March is Mobility Month

During March, we at Eir Family Chiropractic and Wellness will be asking our patients to get more mobile this Mobility Month!

Over the past 2 years, myself and other chiropractors across the country have seen a worrying increase in patients who are reporting back and neck pain, caused by changes in their lifestyle - like working from home and not being able to exercise. So, we want to encourage everyone to proactively check their mobility and protect their health and wellbeing,

Mobility issues can go much further than just highlighting spinal pain and can often indicate an array of significantly more serious health issues. For instance, research shows that those with a sedentary lifestyle and posture related pain, double their risk of being exposed to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity; as well as an increase their risk of colon cancer, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, lipid disorders, depression and anxiety.

• A staggering three-quarters (72.2%) of people who had to work from home suffered posture related pains
• Spinal problems have the ability to go beyond physical pain with a third (32.6%) of Aussies living with pain, admitting it impacts their mobility and one in five (20.7%) say it caused them anxiety and depression.¹
• One in ten Australians claim their pain hindered their ability to play with their children
• One in ten indicated this pain impacted their intimate relationships
• One in 20 affirmed their persistent pain resulted in increased friction with their partner.

With statistics like these, it is imperative we stay on top of our mobility and monitor any changes in our strength, balance and flexibility. This Mobility Month, try out these four simple tests to discover how ‘mobile’ you are:

Testing how far and evenly you can turn your neck on each side.

1. 1. Sitting down, keep your shoulders still and against a chair.
   2. Turn your head all the way to the left, as if you were looking over your shoulder. How far around did you get?
   3. Repeat on the right. Was it even? Was it comfortable?

Testing how far you can run your hand down each side of your body.

1. 1. Stand with your feet comfortably apart.
   2. Run a hand down the side of your leg, so you side bend without leaning backwards or forwards.
   3. Repeat on the other side. Was it even and was it comfortable to do?

Testing the ease at which you can rise from your chair with crossed arms.

1. 1. Sit in the middle of your chair. Cross your arms over your chest.
   2. Keeping your back straight and arms across your chest.
   3. Stand straight up and then sit back down. Did you do this easily or was it hard?

Testing how well you balance on each leg.

1. 1. In a safe environment free of trip hazards, stand upright with feet together and place hands on hips.
   2. Lift one foot off the ground. Do not allow your legs to touch. Time how long you can stand without moving.
   3. Repeat on opposite side. Are you able to stand on each leg for at least 40 seconds? (If under 60 years)

If you find that you are struggling with one of the tests, not to worry. We at Eir FC&W are here to help. Ask us about getting more mobile this March by contacting us via www.eirfamilywellness.com.au/book-online and/or 03 9327 9347.

For more information on Mobility Month, and to watch the test in action, visit mobilitymonth.org.au

Disclaimer: Eir FC&W accepts no responsibility for loss or injury for undertaking these tests. Eir FC&W strongly recommends that you check with Dr Clare or Dr Dan or other healthcare provider before undertaking these tests to make sure they are appropriate for your specific needs. If you are experiencing recurring, sharp or shooting pain at any time, STOP and report to your chiropractor or other healthcare provider.