Shoulder pain is such a common symptom and can make simple tasks very challenging for people. Our shoulders have many muscles, ligaments and joints being the potential cause. The good news is Chiropractic has been shown to decrease shoulder pain and improve range of motion.(1)
 
A 2009 study assessed the prevalence of shoulder pain in Chiropractic Practices in Australia. It showed that 12% of the total weekly patients had shoulder pain, with the major cause of symptoms related to overuse (32%).
The most prevalent working diagnosis of shoulder pain was:     
shoulder impingement syndrome (13%),
followed by impingement syndrome with rotator cuff tendinosis (17%),
impingement syndrome without rotator cuff tendinosis (14%),
and chiropractic shoulder subluxation (12%).
 
The results suggest a moderate prevalence of shoulder pain in clinical practice with the most prevalent structure involved being the rotator cuff tendon. Most practitioners use a multimodal therapeutic treatment approach in managing disorders of the shoulder. Some methods to manage shoulder pain include manipulation (81%), peripheral joint manipulation (82%), and various soft tissue strategies used by 92% of practitioners. Rehabilitation strategies were also used by 89% of practitioners with a main emphasis placed on rotator cuff strengthening.(2)
 
Proprioceptive training and taping, nutritional counselling, and conditioning exercises are also vital for the tissues to heal. A 2001 study demonstrates that achieving functional and sport-specific activities after musculoskeletal trauma can be enhanced significantly if proprioception is addressed in the treatment program. The decreased frequency of instability occurrences in this case combined with the perceived improvement on the shoulder instability index suggest a gradual stabilization of the proprioceptive function of the shoulder.(3)
 
If you or you know anyone with shoulder pain, feel free to call us with any questions or to book an appointment!
 
 
REFERENCES
1. Hains G. Chiropractic management of shoulder pain and dysfunction of myofascial origin using ischemic compression techniques. J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2002;46(3):192-200.
2. Pribicevic M, Pollard H, Bonello R. An Epidemiologic Survey of Shoulder Pain in Chiropractic Practice in Australia. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 2009;32(2):107-17.
3. Moreau CE, Moreau SR. Chiropractic management of a professional hockey player with recurrent shoulder instability. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 2001;24(6):425-30.

Having a leg length discrepancy or a “short leg” is quite common to hear when it comes to postural issues, low back pain or musculoskeletal conditions. However, is having a short leg bad?

A study in 2015 showed that 59% of people are affected by a leg length discrepancy of 5mm or more. However, only 99.9% of cases are classified at mild in severity because it is under 20mm. There is a range of studies that show having a leg length discrepancy is correlated with postural and functional changes in the pelvis, spine and lower limbs.

However, it remains controversial to what degree a leg length discrepancy has to be for it to be clinically significant.

Having a leg length discrepancy is a common condition that involves abnormal loading of the lower extremities and the low back. It can either be due to an anatomical or functional cause. This abnormal loading can be excessive, which can be a predisposing factor to osteoarthritis in the lower extremities and lumbar spinal joints.
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The literature has shown a link between a short leg and knee osteoarthritis but less of a link between short leg and hip osteoarthritis. There is little research on the relationship with short leg and osteoarthritis in the lumbar spinal joints or lumbar degeneration. This relationship is still in need of a thorough investigation.
If you feel like you have a short leg or worried that you do, come on down to Sprouting Health Chiropractic. We would love to see if we can help you out!
 

1. Giles LG. Lumbosacral facetal "joint angles' associated with leg length inequality. Rheumatol Rehabil. 1981 Nov;20(4):233-8. doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/20.4.233. PMID: 6458081.
2. Golightly YM, Allen KD, Helmick CG, Renner JB, Jordan JM. Symptoms of the knee and hip in individuals with and without limb length inequality. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2009 May;17(5):596-600. doi: 10.1016/j.joca.2008.11.005. Epub 2008 Nov 19. PMID: 19095470; PMCID: PMC4082183.
3. Murray KJ, Azari MF. Leg length discrepancy and osteoarthritis in the knee, hip and lumbar spine. J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2015;59(3):226-237.
4. Solomon L. Patterns of osteoarthritis of the hip. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 1976 May;58(2):176-83. doi: 10.1302/0301-620X.58B2.932079. PMID: 932079.

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Australians are now much more aware of their health status than ever before and striving to be at their best health possible! A piece of very pleasing news came out two weeks ago, Australians’ consumption of alcohol has recorded a decrease and it is the lowest seen in 50 years!(1) While we are decreasing the intake of toxins, what essential nutrients should we include in our diet to ensure our musculoskeletal system works at its best?
 
Clinically, we often see injuries happen because of muscle dysfunction. Muscle dysfunction can be a result of a dysfunctional joint, weakened bone, malnutrition and many other factors. We would like to give you 5 simple but important nutrition tips to help improve muscle function and growth.
 
Water
Water is the medium to transport nutrients from your digestive system to the rest of your body! It is vital to keep your system hydrated!
 
Electrolytes
Certain essential minerals such as sodium, calcium, potassium are required when muscle fibre shortens/contracts, these also help regulate body pH and nerve signaling.(2) Keeping your electrolytes up is key to counter muscle fatigue!
 
Magnesium
Magnesium is known as a natural muscle relaxation agent. It plays a role in lengthening the muscle fibre by unlocking actin and myosin, the two main muscle cells that are overactive when your muscles feel tight. (2)
 
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is part of the 8 different vitamin B family. It plays a role in assisting red blood cell manufacture(with iron), methylation and supports nerve signal conduction(myelination).(3) It aids in better nutrients transportation as well as a healthy nervous system!
 
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is crucial to bone and muscle health. Vitamin D is classified as a non-essential vitamin because the human body can make it with cholesterol in the aid of sunlight. In addition, we have a vitamin D receptor (VDR) in our muscle cells. When VDR binds with active vitamin D, it initiate a cascade of physiological response to make stronger bones.(4) Research shows vitamin D can help increase bone and muscle mass.(4) Deficiency can results in muscle atrophy, weakened bone(osteopenia) and is associate with anxiety.(4)
 
Good nutrition and a balanced diet is vital for muscle growth and maintaining optimal muscle function. It is a complex process for our body to produce energy. The 5 nutrients mentioned above will help build a healthier musculoskeletal system. Chiropractors qualified in Australia have training in nutrition under the university training program. At Sprouting health, we also work closely with nutritionists, dietitians and other health professionals. Give us a call and see if we can help manage your health goals!


References
1.         Dr Tamara Bucher MP. Australians are embracing ‘mindful drinking’ – and the alcohol industry is also getting sober curious  [9/7/2021]. Available from: https://www.newcastle.edu.au/hippocampus/story/2021/embracing-mindful-drinking.
2.         Yu-Yahiro JA. Electrolytes and their relationship to normal and abnormal muscle function. Orthop Nurs. 1994;13(5):38-40.
3.         Green R, Allen LH, Bjørke-Monsen A-L, Brito A, Guéant J-L, Miller JW, et al. Vitamin B 12 deficiency. Nature reviews Disease primers. 2017;3(1):1-20.
4.         Gunton JE, Girgis CM, Baldock PA, Lips P. Bone muscle interactions and vitamin D. Bone. 2015;80:89-94.

Anyone who is a parent would understand the frustration of an excessively crying or fussy baby. Chiropractic has been found to be safe and effective care for infants (in comparison with similar treatments) (1), but can it help support crying babies? If you or a loved one are looking for extra support for a crying baby then this is an article that could make the world of difference to you.
 
“Cry and fuss problems are responsible for up to 20% of paediatric consultations” (2)
 
Crying deemed as excessive by the caregiver/parents can be a stressor affecting mental health and the well-being of adults (3), this may lead to parental distress and depression (4). It can also cause poor parent-child relationships and problems with long term child development. (5,6). So not only is it important for the infant to help them become a calmer child, but it is also important for the parents too.
 
In a recent research study 74 caregiver/parents were given a questionnaire retrospectively in regards to their infant that attended a chiropractic clinic, and had chiropractic treatment. It was observed that there was significant improvement with infant crying scores and sleep outcomes. The parents also saw clinically significant improvements with their own anxiety and depressive feelings (7). Though more studies are needed as it is only based on the perception of the parents, it is a study that points towards chiropractic as another management consideration for infants who cry excessively or are quite fussy, not only for the health of the child but also the wellbeing of the parents.
 
If you want to find out if chiropractic may assist you with your infant, have a chat with one of our chiropractors to see how they can assist.
 
“Reducing stressors are important for both the child and parents for a more harmonious family”
 
​References
1. Miller, J.E., Hanson, H.A., Hiew, M., Kwong, D., Mok, Z., Yun-Han, T., 2019. Maternal Report of Outcomes of Chiropractic Care for Infants. J Manipulative Physiol Ther, 42(3):167-176.
2. Halpern, R. and Coelho, R., 2016. Excessive crying in infants. J Pediatr (Rio J), 92 (3 Suppl 1), S40-45.
3. Long, J., Powell, C., Bamber, D., Garratt, R., Brown, J., Dyson, S. and James-Roberts, I. S., 2018. Development of materials to support parents whose babies cry excessively: findings and health service implications. Prim Health Care Res Dev, 19 (4), 320-332.
4. Kurth, E., Kennedy, H. P., Spichiger, E., Hösli, I. and Stutz, E. Z., 2011. Crying babies, tired mothers: what do we know? A systematic review. Midwifery, 27 (2), 187-194.
5. Stifter, C. A., Anzman-Frasca, S., Birch, L. L. and Voegtline, K., 2011. Parent use of food to soothe infant/toddler distress and child weight status. An exploratory study. Appetite, 57 (3), 693-699.
6. Smarius, L. J., Strieder, T. G., Loomans, E. M., Doreleijers, T. A., Vrijkotte, T. G., Gemke, R. J. and van Eijsden, M., 2017. Excessive infant crying doubles the risk of mood and behavioral problems at age 5: evidence for mediation by maternal characteristics. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry, 26 (3), 293-302.
7. Marinus, M.A., SA, M.T.C. and Crowther, E., Does chiropractic care have an effect on depression and anxiety scores in caregivers of excessive cry/fuss infants?. THE CHIROPRACTIC CLINICIAN, p.13.

Are you struggling with your infant constantly waking during the night or finding it really hard to settle your little one down to sleep?
 
Sleep develops rapidly over the first few years of life and is a highly dynamic process.  At birth, infants will sleep a total of 16-17 hours in a 24hrs period, but lack an established circadian rhythm.  You will likely see multiple waking intervals due to the infants feeding needs.[1]  At 10-12 weeks old, sleep time decreases to 14-15 hours in a 24hr period as the circadian rhythm begins to develop.
 
One of the many factors that can affect sleep in neonates and infants is birth trauma! The evidence suggests that infants may receive musculoskeletal injuries through both traumatic and non-traumatic births. A case report recently found up to 73% of infants had one or more musculoskeletal asymmetries stemming from birth. [2]  Some musculoskeletal issues may by asymptomatic initially but some common signs to look out for include sleep problems, feeding issues, prolonged crying, persistent head tilts, unsettled or disliking the car, bathing, nappy changes, clothing changes and tummy time.
 
A study in England on 220 subjects with an average age of 2.9 years, looked into the correlation with babies who had suffered birth trauma and sleep issues.  54 presented with sleep problems, 90 with pain or discomfort and 62 with feeding problems.  25% of participants who reported sleep problems initially, reported improvements in sleep after Chiropractic treatment.  Another 30% of participants who initially presented with other difficulties, also noted an improvement in sleep duration and the baby’s ability to settle.  This study saw an improvement in sleep, reduction in discomfort and pain, and improved feeding. [3] However more research is needed in this area.
 
If you have any questions about your baby and want to assess whether they may have a musculoskeletal issue from birth, give us a call and we will see how we can help support your little one develop and thrive.


[1] Davis, K. F., Parker, K. P., & Montgomery, G. L. (2004). Sleep in infants and young children: Part one: normal sleep. Journal of Pediatric Health Care, 18(2), 65-71.
 

[2] Miller, J., Fontana, M., Jernlås, K., Olofsson, H., & Verwijst, I. (2013). Risks and rewards of early musculoskeletal assessment: An evidence-based case report. British Journal of Midwifery, 21(10), 736-743.
 

[3] Edwards, D., Gibb, C., & Cook, J. (2010). The benefits of chiropractic intervention for babies with sleep deprivation resulting from birth trauma. Midirs Midwifery Digest, 20(3), 373-379.
 

Having children is such a joyful experience, however when they complain of pain it can be very challenging!
Lots of questions arise- do I get them checked out, are they actually being serious or are they just wanting attention?? The type of pain we are referring to here is musculoskeletal pain. This is pain such as arm, leg, neck and back pain. While studies and statistics on musculoskeletal pain in adulthood is plentiful, data on school children is somewhat scarcer.
 
With an increasingly sedentary population, and with extended time sitting being noted as a public health concern, it is very relevant to discuss data on this particular group.
 
Recently, some researchers undertook this task and analysed pain distribution on 1,000 Danish Schoolchildren aged 8-16, and the results are very interesting (1).

Some takeaway from the study were
 

• The percentage of children who did not experience pain during the school year was just 28.5%. 71.5% of children did experience at least one episode of pain lasting one week.
• Of this percentage, 60% experienced lower extremity pain, 28.7% experienced spinal pain and the upper extremities came in last at 22.6%.
• When pain was defined as at least 3 weeks with pain during a school year, 40% reported pain with similar patterns to those for the more lenient pain definition of 1 week.

 
So research shows that pain in schoolchildren can be up to 70% of children in a school year. If we are aiming to support our children through their development and growth it is definitely worthwhile investigating the source of the complaints. If you have any concerns about musculoskeletal pain in children we are here to help at Sprouting Health. Just give us a call.
 

1. Fuglkaer S, Vach W, Hartvigsen J, Boe Dissing K, Junge T and Hestbaek L (2020), “Musculoskeletal pain distribution in 1,000 Danish Schoolchildren aged 8-16 years,” Chiropractic and Manual Therapies, 45(2020), 

Spinal discs play a crucial role in the lower back, serving as shock absorbers between the vertebrae, supporting the upper body, and allowing a wide range of movement in all directions. If a disc herniates and leaks some of its inner material, though, the disc can aggravate a nerve, triggering back pain and possibly nerve symptoms down the leg. Excess stress on the spine, heavy labour, and obesity are some factors that can cause disc herniation and sciatic pain.(1)
Most health care providers would agree that first-line treatment of sciatic pain secondary to lumbar disc herniation should consist of nonoperative care in the form of lifestyle modification and physical therapy. There is growing evidence that chiropractic treatment is an effective way to treat this condition.(1)
Acute back pain from disc herniation causing sciatica is a major source of disability, with impairment of daily living activities. Many medical interventions are available, but the results are conflicting. Spinal manipulations are widely used. The rationale for manipulation includes reduction of a bulging disc, correction of disc displacement, release of adhesive fibrosis surrounding prolapsed discs or facet joints and entrapped synovial folds or plicae, inhibition of nociceptive impulses, relaxation of hypertonic muscles, and unbuckling displaced motion segments. Patients receiving active manipulations enjoyed significantly greater relief of local and radiating acute LBP, spent fewer days with moderate-to-severe pain, and consumed fewer drugs for the control of pain.(2)
Spinal deconditioning and a weakness of the lumbar spinal extensor muscles appeared to be related to the patient's symptoms. Patient education on proper posture, proper lifting techniques, core stabilization exercises, active strengthening exercise and chiropractic care are some of the many ways a chiropractor can help relieve lumbar disc herniation.(3)
Lumbar disc herniation is a condition better taken care of sooner than later. If you or you know someone who is experiencing Low back pain, call us to book an appointment, we would love to help you!
 
 
 References 
1.         Cox J, Shreiner S. Chiropractic manipulation in low back pain and sciatica: statistical data on the diagnosis, treatment and response of 576 consecutive cases. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics. 1984;7(1):1-11.
2.         Santilli V, Beghi E, Finucci S. Chiropractic manipulation in the treatment of acute back pain and sciatica with disc protrusion: a randomized double-blind clinical trial of active and simulated spinal manipulations. The Spine Journal. 2006;6(2):131-7.
3.         Estadt GM. Chiropractic/Rehabilitative Management of Post-Surgical Disc Herniation: A Retrospective Case Report. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine. 2004;3(3):108-15.

It is not news that offices have shifted towards the use of a standing desk to avoid the “sitting disease” to prevent low back pain. (Katilin) However, is standing really the solution to avoiding low back pain?
 
A previous study has shown that having a standing break from seated work may reduce the demand on the lumbar spine, however, standing work itself can be associated with increased levels of low back pain. (Colin). Between 40-70% of the population may develop acute back pain with prolonged standing work tasks (Colin).  Another study had suggested that prolonged standing could lead to health risks such as low back discomfort, leg swelling and physical fatigue (Shuchi). Studies have also shown that there is an increase of low back pain when standing longer than 50% of the shift (Shuchi).
 
There are benefits, specifically for office workers from switching to a standard seated workstations to a sit-stand workstation (Colin). However, the frequency and duration of a sit-stand transition is still in question.
 
A recent study has suggested that onset of pain within the first 15 minutes when standing is the accumulation from tissue aggravation (Colin). This study was backed up by previous research that also suggested to limit standing to 15 minutes or less which had shown to be the starting point of low back pain (Jack). Once past the 15 minutes mark, early and frequent breaks within at least the first hour appear to be a solution to reduce accumulation of tissue aggravation that often occurs within the first 45 minutes of standing at work (Colin).
 
It is suggested to change positions more often and not wait for the feeling of discomfort because once pain has initiated, it may persist even if there is a postural change. It may be more effective when there is a balanced exposure between sitting and standing (Colins).
 
If you are struggling with whether or not sitting or standing is better for you, check in with us at Sprouting Health Chiropractic. We are all for helping you out!
 
 
 
References

1. Callaghan JP, De Carvalho D, Gallagher K, Karakolis T, Nelson-Wong E. Is Standing the Solution to Sedentary Office Work? Ergonomics in Design. 2015;23(3):20-24. doi:10.1177/1064804615585412
2. Colin D. McKinnon, Daniel R. Martel & Jack P. Callaghan (2021) The impact of a progressive sit-stand rotation exposure duration on low back posture, muscle activation, and pain development, Ergonomics, 64:4, 502-511, DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2020.1849817
3. Kaitlin M. Gallagher, Troy Campbell & Jack P. Callaghan (2014) The influence of a seated break on prolonged standing induced low back pain development, Ergonomics, 57:4, 555-562, DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2014.893027
4. Shuchi Agarwal, Craig Steinmaus & Carisa Harris-Adamson (2018) Sit-stand workstations and impact on low back discomfort: a systematic review and meta-analysis, Ergonomics, 61:4, 538-552, DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2017.1402960

We can feel the cold setting in during the past few weeks. Without a clear agenda of opening the international border, some of our practice members are planning on a snow trip this year! The question is how can we enjoy the winter sport without breaking our body.
 
According to the American College of Sports Medicine, the most common injured area for a skier is the lower extremity(e.g. knee ligaments), and the wrist for both skier and snowboarder.(1) Other injuries involved in high-speed impact are more serious such as head injury(e.g. concussion) and spinal injury(e.g. vertebral fracture).(1) The fact that beginners and experienced skiers/snowboarders are both at risk of injury, protection and prevention is key.
 
Most people would have a basic idea of putting on protective gear to lower their chances of getting hurt. Studies have shown the use of protection gear in commonly injured areas are effective in reducing the severity of injury. For example, helmet and wrist guards can reduce the risk of serious injuries without compromising movement.(1) In addition, the use of proper sport-specific techniques and instructions, and knowing how the injuries can happen is also vital of reducing the risk of injury.(1)
 
Little wonder, strengthening core muscle and lower limb muscles have been recommended to lower your chances of getting injured as well. To make sure you are preparing your body ready for the snow, a physical therapist would be handy as part of a team to prepare you. Research in 2012, studying the grip strength of national level judo athletes, has shown chiropractic adjustment provides a consistent significant improvement, up to 17% of muscle strength.(2) Newer Randomised Controlled Trial data from the US military has shown chiropractic adjustment improves maximal pulling strength(increased up to 5kg), improves trunk endurance and better balance with eyes closed.(3)
 
Learning from the latest evidence we could enjoy our sport better and help prevent serious injuries while doing it! If you and/or your kids are heading to the snow this winter or interested in how chiropractic may help with musculoskeletal factors related to sports performance, give us a call today.

 
References

1.         Weinstein S, Khodaee M, VanBaak K. Common Skiing and Snowboarding Injuries. Current Sports Medicine Reports. 2019;18(11):394-400.
2.         Botelho MB, Andrade BB. Effect of cervical spine manipulative therapy on judo athletes' grip strength. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics. 2012;35(1):38-44.
3.         Vining R, Long CR, Minkalis A, Gudavalli MR, Xia T, Walter J, et al. Effects of Chiropractic Care on Strength, Balance, and Endurance in Active-Duty US Military Personnel with Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2020;26(7):592-601.