Category: chiropractor southend

Back to Business is Launched at London Southend Airport

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Echo_NewsOur exciting B2B (Back to Business) campaign has officially begun. We were invited to London Southend Airport to launch the campaign with a powerful takeoff. B2B is our campaign for bringing simple exercises to those desk bound at work, to ease and help prevent back pain.

With nearly 10 million working days being lost to back pain in 2014 and over a billion pounds lost in work productivity, we’re on a mission to fight the rising surge of work-related back issues.

B2B is a campaign with a difference

B2B involves us going into the workplace and giving an introductory talk and demonstration to staff. We follow this up with posters to be put up in the workplace and access to videos of the exercises for staff to refer to.

B2B consists of six simple movements that any desk worker can do to reduce stiffness, prevent back pain, improve posture and enhance energy levels. And what’s more, these short exercises take hardly any time to perform and they’re discreet (nobody wants to be the office’s “performing seal”, after all!).

We’re also working hard behind the scenes developing an exercise programme aimed at alleviating back problems associated with manual handling . Watch this space …

B2B Launches at London Southend Airport

BAck to Business at Cliffs Chiropractor SouthendWe were invited to launch our B2B campaign at London Southend Airport. London Southend Airport is owned by Stobart Group a company well known for its inclusive policies and all for one, one for all attitude.

Jon Horne, the Chief Operating Office,  suffers from back pain himself and was eager for his staff to be involved. Jon said “We can all make a difference to our own health and wellbeing; the practical steps set out in Back to Business can be done quickly and easily”.

The session was held by Arif, who demonstrated just how easy and effective the B2B exercises are and how these exercises should be done in the close confines of an office, and importantly, an air traffic control tower. Arif soon had Mr Horne and members of staff, performing the exercises and having lots of fun in the process!

A selected member of staff will become a B2B ambassador, receiving additional training from Cliffs, to help staff stick to the regime and to keep it inspiring and fresh.

So why is there such a need for an innovative campaign such as B2B?

At our clinBAck to Business campaign at Cliffs Chiropractor Southendics alone, we are treating more and more back conditions than ever before and this has nothing to do with an ageing population as patients are getting younger and younger. This is a direct result of our more sedentary lifestyles, our near-addiction to mobile devices, which is putting additional strain on the spine as we bend our necks to send and receive texts and emails and poor posture.

National statistics are even more alarming. The National Back Pain Survey conducted in October 2014 revealed that over 4 million working days were lost by workers aged 50-64 that year and workers aged 25-34 lost a whopping 1.89 million days due to back pain. Those in the 35-49 bracket took 3.86 million days off for back-related issues. The survey also exposed the heavy rise in back-related work absence; 7.7 million working days were lost in 2013 compared with 9.96 million in 2014.

Watch Arif explain what our B2B campaign is all about.

You can find out more about our B2B campaign here.

Look after your spine’s future and it will look after yours.

One Small Change That Could Save Your Back Health

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According to our experienced chiropractor in Southend, making an effort to sit less and stand more may bring significant benefits to your back health.

When you sit, the discs in your lower back are loaded three times more than when standing. With this in mind, it’s hardly surprising that frequently sitting for long periods of time can cause or worsen a painful back issue.

But with many people’s jobs requiring them to sit for hours on end, how can you make this daily change to help protect your back?

“It’s as simple as getting up to stretch and walk around every 20 – 30 minutes”, says Arif, our leading chiropractor.

Get up and pace while you’re talking in the office, walk for ten minutes on your lunch break or take the stairs instead of the lift.

A healthy spine requires movement so do what you can to implement this one small change into your daily routine. Your back will thank you for it!

We’ve produced a series of videos with six simple exercises you can do every day to keep your back healthy. Why not start with the Squeeze, the Sway and the Cuppa.

 

Is Your Mobile to Blame for Your Neck Pain?

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By now most of us will have heard of “text neck” – a modern day condition where the cervical spine is affected by excessive mobile phone use. But what level of damage are our “heads down generation” actually risking?

The adult human head typically weighs between 10 and 12 lb and this weight equates to far greater volumes as the head tilts forward. The muscles, ligaments and tendons are all put under pressure when holding the head at a forwards angle, which explains why excessive mobile phone use is largely responsible for many neck complaints.

To highlight the reality of this…

A head that is tilted 15 degrees forward may equate to 27 lbs and a head that is tilted 30 degrees forward may put the same strain on the neck as a 40lb head!

Maybe the term “get your head straight” is more apt than ever…

Back Pain: The Benefits of Positive Thinking

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back pain advice from Cliffs Chiropractor SouthendDealing with chronic back pain can bring a sense of disruption to everyday life – the things that were once easy and enjoyable may now seem daunting or even impossible. For many people living with chronic pain – especially those who have been suffering with a painful condition for a long time – these changes can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety and in some cases, even depression.

Our  Southend chiropractor regularly treats patients suffering from chronic pain and advises that it’s important for both you and your family to recognise  negative feelings and take action.

Here our chiropractor shares some effective tips on improving your emotional wellbeing when you’re suffering with chronic back pain:

1: Take Each Day as It Comes

Remember that your condition will bring you good days and bad days. If this is a bad day for you, focus on the good times and positive feelings. Remember the happy and pain-free experiences you’ve had in the past and imagine more of the same in the future.

2: Use Your Support Network

Everyone needs support at some point or another during their lives and chronic pain patients cope better with the help of both family and healthcare professionals. Find and use as many tools as you can to improve your situation and accept the help that is offered.  The stronger support network you have the better you will be able to manage your condition.

3: Accept the Changes

It can be difficult for many patients to accept their changing life but doing so is critical to how you deal with your condition. Instead of wishing things were different, do everything you can to make the best of your situation. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, getting enough sleep, stopping smoking, exercise, and eating a healthy diet will go a long way to improving your health and wellbeing.

4: Expect Success

Chronic back pain does not define who you are and it shouldn’t change what you get out of life.  Learn to expect success as you undertake your daily activities and remember your self-worth. You are needed for a lot more than what your back can provide, so focus on the things you can do with ease and enjoyment.

Having a strong purpose will not only make you feel happier but will keep you motivated through your chronic pain treatment. The more you do, the more you’ll want to do and the happier you feel, the happier you’ll want to be.

 

How Children Can Benefit from Chiropractic Treatment

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Chiropractor Arif Soomro at Cliffs is renowned in Southend for the safe, gentle and effective treatment of babies and children.

He has developed as a specialist in the chiropractic treatment of pregnant ladies and children since 1999 and is a Fellow of the International Chiropractic Paediatric Association.

Over the years he has continued to develop his knowledge, learning from the best in the fields of Sacro-Occipital Technique, advanced Craniopathy for babies, children and adults, paediatric chiropractic and cranial chiropractic (similar to cranial osteopathy).

Arif now has a large practice treating many expectant mothers, babies and children, many who travel many miles to receive his specialised experience, knowledge and care. The whole practice can be full of pregnant ladies, prams and small children and the lovely receptionists often multi-task with arms full of babies.

He believes in the humanistic approach to pregnancy and birth. The human body has it’s own innate wisdom and the female process of pregnancy and birth are generally healthy and safe. A birth team should create a loving, relaxed, nurturing environment for the birth; this power will help to deliver your baby without fear, feeling in control. To reduce the risk of birth trauma and problems such as crying babies we need to take responsibility for the outcome of birth.

Chiropractic treatment of the pregnant mum, babies and children is centred on a holistic approach, thoroughly examining the spine, pelvis, cranium as well as the muscular and nervous systems.

Arif believes that  analysis and specific correction to the pregnant female and paediatric spine and cranium may have far reaching impact on whole body with health benefits that can effect an individual for life.

While Arif and the team at Cliffs are experienced in assisting the treatment of many childhood conditions, you should always visit your medical practitioner if your child develops new symptoms or their existing condition worsens.

On Your Feet Britain Day – Stand Up to Your Right to Good Health!

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Did you know that sitting down for more than 4 hours a day can put you at greater risk of developing obesity, heart disease, diabetes and even cancer?

That’s without the added pressure you’re putting on your spine!

But it’s not just our chiropractors here in Southend who are making a stand against sitting down; the nation is also at it! The 29th April is On Your Feet Britain day where people all across the UK will implement simple changes in their day to sit less and stand more!

Are you going to join in and stand up to your right to good health?

The changes you make on the 29th April could be as simple as walking to the shop instead of driving, standing up to take a meeting or going for a stroll instead of sitting in the canteen during your lunch break. These changes may be small but they may just be the start of positive habits that will go on to improve your health and reduce your risk of developing many serious conditions.

Go on, give it a go!

You can find out more details about On Your Feet Britain day here: http://www.getbritainstanding.org/

Good luck!

The Queen at 90 looks amazing; what’s her secret? Walking.

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active ageing advice from cliffs chiropractor southendArif Soomro, founder of Cliffs Chiropractic Clinic in Essex, and Chiropractor of the Year, has analysed the Queen’s posture and says that everyone would improve their health and wellbeing if they took a leaf from her book and walked.

There aren’t many men and women who are working full time in their 80s, let alone their 90s, so it’s fair to say that Queen Elizabeth is an inspiration to all ages. But if I was to compare her outward appearance and energy levels to someone half her age, she’d come out on top.

After a lifetime of state dinners and chauffeur-driven cars, the Queen at 90 could look significantly different, but she doesn’t have diabetes, isn’t overweight or arthritic and is rarely ill. Before I’m accused of ignoring her privilege and considerable wealth, I don’t believe money and access to the best clinicians in the world have played any part in her obvious vitality. Our Queen is, quite simply, living proof that our lifestyle choices determine our future health. The biggest single factor that has contributed to her majesty’s excellent physical condition is, quite simply, walking.

We all know that walking’s good for us and that it’s the cheapest and easiest way to stay fit, but it has many other benefits: it’s a low impact exercise; it aids lymphatic drainage, which relies on body movement (unlike our blood, which is pumped around by our heart); the muscle contractions in the legs help the return flow of lymph up the legs towards the chest, taking waste products with it and improving fat metabolism; and, for every mile the average person walks, the spine will move to and fro 10,000 times, which prevents a stiff back.

What keeps the Queen looking younger than her years, is her posture. She doesn’t stoop which comes from standing tall, with her shoulders back and down, at all times. An open posture means you can breathe deeply, allowing more oxygen to circulate around the body which, in turn, makes you feel and look more energetic

The royal family is no stranger to chiropractic. Prince Charles has long been an advocate of complementary medicine and supported the state registration of chiropractic in the 90s and Diana, Princess of Wales was patron of the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic in Bournemouth, the largest chiropractic college in Europe, where I trained with Melanie, who co-founded Cliffs with me. Melanie is also Chiropractor of the Year.

I couldn’t complete this article without mentioning food! As we age we need to modify what we eat because our bodies don’t need as many calories to carry out functions; less meat and more vegetables would be a good start. As our calorific needs decrease, our ageing cells need more nutrients and that’s where supplements come in; try calcium, vitamin D3, magnesium, omega 3 and co enzyme Q10.

We may not all be able to emulate the Queen’s healthy habits, but we can wish her a Happy 90th Birthday. Here’s to the next 10!

Inside the Incredible Body of a Marathon Runner!

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Once again this year, tens of thousands of runners will face the ultimate physical challenge as they pound the streets of London during the grueling 26 mile marathon.   Widely recognised as an enormous physical achievement, marathon runners commit to many tough months of training to equip them to the finish line.

But what  are these runners really doing to their bodies as they run for hours one end? Our team at Cliffs Chiropractors have stumbled across some interesting facts:

1: Marathon Runners Shed Weight During a Race

It is common for marathon runners to lose between 2-5 kg in weight during the course of the race.  As this is lost through fluid, runners need to replace the weight by drinking 500ml of fluid per hour during after the event.

2: Marathon Runners Shrink

This may surprise you but the majority of marathon runners will finish the race a little bit shorter than when they started out (around 2 cm). This is said to be due to loss of fluid between the spine’s intervertebral discs. However, this reduction in height is short lived (excuse the pun!) and runners soon return to their normal height around 24 hours after stopping running.

3: Marathon Runners Have Better Hearing

The circulation to a runner’s ears is improved during marathon training. This can provide a greater supply of nutrients which helps to preserve hearing.

4:  Marathon Runners May Damage Blood Vessels

Each stride taken during a marathon creates excess pressure on the tiny blood vessels in a runner’s feet. This results in a reduction in oxygen-carrying blood cells, known as hemoglobin. That’s why it is so important for marathon runners to rest and consume iron-rich foods in the days after the event.

5:Marathon Runners Lose Toenails

With the average marathon runner taking more than 30,000 strides during a race, uit’s hardy surprising their toes get a hammering! The high intensity training that marathon runners endure can also cause the toenails to blacken and eventually fall off!

6: Marathon Runners Burn Less Than 3000 Calories!

A marathon uses around 2800 calories – far less than many people would assume!  As glycogen (the body’s source of activity fuel) becomes depleted during a marathon, runners are advised to replace this with 0.5g of carbohydrates for every pound they weigh.

7: Marathon Runners Get “The Sniffles”

Many runners report the sudden onset of “the sniffles” while running for long periods outdoors. This is known as “exercise-induced rhinitis” (or “runner’s hay fever”). The increased mucus is thought to be caused by excess air being inhaled as a runner’s breathing rate increased. Very cool and dry hair is also believed to worsen the symptoms.

The physical reactions of the human body are incredible, don’t you think?

All the staff at Cliffs Chiropractic wish everyone taken part in this year’s London marathon the very best of luck.

National Gardening Week – Keep Your Back Health in Full Bloom!

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The sunnier weather will soon be upon us and that means pulling out our green fingers and getting our gardens looking all pretty and perfect in time for the summer. But while visions of lazy hazy summer days may get us all motivated to put our gardening gloves on, we must be mindful to protect our backs in the process. With National Gardening Week starting on the 11th April, our team of Southend chiropractors have compiled a list of handy tips to keep both your garden and your back health in full bloom this Spring:

1: Weed Carefully

Instead of resting on your knees to weed, use a stool to sit on to protect your spine, knees and hips. Remember to keep your back straight when you’re sitting on the stool – even when you lean forward to get to the weeds!

2: Take Care When Digging

To avoid injuring your back through twisting, keep your body in alignment with the direction of the shovel and turn your whole body when you start digging a new area. This advice should also be followed when dumping dirt from a shovel. Yes, it may seem easier to twist rather than moving your body in a half circle, but excessive or awkward twisting can be damaging on your spine and could cause a painful injury.

3: Be Sensible When Lifting Heavy Items

The first rule here is; if something feels too heavy for you to lift, leave it alone! Don’t attempt to lift anything beyond your capability and always arrange for help if you think you are going to struggle. When you do lift a heavy item, bend from your hips and knees instead of your spine and keep your back straight when lifting. Rushing is the indirect cause of many gardening injuries, so take your time and properly plan before you start lugging heavy items around. It may add a few moments to your workload, but it will certainly reduce the risk of you developing a painful injury with potentially long term symptoms.

Stop what you are doing if back pain develops or worsens during gardening and contact your GP for advice if pain or symptoms persist.

Get your Mind Back in Bloom for Spring!

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With the winter months now behind us, many people will be spring cleaning their homes ready for the sunnier season. But what about cleansing our minds at the same time? According to our top chiropractor in Southend, a mental ‘spring clean’ can be a great way to clear our minds, get rid of those nasty habits that create negativity and get us positively focused on the things we want to achieve.

Our chiropractor has three simple tips to get your mind in full bloom this spring:

1: Meditate

If you can, try and spend five minutes in an area of nature every day to help move your mind away from the hustle bustle of daily life.

2: Remove Negativity

Appoint a “moan free” day of the week where you make an extra effort to see things from a positive perspective. Tell your family and work colleagues and ask them to join you – positivity is contagious, after all!

3: Take Part in Brain-Nourishing Activities

Consider doing something that will stretch your way of thinking. Visiting an art gallery, joining a class or learning a new language or all great ways to refresh and reignite your mind.

To book an appointment with our award winning team of chiropractors, contact Cliffs Chiropractor in Southend on 01702 430430.

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