After traveling, body/musculoskeletal aches and pains can present from continual standing in line, sitting, staying in the same position, carrying a heavy bag or pulling a suitcase, and sleeping in an unfamiliar bed with different pillows, on a plane or car can cause body imbalances, jerking the spine out of alignment, straining the neck, shoulders, and back causing headaches, soreness, stiffness, back pain, and compression. Chiropractic massage and decompression will relieve travel pains, loosen stiff and sore joints, soothe aching muscles, realign the spine, and restore body health and comfort.
Musculoskeletal Health
The musculoskeletal system is comprised of:
Muscles
Tendons
Ligaments
Bones
Joints
Tissues that move the body and help maintain structure and form.
The health of the musculoskeletal system is defined as the absence of injury, disease, or illness within the system. Keeping this system healthy is crucial for the health of the other body systems.
Common Muskuloskeletal Conditions
Musculoskeletal injuries – work-related, personal, automobile, sports, or physical activity
Musculoskeletal health is enhanced by increased circulation that increases oxygen flow that relaxes the mind and body. Overworked sore, tired muscles after traveling can keep the body tense which could lead to chronic stress symptoms. Chiropractic massage therapy effectively reduces stress and anxiety by manipulating the body tissues like the muscles, tendons, connective tissues, and ligaments, increasing blood circulation and improving flexibility.
Jet-Lag
The body is weak after traveling into different time zones, which can cause jet lag, stress, and relaxation problems.
Jet lag can cause sleep problems, leading to extreme fatigue, headaches, and nausea.
Chiropractic can alleviate jet lag effects quickly by working/massaging/stretching out the muscles, increasing blood flow, flushing out toxins, and calming the body.
Travel Stress
The stress starts right before the trip when preparing, packing, and setting up the house while away.
The body tenses up when traveling to maintain focus, stay alert, and be ready for surprises.
When on vacation, having fun and doing all kinds of activities can make individuals forget to relax.
Waking up early and going to bed late can contribute to travel stress.
Chiropractic therapy will relieve all the strain and return the body to a relaxed state.
Relieve Back Pressure
Sitting for hours can increase pressure on the spine.
The muscles become stiff from the immobility accumulating pressure on the body and the mind, increasing the risk for other pains.
Chiropractic therapy will help lower heart rate and blood pressure relieving discomfort and stiffness.
Relax and Sleep
The internal body clock can get thrown off when traveling, resulting in little to no sleep and irritability.
Driving or flying will drain the body and mind, which can cause fatigue and anxiety.
Chiropractic will restore body and mind functions resulting in sleep and relaxation.
Spinal Decompression Texas
References
Crofford, Leslie J. “Chronic Pain: Where the Body Meets the Brain.” Transactions of the American Clinical and Climatological Association vol. 126 (2015): 167-83.
Nichols B, Nova P, Jacobs, K. Ergonomic Strategies for Using a Suitcase. The American Occupational Therapy Association. https://www.aota.org/About-Occupational-Therapy/Patients-Clients/Adults/Ergonomic-Strategies-Suitcase.aspx. August 2018. Accessed May 2019.
Sadler, Sean G et al. “Restriction in lateral bending range of motion, lumbar lordosis, and hamstring flexibility predicts the development of low back pain: a systematic review of prospective cohort studies.” BMC musculoskeletal disorders vol. 18,1 179. 5 May. 2017, doi:10.1186/s12891-017-1534-0
Waterhouse, J et al. “The stress of travel.” Journal of sports sciences vol. 22,10 (2004): 946-65; discussion 965-6. doi:10.1080/02640410400000264
Non-surgical spinal decompression relieves pain related to spinal conditions, injuries, and disorders that provides a comfortable, affordable alternative treatment option to costly and invasive surgical procedures. Non-surgical spinal decompression can also relieve pain associated with post-surgical rehabilitation. A key to successful outcomes is including added components of the treatment that includes spinal decompression nutrition.
Spinal Decompression Nutrition
Proper nutrition and a balanced diet are essential elements of overall health. Individuals suffering from herniated discs, bulging discs, degenerated discs, sciatica, and chronic low back and neck pain are often deficient in vitamins and minerals, leading to inflammation and pain. These deficiencies can cause or exacerbate the pain and prevent or slow down healing. The bones, muscles, and other structures in the spine need proper nutrition to be strong enough to support the body and perform functions optimally. A health coach and nutritionist can recommend the proper diet and supplements to expedite healing, depending on the patient, the circumstances, and the individual situation. A non-inflammatory diet can make a big difference in patients’ symptoms and the effectiveness of decompression therapy.
The Right Foods
Eating a balanced diet with the right amount and variety of vitamins and nutrients can reduce back problems by nourishing the spine’s bones, muscles, discs, and other structures. While a healthy diet calls for various vitamins and nutrients, several healthy choices can directly benefit the spine. First and foremost is:
Sugar and Nitrate Reduction
High sugar diets lack the nutrients needed to prevent the release of inflammatory mediators.
The average individual consumes around 100 lbs of sugar per year.
Dessert foods are high infatty acids, which increase inflammation.
Any foods containing high fructose corn syrup like salad dressings and sodas.
Processed foods high in nitrates like hot dogs, sausage, and lunch meats.
Super Foods
Increase healing of the spine at the cellular level with superfoods that include:
Water – maintaining hydration is important for re-hydrating degenerated, dried-out discs.
Pre Spinal Decompression Nutrition
The human body was created to heal itself; however, getting the proper nutrition can be difficult as circulation is impeded/blocked when going through a back injury or spinal condition. Eating and/or supplementing with essential nutrients and minerals could be recommended to encourage and engage the healing process. Using nutrients to improve recovery and healing is known as immunonutrition. Pre-decompression allows the tissues to begin healing. Then the chiropractic health team can prepare the tissues for decompression through therapeutic massage, heat, low-level laser therapy, and ultrasound.
DRX9000 Explained by a Neurosurgeon
References
Calder, Philip C. “Fatty acids and inflammation: the cutting edge between food and pharma.” European journal of pharmacology vol. 668 Suppl 1 (2011): S50-8. doi:10.1016/j.ejphar.2011.05.085
Gay R. “All About Spinal Decompression Therapy.” Spine-health. http://www.spine-health.com/treatment/chiropractic/all-about-spinal-decompression-therapy. Published September 2013. Accessed April 2015.
InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. What is inflammation? 2010 Nov 23 [Updated 2018 Feb 22]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279298/
Innes, Jacqueline K, and Philip C Calder. “Omega-6 fatty acids and inflammation.” Prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and essential fatty acids vol. 132 (2018): 41-48. doi:10.1016/j.plefa.2018.03.004
Everybody is different in how the body reacts to a chiropractic adjustment. Body misalignment often leads to spinal misalignment or vice versa. Misalignments occur over time; individuals do not notice until soreness and pain begin presenting. Depending on the injury and/or condition, getting the full potential from a chiropractic adjustment means knowing the dos and don’ts following treatment. This involves maintaining a healthy posture, staying hydrated, getting proper rest, and staying active.
Adjustments
Adjustments are highly effective for the body. Benefits include:
Pain relief.
Restored full range of motion.
Increased strength.
Increased energy.
Improved sleep.
Lowered blood pressure in individuals with hypertension.
It is not recommended to take on intense workouts after an adjustment but to remain active to keep the muscles, tendons, ligaments flexible and strengthen the body during healing.
Activities should be done in moderation and include:
Walking
Jogging
Biking
Swimming
Proper Rest
Getting the proper amount of sleep is essential for the body to heal to the optimal level.
The body getting used to the adjustment can be an exhausting process.
Maintain Healthy Posture
Proper posture is essential to keep the body in healthy alignment and prevent further/new injuries.
A chiropractor and physical therapist will educate and train individuals on maintaining healthy, active postures.
Stretching
Stretching is prescribed as part of the treatment to maintain flexibility and strength.
A chiropractor will recommend and show how to perform specific stretches and exercises between adjustments.
What to Avoid
Recommendations on what to avoid after a chiropractic adjustment.
Explosive Movements
Stay active but limit any explosive movements for a few days after the adjustment.
Avoid Sitting Too Much
Too much sitting, even with a lumbar support chair, can cause the muscles to tighten pulling on the spine.
When sitting, get up and move around every 20 minutes.
Paying attention to the recommended do’s and don’ts will help expedite the healing and create new healthy habits.
Body Composition
Dairy Products
Conventional vs. Organic and Grass-fed Dairy
Studies have found that dairy cows consuming a diet of grass and hay significantly improved nutrient profiles of produced milk.
Milk from grass-fed cows has a higher omega-3 content when compared to organic and conventional grain-fed cows.
Bourrie, Benjamin C T et al. “The Microbiota and Health Promoting Characteristics of the Fermented Beverage Kefir.” Frontiers in microbiology vol. 7 647. 4 May. 2016, doi:10.3389/fmicb.2016.00647
Licciardone, John C et al. “Recovery From Chronic Low Back Pain After Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association vol. 116,3 (2016): 144-55. doi:10.7556/jaoa.2016.031
Maher, C G. “Effective physical treatment for chronic low back pain.” The Orthopedic clinics of North America vol. 35,1 (2004): 57-64. doi:10.1016/S0030-5898(03)00088-9
Will, Joshua Scott et al. “Mechanical Low Back Pain.” American family physician vol. 98,7 (2018): 421-428.
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