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The Surprising Cause of Your Leg Pain: Your Back!

Are you one of the many people who spend most of your day sitting at a desk? If so, you may be familiar with the aches and pains that often come along with it. Neck pain, back pain, and even leg pain can all be caused by prolonged sitting and poor posture. But did you know that your leg pain could actually be caused by your back?

As the top back pain specialist in Denver, 80222, we see patients with this issue nearly every day. Pain that travels along a spinal nerve is called radicular pain, and it’s one of the most common types of pain that occurs as a result of spinal nerve compression. Nerve compression can often cause back and leg pain to appear at the same time.

The most common cause of this type of pain is a pinched nerve in your low back. When a nerve is compressed or irritated due to a herniated spinal disc, bone spur, or ligament overgrowth, it can become inflamed and painful. But the good news is that all of these conditions have a great chance of recovery without the need for drugs or surgery.

Research has shown that people struggling with sciatica pain can get fantastic results with chiropractic care. In fact, in one widely circulated study, researchers observed that 89% of patients suffering from symptomatic sciatica responded very well to chiropractic adjustments. In another recent study, researchers found that 60% of participants with symptomatic cases of sciatica benefited from chiropractic adjustments to the same degree as if they underwent surgical intervention (without any of the risks!).

Beyond adjustments, exercise and rehab can also help strengthen the muscles supporting your spine to reduce the likelihood of a relapse. Taking non-invasive steps to reduce inflammation, re-establish proper joint motion, and taking proactive steps to reduce the likelihood of the pain coming back are all part of our care plans.

So if you’re wondering what causes back and leg pain and want to find out what’s causing your leg and low back pain, give us a call today! At our practice in Denver, we utilize various treatments, including adjustments, Active Release Techniques, and corrective exercises, to correct spinal conditions such as herniated disc to help relieve your leg and back pain and help prevent it from recurring. Our mission is to help people treat their compressed nerves and regain their quality of life.

We can help you. Just schedule with our Denver Chiropractor by calling 303.300.0424 or use the contact form to request an appointment. We look forward to helping you.

Title: Say Goodbye to Low Back Pain: Understanding the Causes

Are you one of the millions of people worldwide who suffer from low back pain? You’re not alone. In fact, low back pain is the leading reason why people miss work and visit their doctor. If you’re tired of dealing with the aches and pains that come with low back pain, then keep reading.

As the leading low back pain specialist in Denver (80222), we know that distorted movement patterns and abnormal habits can cause low back pain. From sitting at a desk all day to sudden injuries, these habits can contribute to an increased likelihood of back pain.

The three most common causes of low back pain are sprain/strain injuries, spinal disc issues, and arthritis. But the good news is that in most cases, these issues can be treated without invasive procedures or medication.

Research supports the use of chiropractic care for the treatment of all types of low back pain. In fact, a recent study found that patients with disc issues who received chiropractic care experienced the same or more relief than those who underwent back surgery.

At our chiropractic practice in Denver (80222), we work with you to determine the root cause of your low back pain and provide non-invasive treatment options to help you get back to your daily routine.

Don’t let low back pain control your life any longer. Schedule an appointment with our low back pain specialists and discover how chiropractic care can help you say goodbye to pain for good.

How to Recover from Whiplash Injuries Naturally

Recovering from Whiplash

Bottom Line:

Your spine is a long chain of bones, discs, muscles, and ligaments that extend from your skull down to your tailbone.

The cervical spine (your neck) is designed to support your head and protect the nerves that go out to your face, shoulders, and arms.

Postural changes, arthritis, and sudden injuries are a few of the primary causes of neck pain.

Most of the time, the pain can be traced to a problem with either the muscles, bones, discs, or nerves in your neck.

That’s important to remember when considering how to recover from whiplash injuries naturally.

That’s probably a big part of what has you considering seeking chiropractic treatment for whiplash in Denver, CO.

Whiplash injuries can occur during a sports accident or during a slip and fall.

And, as most of us know, whiplash injuries are also commonly sustained during auto accidents.

These injuries can cause damage to the delicate structures in your neck and lead to symptoms such as headaches, neck pain and stiffness, shoulder pain, and numbness and tingling or pain in your arms and hands.

That pain is your body’s way of saying “pay attention inside now!”

Let’s take a closer look at what happens when a whiplash injury is sustained, and, perhaps more importantly, how to recover from whiplash injuries naturally.

Why it Matters:

Over 1.5 million whiplash injuries occur each year, many from low impact collisions.

Research does in fact show that low-speed crashes can create the force necessary to cause pain and injury.

Because these injuries can be sustained in collisions other than car accidents and can occur at low speeds, many people often ignore them and have never learned how to recover from whiplash injuries naturally.

Many of you neighbors who’ve been involved in an auto accident recently are most likely seeking chiropractic treatment for whiplash in Denver, CO right now for that reason.

The truth is that even minor damage to the ligaments of your neck can take up to 12 weeks to heal.

In some cases, the partial tearing of the muscles, tendons, or ligaments around your spine can take several months to heal.

Depending on the severity of the ligament tearing, these injuries may also be classified as permanent.

Whiplash can also cause damage to your facet joints and spinal discs by stretching them beyond their normal range of motion.

Almost every bone in your neck has a pair of sliding joints towards the back called facet joints.

If an adhesion forms or the joint is stuck, your body will try to compensate.

A stiff neck after an accident is a good clue that a whiplash injury may have occurred.

Keep an eye out for swelling and bruising, which can take up to 24 hours to develop.

Many people may already know what symptoms to watch for, but most people may not really know how to recover from whiplash injuries naturally.

How to Recover From Whiplash Injuries Naturally

It’s essential to control any inflammation early in your treatment and improve your range of motion.

In other words, it’s key to use movement as medicine.

While it may seem strange that movement can be a good thing even if it causes discomfort, we know that controlled movement can limit the amount of scar tissue that forms and may even increase the healing rate.

Still wondering exactly how to recover from whiplash injuries naturally?

Let’s recap the key principles we just discussed.

Obtaining an accurate diagnosis with a complete examination and spinal imaging is the first step towards determining the best plan of care to heal from your injuries.
Inflammation is often the primary factor that causes pain and restricted movement after a whiplash injury.
Controlling inflammation naturally and reestablishing your range of motion can help reduce your pain and improve the results of your care.

Next Steps:

With the right healthcare team, most people can get back to their full life and activities without the need for drugs or surgery.

Chiropractors focus on the structure and function of your spine.

When your spine is functioning optimally, your body is able to heal itself, no medications needed.

When looking at how to recover from whiplash injuries naturally, a chiropractor’s care is key.

We take a holistic approach to help you recover from whiplash by examining and treating the injured muscles, ligaments, discs, and more.

Depending on the type of accident, we may choose to take x-rays or an MRI of your neck to evaluate your injuries better.

Chiropractors are considered essential after an accident because of our focus on improving your movement, biomechanics, and functional ability while reducing your pain.

Schedule an appointment to receive chiropractic treatment for whiplash in Denver, CO today if you are someone you know has been injured in a car accident.

We’re here to help guide your recovery process and theirs every step of the way.

Science Source:

The Treatment of Neck Pain and Whiplash-Associated Disorders. JMPT. 2016.

Delayed Pain After a Car Accident

3-Common-Manifestations-of-Delayed-Pain-After-a-Car-Accident.jpg

Bottom Line:

If you can walk away after a car accident without any catastrophic injuries, you should certainly consider yourself lucky.

But there is something important we want you to commit to your memory right now.

Even if you feel ok after exchanging information and speaking with the police, it is always a good idea to see a chiropractor after an accident.

With your adrenaline pumping directly after an accident, your brain may not truly register the pain signals coming from your body.

It’s only after you have some time to calm down that you find yourself suddenly living with previously unnoticed injuries and manifestations of delayed pain after a car accident.

The good news?

Non-drug care options, such as chiropractic, are very effective at helping people both reduce the sensations of delayed pain after a car accident and restore their functional health.

If you’re looking for a car accident chiropractor in Denver, know our expert team is here to help.

Even people with severe and chronic pain have been shown to benefit from the care that chiropractors provide.

And with a proper evaluation and early treatment, you have a high likelihood of putting that delayed pain after a car accident in the rear view mirror and getting well within a matter of weeks.

Why it Matters:

While medications can provide temporary pain relief, they don’t do a very good job of helping your body heal.

One of the problems with pain medications is that they only treat the symptoms.

They aren’t doing a thing to resolve the injuries that are the real source of your pain.

That’s just one reason why Ignoring a new ache or manifestation of delayed pain after a car accident and hoping it will go away is definitely not a smart strategy.

Even minor symptoms can be an indication of a more significant problem.

That’s perhaps one of the most important reasons you need to see a car accident chiropractor in Denver

And there’s something else to consider.

The longer you wait to get evaluated and receive care, the higher your likelihood becomes of needing more aggressive medical care.

In fact, without a proper diagnosis and swift treatment, your body may begin to “heal” with more scar tissue than necessary.

The same principle applies if you ignore what that delayed pain after a car accident is trying to tell you and simply decide to try to live “around” your injuries.

Doing so can lead to even more physical stress and compensation from other parts of your body and, ultimately, additional injuries.

3 Common Manifestations of Delayed Pain After a Car Accident

Let’s take a look at some common manifestations of delayed pain after a car accident that may not appear for hours or days.

● Headaches: A concussion, neck injury, mild traumatic brain injury, or whiplash can create headaches after a car accident, so don’t dismiss a headache or dizziness until you’ve been adequately evaluated by a doctor.

● Back Pain: Pain in your back after a car accident can take hours or days to begin, and it could be a sign of a spinal disc injury, soft tissue injury, or whiplash.

● Neck / Shoulder Pain: If you notice pain in your neck, shoulders, or arms, it may be a sign of whiplash or a spinal injury.

Next Steps:

Delayed onset of symptoms after a car accident is quite common.

It doesn’t mean that you’re “making it up.”

The stress of a car accident can make it difficult to truly assess how you feel in the minutes after impact.

It takes time for swelling and inflammation to begin, and you may not notice these common manifestations of delayed pain after a car accident for hours or even days.

Don’t dismiss your symptoms or concerns.

With the right healthcare team, most people can get back to their full life and activities without the need for drugs or surgery.

Chiropractors are often the first healthcare professional a majority of people see after getting into an accident.

So, if you’ve been searching for the best car accident chiropractor in Denver, give our office a call right now.

Receiving a complete and thorough evaluation is critical to discovering injuries early on so that you can receive the best care and treatment to put your injuries in the rearview mirror as quickly as possible

Research has shown that active care involving range of motion, mobilizing exercises, and strengthening can effectively reduce pain.

So, call us to schedule a proper evaluation as soon as you can.

It has the potential to make a massive difference in both your quality of life and long-term well-being!

Science Source:

Whiplash. WebMD. 2021.

Got Whiplash? Here are 3 Big Reasons to See our Denver Chiropractor

Got Whiplash?

Bottom Line:

Whiplash is the term used to describe the injuries that occur as a direct result of a forceful, uncontrolled, and rapid back and forth motion of the neck.

These injuries can occur during sports, slip and fall, or auto accidents.

Most of us have heard of this type of injury.

Most of us know whiplash pain is often associated with auto accidents.

However, what we may not know is that whiplash injuries used to be considered “no big deal.”

Needless to say, times have certainly changed.

Doctors now know that whiplash injury can mean lifelong pain and disability if the associated injuries are not properly cared for when they occur.

Recent research also tells us that people who suffer a neck injury during a motor vehicle accident are very likely to experience both whiplash pain and future neck pain.

Thankfully, research also indicates that chiropractic care can improve range of motion and decrease pain associated with whiplash injuries.

And if you’re looking for a local chiropractor who treats whiplash in Denver, you’ve come to the right place!

Why it Matters:

With all the stress that comes with the accident itself, calling insurance companies, getting cars repaired, and so on, it’s not uncommon for people to make the mistake of putting their health and well-being last on the to-do list.

Your body wasn’t designed to deal with the forces that occur in a car accident.

Even low-speed collisions can generate enough force to injure the delicate ligaments in your neck that support your head.

And although modern cars have an array of safety features, the damage from an accident can range from small aches to life-changing injuries.

The forces that both the vehicle and your body have while driving along the road is known as kinetic energy.

It’s true – your vehicle has been carefully built to displace the (kinetic) energy that occurs during an accident.

However, no matter what type of car you have, your body will still absorb some of the impact.

It’s likely that those powerful forces will cause injuries to your body.

During a car accident, your head moves forward and backward suddenly with a tremendous amount of force.

If you’ve sustained a whiplash injury it means your head and neck have been forcefully extended beyond their normal range of motion.

This can create partial tears and other damage to the muscles and ligaments around your spine and also injure your spinal discs or nerves and your spine’s supporting muscles.

Key Indicators of a Whiplash Injury

A few key indicators that you may have suffered a whiplash injury include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and pain in your upper or lower extremities.

If you or someone you love has sustained a whiplash injury recently and are considering seeing a local chiropractor who treats whiplash in Denver, here’s are some quick facts to keep in mind:

Today, whiplash injuries are considered severe and the rapid back and forth motion that occurs during the associated collision accident can lead to permanent injury to the ligaments of the neck.

It’s estimated that over 80% of people involved in a car accident will sustain whiplash injuries.
What’s more, over 50% of people with neck pain or whiplash pain after a car accident will continue to have pain one year or more after their initial injury, especially without treatment.

Next Steps:

Remember this.

Immediately after any accident, your adrenaline is pumping, so you may not feel any whiplash pain or overall physical discomfort because you’ll most likely be in a state of shock.

That’s why many people wake up the day after an accident experiencing the full brunt of their injuries for the first time.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you may be wondering how long your whiplash pain and other symptoms are going to last.

The good news is that with a proper evaluation and early treatment, you have a high likelihood of getting well within a matter of weeks.

Receiving the proper diagnosis and care after a car accident can also help reduce your likelihood of struggling with whiplash pain and a lifetime of chronic neck pain.

Our practice is focused on accurately assessing, documenting, and treating those who have been involved in a car accident to help them regain their quality of life as quickly and safely as possible.

Don’t shrug off any accidents and push your symptoms aside.

Instead, follow three easy-to-remember steps.

First, get an evaluation.

Next, begin receiving care.

Finally, stay consistent.

Getting well is a process, so If you have been in an accident and think you might have sustained a whiplash injury – or someone you know has been involved in an auto accident recently – be sure to reach out to our expert team as soon as possible.

When you need a local chiropractor who treats whiplash in Denver, remember that our doors are open, and we’re here to help right now!

Science Source:

The Association Between a Motor Vehicle Collision and Future Neck Pain. Eur Spine J. 2010.

3 Key Ways to Prevent a Herniated, Bulging, or Slipped Disc

A neighbor of mine once told me “Getting old is not for the faint of heart,” and that’s always stuck with me.

After all, haven’t we all had one of those days where we wake up somehow having managed to injure ourselves in our sleep?

Or, if you’re like an old classmate of mine (who shall remain nameless), maybe there was a time you ate a big meal and a couple of hours later ended up taking yourself to the emergency room because you had not yet learned what heartburn felt like.

We’ve all been there.

And, like it or not, back pain is more likely than not something we’re all going to have to learn to prepare for and manage.

So, right here, right now, let’s start with lesson number one…

Simple ways to prevent a herniated disc.

Bottom Line:

Absolutely no one wants to deal with back pain.

Whether you’re living with pain today or looking to reduce your risk of injury and find ways to prevent a herniated disc in the future, you may be curious about how you can strengthen your spine.

And as the go-to provider of non-surgical spinal disc treatment in Denver, we’re here to tell you that you’ve come to the right place!

When it comes to fortifying your spinal discs, it’s wise to start with the body’s core — the set of muscles, ligaments, and tendons that support your spinal column and help your spinal discs move.

Why it Matters:

Your core needs to have a balance of strength and flexibility to perform at its best.

A strong core allows your body to have the support it needs to move, bend, and twist without causing injuries, and a flexible core is crucial to allowing the body to move well and through a full range of motion.

Together, these physical qualities help you keep your spinal discs healthy, just like movement-based care such as the adjustments we provide.

So, our top 3 ways to prevent a herniated disc include:

Core exercises can help your back maintain a balance of strength and flexibility.
Movement of the spine promotes the delivery of nutrients to the spinal discs.
Spinal adjustments can improve your range of motion and help to decrease pain.

Ways to Prevent a Herniated Disc at Home

As noted in the list above, engaging in exercise to improve your core strength or to strengthen the abdominal, back extensor and rotator muscle groups can help you reduce your risk of spinal disc injury.

And in our time providing non-surgical spinal disc treatment in Denver, we’ve seen first-hand just how much of a difference incorporating and prioritizing core work can make in our patients’ spinal health.

The stronger your core is, the less load your disc sees with activities of daily living, ultimately lessening the risk of herniation, which is why we compiled the following list of ways to prevent a herniated disc at home.

We recommend the following exercises and stretches below and aiming for 10 repetitions of each and then repeating each 2-3 times a week.

Planks

Start in a push up position, bend your arms, and support your body with your forearms.
Keep your hips, legs, and torso in a straight line while tightening your abdominal and glute muscles.
Draw your core muscles in at the level of your belly button and hold that position as long as you can.

Bird Dogs

Get on all fours, making sure your spine is neutral (not arching up or down).
Then, engage your core muscles and slowly reach forward with your right arm as you extend your left leg behind you.
Hold for a breath and then slowly return your limbs to the starting position.
Repeat the exercise on the other side.

Glute Bridges

Lie on your back with knees bent 90 degrees and feet flat on the floor.
Engage the muscles of the deep core and move into a bridge position by lifting your bottom off the floor. Instead of forcing your belly up by arching your back, try to maintain the natural curve in your lower spine.
Lift your left foot off the floor and extend your left leg to maintain a straight line through your left heel.
Return your foot to the floor and repeat with your right leg.

Dead Bugs

Begin lying on your back with both arms extended towards the ceiling.
Lift your legs off the floor to 90 degrees.
Exhale to bring your ribcage down and try to flatten your back onto the floor by rotating your pelvis upwards and bracing your core muscles (this is the starting position for this exercise that you need to hold throughout the movement).
Start the exercise by extending your left leg, straightening at the knee and hip and bringing the leg down to just above the floor (don’t let your lower back arch).
At the same time, lower your right arm back to just above the floor.
Keep your abdominal and gluteal muscles tightened and return your left leg and right arm to the starting position.
Repeat with your right leg and left arm.

Back Extensions

Lie face down on a mat and place the hands on the floor or behind the head (more advanced).
Contract the abs and keep them contracted throughout the exercise.
Squeeze the back to lift the chest a few inches off the floor.
Lower and repeat.

Knee-to-Chest Stretches

Lie on the back with both legs flat against the floor.
Lift the right leg, bending the knee toward the chest.
Use both hands to pull the right knee toward the chest.
Hold the right knee against the chest for several seconds.
Return to the starting position.
Repeat with the left leg and then return to the starting position.

Kneeling Back Stretches

Begin the exercise on the hands and knees, positioning the knees hip-width apart, with the shoulders directly over the hands.
Round the back, pulling the belly button up toward the spine and tilting the lower back toward the floor. Hold the position for 5 seconds.
Rock gently backward, lowering the buttocks as close as possible to the heels. Ensure that the arms are stretched out in front. Hold the position for 5 seconds.
Rock gently back up to the starting position.

Modified Seat Side Straddle

Sit on the floor with one leg extended to the side and the other leg bent.
Keep your back straight and bend from your hips toward the foot of your straight leg. Reach your hands toward your toes and hold for 5 seconds.
Slowly round your spine and bring your hands to your shin or ankle.
Bring your head down as close to your knee as possible.
Hold for 30 seconds and then relax for 30 seconds.
Repeat on the other side.

Next Steps:

It’s been said that we don’t get old and stiff, we get stiff then old.

The fundamental takeaway from our list of ways to prevent a herniated disc is that It’s much easier to keep your spine moving than to get your spine moving, and our practice is here to help you stay active, healthy, and happy!

If you’re ready to get serious about your spinal health or you’re looking for non-surgical spinal disc treatment in Denver, reach out to us today to schedule a visit whether it’s been awhile since your last adjustment or it’s time for your first.

Our expert team will work with you to assess your movement and create a plan of action to keep you pain-free and at the top of your game for years to come.

Our doors are open, and we’re here for you!

The 3 Most Common Injuries We See With Car Accidents

he-3-Most-Common-Injuries-We-See-With-Collision-Accidents

Bottom Line:

Whether you are just driving to work or taking a big family vacation, an unexpected car accident can cause painful injuries that impact you for months and years to come.

The weight of your vehicle combined with motion and speed can create a tremendous amount of force.

Even low-speed collisions can generate enough force to cause significant injury.

Whatever the details, one thing remains true…

That force gets transferred directly to your body!

If you’ve recently been in an auto accident, the first thing you should do is make an appointment with a chiropractor specializing in collision accident injuries in Denver.

The violent forces that occur during an auto accident can cause damage to your spinal discs, ligaments, tendons, and bones-even at “low” speeds.

Most common injuries after a collision accident happen because your head is whipped backward and forward very quickly.

This rapid back and forth motion frequently results in ligament tearing and spinal disc injuries.

Symptoms such as neck pain, back pain, headaches, confusion, and even depression may indicate that you’ve suffered a whiplash injury.

Why it Matters:

You may be surprised to learn that shoulder injuries are some of the most common injuries after a collision accident in addition to whiplash.

Your shoulder is one of the most complex parts of your body and is made up of a collection of bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles.

If you are the driver and have your hands on the wheel at the time of the crash, the sudden force created by the accident can lead to a torn rotator cuff.

Seat belt related injuries are also some of the most common injuries after a collision accident.

Your seat belt can irritate impingement syndromes in the shoulder and contribute to other spinal injuries.

That said, remember this.

Seat belts save millions of lives each year and should absolutely be used every time you enter a vehicle.

In addition to head and shoulder injuries, a sudden stop or change in direction during an accident can also place a tremendous force on your chest.

What’s more, since your arms and legs are more than likely unsecured, they can strike the interior of your car, causing additional injuries.

Common Injuries After a Collision Accident

So, here are a few of the most common reasons we recommend you see a chiropractor specializing in collision accident injuries in Denver after any collision accident.

Head Injuries: Striking your head against the steering wheel, dashboard, or window can result in a severe head injury such as a concussion (which is considered a mild traumatic brain injury).
Spinal Injuries: The forces that occur during a car accident can cause spinal injuries like instability, whiplash, or herniated discs.
Arm or Leg Injuries: Injuries to your shoulders (if you’re holding the wheel) or your knees (if they hit the door or dashboard) are very common after a car accident.

Next Steps:

Ignoring any injury, whether it’s on our list of the most common injuries after a collision accident or not, is not a good idea.

If you’re in a car accident, no matter how minor, it’s important to get evaluated.

Taking the right action steps as quickly as possible can make a huge difference in your overall well-being and healing.

In fact, the injuries sustained in most accidents can be treated conservatively, and many don’t require surgery.

Research has shown chiropractic care to be very effective at treating injuries like neck and back pain, headaches, whiplash injuries, and extremity issues.

If you’re searching for a chiropractor specializing in collision accident injuries in Denver know that our doors are open and our expert team is here to help, right now.

We’re focused on relieving pain, restoring mobility, and supporting long-term healing, and we specialize in treating most all of the common injuries after a collision accident.

A complete evaluation is how we determine the extent of your injuries and begin your journey towards recovery.

What’s more, our practice’s evaluation process and assessment tools can help us fully document your injuries for your records, your medical doctor’s records, your insurance providers records, and, when needed, your attorney’s records.

Then with a combination of conservative treatments designed specifically for you, we can help you find relief as quickly, safely, and naturally as possible.

Science Source:

The Impact of Musculoskeletal Injuries Sustained in Traffic Crashes. BMC. 2018.

Spinal Disc Health 101: The Proven Benefits of Proactive Care

Spinal disc 101

“Move it or lose it!”

I’m not really sure where that started, but it wouldn’t surprise me if the person who originally coined that phrase was a chiropractor… thinking about spinal disc health and proactive care.

Seriously, It seems that so many of us just don’t realize movement can and is often the best medicine for the spine!

Did you know that our spinal discs actually don’t have a good blood supply running to and through them to help keep them healthy?

It’s actually movement – yes, movement – that drives the uptake of the vital fluids, oxygen, and nutrients that our discs need to maintain their optimal structure.

Bottom Line:

We’ve said it once, and we’ll say it again – absolutely no one has time for back pain.

After all, not many things can sideline you like a nagging, persistent, seemingly ever growing pain in and around your spine – you know, the core structure of your body that holds you upright and allows you to bend, twist, and move!

Every day, those tiny but mighty discs between the bones of your spine are absorbing the stress related to gravity, your posture, and your movement patterns.

Over time, this stress can cause wear and tear to your discs that can become painful when left unchecked.

Perhaps that’s why another chiropractor coined the saying “You’re only as old as your spine.”

It’s one we certainly use frequently being the go-to chiropractor for herniated discs in Denver.

A strong spine fortified with strong spinal discs will help you keep that back pain at bay.

And the good news is that spinal disc health and proactive care go hand in hand.

There are a few key ways you can keep your discs healthy from the comfort of your own home… starting today!

Why it Matters:

Not surprisingly, movement and exercise are perhaps the best ways to approach spinal disc health and proactive care.

There’s really no wrong way to get your daily dose of movement, but you will want to do what you can to ensure you’re moving well.

After all, you don’t want to trade one type of back pain for another!

Spinal Disc Health and Proactive Care

Each day, try to stay active, move your spine through its full range of motion, and, as always, be cautious about sitting for hours on end.

If you do have to sit for long periods, try to change positions every 15 minutes. And if you have to work at a computer for hours at a time and you have the option, bring in a standing desk.

These small steps can help both reduce stress on your discs and engage the small muscles supporting your spine – both of which are essential for disc health.

Also, when it comes to spinal disc health and proactive care, something we feel the need to stress based on what we’ve seen first-hand as the go-to local chiropractor for herniated discs in [your city / town / neighborhood] is to always, always mind your posture.

The combination of inactivity and long periods in an unbalanced posture can wreak havoc on your spinal discs.

Here are a few other easy adjustments you can make to proactively protect your discs:

● Practice safe lifting. Improperly lifting any object of any size places undue stress on your spine. Remember to avoid bending while lifting, to use your legs rather than your back, to use a buddy when needed, and to always try to hold items close to your body.

● Exercise consistently. In addition to getting that daily dose of movement, incorporating exercises designed to improve the strength and flexibility of the muscles in your core and back that support the spine can make all the difference to your spinal health.

● Rethink your sleeping position. On top of minding what we’ll call your daytime posture, it’s important to do the same when you sleep. Aim to avoid sleeping on your stomach and make sure to replace old or worn out mattresses when needed.

● Rethink your shoes. High-heeled shoes in particular can make it harder to maintain proper posture.

● De-stress regularly. Be sure to find time to relax and unwind so the stress of the day doesn’t turn into physical tension in your neck, shoulders, and back.

Next Steps:

As you can probably tell from that list, keeping your spinal discs healthy is one of the best things you can do to reduce your risk of experiencing neck or back pain.

If you spend long hours at the computer, you’ll want to take proactive steps to counteract that stress.

When it comes to spinal disc health and proactive care, following the steps outlined above is a great place to start.

Keeping up on those adjustments and regularly checking in with our expert team is even better, especially if you’re looking for a chiropractor for herniated discs in Denver.

And get this. Adjustments are actually a great way to help your muscles relax.

When a muscle is stretched quickly, the nerves in the muscle respond by causing the muscle to relax. This reflex protects the muscles from tearing during any quick stretch.

A chiropractic adjustment does not go nearly deep enough to risk tearing muscles, and it activates those same nerve impulses that make the muscles relax.

So, whether it’s been some time since your last adjustment or you’re ready for your first, we hope you’ll give us a call.

We’d be happy to work with you to keep your spinal discs healthy for years to come!

Science Source:

Disc Changes Associated with Prolonged Sitting. PMR. 2014.

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