Category: Wellness & Fitness

Every year, hundreds if not thousands of people suffer some type of lower back injury. This often requires a visit to their Sterling chiropractor as a result of gardening or doing some other type of yard work. This happens a lot in the spring when people are anxious to get outside and tend to their yards after months of being penned indoors by the winter season.

It is relatively easy to injure your back, especially if you are moving heavy objects around the yard. While good chiropractic care is always one of the first things you should do after receiving such an injury, you also want to consider the fact that chiropractic care, that occurs on a fairly regular basis, may help to curb some of these injuries in the first place as does following some common safety precautions when you are working in your yard.

There are a number of tips that can help you when it comes to preventing back injuries while you are working in your yard. Perhaps one of the most important things to remember is that in most cases the more fit you are, the less likely you are to suffer an injury of this type. Fitness is a good idea in any case, and this is especially true when you are performing any type of rigorous physical activity. Good muscle tone and flexibility will go a long way toward helping you stay healthy and free from back injuries that can be very painful.

In addition, you always want to lift properly. Always lift with your knees, and keep your feet in front of you approximately a shoulder length apart. Whatever you do, never lift with your back. This is one of the primary reasons that people receive back injuries in the first place. Another thing you can do to reduce your chances of injuring your back is to use tools that work well for you. If you are an individual with a smaller build, you need to use smaller tools and try not to move things that are too heavy without help.

Of course, if you do feel tightness in your back or you have had an especially hard day, you can typically relieve much of the tension by icing the muscles appropriately. If you prefer, you may want to alternate ice and heat in order to reduce inflammation and then relax the muscles. Ensure that you do not apply ice directly to the skin and that you use caution when applying heat.

It is always a good idea to visit your chiropractor on a regular basis even if you are not currently experiencing any problems. This can prevent you from suffering a back injury or some other type of injury while you are working in your yard. In the event that you do suffer an injury, visiting Alternative Wellness Clinic in Sterling can be an integral part of the recovery process. Working in your yard and getting ready for spring is something that most people enjoy, but it is also something that you should do carefully in order to ensure that you do not injure yourself. Be safe and contact us with any questions you may have.

At Alternative Wellness Clinic our team is here to help answer your questions.  Please feel free to contact us today.

Are you suffering from lower back pain in Sterling? Lower back pain is a common complaint for those that sit for long periods of time. A majority of employees work from a desk and are unable to move around throughout the day. Chiropractors at our chiropractic clinic in Sterling have often urged those who sit for long periods of time that they need to get up and move around.

Recently the American Medical Association has recognized this issue and has implemented ways to change this problem for employees. They have recently urged employers to make alternative arrangements for employees so that they will not suffer from lower back pain due to sitting.

A Nation of Obese Sitters

Unfortunately sitting for long periods of time has caused many people to become obese and have health related problems. There are too many activities that the average person participates in that requires sitting.   Whether you are eating, watching television, working, playing a video game, driving, or browsing the internet you’re probably sitting.

Research at Duke University concluded that employees with a BMI of over 40 filed twice as many workers compensation claims. This research also concluded that their medical bills were 7 percent higher than those with a lower BMI, and that they were likely to miss work 13 times more than the average worker who did not suffer from obesity.

Tools To Help Fight The Sitting Epidemic

The American Heart Association is promoting a new device to help combat obesity by stopping people from sitting for long periods of time. This device is a phone app that is called Hotseat and was created by Fran Melmed. This app works by setting the device to sync with a person’s work schedule. The app can be set to allow the user to have various 2 minute breaks throughout the day.

Another useful tool that has been implemented is called the treadmill desk to help lower back pain. The treadmill desk is part of the employees work station as they will be able to continue to work while exercising on the treadmill. Other ways to lessen the chances of lower back pain is to take walks after meals and park further away from your door at work.

For more information or questions please feel free to contact our chiropractic team at Alternative Wellness Clinic today.

Who in Sterling doesn’t take pride in working hard and reaching their goals?  Regardless of the situation, it is human nature to enjoy the accolades that come with seeing results. In this day and age however, it is almost as though just reaching goals is not enough.  We have to reach our goals FASTER!  There are several reasons why “fast” is not necessarily the appropriate speed to obtain your goals, in fact racing toward results could actually hinder rather than help. Contact our Sterling chiropractic office to learn more.

How many times have we all heard the same story?  Someone resolves to “get in shape”.  They buy the gear, the shoes, the gym membership.  They head to the gym one, two, or several more times.  They have grandiose dreams of a perfect body and want it after the first few trips.

The reality of the matter is they fail to properly prepare for the exercise program, they over do it the first few trips, they end up being sore for days or self inflicting an injury causing even longer delays and potential medical bills.  The goal of beginning an exercise program and getting into shape is often never realized because those that have set the goal are trying to rush the process, exercising harder and not smarter.

How To Exercise Smarter

So what does exercising smarter entail?  That is a simple answer, TAKE IT SLOW!  If you have not been exercising your body is capable of doing only a little bit of exercise before it becomes strained and sore. Additionally, even if you have been exercising for some time, you should not increase the intensity of your workout drastically because you risk the same soreness and potential injury.  Rushing yourself will most likely result in injury and keep you from slow steady progress that will lead to you reaching your goals.

Exercise for Life

The smartest exercise strategy is slow, gradual and long-term, depending upon your age and current fitness level.  It may be wise to begin with a walking program, gradually increasing your pace and length of the walk over time.  An exercise program should not be something you tackle for a few weeks or months.  It should be a lifelong healthy habit.

The same slow, gradual approach should be used regardless of the type of exercise you are performing.  If you are using weights, doing pilates or yoga, it is wise to take it very slow at first.   Always listen to what your body is telling you, less is more in the long run.  If you are consistent you will begin to notice amazing results like increased energy levels, better posture and flexibility, healthier complexion, and a more restful sleep.

Chiropractic – Another Smart Decision!

Chiropractic care in Sterling is a great complement to any exercise program.  As you exercise and increase your strength and fitness levels you may suffer minor injuries that go unnoticed.  Regular chiropractic care can aid in preventing potential injuries or speeding the healing process through increased joint mobility. Most injuries that occur are the result of tight muscles and poor flexibility. Chiropractic care helps restore and maintain joint flexibility in your spine allowing it to handle the physical demands of regular exercise.   Chiropractic should be an integral part of any exercise program.

Just Exercise Smarter.

Don’t wait until you have an injury to start chiropractic care!  Call our dedicated team at Alternative Wellness Clinic today with any questions you might have.