Spine and Health

Tag: Active

Posted on

Cracking the Code of Bad Posture

Chiropractic Solutions for Back pain and Headache Relief at Spine and Health

Many people are unaware of the profound impact that bad posture can have on their overall health and wellbeing. Poor posture, including the common issue of forward head posture, can lead to a range of health problems. Understanding the domino effect of bad posture is crucial to recognising its implications for the body. This can affect everything, from the top of your head to your feet. This article aims to dissect the impact of bad posture on overall health and wellbeing and how chiropractic care can be a saving grace.

The Impact of Bad Posture on Health

Bad posture can exert significant strain on the joints, leading to misalignment and discomfort in the neck, spine, elbow, and upper back, even altering the natural arch of your body. This misalignment can result in chronic neck pain and contribute to the development of headaches.

Additionally, posture may also lead to back pain, affecting from the top of your head down to both the upper and lower regions of the spine, even down to your legs and feet.

When the head is consistently held in a forward position, it places undue stress on the cervical spine and surrounding muscles. This can cause tightness and discomfort, leading to issues such as hunching and rounded shoulders.

It is necessary to recognise the potential long-term consequences of improper posture and to take proactive measures like modifying your workspace to alleviate these issues.

How Bad Posture Contributes to Headaches

Forward head posture (FHP) can result from the head being positioned in front of the shoulders, causing strain on the neck and shoulders.

Maintaining the natural curvature is key to avoiding this.

This strain can lead to chronic tension and tightness, ultimately contributing to headache development. Recognising the link between bad posture and headaches highlights the significance of maintaining good posture and avoiding slouched positions, which may prevent such symptoms.

Link Between Bad Posture and Back Pain

Sitting for long periods with poor posture can lead to a curvature of the spine and added pressure on the lower back.

Inability to maintain good posture may result in chronic back pain and discomfort, impacting an individual’s overall wellbeing.

Identifying the connection between bad posture, back pain, and the compromising of your spine’s natural curvature underscores the need for addressing postural issues for overall wellness.

Chiropractic Solutions for Bad Posture at Spine and Health

Role of Chiropractors in Treating Bad Posture

At Spine and Health, our chiropractors play a pivotal role in addressing bad posture and its associated ailments. We are trained to assess musculoskeletal imbalances and provide targeted adjustments to improve postural alignment. By evaluating the spine’s alignment and joint function through our sophisticated technology, like a digital posture analysis and spinal diagnostic imaging, we can identify and address postural issues contributing to discomfort and pain.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Posture Improvement at Spine and health

Our chiropractic care offers numerous benefits for improving posture, including reduced joint strain, enhanced spinal alignment, and alleviation of muscular tightness. Through targeted adjustments and ergonomic training, we see improvements that cannot be achieved through corrective exercises alone. Our chiropractors work to realign the spine and improve postural habits. This approach can lead to decreased discomfort, improved mobility, and better overall wellbeing.

Booking Online with us at Spine and Health

Booking chiropractic appointments online with us at Spine and Health offers unparalleled convenience for individuals seeking to address postural issues and help reduce associated discomfort.

With the ability to schedule appointments at any time, patients can seamlessly integrate chiropractic care into their busy lifestyles.

This accessibility minimises barriers to seeking treatment, promoting proactive management of posture-related concerns.

To tackle your poor posture, contact us today or book a consultation with us now.

FAQ's

A: Good posture plays a crucial role in maintaining the alignment of the body, reducing the risk of injury, and preventing strain and tension in the back and neck.

A: Chiropractic care can utilise various techniques to address the root causes of headaches, such as spinal manipulation and adjustments to alleviate tension and improve overall wellbeing.

A: Leaning forward, slouching, and protruding the head forward are common signs of bad posture, often leading to back and neck pain.

A: It is important to maintain proper posture while sitting at a desk by ensuring the workstation is ergonomically designed and tailored to each individual. Incorporating regular breaks is important to improve posture and reduce strain.

A: At Spine and Health, our chiropractors can provide personalised solutions to improve posture, address biomechanical issues, and reduce the risk of long-term musculoskeletal problems caused by bad posture.

A: Chiropractors offer tailored treatment to realign the musculoskeletal system. This aims to strengthen muscles, improve posture, and alleviate pain, contributing to overall wellbeing and posture improvement.

A: Yes, chiropractic care can help reduce the risk of injury by addressing the root causes of bad posture, such as biomechanical issues and strain on the musculoskeletal system.

A: Posture correction is often more complicated than it seems and although the Chiropractors may also recommend exercises such as chin tucks, tilting, tucking exercises, and Pilates to strengthen core muscles, the best posture correction outcomes are achieved by correcting the underlying issues which often can’t be self-corrected through exercise.

A: Maintaining good posture during daily activities can help in reducing strain and tension on the body, improving biomechanics, and potentially affecting the risk of injury.

A: Recommendations include adjusting the chair and workstation to support natural spinal curvature. We offer sitting and sleeping workshops to teach the specifics of good workstation ergonomics. The key to proper sitting posture is to set up your workstation in a way that you are in the most upright but effortless posture.

Posted on

Bulk Bill Chiropractors: The Affordable Solution to Chiropractic Care

In the field of healthcare, there’s a growing trend towards bulk billing, particularly in the realm of allied health services such as chiropractic care. This method offers a more affordable solution for patients seeking chiropractic treatments. As expected, Spine and Health are not left out of this healthcare support system. We bulk bill your diagnostic imaging (X-rays and EOS Scans) if they are required. In this article, we’ll dig into the concept of bulk billing for chiropractic care, its benefits, eligibility criteria, and how it integrates with Medicare and private health insurance.

What is a bulk billing chiropractor?

A bulk billing chiropractor refers to a healthcare provider who offers chiropractic services under the bulk billing payment system. It’s important to understand the key components of bulk billing, how it works for chiropractic services, and the advantages it presents to patients in need of musculoskeletal care.

Understanding the Concept of Bulk Billing

Bulk billing is a payment option where healthcare practitioners directly bill Medicare, The Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) and Insurers for a patient’s medical or allied health services, resulting in no out-of-pocket expenses (or no gap payment) for the patient. This system aims to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for individuals, particularly those with chronic conditions or lower incomes. At Spine and Health, we offer 100% bulk billing for Diagnostic Imaging referrals, DVA patients and non-Medicare bulk billing for some private health funds. Our Medicare billing practice is mixed billing: This means that you are required to make a small gap payment as the Medicare rebate does not cover the total cost.

How does bulk billing work for chiropractic services?

When it comes to chiropractic care, bulk billing and mixed billing allows eligible patients to receive treatment without having to pay upfront costs or pay less than the actual cost of their bill. The chiropractor processes the claim with Medicare directly, and the patient receives a rebate covering all or part of the treatment cost, depending on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) fee for the specific service.

Benefits of Choosing our Bulk Billing Chiropractor

Opting for our bulk billing chiropractic care service can significantly reduce the financial burden associated with managing musculoskeletal conditions. Patients can access essential chiropractic treatments without worrying about excessive fees, making it easier to prioritise their spine and overall health.

Eligibility and Medicare for Chiropractic Care

Understanding the relationship between bulk billing, Medicare, DVA, insurers, and chiropractic care is crucial in determining who qualifies for this payment method and the role of healthcare professionals in facilitating bulk billed chiropractic services.

Chronic Disease Management Plans and Chiropractic Care

Patients with chronic conditions such as neck pain, back pain, or musculoskeletal disorders may be eligible for Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plans, previously known as Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plans. These plans allow individuals to access specific allied health services, including chiropractic care, for the management of their conditions.

How to Determine Eligibility for our Bulk Billed Chiropractic Visits

At Spine and Health, eligibility for our bulk billing chiro visits is typically determined by the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (DVA), and mixed billing through a patient’s Medicare card and their specific healthcare needs. Individuals with chronic conditions or those referred by their general practitioner (GP) can be eligible for our mixed billing chiropractic services.

Role of General Practitioners in Medicare Bulk Billed Chiropractic Care

General practitioners play a pivotal role in coordinating and managing the healthcare needs of patients, including identifying those who may benefit from bulk billed chiropractic care. Through referrals and the creation of chronic disease management plans, GPs help patients access the necessary treatments for their musculoskeletal health.

Booking an Appointment with our Bulk Billing Chiropractor

Patients have various options when it comes to booking appointments with our bulk billing chiropractors. First, it is important to confirm whether our clinic aligns with the specific requirements for bulk billed appointments. Patients can book appointments by directly getting in touch with us, either through phone calls, the online booking system, or in-person visits.

Our Chiropractic Care Plans and Bulk Billing

Under a bulk billing arrangement, our chiropractors develop care plans that outline the recommended treatments, frequency of visits, and associated costs covered by Medicare, DVA and insurers. Patients should discuss these care plans with our chiropractors to understand the scope of their bulk billed chiropractic treatments.

What to Expect During a Bulk Billed Chiropractic Treatment

Prior to their appointment, patients should have a clear understanding of the treatments covered by bulk billing, potential out-of-pocket expenses for additional services, and any requirements for claiming Medicare rebates for bulk billed chiropractic care.

Costs and Coverage: Private Health Insurance and Bulk Billed Chiropractic Care

The interaction between private health insurance and bulk billed chiropractic care offers additional insights into the financial aspects of receiving chiropractic treatments. It’s important to examine the limitations and coverage options in conjunction with bulk billing.

How Private Health Insurance Works with Bulk Billed Chiropractic Services

Private health insurance can complement Medicare and DVA bulk billing by offering coverage for additional services not fully subsidised by Medicare. Patients with private health insurance should understand how their policy aligns with bulk billed chiropractic treatments and whether it provides any rebates or extra benefits for allied health services.

Limits and Coverage for Bulk Billed Chiropractic Treatments

While bulk billing reduces the financial impact of chiropractic care, it’s important to be aware of any limits or restrictions on the number of bulk billed visits per calendar year. Patients should review the coverage limits within their Medicare and private health insurance plans to ensure they have access to the necessary chiropractic treatments.

Maximising Benefits: Understanding the Cost-Saving Aspects of Bulk Billing

By leveraging the advantages of bulk billing, patients can maximise cost savings on their chiropractic treatments. Understanding the intricacies of Medicare rebates, private health insurance coverage, and potential out-of-pocket expenses helps patients navigate the financial aspects of their musculoskeletal health management.

Improving Musculoskeletal Health: The Role of Bulk Bill Chiropractors

At Spine and Health, our bulk bill chiropractors play crucial roles in addressing musculoskeletal conditions and providing accessible care to the community. Through various care plans and referrals, bulk billing chiropractic services contribute to the holistic management of chronic and acute musculoskeletal issues.

Addressing Musculoskeletal Conditions through Bulk Billing Chiropractic Care

Our bulk bill chiropractors at Spine & Health focus on alleviating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including back pain, neck pain, posture, sciatica and other related issues, ensuring that patients have the opportunity to receive essential chiropractic treatments without financial barriers.

Utilising Chronic Disease Management Plans to Address Neck and Back Pain

Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plans serve as an effective framework for managing neck and back pain through Medicare mixed billed chiropractic care. These plans facilitate ongoing treatments and monitoring, enhancing the overall well-being of individuals experiencing chronic musculoskeletal issues.

Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) Referrals for Bulk Billed Chiropractic Treatments

Through Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) referrals, patients can gain access to bulk billed chiropractic treatments, promoting early intervention and comprehensive management of musculoskeletal conditions. The collaboration between healthcare providers and bulk bill chiropractors results in improved health outcomes for patients.

If you have any questions or would love to find out more about some of the common chronic conditions eligible for bulk billing or mixed billing in our chiropractic clinic, feel free to contact us today. We would love to hear from you.

FAQ's

A: Spine & Health Chiropractors offer a wide range of chiropractic services, including treatment for lower back pain, sports injuries, posture, neck pain, sciatica and holistic chiropractic care.

A: Bulk billing is a payment option under the Medicare, DVA and insurance systems in Australia that allows eligible individuals to have their medical expenses directly billed with no out of pocket expenses. At Spine & Health Chiro, you may be eligible for bulk billed appointments if you meet specific criteria. It’s recommended to enquire at the clinic for detailed information on bulk billing eligibility.

A: Yes, if you have a chronic health condition and are referred by your GP under the EPC program, you may be eligible to receive chiropractic care at Spine & Health Chiropractors. This program allows for up to 5 Medicare billed chiropractic appointments in a calendar year.

A: While referrals are not mandatory, it is recommended to consult with your GP if you are seeking chiropractic care for a specific health condition. Additionally, if you are pursuing treatment under the EPC program, a GP referral is necessary.

A: Spine & health chiropractors provide multidisciplinary care, collaborating with other health practitioners to ensure comprehensive treatment plans for patients.

A: Yes, Spine & Health Chiropractors offers bulk billed appointments for eligible patients, directly submitting the bill to the DVA and insurers, and mixed billing options processing your claim with Medicare on your behalf.

A: To determine your eligibility for bulk billing, it’s recommended to discuss your specific circumstances with the administrative staff at Spine & Health Chiropractors. They can guide you through the process and provide information on accessing bulk billed chiropractic appointments.

A: Yes, Spine & Health Chiropractors, located in North Sydney, offers bulk billing services for eligible patients. If you are looking for a bulk billed chiropractor in North Sydney or Crow Nest, you may consider reaching out to Spine & Health Chiropractors.

A: Yes, if you have a CDM plan in place, you can use it to access chiropractic care at Spine & Health Chiropractors. This may allow for up to 5 Medicare mixed billed chiropractic appointments as part of your chronic condition management.

A: Spine & Health Chiropractors are known for their focus on holistic health and wellbeing, along with the provision of bulk billed chiropractic appointments. The clinic’s reputation for offering quality care and being eligible for bulk billing makes it a preferred choice for many in North Sydney seeking chiropractic services.

Posted on

Active and Yet Sedentary?

 Is your chair killing you?

Did you know that even if you do the recommended 30-60 minutes of exercise per day that you could still be classified as sedentary? And that it could be affecting your health? In the 1950s studies discovered that workers who had active jobs were healthier than those who were primarily behind a desk, and thus the recommendations from health professionals was to build exercise in to our everyday lives.

The fact of the matter is that our bodies are designed to be active all the time.

We are not saying that you should stop doing your 30-60minute intensive exercise programs but what we are saying is that it is not enough. Current society aims at making everyday tasks easier and that eventually takes out our need to be active. We drive to work, sit on the train, order food to be delivered to our door, sit at work behind our computer and then to top it off to relax we lie on the couch and watch TV/read/play video games. All in all the average office worker spends only 73 minutes of their entire day standing (1).

Studies done all over the world, including by the Chiropractic Association of Australia have all come to a similar conclusion, and that is that we spend too much of our time sitting, which leads to poor posture, issues with balance and coordination, pain and even shortening our life expectancy (2, 3).

A current study based on Brisbane office workers is examining just how detrimental sitting for prolonged periods of time is to our health and is expected to follow global research that claims it leads to premature death(4). Prolonged sitting alters the shape and function of your body: slowing down the processing of fats, deteriorating the S curve and weakening your leg and back muscles (5). Furthermore it is being proven that the relationship between physical activity and contemporary chronic conditions is strong for things such as cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, colon cancer, obesity, and mental function (6). No matter your body weight or how much you exercise, if you sit too much you will still have an increased health risk (7) and an Australian study goes on to state that “each hour of daily television viewing is associated with an 11% increase in the risk of all-cause mortality regardless of age, sex, waist circumference, and physical activity” (8).

So what are current recommendations?
• Instead of trying to find the closest parking spot, park away from your venue and walk.
• Scandalous as they are, we do now have a lot of cycle paths in Sydney – use them!
• We need to strip back the technology that enables us to be lazy and learn to take the stairs instead of the escalators; walk to the station instead of getting a lift; go for a walk to wind down at night instead of being a couch potato.
• When you have coffee with a friend, make it to go and walk and talk instead of sitting
• You can do the same for lunch, grab walking friendly food like a chicken wrap and then walk, talk and munch!

This requires a shift in our way of thinking and by organizing your day in advance it is not only achievable but will make you healthier and happier.

In the interim, if you are truly attached to your chair at work, then the CAA offers a program to help you remember to stand – a widget. It offers exercises that you can do in the pop-ups that appear on your computer screen throughout the day. Click here for more information.


Alternatively a standing workstation is becoming more and more popular. We are designed to stand and now designers have created the Standing Work Station.

Located 10 metres from our Crows Nest practice is our favourite store, Bad Backs. This awesome company has everything anyone with a bad back could need and they sell upright workstations! Implement the standing work station and know that you are sitting less – remember it’s important to stand properly with good posture.

 

In order to maintain the natural position of muscles, ligaments, bones and internal organs, one must have proper posture. The repetitive position we place our bodies in by sitting all day puts a huge amount of load and stress on our bodies and is the main reason that we as a society have increasingly poor posture. The body has the capability to repair itself so long as there is nothing blocking the pathway, which is exactly what poor posture does. By maintaining good posture with the aid of chiropractic care, and living the newly defined active lifestyle, you will enable your body to perform at it’s best by reducing wear and tear of joints, relieving stress, improving overall health and enhancing your appearance.

Come and visit our chiropractors in one of our 4 locations: Crows Nest, Gladesville, Mosman or North Sydney. We are psoture chiropractors trained to relieve pain and improve posture  through x-rays and posture scans. To start correcting your posture today please contact us at:

Crows Nest:  Ph 02 9460 8459
Gladesville:  Ph 9817 6611
Mosman:  Ph 02 9968 3577
North Sydney:  Ph 02 9955 8055

Don’t forget, an active spine is a healthy spine.

Crows Nest clinic

  • Suite 102, 306 Pacific Hwy, Crows Nest, NSW 2065
  • (02) 9460 8459

North sydney clinic

  • 701/122 Arthur Street North Sydney NSW 2060 Australia
  • (02) 9955 8055
Facebook-f Instagram

© 2018 All rights reserved

Crows Nest clinic

  • Suite 102, 306 Pacific Hwy, Crows Nest, NSW 2065
  • (02) 9460 8459

About

  • Our Clinics
  • Our Chiropractors
    Blogs

North sydney clinic

  • 701/122 Arthur Street North Sydney NSW 2060 Australia
  • (02) 9955 8055
Facebook-f Instagram

© 2018 All rights reserved