If you’re feeling more overwhelmed, puffy, bloated or exhausted than usual at this time of year, it’s not a personal failing. It’s physiology. And with the right support, you can glide through the holidays without the energy crash that so many of us face after Christmas.

Here’s how to reset your system and support your hormones all month long.

1. Your Nervous System Sets the Tone for Your Hormones

December and January is peak sympathetic-nervous-system season. When your brain stays in “go mode,” your cortisol stays elevated and your body becomes more reactive to stress, alcohol, sugar and poor sleep.

• This is often when we notice
• irritability or mood swings
• anxiety creeping in
• disrupted sleep
• wired-but-tired energy

Bringing in simple daily down-regulation practices—breathwork, 5-minute grounding, a warm shower before bed, keeping up with a gentle exercise routine—helps signal safety back into your system so your hormones can stabilise.

2. Adrenal Support Is Non-Negotiable in January

Your adrenals do a lot behind the scenes: they manage stress hormones, regulate energy, and communicate closely with thyroid function.
By the end of January we can quite often experience:

• afternoon slumps
• reliance on caffeine
• salty cravings
• more bloating and inflammation

Adrenal nourishment matters more this month than ever. Think: protein-first meals, B-vitamins, electrolytes, magnesium, and a proper sleep wind-down routine (not scrolling in bed), and holding onto a decent bed/sleep time is crucial.

3. Festive Foods Can Trigger Bloating – Here’s Why

Even the healthiest of us can feel the bloat after Chrissy indulging. Not because you’re “eating badly” but because:

• stress slows digestive enzyme output
• cortisol reduces stomach acid
• alcohol and sugar impact gut motility
• bigger, richer meals overwhelm a tired digestive system

Support this by slowing your eating, chewing thoroughly, staying hydrated, adding bitters/ginger before meals, and keeping fibre consistent.

4. Protecting Your Thyroid Through the Holiiday Season

Your thyroid is highly sensitive to stress, blood sugar swings, late nights and inflammation. This time can create the perfect storm for:

• weight fluctuations
• brain fog
• low motivation and fatigue
• temperature dysregulation
• dry skin or hair shedding

This is why January is the perfect time to prepare your thyroid for a smoother, more energised New Year. Nourish it with protein, selenium, zinc, iodine-rich foods, steady routines and consistent meals (even when life feels chaotic).

5. Your New Year Reset Plan

These simple but powerful shifts can change everything:

• Start the morning with protein + electrolytes
• Take 5 minutes daily for nervous system regulation
• Prioritise sleep boundaries wherever possible
• Swap a couple of alcoholic drinks for mineral water with lime
• Add bitters or ginger before heavier meals
• Eat every 3–4 hours to stabilise blood sugar
• Move your body each day (even 10 minutes counts)

Small steps now = a calmer, lighter, more energised 2026.

Ready for a More Balanced Start to 2026?

If you’re feeling the after Christmas overwhelm creeping in—bloating, exhaustion, mood changes, or the dreaded energy crash—You’re not alone.

Get in touch to get your new year started off with success!

Tash xx

It’s easy to feel like your metabolism has a mind of its own — especially when what used to work suddenly doesn’t. But before you cut more calories or double your cardio, let’s bust a few common myths that might be holding you back that I commonly hear in clinic!

Myth 1: “I just need to eat less.”
Our bodies are super smart and are generally always in self-preservation.  Constantly eating less teaches your body to slow down its burn rate. Your metabolism adapts, thyroid output drops, and you end up tired, cold, and craving quick energy.
Instead, focus on fuel efficiency — regular meals with enough protein to support muscle and thyroid function.

Myth 2: “Cardio is enough.”
While movement is vital, endless cardio can backfire if it’s your only exercise. Strength training is what keeps your metabolic engine humming.
Building muscle creates mitochondria… our powerhouses.  This makes muscle a metabolically active tissue — the more you have, the more energy you burn, even at rest.

Myth 3: “It’s just age.”
Ageing alone doesn’t tank metabolism — it’s the hormonal shifts and muscle loss that often come with it. As oestrogen declines and thyroid activity slows, your body becomes less efficient at building and maintaining lean tissue.

Here’s the truth:
Metabolism slow again? It’s possible it’s your diet.. But also:
Declining oestrogen and thyroid shifts can quietly lower your metabolic rate, making it feel like nothing works anymore — even when you’re “doing everything right.” The fix often lies in supporting muscle preservation and ensuring adequate protein, not restriction.

If you’ve hit a wall with energy or weight, let’s review your plan and fine-tune it. A few small tweaks might be all that’s needed to get your metabolism working for you again.

3 Recipes to include weekly to support better metabolism:

Protein-Packed Breakfast Bowl

Why it helps: High protein increases thermogenesis and supports lean muscle, which keeps metabolism humming.

Ingredients

• ¾ cup Greek yoghurt (high protein, unsweetened)
• 1 scoop collagen or whey protein
• ½ cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 tbsp crushed almonds or walnuts
• Sprinkle of cinnamon

Method

1. Mix yoghurt and protein powder until smooth.
2. Top with berries, chia, nuts and cinnamon.
3. Chill for 10 minutes so chia softens.

Perks: ~30g protein, fibre, antioxidants, and blood-sugar balance.

Metabolic Stir-Fry (Thyroid-Friendly)

Why it helps: Combines lean protein, cruciferous veggies (detox support), and healthy fats to stabilise energy and metabolism.

Ingredients

• 150 g chicken breast or firm tofu
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• ½ red capsicum
• ½ zucchini, sliced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp tamari or coconut aminos
• 1 tsp sesame oil or olive oil
• Optional: ½ cup cooked quinoa or brown rice

Method

1. Heat oil, add ginger and chicken/tofu. Cook until browned.
2. Add vegetables, stir-fry 3–5 min until tender-crisp.
3. Stir through tamari and serve over quinoa.

Perks: Protein + fibre + iodine-supportive veg (broccoli) + stable energy.

Spicy Metabolism Smoothie

Why it helps: Green tea and cayenne lightly raise thermogenesis; protein and fibre keep you full.

Ingredients

• 1 cup brewed green tea (cooled)
• ½ frozen banana
• 1 scoop protein powder (plant or whey depending what suits your body preference)
• 1 tsp flaxseed or chia
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• Pinch cayenne (optional)
• ½ cup baby spinach

Method
 Blend all until smooth.

Perks: Green tea catechins, fibre, and thermogenic spice combo.

At Belridge Chiropractic, we see patients every week who are looking for a safe, drug-free way to reduce headaches and improve their quality of life. Whether you have tension headaches, migraines, or neck-related (cervicogenic) headaches as Dr Beau discusses in the below video, chiropractic care, stretching, and natural supports like magnesium can make a huge difference.

Common Causes of Headaches

Headaches can be triggered by many different factors. Some of the most common include:

• Poor posture from desk work or device use
• Muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, and upper back
• Spinal misalignment causing nerve irritation
• Stress and mental strain
• Dehydration or poor nutrition
• Low magnesium levels

Many people turn to painkillers for temporary relief, but these don’t fix the underlying cause — which means the headaches often keep coming back.

How Chiropractic Care Relieves Headaches

Our Chiropractors focus on restoring healthy spinal alignment and movement to reduce irritation to the nerves and muscles that can trigger headaches.

Chiropractic adjustments can:

• Relieve tension in neck and shoulder muscles
• Improve posture and spinal health
• Restore proper movement in the neck joints
• Enhance blood flow and nerve communication
• Reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches

For many of our patients, regular chiropractic care means fewer headaches, less reliance on medication, and better overall wellbeing.

Stretching & Movement for Headache Prevention

In addition to your in-clinic care, we recommend specific stretches to keep your neck and upper back mobile and relaxed: Some of these can be found here on the website and regularly shown on Instagram and Facebook.

1. Neck Stretch – Tilt your head gently to one side, hold for 20–30 seconds, then switch sides.
2. Chin Tucks – Draw your chin back (like a double chin) to strengthen neck posture.
3. Shoulder Blade Squeeze – Sit tall, pull your shoulder blades together, and hold for 5 seconds.
4. Upper Back Opener – Interlace fingers, push hands forward, and round your upper back slightly.

Tip: Move often! Set reminders to stand up, walk, and stretch every 30–60 minutes — especially if you work at a desk.

Natural Support for Headache Relief

A healthy lifestyle can make a big difference when it comes to headache prevention. Some natural supports include:

• Magnesium – Essential for muscle relaxation and nerve function. Magnesium-rich foods include leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, or you may benefit from a quality supplement available in the clinic.
• Hydration – Drink at least 1.5–2 litres of water daily.
• Essential oils – Peppermint and lavender oils may help ease headache tension.
• Stress management – Gentle yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises can reduce stress-related headaches.

Why Choose Belridge Chiropractic for Headache Relief?

We take a holistic approach — addressing not just your symptoms, but the root cause of your headaches. Your personalised care plan may include chiropractic adjustments, posture advice, stretches, and natural supports like magnesium, so you can get lasting relief without relying on medication.

We’re conveniently located close to Joondalup, making it easy for locals from Beldon, Heathridge, Connolly, Ocean Reef, and surrounding suburbs to access professional headache care.

Book Your Headache Relief Appointment Today

You don’t have to put up with ongoing headaches or migraines. With the right chiropractic care and healthy habits, you can reduce their frequency and intensity — and get back to enjoying life.

Call Belridge Chiropractic today on 94010777 or enquire online to start your natural path to headache relief.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are more common than you might think, and they can cause a wide range of uncomfortable symptoms that affect your quality of life. One of the most prevalent and troublesome complaints associated with TMJ dysfunction is pain—especially in the form of chronic headaches. If you’ve been dealing with frequent tension headaches, jaw pain, or discomfort around your face and neck, you may be struggling with TMJ-related issues. The good news is that chiropractic care can play a significant role in alleviating these symptoms and improving overall TMJ function.

In this blog, we’ll explore what TMJ is, how it can lead to headaches and pain, and how chiropractic techniques can help relieve these symptoms and improve your well-being.

What is TMJ Dysfunction?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge-like joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. You have one on each side of your face, just in front of your ears. This joint allows you to talk, chew, and make facial expressions, and it is one of the most complex joints in your body due to its combined hinge and sliding motions.

TMJ dysfunction, also known as TMD (temporomandibular disorder), refers to any condition that affects the normal functioning of the jaw joint. TMJ disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Injury or trauma to the jaw (e.g., whiplash or a direct blow)
• Teeth grinding (bruxism) or clenching, often due to stress or misaligned teeth
• Poor posture or misalignment of the spine, which affects jaw mechanics
• Arthritis or other inflammatory conditions affecting the joint
• Jaw misalignment due to bite issues or dental problems

When the TMJ becomes misaligned or overstressed, it can lead to a range of symptoms, including:

• Jaw pain or tenderness, especially when chewing or talking
• Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
• Popping, clicking, or grating sounds when moving the jaw
• Pain in the neck, shoulders, and back
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Chronic headaches, especially tension-type or migraines
• Dizziness or a sense of imbalance

How TMJ Dysfunction Can Lead to Headaches

One of the most frustrating symptoms of TMJ dysfunction is chronic headaches. These headaches are often caused by the tension and misalignment of the muscles and structures surrounding the jaw joint. The muscles responsible for moving your jaw are closely connected to those in your head, neck, and shoulders. When these muscles become tight or strained from TMJ dysfunction, they can trigger headaches in several ways:

1. Muscle Tension: The muscles around your jaw, neck, and shoulders can become overly tight due to poor posture, jaw clenching, or teeth grinding. This tension can lead to tension headaches that radiate from the jaw up into the temples, forehead, and even the back of the head.
2. Nerve Irritation: The nerves that run through the jaw and head, including the trigeminal nerve, can become irritated as a result of TMJ dysfunction. This irritation can manifest as headaches or facial pain.
3. Cervical Misalignment: TMJ dysfunction can often be linked to problems with spinal alignment, particularly in the cervical (neck) region. Poor alignment of the cervical spine can place added stress on the jaw, exacerbating TMJ symptoms and contributing to headache development.

How Chiropractic Techniques Can Help Relieve TMJ-Related Headaches and Pain

Chiropractors are highly trained in the mechanics of the spine, joints, and nervous system, and they can offer a variety of treatments to address TMJ dysfunction and associated headaches. Here are some of the chiropractic techniques that can help reduce symptoms of TMJ pain and headaches:

1. Spinal Adjustments (Chiropractic Manipulation)

One of the most effective treatments chiropractors use is spinal manipulation, or adjustments. Misalignment in the cervical spine (neck) can exacerbate TMJ symptoms, so addressing any issues in the neck and upper back is essential. By restoring proper alignment to the spine, a chiropractor can reduce the strain on the jaw muscles and joints, alleviate nerve irritation, and relieve tension headaches.

2. Jaw and Soft Tissue Manipulation

Chiropractors are trained in specific techniques that focus on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments around the TMJ. Gentle soft tissue manipulation or myofascial release techniques can help to reduce muscle tightness, break up muscle knots, and release trigger points that may be contributing to TMJ pain. This can significantly reduce jaw pain, improve jaw mobility, and help alleviate associated headaches.

3. Postural Correction and Ergonomics

Poor posture, particularly when sitting for long periods at a desk, can lead to misalignment in the upper spine and jaw. Chiropractors can work with you to correct poor posture through specific exercises and stretching routines that improve spinal alignment and encourage proper jaw positioning. This can reduce muscle strain, decrease jaw clenching, and prevent headaches from developing.

4. Exercise and Stretching Techniques

Chiropractors often recommend specific exercises and stretches to strengthen the muscles of the jaw and neck, improve flexibility, and reduce tension. Regular practice of these exercises can promote long-term relief from TMJ-related headaches and discomfort.

Why Choose Chiropractic Care for TMJ Pain and Headaches?

Chiropractic care offers a holistic, drug-free approach to managing TMJ pain and headaches. Unlike medications, which may only mask the symptoms, chiropractic care targets the root cause of the problem by improving the alignment of the spine, addressing muscle tension, and improving overall jaw function. Many patients find relief from TMJ-related headaches through chiropractic treatment, and they benefit from long-term solutions that improve their quality of life.

Are you’re suffering from TMJ pain or frequent headaches that won’t seem to relieve? If so consider consulting one of our chiropractors here at Belridge Chiropractic who are proficient with a combination of spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, posture correction, and exercise for jaw pain or jaw related headaches.

Dr Brad Younger

How Chiropractic Care Can Help You Move Freely Again

Welcome to our blog about relieving knee pain! I’m Dr Brad Younger, a dedicated chiropractor with a passion for helping people live pain-free and active lives. The knee is a crucial joint that bears much of our body’s weight and enables our everyday movements. Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone dealing with the wear and tear of daily activities, knee pain can be a significant obstacle.

In this blog, we’ll explore the vital role chiropractic care can play in treating knee injuries and managing knee pain. From understanding the root causes of discomfort to discussing effective treatment strategies, my goal is to provide you with the insights and tools you need to support your knee health and overall well-being.

Let’s dive into the possibilities chiropractic care offers for knee treatment, and how it can be a key component of your recovery journey.

Knee pain can be a debilitating issue affecting people of all ages, from athletes to the elderly. While many immediately think of orthopaedic specialists or physical therapists for treatment, chiropractors offer a unique perspective and effective treatments that can significantly alleviate knee pain. Here’s why consulting a chiropractor might be a beneficial option for managing and treating knee discomfort.

Understanding the Role of Chiropractic Care

Chiropractors specialise in treating musculoskeletal problems, focusing on the alignment of the spine and its impact on the nervous system. However, their expertise extends beyond spinal issues to encompass joints throughout the body, including the knees. They utilize various techniques to restore proper alignment and function, which can directly influence knee pain.

Common Causes of Knee Pain Addressed by Chiropractors

1. Misalignment: Misalignments in the spine or pelvis can create imbalances that affect how weight is distributed, leading to increased stress on the knees. Chiropractors can identify and correct these misalignments, reducing strain on the knee joints.
2. Muscle Imbalances: Weakness or tightness in muscles surrounding the knee joint can contribute to pain and dysfunction. Chiropractors can prescribe exercises and stretches to rebalance these muscles, promoting better knee stability and function.
3. Gait Issues: Problems with how you walk (gait abnormalities) can impact knee health over time. Chiropractors can assess gait patterns and recommend adjustments to improve biomechanics, thereby reducing knee pain caused by poor alignment during walking or running.
4. Injury Recovery: For those recovering from knee injuries such as sprains or strains, chiropractic care can complement traditional rehabilitation methods. Techniques like joint mobilization, soft tissue therapy, and therapeutic exercises can aid in faster recovery and prevent future issues. Belridge chiropractors refer to Joondalup Massage our Remedial Massage Therapists located here in our clinic for soft tissue therapy intervention.

Treatment Modalities Chiropractors Use

Chiropractors employ a range of techniques tailored to individual needs and conditions:

• Spinal Adjustments: These adjustments not only target spinal misalignments but also help improve nerve function that may be influencing knee pain.
• Soft Tissue Therapy: Techniques such as myofascial release and trigger point therapy can relieve tension in muscles around the knee, promoting relaxation and reducing pain.
• Exercise and Rehabilitation: Customized exercise programs can strengthen muscles supporting the knee joint, enhancing stability and reducing the likelihood of re-injury.
• Nutritional Advice: Chiropractors often provide guidance on diet and supplements that support joint health, potentially reducing inflammation and pain.

Working Together with Other Healthcare Experts

Chiropractors frequently collaborate with orthopaedic specialists, physical therapists, and sports medicine doctors to ensure comprehensive care for knee pain. This multidisciplinary approach can offer patients the best chance at recovery and long-term relief from knee issues.

So choosing chiropractic care for knee pain can be a proactive step towards addressing the underlying causes of discomfort rather than just managing symptoms. By focusing on alignment, mobility, and overall musculoskeletal health, chiropractors provide holistic treatments that complement traditional medical approaches. If you’re experiencing knee pain, consulting a chiropractor could lead you towards a path of reduced pain, improved function, and better overall quality of life.

Thank you for taking the time to read about the potential benefits of chiropractic care for knee injuries. Whether you’re dealing with a recent injury or managing chronic pain, it’s important to seek out professional guidance tailored to your specific needs. A chiropractor can offer a personalized approach to help you on your path to recovery, enhancing both your mobility and quality of life.

Remember, your health is your most valuable asset—take care of it.

Stay well, and here’s to your health and healing.

Dr Brad Younger

Chiropractic adjustment and rehabilitation is most effective within that 6-week window as the hormone relaxin is still circulating and we have a greater opportunity to ease into better posture and alignment especially in the rib cage and pelvis relationship return to their pre-pregnancy status. That’s also good reason not to get into any heavy lifting as the pelvic floor still needs time to recover and strengthen. This will also be a good timeframe to do basic pelvic floor exercises and a suitable cardio exercise like gentle walking.

Another paramount advantage of an adjustment is the improvement of the proprioceptive feedback of the joint system. This advantage is not only applicable to pregnancy and postpartum but to all cases of spinal and extremity function and motion.

Proprioception is your body’s feedback loop of what the individual segments of the joints are doing. This foundation needs to be working correctly to allow good dynamics of the body as a whole. Once the foundation is functioning properly, the other steps of progressing into rehab have a good chance of success.

Whatever exercise and recovery path you decide to take on after giving birth will benefit from having a well-adjusted foundation allowing less likelihood of injury  and an improved healing postpartum so you can keep up with your new cherished baby.

Any further guidance or help with your preparation can be given by making a post partum appointment to see a Chiropractor at Belridge Chiropractic.

One key player in this discomfort is the hormone relaxin, which increases joint laxity throughout the body. This increased laxity can lead to instability and weakness in previously stable areas, causing pain and mechanical dysfunction. Fortunately, chiropractic care can offer significant relief and support during pregnancy.

Chiropractic adjustments help alleviate pain and maintain proper biomechanics, ensuring that muscles, joints, and nerves function harmoniously. This has a two-fold benefit, supporting both mother and baby. Proper alignment and function are crucial for a comfortable pregnancy and an optimal birthing process.

Ensuring the baby is in the correct position in the womb is essential for a smooth labour. Misalignments in the mother’s spine and pelvis can interfere with the baby’s positioning, potentially leading to complications and interventions during delivery. Chiropractic care helps set the stage for a good labour by promoting proper alignment and function.

Research has shown that chiropractic care during pregnancy can reduce average labour times by 25%. This suggests that when the body is well-aligned and functioning optimally, labour becomes more efficient, conserving energy and reducing stress for the mother.

In essence, chiropractic care supports the body in communicating and functioning at its best, whether for the demands of labour or the challenges of daily life. Embracing chiropractic care during pregnancy not only helps alleviate pain but also prepares the body for one of its most important roles—bringing a new life into the world.

(Reference: The claim that chiropractic care during pregnancy can reduce labour time by 25% often refers to a study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. The study conducted by Joan Fallon in 1991 investigated the effects of chiropractic care on labour outcomes and found that women who received chiropractic adjustments experienced shorter labour times.

Here is the reference for the study:

Fallon, J. (1991). The Effect of Chiropractic Treatment on Pregnancy and Labor: A Comprehensive Study. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 14(7), 399-407.

This study and others like it have contributed to the understanding of how chiropractic care can benefit pregnant women, though it is essential to note that more research is always beneficial to further substantiate these findings.)

If you are one of the 4 out of 5 Australians who experience back pain, you’re not alone. Back pain is the single leading cause of disability globally and can often lead to poorer quality of life. Without proper treatment, the consequences can be severe, impacting your ability to lead a full and active life.

Spinal Health Week (20-26 May 2024) we are asking our patients and community to Consult a Chiro and stop back pain in its tracks. Right across the country, over 6.1 million Australians are suffering from debilitating back pain, making it a national health concern.

Regardless of your age or background, it’s highly likely that you or a family member will experience back pain, which may even become chronic if left untreated. Chiropractic care is a low-risk and effective avenue of treatment for back pain and chiropractors have been successfully helping people with back pain for over 100 years and fully understand the functioning of the spine and the nervous system which runs through it.

If you suffer from back problems and you’re tired of pain holding you back then our Chiropractors can help you!

The ACA have put together a BACK PAIN FACT SHEET for you to see where your problems lie and what a Chiro can do to help.

On our website you will also find some great EXERCISE PLANS designed by our Drs to help build strength and mobility.

We at Belridge Chiropractic are well-equipped to care for back pain and Spinal Health Week is a great time to make an appointment with us to find out how we can help alleviate the burden of back pain in your life.

You can also visit spinalhealthweek.org.au for more information on how you can improve your spinal health and overall wellbeing.

January is an exciting and busy time as millions of children across the country prepare to go back to school. It’s an important time as parents and guardians become attentive to

their children’s health and wellbeing for the upcoming year.

With children attending school for more than 200 days each year, it’s important they are aware of their daily habits, like how they wear their backpacks to and from school, as well as their posture in the classroom. It’s these small habits and routines, that if left unchecked, can cause health issues further down the track, especially when it comes down to their growing spines.

The Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) has developed a ‘Back to School Health Checklist’ to provide a concise list of daily habits that children can be practising all year round both in the classroom and at home.” We ask parents to have their kids not just tick off their school supplies list – but their health one as well!” says Dr Jamie.

“This checklist is a perfect way to encourage and motivate kids to build healthy habits at school and at home. They are simple to incorporate and easily fit into a child’s everyday routine. For instance, sitting with an upright posture in class, and wearing their backpack correctly,” says Dr Beau.

“The Health Checklist also reminds kids to get out and exercise after school, to eat healthy and nutritious meals, and to reduce screen time where possible.” says Dr Emily

“We are also asking parents if they are concerned about their child’s spine and posture or would like advice on any other back to school related issues, like sizing the backpack, or how to sit properly at their school desks, to consider our chiropractic services. Children aren’t often aware of the impact that common activities like sitting in a classroom, or carrying a heavy bag and excessive screen time, can have on their overall health and wellbeing.” says Dr Nancy

This comes as the ACA launches its annual Back to School campaign, which educates Aussie kids on the importance of maintaining their spinal health and wellbeing throughout the year, especially at school. ACA chiropractors are leading healthcare professionals who can give clear guidance on children’s spinal health as they grow into healthy teenagers and adults.

If you’re concerned about your child’s spine or any other back to school related activities, book an appointment with us on 94010777 or for more information on Back to School, visit backtoschool.org.au

It’s WorkSpace Week – that time of year when we at Belridge Chiropractic turn our spinal health and wellbeing focus toward preventing workspace injuries and minimising the impact work-related disorders have on our patients to ensure they can work well anywhere.

An initiative of the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA), WorkSpace Week is dedicated to minimising work-related disorders that can have a long-term, debilitating effect on both physical and mental health that impacts workers’ overall quality of life.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are the leading Work Health and Safety issue in Australia. Those most at risk include community and personal service workers such as healthcare, aged care, childcare, NDIS and disability service workers; while machinery operators, drivers, labourers, technicians and tradies are also among those with the highest rates of physical work-related injuries.

These disorders can include a range of muscle and joint problems that occur anywhere in the body, but especially the spine. When these problems impact on your nerves, they may alter body function and create health issues, such as numbness, tingling, weakness and other problems.

Body stressing caused by poorly executed lifting, pushing, pulling or bending, using computers in non-ergonomic workspaces (in an office or at home), poor posture, driving a vehicle and repetitive strain injuries can all cause work-related musculoskeletal disorders including chronic neck and back pain, shoulder stiffness and headaches that we can effectively treat at Belridge Chiropractic.

Mental stress in the workspace can also impact workers physically and if left unchecked, can trigger these disorders including tension and cervicogenic (neck related) headaches that effect workers’ concentration, productivity, social engagement and their overall wellbeing and quality of life. The good news is work-related disorders caused by physical or mental stress can be minimised and respond to treatment if diagnosed early. For those at risk of these disorders, it’s important they consult a chiro because early intervention is the best protection.

Our university qualified team can advise you on the steps to take to help prevent work-related back and neck injuries; how to set up an ergonomic workspace, how to effectively manage stress, improve posture, provide exercises to improve spinal health and stabilise core muscle groups, and provide guidance on rest and maintaining a healthy diet to promote overall health and wellbeing.

However, should work-related disorders occur, by seeking early effective chiropractic healthcare, we can provide effective treatment and help prevent deterioration, improve recovery, reduce severity and help minimise long-term implications including depression and overuse or reliance on medications for chronic pain which can be harmful.

To promote the need for all Australians to work well anywhere, during WorkSpace Week Belridge Chiropractic is inviting patients to hold a #StraightenUpAustralia exercise challenge in their workspace by using the Straighten Up app and then share across social networks video or images of your exercise activity promoting #MyHealthyWorkspace.

Your #StraightenUpAustralia exercise challenge will help increase awareness of preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders and improve the overall spinal health and wellbeing of work colleagues. Not only will it help prevent injuries, but it can foster a highly positive team environment, so make it fun, be energetic, get creative and be part of #StraightenUpAustralia during National WorkSpace Week in the first week of National Safe Work Month!

This WorkSpace Week, contact us on Belridge Chiropractic to make an appointment so we can help prevent or effectively treat your work-related musculoskeletal disorder so you can work well anywhere.

For more information on WorkSpace Week or to access free resources including an Ergonomic WorkSpace Week Checklist, exercise posters, factsheets and the Straighten Up app, please visit www.workspaceweek.org.au.

#MyHealthyWorkSpace #WorkWellAnywhere #StraightenUpAustralia #ConsultAChiro #SafeWorkMonth