Category: chiropractor southend

Three Things You Can Do This Summer to Improve Your Spine Health

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back care advice from our chiropractor in southendSummer is finally here but can your spine cope with all the fun and frolics that come with the hot weather?

Here our Southend chiropractor reveals three incredibly simple ways that you can keep your back fighting fit all summer long:

1: Ditch the Flip Flops

They maybe cool and convenient, but flip flops provide zero support for your feet, which is seriously bad news for your spine! This summer, whether you’re walking for exercise or just taking a casual stroll along the beach, choose shoes with a supportive base to help the spine and body stay in alignment.  Ideally, the part of the shoe that fits the back of your heel should be snug to avoid the risk of rolling the foot to the outside or inside.

2:  Take Breaks from Lounging

Although resting can create initial relief and comfort, the discs in your lower back are loaded 3-times more while sitting than standing. Sitting on the beach for hours on end may make for a blissful thought, but the reality is it is likely to cause or aggravate a painful back injury. Summer also brings many opportunities to socialise over a tropical tipple or two – a situation in which most of us have a tendency to slouch. Try and remember to maintain a good posture (no matter how much fun you’re having!) to reduce the risk of stressing your lumbar discs.

If you’re in an environment that’s likely to see you sitting for extended periods (such as the beach or in a beer garden), get up, stretch and walk around every 20 – 30 minutes. Remember that the spine is designed to move – and movement facilitates the delivery of healthy nutrients to the spine.

3: Sleep Well

Summer may bring longer days and shorter nights but that doesn’t mean you should alter your sleeping pattern. During the night while you’re asleep, the hard working structures of your spine finally get the chance to rest and be revitalised. If you don’t regularly get enough quality sleep, you’re not the only one who will feel fatigued and run down– your spine will too!

Implement these three simple tips this summer and you’re spine may just be a whole lot brighter!

Lounging on the Beach This Summer? Watch Your Back and Neck

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If you’re planning a trip abroad this summer (or even if the British weather holds out), you’ll probably be looking forward to long, lazy days of rest and relaxation. But according to our Southend chiropractor, lying in the sun for hours on end can be harmful to your neck and back (and we’re not just talking about sunburn!).

Lying on your stomach – which is a favourite sunbathing position – flattens the natural curve in the lower back. You’re also more likely to turn your head to one side when you lie in this position, which can distort the alignment of the vertebrae in your cervical spine. That’s without the compression of your heart, lungs and nerves (ever wondered why you sometimes experience “pins and needles” when you’re in a certain position?)!

Our chiropractor in Southend recommends that you avoid lying on your stomach for long periods of time – especially if you currently suffer or have previously suffered from back or neck pain.

Welcome Toby …

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Toby

As summer blazes forth (well some where that is true!) and you prepare for the hols or enjoy the garden let us help you allow those sinews to unwind.

Toby our new rehabilitation therapist and masseur is celebrating his arrival at Cliffs Chiropractic with 30 minute massages for only £15.50, thats half price but it is going to end at the end of July and places are limited so don’t miss out! You deserve it! Just call or e-mail for your one to one massage time.

More about Toby …

We are delighted to welcome Toby Simons to the clinical team at Cliffs Chiropractic. Toby will be our new Sports Therapist and masseur.

Toby is keen to get started so to celebrate his arrival and prepare you for the summer hols (and hopefully sunshine!), book a £15.50 half price massage so your body can be both relaxed and flexible. (Normal fee £31, time 30 minutes).

Toby was sent to Coventry to study and gain his degree in Sports Therapy in 2015, but now he is back in his home town of Southend. A keen sportsman he enjoys cricket, having played at Essex County Club, running and cycling. During his pre and post degrees Toby has gained experience assisting leading physiotherapists in various sports and whilst working at Cliffs will continue as Sports therapist with Southend United Football Club.

Toby says, “My key interests are problem solving, diagnosis and developing targeted exercises that are both effective and fun. Working in a chiropractic setting is a brilliant opportunity and I knew I was in the right place when even Arif and Melanie’s dog Enzo gave me a hug! I am excited to do my very best for the patients and be part of an outstanding award wining team where my skills can grow and be put to great use.”

One last thing about Toby , he plays guitar and loves Frank Sinatra!

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Chiropractic – the Power Behind Outstanding Athletes!

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The Euros are in full swing, Wimbledon starts next week and the Rio 2016 Olympics are just around the corner, to name but a few. It may come as a surprise just how many sports men and women benefit from chiropractic treatment. Here are just a few famous faces.

Please share with friends or relatives that could benefit from chiropractic but may be sceptical or anxious to try it.

Chiropractic is fundamental in sports medicine and many trainers will encourage it before, during, and after any physical performance, giving many athletes the edge that makes them world class.

Here are a few examples of how chiropractors have kept the sports world in motion.

Usain Bolt

Yes the fastest man on earth benefits from regular chiropractic treatment. Usain Bolt has shared that to help him keep in top shape he couldn’t do without his regular chiropractic care. His strenuous training regime includes regular sessions with his chiropractor.

Tiger Woods

Considered as one of the greatest professional golfers of all time, Tiger Woods has had numerous visits to chiropractic clinics throughout his career. In fact he says chiropractic care has helped him enhance his physical well-being. He goes on to say that chiropractic care is as vital as his daily training and exercise.

Evander Holyfield

Known as “The Real Deal,” Evander Holyfield is a world renowned American boxer who became the champion in both heavyweight and cruiserweight categories. As a boxer, Holyfield admits that before his training, he makes sure that he first visits his chiropractor. In fact, he has at least three chiropractic sessions in a week.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger started weight training when he was 15 years old. Arnold claims that chiropractic care has been largely beneficial to his overall health. In fact, he believes that a timely visit to his chiropractor is hugely responsible for his long-lasting vigor!
“He (his chiropractor) adjusts my wife, my kids, me, everybody gets an adjustment. And we feel always great when Franco leaves. Even when I have athletic injuries he’s always there for me and helps me.”

Dan O’Brien

Decathlon Gold Medalist, “If it were not for chiropractic, I would not have won the gold medal”.

Chiropractic Care at the Olympics

For years, chiropractors have worked with world-class Olympic athletes to improve their strength, endurance, and range of motion while training. For the first time ever in 2012 chiropractic care was offered to athletes at the Olympic games in 2012. They worked as part of a large multi-disciplinary team in the polyclinic. In addition many countries sent their own team chiropractors, with the US team sending over 100 chiropractors to treat their athletes

In the run up to the 2012 games UK chiropractors treated Usain Bolt to recover from a back injury and Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins has been having treatment since 2008.

In fact US exercise physiologist Sean Atkins estimates that at least 90% of elite athletes use chiropractic on a regular basis to prevent injuries and enhance performance.

 

 

 

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How to Choose a Good Back Support

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Back support belts (often called back braces) are available in a variety of materials and designs, depending on the role in which they are intended to play. According to our Southend chiropractor, many people suffering from back pain find it difficult to choose the correct back support simply because of the large selection available.

But choosing the right back support doesn’t have to be a difficult decision.

Instead of feeling daunted by too much choice, consider what you need the support for. Will you be using it for sport, work or everyday chores? Next, think about what qualities you are looking for in a back support. Are you looking for comfort, compression, stability or flexibility? The answers you give to these questions will prompt you in the direction of the right back support for you. Your chiropractor can also advise what kind of support is suitable for your back condition and requirements.

It’s Never Too Early for Good Posture Habits

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posture advice for children from Cliffs chiropractor sounthendAs a family chiropractic clinic, we are immensely proud of our reputation for providing chiropractic treatment to children. With the knowledge that’s available now,  our children have a real chance of living their entire lives without the burden of back pain; that’s why it’s so important for good habits to start early.

Arif, one of our leading chiropractors at our Southend clinic, is a Fellow of the International Chiropractic Paediatric Association and has been a Certified Chiropractic Paediatric Practitioner for fourteen years.He has created the following top tips on encouraging a major healthy habit in children – developing and maintaining good posture:

1: Be a Good Example

Demonstrating good posture is the best way to encourage your children to do the same.  Be mindful about how you’re sitting and standing – especially in front of your little ones.

2: Use Positive Reinforcement

Instead of simply telling your child to “sit up straight” when they’re slouching, give them motivating reasons to improve their posture. Tell your child that they look more grown up or taller when they sit up straight, for example. This praise will help your child to want to engage in such positive behaviour.

3: Use Visuals

Young children learn incredibly well through visuals, so try using images to teach your child about good posture. Other creative outlets such as making up a song or putting on a short play can also be really effective in helping your child to develop healthy posture habits.

4: Play Posture-Boosting Games

 There are many games you can play with your child to encourage good posture. The more creative you are the more fun your child will have and the more likely they will be to maintain new positive habits.

“My Fair Lady” is a timeless classic where your child has to walk across the room carrying a book on their head without it falling off. By playing this game, your child will learn how to position their head and neck in the correct way for good posture. Why not join in with the fun and set up a points system where the player who carries the book on their head for the longest amount of time wins a small prize? Your child will think you’re great fun and you’ll probably improve your own posture in the process!

5: Get cycling

Take your children for bike rides regularly. Sitting and balancing on a bike can result in improved posture.

Poor posture is a major cause of back pain. Don’t let your children pick up the bad habits of our generation. By working together, we can give them the chance of reaping the benefits of a lifelong healthy spine.

Get Peddling!

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Here at Cliffs Chiropractor Southend, we encourage everyone to take part in any event that benefits health and fitness – and this month it’s all about cycling!

Dig out your body-hugging shorts (classic cycling attire!), dust down your helmets and get those wheels in motion by joining in with this year’s Bike Week.

Taking place between the 11th and 19th June, Bike Week is set to attract hundreds of thousands of people to join cycling events, rethink their commutes and journeys and switch to cycling as their first choice of transport.

Bike Week 2016 has a particular focus on encouraging people to cycle to work and many participants will take part in fun workplace challenges such as finding the easiest route to their workplace or “buddying  up” with riding partners.

Southend on Sea Borough Council has a dedicated website about cycling – CycleSouthend.  We are sure you’ll find some fitness-boosting and scenic cycling routes which certainly beats sitting in spine stiffening traffic jams!

Are you going to join the hundreds of thousands of people taking part in Bike Week? You never know; it could be the start of a whole new you!

You can find out more by clicking here: http://bikeweek.org.uk/us

School Kids : Protect Their Back Health

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back care advice for children from cliffschiropractorsouthendWith nearly 80% of people experiencing back pain at some point during their lives, it’s important that children look after their spines from a young age.

Our Southend chiropractor, who has extensive experience in treating children, shares simple tips on preventing childhood back pain…

1:Keep Your Children Active

Staying active helps to keep children a healthy weight and builds those all-important spine-supporting muscles. Sitting in class for long periods of time can put excessive pressure on a child’s spine which can put them at risk of developing back pain. It’s a good idea to suggest that your child performs some simple stretching and strengthening exercises in between classes. The Double Arm Doorway Stretch is a fun and effective exercise that your child can take in turns to do with their classmates. Here’s how it works:

Your child stands in a doorway and braces their hands on each side of the frame. Keeping their hands and arms at shoulder level, they engage their stomach muscles and straighten their back. Next they take one step forward and lean their upper body so that they feel a stretch inside their chest and shoulder muscles.

If your child feels embarrassed or self conscious, they can even do this exercise as they are chatting to their friends and no one will even notice they are doing anything more than leaning on a door!

2: Buy the Right Backpack

Although it may be the “cool” thing to do, wearing a back pack with one strap puts excessive pressure on one shoulder instead of distributing the load evenly across the two. Make sure your child wears their backpack across two shoulders and the straps are tight enough for the bag to fit closely to the body. Your child’s back pack should rest evenly on the middle of their back and not sag down.

3: Practice Good Posture

Sitting in class for long periods of time can cause many kids to slouch, which again, puts an excessive amount of pressure on the spine. Teach your child about the health benefits of proper posture and get them into the habit of sitting in the correct position. While in class, your child’s feet should be planted on the ground with their back straight. Rounding the spine or slouching is a common issue than often leads to long-term back pain.

By working together, we can protect the next generation’s spine health.

Let’s Squeeze, Sway and Cuppa

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A healthy back will support you every day but, if you sit or stand for hours at a time, the chances are your back needs support from you. If you do nothing else, do these three things …

If you spend hours working at your desk all day, you may very well be complaining of a stiff neck, aching shoulders or a bad back. If any of this sounds familiar, please take a look at these three simple exercises. They’re really easy to do, especially in the confines of an office. If you can make this part of your daily routine, you’ll be alleviating all those symptoms associated with lack of movement while improving your overall sense of wellbeing at the same time.

The Squeeze

The Sway

The Cuppa

You can find three more exercises you can add to your routine on our Back to Business page.

So there’s no time like the present – let’s Squeeze, Sway and Cuppa our way to better back health:)

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