Welcome to the first of a two part series on chronic injuries/disease. This year at Adjust we really want to partner with you with your health and wellbeing.

We really believe that 2011 can be a significant year and now can be a great starting point to assess your health and fitness goals. So in 2011 be proactive about your health and start to take action today to lose weight, get stronger and relieve yourself of that pain that you have had for over two months now.

Did you know that people often just accept that chronic disease and pain is just a natural part of ageing? This is far from the truth. With a proper assessment and regular exercises (i.e. even twice a week Pilates or Yoga could help prevent some aches and pains in your lower back) you can prevent numerous problems. I guess the biggest question is WHY are you putting it off. Stop now and think about yourself in 10 years. Where do you want to be?

Right!! Stop thinking and start doing something about it and get yourself into some regular exercise.

I was reading an article last week that was really alarming. It stated that GP’s are now seeing on average 25% more people with chronic disease like diabetes, obesity and arthritis (Figure 1).

What does this tell you about our lifestyle?

We are eating more unhealthy foods, doing less exercise and ageing faster. Is this how you want to live your life? I really hope not because I want to see you healthy and get the most out of your life.
      
So what can you do about this today?

Go and get yourself checkout. As physiotherapists we are able to identify your body mass index, flexibility and if there are any potential injuries waiting to happen. So go and get an assessment by a qualified physiotherapist. If you are interested in this offer call our Coomera or Springwood clinic.  I really hope to see you soon!

Pain in the neck is one of the most common complaints I have seen as a physiotherapist, throughout my 12 year career to date. Neck pain can be caused by stress or muscle strain but can often be prevented by using good posture, getting regular exercise, and avoiding long periods in positions that stress the neck, such as prolonged computer work. So I have put some suggestions together on ways to help avoid neck if you experience it at different times of the day.

If neck pain is worse at the end of the day, evaluate your posture and body mechanics:

• Avoid slouching or a head-forward posture.
• If you work at a computer, adjust the monitor so the top of the screen is at eye level.
• If you use the telephone a lot, consider using a headset or speaker phone.
• Adjust your car seat to a more upright position that supports your head and lower back.
• Use proper lifting techniques. Lifting with your knees, not your back, can also help prevent neck pain.

If neck pain is worse in the morning, check your pillow and sleeping posture:

• Use a pillow that keeps your neck straight, neither too high nor too flat.
• Avoid sleeping on your stomach with your neck twisted or bent.
• If you read in bed, prop the book up so you are not using your arms to hold it up and bending your neck forward.
• If you are not sure if you have good pillow see the physiotherapists at Adjust as we sell pillows that are adjustable.

If stress is contributing to your neck pain, practice muscle relaxation exercises. Consider getting a massage.

Strengthen and protect your neck by doing neck exercises once a day. You can also help prevent neck pain by staying at a healthy body weight.