Chiropractic and Exercise: Building a Healthy Spine
In my San Diego Chiropractic clinic, I provide treatment for many types of injuries. Typical injuries that result in neck pain, back pain, chronic headaches, sciatica etc., include auto accidents, work related injuries, injuries caused by domestic chores and sometimes things as simple as sleeping in an awkward position.
Of the patients suffering from neck pain, back pain and other injuries, I would say that at least 50% of them ask, “what can I do for myself to make sure that this doesn’t happen again?” This question served as the inspiration for this article and I will address in this post.
To begin with, neck pain and back pain are great motivators.
When people are in pain they take a proactive approach to their health. People often inquire about what kind of stretches or exercises that they can start right away. Unfortunately, the best thing that you can do while your injury is new is to apply ice packs to the injured area and rest. I indicated that this is unfortunate because when injuries are new, motivation for proactive behavior such as exercising is high – later on, when the pain has decreased, so does the motivation.
Over my 15 plus years in practice I have seen a large percentage of enthusiastic patients ignore this advice and end up giving their conditions a major set back. The time to start exercising and stretching your back for most of us is when you are out of the acute stage of pain.
My biggest struggles in practice have been dealing with my patients exercise and diet habits. Exercise is one of the few things that a patient can do at home, outside of chiropractic care, to help prevent or diminish the chances of developing back pain in the future. That being said, stretching and exercising are also two of the activities that they patients tend to engage in on there own, without consulting me or another health care professional beforehand, and end up making their condition worse.
After an injury, you should approach exercise cautiously – almost to a point where the exercise that you are performing feels like it is doing nothing. If you can get through a few low intensity exercise sessions like this without aggravating your condition, you should slowly add resistance, repetitions or time to your workouts, allowing you to build confidence and strength at the same time.
You have to remember to incorporate a sensible approach to exercising after a back injury. Be sure to exercise and stretch under the advice of a health care professional. Strong and flexible muscles add strength and support to your spine and will provide much needed stability.
I have always tried to help the patients of my San Diego Chiropractic office with their neck pain and back by encouraging stretches and exercises. The combination of chiropractic care with stretches and exercise allows for quicker, more complete healing with decreased chances of pain in the future.
Chiropractor, neck pain, chiropractic, back pain, chronic headaches, san diego chiropractic, sciatica,auto accidents,work injuries
Writers Bio
Dr. Steven R. Jones is a licensed Chiropractor in the state of California. He received his doctorate from Palmer College of Chiropractic-West in Sunnyvale, California. Dr. Jones has treated his patients for over 15 years at his own San Diego Chiropractic practice.
Dr. Jones is accepting new patients and would be happy to consult with you regarding your chiropractic needs.
Call Steve Jones at
(619) 280 0554
San Diego Chiropractic
Ergonomic Office Equipment Website to learn more about or Buy Ergo Nav, the Ergonomic Mouse Pad
or Visit Ergonomic Blog, "Ergonomically Yours" And read the latest News in the Ergonomic World.
Better Health Steve Jones
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Your Posture Affect Back Pain and Neck Pain?
How Does Your Posture Affect Back Pain and Neck Pain?
Have you ever wondered how it can be that you can sit around all day doing nothing strenuous and develop back pain or neck pain? When you start to examine the structure of our bodies and apply some simple rules of physics, the fact that we don’t suffer from more frequent or intense back pain and neck pain is a wonder. In my chiropractic office in San Diego, California, I see office workers on a regular basis that have significant back and neck complaints related to simple ergonomic issues.
Back pain or neck pain can affect anyone at any time. I see patients that have injured their backs and necks from lifting, operating machinery, sports injuries, auto accidents and falls on a daily basis. I would classify these injuries as typical or expected types of injuries. Many non-chiropractic patients or new chiropractic patients would be surprised to find that the most common type of injury that I see in my office is not from lifting heavy sacks of concrete but from the long term consequences of postural stress.
Postural stress is the “silent killer” when it comes to our spinal health. Postural stress occurs during both seated and standing positions. Postural stress occurs any time that your spine looses its’ natural curves and / or moves forward beyond its neutral balance point.
An example of a posturally stressful position for your neck would be when you are sitting at the computer leaning your neck and head forward while keyboarding, mousing or viewing the screen. Assuming a posture in which your head and neck are extended out in front of your body reverses the normal curve of your neck and shifts your head forward of its balance point.
When we assume postures that cause stress on our spines, the stability that is inherent in our structure when postural boundaries are respected is lost. Postural stress exposes our ligaments and muscles to prolonged periods of stretching which results in fatigue, irritation, inflammation, back pain and neck pain and eventually arthritis.
Treating neck pain and back pain that has resulted from postural stress requires a multifaceted approach. Chiropractic care combined with stretching and nutritional support will relieve the pain and stiffness and restore normal, full joint motion. This part of your recovery may take several treatments or a lengthy treatment program based on the length of time that you have been in pain and the severity of your symptoms.
In addition to chiropractic care, you must eliminate or modify the causes of the postural stress. A workstation analysis can reveal ergonomic issues that are instigators of postural stress. Ice pack applications to the specific areas of neck pain and back pain in twenty minute sessions are also helpful.
The best way to begin your care is discuss your issues with your chiropractor. Chiropractors are well trained in dealing with postural stress issues and the neck pain and back pain that result from it. At my San Diego based chiropractic clinic we use a complete approach that utilizes chiropractic care supported by specific stretches and exercises. We also encourage the proper nutritional support to facilitate the healing process. Whatever approach that you take to relieve the pain of postural stress, please be aware of the importance of eliminating the source of the postural stress in addition to seeking treatment.
Writers Bio
Dr. Steven R. Jones is a licensed Chiropractor in the state of California. He received his doctorate from Palmer College of Chiropractic-West in Sunnyvale, California. Dr. Jones has treated his patients for over 15 years at his own San Diego Chiropractic practice.
Dr. Jones is accepting new patients and would be happy to consult with you regarding your chiropractic needs.
Call Steve Jones at
(619) 280 0554
San Diego Chiropractic
Ergonomic Office Equipment Website to learn more about or Buy Ergo Nav, the Ergonomic Mouse Pad
or Visit Ergonomic Blog, "Ergonomically Yours" And read the latest News in the Ergonomic World.
Better Health Steve Jones
Chiropractor,neck pain,posture,chiropractic,back pain,ergonomic
Have you ever wondered how it can be that you can sit around all day doing nothing strenuous and develop back pain or neck pain? When you start to examine the structure of our bodies and apply some simple rules of physics, the fact that we don’t suffer from more frequent or intense back pain and neck pain is a wonder. In my chiropractic office in San Diego, California, I see office workers on a regular basis that have significant back and neck complaints related to simple ergonomic issues.
Back pain or neck pain can affect anyone at any time. I see patients that have injured their backs and necks from lifting, operating machinery, sports injuries, auto accidents and falls on a daily basis. I would classify these injuries as typical or expected types of injuries. Many non-chiropractic patients or new chiropractic patients would be surprised to find that the most common type of injury that I see in my office is not from lifting heavy sacks of concrete but from the long term consequences of postural stress.
Postural stress is the “silent killer” when it comes to our spinal health. Postural stress occurs during both seated and standing positions. Postural stress occurs any time that your spine looses its’ natural curves and / or moves forward beyond its neutral balance point.
An example of a posturally stressful position for your neck would be when you are sitting at the computer leaning your neck and head forward while keyboarding, mousing or viewing the screen. Assuming a posture in which your head and neck are extended out in front of your body reverses the normal curve of your neck and shifts your head forward of its balance point.
When we assume postures that cause stress on our spines, the stability that is inherent in our structure when postural boundaries are respected is lost. Postural stress exposes our ligaments and muscles to prolonged periods of stretching which results in fatigue, irritation, inflammation, back pain and neck pain and eventually arthritis.
Treating neck pain and back pain that has resulted from postural stress requires a multifaceted approach. Chiropractic care combined with stretching and nutritional support will relieve the pain and stiffness and restore normal, full joint motion. This part of your recovery may take several treatments or a lengthy treatment program based on the length of time that you have been in pain and the severity of your symptoms.
In addition to chiropractic care, you must eliminate or modify the causes of the postural stress. A workstation analysis can reveal ergonomic issues that are instigators of postural stress. Ice pack applications to the specific areas of neck pain and back pain in twenty minute sessions are also helpful.
The best way to begin your care is discuss your issues with your chiropractor. Chiropractors are well trained in dealing with postural stress issues and the neck pain and back pain that result from it. At my San Diego based chiropractic clinic we use a complete approach that utilizes chiropractic care supported by specific stretches and exercises. We also encourage the proper nutritional support to facilitate the healing process. Whatever approach that you take to relieve the pain of postural stress, please be aware of the importance of eliminating the source of the postural stress in addition to seeking treatment.
Writers Bio
Dr. Steven R. Jones is a licensed Chiropractor in the state of California. He received his doctorate from Palmer College of Chiropractic-West in Sunnyvale, California. Dr. Jones has treated his patients for over 15 years at his own San Diego Chiropractic practice.
Dr. Jones is accepting new patients and would be happy to consult with you regarding your chiropractic needs.
Call Steve Jones at
(619) 280 0554
San Diego Chiropractic
Ergonomic Office Equipment Website to learn more about or Buy Ergo Nav, the Ergonomic Mouse Pad
or Visit Ergonomic Blog, "Ergonomically Yours" And read the latest News in the Ergonomic World.
Better Health Steve Jones
Chiropractor,neck pain,posture,chiropractic,back pain,ergonomic
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Causes of Back and Neck Pain what are they?
Causes of Back and Neck Pain what are they?
My Chiropractic office is among the many all over the US that offers therapy for back pain and neck pain. More than just a solution for back and neck pain, chiropractic care may alleviate symptoms or improve many ailments.
Because back pain and neck pain can be early signs of a severe problem, you should see a medical professional quickly. Ignoring the discomfort in your neck and back might make for more complex medical problems.
Some of the various conditions that cause back pain and neck pain can include everything from injury and infection to twisting or turning "the wrong way". Injuries from accidents, such as a car accident, often result in stress and strain on the vertebra, the connecting ligature, the joints, and the muscles.
When back pain occurs as a tight feeling along the spine or muscle spasms, overuse or lack of use of the back muscles is the most likely culprit. As we grow older, inflammation and swelling often develop in our joints and ligaments, especially in the cervical and lumbar areas.
A herniated disc happens if nucleus pulposus, the substance inside the disc, comes out of a torn annulus fibrosis, the substance outside of the disc, compressing the nerve root. The most likely area to have a back/neck injury would be in the cervical and lumbar regions of the spine which have the most mobility, and the discs are more likely to wear down or become injured. The bottom two spinal vertebrae experience ninety percent of all herniated disc injuries.
When the spinal canal becomes narrow, spinal stenosis can occur, making the spinal cord irritated and injured. Narrowing of the spinal canal, known as spinal stenosis, can result in damage or irritation of the spinal cord. As people age, some vertebral degeneration occurs, sometimes leading to spinal stenosis.
When something rubs or presses against a nerve creating irritation or inflammation, a pinched nerve, also known as radiculopathy, occurs. The causes of radiculopathy vary. A herniated disc, bone growth, a tumor compressing nerves, and vertebral fracture are all common causes of this condition.
The specific type of radiculopathy that irritates the sciatic nerve is known as sciatica. The pain is felt along the big sciatic nerve, which goes from the lower back to the behind area and down the back of the leg.
Compressing the spine or nerve roots can cause significant pain and can be an indicator or symptom of a spinal tumor that originates in the spine (primary tumor) or tumor spreading to the spine from another part of the body (metastatic tumor).
Ailments of the vertebrae (vertebral osteomyelitis), disc problems, spinal meningitis, or cerebrospinal liquid can put pressure on the spinal cord and cause severe neurological deterioration, if there isn't a diagnosis or it isn't treated quickly.
Facet joints are formed by two adjacent vertebra and direct the movement of the spine; these joints are often areas that are affected by arthritis. The alignment of the spine is compromised when fluid and cartilage, which functions as a shock absorber, deteriorates and bones begin to shift out of place. Bone rubbing against bone can be very painful.
These are among the many causes for back pain and neck pain. Due mainly to mechanical causes, which can be readily addressed by a chiropractor, most cases of back and neck pain may be helped this way. This is the point; do not ignore the warning signal that is head and back pain
Writers Bio
Dr. Steven R. Jones is a licensed Chiropractor in the state of California. He received his doctorate from Palmer College of Chiropractic-West in Sunnyvale, California. Dr. Jones has treated his patients for over 15 years at his own San Diego Chiropractic practice.
Dr. Jones is accepting new patients and would be happy to consult with you regarding your chiropractic needs.
Call Steve Jones at
(619) 280 0554
San Diego Chiropractic
Ergonomic Office Equipment Website to learn more about or Buy Ergo Nav, the Ergonomic Mouse Pad
or Visit Ergonomic Blog, "Ergonomically Yours" And read the latest News in the Ergonomic World.
Better Health Steve Jones
My Chiropractic office is among the many all over the US that offers therapy for back pain and neck pain. More than just a solution for back and neck pain, chiropractic care may alleviate symptoms or improve many ailments.
Because back pain and neck pain can be early signs of a severe problem, you should see a medical professional quickly. Ignoring the discomfort in your neck and back might make for more complex medical problems.
Some of the various conditions that cause back pain and neck pain can include everything from injury and infection to twisting or turning "the wrong way". Injuries from accidents, such as a car accident, often result in stress and strain on the vertebra, the connecting ligature, the joints, and the muscles.
When back pain occurs as a tight feeling along the spine or muscle spasms, overuse or lack of use of the back muscles is the most likely culprit. As we grow older, inflammation and swelling often develop in our joints and ligaments, especially in the cervical and lumbar areas.
A herniated disc happens if nucleus pulposus, the substance inside the disc, comes out of a torn annulus fibrosis, the substance outside of the disc, compressing the nerve root. The most likely area to have a back/neck injury would be in the cervical and lumbar regions of the spine which have the most mobility, and the discs are more likely to wear down or become injured. The bottom two spinal vertebrae experience ninety percent of all herniated disc injuries.
When the spinal canal becomes narrow, spinal stenosis can occur, making the spinal cord irritated and injured. Narrowing of the spinal canal, known as spinal stenosis, can result in damage or irritation of the spinal cord. As people age, some vertebral degeneration occurs, sometimes leading to spinal stenosis.
When something rubs or presses against a nerve creating irritation or inflammation, a pinched nerve, also known as radiculopathy, occurs. The causes of radiculopathy vary. A herniated disc, bone growth, a tumor compressing nerves, and vertebral fracture are all common causes of this condition.
The specific type of radiculopathy that irritates the sciatic nerve is known as sciatica. The pain is felt along the big sciatic nerve, which goes from the lower back to the behind area and down the back of the leg.
Compressing the spine or nerve roots can cause significant pain and can be an indicator or symptom of a spinal tumor that originates in the spine (primary tumor) or tumor spreading to the spine from another part of the body (metastatic tumor).
Ailments of the vertebrae (vertebral osteomyelitis), disc problems, spinal meningitis, or cerebrospinal liquid can put pressure on the spinal cord and cause severe neurological deterioration, if there isn't a diagnosis or it isn't treated quickly.
Facet joints are formed by two adjacent vertebra and direct the movement of the spine; these joints are often areas that are affected by arthritis. The alignment of the spine is compromised when fluid and cartilage, which functions as a shock absorber, deteriorates and bones begin to shift out of place. Bone rubbing against bone can be very painful.
These are among the many causes for back pain and neck pain. Due mainly to mechanical causes, which can be readily addressed by a chiropractor, most cases of back and neck pain may be helped this way. This is the point; do not ignore the warning signal that is head and back pain
Writers Bio
Dr. Steven R. Jones is a licensed Chiropractor in the state of California. He received his doctorate from Palmer College of Chiropractic-West in Sunnyvale, California. Dr. Jones has treated his patients for over 15 years at his own San Diego Chiropractic practice.
Dr. Jones is accepting new patients and would be happy to consult with you regarding your chiropractic needs.
Call Steve Jones at
(619) 280 0554
San Diego Chiropractic
Ergonomic Office Equipment Website to learn more about or Buy Ergo Nav, the Ergonomic Mouse Pad
or Visit Ergonomic Blog, "Ergonomically Yours" And read the latest News in the Ergonomic World.
Better Health Steve Jones
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)