Julian

Australia’s silent back pain burden impacts mental health and the economy

May 6, 2026 by Julian

National Spinal Health Month: A Healthy Spine Supports A Healthy Mind

June is National Spinal Health Month, an initiative of the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) to encourage Australians to join the “spinal health movement” to prevent back pain disorders that remain one of the leading causes of disability in Australia while increasing mental health complications for sufferers.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) including back pain, account for the greatest proportion of persistent pain conditions which is often linked to depression and psychological distress.

Psychological distress in the form of anxiety or depression is common among acute back pain sufferers. Even when symptoms are short-term and not medically serious, without appropriate early treatment acute back pain can lead to chronic back pain disorders increasing physical and mental health disability risks.

Risk factors of developing long-term chronic back pain include avoidance behaviours when back pain sufferers ignore symptoms and avoid movements or activities due to fear of causing injury or increasing pain.

However, while limiting movements and activities may be recommended for some acute injuries during healing, if sufferers ignore symptoms and restrict or avoid movements and activities in response to chronic pain (Fear Avoidance Beliefs Model), it can increase pain and the risk of disability over the long-term.

During National Spinal Health Month, Suncoast Chiropractic is encouraging our community to join the “spinal health movement” to get back to feeling good by maintaining a healthy spine to support a healthy mind.

With four out of five Australians expected to experience back pain at some point in their lives, and with chronic pain increasing the risk of mental health challenges, if people are experiencing back pain issues, they should contact us on 5492 5588 for a spinal health assessment.

Visit spinalhealth.org.au to download FREE information including the Back Pain Factsheet, the Back Pain & Mental Health Factsheet and a range of posters on how many musculoskeletal conditions including back pain, can be prevented with some lifestyle changes and treated with drug-free, holistic healthcare.

Metagenics

August 21, 2023 by Julian

Metagenics has been providing the highest quality Natural Medicines for over 35 years, and is the number one supplier of Practitioner only Natural Medicines in Australia and New Zealand. At Suncoast Chiropractic we are committed to providing highly effective products, along with the best support services and education, helping you to achieve your best outcomes.
Metagenics produces a range of complementary supplement solutions which contain clinically researched ingredients to address commonly presented conditions seen in practice. This includes pain and inflammation, stress, low energy, gut health, immunity and much more.

Staying Healthy

Many people who are tired, over-worked and sometimes sick, know they should be eating the right foods, exercising regularly and taking nutritional supplements. It’s often easy to get confused with all the different information that’s available.

It can be hard to achieve wellness and healthy ageing if you are not sure where to start.

Wellness and Healthy Ageing Programs offer many benefits, including:

Weight Loss and Weight Maintenance
Improved Energy
Healthy Skin
Good Digestion
Cardiovascular Health
Blood Sugar Control
Improved Mood
Improved Wellbeing

Why Metagenics is Suncoast Chiropractic’s preferred supplier;

Highest quality ingredients and raw materials.
Scientific and clinical research.
Raw material testing for consistency and quality
Manufacturing standards that exceed industry benchmarks
Finished product analysis and testing

Take a look at our range at your next visit and speak to the team about which natural supplements could really make a difference in your life.

Suncoast Chiro Blog – Clinic Update -June 2023

July 6, 2023 by Julian

New to Suncoast Chiropractic!!!
Zenthai Shiatsu with Peter Shepherd every Wednesday

We’d like to warmly welcome Peter Shepherd to our Suncoast Chiropractic Clinic. In response to the many requests we’ve had from you for an in-house massage therapist, Peter is now offering Zenthai Shiatsu every Wednesday. Zenthai Shiatsu is a form of bodywork which combines Thai massage techniques, Osteopathic and Zen Shiatsu.

The therapy takes place on a comfortable and heated floor mat, fully clothed and clients will typically leave feeling rejuvenated, more relaxed, lighter and well cared for, with reduced pain and increased mobility.
Please contact reception any time to make a booking.

Peter looks forward to sharing this beautiful and nourishing bodywork practice with you soon.

Back to School Campaign
The kids headed back to school in January and it’s important for them to be aware of their own health and wellbeing. Important things to remember;

Wear backpack with both straps, secure waist and chest straps
In the class room sit with shoulders back and relaxed, both feet on the floor
Pack a healthy, nutritious lunch
Reduce screen time where possible
Get at least 60 mins exercise per day

Spinal Health Week 22-28th May 2023 – Are headaches holding you back?
In 2023, the focus of Spinal Health Week was on the impact headaches have on Australians, while providing solutions to elevate headache pain, so sufferers can take back control of their health and wellbeing. If you suffer from headaches, give us a call so you can take back control of your health.

Metagenics
Don’t forget we now stock a range of all natural practitioner only products by Metagenics. If you need help with gut health, stress, pain relief or menopause drop by the clinic and view our range of supplements.

Team Building Day – A day on the water with Bill’s Boats
Our latest team building event took us out on the water of Pumicestone Passage. What a wonderful way to spend a few hours. BBQ, drinks & swimming …….arrhhhhh what more could you ask for.

3 year Anniversary
July marks 3 years of practice on Bingera Terrace. Wow! How time flies! We love what we do at Suncoast Chiropractic and we love the community we work in. Thank you to everyone that supports us, we can’t do it without you!
Passionfruit

Please help yourself to the amazing passionfruit that is growing on our vine. Please be mindful of how many you take, we would like everyone to be able to enjoy them.
Car Park
Please be mindful when parking that you are only taking up one car space and are within the lines. Our car park is very tight and we need to make sure there is room for everyone.

Our Mission
To inspire & nurture the body,
one vertebra,
one spine,
one human at a time.

Thank you, from the team at Suncoast Chiropractic

Are you tired of Headaches Holding You Back?

May 23, 2023 by Julian

Spinal Health Week 2023 (22-28 May) is the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) national campaign dedicated to improving the spinal health of all Australians.

In 2023, the focus of Spinal Health Week is on the impact headaches have on Australians while providing solutions to elevate headache pain so sufferers can take back control of their health and wellbeing.

Migraine and tension-type headaches are the most prevalent headache disorders, both with disabling potential having the greatest impact on public health. With more than 7 million Australians suffering from debilitating tension headaches and more than 4.9 million suffering chronic migraine; the economic impact to Australia exceeds $35.7 billion annually.

However, the real cost to headache sufferers is immeasurable. Every day, headaches impact the lives of more than 46% of Australians causing debilitating pain and robbing sufferers of productive time at work and study, essential relaxation and social activities, and precious time with children, family and friends.

Migraine and tension headaches are the most common headache disorders, but there are many types of headaches, and many triggers that can cause them. While some headaches are just a mild inconvenience, others can be severe, chronic and have a debilitating effect on the daily life of sufferers.

The connection between spinal health conditions (especially of the neck) and headaches are well recognised in research. It’s vital that headache sufferers have their spine examined and, if appropriate, seek early, effective drug-free chiropractic care. Along with some simple lifestyle changes, this can go a long way to relieve pain, reduce the incidence of headache and migraine and help people take back control of their life.

Studies have shown that university trained chiropractors provide reliable, low risk, effective treatment for the three most common types of headaches – tension and cervicogenic (neck-related) headaches and migraines with notable improvement in cervicogenic headaches following chiropractic treatment.

While one study suggested that spinal manipulation of the neck and mid back is more effective than mobilisation and exercise in reducing cervicogenic headaches, another study found chiropractic adjustments reduced migraines in 72 percent of people surveyed and decreased their duration and severity.

And although pain medications (prescription and over the counter) may provide temporary relief from headache, it’s often a ‘Band-Aid’ solution that treats the symptoms but not the cause.

Often there are lifestyle factors that may be responsible for headaches that occur at home or at work. These might include diet or sedentary behaviours that our chiropractors can identify during an assessment, enabling sufferers to modify these behaviours to manage headaches or avoid them altogether and improve patient’s overall health and wellbeing.

At Suncoast Chiropractic we are trained to identify the causes of headaches and provide specialised low-risk, effective drug-free treatment for people of all ages.

So, if you or someone you know is among the 11.9 million Australians suffering from headaches or migraines and you’re tired of headaches holding you back, contact us today on 5492 5588 to make an appointment so you can take back control of your life.

Find out more about the importance of spinalhealthweek.org.au to you and your family and how to improve overall spinal health and wellbeing.

Consider your Child’s Spine this Back-to-School Season

January 14, 2021 by Julian

In late January, millions of Australian children get ready to go back to school. With kids spending nearly 200 days at school each year, it is important they are mindful of their health when in school, especially their spine.

The Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) have developed a ‘Back to School Health Checklist’ to remind both children and their parents of the healthy habits that they should be practising all year round. Local ACA chiropractors Julian Jenkyns, Kathryn Rock and Mark McEwan are encouraging people to collect the checklist so they can not only tick off their school supplies list but their health one as well.

“This checklist is a great way to remind kids of the importance of building healthy habits at school. They are simple to incorporate and easily fit into a child’s everyday routine. For instance, packing a healthy lunch, getting 60 minutes of daily physical activity and wearing the backpack correctly.”

The Health Checklist also reminds kids to reduce their recreational screen time, sit correctly in the classroom and consider chiropractic care.

“We are asking parents if they are concerned about their child’s spine or would like advice on any other back to school related issues, like sizing the backpack or how to sit at desks to consider our chiropractic services.”

This comes as the ACA launch their annual Back to School Campaign, which seeks to educate Aussie kids of the importance of maintaining their spinal health and wellbeing throughout the year, but especially in school.

“Kids aren’t often aware of the impact that common activities like sitting in a classroom, carrying a heavy bag and excessive screen time, can have on their overall health and wellbeing.”

“Chiropractors are well placed to assess and manage disorders of the musculoskeletal system and offer solutions and advice regarding your existing spinal health issues or how to improve overall health and wellbeing.”

If you’re concerned about your child’s spine or any other back to school related activities, book an appointment with Suncoast Chiropractic by calling our friendly staff on (07) 5492 5588, or for more information on Back to School, visit backtoschool.org.au