Playing in the Leaves is Fun, Raking Can Be More than a Chore

Raking leaves is one of those one-sided, repetitive activities that could upset the usual, happy balance in our backs.  Muscles in our back fire in unison to maintain our posture and allow us to do work, but toil in a manner that overworks one side, and this could lead to a real stiff back.

• First, beware working predominantly on one side of the body, like when raking, digging, loading the dishwasher, placing groceries in your car, or putting a child into a car seat.  If you are raking or digging, try to periodically switch the side of your body, where you are working. If you are raking, specifically, alternate between raking front to back and side to side (across your body), to prevent any one group of muscles from fatiguing.
• Split loading activities like packing the car’s truck or bagging those colorful leaves into separate squatting and bending movements.  Avoiding motions that simultaneously twist and bend the low back can help you steer clear of back pain.  Bending and rotating at the same time puts the spine in a position of weakness and increases the chances of injury – this is the mechanism that leads to many disc injuries.
• When bending or lifting, bend your knees to lift with your legs.  The legs are the strongest muscles in your body and using the legs can save your back.

If you should happen to upset the delicate balance of muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons that allow for all our movements, remember I’m here at Matthews Chiropractic Center to help make everything work better again.  And, if just the thought of raking your leaves makes your back ache and pain-free is not your status quo, then chiropractic care could be your remedy.

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I hope that my adjustments helped them rest easier and prepare for the last leg of their walk.  What wonderful efforts the walkers made to expand awareness, fund raise, and demonstrate their support through 39 miles of walking over two days to combat breast cancer.

Visit the Avon Foundation site to learn more and show your support.

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Pay Attention to What is Causing Your Pain

Muscle injuries can often become worse within 12 to 24 hours, so when we feel some minor pain, pulling, or tightness this could be the signal to back off. If your are working and lifting or move incorrectly and feel a twinge of pain or something pop, then stop and take it easy. Those who soldier on and figure that it will be okay, many times are the same folks who come crawling in wondering what caused their pain.

Treat With Heat Later, Not First

While it initially feels good and often loosens in the short term, using heat (heating pad, hot bath/shower, hot tub) should be avoided within the first 48 hours after an injury to the low back. If your pain is strong and you are having a hard time finding a comfortable position, try to lie on your back (on a firm surface) with your knees bent. Some patients are comfortable lying on a couch with their legs hanging over the arm (bent knee position).

Some basic tips to follow:

1. Do not use heat
2. Apply ice for 20mins each hour (paper towel between ice & skin)
3. Avoid strong or excessive (painful) stretching
4. Rest in a comfortable position, try to walk slowly periodically
5. Present to Matthews Chiropractic Center for chiropractic care

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Blood Pressure Study

The pilot study involved patients with early-stage high blood pressure randomized into groups to receive a chiropractic adjustment to the upper cervical spine or a sham procedure. Patient’s were examined to determine if there was a misalignment of the Atlas (first vertebra at the top of the spine) and manipulation was used to correct the position of the vertebra in the test group. During the 8-week study, no medications were given to either group to help lower blood pressure.

At the end of the 8-week pilot study, statistically significant changes were seen in systolic and diastolic pressure compared to the placebo group. (When checking blood pressure, systolic blood pressure is the top number and diastolic is the bottom number measured.) On average, patients who got the real procedure exhibited 14 mm Hg greater drop in systolic blood pressure and 8 mm Hg greater drop in diastolic pressure, than the sham-group. No adverse reactions to the treatments were noted and at week 8, most of the improvements in blood pressure were maintained. The results that were seen in the study were considered to be similar to benefits from taking a combination of two drugs for HTN.

A Piece of the Puzzle, Chiropractic Care

The study leader noted that he was prompted to start this study when a fellow physician, noticed an interesting trend in his family practice. The doctor had been referring some of his patients to a chiropractor and some of them had high blood pressure. When his patients returned for follow-up, he found that their blood pressure had returned to normal and some were able to stop taking medications to reduce their high blood pressure.

Correct positioning of the Atlas vertebra is important for proper functioning in the neck and throughout the body. Patients with headache and neck pain often have trouble with alignment at this level of the spine. When the Atlas is out of alignment, there can be consequences beyond high blood pressure. Further, if people do have HTN, this is a possible indication that the spine is not aligned properly.

Having the spine checked for misalignments can be the first step in helping to reduce aches, pains, and many other health problems. For further information please contact our offices for an appointment and let us help you to better health.

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