​Sciatica is a significant burden to healthcare and the economy, due to the neuropathic component in low back pain, it is linked to poorer quality of life and it also increases the already high cost of back pain by a further 67% (1). Do you or a loved one experience sciatica? This is an important article that could make the world of difference to you.
 
“The lifetime incidence of sciatica is reported to be between 10%-40%” (2)
 
Sciatica is usually characterised by pain or paraesthesia within the sciatic nerve distribution, so it is usually back pain accompanied with pain/paraesthesia down the back of the leg, it could be typical pain or it could also be a burning sensation. Though less common, it can also be associated with leg weakness on the side that the sciatic nerve is affected (3).

Opioids are frequently prescribed to treat sciatica, although there is limited evidence of efficacy with this condition (4-7). There is also commonly a range of adverse effects including constipation, dizziness, and sedation and less often, nausea and vomiting. In addition to the potential for misuse, long-term use, dependency, addiction, and respiratory depression leading to death (8). Can chiropractic care help manage sciatica effective enough so that opioids can be avoided?
 
In recent research literature, a search was conducted on the US claims-based data resource of more than 216 million patients, from data ranging from 2009-2024. They looked at patients older than 18 with sciatica, excluding those of post-spine surgery, prior anaesthesia, serious pathology, high risk of ORADEs (opioid-related adverse drug events) and an ORADE £ 1 year prior (9). Of that huge data resource, 372,471 patient data fit the criteria being looked at and were used for this study. The patients were divided into 2 groups, those who received chiropractic care and those who received usual medical care. It was found that adults with sciatica who initially received chiropractic care had a lower risk of an ORADE compared to those who received usual medical care, likely explained by a lower probability of opioid prescription (9). So the findings support chiropractic care for management of sciatica and perhaps reduce the probability to have to turn towards opioids. More research would be needed to further substantiate these findings, though the results are quite positive so far.

So if you want to find out if chiropractic care may help manage sciatica for you or your loved ones, have a chat with one of our chiropractors to see how they can assist.
 
“Where possible it would be more beneficial to turn to natural therapy for support rather than pharmaceuticals”
 
 
References
1. Schmidt, C.O., Schweikert, B., Wenig, C.M., Schmidt, U., Gockel, U., Freynhagen, R., Tölle, T.R., Baron, R. and Kohlmann, T., 2009. Modelling the prevalence and cost of back pain with neuropathic components in the general population. European Journal of Pain, 13(10), pp.1030-1035.
2. Stafford, M.A., Peng, P. and Hill, D.A., 2007. Sciatica: a review of history, epidemiology, pathogenesis, and the role of epidural steroid injection in management. British journal of anaesthesia, 99(4), pp.461-473.
3. Davis, D., Maini, K., Taqi, M. and Vasudevan, A., 2024. Sciatica. In StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing.
4. Coyne, K.S., Barsdorf, A.I., Currie, B.M., Poon, J.L., Maziere, J.Y., Pierson, R.F., Butler, S.F., Schnoll, S.H., Farrar, J.T., Fisher, H.J. and Franks Jr, M.J., 2021. Insight into chronic pain in the United States: descriptive results from the Prescription Opioid Misuse and Abuse Questionnaire (POMAQ) validation study. Current Medical Research and Opinion, 37(3), pp.483-492.
5. Di Gangi, S., Pichierri, G., Zechmann, S., Rosemann, T. and Plate, A., 2021. Prescribing patterns of pain medications in unspecific low back pain in primary care: A retrospective analysis. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 10(7), p.1366.
6. Manniche, C., Stokholm, L., Ravn, S.L., Andersen, T.E., Brandt, L., Rubin, K.H., Schiøttz-Christensen, B. and Skousgaard, S.G., 2022. The prevalence of long-term opioid therapy in spine center outpatients following initiation of tramadol: the Spinal Pain Opioid Cohort (SPOC). Chronic Pain & Management, 6, p.145.
7. Price, M.R., Mead, K.E., Cowell, D.M., Troutner, A.M., Barton, T.E., Walters, S.A. and Daniels, C.J., 2024. Medication recommendations for treatment of lumbosacral radiculopathy: A systematic review of clinical practice guidelines. PM&R, 16(10), pp.1128-1142.
8. Benyamin, R., Trescot, A.M., Datta, S., Buenaventura, R.M., Adlaka, R., Sehgal, N., Glaser, S.E. and Vallejo, R., 2008. Opioid complications and side effects. Pain physician, 11(2S), p.S105.
9. Trager, R.J., Cupler, Z.A., Srinivasan, R., Harper, E.G. and Perez, J.A., 2025. Association between chiropractic spinal manipulation for sciatica and opioid-related adverse events: A retrospective cohort study. PLoS One, 20(1), p.e0317663

Tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition present at birth in which the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth (the lingual frenulum) is unusually short, tight, or thick. This can limit the tongue’s range of motion and may interfere with breastfeeding, oral development, speech, and other functional movements such as chewing.
The range of motion of the tongue can be limited by many structures associated to the tongue directly or indirectly, such as a tight or retruded (set back) jaw, tight neck and or cranium and a tight floor or mouth. This typically occurs due to birthing trauma, position in utero and sometimes genetic structure of the jaw or palate.
There are many professional opinions on if and how a tongue tie should be treated if at all; such as a frenectomy which is the surgical release of the lingual frenulum.
Now days there’s increasing awareness of the role of bodywork therapies—such as Chiropractic care—in supporting both pre- and post-release outcomes, and in possibly avoiding surgical release all together.
 
What Does the Research Say?
Although research in this area is still developing, several studies and case reports suggest that chiropractic care can play a complementary role in the management of tongue ties, particularly by addressing biomechanical restrictions, muscular tension, and nervous system regulation that may affect an infant’s ability to feed effectively.
 
The ways in which Chiropractic care can help support infants with tongue ties are some of the following, 
 
 
1. Improving Feeding Function Through Structural Balance
Chiropractors trained in paediatrics use gentle, specific adjustments and cranial work to correct musculoskeletal imbalances that may contribute to feeding difficulties. For example:

• Torticollis (twisting of the neck) and cranial misalignments, such as plagiocephaly, can affect an infant’s ability to latch or suck efficiently.
• Restriction in the occipital, cervical, or jaw regions may reduce the tongue’s ability to move properly, even after a successful frenectomy (surgical release of the tongue tie).
• Gentle non-manual adjustments can help improve jaw mechanics and the suck-swallow-breathe coordination, essential for effective feeding.

 
2. Pre-Release Care: Preparing the Body for Optimal Outcome
Gentle non-manual Chiropractic care is often used prior to frenectomy to relieve tension and improve overall function. Releasing compensatory tightness in the body—especially in the cranium, neck, shoulders, floor of mouth and diaphragm—can help:
 

• Enhance the baby’s ability to adapt to the change in tongue function.
• Improve range of motion and function of the tongue
• Help identify a pseudo-tongue tie, which is physical restriction of the tongue due to supporting structures that are tight rather than a true tongue tie.
• Identify and help low facial tone which can affect breastfeeding and orofacial development.
• Reduce compensations that may have formed due to restricted oral movement.
• Make the procedure and recovery less stressful on the infant’s nervous system and easier for the Dentist, ENT or GP to perform the Frenectomy.

A well-prepared body can lead to a smoother recovery and better functional gains post-release.
 
3. Post-Release Recovery: Integration and Nervous System Regulation
 
After the tongue tie is released, the tongue must learn to move in new ways, and the body may go through a short period of neuromuscular re-education. Chiropractic care post-release can help:
 

• Release secondary tension patterns that may persist.
• Support integration of the new tongue movement.
• Improve vagal tone and reduce symptoms of overstimulation or irritability.

Combined with Orofacial myology and Lactation consultant therapy, Chiropractic can be part of a multidisciplinary approach to long-term functional improvement.
 
 
4. Cranial and Sacral Adjustments: Gentle and Effective
Many Chiropractors who have trained in paediatric care use cranial work—a gentle method to support the release of restrictions in the skull and dura (the tissue around the brain and spinal cord). Since the tongue connects to the hyoid bone and fascially to the cranium and the top 3 vertebra of the neck, cranial tension may contribute to tongue dysfunction and vice versa.
 
This approach supports:

• Tension release in the mouth, jaw, and upper cervical spine.
• Better fluid dynamics and nerve communication.
• A calmer and more regulated infant.

 
 
A Collaborative, Evidence-Informed Approach
Chiropractic is not a standalone treatment for tongue ties, but when used in conjunction with other therapies—such as lactation support, myofunctional therapy, and surgical release if needed —it can be a powerful tool to enhance outcomes. Many experienced Chiropractors in paediatric care work as part of an interdisciplinary team, ensuring infants and families receive holistic, individualised care.
 
Key Takeaways

• Chiropractic can support breast feeding, orofacial function and development by improving structural balance, relieving tension, and enhancing neuromuscular integration.
• Pre- and post-frenectomy Chiropractic care may lead to better feeding outcomes and faster recovery.
• Research is ongoing, but current evidence and case studies support Chiropractic as a valuable adjunct to comprehensive tongue tie management.
• A collaborative approach between chiropractors, lactation consultants, bodyworkers, and surgical providers yields the best results.

 
 
 
 
 
References
 
 

1. Hazelbaker, A. K. (2010). Tongue-Tie: Morphogenesis, Impact, Assessment and Treatment (2nd ed.). Columbus, OH: Aidan & Eva Press.
2. Knox, I. (2010). Tongue tie and frenotomy in the breastfeeding newborn. NeoReviews, 11(9), e513–e519. https://doi.org/10.1542/neo.11-9-e513
3. Pomper, J., & Valente, J. (2019). Chiropractic and breastfeeding: A narrative review of the literature. Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics, 18(1), 1628–1634.
4. O’Neill, E. N., et al. (2015). Chiropractic management of breastfeeding difficulties: A case series. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 14(2), 83–89. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcm.2014.11.003
5. Walker, M. (2006). Breastfeeding Management for the Clinician: Using the Evidence (2nd ed.). Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett.
6. Douglas, P. (2015). Re-thinking lactation-related nipple pain and damage. Breastfeeding Review, 23(1), 11–20.
7. Ball, T. M., & Bennett, D. M. (2021). Infant musculoskeletal tension and functional breastfeeding difficulties: A pilot study of therapeutic touch and bodywork. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 26, 9–16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.01.008
8. Australian Breastfeeding Association. (2022). Tongue Tie. Retrieved from https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bfinfo/tongue-tie
9. McCarty, M. (2016). Multidisciplinary management of tongue-tie: Professional perspectives. International Journal of Childbirth Education, 31(3), 36–42.

The gut microbiome can be a delicate balance, and with newborns undergoing rapid development and growth it is important to lay a good foundation of healthy gut early on. The gut microbiome is a collection of microbes like bacteria, viruses and fungi in the digestive tract that play a critical role in digestion, immune function and even brain development. Probiotics are live beneficial microorganisms, and research suggests they can be beneficial to support infants’ gut and overall health.
Probiotics are live microbes that confer a health benefit to the host when administered in adequate amounts (Hill et al, 2014). Typically, these include strains of lactobacillus, bifidobacterium and saccharomyces, many of which are naturally found in the gut.
Infants gut microbiome develops and is influenced by:

• Mode of delivery: vaginal birth vs C-section.
• Feeding methods: breastfeeding vs formula
• Antibiotic exposure: via maternal or infant.
• Environment and genetic factors.

An imbalance in the gut microbiota may be linked to colic, eczema, food allergies and altered immune responses.
The most evidence for probiotic use in infants is related to colic which can include symptoms like excessive, unexplained crying in otherwise healthy babies. Research suggests when analysing a number of trials that strains of probiotics significantly reduced crying time in breastfed infants with colic symptoms (Sung et al., 2018). Another study found that daily use reduced crying time and improved bowel habits, suggesting benefits for gut motility and pain perception (Indrio et al, 2014).
Babies with a disrupted gut early in life may also be at higher risk of developing certain allergies and related conditions. A literature review found moderate evidence that probiotic use in pregnancy and infants reduced the risk of eczema in children under age two (Cuello-Garcia et al., 2015). While another study explained certain probiotic strains may enhance immune tolerance, this helps babies avoid inappropriate immune responses to allergens (West et al. 2015).
Probiotics are a promising tool to support gut and immune development in infants, particularly for: reducing colic, enhancing immunity and supporting digestion
Always consult your healthcare provider for guidance and choose clinically studied and dosed probiotic strains. Speak to one of our chiropractors today!
References

• Hill C, Guarner F, Reid G, et al. (2014). The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics consensus statement on the scope and appropriate use of the term probiotic. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol, 11(8):506–514.
• Sung V, D'Amico F, Cabana MD, et al. (2018). Lactobacillus reuteri to treat infant colic: a meta-analysis. Pediatrics, 141(1):e20171811.
• Indrio F, et al. (2014). Prophylactic use of a probiotic in the prevention of colic, regurgitation, and functional constipation. JAMA Pediatrics, 168(3):228–233.
• Cuello-Garcia CA, Brożek JL, Fiocchi A, et al. (2015). Probiotics for the prevention of allergy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Allergy Clin Immunol, 136(4):952–961.
• West CE, Dzidic M, Prescott SL, Jenmalm MC. (2015). Bugging allergy; role of pre-, pro- and synbiotics in allergy prevention. Allergy, 70(12):1441–1453.

​If you are new to the world of chiropractic care that’s okay. New patients discover the wonders of chiropractic care every day. The chiropractic profession in an important part of the Australian health care system with chiropractors managing an estimated 21.3 million patient visits per year. (1) In the U.S., doctors of chiropractic treat almost 35 million Americans annually. That’s 1 million chiropractic adjustments performed every business day. (2)
Chiropractic care is increasing in popularity. More people are turning to chiropractic care for everyday aches and pains to maintain their spinal health and for drug-free pain management. In fact, in the fight against opioids, chiropractic care is becoming increasingly important. People with lower back pain or chronic pain are looking for drug-free approaches, and care from a doctor of chiropractic can help manage their pain without the use of prescription drugs and opioids.
Another reason that more people are turning to chiropractic care is the financial benefits. Most health insurance plans offer some form of coverage for care. Research is also showing that chiropractic care can be cheaper than prescription drugs or other medical interventions. A review from The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine found that a chiropractic adjustment for back pain instead of a visit to a family doctor could save Medicare nearly $83.5 million/year. (2)
If you are nervous about trying chiropractic care, seek out the advice of a doctor of chiropractic. They receive 5 years of university level education and are the third-largest group of doctorate level professionals in the healthcare industry. Doctors of chiropractic know their industry; they know the benefits of regular care and are passionate about helping their patients feel their best. You’ve got to give it a try!
 
References

1. Adams J, Lauche R, Peng W, Steel A, Moore C, Amorin-Woods LG, Sibbritt D. A workforce survey of Australian chiropractic: the profile and practice features of a nationally representative sample of 2,005 chiropractors. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2017 Jan 5;17(1):14. doi: 10.1186/s12906-016-1542-x. PMID: 28056964; PMCID: PMC5217252.
2. Dr Sherry McAllister. Why is Chiropractic Care Becoming So Popular. Accessed 30/6/25. source:https://www.f4cp.org/why-is-chiropractic-care-becoming-so-popular/