As you know, the postural problems from spending time at computers and on phones is becoming an epidemic. No one wants that “hunched over” look, or the neck and mid back pain that come with it. These two simple exercises can help. As always, use common sense and make sure they are right for you by checking with a doctor first.
Our Denver Chiropractor says that just about everyone says they need to stretch their hip flexors more effectively, especially those with back pain. In this video we show you 3 simple and very effective variations of the traditional half-kneeling hip flexor stretch. Of course, use common sense and check with a doctor first to make sure this is right for you.
You can see this on vimeo here: https://vimeo.com/531495610
We’re always looking to combine exercises in a way that improves muscular endurance, core strength and general coordination. And of course, the less equipment the better. Here we review the dumbbell clean & press. As always make sure this is right for you (use common sense) and check with a doctor first.
In this video, we walk you through two fundamental and crucial core training skills. Think of it as Core training 101. As always, use common sense and make sure this is right for you. Check with a doctor first.
What You Need to Know About Delayed Pain After a Car Accident
Bottom Line:
If you can walk away after a car accident without any catastrophic injuries, you may consider yourself lucky! Even if you feel ok after exchanging information and speaking with the police, it’s always a good idea to see a Chiropractor following an auto accident. With your adrenaline pumping in the aftermath, your brain may not immediately register the pain signals coming from your body. Often only after you’ve had some time to calm down do you notice you may be struggling with aches and pains.
Why it Matters:
Ignoring a new ache or pain after a car accident and hoping it will go away is not smart. Even minor symptoms can be an indication of a more significant problem.
Receiving a complete and thorough evaluation is critical to discovering any injuries early on so that you can receive the best care and treatment to put those injuries in the rearview mirror as quickly as possible.
The following symptoms often have a delayed onset and may not appear for hours (or even days!) after an auto accident:
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 minutes after the event. It takes time for swelling and inflammation to begin, and if you notice pain hours or days after your auto accident, don’t dismiss it. Get a proper evaluation as soon as you can. Doing so has the potential to make a massive difference in your quality of life! We can help you with a full exam (including Xrays), Chiropractic Care, Active Release Techniques and Targeted Rehab protocols.
Science Source(s):
Whiplash. WebMD. 2019.
Whiplash: How These Injuries Can Cause Chronic Pain
Bottom Line:
Whiplash injuries used to be considered “no big deal’, but times have changed. Doctors now know that whiplash can cause lifelong pain and disability if not treated properly. During a car accident, the head often suddenly moves forward and backward with a tremendous amount of force. Even low-speed collisions can generate enough force to injure the delicate ligaments in your neck that support your head.
Why it Matters:
When you experience a whiplash injury, your head and neck extend beyond their normal range of motion. This can create partial tears or other damage to the muscles and ligaments around your spine and injure the spinal disc, nerves, or muscles. A few key indicators that you may have suffered a whiplash injury include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, dizziness, pain into your arms/shoulders, or limited range of motion.
Next Steps:
Receiving the proper diagnosis and care after a car accident can help reduce your likelihood of struggling with a lifetime of chronic neck pain. Our practice is focused on accurately assessing, documenting, and treating people who have been involved in a car accident. We’d ready to help you regain your quality of life as quickly and safely as possible! Just call 303.300.0424
Science Source(s):
The Association Between a Lifetime History of a Neck Injury in a Motor Vehicle Collision and Future Neck Pain. European Spine Journal. 2010.
A recent comment on our Facebook page prompted us to make this video. Here’s the comment: “Given so many people are currently working from home, with non-ergonomic work station set ups … would love to learn your recommendations on how to counteract that!”
Here’s another new video on strengthening the hips (and core and shoulders) with a banded side plank / clamshell. The band is from Insonder and can be found at various online retailers. As always use common sense, make sure this is right for you and check with a doctor first.. Click on the image below to watch it on our vimeo page
Is There a Perfect Posture?
Bottom Line:
“Sit up straight and stop slouching!”You’ve likely heard this since childhood, but is there such a thing as perfect posture? The answer is a bit complicated. The latest research shows that it may be more important to think about a “balanced” or “dynamic” posture than perfect posture, and we’re also discovering that our ability to change positions and move may be more critical than our static position while standing or sitting.
Why it Matters:
Your posture is made up of a dynamic pattern of responses, reflexes, and habits,not a single position. Gravity, your work environment, and your anatomy all play a role. For instance, sitting for hours on end staring at a computer screen is a perfect example of an imbalanced and challenged posture as a result of ergonomics. Over time,this imbalance can lead to forward head posture, which can cause pain andeven degenerative changes inyour joints. Forward head posture affects millions of people who spend their days using computers. It places stress on the neck and shouldersand weakensthe supporting muscles.
Next Steps:
Strength and flexibility play a significant role in your posture. Having good core strength and balancing that strength with flexibility can help you dynamically adapt to your environment. While “perfect” posture may not exist, each one of us has an opportunity to improve our strength, flexibility, and ergonomics to reduce our likelihood of experiencing pain.
If you spend your days looking at a computer, let us know. We’ll be happy to recommend a care plan to help you balance the effects of all that screen time.
Science Source(s):Effects of Lower Trapezius Strengthening Exercises on Pain, Dysfunction, Posture Alignment, Muscle Thickness, and Contraction Rate in Patients with Neck Pain; Randomized Controlled Trial. Medical Science Monitor 2020
While there may not currently be a cure for “the virus,” certain simple steps can help.