If you’ve ever felt that sharp, shooting pain running from your lower back down your leg, you know how sciatica can stop life in its tracks. It is not just back pain. It is the kind of pain that makes driving on Shellharbour Road unbearable, carrying the kids at Shell Cove impossible, or even sitting through a workday feel like torture. One of the most common questions people ask when they visit our …
Morning neck stiffness rarely happens because of something you did “wrong.” It’s usually the result of several factors coming together overnight, and understanding what really happened is the first step to both preventing it in the future and knowing when you need professional help. If you’re reading this while lying very still, trying not to move your neck, you’re not alone. This happens to about 30% of adults at some point each year, and …
You know that spot right where your head meets your neck? That tender area at the base of your skull that seems to hold all your tension? If you’re dealing with pain there right now, you probably know exactly what I’m talking about. It’s not just any neck pain – this particular spot has its own special way of making your life miserable. Maybe it’s a constant dull ache that never seems to go …
If your neck pain started this morning and you can barely turn your head to check your blind spot while driving down the Princes Highway, you need relief fast. Technique 1: The Ice Method (For Sharp, Acute Pain) Wrap ice pack in thin towel Apply to most painful spot for 15 minutes Remove for 15 minutes, then reapply Repeat 3 cycles Use this if: Pain started in last 48 hours and feels sharp or stabbing …
Strained your back and wondering what to do for lower back strain? This complete Shellharbour guide walks you through exactly what to do—from immediate care to long-term recovery, based on 30+ years of experience helping locals. The Back Dr | Serving Shellharbour, Oak Flats, Albion Park Rail & Shell Cove since 1994 Table of Contents IMMEDIATE HELP Immediate Action (Next 10 Minutes) Step 1: Stop and Get Comfortable Step 2: Apply Ice Immediately Step 3: …
Bottom Line: Have you ever been excited to start a new exercise program, shed a few pounds, and get in shape? It’s incredible, until about 2-3 weeks in when you suffer an injury, take a few days off and then never quite get back on track. Does this story sound familiar? You’re not alone. It happens all the time. So let’s take a look at how you can get active, reach your goals, …
Bottom Line: Spinal discs play an essential role in your low back, acting as small shock absorbers and giving you the ability to move in many different directions. Your discs are comprised of two major parts: an outer ring of cartilage, which provides support, and a jelly-like center that facilities motion. As age and injuries catch up with us, the discs can herniate. A herniated disc occurs when the middle (the jelly) of the disc …
Bottom Line: Over 90% of us will experience back pain during their life. Thankfully, less than 5% will need surgery. So why are so many operations being performed? And does surgery fix a back problem? You may be surprised to learn that an enormous number of back surgeries don’t give patients long-term relief. Jumping over less invasive conservative care options is often not a good idea and can result in a poor surgical outcome. In …
Bottom Line: Getting into a car accident can be one of the scariest experiences of your life. In an instant, your life changes, and it can be difficult both physically and emotionally to get back to normal. Fortunately, the injuries sustained in most accidents can be treated conservatively, and many don’t require surgery. Why it Matters: Chiropractors are often the first healthcare professional the majority of people see after getting into an accident. With …
Bottom Line: Pain in and around the shoulder is very common after a car accident or work injury. The shoulder is considered an unstable joint which means that it has a tremendous range of motion but not much stability. The combination of fantastic mobility and limited stability make it extremely susceptible to injuries as a result of impact. Why it Matters: The shoulder is a ball and socket joint with 3 primary bones: the …