Stop Making this Mistake with Your Back Pain

Are you making this common mistake with your back pain management? While most people understand the importance of proper ergonomics, regular stretching, and exercise, there's another crucial factor that's often overlooked: your diet.

The Vegetable Deficit

As a practising chiropractor, one of the most common confessions I hear from clients is their struggle to consume adequate vegetables. The recommended five servings per day isn't just an arbitrary number—it's a scientifically backed guideline that directly impacts your musculoskeletal health.

What Counts as a Serving?

- ½ cup of cooked green or orange vegetables

- 1 cup of raw leafy greens

- ½ medium potato or sweet potato

- ½ cup of cooked legumes

The Science Behind Vegetables and Back Health

Your spine, muscles, and connective tissues require specific nutrients to function optimally and repair themselves. Here's why vegetables are crucial for back health:

Essential Nutrients for Back Health

1. Vitamin D

- Found in mushrooms (though technically fungi, they're classified as vegetables in dietary guidelines)

- Critical for bone health and muscle function

- Helps with calcium absorption

- Supports connective tissue repair

2. B Vitamins

- Essential for nerve health and function

- Found abundantly in:

- Mushrooms

- Peas

- Broccoli

- Spinach

- Asparagus

- Potatoes

- Help reduce inflammation and support nerve repair

3. Antioxidants and Anti-inflammatory Compounds

- Present in colourful vegetables

- Help combat inflammation that can contribute to back pain

- Support tissue healing and repair

Practical Tips for Increasing Vegetable Intake

1. Diversify Your Choices

- Challenge yourself to try one new vegetable each week

- Experiment with different cooking methods

- Mix vegetables into existing favourite dishes

2. Meal Planning Strategies

- Prepare vegetables in bulk for the week

- Keep pre-cut vegetables ready for snacking

- Include vegetables in every meal, including breakfast

3. Creative Incorporation

- Add spinach to smoothies

- Grate vegetables into sauces

- Use vegetable-based noodles

- Include mushrooms in your breakfast omelette

Beyond the Basics

While increasing vegetable intake is crucial, it's part of a larger nutritional strategy for back health. Consider also:

- Reducing processed food consumption

- Limiting sugar intake

- Moderating alcohol consumption

- Staying properly hydrated

The Bottom Line

When managing back pain, don't overlook the power of proper nutrition. While ergonomics, stretching, and exercise remain fundamental, your diet plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy spine and supporting tissue repair.

Think of your body as a complex machine—it needs the right fuel to operate efficiently. Those five daily servings of vegetables provide essential nutrients that support your musculoskeletal system's health and function.

Make conscious choices at the grocery store, experiment with new vegetables, and remember that every small dietary improvement contributes to better back health.

How your spine feels is not a good indicator as to how healthy it is

“My back is fine, I don’t have any pain." But here’s a question—do you apply that same logic to your teeth? Just because you’re not experiencing pain doesn’t mean there isn’t a problem brewing. Spinal issues, like dental problems, can develop slowly over months or even years, without you noticing a thing. I didn’t even realise I had cracks in my teeth until a dentist pointed them out!

Your body is incredible at adapting to issues without bothering you—until it becomes a major problem. By the time you feel pain, the damage could be significant and more difficult to heal. In some cases, it may not even be fully reversible.

To truly care for your spine, it’s important to be proactive. A combination of a good diet, restorative sleep, ergonomic habits, appropriate exercise, and chiropractic care will go a long way in keeping your spine healthy and pain-free. Chiropractors can help ensure your spine moves properly, preventing it from “rusting over,” which leads to tension, pain, poor posture, and degeneration.

Here’s an example from my own practice. A client came in for low back pain, and as part of my standard full-spine check, I found that his neck had almost no movement. An x-ray revealed that several joints were so degenerated they had fused together—but he had no neck symptoms at all! This shows how important it is to have regular check-ups even if you feel fine, because your body can mask symptoms for a long time.

Remember, you only get one spine. Taking a proactive approach can help prevent future issues, allowing you to enjoy a pain-free, healthy life. If you’re curious about how healthy your spine is, or if you're due for a check-up, feel free to send me a message. I’d love to help you get on track to a healthier spine!

How to Avoid Back Pain During Winter

Do the colder months mean more back pain for you? Winter is a beautiful season, but it can also bring some challenges for our backs. As the temperature drops, we often find ourselves dealing with cold, stiff muscles, and an increased risk of back pain. At Riverside Chiropractic, we want to help you stay comfortable and pain-free during these colder months. Here are some simple tips to help you avoid back pain this winter.

1. Keep Warm Cold muscles are more prone to tension and strain, so it’s important to dress in layers to stay warm. A good thermal layer, a cosy jumper, and a supportive jacket can make all the difference. Don’t forget to wrap up with a scarf to keep your neck warm too!

2. Stay Active It’s tempting to stay indoors and be sedentary during winter, but regular movement is crucial for preventing stiffness and pain. Simple indoor exercises, like stretching or yoga, can keep your muscles flexible and strong. Even a short walk around your house or garden can do wonders.

3. Maintain Good Posture We tend to spend more time indoors during winter, making posture more important than ever. Whether you’re working at your desk or relaxing on the couch, maintain good posture. Keep your back straight, shoulders relaxed, and avoid slouching. Use supportive chairs and cushions if needed, particularly behind your low back.

4. Stay Hydrated We often drink less water in winter, but hydration is vital for keeping your muscles and joints healthy. Herbal teas and warm water with lemon are great alternatives if you’re not keen on cold drinks.

5. Use Heat for Relief If you do experience any back pain, use heat. A warm bath, a hot water bottle, or a heat pack can help soothe sore muscles and improve blood flow.

Winter doesn’t have to mean back pain. By staying warm, active, and mindful of your posture, you can enjoy the season comfortably. If you need more personalised advice, feel free to reach out to us. Stay warm and take care!

How to feel confident with your back to lift heavier at the gym

Are you aiming to increase your lifting weights but concerned your back gets a bit cranky when you try to lift heavier weights? Here are a few key steps that can help you lift heavier and not have to think about your back so much.

1. Start with Dynamic Stretching: Before you even think about grabbing those weights, it’s crucial to prepare your body for the stress of lifting. Dynamic stretching involves motion and helps to get your blood flowing, warming up your muscles. This type of stretching not only boosts flexibility but also significantly decreases your risk of injuries. Exercises like leg swings, arm circles, and torso twists are perfect examples.

2. Static Stretching Post-Workout: After your lifting session, shift to static stretching. This means holding your stretches for around 30 seconds. It's an essential step for cooling down and helps your muscles recover and maintain flexibility. Prioritise this practice to aid in muscle recovery and prepare them for your next session.

3. Incorporate Foam Rolling: Foam rolling is a form of self-myofascial release that helps to alleviate muscle tightness, soreness, and inflammation. It also increases your joint range of motion. Make sure to roll out your back before and after workouts to help release tension and improve blood flow, keeping your muscles supple and ready for action.

4. Focus on Your Glutes and Legs: Your lower body is a powerhouse when it comes to lifting. Foam rolling your glutes and legs helps to release tight muscles, reduces soreness, and improves range of motion. This step is crucial for maintaining proper form during your lifts and preventing injuries.

5. Strengthen Key Muscle Groups: Engage in exercises that specifically strengthen your core, back, glutes, and legs. Exercises performed on the floor, such as bridges or planks, can be particularly effective. These movements help ensure that weaker muscles are not overshadowed by stronger ones, which is common in exercises like squats, where your back and hamstrings might compensate for weaker glutes.

6. Don’t Overlook Chiropractic Care: One of the most overlooked aspects of safely increasing your lifting capacity is regular chiropractic care. A chiropractor can ensure that your spine and pelvis are properly aligned. This not only minimises the risk of injuries but also maximises your body’s lifting potential.

Lifting heavier weights doesn't have to be a perilous journey. By incorporating these methods into your routine, you can safely enhance your lifting capacity while protecting your back and keep yourself in the gym.. Remember, consistency is key, and taking the proper precautions will keep you strong and healthy in the long run. If you have any questions about these techniques or want to discuss your specific needs, don't hesitate to reach out.

Driving Without the Ache: How to Prevent Back, Neck, and Shoulder Pain on the Road

Driving can be a pain—literally. For those of us with long commutes or a busy schedule ferrying kids to school and sports activities, the car often feels like a second home. Unfortunately, it can also be a source of constant back, neck, and shoulder pain. At Riverside Chiropractic, we regularly see clients who suffer from discomfort due to poor driving postures. But fear not, there are simple adjustments you can make to ensure your drive is as pain-free as possible.

1. Support Your Back

One of the most crucial aspects of maintaining a good driving posture is to ensure your lower back is well-supported. Many car seats do not offer adequate lumbar support, which can lead to slouching and subsequently, back pain. If your vehicle lacks proper lumbar support, consider using a small cushion or even a rolled-up jumper. Placing this behind your lower back helps maintain the natural curve of your spine, which is essential for a pain-free sitting position.

Cushion for low back support

2. Adjust Your Seat

Correct seat adjustment is key to avoiding strain. Make sure that your seat is positioned so that your knees are slightly higher than your hips. Your seat should be close enough to the steering wheel to avoid stretching your arms or leaning forward, both of which strain your neck and shoulders. The back of your seat should be slightly reclined to reduce the load on your spine, but not so much that it causes you to tilt your head forward.

3. Relax Your Shoulders

With your lower back supported and your seat correctly adjusted, it becomes much easier to maintain a relaxed shoulder position. Keep your shoulders comfortably down and back, rather than hunched up towards your ears or rolled forward. This relaxed position prevents the build-up of tension in the shoulders and neck during long drives.

4. Mind Your Head Position

Many drivers develop the habit of pushing their head forward, especially when trying to focus on the road. This 'forward head posture' can put an additional 4.5kgs of pressure on your neck for every inch your head protrudes forward from its natural position! To avoid this, ensure the top of your headrest is level with the top of your head and positioned a few inches behind your head, encouraging a straight neck alignment.

Hunched Posture Whilst Driving

5. Take Breaks

No matter how perfect your posture, sitting in one position for too long is not ideal. If you’re on a long journey, plan to take regular breaks—step out of the car, stretch, and walk around every couple of hours. This helps to reduce pressure on your spinal discs and boost circulation, keeping muscles active and pain at bay.

By following these simple tips, you can turn your car into a friend rather than a foe of your musculoskeletal health. Remember, preventing pain is always better than treating it. If you’re experiencing ongoing discomfort despite these adjustments, it might be time to visit us at Riverside Chiropractic. Let us help you drive away from pain towards a healthier, more comfortable life on the road.

How to not wreck your back whilst camping

Don't stuff your back whilst camping and miss out on valuable time with your family.

I'll be going over my top 3 tips to look after your back whilst camping:

1. What to take to sleep on for support to keep your spine aligned and pain-free.

2. Master the art of setting up your campsite with back health in mind.

3. The common mistakes people make that can do their back in whilst on an active, camping holiday.

Say goodbye to back pain and hello to memorable family camping trips. Connect with Fiona at Riverside Chiropractic for tailored advice and expert back care. Want to book an appointment? It’s easy to book online using the ‘book now’ button.

How to not wreck your back whilst wrapping Christmas presents

Do you make any of these common mistakes whilst wrapping Christmas presents?

1. Doing all of them in 1 go?
2. Sitting on the floor or the couch?
3. Not looking after your back properly whilst getting them wrapped?

How many did you say yes to? I'm going to be giving the low down on why this is bad and what to do instead so you don't miss out on the good times with your family and friends.

If you would like help with your back this Christmas season, we can help you out. Please book online to make an appointment.

Your Guide to Pain-Free Holiday Travel

Bottom Line:

Holiday travel can be brutal on your body. Long hours spent jammed into a small seat on an airplane has the potential to cause a flare up of pain in your low back or neck. Even if you are traveling by car, be careful when lifting suitcases that are stuffed with an entire closet worth of clothes and gifts.  Proper spinal alignment can help your body function at it’s the highest level and keep the holiday back pain at bay!

Why it Matters:

Your spine performs at its best when it has a balance of strength and flexibility. Chiropractic adjustments help your spine move comfortably through its entire range of motion. What’s more, when your spine is in alignment and balanced, your muscles perform better. Lifting too much weight at awkward angles can put a tremendous amount of stress on your spine and cause injuries, and after a few hours of sitting still in a plane or a car, your body isn't prepared to immediately start lifting 50 lb. suitcases. Be prepared and take a few moments during your travel to stretch, move your body, and warm up before doing any heavy lifting.

 - Stop in and get adjusted before you leave on vacation to improve how you feel and function.

- If your flight is more than an hour, be sure to get up and stretch your legs.

- Be cautious and lift with your legs when moving suitcases and gifts.

Next Steps:

A lot of patients have told us that getting that adjustment before leaving for their vacation helped them avoid having a relapse of pain. Give your back a gift and consider coming in to get an adjustment before leaving on your vacation, and from our family to yours, happy holidays!

Science Source:

The effect of spinal manipulative therapy on spinal range of motion: a systematic literature review. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies. 2012

Common Cooking Ingredient That Can Make Back Pain Worse

Eating to reduce back pain

Your diet is very important in helping you to feel better - check out this video.