Monday, September 26, 2016

Good Posture Helps Reduce Back Pain


Correct posture is a simple but very important way to keep the intricate structures in the back and spine healthy. Good posture and back support are critical to reducing the incidence and severity of back and neck pain.

The first step in correcting your posture is to examine it throughout the day to identify what needs improvement. Next, work on changing daily habits to correct those areas. Your effort will improve back support and gradually help decrease back pain. It will take some effort and perseverance, but over time the new posture will seem natural and more comfortable.

The Following are some guidelines for how to achieve good posture: 


Sitting Posture for Office Chairs:
  • Be sure your back is aligned against the back of the office chair. Avoid slouching or leaning forward, especially when tired from sitting for long periods.
  • When sitting at a desk, your arms should be exed at a 75- to 90-degree angle at the elbows.
  • Your knees should be even with your hips, or slightly higher.
  • Keep both of your feet at on the floor.


    Driving Posture:

    • Sit with your back firmly against the seat.
    • Your seat should be a proper distance from the pedals and steering wheel to avoid leaning forward or reaching.
    • Your headrest should support the middle of your head to keep it upright. Tilt the headrest forward if possible to make sure that the head-to- headrest distance is not more than four inches.

      Posture and Ergonomics While Lifting and Carrying:

    • Always bend at your knees, not your waist.
    • Use the large leg and stomach muscles for lifting, not your lower back.
    • When carrying a heavy or large object, keep it close to your chest.
    • When carrying a backpack or purse, keep it as light as possible and balance the weight on both sides as much as possible, or alternate from side to side.

    Standing and Walking Posture:

    • Stand with your weight mostly on the balls of the feet, not on your heels.
    • Keep your feet about shoulder width apart and avoid locking your knees.
    • Stand straight and
      tall with shoulders upright—not slouched or hunched forward—and let your arms hang naturally down the sides of your body.

    • Be sure your head is square on top of your spine, not pushed out forward.
    • If standing for a long period of time, shift your weight from one foot to the other or rock from heels to toes.
    • When walking, keep your head up and eyes looking straight ahead. 


      Learn more:
      www.spine-health.com/wellness/ergonomics/posture-straighten-your-back

      Call ABChiropractic Family & Wellness in St. Charles Missouri at 636-916-0660 to schedule your no obligation consultation and examination with Dr. Awwad.  We offer promotions for New Patients, so ask! 


Monday, September 12, 2016

Chiropractic Treatments for Whiplash

Because each individual case of whiplash is different, it is not possible to generalize about the chiropractic whiplash treatment.

The appropriate chiropractic treatment is unique to each whiplash injury and is directed at the primary dysfunctions detected during the chiropractic exam.
However, chiropractors commonly employ different chiropractic treatments for whiplash, often including:
  • Manipulation
  • Muscle relaxation and/or stimulation
  • Various exercises
  • Ergonomic and lifestyle changes.
This article explains when, why and how chiropractors may employ these whiplash treatments for neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain and other related symptoms.

Chiropractic Manipulation for Whiplash

The primary whiplash treatment for joint dysfunction, spinal manipulation involves the chiropractor gently moving the involved joint into the direction in which it is restricted.
Also known as a chiropractic adjustment, spinal manipulation may involve the application of a short thrust in that direction. In many cases, instead of a thrust, a slow mobilizing movement is used by the chiropractor.

Muscle Relaxation or Stimulation as Whiplash Treatments

The chiropractor's primary whiplash treatment for related muscle dysfunction, muscle relaxation and/or stimulation consist of gentle stretches to the muscle that has excessive tension or repeated contractions of the muscle that is inhibited.
If the muscle is very tight, a more vigorous stretch may be applied by the chiropractor. Gentle finger pressure techniques may be applied to trigger points to relieve the pain associated with the tight muscles.

McKenzie Exercises and Stabilization/Sensorimotor Activities

Chiropractors may employ different types of exercises, including McKenzie exercises and/or stabilization and sensorimotor exercises, to help treat patients with whiplash injuries.
McKenzie exercises are specifically designed to reduce disc derangement related to a whiplash injury. They consist of simple movements that are initially done in the office but make for an easy transition to self-care at home. McKenzie exercises also help the patient take an active role in his or her own recovery.
Mobilization and sensorimotor exercise approaches are designed to correct faulty movement patterns in routine activities and everyday life. Such whiplash treatment trains the nervous system to better coordinate and control movement patterns, and improves the ability of the neck muscles to maintain stability of the neck.
These exercises are designed to help in a major trauma, such as a fall or whiplash during a motor vehicle accident, or in "micro trauma" from simple things such as being jostled in a crowd, playing sports or performing occupational or home jobs that require physical effort.

Chiropractic Advice on Ergonomic and Lifestyle Changes

These whiplash treatment suggestions stress improvements for performing everyday activities with minimal strain to the body. The chiropractic advice addresses factors in an individual’s work, home or recreational activities that perpetuate the dysfunctions that result from the whiplash accident.
Additionally, spine care professionals at the chiropractic clinic may teach the patient better "use of self" and, if necessary, stress reduction methods to help chiropractic problems.

Whiplash Treatment in Chiropractic 

h specific problem may include one or more of these approaches and may involve others as well.The whiplash treatment plan developed by the chiropractor for each specific problem may include one or more of these approaches and may involve others as well.The whiplash treatment plan developed by the chiropractor for each specific problem may include one or more of these approaches and may involve others as well.

In addition to his or her whiplash treatment plan, the doctor of chiropractic might give a referral to another health professional, such as a medical specialist, if it is deemed appropriate.
  • Research and locate chiropractors in your area that can help alleviate your back and neck pain.

    Preventing Chronic Pain from Whiplash

    After sustaining whiplash injuries, it is fairly common for people to suffer from chronic neck pain. A chiropractor can detect certain factors in a patient’s history and chiropractic exam to better determine patients who may be more susceptible to chronic pain from a whiplash injury.
    This process will help the doctor of chiropractic identify when aggressive preventative measures should be taken for patients who may be at a greater risk of developing chronic neck pain from whiplash injuries.

    Chiropractic Treatment Approach to Whiplash Injuries

    The chiropractor’s general approach to managing the patient’s chiropractic care is critical to the success of preventing chronic pain from whiplash injuries.
    • In the early stages of management, it is very important for the chiropractor to rapidly reduce the patient’s neck pain, back pain and/or other symptoms.
    • Soon after, the chiropractor’s whiplash treatment must be shifted toward restoration of the patient’s function. This means helping the patient return to work, home and recreational activities as soon as possible after sustaining the whiplash injuries. This process may involve a gradual transition to these activities, even if the patient is not sure that he or she can engage in them fully.

      • Restoring confidence after a whiplash injury on the part of the patient in his or her ability to get back to normal activity levels is also important for rehabilitation.
      • Exercise, both for the purpose of correcting faulty movement patterns and instability, and for general fitness, is important in this effort to treat whiplash injuries. 
      Teaching the patient the nature of chronic pain (that "hurt does not necessarily mean harm") and placing focus on those activities the patient can do, rather than those he or she cannot, are major parts of chronic pain and disability prevention after whiplash injuries.
      Chiropractors integrate the strategies explained above to develop the most effective approach for recovering from a whiplash injury and preventing future episodes of back pain.
      Whiplash is an injury to the cervical region of the spine when a great force causes the neck to go beyond its normal range of motion. The spinal vertebrae, ligaments, and muscles may be injured by this force, causing neck pain, headaches, neck stiffness, and/or cognitive difficulties such as dizziness or trouble concentrating. These symptoms may appear immediately or after a few days.
    Call ABChiropractic Family & Wellness in St. Charles Missouri, 63303 at 636-916-0660 to schedule your no out of pocket cost for evaluation for your whiplash injuries.