Tag: health

Buy a better bed!

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Hi All,

In the last blog post we explored how to get a better night’s sleep by choosing the right pillow. However, to get the ultimate nights rest you also need the right mattress. Not one single body is the same, therefore, there is not one miracle mattress that will provide the right support for everyone whilst meeting their comfort needs.

The variety of mattresses available, and the different levels of comfort and support, can make buying a new bed a confusing experience.  To prevent this we have put together ten tips for buying a better bed.

  1. Talk to your physiotherapist about what she/he recommends for your body. Your physio is aware of any health conditions you have and should be able to give you some advice about what type of support you need.
  2. Figure out the reasons why you need to buy a new mattress. Does your current mattress have lumps or dips? Are you waking up with a stiff or aching back? Do you need some more support? Do you need a more comfortable mattress? This will help you when deciding on what you want and need in your new mattress.
  3. Before going into the store to look at mattresses, go online and research the options to avoid becoming overwhelmed with choices whilst shopping. Some websites to help narrow down the mattress search include Sealy Bed Selector, Sleepmaker and Snooze bed match.
  4. Make sure that if you have a partner that they come and choose the mattress with you.
  5. A firm mattress does not necessarily make it the best mattress for your back. Choose a mattress that is firm enough to provide support, but with a comfortable feel.
  6.  For some people with back issues, reclining beds can be a great choice. The beds elevate your head and knees which results in the pressure in the lower back being relieved. However, placing pillows under your head and knees can also relieve lower back pain whilst sleeping.
  7. Buying a mattress with a 30 day money-back guarantee is great option for someone who is wishing to try a new type of mattress but is unsure if it would be comfortable and or provide the right support for them whilst sleeping.
  8. When lying on a mattress to see if it is comfortable, lay on it for at least 10 to 15 minutes.
  9. A mattress has a life span of about 10 years so make sure you get a at least 10 years of a warranty when buying a new mattress, that offers a full replacement guarantee.
  10. Finally, buy a mattress protector. This not only protects the mattress from the moisture that is expelled from the body during the night and any accidental spills, but also prevents your warranty from being discredited.
Resources: http://www.choice.com.au/reviews-and-tests/household/living-and-bedroom/bedding/buying-guide-mattresses.aspx, http://www.spine-health.com/blog/top-12-tips-buying-a-new-mattress

Wry Worry?

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Acute wry ( pronounced “rye”) neck is a common condition which can cause disabling pain and stiffness. This is often accompanied with muscle spasm of the surrounding neck muscles.

Symptoms of acute wry neck include:

    • often one-sided neck pain
    • inability to turn head towards painful side
    • postural deformity due to pain
    • muscle spasm, or tightening of the surrounding muscles

The most common cause of acute wry neck is a locked facet joint. Facet joints are located to the right and left of the bony points you can feel at the back of your neck. Ideally these joints open and close smoothly with neck movements, however, with acute wry neck these joints get stiff and/or stuck at a certain point. This results in pain and a stiff neck.
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Patients with acute wry neck often report waking with a stiff and painful neck and may have:

      • had a restless night sleep
      • used an uncomfortable pillow
      • woken suddenly in the night
      • or had no obvious contributing factors!

The good news is that with prompt and appropriate treatment, most acute wry necks can be unlocked immediately. However, there may be overlying muscles spasm which can take longer to address. Ideally, 2-3 physiotherapy treatments in the first week will improve symptoms, but longer term treatment may be required to address other issues including weakness, posture and joint stiffness.

If you think you are suffering from acute wry neck, give us a call to make an appointment ASAP. For some relief before your appointment with the physio, you should apply a heat pack to the neck and surrounding muscles.