HEALTH & WELLBEING
Have lower back pain? Then just get on the bottle!
with Andreas Klein
One simple home technique I often suggest for easing lower back pain is to“ get on the bottle” – not with a stiff drink, of course! Years ago, I used a wine bottle in place of a foam roller when dealing with my own back injury.
These days, we recommend lying face-up on a carpeted floor and placing a firm foam roller( about the size of a wine bottle) beneath one side of the lower back – just beside, never directly under the spine. Breathe deeply for 5 – 10 minutes, allowing the back muscles to relax and stretch. Then repeat on the other side.
This gentle, sustained stretching can relieve discomfort between treatments, though not everyone is suited to it – assessment is essential first.
Why does stretching help? In animal studies, scientists induce lower back pain using carrageenan, which causes inflammation and recruits immune cells like monocytes and macrophages to the area. These cells release signals that worsen inflammation and pain, eventually leading to fibrosis( excess scar tissue).
Following injection, the animals exhibit pain-related movement issues such as reduced stride length and step distance. However, daily static stretching – 10 minutes, twice a day, for 12 days – has been shown to reduce these effects.
Stretching:
• Reduces infiltration of inflammatory cells
• Decreases scar tissue
• Lowers sensitivity to touch
• Restores stride and step patterns Researchers are increasingly recognising the value of targeted stretching in treating musculoskeletal pain. When properly applied, it can significantly enhance recovery – especially for lower back injuries.
If you’ re struggling with back pain and would like help, give Andreas a call at the clinic on 0418 166 269.
SUFFERING constant BACK PAIN? Want to ENJOY LIFE again?
Work & play like you used to after just a few sessions!
Andreas Klein Nutritionist & Remedial Therapist
BSc, Adv Dip Nut Med, DRM
FREE OFFER!
If you’ re sick of being in constant back pain CALL NOW for your FREE 30min Assessment Session!
Valued at $ 55
I’ ve personally developed this technique after 16 years experience:
“ After years of severe back pain I’ m now enjoying golf, fully pain free and even started brick-laying again!” John Hasler, Glenmore Park
“ I’ d given up really- I’ d tried so many things. In just a couple of sessions the pain and muscle spasms had gone. I’ d recommend your work to anyone.” Craig Gibson, Richmond
Remedial Muscle Elongation Therapy targets the cause of chronic back pain and inflammation to really eliminate them. This technique works well for shoulders and knees too!
Call Andreas 0418 166 269
Which toothbrush is best?
Welcome to the friendliest dental practice in the Hills District.
Experience, efficiency and a gentle hand.
Come and meet Dr. Olivia and her team today. with Dr Olivia Ignatiou Round Corner Dental
As dentists, we often get asked what is the best kind of toothbrush – a manual or electric brush? The answer is not always straight forward. It really depends on who is asking the question. There is plenty research showing that electric toothbrushes remove more plaque than a manual toothbrush, however there are some patients( particularly orally-sensitive children) who may not like the vibrations from an electric brush.
If cost is your main concern, then a manual toothbrush wins every time. Or if you are someone who travels a lot, the portability of a manual brush will suit you more.
Electric toothbrushes can be easier to use for individuals with arthritis or other conditions that make it difficult to hold and maneuver a manual brush. I also recommend electric toothbrushes to my patients who are“ heavy handed” and have scrubbed so hard they have gum recession and worn teeth. If you like gadgets, some electric toothbrushes have timers, pressure sensors and some even connect to an App on your phone!
In the end, I think everyone should use the type of brush that suits their particular situation, and understand that the key to good oral hygiene is really the technique used, rather than the brush itself.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Family & Children’ s Dentistry
Mouthguards Teeth Whitening Cosmetic Injectables And more!
Open Monday to Friday
Dr. Olivia Ignatiou
Suite 1, 524 Old Northern Road DURAL( 02) 9651 1806 www. roundcornerdental. com. au
THE HILLS INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 120 // JUNE 2025 21