Tag Archives: back pain treatment wexford

Dec 10

The Gorey Family Chiropractic Christmas Shopping Survival Guide

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Take the back pain out of shopping this Christmas

Don’t shop till you drop this Christmas.  There’s a right way and a wrong way to shop and it’s important to recognise the physical strain that shopping can place on your body and your back in particular.

We find that there are more back, neck and shoulder injuries suffered during the run up to  Christmas  and eventually evaluated and treated at Gorey Family Chiropractic than at any other time of year and  there’s a few different reasons for this.

Many times people walk long distances on uneven and unforgiving surfaces. Some battle on in high heel shoes trying to carry heavy bags coupled with standing in queues.  The constant struggle with bulky bags over a long day can place huge stress and strain on your spine but particularly if you’ve had back pain before.

The team here at Gorey Family Chiropractic Clinic have put together a list of potential aggravatory factors to help inform you on what to watch out for and ease the strain on your back this Christmas!

Survival Guide Tips:

1. Take your time shopping. 


”But I haven’t got enough time”, we hear you say. Organisation is the key to success for anyone who is recovering from a back injury. Have a clear plan of action, of where to go & what you need to get. It is important to give yourself time, so that you can factor in a couple of coffee breaks to take strain off your back even for just a few minutes.
The pressure of walking with bags all day can send an unstable low back over the edge so pace yourself according to your stage of recovery and strength. Bear in mind also that stress also leads to increased tension and a greater chance of muscle strain.


2. Park close to the shops.



This is really important for anyone with a current injury. There’s nothing worse than having to walk miles and miles back to the car, with your hands full of shopping bags, feeling a deep soreness in your shoulders or low back. It’s a definite recipe for disaster! Instead, park the car close by and do a few trips with lighter bags. Your body will definitely thank you for it.
3. Start off light and consider your shoes.
Ladies, empty any enormous handbags of any unnecessary weight or opt for a smaller bag and only carry essential items that you need for the day ahead.  A bag that you can carry across your body is far better for distributing weight more effectively than a one sided model. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes, no high heels. You know you will suffer otherwise!
4. Carrying and Lifting Bags the Right Way.
Carry shopping bags evenly in each hand to distribute weight – where you can access trolleys, throw everything in and give your shoulders a break. Try not to carry parcels or shopping in front of you as this can cause greater strain on your lower back.
Remember also to bend those knees when lifting off the floor and think about tightening the tummy muscles when lifting heavy groceries into and out of cars. This helps support your spine when you do so.
This is an area where people can come unstuck. Get help bringing the groceries out at the supermarket if you know you need it it’s best not to take the chance if it can be avoided.
5. Dress for the weather.


It sounds obvious but there is a relationship for some between the cold weather and increased muscle strain. Holding yourself stiff if you re feeling the cold places strain on muscle tissues, which for some can lead to strain or in the worst case spasm.The neck and shoulders are particularly sensitive to this problem so think about wearing extra layers and wear a scarf if you’ve suffered neck problems in the past.
6. Can heavy items be bought online?
For bigger heavier items, check if they can be purchased online and minimize the hassle and the strain.
Hopefully this guide will help troubleshoot some of the most common causes of back pain seen at Gorey Family Chiropractic.
New Injury Requiring Evaluation and Treatment this Christmas?
For anyone who has unfortunately recently injured their back   or who is suffering back or neck pain that requires treatment we will have appointments as normal in the run up to Christmas and during Christmas week on Christmas Eve morning and as normal on the 27th and 28th of December.
Call the practice team on 053 94 83338 or email info@chiropractor.ie

 “We don’t just wish you Good Health this Christmas and New Year, Gorey Family Chiropractic will help you to achieve it”

Nov 12

Keep Golfing Through the Seasons with Gorey Family Chiropractic

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Keep back pain and other aches and pains at bay while out on the green

Michael Veal D.C BSc Hons Chiropractic

Do you think you can play the whole year with your golf friends – especially if you have arthritis and and suffered back pain?

The answer is yes! You can feel good throughout the year, but it will take a little common sense and preparation. In fact, studies have found that at least 40 percent of golfers play with injuries. This is not necessarily a good thing!

Unfortunately research shows that unaddressed injuries often can become chronic. Most golf injuries occur in the lower back, elbows or shoulders. In addition, the most common kind of arthritis — osteoarthritis– occurs in the hands, hips, knees, neck or lower back.

At Gorey Family Chiropractic we diagnose, treat and rehabilitate lot’s of Golfers from predominantly the counties of Wexford, Wicklow and Carlow and we understand what a passionate bunch you are so here are some tips to help keep you playing throughout the year and minimize strain on your bodies and on any pre-existing injuries. So lets get started…

Before You Play

  • Think about your target weight. Overweight golfers put significant impact on various bodily joints causing pain and worsening arthritis.
  • Do warm ups. Techniques as simple as a brisk five- to 10-minute walk prior to going to the practice range can help. The team at Gorey Family Chiropractic are more than happy to discuss the most appropriate warm up exercises for your condition and to avoid causing back pain.
  • Drink plenty of water. Your body is typically in a dehydrated state in the morning. It is helpful to drink one and a half bottles of water – before your round and between one and three bottles during your round depending on the time of year. Please check with your chiropractor if you have medical conditions that restrict fluid intake.
  • Eat light. Try to eat a small meal one to two hours before play or practice. Large meals in your stomach move blood away from your brain and muscles affecting play and performance. Low fat, lean protein and complex carbohydrates are preferred.
  • Wear supports if needed. Aids, including oversized grips (if you have hand arthritis) or spikeless golf shoes will help to reduce the increased rotational stress on hips, knees and ankles in the typical golf swing. There are many braces / supports (for arthritic knees) to minimize pain during the golf swing.
  • Plan ahead. If possible, meet with a golf professional to examine your technique or ask one of your Gorey Family Chiropractic team about what exercises are appropriate for you to avoid back pain before the season starts so that a conditioning or strengthening program is created that is easy to work into your daily routine.

During Play

  • Walk, don’t ride. Try to minimize your time riding in a golf buggy. If you are able, switch to walking or riding with your partner every other hole. That will help protect your back muscles from spasm during the constant bounce of the cart.
  • Choose drinks wisely. Hydrate with water or sports drinks that do not have high sugar content which in some can contribute to the development of diabetes and gout.  Avoid alcoholic drinks which will dehydrate your body further.
  • Bring healthy snacks. Eat snacks that are high in carbohydrates and low in fat such as bananas, dried fruits (raisins, cherries or cranberries), energy bars with whole grains (wheat or oats) and nuts such as almonds or peanuts.

After Play

  • Stretch: Do static stretching exercises after your golf round (not before).
  • Ice: For painful or recently injured areas, ice for 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid heat to an affected area, as it will increase circulation and inflammation.
  • Eat and rehydrate: Within two hours of a round of golf, it’s important to replace stores of glycogen(our body’s primary source of energy) in the muscles and liver for a full recovery and for optimal performance the next day.

Above all have a great time out there from all the team at Gorey Family Chiropractic and remember to keep  the back pain or other injury niggles in check throughout the golf season!

New Injury Not Recovering?

Unfortunately if you have recently injured your back and your back pain has not subsided or if you have never had the cause of your back pain diagnosed or evaluated, you may be in need of professional assistance to diagnose your condition accurately and treat it effectively.

With all new patients we initially conduct a thorough physical assessment which includes orthopaedic and neurological testing as well as X rays (facilities on-site) where clinically necessary. That in conjunction with a careful examination of the history of the complaint and lifestyle factors allows us to determine the diagnosis of the condition so that the most effective form of treatment and management may be undertaken.

Call our clinic today where one of our friendly team would be delighted to help schedule an initial appointment.

Tel 053 94 83338

Opening hours Mon 8-7, Tues 9-5, Wed 8-7, Thurs 9-5, Fri 8-7