Spinal Health Week 2022: a timely opportunity for Australians to check on their spine and neck health to ensure a healthy and active lifestyle. This Spinal Health Week (23-29 May 2022) the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) is encouraging all Australians to address their neck health and seek professional help if needed.
Research shows that musculoskeletal conditions have the fourth greatest impact on the health of the world’s population, with neck pain being a leading cause of disability in adults (reported up to 20% of adults), often requiring a professional assessment.1 Being a long-term condition, a sore or stiff neck isn’t only a serious physical issue impacting your quality of life, but it can also affect your ability to participate in self-care, work and social activities.2
Dr Michael Black, Chiropractor at Manningham Road Chiropractic Centre in Doncaster, says “From standing, to sitting, to lifting, to sleeping – every position your body takes can have an impact on your spinal health. It’s very common to go about your day and not pay attention to some of your activities that may be having a detrimental effect on your neck, and it doesn’t stop at neck pain. Neck problems are a common trigger for headaches. They can also cause jaw problems, shoulder pain, or weakness and tingling into the arms and hands.”“Unfortunately, we have seen an increase in people seeking help for musculoskeletal pain, including the neck area, and we are conscious there may be many more people suffering in silence.”
Chiropractors want Australians to safeguard their quality of life and overall wellbeing by taking the time to assess their spinal health and address any neck aches or pains they may be feeling and seek the appropriate care.”
Implementing positive spinal health habits in the first place, including good posture, sleep hygiene, and partaking in regular stretching and exercise regimes are important factors in preventing neck pain. Dr Black suggests “There are many things that can be incorporated into a day-to-day routine that can improve your neck health or help to assess if you need professional assistance.For example, these are three easy steps you can add into your daily life to help safeguard and improve your neck health:
1. Take a 20 second ‘posture break’ every 20 minutes.
2. Regularly move your neck by performing slow and gentle shoulder rolls, neck rotations and neck side bends.
3. Correct your neck posture – lightly draw your shoulders back to open your chest. Imagine gravity works in the reverse, gently lengthening your neck and allowing your chin to tuck in slightly.
If you are concerned about your neck health following two years of lockdown and disrupted routine, consider visiting your local ACA chiropractor to help you live your healthiest, most fulfilling life.
References
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-musculoskeletal-conditions/back-problems/contents/what-are-back-problems. Accessed in March 2022.
The association between prevalent neck pain and health-related quality of life: a cross-sectional analysis, Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2899412/. Accessed in March 2022.
Text Neck Treatment and Prevention. Available at: https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/neck-pain/text-neck-treatment-and-prevention. Accessed in March 2022.
