Back and Spine Health Exercise: Exercise is one of the most significant ways to increase longevity, improve health, and decrease pain and suffering. A proper exercise program can improve flexibility, mobility, increase strength, and reduce back pain. Knowledge of the best exercises to improve health or decrease pain is essential to a workout plan or pain management program. Regular exercise is one of the best things you can do for overall health. The many benefits include improved health and fitness and reduced risk of chronic diseases.
There are many different types of exercise; it is important to pick the right types. Most benefits from a combination of exercises: Endurance or aerobic activities increase your breathing and heart rate. They keep your heart, lungs, and circulatory system healthy and improve your overall fitness. Examples include brisk walking, jogging, swimming, and biking.
Strength or resistance training, exercises make your muscles stronger. Some examples are lifting weights and using a resistance band. Balance exercises can make it easier to walk on uneven surfaces and help prevent falls. To improve your balance, try tai chi or exercises like standing on one leg. Flexibility exercises stretch your muscles and can help your body stay limber. Yoga and doing various stretches can make you more flexible.
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that has afflicted more people in the last 20 years than ever. Some doctors attribute the increase to the pollutants in the air, the changes in the modern diet, and lack of adequate ventilation in homes.
According to the Mayo Clinic, asthma symptoms vary by individuals and may be mild, severe, or somewhere in between. Shortness of breath and tightness in the chest, along with a wheezing sound when exhaling are common asthma symptoms. Common treatments include inhalers and other medications.
With the millions of asthma sufferers seeking relief, non-traditional treatments have emerged in addition to the everyday remedies. One of the alternatives that has shown positive results is chiropractic care.
A person who suffers from asthma can enjoy multiple benefits from chiropractic. Four of the top benefits chiropractic care can bring to asthma patients are the following:
Reducing The Frequency Of Attacks
Over time, spinal adjustments can help some asthma sufferers decrease the number of attacks. When a spine is in alignment, energy flows through the nerves to the person’s organs. A nonaligned spine can cause the energy to fail to flow through the nerve endings as effectively, and a host of issues can arise.
The lungs can suffer when the spine is not aligned. Chiropractors are able to treat the spine so that, over time, it aligns. In some cases, this helps lung function and decreases the number of asthma attacks.
Stimulating Air Flow
The lungs are obviously vital for breathing, but the airway and diaphragm also play a part. Both of these can be hindered by a spine that is not aligned.
When a chiropractor works with a patient to align the spine, the airways and diaphragm can move more freely, allowing better airflow. While this is not a cure for asthma, in many cases stimulating a body’s airflow can help decrease the suffering the chronic condition causes.
Boosting The Immune System
A significant number of asthma attacks are brought on and exacerbated by an individual’s low immune system. Chiropractic care helps increase the effectiveness of the immune system.
Think of it this way: The autonomic nervous system is connected to the body’s immune system by way of the endocrine system. When the spine is out of line, it can affect the immune system.
If a person suffers from chronic asthma attacks, this could be the time when he or she has an episode. A chiropractor who can align the spine can create a positive domino effect. The nervous system improves, the immune system improves, and the asthma attacks decrease.
Working In Conjunction With Traditional Asthma Medication
People with asthma commonly use inhalers and steroids to manage their symptoms. Chiropractic care is non-invasive and works with these treatments to lessen the instances and severity of attacks.
A study by Michigan Chiropractic Council showed that asthma sufferers who went through 30 days of chiropractic treatments reported a 70% reduction in medication.
Patients who commit to chiropractic can sometimes manage the symptoms more naturally, and lessen their dependence on medications. (It’s important to note that patients should never go off medications on their own. Always speak to a doctor before changing medications).
Patients fortunately have a variety of treatment options. For those who don’t respond to traditional medication, or who wish to decrease their dosage, non-traditional choices like chiropractic may be the answer.
Tips For Preventing Dehydration
It’s advisable to speak to both your medical doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic about your asthma symptoms. By having both disciplines co-manage your case, you�ll work toward a healthier outcome, possibly even without the use of drugs. Give us a call to learn more.
This article is copyrighted by Blogging Chiros LLC for its Doctor of Chiropractic members and may not be copied or duplicated in any manner including printed or electronic media, regardless of whether for a fee or gratis without the prior written permission of Blogging Chiros, LLC.
While back pain is a known and widely-studied issue in adults, its prevalence in school-aged children has received comparatively little scientific attention. Elementary, middle, and high school students must often carry backpacks that weigh enough to cause chronic back pain, poor posture, and even decreased lung volume. Recently, several studies reveal the truths behind childhood back pain and ways to mitigate it.
Are Backpacks Too Heavy for Kids?
Recent research supports that children carrying backpack loads of more than ten percent of their bodyweight have a greater risk of developing back pain and related issues. An international study found that an alarmingly large proportion of school-aged children in Australia, France, Italy, and the United States regularly carried backpacks weighing more than the ten percent threshold.
In another study involving a sample of 1540 metropolitan school-aged children, over a third of the children surveyed reported back pain. In addition to carrying heavy backpacks, female students and those diagnosed with scoliosis had a greater association with back pain. Children with access to lockers reported less pain.
The number of straps on the backpack had little impact on the respondents’ answers. Children also reported limited physical activity due to back pain, and some took medication to relieve the pain.
Girls who carried purses in addition to wearing a backpack reported significantly greater back pain. Adolescents with back pain spent more time watching television than their peers. Over 80 percent of those surveyed believed that carrying a heavy backpack caused their back pain.
Proper Backpack Carrying Techniques
The studies revealed several factors that may help reduce back pain in school-aged children. The best way to prevent back pain is to avoid carrying heavy loads.
Children should take advantage of locker breaks and only carry items necessary for a couple of classes at a time. When lifting a backpack, children should crouch down and bend their knees rather than curve the spine.
Children should avoid carrying over 10 percent of their bodyweight in their backpack. For example, an 8th-grader weighing 120 pounds should carry no more than 12 pounds.
Place the heaviest objects at the back of the pack.
Make sure the items fit as snugly as possible to minimize back pain due to shifting weight.
Adjust the shoulder straps so they fit snugly over your child’s shoulders and the backpack doesn’t drag your child backward. The bottom of the pack should be less than four inches below your child’s waist.
Children should avoid carrying backpacks slung over one shoulder, as it can cause spinal pain and general discomfort.
Encourage your child to carry only necessary items in their backpack. Additional items can be carried in hand.
Look for backpacks with helpful features such as multiple compartments for even weight distribution, padded straps to protect the shoulders and neck, and waist belt.
If your child’s school allows, consider a rollerpack, which rolls across the floor like a suitcase.
If problems continue, talk to your child’s teacher or principal about implementing paperback textbooks, lighter materials, or digital versions.
Chiropractic Care Can Help
If your child continues to experience back pain, contact your local chiropractor. Chiropractic care benefits many adults with spinal discomfort, and licensed practitioners can provide tailored treatments for children.
Chiropractors can also recommend safe exercises to improve back strength, and additional advice on proper nutrition to build strong bones and joints, healthy posture, and more. If your child is experiencing back pain from carrying a backpack, gives us a call. We�re here to help!
Backpack Safety
This article is copyrighted by Blogging Chiros LLC for its Doctor of Chiropractic members and may not be copied or duplicated in any manner including printed or electronic media, regardless of whether for a fee or gratis without the prior written permission of Blogging Chiros, LLC.
A very few number of research studies have been conducted to examine how effective the Schroth method is towards the management of scoliosis, particularly in countries such as the United States, where the duration of therapy programs are generally constrained to an average of 1 to 3 sessions.
Researchers conducted a study on a 26 year old female with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in order to examine the effects of Schroth therapy. The physical therapy regimen included a 1-hour Schroth method session of exercises, twice per week for four weeks, followed by one session of the Schroth therapy each week for 20 additional weeks. Furthermore, the research study also included a home exercise program which consisted of 30-minute sessions, five days per week. All evaluation measurements and results were recorded before and after the treatment.
After a 6-month treatment period, the patient had experienced a significant and measurable improvement of symptoms as well as the overall condition. Additionally, the patient was satisfied with their results, reporting improved bodily strength and she felt more comfortable with her appearance.
The findings of the research study suggest that scoliosis treatment utilizing the Schroth method and it’s specific exercises may be an effective treatment option for the spinal condition to the traditional methods of treatment and rehabilitation.
Researchers also conducted another study to compare the effectiveness of Schroth method exercises in other patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Designed as a randomized-controlled study in an outpatient exercise-unit and in a home setting, the research study consisted of fifty-one patients who were diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis or AIS. Forty-five of the patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis whom met the inclusion criteria were divided into three groups. The Schroth method exercises were applied to the first group in the clinic, which were also given to the second group as a home regimen and the third group was the control group.
The findings of the research study demonstrated an improvement of the condition and its symptoms in the clinic Schroth method exercise group compared to the other groups. According to the results, the waist asymmetry improved only in the clinic exercise group where the results of the other groups worsened. In conclusion, the Schroth exercise program was effective towards improving scoliosis and its symptoms.
How to Treat Scoliosis – About the Schroth Method
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Neck Pain and Auto Injury
After being involved in an automobile accident, the sheer force of the impact can often cause whiplash, a common type of neck injury resulting from the sudden, back-and-forth motion of the head against the body due to a car wreck, or other incident. Because of this, many of the complex structures found within the neck, including the spine, ligaments and muscles, can be stretched beyond their normal range, causing injury and painful symptoms.
The Schroth method can help control scoliosis, a spinal condition with little medical advice available for patients to know how to help themselves, aside from wearing a scoliosis brace. On the contrary of popular belief, a proper program utilizing the Schroth method exercises can ultimately help people achieve spinal balance, providing them with an increased grade of control regarding a patient’s scoliosis.
Careful instruction from a qualified and experienced healthcare professional who specialized in the Schroth method for scoliosis can empower a scoliosis patient in multiple ways. Most importantly, one-to-one training between a chiropractor or physical therapist and a patient helps properly educate the individual on the most effective ways to counteract the abnormal curvature of their spine.
Finding Relief for Scoliosis
The Schroth method exercises alone aren’t enough to provide relief from scoliosis and its associated symptoms, altering the way an individual engages in their daily activities can also help ease the progression of the spinal condition. As the patient, learning which Schroth method exercises are recommended for each specific curvature of the spine and practicing curve-pattern-specific breathing exercises can be beneficial for the overall health of the spine. There is an additional empowering element, however, in learning what not to do to prevent the scoliosis from advancing.
When a child or adult follows the correct Schroth method exercises from a qualified and experienced healthcare professional, including multi-part movements combined with breathing to promote spinal stabilization to strengthen the spinal musculature, feeling relief from their symptoms as well as seeing the improvement in the alignment of the spine can be empowering and motivating. The Schroth method can be an effective treatment for scoliosis.
Moreover, its essential for the patient with scoliosis to consult an experienced and qualified healthcare professional who understands the complex anatomy of a spine with scoliosis and its effects on the rest of the body. Chiropractors, physical therapists, and other healthcare specialists who focus on spinal complications, such as scoliosis, should also be capable of spending as much time as necessary to explain the bends, twists, curves and effects of an individual’s scoliosis on the rest of their body. Make sure to seek the proper treatment for your scoliosis or other spinal issue.
Scoliosis Assistance for Children and Adults
From a parental perspective, when a child is diagnosed with scoliosis, or simply if the adult is diagnosed with the spinal condition, its common for them to have a variety of questions regarding their complication. From, which is the proper posture to avoid the progression of scoliosis and whether the bending, twisting and collapsing of the spine with each movement is affecting the scoliosis, to, what are the safest, most effective treatments available for scoliosis, these common questions can be answered accordingly by an experienced and qualified healthcare professional. Furthermore, once a child, or adult, has been diagnosed with scoliosis, its fundamental for them to seek immediate medical attention in order to avoid further complications from the spinal condition, such as the threat of spinal fusion resulting in surgery. The sooner scoliosis is treated, the better for the patient.
When considering the Schroth method for scoliosis, utilizing a specialized exercise program for a child or adult with scoliosis, there’s one final consideration the patient, and parents alike, must become aware of, treatment for scoliosis may be a lifetime commitment. Scoliosis doesn’t end with skeletal maturity. Children become adults and adults will eventually begin to experience the natural degeneration of their spine, as well as other structures in their body, which may lead to scoliosis and other spinal complications. It’s essential for patients to continue seeking regular medical care from a qualified and experienced chiropractor, physical therapist, or other healthcare professional, regarding their scoliosis.
The Schroth method and its specific exercises are for life and after participation in a comprehensive program, the patient will have the necessary skills and tools needed to manage their scoliosis and other similar spinal issues. This empowering treatment option can help ultimately avoid the progression of scoliosis, providing overall health and wellness for a lifetime to come.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Neck Pain and Auto Injury
After being involved in an automobile accident, the sheer force of the impact can often cause whiplash, a common type of neck injury resulting from the sudden, back-and-forth motion of the head against the body due to a car wreck, or other incident. Because of this, many of the complex structures found within the neck, including the spine, ligaments and muscles, can be stretched beyond their normal range, causing injury and painful symptoms.
Andres Martinez continues his testimonial in part III.
PUSH-as-Rx � is leading the field with laser focus supporting our youth sport programs.� The�PUSH-as-Rx � System is a sport specific athletic program designed by a strength-agility coach and physiology doctor with a combined 40 years of experience working with extreme athletes. At its core, the program is the multidisciplinary study of reactive agility, body mechanics and extreme motion dynamics. Through continuous and detailed assessments of the athletes in motion and while under direct supervised stress loads, a clear quantitative picture of body dynamics emerges. Exposure to the biomechanical vulnerabilities are presented to our team. �Immediately,�we adjust our methods for our athletes in order to optimize performance.� This highly adaptive system with continual�dynamic adjustments has helped many of our athletes come back faster, stronger, and ready post injury while safely minimizing recovery times. Results demonstrate clear improved agility, speed, decreased reaction time with greatly improved postural-torque mechanics.��PUSH-as-Rx � offers specialized extreme performance enhancements to our athletes no matter the age.
Please Recommend Us: If you have enjoyed this video and/or we have helped you in any way please feel free to recommend us. Thank You.
Lauren Baldwin, never felt better about herself until after she came to Push-as-Rx �. Together with her husband, they came together to Push as Rx, where they were able to bond and become stronger. Lauren Baldwin appreciates how thoughtful and encouraging the trainers are, always making sure they are safe as well as always making sure every person is achieving their goals to become the best they can be.
PUSH-as-Rx � is leading the field with laser focus supporting our youth sport programs.� The�PUSH-as-Rx � System is a sport specific athletic program designed by a strength-agility coach and physiology doctor with a combined 40 years of experience working with extreme athletes. At its core, the program is the multidisciplinary study of reactive agility, body mechanics and extreme motion dynamics. Through continuous and detailed assessments of the athletes in motion and while under direct supervised stress loads, a clear quantitative picture of body dynamics emerges. Exposure to the biomechanical vulnerabilities are presented to our team. �Immediately,�we adjust our methods for our athletes in order to optimize performance.� This highly adaptive system with continual�dynamic adjustments has helped many of our athletes come back faster, stronger, and ready post injury while safely minimizing recovery times. Results demonstrate clear improved agility, speed, decreased reaction time with greatly improved postural-torque mechanics.��PUSH-as-Rx � offers specialized extreme performance enhancements to our athletes no matter the age.
Please Recommend Us: If you have enjoyed this video and/or we have helped you in any way please feel free to recommend us. Thank You.
Exercise can reduce the risk of heart damage in middle-aged adults and seniors — even in those who are obese, according to a new study.
“The protective association of physical activity against [heart] damage may have implications for heart failure risk reduction, particularly among the high-risk group of individuals with excess weight,” study lead author Dr. Roberta Florido said in an American College of Cardiology news release.
Florido is a cardiology fellow at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore.
“Promoting physical activity,” she added, “may be a particularly important strategy for heart failure risk reductions among high risk groups such as those with obesity.”
To gauge the influence of physical activity on heart health, the researchers looked at the experience of more than 9,400 people between 45 and 64 years of age. The participants were grouped according to how much exercise they got. Current guidelines recommend at least 75 minutes a week of vigorous activity, or 150 or more minutes of moderate to vigorous activity.
A lower level of activity, called “intermediate,” was defined as up to 74 minutes a week of vigorous activity or up to 149 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity. According to the researchers, those who did no exercise were 39 percent more likely to have heart damage than those who followed the guidelines. Those who followed intermediate level routines had 34 percent more heart damage than their fully active peers.
The researchers found indications that obese individuals who engaged in “recommended” levels of activity had lower blood levels of troponin — a key indicator of heart damage — compared with those who did no exercise at all.
Florido and her colleagues described their findings in the April 24 issue of JACC: Heart Failure.
An accompanying editorial urged heart specialists to promote healthy habits rather than simply treat heart problems once they develop.
News stories are written and provided by HealthDay and do not reflect federal policy, the views of MedlinePlus, the National Library of Medicine, the National Institutes of Health, or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Additional Topics: Weight Loss Eases Back Pain
Back pain and symptoms of sciatica can affect a majority of the population throughout their lifetime. Research studies have demonstrated that people who are overweight or obese experience more back complications than people with a healthy weight. A proper nutrition along with regular physical fitness can help with weight loss as well as help maintain a healthy weight to eliminate symptoms of back pain and sciatica. Chiropractic care is also another natural form of treatment which treats back pain and sciatica utilizing manual spinal adjustments and manipulations.
IFM's Find A Practitioner tool is the largest referral network in Functional Medicine, created to help patients locate Functional Medicine practitioners anywhere in the world. IFM Certified Practitioners are listed first in the search results, given their extensive education in Functional Medicine
Boosting The Immune System
