
The Vagus Nerve: Your Body's Stress Superhighway (And Why You Should Care)
If you're a patient of mine, at some point I've probably jibber-jabbered at you about the importance of the vagus nerve. This incredible nerve is literally your body's pathway back to safety and regulation. Discover the science behind nervous system regulation and learn practical techniques to shift from survival mode to a state of connection and healing.

Can Perimenopause Cause Headaches? The Spine Connection Every Woman Should Know
You're 45, your periods are unpredictable, and suddenly you're getting headaches unlike anything you've experienced before. If you're wondering "can perimenopause cause headaches," the answer is more complex than most doctors will tell you.
Perimenopause absolutely can cause headaches, but it's not just about dropping estrogen levels. The real culprit is often a perfect storm of hormonal changes, increased stress, and spinal dysfunction that gets worse during perimenopause.
Here's what makes perimenopause headaches particularly problematic: estrogen crosses the blood-brain barrier, meaning hormonal fluctuations directly affect your brain. During estrogen crashes, your brain loses its natural pain protection, making you more sensitive to triggers like stress, tension, and even minor spinal dysfunction.

Why Stress Disrupts Your Perimenopause Hormones (And What to Do)
During perimenopause, stress can dramatically amplify hormonal changes. Learn how your body responds and practical strategies to regain balance.

The Hidden Connection: How Stress Affects Your Diaphragm and Pelvic Floor
Many mums don't realise that persistent neck tension, breathing difficulties, and pelvic floor dysfunction are intimately connected through chronic stress and diaphragm dysfunction. As a chiropractor specialising in women's health, I see how stress rewires our breathing patterns, shifting from deep diaphragmatic breathing to shallow chest breathing that relies on neck and shoulder muscles. Your diaphragm and pelvic floor work together like a coordinated piston system - when one is compromised by stress, the other suffers too. This creates a cascade of problems including incontinence, pelvic pain, lower back issues, and that constant feeling of being "wound up." The good news? Because these systems are interconnected, improving one area often helps the others. Through proper breathing techniques, stress management, posture awareness, and professional support, you can break this cycle and restore your body's natural coordination. Understanding this mind-body connection is the first step toward reclaiming your health and energy as a busy mum.

Could Your Neck Pain Be Causing Your IBS? The Gut-Spine Connection Every Mum Should Know
Sarah walked into my Palmwoods clinic with neck tension and headaches, but mentioned her reflux and IBS almost as an afterthought. What she didn't know was that these seemingly separate problems were intimately connected through her nervous system. Here's what every stressed mum should understand about the gut-spine connection.


5 Signs Your Child Might Need Chiropractic Care in Palmwoods
Many parents don't realize these 5 common signs could indicate their child needs chiropractic care. Here's what to watch for and when to seek gentle, professional help in Palmwoods.

Pregnancy Back Pain Relief: What Sunshine Coast Mums Need to Know
Struggling with pregnancy back pain? Dr Laura Brooks shares safe, gentle relief strategies for expectant mums across the Sunshine Coast. Learn when to seek professional help

The Hidden Connection Between Stress and Neck Tension in Busy Mums
Discover why stress causes neck tension in busy mums and learn gentle relief strategies from Dr Laura Brooks, your Palmwoods chiropractor specialising in women's health.

Understanding Primitive Reflexes: Why Your Child's Development Matters
Does your child struggle with reading, coordination, or behaviour? Retained primitive reflexes might be the cause. Learn what to watch for and how gentle chiropractic care can help.