Briz Brain & Spine

24/12/2025

From all of us at Briz Brain & Spine, we wish you and your loved ones a safe and very Merry Christmas!

14/12/2025

Our last newsletter for 2025 is now available! Read about the year that was, find out more about a local brain cancer treatment clinical trial and we send off our Super Spine Stuff series. And Merry Christmas!

09/12/2025

Our offices will be closed from 12 pm on 24 December and will reopen at 8:30 am on 29 December. Limited appointments will be available from 29 – 31 December and our phone lines will remain open for urgent enquiries. We’ll then close again from 4:30 pm on 31 December and reopen at 8:30 am on 5 January 2026. For general enquiries, please email us — we'll respond as needed. Need info? Visit our website for details on our services. Wishing everyone a safe and happy Christmas period!

02/12/2025

Super Spine Stuff – “Military neck” might sound like a badge of honour, but it’s actually a sign of trouble. This condition, cervical kyphosis, means the natural curve in the neck has straightened which can lead to headaches, muscle pain, stiffness and poor posture among other issues. Not quite parade-ready after all!

28/11/2025

Movement disorders are neurological conditions that affect bodily motor control, disrupting an individual's life. They can be difficult to diagnose and treatment can be complicated. And sadly, the number of people affected by movement disorders is on the rise. Today is World Movement Disorders day – a day to raise awareness and fight the stigma. Find out more: https://www.movedisorder.org/

25/11/2025

Super Spine Stuff – Did you know female babies are born with smaller vertebrae than males? Humans are the only mammals with this difference, believed to be an evolutionary adaptation that helps women’s spines support pregnancy. The spine truly is a marvel of engineering!

18/11/2025

New research from Italy suggests Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s may share early warning signs — like changes in smell or sleep — long before typical symptoms appear. Early detection could help guide prevention and care. Read more:

In Parkinson’s disease, early signs such as constipation, loss of smell, and REM sleep disturbance may appear up to a decade before tremors begin.

12/11/2025

Super Spine Stuff – Have you ever wondered why your spine has an S-shape? It’s not just for good posture. The curves act like built-in shock absorbers, protecting your vertebrae from the constant forces of movement, gravity and impact. They also help distribute your body weight evenly, allowing different muscles to share the work of keeping you upright and balanced. And because the vertebrae aren’t stacked directly on top of each other, those curves reduce pressure on the discs – helping them cushion and move freely rather than carry the full load. So next time you bend, lift, or twist, remember — it’s that clever S-shape keeping everything in balance!

05/11/2025

Did you know some of the tools used in spine surgery are surprisingly similar to those found in your everyday workshop? And that arm pain can actually be caused by a problem in your neck? Dive into this and more in our latest newsletter – meet Dr Mathew Davis and load up on more Super Spine Stuff to boost your trivia game!

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28/10/2025

Super Spine Stuff – the human body’s blueprint includes 33 vertebrae, with five making up the lumbar spine – the powerhouse of your lower back. But did you know that around 10% of people have a sixth lumbar vertebra? This harmless congenital variation, called lumbarisation, occurs during early fetal development. Most people with an L6 never know it’s there — it usually causes no symptoms and may even enhance flexibility or provide extra shock absorption in the lower back. But for some, the extra vertebra can subtly change the mechanics of the lumbosacral region, affecting posture, mobility, or spinal alignment. Whether you have five or six lumbar vertebrae, it’s just another way we are all unique!

19/10/2025

Did you know spinal fractures are often one of the first signs of osteoporosis? The tell-tale curved back or gradual loss of height can indicate the spine is compressing and collapsing due to reduced bone density — and it can happen without you even realising it. The good news? You can help protect your bones with a calcium-rich diet, a little sunshine for vitamin D, and regular weight-bearing exercise like walking, running, or lifting weights. This World Osteoporosis Day, let’s move towards a stronger, fracture-free future!

15/10/2025

Every year, around 4,000 Australians are diagnosed with a brain tumour. Whether benign or malignant, the diagnosis brings uncertainty and anxiety for patients and their families. The Brain Tumour Alliance Australia (BTAA) provides vital support, advocacy, and information to those affected. Their 2025 Patient Education & Information Forum brought together leading experts to share the latest insights in care and treatment. You can now watch all of the presentations on YouTube.

Professor Haryana DhillonFaculty of Science, School of Psychology, University of SydneyTitle: Lessons from BRAINS: Where to with supportive care for people w...