​Degenerative disc disease(DDD) is a condition that affects the intervertebral discs of the spine, often leading to pain, stiffness and a reduction in range of motion. As we age, the discs between out vertebrate loose their flexibility, hydration, and elasticity. It is common for DDD suffers to experience symptoms such as back pain, numbness, and weakness in the limbs.
 
In the geriatric population, many individuals are diagnosed with DDD due to back pain, and it is often accompanied by conditions such as radiculopathy, myelopathy, spinal stenosis, degenerative spondylolisthesis, and herniation.(1) The cause of DDD is complex and multifactorial. However, research has indicated that genetic expression influences intervertebral disc(IVD) health, while occupational and mechanical factors are significant risk contributors.(1) For instances, a study showed over 90% of professional soccer players have at least one spinal degeneration condition.(2) This is concurrent with Olympian shows a high rate of DDD in cervical and lumbar spine.(3)
 
A key component of the IVD is type 1/ alpha collagen
Think of our IVDs like rubber car tyres. They have great tensile strength, are strong and tough, and can bend and twist. The outer layer, annulus fibrosis, of our IVD is made up of type 1 collagen, this helps to resist over stretching and mechanical stress. Here are some tips to promote IVD health.
 

1. Avoid inactivity - This reduces the strength of supporting muscles, and decrease hydration and nutrient supply to the disc.
2. Avoid smoking.
3. Avoid sugar and refined carbohydrates.
4. Increase intake of collagen - it can be found in both broth, chicken, fish and egg whites.
5. Increase intake of vitamin C - helps with collagen synthesis.

 
Manual therapies like chiropractic, can provide a non-invasive and drug free approach to maintain spinal health, relieve pressure on the damaged disc and nerves, reduce the level of back pain and improved function. Decompression techniques to gently stretch the spine, increase space between the IVDs and promote greater blood flow to the area for healing. Chiropractic care coupled with exercises and a good balanced diet, is key to longevity of spinal health.
 
If you are eager to learn more, be sure to check out our previous blogs!
 
 
 
 
 
Reference

1.         Hemanta D, Jiang X-x, Feng Z-z, Chen Z-x, Cao Y-w. Etiology for Degenerative Disc Disease. Chinese Medical Sciences Journal. 2016;31(3):185-91.
2.         Bezuglov E, Lazarev A, Petrov A, Brodskaia A, Lyubushkina A, Kubacheva K, et al. Asymptomatic Degenerative Changes in the Lumbar Spine Among Professional Soccer Players. Spine. 2021;46(2):122-8.
3.         Abdalkader M, Guermazi A, Engebretsen L, Roemer FW, Jarraya M, Hayashi D, et al. MRI-detected spinal disc degenerative changes in athletes participating in the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Summer Olympics games. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2020;21:1-8.

​Unfortunately, for some people migraines are something they are struggling with on a regular basis. While there are many different factors and variables that contribute to the occurrence of migraines, its particularly important to understand the roll hormones play in the presentation of migraines, especially in women.
 Migraines are 3x more prevalent in women compared to men, and in most cases the presentation of migraines begins when menstruation starts to occur (1). This can lead us to believe that hormones, more specifically ovarian hormones, play a crucial role in the development and occurrence of migraines.
Research shows that fluctuations and a decrease in estrogen levels can be a notable trigger of migraines especially on day 1 and 2 of their cycle (1). There are numerous hormonal influences that contribute to migraines; menarche, oral contraceptive use, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause (2).
It is within reason to assume that management and balance of female hormones can reduce the occurrence of migraines. Beyond migraines, hormonal dysfunction in women can also present as heavy bleeding during menstruation, water retention and bloating, weight gain, depression and other mood disorders, as well as many other symptoms (3).
Stress management, nutrition and exercise are three crucial lifestyle choices that are critical to maintaining hormone health and harmony (3). This includes drinking pure, filtered water, eating whole nutritious foods, and including appropriate supplements (3). While incorporating healthier choices into your lifestyle, chiropractic is another great tool for management of stress and nervous system dysfunction.
If you, or someone you love is experiencing chronic migraines, it may be worth investigating if they can be managed through balancing their hormones.
 
References
 

1. Pakalnis A. Migraine and Hormones, Seminars in Pediatric Neurology [Internet]. sciencedirect.com. 2016. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1071909116000061

1. ‌Lay C, Broner S. Migraine in Women [Internet]. science direct.com. Neurologic Clinics; 2009. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0733861909000036
2. ‌Dr. Bob’s Drugless Guide to Balancing Female Hormones, Dr. Bob DeMaria
   The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, Murray, ND & Pizzorno, ND. Available from:

https://www.theholistichealthapproach.com/blog/balancing-female-hormones
 
 
 

​ In recent studies the human gut microbiota, which is the trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses, have been connected to many components of health and disease. Incredibly, not only has the gut microbiota been found to be essential for maintaining metabolic and immune health, but there is also a lot of evidence suggesting that the gut microbiota influences brain development. The gut microbiota has been found to not only be an essential component immune and metabolic health, but also seems to influence development and diseases of the enteric and central nervous system, including motility disorders, behavioral disorders, neurodegenerative disease, cerebrovascular accidents, and neuro immune-mediated disorders. Bacteria have been shown to produce and/or consume a wide range of mammalian neurotransmitters, including dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, or gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Accumulating evidence in animals suggests that manipulation of these neurotransmitters by bacteria may have an impact in host physiology, and preliminary human studies are showing that microbiota-based interventions can also alter neurotransmitter levels, neurogenesis and interacts with the enteric and central nervous systems via communication along the ‘gut-brain-axis”. GABA is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter of the central nervous system, and it and its receptors are widely distributed throughout us. Substantial literature supports the link between altered GABAergic neurotransmission and numerous CNS disorders, including behavioral disorders, pain and sleep. As well in the disruption of important functions of the ENS, such as intestinal motility, gastric emptying, nociception, and acid secretion. Bacteria in the gut have been known to be able to consume or produce GABA for decades. Secretion of GABA serves as a mechanism to decrease intracellular pH via the glutamate acid resistance system. The microbiota seems to influence circulating GABA levels, as in a study done by Strandwitz in 2018, they eliminated the microbiome of animals and in these animals they showed they have substantially reduced luminal and serum levels of GABA. Therefore affecting our brains and nervous systems. So if our gut is on fire, then the whole body is on fire. As our gut is what delivers the nutrients to our bodies. So get your gut checked for imbalances!

​Reference: Strandwitz P. (2018). Neurotransmitter modulation by the gut microbiota. Brain research, 1693(Pt B), 128–133. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainres.2018.03.015

​Low back pain is one of the leading cause of disability worldwide and it affects about 570 million people globally (1,2). Do you or a loved one experience low back pain? This is an important article that can make the world of difference to you.
 
“About 39% of the adult population will have low back pain in any given year” (3)
 
A common type of low back pain which is characterised by radiating pain into the lower extremity, and may or may not be with corresponding neurological deficits (eg. weakness, sensory loss) is radicular low back pain. It is low back pain that involves a nerve root lesion (4), depending on severity it can affect the overall quality of life, so it’s important to have it addressed appropriately. Though more conservative approaches involving non-pharmacological therapies are recommended as a first approach in line with current evidence based clinical guidelines (5), pharmacological options are still regularly recommended early on.
 
In a recent research literature, researchers did a retrospective cohort study using US data to look at the likelihood of tramadol prescription in adults with radicular low back pain. Tramadol is an atypical, synthetic opioid that is comparatively lower in potency, which is increasingly being prescribed for low back pain in the US (6). Globally, it is the most consumed opioid in terms of MME (morphine milligram equivalent) per 1000 inhabitants per day (7). From this retrospective cohort study, they looked at 1171 patients per cohort, and it was found that the adults that were receiving chiropractic spinal manipulation for radicular low back pain had a reduced likelihood of receiving a tramadol prescription over a 1-year follow-up (8). Though more studies and cases needs to be looked at to further substantiate these findings, the findings so far are pointing towards a positive outcome with chiropractic spinal manipulation as a conservative first approach to manage radicular low back pain in adults.
 
So if you want to find out if chiropractic care may help manage low back pain for you or your loved ones, have a chat with one of our chiropractors to see how they can assist.
 
“It is better to try more conservative care before pharmacological or invasive procedures where appropriate”
 
 
1. Wu, A., March, L., Zheng, X., Huang, J., Wang, X., Zhao, J., Blyth, F.M., Smith, E., Buchbinder, R. and Hoy, D., 2020. Global low back pain prevalence and years lived with disability from 1990 to 2017: estimates from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. Annals of translational medicine, 8(6).
2. Abbafati, C., Machado, D.B., Cislaghi, B., Salman, O.M., Karanikolos, M., McKee, M., Abbas, K.M., Brady, O.J., Larson, H.J., Trias-Llimós, S. and Cummins, S., 2020. Global burden of 369 diseases and injuries in 204 countries and territories, 1990–2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.
3. Hoy, D., Bain, C., Williams, G., March, L., Brooks, P., Blyth, F., Woolf, A., Vos, T. and Buchbinder, R., 2012. A systematic review of the global prevalence of low back pain. Arthritis & rheumatism, 64(6), pp.2028-2037.
4. Trager, R.J., Cupler, Z.A., Srinivasan, R., Casselberry, R.M., Perez, J.A. and Dusek, J.A., 2023. Association between chiropractic spinal manipulation and gabapentin prescription in adults with radicular low back pain: retrospective cohort study using US data. BMJ open, 13(7), p.e073258.
5. Qaseem A, Wilt TJ, McLean RM, Forciea MA. Noninvasive treatments for acute, subacute, and chronic low back pain: a clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians. Ann Intern Med. 2017;166:514–30.
6. 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.
7.Jayawardana, S., Forman, R., Johnston-Webber, C., Campbell, A., Berterame, S., de Joncheere, C., Aitken, M. and Mossialos, E., 2021. Global consumption of prescription opioid analgesics between 2009-2019: a country-level observational study. EClinicalMedicine, 42.
8. Trager, R.J., Cupler, Z.A., Srinivasan, R., Casselberry, R.M., Perez, J.A. and Dusek, J.A., 2024. Chiropractic spinal manipulation and likelihood of tramadol prescription in adults with radicular low back pain: a retrospective cohort study using US data. BMJ open, 14(5), p.e078105.
 

​A study conducted in 2023 looked at the patterns of people with acute neck pain. The researchers were interested to know what the most cost effective therapy for neck pain was and also what type of treatments people received, depending on who they were seen by.
 
The cohort included 770,326 patients with new-onset neck pain visits. The most common initial provider specialty was chiropractor (45.2%), followed by primary care (33.4%). Initial provider specialty was strongly associated with the receipt of subsequent neck pain visits with the same provider specialty. Rates and types of diagnostic imaging and therapeutic interventions during follow-up also varied widely by initial provider specialty. While uncommon after initial visits with chiropractors (≤2%), CT, or MRI scans occurred in over 30% of patients with initial visits with emergency physicians, orthopedists, or neurologists. Similarly, 6.8% and 3.4% of patients initially seen by orthopedists received therapeutic injections and major surgery, respectively, compared with 0.4% and 0.1% of patients initially seen by a chiropractor.(1)
 
The summary is that within a large national cohort, chiropractors were the initial provider for a large number of patients with new-onset neck pain. Compared with patients initially seen by physician providers, patients treated initially by chiropractors or therapists received fewer and less costly imaging services and were less likely to receive invasive therapeutic interventions during follow-up.(2)
 
If you want to find out if chiropractic may help manage neck pain for you or your loved ones, have a chat with one of our chiropractors to see how they can assist.
 
 
References
1. Fenton, Joshua J. MD, MPHa,b; Fang, Shao-You PhDb; Ray, Monika PhDb,c; Kennedy, John CCS, CDIPb; Padilla, Katrine MPPb; Amundson, Russell MDd; Elton, David DCd; Haldeman, Scott DC, MD, PhDe; Lisi, Anthony J. DCf; Sico, Jason MD, MHSf,g; Wayne, Peter M. PhDh; Romano, Patrick S. MD, MPHb,c. Longitudinal Care Patterns and Utilization Among Patients With New-Onset Neck Pain by Initial Provider Specialty. Spine 48(20):p 1409-1418, October 15, 2023.

“Text neck” is a modern-day ailment caused by the constant forward head bending while using our devices. The term text neck is used to describe the stress and strain on our neck muscles and spine due to prolonged periods of forward head posture mostly associated with mobile phone usage. Did you know that the average human head weights approx. 4.5-5.5kg when in a neutral position? However, once the head tilts forward, the weight on the neck increases drastically. For example, at a 15 degree angle the head equates to 12kg, and at a further 60-degree angle it can weigh as much as 27kg! (Hansraj, 2014). This progressive strain can lead to numerous problems over time including muscle imbalances, reduced range of motion and even possible changes in the natural spinal curvature in the cervical spine (Ming et al. 2016).
Symptoms of “Text Neck”:

• Neck pain: dull pain or ache in the neck and shoulders is the most common symptom.
• Headaches: tension headaches can result from the strain and tightness on the neck muscles (Gustafsson et al 2018).
• Shoulder pain: postural changes can occur in the shoulders rounding making them tight and painful.
• Upper back pain: forward head posture not only affects the neck but also the upper back, creating pain and discomfort.
• Reduced mobility: chronic text neck can lead to reduced range of motion in both the neck and upper back region.
• Numbness/Tingling: severe cases can contribute to pressure on the nerves, causing numbness or tingling in the arms and hands (Young et al. 2020).

Chiropractic is an effective way to address the symptoms and underlying causes of text neck in conjunction with postural changes.
Here are some tips to help you avoid this condition:

• Take Frequent Breaks: Every 20-30 minutes, take a break from your device to stretch and change positions (Silva & Punt, 2020).
• Hold Your Device at Eye Level: Keep your device at eye level to maintain a neutral spine position.
• Strengthen Your Core and Neck Muscles: A strong core and neck can help support proper posture.
• Be Mindful of Your Posture: Regularly check your posture and adjust as needed (Vasavada et al., 2015).

Text neck is a growing concern in our digital world, but it doesn't have to be a permanent problem. By understanding the causes and symptoms, taking preventive measures, and seeking chiropractic care when needed, you can protect your neck from the strain of modern technology.
​
References

1. Hansraj, K. K. (2014). Assessment of Stresses in the Cervical Spine Caused by Posture and Position of the Head. Surgical Technology International, 25, 277-279.
2. Ming, Z., et al. (2016). The effect of smartphone posture on neck muscle activity in young adults: a preliminary study. Journal of Ergonomics, 6(1), 1-7.
3. Gustafsson, E., et al. (2018). Effect of a neck and shoulder exercise program on the prevalence of neck and shoulder pain in office workers. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 18(1), 1-12.
4. Young, J., et al. (2020). The relationship between smartphone use and upper extremity nerve conditions. Journal of Hand Surgery, 45(3), 213-220.
5. Vasavada, A. N., et al. (2015). Head and neck anthropometry, vertebral geometry and neck strength in height-matched men and women. Journal of Biomechanics, 35(4), 493-501.
6. Silva, A. G., & Punt, T. D. (2020). Posture, muscle activity, and discomfort during smartphone use. Work, 65(1), 67-75.

 

Spring is just around the corner and even though it’s still cold in the mornings, warmer weather is not too far away. Some of us may gradually regaining motivation to start working out again, to get fitter and preparing for that summer body.
But have you ever set fitness goals, tried working out in the past, and you’re not getting the results that you desire?

• Maybe you’re not losing that adipose tissue (fat) at as much or as fast as you’d like?
• Maybe as soon as you start going harder, something starts to hurt, and this happens over and over again?
• Maybe you want to hit that 6km mark, but you’d get a cramp every time, even though you’ve been stretching those calves/hamstrings religiously?

Let’s talk about a few things that may be overlooked when you’re trying to get back into fitness. Although exercises in itself is good for you in so many ways; what if your body is not actually wanting it?

• Previous injury and Structural misalignment – This can cause poor biomechanical patterns if it is not addressed properly. You may not be in pain anymore, but suboptimal movement pattern and your range may be limited which can affect your progress1,2
• Nutrition
  • Protein and Carbohydrates3. Protein is necessary for muscle recovery and growth. While Carbohydrates provide energy during exercise, often this can be a downfall for many by having too much of it. Perhaps some imbalance of the input VS output is the reason why you are not seeing progress.
  • Salts – Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium, Chloride, Calcium) – Deficiencies of these minerals can contribute to cramps and affects the processes involved in muscle contractions and endurance.4,5
  • Overall gut health – maybe you are trying your best to eat well to complement your fitness routine, but it doesn’t seem to help? Perhaps there are other gut related issues that need to be addressed first6
• Chronic stress – Adrenal Fatigue
  • Stressors can be structural, chemical and emotion. Cortisol is a steroid hormone released when you’re dealing with stressors and exercising. However, if the body is already in a constantly stressed stated where cortisol levels would be elevated even before you start your fitness journey, perhaps your system is simply fatigued and that may be the reason why you can’t go harder even if you try.7,8

If you have workout and fitness goals, Chiropractic care is proven to affect strength, balance and endurance positively9. Our holistic approach to health At Sprouting Health can help you reach those goals. Give us a call and book in a consult with us. We’d love to help you optimise your workout and reach those fitness goals.

1. Gabbett TJ. Debunking the myths about training load, injury and performance: empirical evidence, hot topics and recommendations for practitioners. British journal of sports medicine. 2020 Jan 1;54(1):58-66.
2. Beischer S, Gustavsson L, Senorski EH, Karlsson J, Thomeé C, Samuelsson K, Thomeé R. Young athletes who return to sport before 9 months after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction have a rate of new injury 7 times that of those who delay return. Journal of orthopaedic & sports physical therapy. 2020 Feb;50(2):83-90.
3. Moore DR, Sygo J, Morton JP. Fuelling the female athlete: Carbohydrate and protein recommendations. European Journal of Sport Science. 2022 May 4;22(5):684-96.
4. Ferreira KS, Teixeira AD, Brito ED, Arbiza BC, Puntel GO, Silva AM, Paulitsch FD, Signori LU. Electrolyte changes related to muscle pain after resistance exercises. Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte. 2020 Jun 1;26:220-4.
5. Vigh-Larsen JF, Ørtenblad N, Spriet LL, Overgaard K, Mohr M. Muscle glycogen metabolism and high-intensity exercise performance: a narrative review. Sports medicine. 2021 Sep;51(9):1855-74.
6. Corbin KD, Carnero EA, Dirks B, Igudesman D, Yi F, Marcus A, Davis TL, Pratley RE, Rittmann BE, Krajmalnik-Brown R, Smith SR. Host-diet-gut microbiome interactions influence human energy balance: a randomized clinical trial. Nature communications. 2023 May 31;14(1):3161.
7. Steiner JL, Johnson BR, Hickner RC, Ormsbee MJ, Williamson DL, Gordon BS. Adrenal stress hormone action in skeletal muscle during exercise training: An old dog with new tricks?. Acta Physiologica. 2021 Jan;231(1):e13522.
8. Malak M, ElSeifi S. The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Thyroid Axis and Adrenal Gland.
9. Vining R, Long CR, Minkalis A, Gudavalli MR, Xia T, Walter J, Coulter I, Goertz CM. 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 Jul 1;26(7):592-601.

​With the everyday stressors and challenges you encounter, it's easy to fall into the patterns of negative thinking. However, doing so affects not just your mood but also your overall well-being. The profound impact of mental outlook on health has long been well-established, with studies highlighting positive mindset as one of the most influential factors in longevity.1
A January 2024 study2 published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia sheds new light on the link between stress and long-term brain health. While it focused on patients with cognitive damage, its findings underscore an important point — your mental state, particularly the increased stress associated with negative thinking, can significantly impact your cognitive abilities and potentially your life span.
 
Chronically high cortisol levels from stress can harm your health by increasing inflammation, impairing immunity and accelerating aging.
Mindfulness meditation effectively lowers cortisol and stress levels. It can be integrated into daily activities, facilitating optimism and contributing to overall brain health and slower cognitive decline.
 
Practicing "mindfulness" means living in the present and actively paying attention to the moment you're in, rather than letting your mind wander. This state of mind allows you to let distracting thoughts pass through without getting caught up in their emotional implications. You can integrate mindfulness into various everyday activities, such as when eating, working or doing household chores, by simply tuning into the sensations you're experiencing at that moment.
Studies also show optimism is linked to longer life and better physical functioning in aging. Women with higher optimism tend to live longer and maintain better physical abilities. One study showed that women with the highest optimism tended to live about 5.4% longer than those with the lowest optimism levels. 3 Optimism can be inherent for some, but it's also a skill that you can cultivate. 4
 
At Sprouting Health we have a strong focus on Optimism and lowering stress. If you would like to find out more contact us.
 
 

1. Taherkhani Z, Kaveh MH, Mani A, Ghahremani L, Khademi K. The effect of positive thinking on resilience and life satisfaction of older adults: a randomized controlled trial. Sci Rep. 2023 Mar 1;13(1):3478. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-30684-y. PMID: 36859479; PMCID: PMC9977771.Roy, R. A., Boucher, J. P., & Comtois, A. S. (2009). Heart rate variability modulation after manipulation in pain-free patients vs patients in pain. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics, 32(4), 277-286.
2. Yerramalla MS, Darin-Mattsson A, Udeh-Momoh CT, et al. Cognitive reserve, cortisol, and Alzheimer's disease biomarkers: A memory clinic study. Alzheimer's Dement. 2024; 20: 4486–4498. https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.13866
3. Koga HK, Trudel-Fitzgerald C, Lee LO, James P, Kroenke C, Garcia L, Shadyab AH, Salmoirago-Blotcher E, Manson JE, Grodstein F, Kubzansky LD. Optimism, lifestyle, and longevity in a racially diverse cohort of women. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2022 Oct;70(10):2793-2804. doi: 10.1111/jgs.17897. Epub 2022 Jun 8. PMID: 35674052; PMCID: PMC9588526.De Couck, M., Caers, R., Musch, L., Fliegauf, J., Giangreco, A., & Gidron, Y. (2019). How breathing can help you make better decisions: Two studies on the effects of breathing patterns on heart rate variability and decision-making in business cases. International Journal of Psychophysiology, 139, 1-9.
4. How you can improve your health by stopping negativity and embracing optimism. Health News Florida. Published June 16, 2024. https://www.wusf.org/health-news-florida/2024-06-16/how-you-can-improve-your-health-by-stopping-negativity-and-embracing-optimism

​Low back pain is a common complaint that affects millions of people worldwide. Australian Bureau of Statistics 2017–18 National Health estimates about 4.0 million Australians (16% of the population) have back problems. It is estimated that 70–90% of people will suffer from lower back pain in some form at some point in their lives. (1)
 
Among its various forms, non-specific low back pain is particularly common. Unlike pain resulting from identifiable causes like herniated discs or fractures, non-specific low back pain lacks a specific origin, making it challenging to treat. However, chiropractic care can be an option for managing this pervasive condition.
 
Understanding Non-Specific Low Back Pain
 
Non-specific low back pain is defined as pain in the lower back that isn’t attributed to a specific disease or injury. It’s often a result of poor posture, muscle strain, or lifestyle factors such as prolonged sitting. Symptoms can range from a dull ache to sharp, incapacitating pain, significantly impacting daily activities and quality of life.
 
Can chiropractic help?
 
Chiropractic care focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those related to the spine. Chiropractors use a variety of techniques to alleviate pain and improve function, with spinal manipulation (or adjustment) being the most common. Many chiropractors also utilise soft tissue technique as well as providing exercise and lifestyle advice to best help back pain sufferers to strengthen their back muscles, improve posture, and prevent future episodes of pain.
 
Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Low Back Pain
 
1. Pain Relief: Numerous studies have shown that spinal manipulation can provide significant pain relief for those suffering from non-specific low back pain.(2) By addressing spinal restrictions and improving joint function, chiropractic care can reduce pain and discomfort.
 
2. Improved Mobility: Chiropractic adjustments can help restore normal range of motion in the spine, making it easier to move and perform daily activities.
           
3. Reduced Dependency on Medication: Chiropractic care offers a drug-free approach to managing low back pain. A study suggested a greater reduction in back pain symptoms when managing with spinal manipulation method over usual medication.(3) This can be particularly beneficial for those looking to avoid the side effects of pain medications.
 
 
Non-specific low back pain can be a frustrating and debilitating condition, but chiropractic care offers a holistic and effective approach to relief. If you’re struggling with low back pain, have a chat with one of our chiropractors and it could be a step towards unlocking relief and reclaiming your well-being.

Reference

1.         Health AIo, Welfare. Back problems. Canberra: AIHW; 2019.
2.         Gevers-Montoro C, Provencher B, Descarreaux M, Ortega de Mues A, Piché M. Clinical effectiveness and efficacy of chiropractic spinal manipulation for spine pain. Frontiers in pain research. 2021;2:765921.
3.         Schneider M, Haas M, Glick R, Stevans J, Landsittel D. Comparison of spinal manipulation methods and usual medical care for acute and subacute low back pain: a randomized clinical trial. LWW; 2015.

Did you know that hydration’s role in maintaining brain function is crucial? Did you know that the brain is made up of about 75% water? We need water, and more specifically, electrolytes, for many more reasons than we may realise!
      Electrolytes are essential for basic life functioning. This includes maintenance of cells and generating action potentials in the nerves and muscles (1). Since our body does not produce electrolytes, we get them through our food and our fluids (1). Factors such as: total protein content and hormones can biochemically influence electrolyte levels (1).
      So, what are electrolytes? Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge throughout our body and allow it to perform important bodily functions, especially in the brain (2). The main electrolytes are: sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, calcium, phosphate, and bicarbonates. Here is some information on some of the more “mainstream” electrolytes.

• Sodium: - generation and transmission of electrical signals in the brain and nerves which are necessary for thought processes, memory recall, and muscle contractions (2).
• Potassium: works closely with sodium – essential for nerve signal transmission.
• Magnesium: key for brain health and enzymatic reactions. Protects brain from stress (2).

When we are dehydrated, our brain can experience neurological effects. Staying hydrated allows for neurons to fire appropriately and fast enough for proper function (2). Dehydration can lead to a reduction in brain and cognition performance (2).
The importance of Hydration in your brain:

• Transport: The water in the brain acts as a key method for the transport of essential nutrients to brain cells (2). When this happens, the movement of electrolytes is encouraged which plays a crucial role in nerve function (2).
• Waste Removal: water flushes out toxins that could be impacting the brains ability to function properly (2).
• Brain Chemistry: water is essential in balancing hormones and neurotransmitters. The balance of these is crucial for optimal brain function (2).

If you are experiencing lack of energy, fatigue, dysregulated brain function, muscle weakness, mood swings, brain fog, or migraines you could have an electrolyte imbalance and need to be more adequately hydrated (2).
To ensure electrolyte levels are being maintained, it is important to maintain a balanced diet of whole foods, hydration, and supplementation (2). Keeping hydrated and having accurate electrolyte levels will not only improve how you feel physically but enhance your cognitive performance!
References

1. Shrimanker I, Bhattarai S. Electrolytes. [Updated 2023 Jul 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541123/#

 

1. Payne M. Enhancing cognitive performance: The role of hydration and electrolyte balance [Internet]. Payne M, editor. sodii.com.au. Sodii Hydration; 2024 [cited 2024 Jul 20]. Available from: https://sodii.com.au/blogs/library/enhancing-cognitive-performance-the-role-of-hydration-and-electrolyte-balance