Showing posts with label car accident. Show all posts
Showing posts with label car accident. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Condition Of the Week From Your Chiropractor: Asthma
Condition Of the Week From Your Chiropractor: Asthma
Who do you know with Asthma? Asthma is a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways. It causes recurring periods of wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and coughing. Chiropractic is not a treatment for asthma.
However, many people with asthma report improvement after receiving chiropractic care. Why?
1. The lungs and diaphragm (the muscle used for breathing) are controlled by your nervous system.
2. Nerves that control these areas leave the brain, travel down the spinal cord and exit the mid-cervical (neck) and thoracic regions of the spine.
3. Subluxations (misalignments of spinal bones that irritate nerves) in these areas of the spine can interfere with nerve supply to the lungs causing the lungs to function abnormally.
4. A chiropractor would correct the subluxations, restoring proper nerve supply to the lungs, allowing the lungs to function optimally.
A study published in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research documented the results of 81 children with asthma who received chiropractic care. The two month study revealed that those under chiropractic care who reported asthma attacks before the study, saw a 45% decrease in the number of attacks, and that 31% of the subjects voluntarily chose to decrease their medication. All this occurred because of improved nervous system control of the lungs.
Dr. Matthew Fiebelkorn is a Stillwater Chiropractor who teaches, speaks, and writes about wellness and health issues for adults and children and on improving their quality of life through healthier lifestyle choices. For more information on Dr. Fiebelkorn, visit his web site. Or Call Today (651)300-0150!
Sunday, April 20, 2014
HAVE A HAPPY EASTER! ENJOY THESE FUN, UNFORGETTABLE RECIPES AND CRAFTS FROM THE INCREDIBLE EDIBLE EGG:
Have a Happy Easter! Enjoy These Fun, Unforgettable Recipes and Crafts from The Incredible Edible Egg:
http://hslink.me/VNCK” />DO YOU HAVE WEEKEND WORKOUT PLANS? WHAT ARE THEY?
Exercise
According to the Mayo Clinic, Exercise offers the body 7 benefits: Weight Control, Combats Disease, Improves Mood, Boosts Energy, Promotes Better Sleep, Puts the Spark back into your Sex Life, and can be Fun!
At HealthSource, exercise plays an important part in your total path to Wellness, and it will be part of every treatment plan for every Wellness patient!
HealthSource’s proven Wellness program will have you on your way to living better, eating smarter, and living with the vigor that you always dreamed, whether your journey is just beginning or you’re a seasoned veteran who wants to continue your path toward a healthy lifestyle.
HealthSource has partnered with Web Exercises, the internet phenomenon, to bring you an extensive array of professional, repeatable exercise programs. We combine over 2,000 different exercises with HealthSource’s own professionally designed Progressive Rehab exercises, to make your time fun and beneficial!
We also have incredible partnerships with OctaLean (weight control and workout enhancer products) along with Intelliskin Sports and Exercise Apparel to let you maximize your workouts and other activities.
Please talk to your HealthSource Physician today to discuss putting together a wellness plan for YOU and YOUR FAMILY that will include exercise, nutrition, wellness care, chiropractic, and more!
Dr. Matthew Fiebelkorn is a Stillwater Chiropractor who teaches, speaks, and writes about wellness and health issues for adults and children and on improving their quality of life through healthier lifestyle choices. For more information on Dr. Fiebelkorn, visit his web site. Or Call Today (651)300-0150!
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Understanding the State of Your Nervous System
Within the world of medicine it has been well understood for years that all diseases are classified into two categories: a state of under activity and/or a state of over activity.
Medicine’s traditional approach was to develop drugs that either jump started (stimulated) or slowed (depressed) the system to attempt a normal balance (homeostasis). This medical approach is still practiced today. We must consider that if the disease is a result of over or under arousal, and I believe it is, then “good health” must be a balanced state.
The Balanced State
A balanced state results in good health. In this balanced state a person would have: present time consciousness, good recovery ability, high energy, few symptoms, and resistance to infections, positive mental attitude, mental alertness and excellent health. This person looks younger than his/her years and remains active and vibrant. We can measure the vital signs of this state by the action of the normal physiological responses of your body. These measurements include heart rate, respiratory rate, hand temperatures, brain wave activity, and heart rate variability (ration between heart rhythm and respiratory rhythm and skin moisture).
A balanced state results in good health. In this balanced state a person would have: present time consciousness, good recovery ability, high energy, few symptoms, and resistance to infections, positive mental attitude, mental alertness and excellent health. This person looks younger than his/her years and remains active and vibrant. We can measure the vital signs of this state by the action of the normal physiological responses of your body. These measurements include heart rate, respiratory rate, hand temperatures, brain wave activity, and heart rate variability (ration between heart rhythm and respiratory rhythm and skin moisture).
So what if it isn’t normal?
This means that your system is working in a state of dis-ease. It cannot get along with all the activities and stresses in your life without consuming more energy than normal. Your system is now out of balance or stressed. There are four states of imbalance. These states are over-aroused, under-aroused, instable, and exhausted.
This means that your system is working in a state of dis-ease. It cannot get along with all the activities and stresses in your life without consuming more energy than normal. Your system is now out of balance or stressed. There are four states of imbalance. These states are over-aroused, under-aroused, instable, and exhausted.
The Over-Aroused State
This state has high-energy demands. It is also the most common of the imbalanced systems as a result of the stressful lifestyle of the times. When stress is prolonged, the body’s responses stay in the high alert level longer than they were designed to, which creates damage to the system. The indications of a prolonged over-aroused nervous system are:
This state has high-energy demands. It is also the most common of the imbalanced systems as a result of the stressful lifestyle of the times. When stress is prolonged, the body’s responses stay in the high alert level longer than they were designed to, which creates damage to the system. The indications of a prolonged over-aroused nervous system are:
o Cold Hands,
o Tight Muscles,
o Grinding Teeth,
o Anxiety,
o Heart Palpitations,
o Restless Sleep,
o Poor Social Awareness,
o Poor Comprehension,
o Poor Expression of Emotion,
o Recurrent Infections,
o Multiple Competing Trains of Thought,
o High Blood Pressure,
o Accelerated Aging,
o Slowed Healing Responses,
o Irritable Bowel Syndrome
o Tight Muscles,
o Grinding Teeth,
o Anxiety,
o Heart Palpitations,
o Restless Sleep,
o Poor Social Awareness,
o Poor Comprehension,
o Poor Expression of Emotion,
o Recurrent Infections,
o Multiple Competing Trains of Thought,
o High Blood Pressure,
o Accelerated Aging,
o Slowed Healing Responses,
o Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Remember now, every so-called “disease” is a result of either an over-stimulated or under-stimulated system! The signs and symptoms of this over-aroused state of the body are then grouped into various combinations and given the name of a specific disease (diagnosis). In truth, they are nothing more than manifestations of the system being out of balance in a prolonged over-aroused state. While it is true you can treat these symptoms with one form of care or another, drugs or surgery, the only question remains – by addressing the symptoms, are you doing anything to address the cause?
The Under-Aroused State
This state has “low energy” expressions. A classic example of an under stimulated nervous system is depression. It can be deceiving however, as in Attention Deficit Disorder, ADD. The misnomer of hyperactive on an ADD individual leads to a misunderstanding of the real problem. An ADD individual’s EEG, Electroencephalograph, does not demonstrate the over-aroused nervous system that one would expect from a hyper-active response pattern. It shows just the opposite. Their nervous response is just barely awake. The only method they know which will keep them awake and functioning is to keep moving and active. This is different than what we thought, isn’t it? The indications of an under-aroused nervous system are:
This state has “low energy” expressions. A classic example of an under stimulated nervous system is depression. It can be deceiving however, as in Attention Deficit Disorder, ADD. The misnomer of hyperactive on an ADD individual leads to a misunderstanding of the real problem. An ADD individual’s EEG, Electroencephalograph, does not demonstrate the over-aroused nervous system that one would expect from a hyper-active response pattern. It shows just the opposite. Their nervous response is just barely awake. The only method they know which will keep them awake and functioning is to keep moving and active. This is different than what we thought, isn’t it? The indications of an under-aroused nervous system are:
o ADD (including impulsivity, distraction and disorganization),
o Depression,
o Lack of Motivation,
o Poor Concentration,
o Spaced out,
o Hypoglycemia,
o Constipation,
o Low Pain Threshold,
o Difficulty Awakening,
o Cognitive Worry,
o Irritability,
o Incontinence, and
o Lack of Energy
o Depression,
o Lack of Motivation,
o Poor Concentration,
o Spaced out,
o Hypoglycemia,
o Constipation,
o Low Pain Threshold,
o Difficulty Awakening,
o Cognitive Worry,
o Irritability,
o Incontinence, and
o Lack of Energy
Remember again, every so-called “disease” is a result of either an over-stimulated or under-stimulated system.
The Instable State
Here the view of the medical model of stimulate or depress treatment becomes out of date. While the concept is still valid, there is a twist in how it needs to be applied. The Instable State includes both over and under-aroused patterns plus adds a few of its own depending on its stage. This state exhibits a higher level of imbalance than either of the above and tends to move back and forth between over and under-arouse states. The system is now so stressed that any added stress creates havoc and the body’s reaction can swing wildly from over to under in a short period of time. This creates its own signs and symptoms beyond any of those found in the states above, which may include:
Here the view of the medical model of stimulate or depress treatment becomes out of date. While the concept is still valid, there is a twist in how it needs to be applied. The Instable State includes both over and under-aroused patterns plus adds a few of its own depending on its stage. This state exhibits a higher level of imbalance than either of the above and tends to move back and forth between over and under-arouse states. The system is now so stressed that any added stress creates havoc and the body’s reaction can swing wildly from over to under in a short period of time. This creates its own signs and symptoms beyond any of those found in the states above, which may include:
o Migraine Headaches,
o Seizures,
o Narcolepsy,
o Sleepwalking,
o Hot Flashes,
o PMS,
o Multiple Chemical Sensitivities,
o Bed Wetting,
o Eating Disorders,
o Bipolar Disorder,
o Mood Swings, and
o Panic Attacks
o Seizures,
o Narcolepsy,
o Sleepwalking,
o Hot Flashes,
o PMS,
o Multiple Chemical Sensitivities,
o Bed Wetting,
o Eating Disorders,
o Bipolar Disorder,
o Mood Swings, and
o Panic Attacks
People with wide ranges of health challenges would fall into this state of imbalance.
The Exhausted State
This is the most dangerous of all. The system is now into chaos existence mode. It is so over-stressed that the body’s own systems are no longer able to work in harmony. This can be so severe that the body systems start attacking each other. Its own communication system is in such disarray that messages and responses no longer match. Unchecked it can lead to a life ending path. Health challenges include:
o All of those listed in Over-aroused
o Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,
o Epstein-Barr Syndrome,
o M.S.,
o Fibromyalgia, and
o Cancer.
This is the most dangerous of all. The system is now into chaos existence mode. It is so over-stressed that the body’s own systems are no longer able to work in harmony. This can be so severe that the body systems start attacking each other. Its own communication system is in such disarray that messages and responses no longer match. Unchecked it can lead to a life ending path. Health challenges include:
o All of those listed in Over-aroused
o Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,
o Epstein-Barr Syndrome,
o M.S.,
o Fibromyalgia, and
o Cancer.
Hurray!! You have made it to the solution from a genetically congruent Wellness point of view.
Neurologically Based Chiropractic (NBC)
The balanced-unbalanced system we are talking about is your wonderful Nervous System. It is the nervous system with which chiropractic works to restore your health. We can measure the state of your nervous system and show you why you are experiencing your health challenge. Once we have done that, then we can discuss your options, i.e. a program of care to help restore yourself to a normal health balance or recommend other options. If you feel you are in the instable group, it is very important that you tell your doctor.
The balanced-unbalanced system we are talking about is your wonderful Nervous System. It is the nervous system with which chiropractic works to restore your health. We can measure the state of your nervous system and show you why you are experiencing your health challenge. Once we have done that, then we can discuss your options, i.e. a program of care to help restore yourself to a normal health balance or recommend other options. If you feel you are in the instable group, it is very important that you tell your doctor.
This is not about treating a disease, as that is not what Chiropractors do. The intent of chiropractic is to help your nervous system return to a healthy balanced state, a state of ease and correct function by removing interference and retraining normal patterns of reaction to occur. Remember, your body does the healing. To date there isn’t one documented case where a doctor healed not even a fractured bone. Us doctors, guide, assist, recommend and facilitate our patients toward health. The individual, specifically the human body and its natural inner ability is what mends and heals the person.
At HealthSource Chiropractic of Stillwater, our job is to assess your nervous system and either jump starts it or slows it down by means of the chiropractic adjustment, restoring it to the wonderful, normal state of balance. In addition, we are able to offer additional retraining methods to augment the power of the chiropractic adjustment. So, today is the day to call our office at (651)300-0150. If you would like more information about our office, please visit us on the web.
As always, we welcome your feedback as well as the opportunity to help you and those you care about reach your optimum potential. Your health is your most valuable asset so please do not wait for symptoms to arise before you take action. Always remember to be proactive about your health, not reactive.
Thursday, February 6, 2014
4 Simple Exercises To Help Relieve Minor Back Pain
While this idea is a great one for the first 24 hours after injuring your back, prolonged inactivity can actually stiffen those injured muscles and make healing more difficult. Exercise on the other hand helps to strengthen the surrounding muscles and helps increase major blood flow to the injured area which promotes healing and often relieves the back pain making it more bearable. Exercising your back does not mean lifting weights or running a marathon. It means gentle exercise that helps stretch and strengthen your muscles. That being said here are 4 simple exercises that you can do at home that will help to relieve that back pain and strengthen your muscles to aid in healing and help prevent further injury.
The Reach
Stand with both feet together or slightly apart in front of a door. Slowly extend your arms over your head and reach as far as possible over the door jam while keeping your feet flat. Hold that position to the count of 10. You should feel the muscles in your back begin to stretch which is the entire purpose of this exercise. By stretching the muscles slowly, you can alleviate lower back pain and strengthen your muscles in the bargain.
Heal Raises (Also Called Tip Toes)
Once again stand straight up with your feet flat on the floor, shoulders back and head up. Slowly raise your heels up and down about 10 times. This exercise will provide a gentle pull and strengthening of the muscles in your thighs, buttocks and lower back region. Helping to reduce pain and aid healing.
Heel Slides
Lie flat on your back on the floor, slowly bend and straighten your knees one knee at a time alternating the legs. Bring your heel as close to your body as possible with each slide. Repeat 10 times. This exercise can be gradually increase to 20 times as the muscles become stronger and the pain lessens.
Straight Leg Raises
Once again lie flat on your back with one knee bent and the other leg straight. Tighten your abdominal muscles and slowly lift the straight leg about 6 to 8 inches off the floor. Hold it to the count of 6 and slowly lower it. Repeat changing legs. When starting out don't overdo this exercise start at about 5 repetitions or less and gradually increase to 10 repetitions.
Helpful Hints
Using a heating pad for 20 minutes followed by an ice pack for the same length of time both before and after doing these strengthening exercisers may help you to get through them easier. If any of these exercises causes the pain to drastically worsen stop immediately and seek medical care. However, keep in mind that there will be some discomfort initially which will fade as your muscles heal and gain more strength. Continuing these exercises after your back heals as part of a regular routine may help prevent re injury to your back muscles.
Dr. Matthew Fiebelkorn is a Stillwater Chiropractor who teaches,speaks, and writes about wellness and health issues for adults and children and on improving their quality of life through healthier lifestyle choices. For more information on Dr. Fiebelkorn, visit his web site. Or Call Today (651)300-0150!
HealthSource Chiropractic of Stillwater
HealthSource Chiropractic of Stillwater
http://www.healthsourceofstillwater.com
651-300-0150
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Chiropractic for Automobile Accidents: Stillwater, MN 55082
Whiplash
Whiplash is a generic term applied to injuries of the neck caused when the neck is suddenly and/or violently jolted in one direction and then another, creating a whip-like movement. Whiplash is most commonly seen in people involved in motor vehicle accidents, but it can also occur from falls, sports injuries, work injuries, and other incidents.
What structures are injured in a whiplash?
Whiplash injuries most often result in sprain-strain of the neck. The ligaments that help support, protect, and restrict excessive movement of the vertebrae are torn, which is called a sprain. The joints in the back of the spine, called the facet joints, are covered by ligaments called facet capsules, which seem to be particularly susceptible to whiplash injury.
What structures are injured in a whiplash?
Whiplash injuries most often result in sprain-strain of the neck. The ligaments that help support, protect, and restrict excessive movement of the vertebrae are torn, which is called a sprain. The joints in the back of the spine, called the facet joints, are covered by ligaments called facet capsules, which seem to be particularly susceptible to whiplash injury.
In addition, the muscles and tendons are strained—stretched beyond their normal limits. The discs between the vertebrae, which are essentially ligaments, can be torn, potentially causing a disc herniation. The nerve roots between the vertebrae may also be stretched and become inflamed. Even though it is very rare, vertebrae can be fractured and/or dislocated in a whiplash injury.
What are the common signs and symptoms of whiplash?
The most common symptoms of whiplash are pain and stiffness in the neck. These symptoms are generally found in the areas that are “whiplashed.” For example, during a whiplash, first the head is lifted up from the upper-cervical spine. This creates a sprain/strain in the region just below the skull, where symptoms usually occur. Symptoms may also commonly be seen in the front and back of the neck. Turning the head often makes the pain and discomfort worse.
The most common symptoms of whiplash are pain and stiffness in the neck. These symptoms are generally found in the areas that are “whiplashed.” For example, during a whiplash, first the head is lifted up from the upper-cervical spine. This creates a sprain/strain in the region just below the skull, where symptoms usually occur. Symptoms may also commonly be seen in the front and back of the neck. Turning the head often makes the pain and discomfort worse.
Headache, especially at the base of the skull, is also a common symptom, seen in more than two thirds of patients. These headaches may be one-sided (unilateral) or experienced on both sides (bilateral). In addition, the pain and stiffness may extend down into the shoulders and arms, upper back, and even the upper chest.
In addition to the musculoskeletal symptoms, some patients also experience dizziness, difficulty swallowing, nausea, and even blurred vision after a whiplash injury. While these symptoms are disconcerting, in most cases, they disappear within a relatively short time. If they persist, it is very important to inform your doctor that they are not resolving. Vertigo (the sensation of the room spinning) and ringing in the ears may also be seen. In addition, some patients may feel pain in the jaw. Others will even complain of irritability, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms also resolve quickly in most cases. In rare cases, symptoms can persist for weeks, months, or even years.
Another important and interesting aspect of whiplash is that the signs and symptoms often do not develop until 2 to 48 hours after the injury. This scenario is relatively common but not completely understood. Some speculate that it may be due to delayed muscle soreness, a condition seen in other circumstances.
How is whiplash treated?
Staying active
One of the most important aspects of whiplash management is for the patient to stay active, unless there is some serious injury that requires immobilization. Patients should not be afraid to move and be active, within reason. In addition, your doctor will often prescribe an exercise or stretching program. It is particularly important to follow this program as prescribed, so that you can achieve the best long-term benefits.
Staying active
One of the most important aspects of whiplash management is for the patient to stay active, unless there is some serious injury that requires immobilization. Patients should not be afraid to move and be active, within reason. In addition, your doctor will often prescribe an exercise or stretching program. It is particularly important to follow this program as prescribed, so that you can achieve the best long-term benefits.
Chiropractic manipulation and physical therapy
Ice and/or heat are often used to help control pain and reduce the muscle spasm that results from whiplash injuries. Other physical therapy modalities, such as electrical stimulation and/or ultrasound, may provide some short-term relief. They should not, however, replace an active-care program of exercise and stretching. Spinal manipulation and/or mobilization provided by a chiropractor can also give relief in many cases of neck pain.
Ice and/or heat are often used to help control pain and reduce the muscle spasm that results from whiplash injuries. Other physical therapy modalities, such as electrical stimulation and/or ultrasound, may provide some short-term relief. They should not, however, replace an active-care program of exercise and stretching. Spinal manipulation and/or mobilization provided by a chiropractor can also give relief in many cases of neck pain.
Can whiplash be prevented?
Generally speaking, whiplash cannot be “prevented,” but there are some things that you can do while in a motor vehicle that may reduce the chances of a more severe injury. Always wear restraints (lap or shoulder belt), and ensure that the headrest in your vehicle is adjusted to the appropriate height.
Dr. Matthew Fiebelkorn is a Stillwater Chiropractor who teaches,speaks, and writes about wellness and health issues for adults and children and on improving their quality of life through healthier lifestyle choices. For more information on Dr. Fiebelkorn, visit his web site. Or Call Today (651)300-0150!
Generally speaking, whiplash cannot be “prevented,” but there are some things that you can do while in a motor vehicle that may reduce the chances of a more severe injury. Always wear restraints (lap or shoulder belt), and ensure that the headrest in your vehicle is adjusted to the appropriate height.
Dr. Matthew Fiebelkorn is a Stillwater Chiropractor who teaches,speaks, and writes about wellness and health issues for adults and children and on improving their quality of life through healthier lifestyle choices. For more information on Dr. Fiebelkorn, visit his web site. Or Call Today (651)300-0150!
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Chronic Pain and Depression
Pain serves an important function in our lives. When you suffer an acute injury, pain warns you to stop the activity that is causing the injury and tells you to take care of the affected body part.
Chronic pain, on the other hand, persists for weeks, months, or even years. Some people, often older adults, suffer from chronic pain without any definable past injury or signs of body damage. Common chronic pain can be caused by headaches, the low back, and arthritis. Unfortunately, there is scant objective evidence or physical findings to explain such pain.
Until recently, some doctors who could not find a physical cause for a person’s pain simply suggested that it was imaginary— “all in your head.” This is unfortunate because we know that all pain is real and not imagined, except in the most extreme cases of psychosis. Emerging scientific evidence is demonstrating that the nerves in the spinal cord of patients with chronic pain undergo structural changes.
Psychological and social issues often amplify the effects of chronic pain. For example, people with chronic pain frequently report a wide range of limitations in family and social roles, such as the inability to perform household or workplace chores, take care of children, or engage in leisure activities. In turn, spouses, children, and co-workers often have to take over these responsibilities. Such changes often lead to depression, agitation, resentment, and anger for the pain patient and to stress and strain in family and other social relationships.
How is depression involved with chronic pain?
Depression is the most common emotion associated with chronic pain. It is thought to be 3 to 4 times more common in people with chronic pain than in the general population. In addition, 30 to 80% of people with chronic pain will have some type of depression. The combination of chronic pain and depression is often associated with greater disability than either depression or chronic pain alone.
People with chronic pain and depression suffer dramatic changes in their physical, mental, and social well-being—and in their quality of life. Such people often find it difficult to sleep, are easily agitated, cannot perform their normal activities of daily living, cannot concentrate, and are often unable to perform their duties at work. This constellation of disabilities starts a vicious cycle—pain leads to more depression, which leads to more chronic pain. In some cases, the depression occurs before the pain.
Until recently, we believed that bed rest after an injury was important for recovery. This has likely resulted in many chronic pain syndromes. Avoiding performing activities that a person believes will cause pain only makes his or her condition worse in many cases.
Signs and Symptoms
Some of the common signs and symptoms of chronic pain include:
- Pain beyond 6 months after an injury
- Allodynia—pain from stimuli which are not normally painful and/or pain that occurs other than in the stimulated area
- Hyperpathia—increased pain from stimuli that are normally painful
- Hypersensation—being overly sensitive to pain
Signs of major clinical depression will occur daily for 2 weeks or more, and often include many of the following:
- A predominant feeling of sadness; feeling blue, hopeless, or irritable, often with crying spells
- Changes in appetite or weight (loss or gain) and/or sleep (too much or too little
- Poor concentration or memory
- Feeling restless or fatigued
- Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities, including sex
- Feeling of worthlessness and/or guilt
What is the treatment for chronic pain and depression?
The first step in coping with chronic pain is to determine its cause, if possible. Addressing the problem will help the pain subside. In other cases, especially when the pain is chronic, you should try to keep the chronic pain from being the entire focus of your life.
- Stay active and do not avoid activities that cause pain simply because they cause pain. The amount and type of activity should be directed by your doctor, so that activities that might actually cause more harm are avoided.
- Relaxation training, hypnosis, biofeedback, and guided imagery, can help you cope with chronic pain. Cognitive therapy can also help patients recognize destructive patterns of emotion and behavior and help them modify or replace such behaviors and thoughts with more reasonable or supportive ones.
- Distraction (redirecting your attention away from chronic pain), imagery (going to your “happy place”), and dissociation (detaching yourself from the chronic pain) can be useful.
- Involving your family with your recovery may be quite helpful, according to recent scientific evidence.
Feel free to discuss these or other techniques with your doctor of chiropractic. He or she may suggest some simple techniques that may work for you or may refer you to another health care provider for more in-depth training in these techniques.
Dr. Matthew Fiebelkorn is a Stillwater Chiropractor who teaches,speaks, and writes about wellness and health issues for adults and children and on improving their quality of life through healthier lifestyle choices. For more information on Dr. Fiebelkorn, visit his web site. Or Call Today (651)300-0150!
Dr. Matthew Fiebelkorn is a Stillwater Chiropractor who teaches,speaks, and writes about wellness and health issues for adults and children and on improving their quality of life through healthier lifestyle choices. For more information on Dr. Fiebelkorn, visit his web site. Or Call Today (651)300-0150!
HealthSource Chiropractic of Stillwater, MN 55082
http://www.healthsourceofstillwater.com
651-300-0150
We often hear that good posture is essential for good health. We recognize poor posture when we see it formed as a result of bad habits carried out over years and evident in many adults. But only few people have a real grasp of the importance and necessity of good posture.
What is posture?
Posture is the position in which we hold our bodies while standing, sitting, or lying down. Good posture is the correct alignment of body parts supported by the right amount of muscle tension against gravity. Without posture and the muscles that control it, we would simply fall to the ground.
Normally, we do not consciously maintain normal posture. Instead, certain muscles do it for us, and we don't even have to think about it. Several muscle groups, including the hamstrings and large back muscles, are critically important in maintaining good posture. While the ligaments help to hold the skeleton together, these postural muscles, when functioning properly, prevent the forces of gravity from pushing us over forward. Postural muscles also maintain our posture and balance during movement.
Why is good posture important?
Good posture helps us stand, walk, sit, and lie in positions that place the least strain on supporting muscles and ligaments during movement and weight-bearing activities. Correct posture:
- Helps us keep bones and joints in correct alignment so that our muscles are used correctly, decreasing the abnormal wearing of joint surfaces that could result in degenerative arthritis and joint pain.
- Reduces the stress on the ligaments holding the spinal joints together, minimizing the likelihood of injury.
- Allows muscles to work more efficiently, allowing the body to use less energy and, therefore, preventing muscle fatigue.
- Helps prevent muscle strain, overuse disorders, and even back and muscular pain.
To maintain proper posture, you need to have adequate muscle flexibility and strength, normal joint motion in the spine and other body regions, as well as efficient postural muscles that are balanced on both sides of the spine. In addition, you must recognize your postural habits at home and in the workplace and work to correct them, if necessary.
Consequences of poor posture
Poor posture can lead to excessive strain on our postural muscles and may even cause them to relax, when held in certain positions for long periods of time. For example, you can typically see this in people who bend forward at the waist for a prolonged time in the workplace. Their postural muscles are more prone to injury and back pain.
Several factors contribute to poor posture-most commonly, stress, obesity, pregnancy, weak postural muscles, abnormally tight muscles, and high-heeled shoes. In addition, decreased flexibility, a poor work environment, incorrect working posture, and unhealthy sitting and standing habits can also contribute to poor body positioning.
How do I sit properly?
- Keep your feet on the floor or on a footrest, if they don't reach the floor.
- Don't cross your legs. Your ankles should be in front of your knees.
- Keep a small gap between the back of your knees and the front of your seat.
- Your knees should be at or below the level of your hips.
- Adjust the backrest of your chair to support your low- and mid-back or use a back support.
- Relax your shoulders and keep your forearms parallel to the ground.
- Avoid sitting in the same position for long periods of time.
How do I stand properly?
- Bear your weight primarily on the balls of your feet.
- Keep your knees slightly bent.
- Keep your feet about shoulder-width apart.
- Let your arms hang naturally down the sides of the body.
- Stand straight and tall with your shoulders pulled backward.
- Tuck your stomach in.
- Keep your head level-your earlobes should be in line with your shoulders. Do not push your head forward, backward, or to the side.
- Shift your weight from your toes to your heels, or one foot to the other, if you have to stand for a long time.
What is the proper lying position?
- Find the mattress that is right for you. While a firm mattress is generally recommended, some people find that softer mattresses reduce their back pain. Your comfort is important.
- Sleep with a pillow. Special pillows are available to help with postural problems resulting from a poor sleeping position.
- Avoid sleeping on your stomach.
- Sleeping on your side or back is more often helpful for back pain.
- If you sleep on your side, place a pillow between your legs.
- If you sleep on your back, keep a pillow under your knees.
Can I correct my poor posture?
In a word, yes. Remember, however, that long-standing postural problems will typically take longer to address than short-lived ones, as often the joints have adapted to your long-standing poor posture. Conscious awareness of your own posture and knowing what posture is correct will help you consciously correct yourself. With much practice, the correct posture for standing, sitting, and lying down will gradually replace your old posture. This, in turn, will help you move toward a better and healthier body position.
Your doctor of chiropractic can assist you with proper posture, including recommending exercises to strengthen your core postural muscles. He or she can also assist you with choosing proper postures during your activities, helping reduce your risk of injury.
Dr. Matthew Fiebelkorn is a Stillwater Chiropractor who teaches,speaks, and writes about wellness and health issues for adults and children and on improving their quality of life through healthier lifestyle choices. For more information on Dr. Fiebelkorn, visit his web site. Or Call Today (651)300-0150!
Dr. Matthew Fiebelkorn is a Stillwater Chiropractor who teaches,speaks, and writes about wellness and health issues for adults and children and on improving their quality of life through healthier lifestyle choices. For more information on Dr. Fiebelkorn, visit his web site. Or Call Today (651)300-0150!
http://www.healthsourceofstillwater.com
651-300-0150
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