Blog

Headaches & Neck Tension: Common Causes We See This Time of Year (February in Australia)

February 9, 2026 by Kaushal Bhuta

If you’ve noticed more headaches and neck pain creeping in lately, you’re not imagining it. February in Australia brings heat, back-to-work routines, long screen hours, and post-holiday stress — all perfect conditions for tension to build in your neck and trigger painful headaches.

Many people assume the cause of a headache is dehydration, lack of sleep, or “just stress.” While those matter, they often miss the bigger picture: your neck and upper spine. Masking pain with tablets without fixing the source lets the problem return stronger and more frequently.

Your neck supports your head all day. When posture slips, muscles tighten, or joints stop moving properly, nerves and blood flow become irritated. This often leads to tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches — pain that actually starts in the neck and travels into the head, temples, and behind the eyes.In our clinic, we commonly see February headaches caused by long hours at desks, mobile phone use, summer sleep changes, and sudden increases in activity after the holidays.

To reduce headache and neck pain, try:

Take posture breaks every 30–45 minutes.
Keeping screens at eye level.
Stretching the neck and upper back daily.
Staying hydrated in the summer heat.
Getting your spine and neck checked by a professional.

Chiropractic care helps restore movement, reduce tension, and address the real cause of headache, not just the symptoms.

Small fixes, big relief

Headaches aren’t random — they’re often your body asking for support. When neck tension is managed early, headaches become less frequent, less intense, and easier to control.

If headaches or neck pain are affecting your work, sleep, or lifestyle, it’s time to act. Book your appointment with Necks Backs Sports today and start feeling clear-headed again.

Frozen Shoulder: What You Need to Know

February 9, 2026 by Kaushal Bhuta

Struggling to lift your arm, reach overhead, or sleep comfortably? You may be dealing with frozen shoulder, a common condition that causes pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. If left untreated, it can interfere with work, exercise, and everyday life. Understanding it early is the first step toward finding the right cure for shoulder pain.

Many people believe shoulder pain will disappear with rest alone. Others stop moving completely because it hurts. Unfortunately, avoiding movement is one of the biggest mistakes. Too much rest allows the shoulder joint capsule to tighten even more, making frozen shoulder last longer and feel worse.

Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, develops when inflammation thickens the tissues around the shoulder joint, restricting motion. It often progresses through three stages: freezing, frozen, and thawing.

The better approach isn’t complete rest — it’s guided movement and professional care. Clinical experience shows that early treatment using joint mobilisation, soft-tissue therapy, posture correction, and targeted exercises can significantly improve mobility and speed up recovery. This proactive approach is often the most effective cure for shoulder pain caused by frozen shoulder.

What should you do?

Keep your shoulder gently moving within pain-free limits
Avoid prolonged immobility
Use heat for stiffness and ice for inflammation
Improve posture at work and home
Get a professional assessment and customised rehab plan

Why this matters

Frozen shoulder doesn’t have to control your lifestyle. With proper care, you can restore movement, reduce pain, and return to daily activities sooner and safer.

If shoulder pain is holding you back, don’t wait. Book an appointment with Necks Backs Sports today and start your personalised path to lasting relief and better shoulder health.

Top 4 Exercises to Increase Shoulder Mobility

February 9, 2026 by Kaushal Bhuta

If your shoulders feel tight, weak, or restricted, you’re not alone. Poor posture, desk work, and repetitive activity limit natural shoulder movement over time. The right shoulder exercise routine can restore mobility, reduce pain, and help you move with confidence again — whether you’re working, training, or simply reaching overhead.

Most people think stretching harder is the answer. Others avoid moving their shoulders because they fear pain or injury. Both approaches can backfire. Overstretching unstable joints or staying still actually reduces mobility and increases stiffness. Your shoulders need controlled, guided movement — not force or fear.

Healthy shoulders rely on a balance of flexibility, strength, and joint control. Research and clinical practice show that consistent, low-load mobility work improves circulation, joint lubrication, and neuromuscular control. Instead of aggressive stretching, effective shoulder exercise focuses on restoring natural motion patterns that support long-term shoulder movement and function.

Top 4 mobility exercises

Try these daily, pain-free movements:

Pendulum Swings – Relax the arm and gently circle to loosen the joint.
Wall Angels – Improve posture and overhead mobility against a wall.
Cross-Body Shoulder Stretch – Reduce tightness in the back of the shoulder.
Band External Rotations – Strengthen stabilisers for smoother movement.

Move slowly, breathe, and stop if sharp pain appears.

Why this matters

Consistent mobility work protects your shoulders from injury, improves posture, and keeps everyday activities comfortable. Small daily changes create long-term shoulder health.

If shoulder stiffness or pain is limiting you, get expert guidance. Book an appointment with Necks Backs Sports today and receive a personalised plan to improve your shoulder movement safely and effectively.

Time For A Tune Up?

January 6, 2026 by fu8AgJDK66

It’s not uncommon to hear from patients that haven’t seen us in 6 months or longer, their problem or pain complaint having returned. How frustrating, right?

Sadly, I’ve been there and believe me, I get it. The reality of many of the problems we treat, is that they simply come back. It isn’t because you’ve done something wrong or that you’re neglectful or silly. Problems like lower-back pain and neck pain, are highly recurrent problems by nature. They always occur due to a combination of risk factors, many of which are unavoidable. These include, our jobs, sitting, stress, sleep, and even our genetics.

If you experience your problem return after a period of time, you aren’t broken, you haven’t done anything wrong, and there is nothing to be ashamed of. However, this is precisely what we are trained to help with. Accurate diagnosis, excellent treatment and simple exercise can alleviate most issues surprisingly fast. If you have been a regular patient before, the chances are that you just need a little tune-up to get you back in shape! Progress is exciting, and it’s always a great feeling to know you’re on the right track in your health journey.

If you think this might be you, then perhaps it’s time for a closer look. Reach out to our team and find out how we can help you today!

Stay healthy,

Dr Jacob Augimeri

That Feels So Much Better

January 6, 2026 by fu8AgJDK66

“Geez that feels so much better!”

These were my exact words just yesterday, after having a colleague perform my adjustment. As therapists, we often get carried away explaining why treatment is so important, only to miss one of the most important reasons:

It just feels better

Pain is one of the body’s most urgent reminders that something is wrong. But there are so many other signals that indicate that your body needs care. When I ask my patients what they enjoy most about treatment, their answers can be surprising. Many report the pain relief, greater confidence in their sport, enjoyment of their hobbies, improved sleep, and the list goes on. Funnily enough however, the most common answer seems to be: “I just feel better”

And I think that says it all.

Would you like to feel better? Are you unsure if you have a really problem? Take our quiz and let’s find out how to take you from Pain to Peak Performance.

See you soon,

Dr Jacob Augimeri

The Deadly Comfort of the Couch: Why Your Sofa May Be Slowly Killing You

July 31, 2025 by Kaushal Bhuta

At the end of a long day, most of us gravitate towards the sofa — our trusted place of rest. Whether it’s for a quick unwind or a full evening of binge-watching, we settle into our favourite spot, often in the same slouched position night after night. It feels harmless — even deserved. But according to a growing body of research, this seemingly innocent habit could be doing serious harm to our health.

Research has revealed a strong link between extended sitting and chronic illness. People who spend long hours seated — even those who exercise regularly — face a 91% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a 24% greater risk of colon cancer, and a 14% increased risk of cardiovascular disease. In short, sitting too much can silently undermine the benefits of an otherwise active lifestyle.

Beyond internal health, our bodies are physically feeling the effects too. A recent poll by the Sofa Club found that 75% of Brits experience pain or discomfort likely caused by the way they sit. Experts say the issue isn’t just poor posture, but sustained posture. “You can sit in almost any position,” says physiotherapist Sam Bowden, “as long as you don’t do it for ages.” Long periods in the same slouched or reclined position led to uneven pressure on the spine, straining muscles, ligaments, and discs, which contributes to chronic neck and back pain.

Circulation also takes a hit. Sitting too long, particularly in awkward positions, can reduce blood flow, increasing the risk of vein problems and further exacerbating discomfort.

The takeaway? Your body is designed to move — not mould to a sofa. Switching positions, taking regular breaks, and simply standing up more often can go a long way toward protecting your long-term health. So next time the couch calls, maybe answer — but don’t stay too long.

By: Dr. Sayali Abhyankar (Chiropractor)