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    • Chiropractic Reduces Opioid Use
    • Sleep and Pain: Understanding the Connection
    • Acute Pain: Why Heat Might Not Be the Best Choice
    • Is muskuloskeletal medicine lacking soul?
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  • The Hillcrest Chiro
    • On Google
    • On Instagram
    • Continued Education
    • Disclaimer
  • Book Online Now
    • Medical Aids Accepted
  • Helpful Stretches
  • About Chiropractic
  • Blog Posts
    • The Science Behind Chiropractic Manipulation
    • Noninvasive management of low back pain
    • Anti-inflammatories for Spinal Pain
    • Chiropractic Reduces Opioid Use
    • Sleep and Pain: Understanding the Connection
    • Acute Pain: Why Heat Might Not Be the Best Choice
    • Is muskuloskeletal medicine lacking soul?
  • Contact
Hillcrest Chiropractor | Dr Neil Cuninghame

Neck/Trap Stretch

by DrNeilCuninghame
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DrNeilCuninghame

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hillcrest_chiropractor

Chiropractor • Pain Expert • Speaker
Helping you heal, move, and thrive.
0648205203 • [email protected]
#everydayathlete for @bare_ayr

Your nervous system is constantly learning and whe Your nervous system is constantly learning and when you experience pain repeatedly during a movement, even after healing, the brain pairs the movement with danger and this becomes a learned pain habit, a conditioned response.  For example, bending “always hurts”, walking “always flares it”, turning your neck “always causes pain”. The beauty of understating this is knowing that what is learned can be unlearned.  So how do we start to change how our brains perceive threat?  We slowly introduce the least threatening movement, gently, one step at a time, repeating it often in a calm state. If we sense that fear is creeping in we stop, making sure to pair movement with reassurance and positive input.  Over time we then gradually increase range and load.  Remember that your brain changes through safe experiences, repeated consistently over time.  #pain #hillcrestchiropractor #hillcrest #painmanagement
Music therapy reduces perceived pain intensity in Music therapy reduces perceived pain intensity in many clinical settings. Mechanisms include emotional regulation, distraction, activation of reward pathways, and increased endogenous opioid release.
The brain does not process pain in isolation, emotional state and sensory context influence the final experience. So put your favorite music on, take some time out, and let your nervous system do the rest.  #hillcrestchiropractor #painmanagement #chiropractor #painrelief
Fear keeps pain alive and here is how it happens: Fear keeps pain alive and here is how it happens:

1️⃣ You experience pain
2️⃣ You anticipate danger
3️⃣ You avoid movement
4️⃣ The nervous system sensitizes
5️⃣ Pain feels worse  This is called the fear-avoidance cycle and over time, it can quietly limit your life, confidence, and ability to move freely.  The way out is in creating evidence of safety in your nervous system.  By moving safely in a controlled, progressive way, your nervous system learns that movement is safe and small, repeated steps lead to measurable change.  Not sure where to start? 
Try this today: Identify one movement you’ve been avoiding and safely attempt a tiny part of it today. Every small success is progress.  #FearAvoidanceCycle #ChronicPain #GradedExposure #PainRecovery #MovementIsMedicine
Chronic pain is associated with attentional bias t Chronic pain is associated with attentional bias toward painful areas and increased activity in the brain’s salience network.  Redirecting attention to neutral or comfortable sensations may reduce the dominance of danger signals within the brain’s processing networks.  Attention is a powerful amplifier of sensory experience.  #painmanagement #hillcrestchiropractor #painrelief
Persistent pain is associated with increased activ Persistent pain is associated with increased activity in the brain’s salience network, which prioritises signals perceived as important or threatening.  Continuous stimulation may increase cognitive load and maintain sympathetic activation. Brief periods of quiet or mindful awareness may help reduce vigilance and support autonomic regulation.  #painmanagement #hillcrestchiropractor #painrelief
Sleep disruption is strongly associated with incre Sleep disruption is strongly associated with increased pain sensitivity and reduced descending pain inhibition.  Morning light activates specialised retinal cells that communicate with the suprachiasmatic nucleus, the brain’s master circadian clock.  Consistent light exposure helps regulate melatonin timing and improves sleep architecture, particularly slow-wave sleep which supports recovery and pain modulation.  #painmanagement #hillcrestchiropractor #painrelief
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Reviews

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Dr Neil Cuninghame
5.0
Based on 19 reviews
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Marion Rossouw profile picture
Marion Rossouw
10:23 22 May 20
I have recently been treated by Dr Neil Cuninghame and am VERY impressed, my back is not a problem anymore am so thrilled. I will go back to him again should my back play up again
Shaun Rubenstein profile picture
Shaun Rubenstein
07:45 22 May 20
Dr Cuninghame has been my Chiro for the last 10 years. Every year running with the boat for Dusi leads to a bunch of little issues that Neil understands and always manages to sort out. Its always reassuring knowing you have the support of a very knowledgeable and caring Chiro. I would absolutely recommend Neil with a 5 star review.
Blake Louwrens profile picture
Blake Louwrens
07:39 28 Mar 20
Professional and to the point got me back on my feet with some serious injuries from my sport.
Highly recommend Neil
Brendon Funnell profile picture
Brendon Funnell
19:31 13 Dec 18
So I'm not the kind of guy that likes going to a Dr or Dentist or even the Vet to be honest, but having an insanely sore shoulder for 2 weeks eventually got the better of me and I booked (very easily via an online platform) with Dr Neil Cuninghame to have a look at what was going on.
I only really chose him because he was situated really conveniently in the new Meyrickton Office Park on Old Main Road in Hillcrest and close to my offices at Funnell Cars.
Not having ever been to a physio let alone a chiro in my life, I had no idea what to except pain to the max ... What I found was the opposite, in fact it was amazing, and totally not what I was thinking ~ this GUY is a true professional, an expert and such a great guy over and above all the medical expertise.

We ended up chatting for quite a bit and then when my mind was at ease he did a few tests and isolated the problem. What he did after that can only be described by a non medically minded person as witchcraft (😝😝) as he stuck in 2 needles in my shoulder without me even flinching, did some more magic, stretching, pulling and with a few proper adjustments of my neck and spine (popping which would have made bubble wrap embarrassed) he was done.
Applied some strapping, some more advice to boot and said I needed to see him in 2 days for a follow up. I already felt like a new man, so I wondered if I would be back, but walking out and seeing the next appointment of his hobbling in on crutches peaked my interest...
Two days later, with my shoulder 90% better already I was back and the Dr did the similar sequence and by now I was feeling 100s...

To my amazement, on the way out from this appointment, the same crutches guy who could barely make it around 2 days ago WALKED in (albeit looking tender) but literally like a walking miracle given what I had seen of him previously 😱😱

Forget the Pastors of Doom, eating grass and all that kind of stuff, of you're looking for some healing then place yourself in the care of this guy 😉👌🏼

All I can say is I'll probably be paying him monthly visits now just to have my back realigned and for a general chat session, as it was just that worth it 👨‍⚕️🙌🏽
Mich Donne profile picture
Mich Donne
07:08 27 Nov 18
Over 15 months of battling with a chronic running injury , I was skeptical of yet more help. But Neil was confident he could help. So glad I went. I am proof that his methods work. Pain management, the central nervous system and the training the brain. After a few sessions of chiro, monthly rehab and using the tens machine that he provided, I am at last pain free. Neil I am so grateful. Long may this carry on. Thank you thank you. 😁
ig Aucamp profile picture
ig Aucamp
06:25 16 Oct 18
Professional at all times and very knowledgeable in his field of practice.
His gentle personality makes for stress free treatments and thus relaxed sessions.

IG Aucamp (Ziggy)
Nadine Smith profile picture
Nadine Smith
11:09 17 Aug 18
Dr Neil Cuninghame is absolutely incredible!! Every single time myself or my children have any issues relating to hip pain, neck pain, back pain, headaches, muscle pain, we go straight to him! He identifies the problem immediately and always solves the issues!! I would absolutely recommend him above everyone else!!!
Nicole Come Alive profile picture
Nicole Come Alive
09:02 14 Nov 17
I can highly recommend Dr Neil Cuninghame. Having a professional practitioner who remedies the cause and not just the symptom has always translated not only into an informative consultation (I love learning!) but into a quick recovery when I have needed it.
Melody Aucamp profile picture
Melody Aucamp
09:57 03 Nov 17
Neil has been extremely instrumental in helping my little girl walk easier while she struggles with cerebral palsy. He is exceptionally gentle but thorough and effective. He is my go to doctor when I’ve fallen off my mountain bike and every time, my recovery has been fast and fairly painless.
Edith Morisse profile picture
Edith Morisse
11:44 02 Nov 17
Brilliant service and advise, very helpful tips to ensure pain doesn't return. Thank you Neil
Julie Barnes profile picture
Julie Barnes
11:21 02 Nov 17
I recently had a really bad headache, I went to see Dr Cuninghame. He took so much time to make a thorough diagnosis and gave me some great ideas and exercises to do to prevent these headaches. After a very light manipulation, my headache was almost gone by the time I left his rooms. Thank you so much for helping Neil!
Cayley Nossiter profile picture
Cayley Nossiter
10:40 02 Nov 17
My whole family are attended to for our sports and other injuries by Neil and the results have always been brilliant!! Neil truly "understands pain" and his prognosis and treatment have always delivered excellent results.
Darin Kruger profile picture
Darin Kruger
10:34 02 Nov 17
I have always found Dr Neil to be extremely knowledgeable and professional and I will definitely recommend him to any person needing chiropractic treatment.
Allie Meyer profile picture
Allie Meyer
10:20 02 Nov 17
Very happy and he is very professional with his work, I will recommend him to anyone suffering from any form of muscle or joint pain.
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  • The Hillcrest Chiro
    • On Google
    • On Instagram
    • Continued Education
    • Disclaimer
  • Book Online Now
    • Medical Aids Accepted
  • Helpful Stretches
  • About Chiropractic
  • Blog Posts
    • The Science Behind Chiropractic Manipulation
    • Noninvasive management of low back pain
    • Anti-inflammatories for Spinal Pain
    • Chiropractic Reduces Opioid Use
    • Sleep and Pain: Understanding the Connection
    • Acute Pain: Why Heat Might Not Be the Best Choice
    • Is muskuloskeletal medicine lacking soul?
  • Contact
Copyright © 2023 Dr Neil Cuninghame - Hillcrest Chiropractor. All Rights Reserved. Unit A1A Meyrickton Park, 2 Meyrickton Place, Hillcrest. Tel: 031 035 1165 Cell: 064 820 5203 Email: [email protected]
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