bppv1Some of us love theme parks, we love the feel of being throw upside down, whizzing through the air, screaming at the top of our lungs, and enjoying the adrenaline rush that comes with it. Now, whilst that is all very well and good, imagine life on a rollercoaster for much of the time, with that nauseous and totally dizzy feeling never really easing – not so enjoyable now, right?

If you’ve ever suffered from a vertigo attack then you will understand this feeling all too well.

Dizziness and vertigo is a very real problem, and for those who suffer with it, life can be very unpleasant at times. One particular type of dizziness and vertigo condition is called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV for short, and this is traditionally difficult to diagnose, leaving sufferers frustrated, and often feeling like they have to live with the symptoms, and simply put up with them – this needn’t be the case.

What is BPPV?

BPPV is one of the most common types of vertigo, and is often one of the reasons why an individual is referred to a neurologist for further tests and treatment. The symptoms of this condition can be wide-reaching, but they all affect daily life to a large degree. Feeling constantly off-balance, nauseous, and dizzy can affect daily life, and even the smallest of tasks can become somewhat more difficult. Work is also affected, which causes even further problems and stress. On top of this, BPPV has been shown to be a contributor towards psychological problems, thanks to the stress and upset the condition can cause.

BPPV occurs when debris, called endolymphatic debris, settles and builds up in the semi-circular canals within the middle ear. Any distortion or upset in this area of the ear causes problems with balance, which leads to dizziness and vertigo. Diagnosis of this condition is often time-consuming, leaving the sufferer with the symptoms for a longer period of time.

Diagnosis itself requires the individual to have suffered from five vertigo attacks, all of which lasted for just a few seconds, no more than one minute, without any other symptoms of a neurological manner, caused by changes in head position, which obviously means the debris which has built up in the ear moves around.

How is BPPV treated?

Thankfully, once diagnosis is made, treatment is relatively straightforward for the individual, and takes the form of highly complex positional manoeuvres, carried out by a trained chiropractor. These manoeuvres have rather technical names, including the Epley, Semont, and Gufoni manoeuvres. These movements work to move the debris away from the semi-circular canals of the ear, which clears the symptoms and relieves the problem.

On top of these manoeuvres, visual exercises can be used to help ease dizziness symptoms and bring harmony back to balance.

There is no reason to suffer in silence, so if you are at all worried about dizziness and vertigo, whether you believe this is down to BPPV or another form of vertigo, don’t hesitate to contact us today.

addAn increasing number of Australian children are being diagnosed with ADD and ADHD, with estimates at more than 400,000 children and young people aged 19 and under currently struggling with the condition.  Chances are, your child knows someone with ADD or ADHD, or may even have been diagnosed.  But what is ADD? How is it different from ADHD, and why is it such a common problem?

ADD and ADHD are very similar diagnoses.  They are typically associated with childhood, though adult ADD/ADHD is fairly common.  Most adults with the condition, however, are misdiagnosed and/or have found strategies for coping with the condition.

ADD is attention deficit disorder.  ADHD is similar, but the H stands for hyperactive.  People with either variation have trouble concentrating, which may appear as inattentiveness (ADD) or hyperactivity (ADHD).  The hyperactivity makes ADHD easier to diagnose, while symptoms of ADD may be misdiagnosed as shy or learning disabled.  There is also a combined type of ADD/ADHD, which makes diagnosis and treatment even more complicated.

Symptoms of ADD/ADHD include impulsivity, disorganizations, absent mindedness, inability to concentration, distractibility, a tendency to daydream, and sometimes acting out.  While it is possible for children younger than school age to have ADD or ADHD, diagnosing children at this age should be done with caution, as many of the symptoms are quite normal in children this age.

Not long ago, school age children with these symptoms were labelled difficult and were often punished for their behavior.  Today, we know more about how the brain works and we now understand that these symptoms are not simple misbehavior, but that the brain actually works differently in those individuals.

Like any other diagnosis, not all symptoms are exhibited in all sufferers, and severity can range from mild to severe.  Treating the problem depends on accurate diagnosis of the specific type of ADD.

A great deal of research has been conducted on the effects of ADD and ADHD with the hope of developing effective treatments.  At the University of California Center for Mind and Brain, scientists studied 40 children ages 12-17.  Of the participants, 17 had a diagnosis of either ADD or ADHD.  Participants were given certain computer-based tasks.  For example, a series of arrows might be displayed and the children had to indicate which direction the middle arrow pointed.  Visual cues were provided to assist in the tasks.  The scientists used electroencephalograms (EEG) to measure the brainwaves of the children during the tasks.

The results indicated specific differences in the alpha and theta brainwaves, not only of those with ADD/ADHD when compared with those who did not have the condition, but between different types of the condition.  Specifically, children with inattentive ADD showed an inability to process the visual cues, while those with ADHD demonstrated poor motor skills.  The researchers hope that by better understanding the condition, they may be able to develop more effective diagnostic criteria and treatment options.

Medication is the most frequently used treatment option for those with ADD and ADHD, but there are alternative methods of managing the symptoms.  Treating ADD/ADHD naturally starts with examining the diet.  Many food colorings and preservatives can influence behavior, as can certain allergens.  Many parents of children with ADD/ADHD report a significant decrease in symptoms when offending foods are identified and eliminated.  Biofeedback, massage, yoga, and tai chi can all help retrain the brain to help the sufferer manage their attention and energy.

 

trg1Developed by Dr. Oolo Austin in the 1990s, Trigenics is a unique treatment technique developed specifically to treat frozen shoulders.  Trigenics can even help restore shoulder movement in patients who have undergone other treatments without relief.

A number of other treatments for frozen shoulder exist, including traditional physical therapy, active release, and surgery.  While some people have gotten some degree of relief after one or more of these treatment options, many have continued to suffer from pain and lack of mobility.  None of them have achieved significant results after a single visit.

To date, thousands of people have experienced increased mobility and relief from the pain of frozen shoulders, often after just one treatment, without surgery.

Frozen shoulder is a condition that is not well understood.  As a result, many patients suffer for months or years before they are even able to get a proper diagnosis.  When this happens, the muscles begin to atrophy, making exercise ineffective at best, and increasing the potential for further damage.

Prior to treatment, a series of tests are done to evaluate muscle length and strength.  The results of these tests are used to identify the area that needs to be treated, and which muscles need to be strengthened and/or lengthened.

Treatment with Trigenics begins with techniques designed to improve shoulder function with neurokinetic exercises to strengthen and lengthen the muscles in and around the shoulder.  In most cases, this is sufficient to increase range of motion by approximately 10-15 degrees.

After the initial release technique, a Trigenics practitioner will use functional muscle neurology treatment to rewire the nerve impulses the control the rotator cuff.  This further improves range of motion and strength in the shoulder.  In many cases, patients enjoy full range of motion within a few minutes to a few hours after the procedure.

This unique treatment combines resistive exercise and neuromuscular stimulation with specific breathing techniques.  This is the first treatment method to combine neurology and physical therapy in a way that works on muscles, brain, and nervous system simultaneously.

When an injury occurs, pain can limit movement.  Over time, not only do the muscles begin to atrophy, but the nerves can start to misfire and eventually forget how to communicate.  As a result, the muscles begin to shorten and atrophy in a process known as neurological inhibition.  Because of this, the effectiveness of traditional physical therapy and exercise are limited.  Trigenics is based on the idea that complete healing cannot occur until the nervous system is restored to normal function.

Today, approximately 2,000 practitioners around the world offer the procedure, and thousands have experienced relief after going through the procedure.  The principles behind Trigenics are no longer limited to treating shoulder conditions.  It has also been used to treat many other conditions, including migraines, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and fibromyalgia, among many others.  Some practitioners also provide the procedure to athletes to help improve their performance and reduce the risk of injury.

If you suffer from certain autoimmune conditions, nerve lesions, blood clots, unexplained calf pain that could be the result of an undiagnosed blood clot, bone fracture, untreated shoulder dislocation, or certain other conditions, Trigenics may not be right for you.  There are some minor risks involved with Trigenics, including sprains, strains, subluxation, and bruising.

If you’ve been suffering with a lack of mobility and pain, there is hope.  Call Spine Scan today on (08) 61508785 Scarborough or (08) 61508783 Mount Pleasant to arrange an appointment to find out how one of our Trigenics practitioners may be able to help you.

bpBack pain, according to statistics, is something that 80% of us will experience some time in our lives and is one of the most common reasons why patients visit their Winchester Chiropractor, Max Atkinson.

Dr. Atkinson (DC) says that preventing back pain from recurring is a major concern for many of his patients. Wanting to be able to continue with sporting activities, doing day to day jobs like gardening and DIY and being able to work pain-free in a job which involves repetitive movements are all reasons why so many elect for regular ‘wellness visits’. In addition to gentle Chiropractic adjustments, he provides information and guidance on the key things that patients can do to protect their backs and help to prevent further episodes of pain.

Worries about the problem getting worse as time goes on are unsurprising as for most people who have had a back injury the risk of recurrence is high. If you are presently suffering from back pain or have had a problem and want to do all you can to stop it from happening again, call your Winchester Chiropractor, Dr. of Chiropractic, Max Atkinson on 01962 861188 to arrange an appointment.

Meanwhile, here are some top tips you can use to protect your back!

  1. First and foremost, remember that pain is a warning sign. If something you are doing hurts, stop right away! Do not try to work through it or see if it eases off and definitely do not take painkillers to dull the pain so that you can carry on. These medications only mask the symptoms so you could be causing more damage without realising.
  2. Injuries during lifting or carrying weight are a common cause of back injury. Your employer should provide health and safety training on preventing back injury if your job involves lifting. If you have not received workplace training, ask for it! Your Chiropractor can also provide advice on preventing back pain when lifting as part of the overall package of Chiropractic care.
  3. Take regular exercise. Classes that help with flexibility and core strength are invaluable but it is important to stress that you should discuss any back problems you have with the person taking the class. This is vital as a good tutor will be knowledgeable enough to suggest alternatives or modifications to some movements so you can go on exercising safely. It is also important to do the same kind of warm up and cool down exercises you would do at the gym or exercise class before and after tackling jobs at home such as digging, or home maintenance.
  4. Choose your furniture carefully. In your seating areas, choose furniture that allows you to sit comfortably with your feet on the floor and a supported back (make sure your workplace chair is ergonomically designed and adjusted for you). For sleeping, choose a bed with a mattress that supports your spine and a pillow that supports your neck. The ideal sleeping position keeps the spine in alignment. Laying on your side is better than on your tummy as this is the position worst for your spine!
  5. Avoid sitting for long periods. Prolonged sitting at a workstation or slouched on the couch in front of the TV weakens muscles. Remind yourself to get up, even if only for a minute, every twenty minutes or so at work and during TV commercials at home!

If you have concerns, see your Chiropractor. Life cannot stop because you are worried about a painful back injury recurring. Long-term back pain conditions can make life a misery but many can benefit from Chiropractic adjustments and the diet, lifestyle, exercise and posture advice your Chiropractor can give. So call him today, his help with preventing back pain from striking again, will enable you to get back to the activities you enjoy, worry-free.

swStress is nothing something to be taken lightly. When you’re genuinely stressed, your body is under pressure, reacting in a ‘fight or flight’ way, and if you have any existing medical conditions, you could find these are exacerbated, or even changed towards a more severe form, because of the stress which is affecting your mind and body.

Stress is no laughing matter.

It is a medical fact that stress has a major effect on health, mentally, emotionally, and physically. It’s therefore important to identify what it is that is causing your stress, and then adapt accordingly. Reducing stress is sometimes simple, but other times it takes practice to switch your mind or habits to a different channel.

Thankfully, help is at hand. Here at the Perth Brain Centre, we are highly skilled and experienced in helping individuals understand the best ways to cope with stress, and to give valuable assistance in changing habits and breaking negative thought patterns. Stress leads to depression and anxiety, which we all know is no picnic. Anxiety treatment can be accessed in order to reduce symptoms, and hopefully help kick out stress and its reactions altogether.

So, what happens when you’re stressed?

Basically, your mind perceives a situation which it thinks is threatening in some way, so your body kick-starts adrenaline and cortisol production, two hormones which are linked with stress. The reaction of these hormones means your body goes into ‘fight or flight’ mode, and this means you undergo a whole host of physical symptoms, such as loss of appetite, racing heart-beat, shallow breathing, negativity, a racing mind, and if you have any existing medical conditions, such as a heart problem, these could adversely affected. The longer the stress goes on for, the worse the whole situation becomes, with sleep affected, which could then cause problems with relationships and work.

Effective stress management is down to identifying the cause and reducing it as much as possible. Of course, sometimes it’s down to coping mechanisms. This can take the form of changing your negative thoughts to positives, learning effective relaxation techniques, making sure you get enough sleep, analysing your diet for possible problems with nutrition, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, seeking social support, taking part in sport, and it could also be as simple as learning to say ‘no’ to people when you feel over-loaded. Keeping a stress diary is a useful tool to identify when you feel most stressed, which could help you pin-point the cause, e.g. work, or home life.

If you are concerned about the effects of stress, no matter what the cause, call the practice now on (08) 6500 3277 to arrange an appointment. We can help you identify the cause of your stress and advise you on how to live with it in a way which won’t impact your general health.

Stress in its worst forms can cause serious health problems, and put simply, life is too short to be stressed.

mig2Do you suffer from migraines?

Have you had a concussion in the past and received concussion treatment?

If you’re saying ‘yes’ to both of the above, then you may be interested to learn that there is a potential link between the two conditions, which could mean suffering a previous concussion, one or more, means you may be more susceptible to migraines in the future.

Not convinced?

This is by no means a definitive answer, however two studies have shown that there certainly could be a link, and that further research needs to be done.

What does this mean?

Basically, if the link proves to be true, a more targeted treatment option could be developed for patients who have suffered a head injury in the past, having received concussion treatment, and who then go on to experience migraines, or migraine-like symptoms. On top of this, knowing that there is a link means prevention could be put into place, and that is great news for those involved.

The first study which raised this intriguing possibility took a selection of 74 high school football players and asked a selection of questions regarding whether they had suffered from headaches and migraines in the past, and whether they had suffered a concussion as a result of a sporting injury. 34% of those questioned reported a history of migraines, with a further 28% reporting sinus headaches instead. 37.5% reported undergoing concussion treatment in the past, and out of that 37.5%, 41% reported having migraines since that time.

The general rate for migraine suffering in the general population is around 16%, so this set of statistics seems to show that there is a link between concussions in the past and resulting migraines in the future.

A further study certainly added more weight to this argument.

A random selection of 25 patients aged between 12 to 19 years, all regular sports players of varying types, reported that all of them had experienced headaches between sustaining their injury and then returning back to their particular sport, and that 68% of those were migraines, accompanied by regular migraine symptoms, such as nausea, photophobia, visual disturbances, vestibular symptoms, and neurocognitive problems.

Of course, these two studies don’t solidly prove or otherwise whether there is a link, but they certain raise a huge question mark of possibility, and where there is a question mark, further research must be done. If this is proven to be the case, this is great news for both present and potential migraine sufferers, because targeted treatment may be more effective as a result.

If you are at all concerned about migraines, concussion, or both situations together, then don’t worry for a second longer. Call the practice now on 03 8652 1628 to arrange an appointment to discuss your situation with one of our friendly, helpful, and highly experienced staff. Where migraines are concerned, help is certainly at hand after a thorough consultation and proper diagnosis of your situation.

3456754321Neck pain is a frequent complaint and ranks right up with headache, backache, and toothache as one of the most troublesome sources of pain.  Most people experience neck pain at some time or another.  Perhaps after a long day at work, bent over a desk, in front of a computer, or maybe after a particularly stressful time during which you were unable to relax your muscles.  The pain could be dull or sharp, gradual or more sudden.  Perhaps you’ve been ignoring minor neck pain for a little while, hoping it will go away, but it only gets worse.  Neck pain can interfere with your ability to function, to focus, or to enjoy many activities.

Neck pain can have any of a number of causes, but most cases fall into one of three categories:

  • Normal Wear – The typical modern lifestyle can be a huge factor in neck pain. Many of us spend hours every day behind a desk, looking down or at a computer, often forgetting to take breaks to stretch.  This position places enormous strain on the neck.  Poor posture and gaining weight can exaggerate the problem.
  • Aging – Degenerative diseases such as degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis can affect younger people, but are primarily seen in the elderly. As we age, our cartilage and the discs between the vertebrae begin to deteriorate and lose elasticity.  This can lead to pain and lack of mobility.
  • Injury – Athletes, especially those who play high impact contact sports such as football, are at particularly high risk of neck injury. Neck injury is also a common injury in car crashes, particularly rear end collisions.

Many people try to self medicate with over the counter pain relievers, but this only serves to mask the pain, while the underlying cause only gets worse.  In a few hours, the pain returns and more medication is needed.  Medication is great for short term relief, but can cause liver damage if used long term.  Chiropractic care is a drug-free, noninvasive method of treating pain, whether in the neck or other areas.  Chiropractic seeks to locate and treat the underlying cause of pain to provide long-lasting relief.

Chiropractors are trained to adjust the body in ways that restore balance and mobility.  Your chiropractor will use his or her hands to apply gentle pressure to specific joints to improve your range of motion and ease pain.  He or she may also use massage to loosen the muscles in the surrounding area to prevent tension from causing the problem to return.  You may also be given some stretching and strengthening exercises to do at home to help improve your posture and prevent pain from returning.

Chiropractic is a highly effective method of treating most pain, but is not appropriate for all situations.  If your neck pain is accompanied by high fever, sensitivity to light, nausea, you may have meningitis or another serious infection.  If you have any of these symptoms, you need to go to the hospital for immediate medical care.  If your initial assessment shows your neck pain may be caused by a spinal cord injury, your chiropractor will refer you to a specialist.  If your pain is caused by fibromyalgia, arthritis, or certain other conditions, your chiropractor may work in cooperation with your general practice doctor to manage your pain.

You don’t have to live with neck pain, contact Spine Scan now on (08) 9221 0402 to schedule an appointment to find out how we can help you get your life back.

 

legpainIf you’re like many people, you’ve enjoyed easy, pain-free mobility your entire life.  As you get older, or if you suffer an injury or trauma, this may change.  Pain anywhere can be miserable, but pain in the hips, legs, knees, or feet can make it difficult or impossible to move around, interfering with many basic activities.

Acute pain, or pain that comes on suddenly, is usually the result of an injury or trauma.  This type of pain is typically easier to diagnose and treat, partly because it’s pretty easy to figure out what triggered it, and also because it’s less likely to be ignored.

Chronic pain, which comes on gradually and may start with little more than the occasional twinge, can be harder to treat, partly because it can be difficult to identify what causes it, but also because it’s more likely to be ignored, allowing it to grow worse over time.

Many people treat pain with medication so they can go about their lives with minimal interference.  Medication only serves to cover pain, not cure it, which often leads to taking more medication, perhaps even at higher doses.  If this describes you, you could be making the problem worse, and risking long term health consequences.

Chiropractic can offer relief, not by masking pain, but by finding and treating the root of the problem.  Chiropractic is safe, gentle, and effective.   But chiropractic doesn’t stop at finding and treating the problem that is causing your pain, it goes further and helps you strengthen the area to help you avoid future injury or pain.  Besides the techniques you may be familiar with, chiropractors have a couple of techniques specifically used to treat pain in the lower part of the body.

Myofascial Release Technique is often used for treating tightness in the lower hips, legs, and lower back, which can also contribute to knee pain.  Myofascial release is a specific deep tissue massage technique used to loosen muscles in affected areas to relieve pain and improve range of motion.

Active Release Technique is a chiropractic technique most often used to treat injuries to the meniscus, one of the most common knee injuries, especially among those who participate in sports.

Many problems begin in the feet.  Each foot is made up of 26 little bones, 33 joints, 20 muscles, and over 100 ligaments, each of which is crucial to not only supporting the weight of the rest of your body, but also bending, rotating, and flexing so you can move.  Your feet are under constant strain, especially if you wear shoes that don’t fit properly, or high heels.

When you have a problem with your feet, the rest of your body will be thrown out of alignment, leading to many other problems.  You can identify problems that could cause pain later by looking at the soles of your shoes.  If you notice uneven wear, especially on either the inside or outside of the shoes, you may have a misalignment or other problem that could lead to more painful issues.

If you are experiencing pain in your feet, legs, knees, or hips, a chiropractor can help.  Even if you aren’t experiencing pain, if you notice any uneven wear in your shoes, a chiropractor can assess your gait and how you distribute your weight to identify any abnormalities.  If needed, your chiropractor can recommend custom orthotic insoles to ensure proper alignment and balance to keep you mobile and pain free.

If you are in pain, or even if you just want to be certain that everything is working as it should, call Chatty Chiropractic now on (03) 9303 9952 (Roxburgh Park) or (03) 9746 3977 (Sunbury) to schedule an appointment for a chiropractic evaluation.

Children lying on grass, using digital tablet togetherIt’s perfectly normal to worry about your children, in fact if you weren’t worried then there would be something very wrong! When our little bundles of joy are first brought into the world our anxiety goes into overdrive, looking for every single thing that might be slightly off, and when we focus on something, the worries intensifies.

Retained neonatal reflexes are worrying for parents, because when your child doesn’t seem to be developing at the rate you would expect, you of course begin to be concerned about their future and what exactly is wrong.

Retained neonatal reflexes are basically when your child doesn’t seem to rid themselves of the primitive reflexes they were born with, and these aren’t replaced with newer, more developed skills. For instance, every child is born with the skills to survive their early months, such as knowing how to attract attention when something is wrong, and how to feed, but as time goes on these reflexes should be replaced with further development; when this doesn’t happen, this is called retained neonatal reflexes.

Luckily in these cases there are some treatment options to help rewire the brain and gently coax development to the fore; chiropractic care is one of them. Here at Neurobalance we are experienced in helping children and parents going through this hard time, and Sydney chiropractor Dr Veronesi offers treatment and advice to achieve the best possible outcome.

Chiropractic in this particular condition involves the use of movement exercises to help rectify motor skill problems, whilst ironing out the nerves within the joints and correct spinal problems. How does this help? Well, it helps correct problems in the way information is processed and distorted, rectifying any blockages and correcting flow. This all basically means that the brain is able to help integrate these neonatal reflexes and replace them or enhance them with new ones, just as nature intended.

Symptoms of retained neonatal reflexes are far-reaching, and we know that one size never fits all, but a few common ones are anxiety or being fearful, poor memory or poor concentration, poor posture, and slow development in terms of movement, such as crawling. Conditions such as ADHD or autism are characterised by retained neonatal reflexes also, meaning learning difficulty conditions go hand in hand with the importance of rectifying this problem.

If you are having worries or difficulties with your child that sounds a lot like this condition, then help is certainly at hand. Call the practice now on 02 9938 5456 and discuss with our friendly, highly skilled staff about what we can do to help you and your child in his or her further development, helping to put right any problems and set them on a road to achieving their potential in the future. Your child is undoubtedly the most important person in your life, so don’t delay in seeking help if you are at all worried about any aspect of their behaviour or development.