Interesting facts about the spine
The Spine
The spine is a truly amazing part of the human body. It is one of the differentiating factors that define humans. The spine has three important functions:
- To support the weight of the body
- To provide flexibility for movement,
- And to protect nerve roots and fibres and form a protective surrounding for the spinal cord.
We’ve gathered together the following fascinating facts about our brilliant backbones:
- When we’re born, our spines consist of 33 individual vertebrae. In a newborn baby, the vertebrae begin as cartilage. It usually only become fully made up of bone (a process called “ossification”) by...
Lower Back Pain
Four out of five Australians will suffer from lower back pain at some point in their lives. It is the most common cause of job-related disability and a leading contributor to missed workdays.
Acute back pain vs. Chronic back pain
Acute back pain accounts for most lower back pain cases and lasts a few days to a few weeks. The majority of acute low back pain is mechanical in nature. A disruption in the way the components of the back fit together and move is usually the cause. Components namely include the spine, muscle, intervertebral discs, and nerves.
Subacute lower back pain is defined as pain that lasts between 4 and 12 weeks.
Chronic back pain is the pain that...
Patellar Tendonitis
Patellar Tendonitis, also known as Jumper’s knee, is a common injury condition characterised by inflammation of the patellar tendon. This tendon connects your kneecap (patella) to your shinbone (tibia). The pain can be mild or severe and consequently if left untreated can lead to tears in the tendon. Anyone can be affected by patellar tendonitis. However, it is a frequent injury of athletes, especially those who play volleyball and basketball, hence why it’s referred to as jumper’s knee.
Causes of Patellar Tendonitis
Patellar Tendonitis is caused by overuse of the knee...
Facts about muscles
Facts about muscles
The muscular system is a fascinating part of our bodies. Muscles are necessary for all the little movements we do, like blinking, and for big movements, such as running or throwing. Some muscles we control, like the bicep when we’re taking the shopping out of the car. Other muscles, such as those that help you breathe, move without us thinking about it at all. The following are some interesting facts about muscles.
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Muscles are divided into three types: smooth, cardiac and skeletal
Smooth muscles are involuntary muscles in your gut, blood...
Baker’s Cyst
Baker’s Cyst
Baker’s cysts are fluid-filled lumps or sacs that form behind your knee. It is usually a consequence of arthritis or a knee injury. You may not experience any symptoms and may not even know you have one until it is seen while investigating other knee problems. For some people, the pain can vary from mild discomfort to severe pain and rupture of the cyst.
Causes of a Baker’s Cyst
Baker’s Cysts are the result of joint damage that causes swelling in the knee....
Facts about the Skeletal System
Facts about the skeletal system
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Your skeleton is made up of more than 200 bones
Your skeletal system is made up of 206 bones. Each bone plays a very important role in making all the mechanics of your body function properly. However, if a bone is broken, all the bones around it can’t perform their duty properly.
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The body has two types of bones
Hard bone is called cortical bone and they are primarily the structure bones. Soft and spongy bones are called trabecular bones. They are found...
World Heart Day – 29 September
World Heart Day – 29 September 2020
Every year World Heart Day falls on 29 September. Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death and disability in the world today. CVD is any disease of the heart, vascular disease of the brain, or disease blood vessel. According to the World Health Organisation, over 17.9 million people die from CDVs worldwide, more than any other cause.
Your heart is the size of your fist and the strongest muscle in your body but can become very vulnerable from high-risk...
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
This month is Prostate awareness month. It’s important that we are aware in particular men are aware of this disease. 20,000 men this year will be newly diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The best chance of surviving this disease is finding it early. Finding it early means there are more treatment options and the chances of survival are greatest. It’s important for men of all ages to know what they can do to help find prostate cancer early.
Prostate awareness
How does Prostate develop? This cancer develops when abnormal cells in the prostate gland...
Consider a Chiro
Consider a Chiro
The Australian Chiropractors Association’s new campaign is called “Consider a Chiro” and is part of Spinal Health Week (17-23 August). Australians are asked to consider a chiropractor for ailments such as back pain, neck pain and headaches.
Having these health issues can greatly impact the quality of life of a sufferer. For instance, simple daily activities can be difficult to complete. Back pain, neck pain, and headaches are the most common with people believing they’re a normal part of life.
When it comes to caring for your...
Meniscus Injury
Meniscus Injury
The knee is one of the most complex joints in the human body. As many sports place extreme stress on the knee, it is also one of the most common sites for sports injury, meniscus being one of them.
Knee joint
The knee is a hinge joint, structured to perform two principal actions, flexion (bending) and extension (straightening). The muscles which act at the knee are predominantly the quadriceps (extension) and the hamstrings (flexion).
Meniscus tear is a common injury that affects the knee joint. The meniscus...
