With the beginning of the school year we have plenty of people asking us about the best way to care for the spines of their little ones.  Aside from the obvious back pack issues there are numerous things which can overload a child’s developing spine during their daily school adventures. Considering it is the spine's job to protect the nervous system, which is responsible for EVERYTHING that happens in your body including your heart beat, breathing, sensory integration and digestion, it makes sense that taking care of our spine is a key component to overall health and wellbeing. Children's relationship with technology has increased tremendously  in  a  few  short years, they  spend  more time on mobile phones, tablets and hand-held devices than ever before! And we are seeing the impact of this on posture and also activity levels, both of which can have further detrimental effects on the development of the spine and brain. Studies show an increase in children suffering muscular discomfort from poor postural habits and the resulting suboptimal functioning nervous system. These children often lack motivation for physical activity and may struggle with concentration on their school work.  Many parents do not realise the effect their child’s physical body has on their ability to learn, socialise, cope with stress, regulate their emotions and fight coughs and colds.  Proactive education, positive support and early intervention is key in building a strong healthy and resilient body for the future. At LiveLoveLife we aim to support healthy growth and development in children and healthy spinal and brain function in everyone! If you have any concerns or are looking for more information about the health of your child or yourself please contact us at hello@livelovelifechiro.com.

With the lightening of restrictions and promise of more freedom to come, now might be the time to start considering the sort of new routines you have settled into during this period of self-isolation.  Have you unconsciously fallen into bad habits like watching too much Netflix or sporadic snacking? Or are you consciously building new habits that are making you a better version of yourself? Creating consistency in your day is a crucial way of helping you cope with being stuck at home. But it’s equally important that you choose the right habits that elevate your life while continuing to be open to change and willing to put in the effort that it takes to grow as a human. One of the best ways to keep yourself accountable and ready to return to real life when the time comes is to set a routine and stick to it. Whether it be setting calendar alerts or alarms for your workout times, making sure you shower and get dressed as if going to your workplace before sitting (or standing) at your computer and/or allocating yourself time to prepare and enjoy proper healthy meals, some habits will come easy to some of us, others might require change and practice to implement a healthy routine. For many of us, while we may possess the desire to change, change does not come easily. It requires a will of the mind as well as repetition and consistency with daily, positive habits and routines designed to keep you in alignment with your goals. Many of you will have now heard of neuroplasticity, which basically means the brain alters itself whenever we learn something new and we think this is pretty cool! We have BILLIONS of brain cells which are constantly communicating with the rest of our body through our nervous system and our nerve cells are arranged by what we learn, remember, experience, feel and envision. This literally means when we change our mind, we change our brain! When you begin to intentionally envision a new reality (exercising daily, prioritising healthy eating, excelling at your career, developing more meaningful connection with your family) your brain is rewiring itself and your body will be reconditioned to prepare itself for that new event. If you visualise your desired outcome daily and feel what it would be like to experience that transformation your brain will change to help you achieve your goal. If you want to make healthy changes become an easy part of your routine, here are some tips to get you started. 1. Write a simple mission statement to let your brain know you are serious! Your statement should induce positive feelings for you and avoid negative words like ‘not’ and ‘stop’. You could say “I will exercise for 1 hour, 5 days a week so that I look and feel healthy”.  Your intention is like a mental compass, if it is clear you are more likely to find your way. 2. Find and list five strong reasons why you want to make your desired change. If you feel passionate about the change and remember the reasons you want it in the first place it will be easier to stay motivated. 3. Review your plan or action steps as soon as you wake up to set yourself up for the day, then again before bed to see how your behaviours aligned with your goals.  Mentally rehearsing what steps you plan to take each day can prime your brain to automatically follow your intentions. Review and remind yourself of your entire plan, and then most importantly, take the first step! 4. Hold yourself accountable by consistently demonstrating change each and every day. Make sure the choices you make today are not the same as those you made days, weeks, or months ago. Be aware of giving into familiar feelings, cravings and urges. Standing strong against these old feelings is a way to find the new you.  Want your health to be different? Want your life to be different? Then you have to DO something different. 5. Create a reward system for yourself, something visual where you can record your wins or tick off steps you have achieved.  This will help reinforce your new habits and you’ll get the feelings of self-esteem, worth, and accomplishment you deserve. If one day does not go as planned, never be discouraged, just start again the very next day. There is no place here for negative emotions such as guilt or self-depreciation and no such thing as failure, just fresh chances to make more changes each new day. 6. Sit with the unnatural, unfamiliar, and uncertain feelings of no longer being the same. Change can be uncomfortable. Lift yourself into a new state of being by asking yourself how you will feel when these changes you are currently making become habit? What does your life look like? Raise your energy with positive thoughts and feelings and get excited about the new, improved you. Live like whatever you desire has already happened. 7. Leave little reminders like pictures and notes around (desk, fridge, mirrors) to help keep you on track. Seeing these reminders daily will keep you on task by reminding you that what you are doing is important. Listen to motivational lectures, books, or music when you can. Staying conscious of your future will inspire you to get there. These are a few starter steps, The rest is up to you. What is important to remember is that transformation is possible for everyone, including you!

In these ‘interesting’ times most families are experiencing changes to work, school, recreation and social connections. For some these changes are positive with families spending more time together engaged in fun and meaningful activities with fewer distractions and time pressures. For others, things have been incredibly difficult leading to fear, worry, depression and  anger. These effects are not just felt by adults. Children often see straight through the brave front we put up to protect them and many tend to need stable routines to feel safe and in control. As a parent, you already know it is important to reassure your child, give them plenty of hugs, opportunities to share their thoughts, provide them healthy meals, play, exercise and sunshine. But you may have overlooked the benefits of breathing, another simple tool we can utilise to decrease the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) response, anxiety, depression, anger and confusion. Here are two simple techniques you can implement right now to improve relaxation, pleasantness and comfort in your child: Laying on their back with both hands on their belly, have them take a slow breath all the way in, concentrating on the feeling of the belly rising, then slowly breathe all the way out, feeling their belly flatten.  They can count the length of their breath:  in for four counts, out for four. Have your child lie on a long foam roller or three tightly rolled up towels.  Have the roll going along the spine, supporting from the head to tailbone.  Have your child rest their hands on the floor with the palms up and relax so the shoulder blades move down towards the floor.  Breathe slowly and comfortably in this position for several minutes. Helping children learn to manage their emotional state will have lifelong health benefits and could be another positive to come out of these ‘interesting times’.  If you are concerned about your child we recommend a formal assessment with a Chiropractor.  At LiveLoveLife we aim to support healthy growth & development in children and healthy spinal & brain function in everyone! If you have any questions please contact us at hello@livelovelifechiro.com.

Bottom Line: Your spine is a long chain of bones, discs, muscles, and ligaments that extend from your skull down to your tailbone. The cervical spine (your neck) is designed to support your head and protect the nerves that go out to your face, shoulders, and arms. Postural changes, arthritis, and sudden injuries are a few of the primary causes of neck pain. Most of the time, the pain can be traced to a problem with either the muscles, bones, discs, or nerves in your neck. That’s important to remember when considering how to recover from whiplash injuries naturally. That’s probably a big part of what has you considering seeking chiropractic treatment for whiplash in Paddington. Whiplash injuries can occur during a sports accident or during a slip and fall. And, as most of us know, whiplash injuries are also commonly sustained during auto accidents. These injuries can cause damage to the delicate structures in your neck and lead to symptoms such as headaches, neck pain and stiffness, shoulder pain, and numbness and tingling or pain in your arms and hands. That pain is your body’s way of saying “pay attention inside now!” Let’s take a closer look at what happens when a whiplash injury is sustained, and, perhaps more importantly, how to recover from whiplash injuries naturally. Why it Matters: Over 1.5 million whiplash injuries occur each year, many from low impact collisions. Research does in fact show that low-speed crashes can create the force necessary to cause pain and injury. Because these injuries can be sustained in collisions other than car accidents and can occur at low speeds, many people often ignore them and have never learned how to recover from whiplash injuries naturally. Many of you neighbors who’ve been involved in an auto accident recently are most likely seeking chiropractic treatment for whiplash in Paddington right now for that reason. The truth is that even minor damage to the ligaments of your neck can take up to 12 weeks to heal. In some cases, the partial tearing of the muscles, tendons, or ligaments around your spine can take several months to heal. Depending on the severity of the ligament tearing, these injuries may also be classified as permanent. Whiplash can also cause damage to your facet joints and spinal discs by stretching them beyond their normal range of motion. Almost every bone in your neck has a pair of sliding joints towards the back called facet joints. If an adhesion forms or the joint is stuck, your body will try to compensate. A stiff neck after an accident is a good clue that a whiplash injury may have occurred. Keep an eye out for swelling and bruising, which can take up to 24 hours to develop. Many people may already know what symptoms to watch for, but most people may not really know how to recover from whiplash injuries naturally. How to Recover From Whiplash Injuries Naturally It's essential to control any inflammation early in your treatment and improve your range of motion. In other words, it’s key to use movement as medicine. While it may seem strange that movement can be a good thing even if it causes discomfort, we know that controlled movement can limit the amount of scar tissue that forms and may even increase the healing rate. Still wondering exactly how to recover from whiplash injuries naturally? Let’s recap the key principles we just discussed. ● Obtaining an accurate diagnosis with a complete examination and spinal imaging is the first step towards determining the best plan of care to heal from your injuries. ● Inflammation is often the primary factor that causes pain and restricted movement after a whiplash injury. ● Controlling inflammation naturally and reestablishing your range of motion can help reduce your pain and improve the results of your care. Next Steps: With the right healthcare team, most people can get back to their full life and activities without the need for drugs or surgery. Chiropractors focus on the structure and function of your spine. When your spine is functioning optimally, your body is able to heal itself, no medications needed. When looking at how to recover from whiplash injuries naturally, a chiropractor’s care is key. We take a holistic approach to help you recover from whiplash by examining and treating the injured muscles, ligaments, discs, and more. Depending on the type of accident, we may choose to take x-rays or an MRI of your neck to evaluate your injuries better. Chiropractors are considered essential after an accident because of our focus on improving your movement, biomechanics, and functional ability while reducing your pain. Schedule an appointment to receive chiropractic treatment for whiplash in Paddington today if you are someone you know has been injured in a car accident. We're here to help guide your recovery process and theirs every step of the way. Science Source: The Treatment of Neck Pain and Whiplash-Associated Disorders. JMPT. 2016.

Bottom Line: Whether you are just driving to work or taking a big family vacation, an unexpected car accident can cause painful injuries that impact you for months and years to come. The weight of your vehicle combined with motion and speed can create a tremendous amount of force. Even low-speed collisions can generate enough force to cause significant injury. Whatever the details, one thing remains true… That force gets transferred directly to your body! If you’ve recently been in an auto accident, the first thing you should do is make an appointment with a chiropractor specializing in collision accident injuries in Paddington. The violent forces that occur during an auto accident can cause damage to your spinal discs, ligaments, tendons, and bones-even at "low" speeds. Most common injuries after a collision accident happen because your head is whipped backward and forward very quickly. This rapid back and forth motion frequently results in ligament tearing and spinal disc injuries. Symptoms such as neck pain, back pain, headaches, confusion, and even depression may indicate that you've suffered a whiplash injury. Why it Matters: You may be surprised to learn that shoulder injuries are some of the most common injuries after a collision accident in addition to whiplash. Your shoulder is one of the most complex parts of your body and is made up of a collection of bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. If you are the driver and have your hands on the wheel at the time of the crash, the sudden force created by the accident can lead to a torn rotator cuff. Seat belt related injuries are also some of the most common injuries after a collision accident. Your seat belt can irritate impingement syndromes in the shoulder and contribute to other spinal injuries. That said, remember this. Seat belts save millions of lives each year and should absolutely be used every time you enter a vehicle. In addition to head and shoulder injuries, a sudden stop or change in direction during an accident can also place a tremendous force on your chest. What’s more, since your arms and legs are more than likely unsecured, they can strike the interior of your car, causing additional injuries. Common Injuries After a Collision Accident So, here are a few of the most common reasons we recommend you see a chiropractor specializing in collision accident injuries in [your city / town / neighborhood] after any collision accident. ● Head Injuries: Striking your head against the steering wheel, dashboard, or window can result in a severe head injury such as a concussion (which is considered a mild traumatic brain injury). ● Spinal Injuries: The forces that occur during a car accident can cause spinal injuries like instability, whiplash, or herniated discs. ● Arm or Leg Injuries: Injuries to your shoulders (if you're holding the wheel) or your knees (if they hit the door or dashboard) are very common after a car accident. Next Steps: Ignoring any injury, whether it’s on our list of the most common injuries after a collision accident or not, is not a good idea. If you're in a car accident, no matter how minor, it’s important to get evaluated. Taking the right action steps as quickly as possible can make a huge difference in your overall well-being and healing. In fact, the injuries sustained in most accidents can be treated conservatively, and many don't require surgery. Research has shown chiropractic care to be very effective at treating injuries like neck and back pain, headaches, whiplash injuries, and extremity issues. If you’re searching for a chiropractor specializing in collision accident injuries in Paddintgon , know that our doors are open and our expert team is here to help, right now. We’re focused on relieving pain, restoring mobility, and supporting long-term healing, and we specialize in treating most all of the common injuries after a collision accident. A complete evaluation is how we determine the extent of your injuries and begin your journey towards recovery. What’s more, our practice's evaluation process and assessment tools can help us fully document your injuries for your records, your medical doctor’s records, your insurance providers records, and, when needed, your attorney’s records. Then with a combination of conservative treatments designed specifically for you, we can help you find relief as quickly, safely, and naturally as possible. Science Source: The Impact of Musculoskeletal Injuries Sustained in Traffic Crashes. BMC. 2018.

Ready to learn how to break the stress headache cycle once and for all? Well, if you’re looking for chiropractic care for tension headaches in Paddington, you’re off to a great start! Read on. The Bottom Line How many times have you been “stressed out” just today? Are you already worried about something you have to tackle at work or an upcoming appointment later this week? Maybe you have a big work meeting just around the corner. As the go-to provider of chiropractic care for tension headaches in Paddington, we understand why it is that these situations can lead to one very common outcome - stress headaches. Perhaps you’ve heard the phrase “that’s a headache waiting to happen.” Of course you have - we’ve all been there! And if you tend to deal with stress by clenching your jaw or tensing your muscles, you might unknowingly be setting the stage for a headache. So, what causes this to happen, and how can we break this stress-headache cycle? Let's explore. Why it Matters Long ago, our bodies developed a "fight or flight" response to ensure we could handle physical threats that were all too real in the prehistoric world. This response causes our heart and breathing rate to increase, blood pressure to rise, and blood flow to our extremities to amplify - all to prepare us for combat or swift escape. While this instinct is still ingrained in us, the threats we face have, well… significantly changed. As a result, our bodies often struggle to differentiate between physical danger and psychological stress. This means that we might react to that big meeting at work with the same internal responses as if we were being pursued by a prehistoric predator! And how does this connect to headaches, you ask? Well, if there's one thing to remember about stress, it's this: it can intensify your symptoms when you're unwell. Stress and headaches are absolutely linked. Episodic headaches, which occur occasionally, are often triggered by isolated stressful incidents. Common everyday stressors include anxiety, poor sleep habits, or less than minor life changes. On the other hand, chronic headaches are typically triggered by persistent daily stress and a lack of regular exercise. To help you better understand how to break the stress headache cycle, we've compiled a list of our top tips for stress reduction. This could be your first step towards fewer headaches. How to Break the Stress Headache Cycle Exercise Regularly Engaging in regular physical activity can boost your endorphins, lifting your mood and helping you feel happier. Moreover, regular exercise can increase your overall energy levels, enabling you to shift your focus away from stressful events or situations. Get Plenty of Sleep We can't emphasize this enough: quality sleep is key to managing stress and reducing headaches. Aim for at least 8 hours of sleep each night and maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Establishing a regular sleep pattern can contribute to your overall well-being. Relax When it comes to understanding how to break the stress headache cycle, relaxation is more than just a suggestion. It's important to set aside time specifically for relaxation techniques that can help you stay calm during stressful periods. Practices like meditation and yoga can help you achieve both physical and mental relaxation, mitigating the onset of stress and consequently, headaches. See a Chiropractor Keeping your spinal joints moving properly can alleviate the strain on your spine and its supporting muscles. Chiropractic care can help you relieve pent-up stress in your body and get you feeling better quickly. Tension headaches are often triggered when neck and scalp muscles become tense or contract, often due to maintaining the same head position for extended periods. Regular chiropractic care can help correct the physical imbalances that lead to tension headaches, helping you move and feel better. Next Steps So, can stress cause headaches? Absolutely. While there is a very real connection between stress and headaches, rest assured that there are both simple and effective ways to combat this cycle. When you feel your stress levels starting to creep up, start by taking a moment to practice your favorite relaxation techniques. And don't forget to prioritize essential preventative self-care like daily exercise, balanced meals, and good sleep hygiene. And, of course, regular visits to your favorite trusted chiropractic team can make a world of difference. If you haven’t yet tried it and you're ready to explore chiropractic care for tension headaches in Paddington, we're here for you! Our expert team is committed to working with you to keep your body relaxed and moving well. We’ll help you learn how to break the stress headache cycle and get you the care you need so you can enjoy a healthier, happier life. Science Sources: Sleep and Migraine. Headache. 2018. Manual Therapy Effect on Tension Headache. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2016. How Does Stress Impact the Body? Forbes. 2018. Tension Headache. MedlinePlus. 2023.

As adults we know the benefits of a good night’s sleep and we know how awful we feel when we have been deprived of our precious sleep for whatever reason. It is natural to have good nights and bad nights when you take into consideration daylight savings, weather, activity levels and emotional states, that’s life. However, continual sleep difficulties can cause serious detrimental effects to both children and adult’s health and functioning. Children’s sleep (or lack thereof) is an extremely common concern for parents and we hear about it daily in the studio. The amount of sleep required by children varies depending on age, as well as from child to child, but what does not vary is that sleep is required for growth, immune function, healing, learning and memory formation. A recent study found that children who do not get enough sleep may not only show signs of poorer cognitive performance but may also suffer depression, anxiety and impulsive behaviour. As a parent you have no doubt given up much sleep for your child already but your child getting a decent night sleep often means you can too! Here are some helpful hints you can use to establish a calming routine to prepare your child for bed: 1. Start slowing down a couple of hours before bed ~ make bath time relaxing and focus on quiet and soothing activities you can do together such as reading books, telling stories, drawing, breathing exercises and meditation in the time before bed. If your child suffers anxiety, nightmares or generally finds sleep difficult, it is important to talk about it earlier in the day so before bed the conversation is about happier things that encourage a state conducive for sleep. 2. Avoid eating food just before bed ~ digestion may interfere with sleep so if your child is hungry before bed offer a small snack of food containing tryptophan (eggs, cheese, peanuts, pumpkin and sesame seeds and milk) which help produce melatonin. A cup of chamomile tea or warm milk can be very calming provided you leave out sweeteners which may increase short term activity levels. 3. Avoid screens at least one hour before bed ~ this means TV, computer, iPad or phones, all of which emit a stimulating blue light which will not allow the brain's activity to calm down. If possible it is a great idea to keep TV’s and computers out of the child’s bedroom so your child's brain associates the bed with sleep, not with game playing and socialising. 4. Minimalise bedroom clutter ~ as mentioned above your child’s bedroom should be associated with sleep only, so less toys and clutter means less inspiration to play at bedtime. A dark, cool and comfortable room is also conducive to sleep and a small nightlight may be a helpful tool to ensure your child feels safe and relaxed. If you have any concerns around your child's sleep, spine or nervous system health, please get in touch at hello@livelovelifechiro.com

Is your child's favorite pastime screen time? Are you concerned about how much exposure your kids have to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from computers, mobile phones, tablets, electronic toys and the like?  If not, you should be!  Experts report two minutes on a mobile phone can alter brain function in a child for an hour and children who use a mobile by age 7 have an 80% higher incidence of behavioural problems. Children face a greater risk of  injury from all these wireless devices as their developing nervous systems have greater susceptibility to damage. Their brain tissue is more conductive and more absorbent (2-3 times of an adult), their cranial bones are thinner and they face  longer cumulative exposure. Studies show how "digital addiction" leads to structural and functional changes in the brain so health risks from EMFs cover a broad spectrum from links to cancer,  infertility, DNA damage, autoimmune issues, reduced tissue repair, neurological dysfunction, cognitive problems, emotional & behavioral issues, anxiety and fatigue to name a few. So what can you do about it? As it is impossible to eliminate EMFs, reducing exposure is the only way to minimize the potential harm to your family.  We suggest the following: Unplug your child! Restrict use of mobile phones, ipads, fitbits, wireless headphones etc. Limit exposure to background levels of WiFi. Turn devices off at night or when not in use. Have your child’s neurological milestones assessed to ensure their nervous system is functioning optimally. At LiveLoveLife we aim to support healthy growth & development in children and healthy spinal & nervous system function in everyone! If you have any concerns or are looking for more information about the health of your child or yourself please contact us at hello@livelovelifechiro.com.

Do you think of yourself as a “glass half-empty or half-full” sort of person? Have you ever had someone tell you to "look on the bright side" or to "turn that frown upside-down" or who tried to tell you all about positive thinking and the mind-body connection? Perhaps a friend has shared the classic “things turn out the best for people who make the best of the way things turn out” saying with you a time or two. Maybe you’ve done so yourself a time or two as well. Chances are good that if you or someone you know makes these comments, you’re positive thinkers. And get this. As a holistic chiropractor in Paddington NSW, we’re here to let you know that researchers are finding more and more evidence pointing to the many benefits of optimism and positive thinking. Bottom Line: It’s been said many times over many years by many people that mindset is the #1 predictor of success and for good reason. The conversations that you have with yourself often play a major role in determining your personal growth. The relationship between positive thinking and the mind-body connection is very real. Here’s an example you might be familiar with… Thinking that you can't do something can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. When we take on this type of mindset, it tends to get in the way and keep us from acting and making the decisions we need to make to do whatever it is we need to do. The good news? There’s good news. We can update our habits, beliefs, and the way we think, and that can have positive effects on both our mental outlook and physical wellbeing. Why it Matters: When it comes to positive thinking and the mind-body connection, choosing to practice positive thinking can be a key part of effective stress management, and effective stress management can mean a world of good for your body. Some of those benefits can include: ● Fewer chronic aches, pains, and less daily discomfort. ● A lower likelihood of developing certain health conditions. ● Better mental coping skills and physiological responses when it comes to stress. As we all know, when you feel better, you also tend to make better decisions for your health. You may very well be more active each day and make better food choices as a result. Practicing positive thinking can allow you to look at the world with a new perspective, and that can empower you to become the person you know you can be. That’s positive thinking and the mind-body connection in action! A Closer Look at Positive Thinking and the Mind-Body Connection Here are some additional interesting points you may not know about this phenomenon… ● In one recent study, researchers found evidence to suggest that negative emotions may play a role in the development of a weakened immune response. ● In another study, researchers attributed a positive outlook to a 30% decrease in the likelihood of one day experiencing a cardiovascular event. Positive thinking matters. As the top holistic chiropractor in Paddington NSW, we’ve seen the changes that positive thinking can make in our patient’s overall wellbeing first hand. So, what steps can you take to improve your outlook? Next Steps: This week, try and pay attention to the thought loops running through your head. When you notice a negative thought, take a moment to try to be more conscientious about what you tell yourself. Use some of those phrases the positive thinkers in your life have often shared with you. This simple and small change can go a long way to help you cultivate a more positive mindset in the year ahead. Remember, the research tells us that cultivating a positive mindset isn't just a lackadaisical, “granola” way to approach life. Studies examining positive thinking and the mind-body connection have shown us that our mental health impacts much of our physical health, and a positive mindset can lead to improvements in our overall health and well-being. Speaking of that mind-body connection, if you’ve been living around some chronic aches and pains and you just can’t get them “off your mind”and if you would like to find out more about how Chiropractic care can support your health and well being please get in touch with us today at hello@livelovelifechiro.com Our doors are open, our team has been there, and we’re here to help! Science Sources: Positive Thinking: Stop Negative Self-talk to Reduce Stress. Mayo Clinic. 2022. The Power of Positive Thinking. Johns Hopkins Medicine. 2022.

The Athlete in All of Us Professional sports and chiropractic care go back a long way. Athletes have always sought a performance advantage, and many have discovered that chiropractic can give them that competitive edge. Nearly everyone likes to believe they are an “active” person, so this month is an excellent opportunity to appeal to their inner athlete. Throughout the month, you will find a variety of topics related to sports performance and chiropractic care, including the social proof of professional utilization, the CrossFit craze, and exciting new research, all with a variety of fantastic testimonials. Professional athletics have allowed chiropractors to showcase their skills as part of an elite healthcare team. Exciting new research has begun to show the depth of what can be achieved with an adjustment. Researchers from Brain Science found an increase in cortical drive and strength after an adjustment, and the team at SPINE found periodic chiropractic care has the potential to prevent future episodes of low back pain. It’s an exciting time to be a chiropractor, and this month, our sports performance research updates will turn some heads in your community! "I did a lot of things to stay in the game, but regular visits to my chiropractor were among the most important." - Jerry Rice, Pro Football Hall of Famer Emerging research has shown an increase in strength after a spinal adjustment. Periodic chiropractic visits can help evaluate, detect, and treat an emerging problem, thus preventing future episodes of low back pain. How Pro Athletes Deal with Pain Professional sports are big business. The athletes are given access to various healthcare options to help them play at the highest level possible. Over the past few years, you may have noticed some familiar faces on the sidelines- chiropractors. Sports performance is a huge part of winning in a game of inches. Chiropractors are on nearly every sideline, working to keep the athletes happy, healthy, and productive over the course of a long and rigorous season. The days of receiving shots of narcotics on the sidelines are over. Turning off the pain mechanism is an excellent way to cause more injury, not less. But, with chiropractors there to help find the cause of the injury- the athletes can get back on the field feeling better than ever. The sports franchises and the players now realize that a team approach to care is best. Nearly every professional sports team has a team chiropractor on the sidelines "I did a lot of things to stay in the game, but regular visits to my chiropractor were among the most important." - Jerry Rice, Pro Football Hall of Famer Chiropractors are there to help keep the athletes performing at their peak level Crossfitters! Want to Get Stronger? Crossfitters focus on strength and conditioning with a healthy dose of competition. And if you want to improve your WOD (that’s workout a day for the uninitiated), then you need a plan to achieve your best performance while ensuring your body can recover quickly. Otherwise, injuries may cause you to slow down or even keep you from going to the gym altogether. As someone looking for optimal performance and recovery, there is no better choice than chiropractic. Exciting new research has shown that chiropractic adjustments can increase cortical drive by influencing your nervous system, which results in increased strength. Also, adjustments can improve spinal motion and reduce inflammation- all of which help with recovery. CrossFit is a popular, high-intensity style workout Improving core strength and flexibility can reduce the likelihood of injuries Emerging research has shown an increase in strength after a spinal adjustment Be Like Mike: How To Improve Your Sports Performance Athletes and active people are always looking for a competitive edge. No one may embody that spirit more than basketball legend Michael Jordan. He won multiple world championships and gold medals, breaking almost every record in the NBA. So, what was the secret to his success? Aside from a tremendous amount of hard work and persistence, Michael said, "I didn't know how much I could improve until I started seeing a chiropractor. Since I've been in chiropractic, I've improved mentally and physically by leaps and bounds." Like you, Mike was always striving to reach his full physical and mental potential. With that statement, he joined athletes like Tom Brady, Aaron Rogers, Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, and Wayne Gretzky, who talked about how chiropractic care helped them stay at the top of their game. With the rigors of pro sports and the demands these athletes place on their bodies, chiropractic care would be used to keep them healthy and perform to their highest potential. Here is what a few other star athletes had to say about chiropractic. “Chiropractic care has been instrumental in my life, both on and off the field...” -Jerry Rice Performing at my best is important and should be to everyone. Getting adjusted regularly Along with practicing other good health habits that my mom helped me to establish – these are all part of my goal to win in life and on the field. – Aaron Rodgers “I’ve been going to a chiropractor for as long as I can remember; it is as important as the practice of my swing.” - Tiger Woods Pro Tips to Keep Your Spinal Discs Healthy Not everyone spends the week preparing to “play on Sunday.” Most of us will never make it to the NFL, and our big game is more likely to occur in a conference room than in a stadium. But, no matter what you do for work, doing it in pain is no fun. Instead of lifting weights and working with the coach on a new play, your day-to-day may consist of long hours commuting and then 8 hours sitting at a desk. Research has shown that all those hours sitting can place more stress on your spine than if you were working out and pushing the limits of your body all day long. It may be a bit too late to change careers and try out for a professional sports team, but you can do a few things to stay healthy and productive at work and home, just like the pros. Daily exercise, light stretching, and chiropractic care can all help keep your spinal discs healthy and strong. Adjustments allow your discs to stay healthy by bringing in valuable nutrients to help heal and flush out the inflammatory substances that can cause pain. Researchers from SPINE found that periodic chiropractic care may be able to detect, evaluate, and prevent future episodes of back pain! Sitting is one of the most stressful positions for your spine Periodic chiropractic visits can help evaluate, detect, and treat an emerging problem, thus preventing future episodes of low back pain. Keep your spine healthy with daily exercise, light stretching, and chiropractic care Next Steps: Instead of catching a game-winning touchdown, your idea of peak performance might include a fantastic presentation at your next team meeting. Don’t let pain slow you down and keep you on the sidelines. You have made an excellent choice to include chiropractic care as a part of your active lifestyle. Let us know if you don’t already include stretching in your daily routine. We would be happy to provide a few tips to get you started! call us on 02 8091 2021 or email us at hello@livelovelifechiropractic.com.au Science Source: The use and role of sports chiropractors in the national football league: a short report. JMPT 2002 Impact of CrossFit-Related Spinal Injuries. Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine. 2017 Does Maintained Spinal Manipulation Therapy for Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain Result in Better Long-Term Outcomes? SPINE 2011 Impact of Spinal Manipulation on Cortical Drive to Upper and Lower Limb Muscles. Brain Science 2016 Impact of CrossFit-Related Spinal Injuries. Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine. 2017 Packers’ Rodgers Has Deep Roots in Chico. New York Times 2011 Does Maintained Spinal Manipulation Therapy for Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain Result in Better Long-Term Outcomes? SPINE 2011