Saturday, August 31, 2019
Can A Healthy Lifestyle Help Your Back?
Back pain is the leading cause of disability in the United Kingdom, affecting almost 1 in 10 people. Suffering from back pain can be debilitating and have a significant impact on your work and social life. But did you know that making some simple lifestyle changes can reduce the amount of back pain you experience?
A recent study from researchers in Sweden found that people who lived a healthy lifestyle were much less likely to develop chronic back problems. This article will explain why healthy living can have a positive effect on your back.
Image by Bruce Blaus
What is a healthy lifestyle?
A healthy lifestyle is living in a way that maximises your health, energy levels and physical capacity. The five main components of healthy living include:
- Eating a nutritious diet Enjoying a healthy and balanced diet ensures that your body has the energy and nutrients it requires to remain healthy.
- Exercising regularly Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week (half that if exercising at a high intensity). You should also perform some strength training for all major muscle groups each week. This ensures that your muscles, ligaments, bones, and cardiovascular system remain healthy.
- Managing your weight A healthy lifestyle includes staying at a healthy weight through diet and exercise.
- Managing your stress levels Being stressed can have a dramatic impact on your body, increasing your blood sugar levels, causing anxiety, and slowing your metabolism. Finding ways to manage stress is an important part of enjoying a healthy lifestyle.
- Getting enough sleep The body uses sleep to heal the body, regulate hormones, remove toxins, and much more. Sleep is an important part of remaining healthy and happy.
Not only will living a healthy lifestyle give you more energy, improve the quality of your life, and help you live longer - it also can help you avoid back pain. Here is how:
Better core strength to support your back
Exercising regularly will ensure that the muscles in the abdomen and lower back are well-developed. Keeping these muscles strong will help to take some strain off your spine and provide it with support. You will be less likely to injure or strain your back and there will be less pressure on it each day.
Better posture
Being active and physically fit will also help you improve your posture. It will become easier to keep your spine straight when sitting, walking and running, which helps you avoid back pain.
Less weight means a healthier back
The United Kingdom is still going through an obesity epidemic with over 62% of adults being overweight or obese. Unfortunately, carrying all of this extra weight can contribute to back pain and change the alignment of your spine. Living a healthy lifestyle helps you avoid obesity and remain in a weight range that is appropriate for your age, gender, and height.
Spending less time sitting down
Sitting down for long periods is one of the major risk factors for back pain and lumbar disorders. Essentially, the more time you spend sitting down, the more likely it is that you will have back pain. Living a healthy lifestyle helps because it is a more active lifestyle. You will spend less time sitting down in front of the computer or television, and more time moving about.
Your spine will have the nutrients it needs
The human spine requires many nutrients to grow new tissue and repair itself including vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Vitamin B12, Iron, and protein. Eating a healthy and nutritious diet ensures that your spine has all these important nutrients.
Less risk of degenerative spinal injuries
A healthy lifestyle is one that avoids cigarettes and excessive alcohol consumption. This can help you avoid certain illnesses and injuries. For example, researchers have discovered that smoking can increase the risk of degenerative disc disease and lower back pain. Other research has shown that people who drink excessively are more likely to injure their back.
More likely to get professional help
Having a healthy lifestyle makes a person more health conscious and more likely to see a medical professional if something is wrong. This means you won't hesitate to see a chiropractor or general practitioner if your back hurts - which helps you identify and treat a spinal injury or other back problem before it becomes worse.
Dr Robert Finn D.C. qualified as a chiropractor over 25 years ago from the Anglo European College of Chiropractors (the oldest and largest chiropractic college in Europe). He is passionate about chiropractic and helping his patients reach their health goals. He has clinics in Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent. Read more about Dr Finn here: http://www.chiropractorinstoke.co.uk
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9997595
Friday, August 30, 2019
What Is the Sacroiliac Joint and Is It Causing My Pain?
Recently, a new patient who had been experiencing chronic pain in her left buttock area, asked me this question on her initial visit: "What is the sacroiliac joint and is it causing my pain?" She had been told by one of her coworkers her sacroiliac joint (SI joint) might be a problem and to see a chiropractor. After examining her we found her SI joint was the source of her pain and I told her to thank her coworker for correctly diagnosing the problem. Fortunately, I was able to provide treatment to correct my patients problem and within a short time she was pain free.
Image By Henry Vandyke Carter
The purpose of this article is to explain what the sacroiliac joint is, why it can cause pain and how to correct problems that arise.
Let's begin with some simple anatomy. We all know that there is an area of our body called the pelvis. The pelvis isn't just one big solid bone but is actually made up of three separate bones. The larger bones on each side are called the iliac bones. The central bone is called the sacrum. Where the iliac bones and the sacrum meet is called the sacroiliac joint. It can also be considered a pelvic joint.
These pelvic joints glide back and forth when we walk. They also qlide slightly when we twist and turn. Their purpose is to allow our lower body to move somewhat but not too much.
At times the sacroiliac joints can become a problem if they get misaligned or move improperly. This could happen from repetitive overuse such as swinging a golf club at a driving range or shoveling a thought of mulch when gardening. It could also happen with a sudden traumatic accident such as fall or an auto collision.
When we have pain from our SI joint it is usually around the hip pocket area, and may also cause discomfort in the lower ribs, buttock, hip and groin.
The solution is to correct the mechanical misalignment and improper movement of the sacroiliac joint. As a chiropractor I examine the patient to determine if the pelvis is level or if it is higher or lower on one side and if the pelvis is twisted. I also check to see if there is tenderness over the SI joint. I also feel for misalignment and improper motion of the joint.
If I find a problem does exist with this joint then it can be corrected by chiropractic adjustments which realign and restore proper movement to the sacroiliac joint.
Chiropractors have been able to provide a drug-free, nonsurgical, safe and effective treatment to help patients with sacroiliac joints for more than 100 years.
Chiropractors have been able to provide a drug-free, nonsurgical, safe and effective treatment to help patients with sacroiliac joints for more than 100 years.
Who is a UPMC Pittsburgh chiropractor near me ? More information about Dr. James Schofield can be found at this website http://northhillspachiropractor.com/.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10117926
Thursday, August 29, 2019
Simple Ways To Avoid Common Causes Of Back Pain
Back pain is one of the world's most common health problems. According to the World Health Organisation, it is also in the top 10 diseases and injuries accounting for disability-adjusted life years (number of years lost due to ill-health). It can affect people of any age, potentially affecting their work life and general well-being.
Image by InjuryMap
Fortunately, there are some simple techniques that you can use to avoid the common causes of back pain. This article will identify those techniques and explain how they can also reduce the level of back pain you are currently experiencing.
What are the common causes of back pain?
The human back is a complex system of muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments. These components must work together to support the body and enable movement. The spine also contains cartilage-like pads which are called discs. They provide cushioning between the components of the spine. Problems affecting any of the components of the back can lead to back problems. The most common causes of back problems include:
Physical overexertion
Incorrectly picking up very heavy items or repeatedly bending over can strain the muscles, tendons and ligaments in the back. Pain from overexertion can occur quickly or take many months to appear.
Injury
Back pain is often caused by an injury from an accident. The most common accidents that cause back injuries include car crashes, collisions on the sporting field, and falls. These injuries might include ruptured discs, broken bones, and torn ligaments or tendons.
Medical conditions
A variety of medical conditions can cause back pain, including osteoporosis, cancer of the spine, sleep disorders, kidney problems, arthritis, and sciatica. In some cases, these conditions cannot be cured, so the pain they cause can only be managed.
Ruptured or bulging discs
The discs between each vertebra in the spine can sometimes rupture or change shape. When this happens, more pressure is placed on the nerves in the back, potentially causing back problems.
Poor posture
Having poor posture can eventually contribute to pain in the back and may even cause long term damage.
How to avoid the common causes of back pain
Seek chiropractic help
Obtaining chiropractic treatment is one of the most effective ways to reduce back pain. A chiropractor is a medical professional who is trained to identify and treat musculoskeletal problems of the human body. They can identify the root causes of your pain and suggest treatments that address them.
Some of the ways that a chiropractor can help you avoid causes of pain include:
- Ensuring your spine is correctly aligned Chiropractic treatment involves alignment of the spine and other joints in the body. Correcting the alignment of your joints will prevent premature wear and can reduce the likelihood of pain occurring.
- Identifying any issues with your posture Chiropractors can diagnose and correct postural problems that cause back pain.
- Diagnosing any serious underlying illnesses or injuries causing back pain Chiropractors can also identify other serious health problems that may potentially contribute to pain like ruptured discs and sciatica.
When you are sitting down, walking, running, and lifting objects all day, your spine can become compressed. Laying down on your back gives your spine a chance to recuperate, reducing the likelihood of back pain.
Exercise more
Exercise that strengthens the core muscles can be very useful for reducing or avoiding back pain. The core muscles are the muscles found in the abdominal region and lower back. If these muscles are well developed, they will take strain off of the ligaments and tendons in the back which can reduce pain levels. Having a strong core also reduces the risk of a back injury occurring.
Get a good pair of shoes
If you are on your feet for long periods, purchase a high quality pair of shoes that fit your feet well. This will ensure that your body has a stable and well-balanced base that supports your legs and back. It will help you avoid back problems associated with ligament, muscle or tendon strains.
Have regular massages
Massages can help to relax the muscles in your back and increase blood flow. This can help you remain flexible, preventing pain relating to sore muscles and ligaments.
Have medical problems diagnosed
If you have unexplained back pain, it is a good idea to see a doctor. They will be able to run tests to check your overall health and identify any health conditions that may be causing your pain. Your doctor may also help you identify health problems before they worsen and cause even more pain.
Practice good ergonomics and improve your posture
Good posture involves standing, sitting, and moving in a way that reduces the amount of strain on your body. When you exhibit good posture, your joints will be well aligned - reducing the risk of injury or wear-and-tear on the joints in the back. This reduces the risk of long term injuries occurring which cause back pain.
Dr Robert Finn D.C. qualified as a chiropractor over 25 years ago from the Anglo European College of Chiropractors (the oldest and largest chiropractic college in Europe). He is passionate about chiropractic and helping his patients reach their health goals. He has clinics in Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent. Read more about Dr Finn here: http://www.chiropractorinstoke.co.uk
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10027073
Wednesday, August 28, 2019
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