DO you have a sore neck? Have you ever considered seeing a chiropractor?
During May, Spinal Health Week was celebrated and represents a timely opportunity for Australians to check on their spine and neck health, ensuring that they are able to live a healthy and active lifestyle.
The Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) is encouraging all Australians to address their neck health and seek professional help if they feel pain, discomfort, or decreased mobility.
Research shows that musculoskeletal conditions have the fourth greatest impact on the health of the world’s population with neck pain being a leading cause of disability in adults (reported up to 20 per cent of adults) often requiring a professional assessment.
Often being a long-term condition, a sore or stiff neck isn’t only a serious physical issue impacting your quality of life, but it can also affect your ability to participate in self-care, work and social activities.
Dr Josh Cutrell, from Mid Murray Chiropractic, said that there are a variety of ways that you might be damaging your spinal health, with the result of these issues impacting far more than just your spine.
“From standing to sitting, lifting and sleeping, every position your body takes can have an impact on your spinal health,” he said.
“It’s very common to go about your day and not pay attention to some of your activities that may be having a detrimental effect on your neck, and it doesn’t stop at neck pain.
“Neck problems are a common trigger for headaches, but they can also cause jaw problems, shoulder pain, or weakness and tingling into the arms and hands.”
In what may be a consequence of working from home for the last couple of years, Dr Cutrell said there has been an increase in people seeking professional help for their spinal health.
“Unfortunately, we have seen an increase in people seeking help for musculoskeletal pain,” he said.
“This includes the neck area and we are conscious there may be many more people suffering in silence.”
Chiropractors want Australians to safeguard their quality of life and overall wellbeing by taking the time to assess their spinal health and address any neck aches or pains they may be feeling and seek the appropriate care.
Implementing positive spinal health habits in the first place, including good posture, sleep hygiene and partaking in regular stretching and exercise regimes are important factors in preventing neck pain.
“There are many things that can be incorporated into a day-to-day routine that can improve your neck health or help to assess if you need professional assistance,” Dr Cutrell said.
