Top 10 Reasons for Preventing Lower Back Pain

Recently reading the June 2011 issue of the health magazine, "to your health" I came across some tips about preventing lower back pain, put out by the American Chiropractic Association. Lower back pain is a common condition suffered by many of my patients. Whether from a car accident, bad ergonomics at work, a fall or arthritis in the lumbar spine. My patients always want to know ways of keeping a healthy back.

• Maintain a healthy diet, keeping your weight at the optimal level.
  
• Warm up before exercising is recommended especially stretching. Even simple activities such as shoveling snow or gardening should be started first with stretches.
  
• Wear comfortable footwear such as low heeled shoes.
  
• Sleep on a comfortable mattress that does not sag. Medium firmness is important to minimize curvature in the spine
  
• Lifting with your knees and keeping the objects close to your body is a smart way to lift any object. Also avoid twisting motions while lifting.
  
• Don't have prolonged periods of inactivity or bed rest. Maintaining an active life through regular exercise is important.
  
• Avoid habits such as smoking. It impairs blood flow depriving spinal tissues of oxygen and important nutrients
  
• Maintain proper posture
  
• Make sure your computer workstation is ergonically correct. Work with your Dr of Chiropractor to maintain proper alignment, and use lumbar supports if necessary while sitting
  

Additional Reading Resources

• I get pain when its bad weather outside, does that make any sense?
  
• Heat Vs Cold for Lower Back Pain Relief
  
• What Kind of Back Brace Will Work for My Body?
  
• Lower Back Pain Relief
  
• Lose the Back Pain System
  
• Non Surgical Spinal Decompression in Connecticut
• Contact the Glastonbury Chiropractor
  

The Glastonbury Chiropractor is located in central Connecticut- CT Spine and Disc Center specializes in patients who suffer from sciatica, disc degeneration, bulging disc or herniated disc in the lumbar spine. Call our chiropractic office at 860-633-8756 to schedule an appointment and to see if you are a candidate for non surgical spinal decompression

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Ask your Chiropractor: “Everything in Moderation”

I often get questions about taking too much of this or too much of that, eating or drinking this or that, doing this or that. For the most part, the answer seems to be “in moderation.” For example, is a cup of coffee or two a day okay? Or is a glass of wine every night okay? For these two examples, the answer is it’s just fine, and in a lot of cases good for you. You also have to consider what else is in it or what you are drinking out of etc … there are many factors. Here’s what I mean …


Are you putting sweet-n-low in your daily coffee? Are you heating it up in the microwave in your plastic cup? Just other things to consider. But here is the deal- you can’t exactly worry about everything! There are a lot of toxins you are going to take in everyday from the environment, the best thing to do is try to minimize them. Try to do as many healthy things as you can, or use a healthier alternative when you can. Often I find our answer in the term “moderation.” Instead of 4 cups of coffee a day how about 2, instead of a can of diet coke at lunch how about water, instead of taking a drug to cover up your back pain how about seeing your chiropractor. Remember, anytime you have a question regarding your health don’t be afraid to ask your chiropractor.


Additional Reading Resources

• Glastonbury Chiropractor Helps with Back Pain, Neck Pain and Headaches
  
• An effective treatment for Serious Excruciating Back Pain
  
• Non Surgical Spinal Decompression in Connecticut
• Contact the Glastonbury Chiropractor
  
• 100 Healthy Raw Snacks and Treats
  

The Glastonbury Chiropractor is located in central Connecticut- CT Spine and Disc Center specializes in patients who suffer from sciatica, disc degeneration, bulging disc or herniated disc in the lumbar spine. Call our chiropractic office at 860-633-8756 to schedule an appointment and to see if you are a candidate for non surgical spinal decompression

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Chiropractic and Infertility

The Glastonbury Chiropractor is located in central Connecticut- CT Spine and Disc Center specializes in patients who suffer from sciatica, disc degeneration, bulging disc or herniated disc in the lumbar spine. Call our chiropractic office at 860-633-8756 to schedule an appointment and to see if you are a candidate for non surgical spinal decompression

Additional Reading Resources:

• Chiropractic- Glastonbury Chiropractic
  
• Treatment for Fibromyalgia: 43% Say they Prefer Alternative Therapies
  
• Consumer Reports Ranks Chiropractic #1
  
• Non Surgical Spinal Decompression in Connecticut
  
• Contact the Glastonbury Chiropractor

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Try Tai Chi for Pain and Stiffness

A recent study by University of North Carolina of the Arthritis Foundations Tai Chi Program showed that Tai Chi can do wonders for patients with arthritis and disability.
The researchers directed 354 participants to begin a twice weekly, one hour Tai Chi class. Half of these participants started immediately, half started 8 weeks later.
Before beginning the study all participants were examined for:

• balance
• lower body strength
• pain
• stiffness
• physical function
• other psychosocial factors

Eight weeks later, the results were quite dramatic! Those who had already started Tai Chi classes showed improvement in 5 areas:

• Pain
• Fatigue
• Stiffness
• Ability to carry out daily activities
• Increased sense of well being.
  

Lead author, Dr. Leigh Callahan stated the benefits of Tai Chi would be even greater over the long term. “It gives people a certain awareness of their body and where it is in the surrounding space.”

So, if you suffer from arthritis and are looking for one way to ease your symptoms, join a Tai Chi class! It will do your body wonders, especially if you keep at it in the long term.

Source: Arthritis Today, April 2011


The Glastonbury Chiropractor is located in central Connecticut- CT Spine and Disc Center specializes in patients who suffer from sciatica, disc degeneration, bulging disc or herniated disc in the lumbar spine. Call our chiropractic office at 860-633-8756 to schedule an appointment and to see if you are a candidate for non surgical spinal decompression

Additional Reading Resources:

Neck exercises for chronic neck pain

Spinal Stenosis and Neck Arthritis. What is the Connection?

Non Surgical Spinal Decompression in Connecticut

Contact the Glastonbury Chiropractor

Arthritis Remedies- get rid of their pain reduce their swelling and improve their mobility

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Lower Your Diabetes Risk by Eating Dark Green Veggies!

I know, dark green leafy vegetables may not be on everyone’s favorite list of things to eat. Spinach, romaine, broccoli and kale sometimes get a bad rap. According to a recent study published in the British Medical Journal, these green veggies may help to lower your risk of Type II diabetes. I am always looking for things you can eat for your health that do not include medications, so this study definitely caught my eye.
The study showed that green leafy vegetables have 3 important factors:

• Antioxidants
  
  
• Fiber Content
  
  
• Omega 3 Fatty Acids
  

Source: Arthritis Today, April 2011

Additional Reading Resources

• Ease Arthritis Inflammation with a Purple Potato!
  
  
• Good In = Good Out, When it comes to your overall health as well as low back pain or sciatica!
  
  
• Fish Oil May Be Better Than Drugs For Preventing Heart Failure
  
  
• Our Vegetable Garden Secrets
  
  
• Successful Home Gardening
  

The Glastonbury Chiropractor is located in central Connecticut- CT Spine and Disc Center specializes in patients who suffer from sciatica, disc degeneration, bulging disc or herniated disc in the lumbar spine. Call our chiropractic office at 860-633-8756 to schedule an appointment and to see if you are a candidate for non surgical spinal decompression

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Ease Arthritis Inflammation with a Purple Potato!

PURPLE POTATOES

If you are an arthritis sufferer, this is an interesting and all-natural option to help reduce your arthritis inflammation. By adding this colorful food to your daily diet you can see amazing benefits in just a few weeks.

In a recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition, researchers have found that pigmented potatoes are shown to reduce C-reactive protein, an important biomarker for inflammation. In this 6 week study, 36 men aged 18-40 found that those who consumed more than 5 oz of purple potatoes a day had a 50% reduction in C-reactive protein. There was only a 35% reduction when eating yellow potatoes.

Source: Arthritis Today, May-June 2011.


The Glastonbury Chiropractor is located in central Connecticut- CT Spine and Disc Center specializes in patients who suffer from sciatica, disc degeneration, bulging disc or herniated disc in the lumbar spine. Call our chiropractic office at 860-633-8756 to schedule an appointment and to see if you are a candidate for non surgical spinal decompression

Additional Reading Resources:

• CT Spine About Us
  
• chiropractic for arthritis
  
• rehab products to help relieve arthritis
  
• Non Surgical Spinal Decompression in Connecticut
• Contact the Glastonbury Chiropractor

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Tips to Help Prevent Falls

Recently, one of my patients suffered a fall- a fall that she knew could have been prevented. She had left the dishwasher door open, went to grab the telephone and fell over the dishwasher door. Patients who have arthritis pain or even slight difficulty with balance have to be extra careful when it comes to preventing falls. A patient with arthritis may have difficulty with movement, especially when changing positions. Adding to the problem may be reduced strength, slower reflexes and decreased awareness of ones orientation.

In a recent article in Arthritis Today Magazine, 8 ways to reduce the risk of falls was discussed:

1. When walking, avoid multi-tasking
   
2. Exercise- aqua aerobics, tai chi, and walking are good forms of exercise.
   
3. Have your eyesight checked.
   
4. Check your medications- side effects can include dizziness or drowsiness.
   
5. Keep your home clutter-free. Secure mats and rugs.
   
6. Check the shoes you are wearing- be extra careful with flip flops and heels.
7. Watch where your pets are at all times.
   
8. Reorganize your home so you have easy access to particular areas of your house, for example your pantry.

Source: Arthritis Today Magazine, May-June 2011.


The Glastonbury Chiropractor is located in central Connecticut- CT Spine and Disc Center specializes in patients who suffer from sciatica, disc degeneration, bulging disc or herniated disc in the lumbar spine. Call our chiropractic office at 860-633-8756 to schedule an appointment and to see if you are a candidate for non surgical spinal decompression

Additional Reading Resources:

• Glastonbury Chiropractic
  
• Arthitis Cures
  
• AARP Website
  
• Non Surgical Spinal Decompression in Connecticut
• Contact the Glastonbury Chiropractor

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Acute Injury? -- Think ICE COLD...not heat for pain relief.

You recently bumped your big toe on the bed, and are jumping around frantically trying to get of the pain. With an injury like this, the first thing you may think of is "How do I get rid of this pain?" For the most part, a person will think of heat- heat will make it all better...NOT SO.

Icing an area, can be as simple as putting some ice cubes into a plastic bag, wrapping the ice pack in a towel and placing it on the area of pain. In the beginning, the ice pack will feel cold. In the next phase, you will feel a more burning sensation and ice will almost feel hot. This is then followed by an aching or throbbing sensation. Just before the area is numbed, a very sharp pain will be experienced followed by relief you are looking for. These phases can take 5-10 minutes to go through. Once you feel numbness in the area, you should remove the ice pack. Falling asleep with the ice pack can lead to frostbite.

The Glastonbury Chiropractor is located in central Connecticut- CT Spine and Disc Center specializes in patients who suffer from sciatica, disc degeneration, bulging disc or herniated disc in the lumbar spine. Call our chiropractic office at 860-633-8756 to schedule an appointment and to see if you are a candidate for non surgical spinal decompression

Additional Reading Resources:

• Using Hot and Cold Therapy for Pain Relief
  
• The Benefit of Electrotherapy used in Conjunction with the Chiropractic Adjustment
  
• Chiropractic Care for Neck Pain, Lower Back Pain and other acute injuries
  
• Non Surgical Spinal Decompression in Connecticut
  
• Contact the Glastonbury Chiropractor

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Treatment for Fibromyalgia: 43% Say they Prefer Alternative Therapies

A national survey of US Women with fibromyalgia revealed that 43% of them prefer treatment that is alternative in nature: chiropractic, massage, meditation and acupuncture.

In this blog we have talked a few times about the fibromyalgia. Most often it affects women, affecting 6-12 million americans. The condition can cause a multitude of symptoms such as neck pain, lower back pain, headaches, and leg cramps. Patients often have chronic widespread pain with particular tender points on the body. This leads to decreased physical function on a daily basis.

Treatment can be more towards the medical route or the more alternative route: The Medical route involves pain medications, muscle relaxers, sleep aids, anti-depressants and other medications. More and more patients are looking for solutions that do not involve drugs. Medications can affect a person’s mood, emotions, and ability to function on a daily basis. Worse, they can also negatively affect their ability to work or study.

According to Altmd.com, “current research suggests that fibromyalgia is a disorder of the central nervous system. People with fibromyalgia appear to have abnormalities in the chemical compounds (neurotransmitters) and transmit nerve impulses. Studies have also shown that on average, these patients have four times more nerve growth factor. This suggests that fibromyalgia is a issue that involves the increased hypersensitivity of the central nervous system.

Because of this hypersensitivity, using chiropractic as a therapy makes perfect sense. Chiropractic’s basis comes from the fact that an individuals health is controlled by the the state of ones central nervous system. A chiropractic adjustment has a major role in aligning the spine thus affecting the central nervous system ultimately.

This particular survey was conducted by WE FEEL (Women expressing fibromyalgia’s Effects their Everyday lives).

Additional Reading Resources

• Do I have fibromyalgia?
  
• What Does It Mean to Have Fibromyalgia?
  
• Dr.Oz Talks about Prescription Pain medication
  
• Glastonbury Chiropractor helps fibromyalgia patients with neck pain, headaches, low back pain and more
  
• Understanding why diet and exercise are an important factor in healing fibromyalgia
  

The Glastonbury Chiropractor is located in central Connecticut- CT Spine and Disc Center specializes in patients who suffer from sciatica, disc degeneration, bulging disc or herniated disc in the lumbar spine. Call our chiropractic office at 860-633-8756 to schedule an appointment and to see if you are a candidate for non surgical spinal decompression

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I can beat my pain !

Whatever you suffer, whether its neck pain, back pain, headaches, or something similar, you can get relief. I’ve seen a number of people who literally get worn out by their pain, sometimes giving up and accepting a life of mind-numbing medication and/or a sedentary life giving up certain activities.

The story of wrestler Anthony Robles reminded me that we really can achieve whatever we set our mind to. Anthony was born without his right leg. Did that stop him from going to Arizona State University and winning a national title in wrestling? -Nope!

His story reminded me that we can achieve our goal of getting healthy or getting rid of our headaches etc… You may even being saying to yourself right now: “My neck pain is nothing compared to being born without a leg.” So, when you’re discouraged about your neck or back pain, remember Anthony’s story, or something similar, and remember you can be pain free!

It’s easy to feel discouraged when you’re dealing with constant pain. But there are so many others in the world from whom we can draw inspiration when we too are in pain.

The Glastonbury Chiropractor is located in central Connecticut- CT Spine and Disc Center specializes in patients who suffer from sciatica, disc degeneration, bulging disc or herniated disc in the lumbar spine. Call our chiropractic office at 860-633-8756 to schedule an appointment and to see if you are a candidate for non surgical spinal decompression

Additional Reading Resources:

• Chronic Pain Can Be Treated Better with Collaberative Treatments, study shows
  
• Pain Relief Topical Gels
  
• Pain Relief for Neck pain, Low back pain, Midback Pain, & Headaches through natural Chiropractic treatment
  
• Exercise your Shoulder Pain Free
  
• Non Surgical Spinal Decompression in Connecticut
  
• Contact the Glastonbury Chiropractor

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