by Dr Rod Le Coz, Chiropractor
Being a farmer is physically tough. The relentless hours spent in tractors, lifting heaving equipment or being in awkward positions to fix machinery all for the aim of farming high-grade produce or product. Quite often the dedication of farmers means they tend to put themselves last and years of aches and pains can lead to bigger issues and unfortunately the inconvenience of downtime.
I’ve been a Chiropractor in the Mackay Region for over a decade and one of the most common issues growers present with is what we call ‘Farmers Neck’. This can present varying symptoms including: • Stiffness in the neck and difficulty to easily turn the head • Radiating pain down the back, shoulder and arm or up to the head • Headaches • Tingling/weakness that radiates to the shoulders, arms and/or fingertips • Problems with gripping or lifting objects • It can be mild pain or severe enough to interrupt sleep or normal routines and activities.
Varying factors can cause these issues but addressing them promptly rather than shrugging it off, can be one of the smartest things you can do for your health.
As growers, if you had issues with your soil and only addressed the symptoms and not get to the root of what’s causing the issue/s, you would not be able to create a healthy stable and regenerative biological system and in turn this may cause bigger issues. The same principles apply to your bodies and health. As a Chiropractor, it’s my job to get to the root of what’s causing the problem not just addressing the symptoms with a ‘quick fix’. This in turn helps your body heal and function at its best - even when it’s under physical pressure.
Pain is not normal or something you ‘just put up with’.
For growers or anyone in a physically demanding job, regular chiropractic care makes sense. It keeps the spine healthy and the body moving as it should. It is a simple, natural and effective way to help your body function correctly.