As we enter middle age, many of us start to notice changes in our bodies, including the onset of aches and pains that may not have been there before. A common belief is that pain is an inevitable part of aging, and this misconception can significantly impact how we perceive our health and manage discomfort. Let’s explore some prevalent myths about pain and aging and look at how we can… Read More »Aging and Pain: Debunking Myths
Are you one of the many dealing with chronic neck pain? With the rise in remote work and long hours spent at desks, neck pain has become increasingly common. But there’s good news! A recent study by Zhen Liu and colleagues highlights the effectiveness of manipulative therapy in easing this persistent issue. What is Manipulative Therapy? Manipulative therapy, often provided by chiropractors and athletic therapists, involves hands-on techniques to adjust… Read More »Chronic Neck Pain: Discover relief with Manipulative Therapy
Tackling the Back Pain Epidemic Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is one of the most common and debilitating health conditions worldwide, affecting millions of people and significantly lowering their quality of life. But did you know that the solution might lie in something as simple as regular exercise? A recent study published in The Spine Journal reveals how aerobic physical activity (APA) and muscle-strengthening activity (MSA) can work together to… Read More »Stronger and Pain-Free: Aerobic and Strength Training for Chronic Back Pain
What is a cervicogenic headache? The word cervicogenic is defined as something originating from the cervical spine or other anatomical structures in the neck, such as nerves or muscles. Therefore, a cervicogenic headache (CGH) is a headache originating from the cervical spine or the structures in the neck. A cervicogenic headache is considered a secondary headache because it is the result of an underlying condition, for example, a neck injury.… Read More »Headache: Cervicogenic headaches
As a Chiropractor and Athletic Therapist I treat a lot of backs and necks. Approximately 80% of the population will have back pain in their lifetime. Between 6 and 22% of people have chronic neck pain. Four to 10% of people will experience chronic back pain. Millions of dollars are spend caring for people with chronic spinal pain. For neck pain, in Australia, the direct cost of medical examinations and therapies… Read More »Research: Chronic Spinal Pain comparing medication, acupuncture and spinal manipulation
This is another one my exercises that I give to my athletes/patients in the controlled articular rotations (CARs) category. The training method and acronym is popularized by Dr Andreo Spina. It was taught to me at a Functional Range Conditioning course in Winnipeg. I call them “circles” to my patients because it’s easier for them to understand. What I like about CARs is that they are easy, yet challenging, and… Read More »Quadruped Hip Circles (CARS)
The shoulder blades or scapulae have muscles that extend to the neck, thoracic spine, ribs and shoulder. The shoulder blades, therefore, can influence these other regions. Having control/mobility over the scapula would thus be a potential area to work on if you are having problems in these other areas. I often have my athletes and my desk athlete’s perform scapular circles if they have any problems in these regions. They… Read More »Shoulder Blade Circles (CARs) for neck pain, back pain or shoulder pain
This exercise is part of a type of exercise called controlled articular rotations (CARs). The training method and acronym is popularized by Dr Andreo Spina. It was taught to me at a Functional Range Conditioning course in Winnipeg. I call them “circles” to my patients because it’s easier for them to understand. What I like about CARs is that they are easy, yet challenging, and my athletes/patients like to do… Read More »Standing hip circles (CARS)
The mid back is often a problem that I see when treating my athletes. Living in a forward slouched posture leads to the spine rounding forward. This problem can often be seen in those with neck pain and shoulder pain. If you are dealing with pain in between the shoulder blades, shoulders or neck this might be something I would give to you to perform. Originally posted on May 17,… Read More »Exercise: Seated Thoracic Extensions
Low back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek care, and almost everyone with back pain is told to “strengthen their core.” The problem is that core exercises for low back pain are often discussed as if they are one single approach. In reality, they include different exercise styles that load the body in different ways and aim to produce different outcomes. A recent large systematic review… Read More »3 Core Exercise Methods That Actually Reduce Back Pain
