Lower back pain is a very common problem with many possible causes. It can begin after an acute injury such as a fall, lifting something very heavy, or after a motor vehicle accident. Sometimes it can follow a very minor injury, for instance lifting the shopping out of the car boot or bending awkwardly to pick up something small off the floor. Lower back pain can also be the result of long term irritation such as poor posture, weak supporting musculature, and long periods of sitting or working in particular positions. Lower back pain can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life and their ability to go about their day to day activities.

The chiropractors at Southern Region Chiropractic first focus on diagnosing the cause of a patient’s lower back pain in order to determine the best evidence-based treatment approach. This diagnosis is made after the chiropractor has taken a detailed history and performed a thorough examination. Common conditions that may cause lower back pain include facet joint sprain, non-specific mechanical back pain, intervertebral disc injury or protrusion, nerve impingement, lumbar spine instability, sacroiliac joint sprain, and muscle strains and injuries. In rare cases, lower back pain may be a sign of something more serious and our chiropractors are trained to identify warning signs that may indicate that patient should be referred to another health professional or that their chiropractic treatment should be modified.

Once the cause of a patient’s symptoms has been diagnosed the chiropractors at Southern Region Chiropractic develop a management plan guided by a thorough understanding of the latest research. Treatment is aimed at reducing pain, restoring the movement in the lower back, and improving the function and strength of the lower back. Treatment often includes joint mobilisation or manipulation, soft tissue release techniques, dry needling, advice on pain relieving methods, ergonomic and activity modification advice, and the prescription of home exercises to improve movement and strengthen muscles. The use of these techniques varies depending on the patient’s age, health and their personal preferences.

The spine is made up of bones called vertebrae which are separated by discs which act as shock absorbers. The discs are made of tough cartilage with a soft jelly-like substance in the centre to allow for flexibility and movement in the spine. The disc can be injured in a number of ways and there are many terms used to describe this including disc bulge, annular tear, disc herniation or disc prolapse. Quite often, disc injuries are caused by repetitive minor trauma rather than a single major incident.

There are many different types of disc injury and they can vary from person to person in terms of severity of symptoms. A disc injury in some cases may push on to the spinal nerves causing back or neck pain as well as shooting pain into the limb, with tingling, numbness or weakness of the limb. In other cases, a disc injury may result in little to no pain. Given the wide variation in the degree and severity of disc injuries, an accurate diagnosis is essential for proper management or referral to another health professional if warranted.

The chiropractors at Southern Region Chiropractic first focus on diagnosing the extent of a patient’s disc injury in order to determine the best evidence-based treatment approach. This diagnosis is made after the chiropractor has taken a detailed history and performed a thorough examination. Our chiropractors are extensively trained in the assessment and diagnosis of such conditions and may refer a patient to their GP for additional imaging if necessary.

Treatment may include joint mobilisation or manipulation, soft tissue release, dry needling, advice on pain relieving methods, ergonomic and activity modification advice, and the prescription of home exercises. The use of these techniques varies depending on the patient’s age, health and their personal preferences.

Nerve entrapment or a “pinched nerve” can occur when pressure is applied to a nerve by a structure or tissue including cartilage, bone, muscles or tendons. This results in symptoms such as sharp, shooting, aching or burning pain, numbness or decreased sensation, tingling or “pins and needles” and muscle weakness. There are many conditions which can cause nerve entrapment such as disc bulge or herniation, osteoarthritis, piriformis syndrome or thoracic outlet syndrome just to name a few. Nerve pain may also be the result of a problem in the central nervous system or a metabolic or endocrine disorder. Given the many different possible causes of nerve entrapment or nerve pain an accurate diagnosis is essential for proper management or referral to another health professional if warranted.

The chiropractors at Southern Region Chiropractic first focus on diagnosing the cause of a patient’s nerve entrapment or nerve pain in order to determine the best evidence-based treatment approach. This diagnosis is made after the chiropractor has taken a detailed history and performed a thorough examination. Our chiropractors are extensively trained in the assessment and diagnosis of such conditions and may refer a patient to their GP for additional imaging if necessary.

Treatment may include joint mobilisation or manipulation, soft tissue release, dry needling, advice on pain relieving methods, ergonomic and activity modification advice, and the prescription of home exercises. The use of these techniques varies depending on the patient’s age, health and their personal preferences.

Neck pain is a very common problem with many possible causes. Hunching over a computer, whiplash, poor posture, arthritis, and muscle strains from simple things like sleeping on a different pillow, reading in bed or teeth grinding can all trigger neck pain. Neck pain can have a significant effect on a person’s quality of life and their ability to go about their day to day activities.

The chiropractors at Southern Region Chiropractic first focus on diagnosing the cause of a patient’s neck pain in order to determine the best evidence-based treatment approach. This diagnosis is made after the chiropractor has taken a detailed history and performed a thorough examination. Common conditions that may cause neck pain include facet joint sprain, intervertebral disc injury or protrusion, nerve impingement, cervical spine instability and muscle strain. In rare cases, neck pain may be a sign of something more serious and our chiropractors are trained to identify warning signs that may indicate that a patient should be referred to another health professional or that their chiropractic treatment should be modified.

Once the cause of a patient’s symptoms has been diagnosed the chiropractors at Southern Region Chiropractic devise a management plan guided by a thorough understanding of the latest research. Treatment is aimed at reducing pain, restoring movement in the neck, and improving the function and strength of the neck. Treatment often includes joint mobilisation or manipulation, soft tissue release techniques, dry needling, advice on pain relieving methods, ergonomic and activity modification advice, and the prescription of home exercises to improve movement and strengthen muscles. The use of these techniques varies depending on the patient’s age, health and their personal preferences.

Headache is one of the most common health conditions affecting the population and it is likely that almost all people will suffer a headache at some time during their lives. There are different types of headaches and many different causes. Some common triggers for headache include dehydration, stress, muscle tension, neck problems, poor posture, poor diet or food sensitivities, jaw problems or visual issues.

While a headache generally only involves pain a migraine includes additional symptoms which may include nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to light, sound, smell or touch, changes in vision, and pins and needles in the arm or face. The pain associated with a migraine is severe and often throbbing in nature and generally occurs on one side of the head. Migraine attacks are often triggered by factors such as menstrual cycle changes, certain foods, lack of sleep, or emotions such as stress or excitement.

Serious underlying disorders such as brain tumours, infection or vascular issues are rarely the cause of headache but persistent headache should always be investigated. Given the many different possible causes of headache an accurate diagnosis is essential for proper management or referral to another health professional if warranted.

The chiropractors at Southern Region Chiropractic first focus on diagnosing the cause of a patient’s headache in order to determine the best evidence-based treatment approach. This diagnosis is made after the chiropractor has taken a detailed history and performed a thorough examination. Treatment may include joint mobilisation or manipulation, soft tissue release, dry needling, advice on pain relieving methods, discussion about headache or migraine triggers, ergonomic and activity modification advice, and the prescription of home exercises. The use of these techniques varies depending on the patient’s age, health and their personal preferences.

Upper back stiffness and pain is a problem that seems to be becoming much more common. At Southern Region Chiropractic we believe that this is predominantly due to the forward flexed posture that people use when looking at computer screens, laptops, tablets, and of course mobile phones. Upper back stiffness can cause upper back pain but it can also trigger other issues such as headaches, neck pain, rib pain at the front of the chest and changes in breathing patterns. As a result, upper back stiffness can have a significant effect on a patient’s quality of life and their ability to go about their day to day activities.

The chiropractors at Southern Region Chiropractic first focus on diagnosing the cause of a patient’s upper back stiffness and pain in order to determine the best evidence-based treatment approach. This diagnosis is made after the chiropractor has taken a detailed history and performed a thorough examination. In addition to postural problems, common conditions that may cause upper back stiffness and pain include Scheuermann’s disease, facet joint sprain, costovertebral joint sprain, and muscle strain. In rare cases, upper back stiffness and pain may be a sign of something more serious. Our chiropractors are trained to identify warning signs that may indicate that a patient needs be referred to another health professional or that their chiropractic treatment should be modified.

Once the cause of a patient’s symptoms has been diagnosed the chiropractors at Southern Region Chiropractic devise a management plan guided by a thorough understanding of the latest research. Treatment is aimed at reducing stiffness and pain, restoring the movement in the upper back, and improving the function and strength of the upper back. Treatment often includes joint mobilisation or manipulation, soft tissue release, dry needling, advice on pain relieving methods, ergonomic and activity modification advice, postural retraining, and the prescription of home exercises to improve movement and strengthen muscles. The use of these techniques varies depending on the patient’s age, health and their personal preferences.

Postural dysfunction is a problem that seems to be becoming much more common. At Southern Region Chiropractic we believe that this is in part due to the forward flexed posture that people use when looking at computer screens, laptops, tablets, and of course mobile phones. Postural dysfunction can cause back pain and stiffness, neck pain and stiffness, and headaches. Poor posture causes muscle fatigue and makes injury more likely as the important core stabilising muscles decondition and other muscles tighten to compensate. Postural dysfunction can have a significant effect on a patient’s quality of life and their ability to go about your day to day activities.

Generally, postural dysfunction is a consequence of bad habits such as slouching and inactivity causing muscle fatigue and tension. Sometimes however what can appear as “poor posture” is a result of a disorder such as Scheuermann’s disease, scoliosis or osteoporotic spinal compression fractures. Given the many different possible causes of poor posture an accurate diagnosis is essential for proper management or referral to another health professional if warranted.

The chiropractors at Southern Region Chiropractic first focus on diagnosing the cause of postural dysfunction in order to determine the best evidence-based treatment approach. This diagnosis is made after the chiropractor has taken a detailed history and performed a thorough examination. Treatment may include joint mobilisation or manipulation, soft tissue release, dry needling, postural re-education, ergonomic and activity modification advice, and the prescription of home exercises. The use of these techniques varies depending on the patient’s age, health and their personal preferences.

Scoliosis is a condition characterised by a sideways curvature of the spine. The most common form of scoliosis develops during childhood, often without any particular cause. Early signs of scoliosis may include abnormal posture, slouching, one shoulder or one hip that is higher than the other, or uneven shoulder blades. A patient with scoliosis may experience symptoms such as pain, stiffness, muscle weakness and poor posture. In rare cases, scoliosis can be very severe and lead to heart and lung problems.

Scoliosis can affect both adults and children. In children it can be a more serious condition as the curvature can progress quickly as the child grows. It is important to recognise signs of scoliosis early and have your child assessed by a qualified health professional. If a scoliosis is detected early enough there is greater scope for treatment and the degree of the curvature can be monitored. The chiropractors at Southern Region Chiropractic are trained to detect, assess and monitor the degree of curvature and decide whether the patient should be referred to another health professional for bracing or surgery.

The chiropractors at Southern Region Chiropractic take a detailed history and perform a thorough examination in order to determine the severity of the scoliosis and any contributing factors. They then devise a management plan guided by a thorough understanding of the latest research. The purpose of treatment is not to try to “straighten out” the curve but instead aims to decrease pain and stiffness and improve the function and strength of the spine. Treatment often includes joint mobilisation or manipulation, soft tissue techniques and the prescription of home exercises to improve posture, movement and muscle strength. The use of these techniques varies depending on the patient’s age, health and their personal preferences.

Typically, osteoarthritis occurs in most people as they age. It is a common chronic joint disease which causes large amounts of pain and disability in the population. Osteoarthritis mainly occurs in the knees, hips, small joints of the hands and base of the big toe, however almost any joint can be affected, including the spine. There are a number of risk factors for osteoarthritis including excess weight, previous joint injury, repetitive kneeling or squatting and repetitive heavy lifting.

The key characteristics of osteoarthritis include mild inflammation of the tissues in and around the joints, damage to the cartilage, and bony growths that develop around the edge of the joints. While the symptoms of osteoarthritis vary from person to person it typically involves joint stiffness- particularly after rest, joint pain and tenderness, a grating or crackling sensation in the joints, and muscle weakness.

The chiropractors at Southern Region Chiropractic take a detailed history and perform a thorough examination to diagnose osteoarthritis and its associated symptoms. A patient may be sent for an x-ray or referred to their GP for blood tests to rule out other types of arthritis. Once a diagnosis has been made the chiropractor will then devise a management plan guided by a thorough understanding of the latest research. The purpose of treatment is not to try to “cure” the osteoarthritis but instead aims to decrease pain and stiffness and improve the function of the joint and associated joints.

Treatment often includes joint mobilisation, soft tissue release, dry needling, advice on pain relieving methods, ergonomic and activity modification advice, and the prescription of home exercises to improve movement and strengthen muscles. The use of these techniques varies depending on the patient’s age, health and their personal preferences.

Hip pain and stiffness are common complaints with many different causes. The hip joint and its integration with the pelvis, sacroiliac joints, lumbar spine and associated muscles makes it a complex region to properly analyse and assess.

Hip pain may arise from an acute injury or trauma such as a ligament sprain, muscle strain or fracture. More chronic hip pain may be the result of arthritis or bursitis. Sometimes hip pain is due to an acute condition which requires medical referral such as Perthes’ disease, a slipped capital femoral epiphysis or irritable hip syndrome. Hip pain can also be referred from the sacroiliac joint or lower back or may be a consequence of foot, ankle or knee dysfunction due to altered gait. Given the many possible causes of hip pain and stiffness an accurate diagnosis is essential for proper management or referral to another health professional if warranted.

The chiropractors at Southern Region Chiropractic first focus on diagnosing the cause of a patient’s hip pain or stiffness in order to determine the best evidence-based treatment treatment approach. This diagnosis is made after the chiropractor has taken a detailed history and performed a thorough examination. Treatment may include joint mobilisation or manipulation, soft tissue release, dry needling, advice on pain relieving methods, ergonomic and activity modification advice, and the prescription of home exercises. The use of these techniques varies depending on the patient’s age, health and their personal preferences.

Knee pain is very common and has many different causes. Knee pain may arise from an acute injury or trauma causing a ligament sprain, muscle strain or meniscus tear. More chronic knee pain may be the result of arthritis, bursitis, Osgood Schlatters disease, or biomechanical dysfunction such as patellofemoral syndrome or iliotibial band syndrome. Knee pain can also be referred from the lower back or can be a consequence of hip or foot problems due to a change in gait. Given the many possible causes of knee pain an accurate diagnosis is essential for proper management or referral to another health professional if warranted.

The chiropractors at Southern Region Chiropractic first focus on diagnosing the cause of a patient’s knee pain in order to determine the best evidence-based treatment approach. This diagnosis is made after the chiropractor has taken a detailed history and performed a thorough examination. Treatment may include joint mobilisation or manipulation, soft tissue release, dry needling, advice on pain relieving methods and taping, ergonomic and activity modification advice, and the prescription of home exercises. The use of these techniques varies depending on the patient’s age, health and their personal preferences.

Ankle and foot pain is very common and there are many possible causes. Foot and ankle pain may be caused by an acute trauma or injury such as a ligament sprain, muscle strain or a fracture. Pain in the foot or ankle may also arise due to a biomechanical problem in the foot, ankle or leg causing issues such as plantar fasciitis or shin splints. Other conditions that may cause foot and ankle pain include Achilles tendonitis, Morton’s neuroma, bunion, arthritis, heel spur or Severs disease. Additionally foot and ankle pain can be referred pain from the lumbar spine or be a consequence of hip or knee problems due to altered gait. Given the many possible causes of ankle and foot pain an accurate diagnosis is essential for proper management or referral to another health professional if warranted.

The chiropractors at Southern Region Chiropractic first focus on diagnosing the cause of a patient’s foot or ankle pain in order to determine the best evidence-based treatment approach. This diagnosis is made after the chiropractor has taken a detailed history and performed a thorough examination. Treatment may include joint mobilisation or manipulation, soft tissue release, dry needling, advice on pain relieving methods, ergonomic and activity modification advice, and the prescription of home exercises. The use of these techniques varies depending on the patient’s age, health and their personal preferences.

Shoulder pain a common problem with many different causes. In younger people, shoulder pain is more likely to be the result of an injury whereas in older people shoulder pain is often due to wear and tear, which naturally occurs as we age. The shoulder joint is complex and is made up of several components including the glenohumeral joint, the sternoclavicular joint, the acromioclavicular joint and the scapulothoracic joint. Strong ligaments, tendons and muscles support the shoulder to give it both its stability and its large range of mobility.

Shoulder pain may arise from an acute trauma or injury such as a ligament sprain, muscle strain, labral tear, fracture or dislocation. More chronic shoulder pain may be the result of arthritis, frozen shoulder, rotator cuff tendonitis or bursitis. Sometimes pain felt at the shoulder may be referred pain from the joints, nerves and muscles of the neck or referred from organs such as the heart, lungs and gall bladder. Given the many possible causes of shoulder pain, an accurate diagnosis is essential for proper management or referral to another health professional if warranted.

The chiropractors at Southern Region Chiropractic first focus on diagnosing the cause of a patient’s shoulder pain in order to determine the best evidence-based treatment approach. This diagnosis is made after the chiropractor has taken a detailed history and performed a thorough examination. Treatment may include joint mobilisation or manipulation, soft tissue release, dry needling, advice on pain relieving methods, ergonomic and activity modification advice, and the prescription of home exercises. The use of these techniques varies depending on the patient’s age, health and their personal preferences.

While overuse injuries such as tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are the most common causes of elbow pain there are also a number of other conditions that can cause elbow pain. Such conditions can include osteoarthritis, nerve entrapment in either the neck or forearm, referred pain from the joints and muscles of the neck and shoulder, ligament sprains, bursitis and bone injuries. Given the many possible causes of elbow pain, an accurate diagnosis is essential for proper management or referral to another health professional if warranted.

The chiropractors at Southern Region Chiropractic first focus on diagnosing the cause of a patient’s elbow pain in order to determine the best evidence-based treatment approach. This diagnosis is made after the chiropractor has taken a detailed history and performed a thorough examination. Treatment may include joint mobilisation or manipulation, soft tissue release, dry needling, advice on pain relieving methods and bracing, ergonomic and activity modification advice, and the prescription of home exercises. The use of these techniques varies depending on the patient’s age, health and their personal preferences.

Despite its name tennis elbow is often not caused by tennis. The name generally refers to pain at the outer side of the elbow joint due to damage to the muscles and tendons in this area. This damage can occur as a result of repetitive movement of the wrist and forearm such as would occur in certain sports, hobbies and occupations. Symptoms may include a dull ache at the outer side of the elbow at rest, tenderness at the outer side of the elbow, pain at the outer side of the elbow when moving the wrist and forearm and difficulties with grasping objects with the hand.

The chiropractors at Southern Region Chiropractic first focus on diagnosing the cause of a patient’s elbow pain in order to determine the best evidence-based treatment approach. This diagnosis is made after the chiropractor has taken a detailed history and performed a thorough examination. Treatment may include joint mobilisation or manipulation, soft tissue release, dry needling, advice on pain relieving methods and bracing, ergonomic and activity modification advice, and the prescription of home exercises to strengthen the muscles. The use of these techniques varies depending on the patient’s age, health and their personal preferences.

Despite its name golfer’s elbow is often not caused by golf. The name generally refers to pain at the inner side of the elbow joint due to damage to the muscles and tendons in this area. This damage can occur as a result of repetitive movement of the wrist and forearm such as would occur in certain sports, hobbies and occupations. Symptoms may include a dull ache at the inner side of the elbow at rest, tenderness at the inner side of the elbow, pain at the inner side of the elbow when moving the wrist and forearm and difficulties with grasping objects with the hand.

The chiropractors at Southern Region Chiropractic first focus on diagnosing the cause of a patient’s elbow pain in order to determine the best evidence-based treatment approach. This diagnosis is made after the chiropractor has taken a detailed history and performed a thorough examination. Treatment often includes joint mobilisation or manipulation, soft tissue release, dry needling, advice on pain relieving methods and bracing, ergonomic and activity modification advice, and the prescription of home exercises to strengthen the muscles. The use of these techniques varies with the patient’s age, health and their personal preferences.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful condition caused by compression of the median nerve as it passes through the wrist. Symptoms include hand pain- particularly at night, numbness and pins and needles. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by anything which causes swelling at the wrist including arthritis and pregnancy. Damage and swelling in the carpal tunnel can also be the result of repetitive hand or wrist movements such as would occur in certain sports, occupations and hobbies. If the cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is not addressed then permanent damage can result. Sometimes nerve irritation in the neck can cause symptoms that will appear similar to carpal tunnel syndrome. Given the many different possible causes of hand pain, an accurate diagnosis is essential for proper management or referral to another health professional if warranted.

The chiropractors at Southern Region Chiropractic first focus on diagnosing the cause of a patient’s hand symptoms or carpal tunnel syndrome in order to determine the best evidence-based treatment approach. This diagnosis is made after the chiropractor has taken a detailed history and performed a thorough examination. Treatment may include joint mobilisation or manipulation, soft tissue release, dry needling, advice on pain relieving methods and splints, ergonomic and activity modification advice, and the prescription of home exercises. The use of these techniques varies depending on the patient’s age, health and their personal preferences.

It is quite common for pregnant women to experience back pain; with many suffering from severe discomfort that impacts their day to day lives and activities. Musculoskeletal issues that can arise during pregnancy include lower back pain, pelvic pain and pressure, sciatica or nerve pain in the legs, neck pain, upper back pain, aching and cramping legs, carpal tunnel syndrome and De Quervain’s tenosynovitis.

The average healthy weight gain during pregnancy varies between 11kg and 16kg and the majority of this weight is around the abdomen. This added weight changes the centre of gravity and shifts the posture forward putting significant stress on the back, hips, knees, ankles and feet. Body mechanics is also altered as a pregnant woman naturally changes the way she sleeps, stands and moves. As the baby grows the uterus expands and the abdominal muscles stretch and lose some of their ability to provide support, placing additional pressure on the spine.

During the third trimester levels of the hormone relaxin increase and contribute to loosening of the joints in order to accommodate for the enlarging uterus, growing baby and later for birth. This loosening of the joints whilst completely normal and healthy during pregnancy can also decrease the stability of the joints and further change posture. As a result, certain muscles tighten in compensation and this can be another source of discomfort.

The chiropractors at Southern Region Chiropractic have additional training in the treatment of the musculoskeletal conditions that affect the body during pregnancy. Treatment may include mobilisation, manipulation, soft tissue release, dry needling, ergonomic and activity modification advice, and the prescription of home exercises. The use of these techniques varies depending on the patient’s gestation, health and their personal preferences.

Children, just like adults can experience injuries and pain. There are also certain musculoskeletal conditions which are unique to children. The chiropractors at Southern Region Chiropractic have additional training in the assessment, diagnosis and management of conditions and injuries which affect babies, children and teenagers.

Children have significant anatomical differences to adults meaning that their healthcare management requires specific skills and expertise. Given this, an accurate diagnosis is essential for proper management or referral to another health professional if warranted.

The chiropractors at Southern Region Chiropractic first take a detailed history by discussing the patient’s presenting symptoms and past health with their parent or guardian. A thorough examination is then performed. The chiropractor is then able to diagnose the cause of the patient’s pain or symptoms and form a management plan guided by a thorough knowledge of the latest available evidence.

All treatment is modified to suit the age of the patient and is quite different to the treatment that adult patients receive. Once a diagnosis has been established the chiropractor will discuss potential treatment options with the patient’s parent or guardian. Commonly, a trial of treatment may be undertaken before making a final decision on the best course of management.

Regular participation in sport and exercise are great ways to keep fit and healthy but there are risks involved and sometimes injuries happen. Most often excessive training, inappropriate technique or a collision with another player can be the cause of injury but structural abnormalities and muscle imbalances or weakness can also be to blame. Common sporting injuries include lower back pain, neck pain, sprains and strains, ankle injuries, knee injuries, rotator cuff injuries, elbow injuries and tendinopathies. Such injuries may cause significant pain and debilitation taking a patient away from the sports and activities that they enjoy.

The chiropractors at Southern Region Chiropractic assess, diagnose and treat acute and chronic sporting injuries. They first focus on diagnosing the cause of a patient’s pain in order to determine the best evidence-based treatment approach. This diagnosis is made after the chiropractor has taken a detailed history and performed a thorough examination. Our chiropractors are trained to identify when an injury requires co-management with another health professional or requires referral.

Once the cause of a patient’s injury has been diagnosed and any underlying abnormalities or weakness have been identified the chiropractors at Southern Region Chiropractic then develop a management plan guided by a thorough understanding of the latest research. This management plan also includes the best strategy for returning to play and avoiding future injury. Treatment is aimed at reducing pain, healing damaged tissue, improving movement, strength and function of the injured area, and correcting any underlying biomechanical issues that may have contributed to the injury.

Treatment often includes joint mobilisation or manipulation, soft tissue techniques, dry needling, advice on pain relieving methods, advice on technique and training methods specific to the patient’s particular sport, ergonomic and activity modification advice, and the prescription of specific rehabilitation exercises. The use of these techniques varies depending on the patient’s age, health and their personal preference.

Some workplace injuries are caused by accidents such as a fall, lifting injury or motor vehicle accident. Other workplace injuries are the result of repetitive strain, overuse or poor ergonomics. Common workplace injuries include lower back pain, neck and shoulder pain, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, elbow pain, wrist pain and tendinopathies. Such injuries may cause significant pain and debilitation often leading to time off work and preventing a patient from actively engaging in the activities that they enjoy.

The chiropractors at Southern Region Chiropractic are iCare and SIRA approved and are trained to assess, diagnose and treat acute and chronic workplace injuries. They first focus on diagnosing the cause of a patient’s injury in order to determine the best evidence-based treatment approach. This diagnosis is made after the chiropractor has taken a detailed history and performed a thorough examination. Our chiropractors are trained to identify when an injury requires co-management with another health professional or requires referral.

Once the cause of a patient’s injury has been diagnosed and any underlying ergonomic issues have been identified the chiropractors at Southern Region Chiropractic then develop a management plan guided by a thorough understanding of the latest research. This management plan will also include the best strategy for returning to work and avoiding future injury. Treatment is aimed at reducing pain, healing damaged tissue, improving movement, strength and function of the injured area, and correcting any underlying biomechanical issues that may have contributed to the issue.

Treatment often includes joint mobilisation or manipulation, soft tissue techniques, dry needling, advice on pain relieving methods, ergonomic and activity modification advice, and the prescription of specific rehabilitation exercises. The use of these techniques varies depending on the patient’s age, health and their personal preference.