World Spine Day (WSD) is on the 16th October

16th October is World Spine Day (WSD), part of The Bone & Joint Decade Action Week and people from around the world join together to raise awareness about spinal disorders.
The theme for WSD 2016 is “Straighten Up and Move” highlighting the importance of physical activity and improving posture as part of good spinal health and prevention of injury.

Straighten up on world spine day

The Reading Chiropractor is urging people to pay attention to their posture and straighten up this World Spine Day (October 16th) by following a few simple steps.

Recent research from the British Chiropractic Association found that over half of people in the south East (52%) who have suffered from back or neck pain believe poor posture triggers it. However, having and maintaining a good posture can help to keep back pain at bay.

Many people don’t realise that a straight spine is more achievable than they think, and incorporating just a few small changes into our daily routines can make a huge difference to back health.

The Reading Chiropractor has compiled a number of simple tips to improve posture and protect against back pain.

  • Get up, stand up. Inactivity is a leading cause of back pain. If you spend most of your day sitting, make sure that you take regular breaks, ideally every 20-30 minutes. Stand up to stretch, change position and walk around a little.
  • Stretch it out. If you struggle to get away from your seat at work, simple activities such as stretching and shoulder shrugging and even simply fidgeting in your seat can all help to keep your back in line.
  • Keep moving. Exercise is key to a healthy back, however you don’t need to embark on any extreme fitness regimes. Adding just a few extra minutes of walking a day can have a huge impact on your posture.
  • Straighten Up. Try incorporating some simple exercises into your daily routine. The BCA has developed – Straighten Up UK – a series of simple exercises designed to improve posture and help prevent back pain by promoting balance, strength and flexibility in the spine. You can find these via the BCA website on www.chiropractic-uk.co.uk
  • Spot your side profile. Paying closer attention to your body’s side profile can help you recognise back or neck pain triggers. People who want to improve their posture should try imagining they have a plumb line hanging straight from their ears to ankles – with everything in the middle sitting on the same line. One way to do this is to try standing in a relaxed way and then gently contracting the abdominal muscles

BCA comments: “As modern lifestyles put increasing amounts of strain on our backs and necks it’s becoming even more important for people to take proactive measures to protect their back health.

“Prevention is always better than cure, so this World Spine Day we want to encourage people to straighten up, and incorporate simple steps into their daily routine to maintain a healthy posture. For example, people are often surprised at the positive impact that simply ensuring you take regular breaks when sitting for long periods of time, or walking regularly can have on your back.” 

For more information on how to maintain a healthy posture and avoid triggering neck and back pain, visit the BCA website at www.chiropractic-uk.co.uk.

Article thanks to the British Chiropractic Association

Carers mind your posture, care for your backs.

The Reading Chiropractor cares for carers!

By 2037, it’s anticipated that the number of carers in the UK will increase to 9 million, and three in five of us will be carers at some point in our lives.[1] For many carers physical activity such as lifting is a significant part of their daily routine. However, not all carers will be aware of their back when looking after someone.

New research from the British Chiropractic Association showed that lifting and carrying can trigger back pain for more than half (55%) of people in the South East, and this number could even be higher for those carers who are often putting additional stresses and strains on their bodies.

Although paid carers may receive training on how to protect their backs during the physical aspects of their work, many unpaid carers, of which there are 6.5 million in England and Wales[2], may not receive any training or information about back care.

To coincide with Back Care Awareness Week (5 – 9 October) The British Chiropractic Association (BCA) The Reading Chiropractor has developed the following simple tips for all carers to help them whilst they’re helping others.

back care awareness

back care awareness

 

 

 

 

Golden rules for carers

  • Think ahead – assess each situation and look for the best and easiest way to achieve the desired result, this may mean using any available equipment whether it be for specialist lifting or a simple sack barrow for moving boxes of supplies.
  • Follow the weight – always try and face the direction in which you want to carry any weight – your body is strongest when you are square on to the weight.
  • Take care when lifting – never lift while twisting from the waist.  Bend your knees, try to have a relaxed, straight back and if possible, brace your abdominal muscles. For added stability make sure that your feet are about a shoulder width or more apart before lifting.
  • Supportive shoes are essential – wear good, soft-soled shoes that are supportive and have a good grip on the ground.
  • Take regular breaks – if doing a repetitive task, take a break every 20 minutes and do some simple stretches to relax your muscles.
  • Ask for help – if in a home setting looking after a relative or friend there are many local agencies and charities who can assess and advise on what equipment or help you may need. Don’t carry on putting your body at strain. Explore all avenues of assistance. If you are provided with any equipment, make sure you are given training on how to use it.
  • Ask for training – if in a formal setting make sure you have been properly trained in good lifting techniques and on any equipment you are using.

Carers – Straighten Up

David Woodhouse from The Reading Chiropractor comments:

“Carers spend long periods of time on their feet and put a lot of strain on their bodies, from lifting and assisting the person they are caring for, to moving equipment. Even though our bodies are very well adapted to a variety of tasks, carers need to be particularly careful not to overload themselves and put their backs at risk.”

“Formal care settings should have lifting and moving equipment available and staff should always make sure that they have been trained in the proper use of all equipment. Home carers should make sure they receive home assessments for the person they are caring for as equipment can often be loaned out – this will require appropriate training for proper use.”

 

The Reading Chiropractor recommends a very simple three minute exercise routine entitled ‘Straighten Up UK’ from the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) has developed which is really easy to incorporate into daily life to help strengthen the spine and improve posture. The exercise routine can be accessed on the BCA website here: http://bit.ly/straightenupuk

[1] https://www.carersuk.org/news-and-campaigns/press-releases/facts-and-figures, and https://carers.org/about-caring

[2] http://www.carersweek.org

Article from the British Chiropractic Association

Back Pain a growing problem for workers in the South East.

Back Pain a growing problem for workers in the South East.

Workers in the South East slacking when it comes to back pain

Office man suffering back pain

As part of Chiropractic Awareness Week (11 – 16 April) the Reading Chiropractor is urging workers to do more to protect their backs, both in the office and at home.

New research from the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) reveals that over a quarter (28%) of workers in the South East admit to taking no proactive measures to help prevent back or neck pain. Despite this, almost one fifth (19%) of people in the region who have suffered from back or neck pain said work can trigger it, and four in ten (41%) have had to take time off work because of their pain.

The BCA found that 40% of workers in the South East who have suffered from back or neck pain said that sitting in the same position whilst working for long periods of time contributes to their pain. Additionally, those working remotely often don’t have a back-healthy set up, with almost a quarter (24%) admitting to primarily working from the sofa.

David from The Reading Chiropractor comments: “The reality of modern working lifestyles means that many more workers are often spending long days in front of a computer screen, either in the office or working remotely and not doing enough to prevent serious strain on their backs. Whilst it may be tempting to do work from your sofa or bed when working from home, poor posture means you could be putting even more strain on your spine. However the good news is there are several simple steps you can take and I would encourage all workers in the South East, particularly office workers, to follow these to minimise their risk of work-related back pain.”

David has developed these top tips to help people protect their backs wherever they are working:

  • Be computer compatible: Make sure the top of the screen is level with the eyebrows and the chair is tilted slightly forward, allowing for the knees to be lower than the hips and the feet to be flat on the floor.
  • Sit up straight: Relax when sitting into your seat, making sure you have your bottom against the seat back with your shoulder blades touching the back rest of the chair. Keep arms relaxed and close to the body and place on the desk when typing.
  • Take regular breaks: Don’t sit for more than 20-30 minutes at a time – stand up to stretch, change position and walk around a little. If you struggle to get away then take time to gently massage the back of your head and neck as this will help to improve posture and reduce back pain by promoting balance, strength and flexibility in the spine.

If working from home:

  • If possible, designate a specific area in your home for working and always work at a table, sitting on a chair, rather than on the sofa or in bed.
  • If you don’t want to invest in a computer stand, place sturdy books, for example copies of the Yellow Pages under your laptop so that you can adjust the level of the screen to fit your eye line.
  • Use a detachable keyboard and mouse whenever possible, as this will ensure that your movement is not restricted and you are not placing unnecessary strain on your back.
  • An easy way to ensure that you get away from your desk and take regular breaks is to set a loud alarm in another room. When making phone calls, take the opportunity to get up from your desk and move around as you talk
  • Embrace the privacy of working from home by doing regular stretches. The BCA has developed a series of simple exercises to improve posture and help prevent back pain. Please see the BCA website for more information: http://bit.ly/straightenup

Enquiries

Reading Chiropractor

Reading Health Centrebca_member_horizontal_1

61 Castle Street

Reading

RG1 7SN

0118 9 39 40 40

 workers chiropractic back pain

The research was carried out on behalf of the British Chiropractic Association between 27/01/2016 and 02/02/2016

Office man suffering back pain

Rory McIlroy getting his chiropractic adjustment!

Another top level sportsman feeling the benefits of chiropractic care, as offered by the Reading Chiropractor. It’s all about Performance optimisation.

 

Rory McIlroy’s New Nike Commercial Shows Him Getting his Chiropractic treatments….Watch the video at the 43 Seconds mark.

Its Masters Week on the PGA Tour and may possibly be the biggest week in all of golf this year. Rory McIlroy’s launched his new Nike commercial on Monday and it is intense as ever! 

This short 1 minute video shows what being a professional golfer involves, including intense training, practice, physical fitness, mental fitness and a trip to your chiropractor. Chiropractic treatment is a vital part of many professional athletes regime, to help optimise performance, to aid during injuries and to maintain peak physical ability in an attempt to avoid injury.

Check out the 43 second mark….. Rory McIlroy Getting Adjusted!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hD9blPa7jW8

The commercial’s tag-line? “The chase. If it tasted good, everyone would do it. #EnjoyTheChase”

Mcilroy Chiropractic

enjoy the chase

http://circleofdocs.com/rory-mcilroys-new-nike-commercial-shows-him-getting-adjusted-watch-the-43-second-mark/

To help raise public perception of the profession, Zach Johnson and Jordan Spieth have individually agreed to participate in the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP’s) targeted ad campaign, “Champions of Chiropractic,” which showcases high-profile celebrities and their DCs endorsing chiropractic care. With growing evidence on the dangers of short and long-term pain medication, the chiropractic profession is the largest health provider group offering non-pharmaceutical care with a record of cost savings and high patient satisfaction scores.

read more about golf and chiropractic here: https://www.reading-chiropractor.co.uk/blog/2015/08/06/zach-johnson-2015-british-open-winner-relies-chiropractic-care-optimal-health-athletic-performance/

Text Neck – Dangers of children using technology

Do you know someone who is suffering with neck pain, always using modern technology, on their smartphone or tablet?

Do they complain of neck pain or have you noticed their posture changing whilst using these devices?

Could they be suffering with text neck?

Text Neck

Read more in this article below about Chiropractic and Text neck (or tech neck) symptoms, and mobile phone injuries resulting in an adolescent who overuses modern technology:

Teen Girl Was Feeling Intense Neck Pain. Her Parents Were Horrified After The Doctors Diagnosed Her.

Do you think you know of someone who maybe suffering with Text neck?

Why not send them for a chiropractic consultation to see if we can help? Follow this link to find out more: https://www.reading-chiropractor.co.uk/conditions-treated-with-chiropractic-treatment/neck-pains/

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, the Reading Chiropractor could help.

  • Acute, Sub-acute and chronic Neck pain
  • Neck stiffness
  • Muscle and joint aches
  • Arthritic joint pains (osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease, wear and tear)
  • Muscle spasms and cramps
  • Neck Pain

Zach Johnson (2015 British Open winner) relies on Chiropractic Care for Optimal Health and Athletic Performance

 

The good health and impressive athletic performance displayed by Johnson in his 2015 victory of the British Open Golf can, in part, be attributed to the care he receives from doctors of chiropractic (DC).

“Over the years, chiropractic care has become a foundational health care element offered to amateur and professional athletes, including golfers, to help alleviate pain and prepare the body for peak athletic performance”

“Zach has been receiving chiropractic care his entire life,” states Dr. Johnson, a graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic, who notes that his son continues to receive regular adjustments while on and off the PGA Tour. “Throughout his professional career, Zach has relied on chiropractic to help prevent, manage and treat the wide array of injuries that athletes are susceptible to, and to help keep his body functioning at its best.”

Doctors of chiropractic are specifically trained to provide hands-on care that helps to improve range of motion, flexibility, muscle strength and other key performance factors, as well as counsel on nutrition, exercise and lifestyle choices. Today, PGA Tour chiropractor Dr. Van Biezen travels with Zach Johnson and several other professional golfers, including 2015 Masters Tournament and U.S. Open winner, Jordan Spieth.

“Over the years, chiropractic care has become a foundational health care element Man swinging a golf cluboffered to amateur and professional athletes, including golfers, to help alleviate pain and prepare the body for peak athletic performance,” states Dr. Van Biezen, a graduate of Parker University. “Regular chiropractic care helps to maintain proper postural balance, reduce the risk of injury, and improve recovery time and overall health.”

To help raise public perception of the profession, Zach Johnson and Jordan Spieth have individually agreed to participate in the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP’s) targeted ad campaign, “Champions of Chiropractic,” which showcases high-profile celebrities and their DCs endorsing chiropractic care. With growing evidence on the dangers of short and long-term pain medication, the chiropractic profession is the largest health provider group offering non-pharmaceutical care with a record of cost savings and high patient satisfaction scores.

Read the full article here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150729006111/en/2015-British-Open-Victor-Zach-Johnson-Relies#.VcNakdHbI3E

 

Walk away your back pain: How a stroll could offer best cure

At the Reading Chiropractor we are strong believers in the benefits of short frequent simple exercise such as walking, cycling and swimming. This can help when suffering with aches and pains, but also in the prevention of such symptoms.

Read more about this in the article from the express below, and read more about why a walking workout is good for your body here: https://www.reading-chiropractor.co.uk/blog/why-a-walking-workout-is-good-for-your-body/

A SIMPLE stroll is the easiest way to beat crippling back pain, experts say

http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/575740/stroll-best-cure-back-pain

Research by the British Chiropractic Association has found that a stroll could help with back pain

 Many of us spend at least 10 hours a day sitting at a desk or lounging on a couch, leading to a “sedentary epidemic”.

Research by the British Chiropractic Association lays bare the extent of back ache among Britons.

It finds 56 per cent of people older than 55 say sitting still for too long is the biggest cause of back pain with 27 per cent admitting to daily agony.

The crisis is costing the economy billions of pounds in sick leave with 31 million working days lost last year due to back and ­muscle problems.

However, the situation is largely self-inflicted with many of us ­sitting for too long at our com­puter screens in bad posture.

The BCA says walking could be a cheap and effective cure for millions. It is less strenuous on the joints than other forms of exercise and helps maintain bone density, it says.

Even adding just a few minutes walking to daily routines ­â€” such as taking the stairs instead of the lift — could provide relief from the pain.

Chiropractor Tim Hutchful says: “As you age it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and the sooner you commit to being more active the better.

“Consider taking up a new sport that will give gentle exercise while keeping you moving and flexible or, quite simply, start walking more.”

Hitting 50 is the age when millions notice a loss of fitness and begin to put on weight, placing added pressure on the spine, joints and muscles.

 Carrying extra pounds can lead to pain in the upper, middle or lower back causing health problems.

In your sixties it is common to experience degeneration of the joints, discs and other spinal tissues with osteoarthritis affecting the back.

Our increasingly sedentary lifestyles are believed to be leading to an epidemic of back pain that has seen 2.5 million people suffer daily agony.

Complaints of back and neck pain are up 10 per cent on last year.

But simple adjustments, such as sitting correctly at work and in the car can produce relief.

Workers should also take regular breaks and stretch regularly. Drinking water instead of tea or coffee also helps by keeping the body hydrated.

The BCA advises people to walk so the heel strikes the floor first, allowing the foot to act as a shock absorber and helping to propel the person.

Back pain is now so common the BCA has devised a three-minute exercise routine that can be viewed at http://bit.ly/straightenup

Published: 22:05, Thu, May 7, 2015 By Giles Sheldrick

view the article here: http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/575740/stroll-best-cure-back-pain

Back pain soars among young people because they are sitting down for too long

People of all ages can be affected by symptoms of neck and back pain, and due to an increase in sedentary lifestyles and decreased exercise, it would appear that aches and pains are on the increase, especially amongst younger people.

The article below (published in the mirror here http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/back-pain-soars-among-young-5506295) describes how back pain is on the increase due to our modern lifestyles.

 

Back pain soars among young people because they are sitting down for too long.

15:42, 12 April 2015 By

A sedentary lifestyle and a change in working habits mean more people are complaining of spinal pain – particularly  the young.

Office man suffering back pain

On the rise: Back pain is increasing – especially among younger people

 

The number of young people living with back or neck pain has risen to nearly half in a year – caused by long periods spent sitting at computers.

The British Chiropractic Association found that 45% of 16 to 24-year-olds have neck or back pain, compared to 28% of 18 to 24-year-olds last year.

Across all ages, 86% of people polled were in pain compared to 77% the year before.

A quarter suffer on a daily basis.

A sedentary lifestyle and the fact 59% of people now work sitting down are believed to be the main causes.

The BCA urged people to sit up, take desk breaks every 30 minutes and stay hydrated.

x-ray skeletal back pain

Sitting up straight and standing can help prevent pain

he top of the computer should also be level with eyebrows and the chair tilted forward so the knees are below the hips.

Chiropractor Tim Hutchful said: “Our modern lifestyle is forcing us to stay seated.

“Many people are completely unaware that staying in the same position can cause unnecessary strain on the back.

“Sitting causes up to twice as much pressure on discs on the spine as standing so, as a nation, we’re vulnerable.

“Your back is always hard at work – even when you think you’re relaxing. So ensuring you move and stretch regularly will help to keep your back on track.”

The Reading Chiropractor treats people of all ages, call us to see if we can be of help on 01189 394040.

World Spine Day, Thursday 16th October 2014!

Welcome to World Spine Day!

Every year on October 16th people from around the world join together to raise awareness on World Spine Day as part of the Bone and Joint Decade’s Action Week.  The @World_Spine_Day (WSD) theme for 2014 is “Straighten Up and Move”, focusing on the importance of proper posture and movement in maintaining good spinal health- help promote WSD by sharing a #spineselfie!

At the Reading Chiropractor we are happy to follow and support World Spine Day!

The aims of World Spine Day are to:

  1. Raise awareness about spinal health and spine disorders within the interdisciplinary health care community and amongst public policy decision-makers and the general public;
  2. To provide an opportunity for and encourage ongoing discussion about the burden of spinal disorders; and
  3. To promote an interdisciplinary, collaborative approach to easing the burden of spinal disorders.

 

BJD-logo-home

To read more about this click here: http://www.worldspineday.org/

Spinal disorders, such as back pain, neck pain, scoliosis and disc disease, to name a few are common, and they can have a profound effect on a person’s overall health, impacting a person’s ability to work, to enjoy everyday activities and even disrupting healthy sleep patterns.

Research has demonstrated that poor postures and inactivity can contribute to the development of back pain and other spinal disorders.

The good news is that many of these common problems can be easily avoided!

To help mark World Spine Day, participating health care providers and organizations around the world will provide important information, tips and tools to help prevent many of these spinal disorders.

 

 

BackCare Awareness Week. 6th-12th October 2014!

BackCare Awareness Week 6th-12th October 2014

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Backcare awareness week is a campaign to put the spotlight on prevention of back and neck pain, spreading the word on ‘good posture’ and ‘stress free’ living for a healthy back. This year the focus is on office workers. About 7.6 million working days were lost due to work-related back pain and other musculoskeletal disorders from 2010 to 2011 according to an NHS study. visit the website at: http://www.backcare.org.uk/blog/backcare-awareness-week-2014/

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At the Reading Chiropractor we support backcare awareness week and strongly advocate and advise all our patients of the benefits of the advice mentioned below.

 

Advice includes:

  • Stand, Sit and Move at your desk
  • Stretch your back at your desk at least every half hour
  • Set your workstation just right
  • Ergonomic furniture, a hype or a necessity?
  • Use headsets and stop straining those neck muscles!
  • Take regular breaks especially if you work long hours

 

With more than three quarters (77%) of people surveyed say they are currently experiencing back or neck pain or have done in the past. Nearly a quarter (24%) say they suffer on a daily basis.
With 44% of respondents pin sitting as a pain trigger, It seems modern lifestyle could be to blame; 82% of those surveyed say they spend up to six hours a day sitting in front of a computer screen and almost one in five (19%) spend more than 4 hours a day watching TV.
Today, as part of BackCare Awareness Week (6-12 October) the Reading Chiropractor and the BCA is warning that inactive lifestyles could be causing unnecessary pain and is encouraging the nation to make small adjustments to daily routines, to help improve their back health.

Breakdown of a sedentary day:
•    73% spend more than six hours sleeping
•    28% spend over six hours sitting
•    33% spend between two and six hours looking at a laptop or tablet
•    49% spend between two and six hours watching TV or a film
•    82% spend up to six hours a day sitting in front of a computer screen

 

 

For help with your back pain, why not give us a call on 01189 394040, or to read more about how we could help for your low-back pain click here: https://www.reading-chiropractor.co.uk/conditions-treated-with-chiropractic-treatment/back-pain-treated-chiropractic-care/