Clinic News
You may be loving or loathing the bangs, pops and whizzes of the fireworks in the background this weekend as the country 'celebrates' Guy Fawke's night - well actually, it is the celebration that King James I survived the attempt on his life in 1605, but it does also imply the winter days are here. The heating is on and it's time to wrap up warm. Dark mornings for the commute to work and dark journeys home. Let us not dwell on the negativeness of this but plan our winter activity programme to keep us fit, flexible and focused.
Maybe it's time to finally sort out that sore shoulder, overcome the cold weather as it gets into your achy joints, realise the significance of how smoking can contribute to back pain or even plan a holiday abroad now the USA is allowing double-vaccinated Brits to visit from Monday. Check out our top tips on long haul flights all in this month's issue.
Talking of flying, Kim is now flying solo on reception as we say a fond farewell to Jill - who promises not to be a stranger and pop in from time to time if we need her help.
Matt and Alex finally completed the arduous task of the Royal College of Chiropractors, Clinical Management Quality Mark application. It has been a MUCH bigger task than normal due to a number of changes in the clinic's policies and procedures with regards to Covid-19 and infection control. Plus the introduction of the new Patient Management system - Janeapp last year. This meant the operations manual had to be rewritten, protocols reviewed and in place to address the changing environment within the clinic. This is a very positive thing for the clinic and Alex is relieved that all her 'ducks' are now in line. Anyone who runs a business knows that this is a fundamental part of the infrastructure and with the policies in place, team members have direction.
We are very grateful for your contribution to completing this too because you may not know it but the data you periodically submit following treatments are accumulated on a national database and we can compare how well we do not only within the clinic but compared to other clinics across Europe.
If you would like to see more detail about this we will be posting results regularly on our website - check out the link "How are we doing?" in the next few weeks.
Sore Shoulder
Over the counter medication may work as short-term relief for shoulder pain. However, for long term improvement, consulting a chiropractor is a very effective solution. Chiropractors identify the cause of pain by addressing all the joints, cartilages, connective tissues and nervous system in the area of the pain.
Shoulders are directly connected to the neck and spine, so experiencing pain here can be due to a misalignment in the spine or an injury. Serious injuries to the shoulder could lead to dislocations or stress on the spine and nerves.
One of the treatments for a sore shoulder is to rehabilitate the functions of the body that are restricted. Since the central nervous system is responsible for co-ordinating everything within the body, shoulder pains can often be treated using chiropractic adjustments.
Much modern day shoulder pain has been shown to be the result of bad seated posture.
If you experience long term chronic pain in your shoulder, it is advised to have your posture assessed. Chiropractors can give you advice on how to live comfortably without putting unnecessary pressure on your spine. It can often take just minor adjustments to your posture to make a big difference to your shoulder pain.
Weather Changes and Chronic Back Pain
Temperatures are changing as the colder seasons approach. Those who suffer with chronic back pain might notice that their condition aggravates as temperatures or seasons change. Although there’s not much scientific evidence to prove a link between chronic pain and humidity, temperature changes and wind speed, weather changes can certainly affect those who suffer with joint pain conditions, especially arthritis and osteoarthritis.
The most commonly accepted reasoning is that with colder temperatures comes lower air pressure, which can cause joint tissues to expand and further worsen joints already prone to swelling and tenderness.
If cold weather worsens your pain, you can take these three simple steps to combat it.
- Heat Therapy
Including heat therapy in your daily routine can help to reduce stiffness and boost healing through increased blood circulation. Try applying a warm towel or a heating pad to your painful area for about 20 minutes for temporary pain relief. You can also opt for over-the-counter heat wraps.
- Water Therapy
If you like swimming, try to visit heated indoor pools with hot baths, Jacuzzis and saunas a few times a week for almost instant pain relief.
- Stay Active
As tempting as it is to lounge on the sofa during winter evenings, it is crucial to keep your spine mobile and stay active. If your pain is too severe to go to the gym, try long walks with hiking poles or a Pilates routine at home.
However, if your pain stops you from leading a normal life, the best option is to visit your doctor and professionally address the root causes of joint and back pain.
Back Pain During a Flight
With restrictions easing to foreign lands it is likely that you will be planning an overseas holiday at some point. Flying is usually the worst part of any holiday, but for some people, it can be excruciating. If you already suffer from back pain then a long haul flight can make matters a lot worse.
A substantial 88 per cent of people experience increased back or neck pain following a flight, according to a survey by Spine Universe. With limited movement, long periods of time spent sitting down and cramped seating areas, it is hardly surprising that so many people suffer.
However, don’t let flying ruin your holiday. Here are some ways to ease, manage and possibly prevent back pain once you’ve taken to the skies.
Local chiropractor, from in gives us a few examples of how to lessen the pain.
“Firstly, try to get up and move regularly when flying. Sitting for too long in the same position can cause stiffness and pain. Therefore try requesting an aisle seat, from the airline, so you can stand up easily, without constantly disturbing others – especially if it’s during a night time flight. You can also try to do some simple stretches at the back of the plane if possible. If this isn’t possible you can do some stretching in your seat. Neck rolls, rolling your shoulders back and forth or raising your hands as high above your head as possible are good ideas. The most important thing is you keep your body moving every now and then so your muscles don’t spasm and seize up.”
“Before a flight, you should try to pack as light as possible. A small backpack that distributes weight evenly can also help once you’re at the destination. Think twice about packing unnecessary items, do you really need your tablet, extra clothes etc. for a day trip?”
“Finally I would suggest investing in anything that might help to decrease the pain. Lumbar pillows, seat cushions and heating pads are all useful. Test out any new products before your trip, you don’t want to waste your time by taking something that doesn’t work properly. It is also wise to bring a few extra days worth of medication, if you’re on any, in case there are any flight delays or other unexpected circumstances”.
If you’re worried about your back while flying make sure to contact the airline as they are likely to have some advice and be aware of making sure you’re comfortable when you’re on board. Most importantly – make sure to enjoy your holiday.
Smoking and Lower Back Pain
Many people will easily link smoking to the symptoms of coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath, but how many people who complain of aches and pains in the lower back will think it could be related to lighting up a cigarette?
Smoking can have a range of negative effects on the body, but it is the interruption of the body’s transport system and the supply of fresh blood and nutrients to certain areas that can ultimately cause pains in the lower back region.
If you do smoke, it’s important to be aware of the risks you may be putting your body through; it’s not just the lungs that suffer when you inhale cigarette smoke, but the general health of the whole body.
For those that decide to stop smoking, there are various ways in which you can help the body adjust to a healthier way of life, here are a few tips:
- Drink plenty of water, as it helps to flush nicotine from the body
- Cut down on caffeine by drinking less tea and coffee as caffeine can act as a stimulant and induce nervousness
- Walk briskly for half an hour a day. You’ll be more positive, burn up stress and calories and develop more energy and endurance
- Think positively about what you are doing. Instead of thinking that you are depriving yourself of a cigarette, think of all the good you are doing for your body.
We treat all conditions that affect any muscle or joint in your body, from your head to your little toe! One of the most common complaints that we treat is back pain and Chiropractic is recommended by the government authority, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) for acute and chronic back pain. Some of the other conditions that we treat are neck and headache, shoulder pain, leg and hip pain, knee and foot pain, sciatica and arthritis. Our registered Chiropractors all have at least five years of training. Treatment costs can be covered through most health insurers. If you are in any doubt, we are always very happy to talk with you on the phone to see if your condition will respond well to Chiropractic treatment. Call the clinic now to arrange an appointment time that works for you. 0115 9225085 If you would like to opt-out of receiving these newsletters please follow the unsubscribe link below, email alex@beestonchiropractic.co.uk or let us know at your next appointment.
