By Dr Danica Newbold, B.HSci (Chiro), M.ClinChiro, Ad.Dip Myo. Certified Cox® Technic Chiropractor and Myotherapist.
Low Back Pain or Lumbar spinal disc pain is all too often the cause of numerous patients presenting to health physicians.
DID YOU KNOW:
- 1 in 6 Australians reports suffering from low back pain – approximately 3.7 million people (1), and
- It is estimated that 80% of the Australian population will experience low back pain during their lifetime (1).
- On average, Australians are spending up to 5 billion dollars per year on treatments for low back pain (1).
We regularly hear of patients who have visited numerous doctors, allied health practitioners and specialists before visiting our clinics. The good thing is we can provide up-to-date research supporting the implementation of the effects of non-surgical spinal decompression, such as Cox® Technic, for treating acute and chronic lower back pain and spinal disc problems.
Studies are regularly produced, and our knowledge is continually updated. Recently, a study published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice (September 2022) investigated the effects of non-surgical spinal decompression on pain intensity and herniated disc volume on lumbar disc herniations. This study showed significant improvement in pain intensity in patients who received spinal traction therapy and over 50% reduction in disc herniation size (2). Furthermore, a comparison study of improvements in pain, range of motion (ROM) and function for acute vs. chronic lumbar radiculopathy patients (patients whose pain is due to compression of the spinal nerve roots causing radiating pain down the leg) concluded that “manual lumbar decompression decreases pain, and increases range of motion and function” in acute patients who received lumbar spinal decompression therapy as compared to those who did not (3).
The Cox® Certified Practitioners at Malvern Chiropractic Clinic and Melbourne Spine Clinic are well-versed in all spine disorders. Whether your pain is acute or chronic, something can be done to manage your pain better. As stated on the Cox® Technic website: “Cox® Technic is research-documented spinal manipulation to relieve lower back pain, neck pain, arm pain, leg pain and a host of other spinal-related conditions like disc herniation, spinal stenosis, post-surgical continued pain and pregnancy-related back pain” and based on the ever emerging positive research towards non-surgical spinal decompression, our Certified Cox® Flexion-Distraction Practitioners can help by ensuring you have the best system in place to help manage your spinal condition actively and passively.
Please speak to one of our Practitioners next time you are in the clinic about the exciting research behind Cox® Flexion-Distraction and Spinal Decompression therapy and how it can help you or even someone you may know better manage their lives.
REFERENCES:
- https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/arthritis-other-musculoskeletal-conditions/back-problems/what-are-back-problems
- Choi E,Gil HY,Ju J,Han WK,Nahm FS,Lee PB. Effect of Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression on Intensity of Pain and Herniated Disc Volume in Subacute Lumbar Herniated Disc. Int. J. Clin. Pract. 2022;2022():6343837.
- Waseem M,Shakil Ur Rehman S,Ikram M,Arif T,Rafi S,Raza T. Effects of decompression on pain, range of motion and function in patients with acute vs chronic lumbar radiculopathy. J. Pak. Med. Assoc. 2022;72(9):1842-1844.
Top 3 Stretches for Christmas
Here are a few exercises that can help you out over the holiday period.
Our Practitioners have extra stretches or exercises that might be an appropriate part of your treatment plan, especially if you’re going away.
We have Exercise Balls, and other equipment available in the clinic so have a chat with one of our friendly Reception staff about picking up some new items for your rehabilitation programs!
BALL BRIDGE
GREAT FOR CORE STRENGTH
Lying down on the floor with both legs on top of the exercise ball. Active and contract the pelvic floor and core (abdominal) muscles drawing the in and up towards the spine. Slightly tighten the hip and buttock muscles, then lift buttock up off the floor. Hold for 10-15 seconds, repeat 3-5 times
CAT-COW STRETCH
HELPS WITH SPINAL FLEXIBILITY AND ALLEVIATES STIFFNESS
Beginning on all fours, position the hand directly under the shoulders and the knees directly under the hips. CAT POSE: On inhalation – tilt the pelvis backwards, tuck the head down and under and push down on the floor through the heel of the hands. COW POSE: On exhalation – relax the spine and tilt the pelvis forwards, lifting the head and relaxing the shoulders. Repeat this cycle 5-10 times.
DOORWAY STRETCH
HELPS IMPROVE POSTURE AND SHOULDER TIGHTNESS
Begin standing in the center of a doorway. With your elbows bent, place your forearms flat against the sides of the doorway at a 90-degree angle from your sides, then take a small step forward until your feel a stretch in the front of your shoulders. Hold this position. Can be performed single-sided.
