Category: Wellness

Is sitting the new smoking? | We ask Dr Soroush Ebtash.

Take a minute to think about how often you sit each day. Now ask yourself what portion of that time was in ideal posture? This is a simple way for you to determine if it could be leading to back problems.

It’s commonly accepted among experts that lower back pain is related to prolonged sitting. And let’s face it, in today’s world we spend plenty of time during our day doing exactly that—we sit in the car, we sit most of the day at work and we even sit to watch television after our workday is over.

It seems that the only time we’re not sitting is when we’re moving from one location to the next. Because this is how we’re living, it should come as no surprise that back pain can be a pretty common problem.

What is also troubling is how our next generation is spending more time sitting at such earlier age, due to the introduction of the tablets and other hand-held devices. This could be one of the many reasons that we see more and more adverse changes to the spinal curvature in the youth. 

Poor postures and prolonged sitting are both contributing to the major musculoskeletal complaints seen in the young and old. It would not be unusual to predict that this would be on the rise due to the change of habits and increase in morbidity in our society.

Sitting is the New Smoking

While we’re not suggesting that you stop sitting, what you should do is take some simple steps to minimise the impact by making your environment more back friendly.

Here are a few suggestions:• Take interval breaks throughout your day
• Change your position as often as you sensibly can
• Get up and walk every 45 minutes
• Stretch your spine throughout the day

If you’re dealing with frequent back pain that seems to be sticking around, consider contacting our practice for an appointment.

How do you manage a concussion | We ask Dr Soroush Ebtash.

With the summer season and the sporting activities gearing up, so does the occurrence rate of injurious. One of the important and common injuries in the sporting world is concussion. 
Concussion is a brain injury and must be taken seriously to ensure and safeguard the short and long term health of all players.

The majority (80-90%) of concussions resolve in a short (7-10 days) period. The recovery time is longer in children and adolescents. One needs to remember that their brains are still developing and therefore a more conservative approach needs to be taken with them. While symptoms may resolve, the brain takes a bit longer to recover fully so this needs to be factored into the recovery protocols.

During this recovery period, the brain is more vulnerable to further injury, and if a player returns too early, before they have fully recovered, this may result in:

• Prolonged concussion symptoms
• Increased risk of developing Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS) with symptoms lasting over 3 months
• Possible increased risk of long term health consequences e.g. mild cognitive impairment or degenerative brain disorders in later life.

Concussion Recognition Tool (CRT) is the most common standard used when dealing with such events. Every parent and sports trainer should be aware of this to ensure the welfare of all players.

As a guide the following should be a minimum procedure when dealing with a player who has sustained a possible concussive event.

Step 1

• Recognise the injury by using the Pocket CRT

Step 2

• Any player with suspected concussion should be IMMEDIATELY REMOVED FROM PLAY, and should not be returned to activity (training or playing) until they are assessed medically.

Step 3

•  Report the incident to their club officials (if applicable)

Step 4

Monitor the player with a suspected concussion which includes:

• NOT consume alcohol and keep well hydrated.
• NOT drive a motor vehicle.
• NOT be left alone, and be woken every 2-3 hours during the night to ensure they are well.

 Step 5

• Rest from all activity until symptoms recover.

Step 6

• Consult with a medical professional on a graduated return to training and playing.

Step 7

• Medical clearance required to return to play.

There are plenty out there to read about concussions. Please feel free to download the Pocket CRT attached to this email. Use the Christmas season to educate yourself and your family. Please feel free to speak to one of our Chiropractors or physiotherapists to discuss any questions you may have.

Can I find relief from neck pain | We Ask Dr Soroush Ebtash

The old saying “so and so is such a pain in the neck” highlights how frustrating neck pain can be. Discomfort, soreness, and stiffness can make it hard to turn your head and difficult to get comfortable while doing almost anything.

To put it simply, neck pain can be a real pain in the neck! Even minor neck pain can affect your quality of life – but relief is available, and it doesn’t come from a bottle.
While most neck pain is related to emotional stress like worrying about a deadline, physical stress is also a contributing factor.

Here are a few ways to reduce physical stress on your neck:

1. Take frequent breaks from sitting in front of a computer. Keep your head aligned with your spine and relax your jaw – the same goes for when you’re texting.
2. Sleeping on your stomach can stress your neck. Try a side or back position with a supportive neck pillow.
3. Move. Shrug your shoulders up and down. Pull your shoulder blades together to prevent the neck from stiffening.

Follow up your treatment plan and make regular care a part of your routine.

If you feel the emotional stress is a contributor to your neck pain then practicing mindfulness, yoga, meditation and/or seeking counselling to address the hidden cause behind the physical manifestation of the emotional pain should be on top of your list for 2021

Are you stressed in this climate? Join the ranks! | Dr. Soroush Ebtash

As I write this, I grapple with two very different thoughts and feelings. My logical side analyses the current climate and appreciates that such challenges are temporary.

We have had them before, some even worse than this and we get over them. Humans are wonderful specimens. They are adaptable and resistant. They are flexible. They are intelligent and they seek solutions. So I know that while it may feel like a lifetime, these days, weeks, or even months will pass and in a bigger scheme of things, they are only a  hiccup in our trajectory

Then my emotional side kicks in. My emotional side naturally seeks a refuge. It is seeking comfort. It naturally retreats and it automatically gives in to the fear. Fear of now, fear of future. Fear of the unknown.

What I realise is that while I have to acknowledge my fears and my concerns, I have to remain logical and in control. I have to appreciate that in times like this, I need to carry out good practice and common sense. Giving in to the fear is not going to achieve anything at all. Fear breeds fear and only leads me down a very dark and windy path.

What are some useful tips that could help us all now?

We all should:  
Eat well, meditate (use apps such as Headspace – they work), take our supplements (call or drop us a line to get your immune package), get ample sleep, have some “personal time”, hang out with our loved ones, and finally continue with our care.

I’ve always told our patients that ‘we make little changes yet with a big difference’. Looking after thousands of patients in the last 17 years, has shown me that when we undergo stress the effect is not isolated to our mind and soul but it has a global effect. It most often presents itself in physical aches and pains as what we call ‘psychosomatic presentation’.

It’s amazing how much change many patients feel, how clear their heads may get after care, and how much easier they may be able to tackle life following a treatment.

Don’t underestimate the effect that your health choices can have on your overall functionality and performance.

See you on the other side of this

Regards

Dr Soroush Ebtash