Mental health can have as much impact on the body as physical health. In fact, poor mental health can lead to many physical symptoms such as muscle tension, especially in the shoulders, neck and upper back region. When we are anxious, our body tenses, ready to respond in either fight or flight. This can cause neck pain, headaches and migraines and other general back pain. Chiropractic treatment may be able to assist in managing these symptoms with a natural and holistic approach. Promotes relaxation Chiropractic adjustments work to free up the targeted joints and surrounding tissues. This then increases the…

This is a question that members of our chiropractor and podiatrist team here in Perth are sometimes asked. So, we thought it would be useful to explain this key area in more detail. About reflexology There are references to the practice stretching back years and it's believed to have been used in key civilisations, including both China and Egypt. In modern times, it has been a recognised treatment for over a century. The first reflexology foot map was produced as far back as the 1920s. The reflexology process As a basic description, reflexology is a non-invasive touch therapy. Its aim…

Sciatica is a common problem and occurs when the sciatic nerve – which runs the length of your lower back, right down to your feet – becomes irritated, inflamed or compressed. It can result in back pain, a stabbing or burning sensation, or the constant tingling feeling of pins and needles. Health experts say this pain can last anywhere between four to six weeks, but rest assured there are a series of exercises you can do at the gym that can greatly reduce the pain you experience with sciatica. At Melville Wellness, we’ve created this short blog post on what…

For some reason, the majority of people always associate back pain with the elderly. But this is far from the case – back pain can affect anyone, no matter their age. If you’re experiencing some kind of back pain – be it in your lower back or your upper back – you should seek the help and support of a chiropractor. Here are three ways in which a chiropractor can help you relieve back pain. Lower back pain Patients who are pregnant, obese or frequently wear high-heeled shoes are at an increased risk of weakening their hip muscles. As a…

During pregnancy, one of the most common complaints is sciatica. Caused by the irritation and inflammation of the sciatic muscles located in the lower back and upper leg, it can lead to prolonged aching of this area and shooting pains in the leg. It’s the last thing that expecting mothers need. At Melville Wellness, our team has an acute understanding of this, and have compiled this short guide packed full of home remedies that may ease your pain and relieve your discomfort... Massages One of the most soothing ways to stop sciatica in its tracks is through a massage. This…

A migraine can be a major inconvenience in your life. But are you getting migraines with no idea of the triggers? Even if you keep a diary that tracks when you get your migraines, it may be hard to draw solid conclusions. This may be because some migraine triggers are so unexpected, you would never suspect them of being a cause! We have collected some unusual triggers that could be the cause of those hours lost to another migraine. Strong scents Do you find yourself getting a migraine every time you have lunch with a particular friend? If they happen…

The foot is one of the most complex structures of the body, comprising over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Many people spend a lot of time using their feet, particularly those who like to run and walk long distances. As such, foot injuries and disorders can affect almost anyone. While foot problems can be a little disconcerting, they are nothing to be ashamed of and are usually relatively simple to treat with the help of a podiatrist. Here are some of the most common symptoms that foot specialists encounter and treat every day: 1. Blisters Blisters are caused by excessive…

You might not realise it, but if you're dealing with back pain, it might be stemming from problems with your feet. We spend most of our lives upright, so if we have a problem with our foundation (the feet), then this can cause other problems elsewhere in the body. There are a number of issues related to your feet that can affect posture and gait, such as flat feet or different leg lengths. These problems can impact how you walk, the curvature of your spine and ultimately develop into a pain in your back or hips. If not properly corrected,…

If you've been suffering from neck pain, you're not alone and there are several effective treatments out there! There can be many causes of neck pain including whiplash, muscle strains and nerve compression, so it's important to get the correct treatment for your neck condition. As research into neck pain continues, the range of treatments available has dramatically increased, from ultrasound therapy to joint mobilisation and manipulation. Joint mobilisation and manipulation The process of joint mobilisation and manipulation should only ever be carried out by a professional chiropractor or doctor. If you are suffering from chronic neck ache and stiffness,…

Many people experience neck pain occasionally and yet still don’t give their neck the TLC it deserves to prevent it from happening. Well, not anymore. Here are some home remedies that Melville Wellness Centre recommends for neck pain. Apply ice and heat (not at the same time!) Neck pain is a signal that the tissues in your neck and surrounding areas are inflamed and tense. That’s why we recommend that you apply ice to any sore areas for the first 24-48 hours to calm inflammation and reduce pain. Once the inflammation has calmed down, heat can be applied to unstiffen…