 In the past, you may have heard us reference the saying, “Sitting is the new smoking.” While it might be hard to believe that simply spending too much time in a seated position can possibly damage your body as much as tobacco does, it’s entirely true.
Here are six different effects of over-sitting. 1. Your metabolism can slow down. Decreased muscle use can lead to a slower clearance of fat from the body and decrease the effects of insulin. 2. It can lead to chronic pain. Sitting for too long, especially at a desk, can cause excess pressure on certain parts of the body, like the lower back. 3. You’ll have less energy. Sitting too much means moving less. Movement, like going for a brisk 20-minute walk, can up our energy levels quickly. 4. It can increase your risk of heart disease. Leading a sedentary lifestyle is tied with a higher risk of heart problems, among other issues. 5. Our mental health suffers. In fact, studies have indicated that sitting indoors and communicating with others strictly online can reduce social skills and affect psychological well-being. 6. Your posture becomes compromised. More pressure is put on lumbar discs when sitting instead of being distributed equally. This causes the pelvis to rotate backward, which can sometimes lead to our head moving forward. Your body was made to move. If movement has become difficult for you, we’re here to help. Contact us to learn more about how our SMAART Method may help restore function to your daily life. If you have any more questions then please free to email us at [email protected] or call us on 0811-3915-339 Yours in Health and Wellness The Team at Spinalogic www.balineckandbackcentre.com LEGAL DISCLAIMER - This article (including links to any/all website pages, blog posts, blog comments, forum, videos, audio recordings, etc.) is not intended to replace the services of a physician, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Information is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use the information for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have an urgent medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. Any application of the recommendations in this post is at the reader's discretion. BNBC and Spinalogic Wellness are not liable for any direct or indirect claim, loss or damage resulting from use of this email. Readers should consult their own physicians concerning the recommendations in this article.
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 Every day, we see clients who are stressed. Whether it’s physical, emotional, or chemical stress building up in your body, one thing is certain: too much of it isn’t helping your chronic or acute pain. In fact, it could be making it worse.
How? Stress and pain go hand in hand. When you’re dealing with pain, a certain level of anxiety typically pops up surrounding the injury. When it’s not addressed, pain continues and so does stress. As more pain and more stress builds in the body, it can begin to affect your daily life and activities. Here’s a deeper look at the cycle of pain: Phase 1: You become limited in certain functions of day-to-day life and leisure activities. Phase 2: Fear builds surrounding the decrease in activities Phase 3: Limitations and less movement can lead to weakened muscles, ultimately causing more pain. This can start the cycle over. To break the cycle and limit the stress you’re experiencing, try these things: 1. Fuel your body with food that nourishes from the inside out. This means eating whole grains, healthy fats, and limiting sugar and excess carbohydrates. 2. Do some form of exercise for at least 30 minutes each day (unless you’re in severe pain). Exercise lowers the stress hormones in your body over time, and may improve your quality of sleep. 3. Visit us. We’re here to help address this very concern and have the necessary knowledge and tools to restore function and wellness to your spine. If you have any more questions then please free to email us at [email protected] or call us on 0811-3915-339 Yours in Health and Wellness The Team at Spinalogic www.balineckandbackcentre.com LEGAL DISCLAIMER - This article (including links to any/all website pages, blog posts, blog comments, forum, videos, audio recordings, etc.) is not intended to replace the services of a physician, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Information is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use the information for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have an urgent medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. Any application of the recommendations in this post is at the reader's discretion. BNBC and Spinalogic Wellness are not liable for any direct or indirect claim, loss or damage resulting from use of this email. Readers should consult their own physicians concerning the recommendations in this article.  “Stop slouching-sit up straight.” You likely heard your mother say something similar growing up. Your well-meaning mother was right. Not only does proper posture look more attractive, but it’s also better for your body. When you have good posture, you’re likely to have a better mental outlook, experience less pain and have more confidence.
Causes of poor posture include:
#1. Engage in posture exercises. While any type of exercise may help improve posture, specific posture exercises can help you stand a little taller. You can also develop more strength, balance and flexibility in your body. #2. Set up an ergonomic workstation. Sit in a chair with a straight back, and keep your feet flat on the floor. You should also consider using an adjustable standing desk that allows you to alternate between sitting and standing throughout your workday. #3. Strengthen your core. Your core muscles affect your ability to maintain proper posture. A strong core can help you maintain better posture. Pilates, yoga and core fitness exercises programs target the core, which can help improve your posture. #4. Avoid tech neck. Whether you’re streaming your favorite show on your tablet or texting a friend on your smartphone, having your head in a downward position can lead to neck problems and poor posture. It’s a good idea to raise your screen higher, hold your head up and keep your phone at eye level, and take breaks often. #5. Mind your mattress and sleep position. Choose a firm mattress that provides good support to your spine, and avoid sleeping on your stomach. By lying on your side or back, your spine will be in a neutral position. #6. Our SMAART Method. We can help correct poor posture, such as forward head translation or slouching, and realign your spine. Regular adjustments could help you maintain proper posture. If you have any more questions then please free to email us at [email protected] or call us on 0811-3915-339 Yours in Health and Wellness The Team at Spinalogic www.balineckandbackcentre.com LEGAL DISCLAIMER - This article (including links to any/all website pages, blog posts, blog comments, forum, videos, audio recordings, etc.) is not intended to replace the services of a physician, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Information is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use the information for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have an urgent medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. Any application of the recommendations in this post is at the reader's discretion. BNBC and Spinalogic Wellness are not liable for any direct or indirect claim, loss or damage resulting from use of this email. Readers should consult their own physicians concerning the recommendations in this article.  Have you ever stood up after you got out of bed in the morning, stretched your arms, and then turned side to side to crack your back?
If so, you’re probably not alone. But that doesn’t mean it’s a habit you should continue with. As your partner in spinal health, we want your back to be happy, healthy, and free of chronic issues like pain. But adjusting your own spine is something you should leave to us-and here’s why. Your spine is complex. In fact, it’s so complex that chiropractors undergo thousands of hours of training to be able to provide you with the care that your body needs. The spine is fragile, and let’s face it, you only get one! You could damage your nerves. Between each of your 33 spinal bones pass a network of nerves that help your brain communicate with the rest of your body. Imagine letting an untrained friend, or even yourself, move your bones forcefully without proper training or knowledge-it could wreak havoc on your nervous system or even cause damage. You’re likely not adjusting the area that needs it. When a spinalogist examines your spine and body, they find the areas of subluxation and work to correct the problem. Sometimes (quite often, in fact), the area that hurts isn’t the area where the problem lies. So, if you twist to crack your spine because your lower back hurts, the issue could be somewhere else, which means you’re doing more harm than good. The truth is, if we think of 3 joints in a row in your spine and the middle one is stuck (for want of a better word), the joints above and/ or below can become slightly more mobile to compensate and give you the movement you need. When you hear the cracking joint, it may not be the one that really needs to release but the ones already compensating! Hence the temporary relief. People then start doing it more and more to get that satisfaction until eventually it becomes a habit. A habit that you don’t even realise how frequently you’re doing it. The trouble with this is, you can cause your joints to become hypermobile (or too mobile) or even weak over time. This can be just as problematic as if your joints are too stiff. If you’re dealing with back pain, let us help. Reduce your risk of limited mobility, muscle tears, injury, and more by seeing a trained professional for your spinal care instead of going the do-it-yourself route. We look forward to getting to know you and welcoming you into the centre. If you have any more questions then please free to email us at [email protected] or call us on 0811-3915-339 Yours in Health and Wellness The Team at Spinalogic www.balineckandbackcentre.com LEGAL DISCLAIMER - This article (including links to any/all website pages, blog posts, blog comments, forum, videos, audio recordings, etc.) is not intended to replace the services of a physician, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Information is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use the information for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have an urgent medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. Any application of the recommendations in this post is at the reader's discretion. BNBC and Spinalogic Wellness are not liable for any direct or indirect claim, loss or damage resulting from use of this email. Readers should consult their own physicians concerning the recommendations in this article. Have you ever injured yourself or had an ache or pain and asked yourself the following question. “Should I apply heat or ice?” Today we’ll explain when you should use heat and when ice is the better pick. We will also share what to do if neither is helping.  First off, a general rule is to use ice for recent, acute injuries less than 6 weeks old. Heat is best for long-term injuries that have been persisting for over 6 weeks. This is because ice constricts blood vessels, numbing pain and reducing inflammation, which is what you need for a new injury. Heat, on the other hand, increases blood flow to relax tight muscles and aching joints. Heat can increase inflammation in specific injuries, so give us a call if you are unsure which to use for your particular injury. Heat is often best for:
Ice is best for:
Applying Heat and Ice A bag of frozen vegetables can make a great ice pack that moulds to the injured area. You can use a warm bath, heat wrap, or heating pad for heat therapy. Apply heat or ice for 20 minutes at a time, taking a break of at least 20 minutes in between sessions. Remove the heat or ice if it becomes uncomfortable, and do not apply ice directly to the skin; wrap it in a lightweight cloth or towel. When the Pain Isn’t Improving If at-home heat or ice therapy isn’t improving your condition, give us a call. We’ll get you in for a visit to see if we can help. If you have any more questions then please free to email us at [email protected] or call us on 0811-3915-339 Yours in Health and Wellness The Team at Spinalogic www.balineckandbackcentre.com
LEGAL DISCLAIMER - This article (including links to any/all website pages, blog posts, blog comments, forum, videos, audio recordings, etc.) is not intended to replace the services of a physician, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Information is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use the information for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have an urgent medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. Any application of the recommendations in this post is at the reader's discretion. BNBC and Spinalogic Wellness are not liable for any direct or indirect claim, loss or damage resulting from use of this email. Readers should consult their own physicians concerning the recommendations in this article.  Once you have gotten through your holiday celebrations, the next thing you probably focus on is the new year. What goals you have, and what your New Years’ Resolutions will be. If you want to stick to them this year, the number one most important thing to do is keep them realistic and attainable. Here are some tips for setting realistic resolutions that you will actually stick to. Make Them SMART Any time you read about setting realistic goals, this probably comes up. That is because of how essential it is! This acronym was created in 1981 and is still used today. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound or Time-Sensitive. This means you want to set new years’ resolutions that are specific and detailed, can be measured with the progress, are realistically achievable, relevant to the goals you have for your life, and have a time when they should be completed. Start With the Ultimate Goal, Then Break it Down For a realistic new years’ resolution, you want to start big, but then break it down into actionable steps. Many people want to lose weight or get fit as their resolution, which is a great goal, but it is too broad and often too grand of a goal. Saying you want to be fit and healthy is much too broad, while saying you want to lose 20kgs is too big to start with. If your goal is to lose 20kgs and get fit, maybe you have a goal to lose 3 kgs a month, and your end-of-year goal is to be able to do a push up or be able to lift a certain amount of weight. Then break that goal down into mini actions you complete on a daily or weekly basis throughout the year. Understand WHY You Want Each Resolution Have you ever made a list of things you want to do or achieve, but didn’t really feel excited when writing about it? This is a good sign that you have the wrong intention behind it. You probably thought it was just something you were supposed to do, or you were following along with your friends. If you don’t feel excited in the beginning, you will never gain enough momentum to see it through. Create an Actionable Step-by-Step Plan Finally, choose a few small goals and create a step-by-step plan for each one. Let’s go back to the weight loss goal you have. You already know how much weight you need to lose each month for your ultimate goal of losing 20 kgs in a year. Now, think about the steps you need in order to achieve this goal. This might include starting a fitness routine, drinking more water, and changing your diet. If you are not sure what the steps are, then it isn’t a realistic resolution to have. If you have any more questions then please free to email us at [email protected] or call us on 0811-3915-339 Yours in Health and Wellness The Team at Spinalogic www.balineckandbackcentre.com
LEGAL DISCLAIMER - This article (including links to any/all website pages, blog posts, blog comments, forum, videos, audio recordings, etc.) is not intended to replace the services of a physician, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Information is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use the information for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have an urgent medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. Any application of the recommendations in this post is at the reader's discretion. BNBC and Spinalogic Wellness are not liable for any direct or indirect claim, loss or damage resulting from use of this email. Readers should consult their own physicians concerning the recommendations in this article.  While a traumatic event or injury is typically the culprit of sudden shoulder pain, there are many other causes that can lead to tension and mobility issues.
Here are a few of the most common issues we see in the practice. 1. Rotator cuff injuries. This type of problem doesn’t always come from sudden trauma. In fact, years of wear and tear can lead to eventual rotator cuff tears. They typically occur in the dominant arm and are more common as you age. 2. Bursitis. All over your body, you have thin, sac-like structures called bursae, which helps to keep soft tissues from rubbing against your bones. Sometimes, bursa can experience too much friction, which leads to inflammation and ultimately, pain. 3. Arthritis. This can occur in any joint in the body. When a person experiences shoulder pain without a known injury, it may be caused by osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. 4. Frozen shoulder. Also known as adhesive capsulitis, this type of pain happens when the tissue surrounding the shoulder becomes tightened, which restricts movement and makes function difficult. 5. Spine problems. That pain you feel in your shoulder may not actually be caused by a problem in your shoulder. Herniated discs and misaligned spinal bones can cause pain to occur in the arms, hands, and even shoulder. At our centre, we often work with clients struggling with shoulder pain through natural, gentle adjustments. If you’re interested in finding out more about how our SMAART Method may help, contact us today. If you have any more questions then please free to email us at [email protected] or call us on 0811-3915-339 Yours in Health and Wellness The Team at Spinalogic www.balineckandbackcentre.com LEGAL DISCLAIMER - This article (including links to any/all website pages, blog posts, blog comments, forum, videos, audio recordings, etc.) is not intended to replace the services of a physician, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Information is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use the information for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have an urgent medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. Any application of the recommendations in this post is at the reader's discretion. BNBC and Spinalogic Wellness are not liable for any direct or indirect claim, loss or damage resulting from use of this email. Readers should consult their own physicians concerning the recommendations in this article.  Did you know that 50-75% of adults experience at least one headache each year? Among those, roughly 30% have reported migraines. And as many as 4% of the world’s population are afflicted with headaches for 15 or more days every single month.
While most people focus on treating headaches after they happen, we’d like to offer some preventative tips to help you stop headaches from starting in the first place. In fact, we’ve helped many patients overcome headaches and migraines naturally through focused and gentle chiropractic care. Here are a few tips for beating some of the most common types of headaches. Cluster headaches: One of the most painful types of headaches, a cluster headache is typically felt on one side of the head near the eyes and lasts anywhere between 30 – 90 minutes on average. If you’re prone to cluster headaches, potential triggers may include bright lights, foods with nitrates like deli meats, a sudden altitude change, and alcohol or smoking. Try avoiding these triggers to see if your headaches improve. Tension headaches: This type of headache doesn’t always throb, but instead feels like tightness or tenderness in the head and neck. To prevent a tension headache, take note of what you did just before the headache occurred. Sometimes, stress is a trigger, so practicing mindfulness or breathing exercises regularly may help. Migraine headaches: Most research around migraine headaches points to environmental triggers, hormones, and genetics as the main culprits. Making sure you stay hydrated, avoid foods high in salt, and stick to a regular sleep schedule may help lessen their frequency. Other triggers may include bright fluorescent lights and strong smells. Get Help Today Suffer from headaches? We’re here for you. Contact our team today to book an appointment and put head pain behind you. If you have any more questions then please free to email us at [email protected] or call us on 0811-3915-339 Yours in Health and Wellness The Team at Spinalogic www.balineckandbackcentre.com LEGAL DISCLAIMER - This article (including links to any/all website pages, blog posts, blog comments, forum, videos, audio recordings, etc.) is not intended to replace the services of a physician, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Information is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use the information for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have an urgent medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. Any application of the recommendations in this post is at the reader's discretion. BNBC and Spinalogic Wellness are not liable for any direct or indirect claim, loss or damage resulting from use of this email. Readers should consult their own physicians concerning the recommendations in this article.  “Sitting up straight” might be what we’re told to do from a young age when it comes to keeping our posture correct, but would you believe that proper posture actually comes from the ground up?
Our feet provide the foundation for the rest of our body-including our spine. Sometimes, problems in the feet can compromise posture. Flat feet, as well as high or low arches, can stress the ankle and foot, which can then affect the lower back and hips. This can put stress on the spine, making it difficult to comfortably stand up straight. Other problems like shin splints, heel spurs, and not wearing supportive shoes can also cause posture issues. One of the best ways to overcome poor posture? Visit our centre. We’ll help identify the root cause of your posture issue, and work on an indivual plan to bring your body into perfect alignment. If you’re struggling with poor posture, we’re here to help. We’ll make sure your spine and neck are in proper alignment with our focused, custom SMAART Method. If you have any more questions then please free to email us at [email protected] or call us on 0811-3915-339 Yours in Health and Wellness The Team at Spinalogic www.balineckandbackcentre.com LEGAL DISCLAIMER - This article (including links to any/all website pages, blog posts, blog comments, forum, videos, audio recordings, etc.) is not intended to replace the services of a physician, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Information is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use the information for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have an urgent medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. Any application of the recommendations in this post is at the reader's discretion. BNBC and Spinalogic Wellness are not liable for any direct or indirect claim, loss or damage resulting from use of this email. Readers should consult their own physicians concerning the recommendations in this article.  Back pain plagues more than 1 in 10 people worldwide. And when we think of back pain, we often think of injury, accident, or overuse. But there are many other, less commonly known, causes of back pain. Knowing these may help you pinpoint the cause of your pain and help you discover a way to fix it.
1. Lack of exercise. Exercise helps you build the muscle tone you need to properly support your back. Being too sedentary can also lead to weight gain which puts added strain on your back. Try to incorporate cardiovascular and strength training exercises into your routine a few days a week, focusing on your abs and back muscles for a strong, supportive core. 2. Your phone. Using your shoulder to hold your cell phone against your ear can cause strain on your neck, which can extend to your back. Headphones are a great solution that allow you to keep better posture when on long phone calls. Be mindful of texting, too, as bending your neck to look down at your phone can cause similar pain. 3. Your office chair. Staying in any one position for too long can lead to back pain. So it’s no real surprise that sitting at your desk for long periods of time can wreak havoc on your spine. If your office chair is not supportive, is uncomfortable, or you don’t get up and move every 45 minutes to an hour, it may only be a matter of time before your back starts to feel the effects. 4. Worn out shoes. If you spend a lot of time in one pair of shoes, make sure they’re supportive and the soles aren’t worn out. Proper arch support is crucial and without it your gait is impacted, which can lead to back pain. 5. Mattress. As we mentioned earlier, spending too much time in one position can lead to back pain. Now think about how much time you spend on your mattress. If your mattress is old, you sink into it when you lie down, or it’s just not supporting you in a way that’s comfortable (and this is different for everyone), it may be time to replace it. While comfort levels vary by person, lean toward the firmer, more supportive side if you’re dealing with back pain. 6. Heavy over-the-shoulder bags. Carrying around a large handbag or heavy backpack on one shoulder can affect the curve of your spine and put strain on your neck. If you’re suffering from back and/or neck pain, take a look at what you carry around on a daily basis. A backpack carried properly on both shoulders may be a better option. At the very least, try to clean out and downsize your handbag so it isn’t too heavy. 7. Smoking. We all know smoking is bad for your lungs and heart. But did you also know that smoking deprives your body of oxygen, which can lead to weak muscles? Weak muscles can lead to back pain. If you were looking for another reason to quit smoking, this is it. Book a Checkup for your Back. If you’re struggling with back pain, we’re here to help. We’ll make sure your spine and neck are in proper alignment with our focused, custom SMAART Method. Let us help you get “back” to your old self! If you have any more questions then please free to email us at [email protected] or call us on 0811-3915-339 Yours in Health and Wellness The Team at Spinalogic www.balineckandbackcentre.com LEGAL DISCLAIMER - This article (including links to any/all website pages, blog posts, blog comments, forum, videos, audio recordings, etc.) is not intended to replace the services of a physician, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Information is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use the information for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have an urgent medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. Any application of the recommendations in this post is at the reader's discretion. BNBC and Spinalogic Wellness are not liable for any direct or indirect claim, loss or damage resulting from use of this email. Readers should consult their own physicians concerning the recommendations in this article. |
