You take a deep breath and a pinpoint spot in the ribcage catches. A cough can do it. So can twisting to grab a bag off the back seat, or turning to reverse-park. It can feel alarmingly sharp, like something is stuck or about to crack. That can be a rib joint irritation or a […]
You get out of bed feeling pretty good. By 7 am, you’re on site. You’re carrying gear, climbing ladders, kneeling, reaching, bending and getting on and off the floor. Maybe there is a bit of driving between jobs too. Then, sometime around knock-off, your lower back starts complaining. Your shoulders feel heavy. Your neck is […]
You lower yourself into a squat and hear it: click. You stand back up and it happens again. If your knee clicks every time you squat, it is understandable to wonder whether something is wrong. The good news is that knee clicking when squatting is not necessarily a sign of damage or injury. Knees can […]
You take a day off from exercise because you think your body needs a break. You spend more time on the couch, sleep in, catch up on television and avoid your usual workout. Yet the following morning, you feel worse. Your back is stiff. Your hips feel tight. Your shoulders are uncomfortable and your legs […]
Taking a deep breath should be something you barely notice. So when you feel a sharp or aching sensation around your shoulder blade each time you breathe in, it can be unsettling. There are several possible explanations. Sometimes the discomfort may be related to the muscles, joints or ribs around your upper back. In other […]
Almost everyone experiences a headache from time to time. It might appear after a late night, a stressful week or a long day at the computer, then disappear just as quickly. But what happens when headaches start becoming a regular part of your week? Perhaps you’re reaching for pain relief more often, cancelling plans because […]
Retirement doesn’t always mean slowing down. Many older Australians enjoy staying active by walking, golfing, cycling, swimming, gardening, hiking or looking after grandchildren. Regular movement plays an important role in supporting overall health, maintaining independence and improving quality of life. However, staying active can sometimes come with an unwelcome challenge: knee pain. You may notice […]
When most people think about back pain, they picture someone much older. That’s why it can be surprising, and sometimes worrying, to experience lower back pain in your 20s. You might think: “Am I too young for this?” “Have I damaged my back already?” The reality is that lower back pain is common across all […]
As the weather cools across Australia, many people notice something else changing too. Their back starts to feel stiffer. Getting out of bed in the morning becomes a little slower. Long drives seem less comfortable. Even simple tasks like bending over to tie your shoes or lifting the shopping can feel more challenging than they […]
Many people assume that back pain is simply an unavoidable part of getting older. It’s a common belief, but it isn’t entirely true. While our bodies naturally change with age, persistent back pain shouldn’t be dismissed as “just ageing.” Many older Australians remain active, independent and comfortable well into their later years, while others experience […]