. Effects of Chiropractic Care on Pain and Function in Patients With Hip Osteoarthritis Waiting for Arthroplasty: A Clinical Pilot Trial. Journal of Manipulative & Physiological Therapeutics. 2010;33(6):438-44.