Spinal disc deterioration from aging is normal, but health issues or injuries can advance the degenerative process. Disc protrusions are related to herniated discs but are the mildest form of the condition and are a common form of spinal disc deterioration that can cause neck and back issues. However, individuals may have a small protruding disc that can go undetected unless it irritates or compresses the surrounding nerves. Chiropractic care, decompression, and massage therapy can realign the disc back into position, relieving discomfort and pain.
Disc Protrusion
A disc is like a sturdy soft rubber shock absorber/cushion with added gel inside. The gel acts as a shock absorber. When the gel begins to protrude out slightly, this is a disc protrusion. Once a protruding disc begins to develop, it usually remains in that position. The disc can sometimes reabsorb on its own and realign back into position, but there is no way of knowing that will happen or how long it will take. With age and/or injuries, the body’s parts change. The spine’s discs dehydrate and lose elasticity weakening the discs and making them more vulnerable to herniation stages:
First Stage
Following natural weakening can be classified as a disc protrusion when the disc’s core begins pushing into the spinal column.
Disc protrusions can be tiny or push out an entire side of the disc.
Second Stage
Disc deterioration often consists of a bulging disc when the core pushes out farther around the circumference beyond the disc’s outer layer, called the annulus fibrosus, creating the telltale bulge.
A bulging disc involves more than 180 degrees of the disc’s circumference.
Third Stage
The third stage is a herniated disc, meaning the disc’s outer wall has torn, allowing the inner gel to leak out, usually irritating the surrounding nerves.
Fourth Stage
The fourth stage is sequestration, a herniated disc in which a piece of the nucleus breaks free of the vertebral disc fragments and falls into the spinal canal.
Types
A disc protrusion is one type of disc herniation that pushes out but remains connected. Different types compress and irritate the discs differently and produce various symptoms, including:
Paracentral
This is the most common, where the disc protrusion jams the space between the central canal and the foramen.
Central
This is where the disc protrusion impinges into the spinal canal, with or without spinal cord compression.
Foraminal
The disc intrudes into the foramen, the space through which nerve roots branch off the spinal cord and exit the vertebrae.
Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Chiropractic Care
Individuals with a disc protrusion can have symptoms similar to sciatica, which includes back, buttock, and leg discomfort, numbness, and pain sensations.
Treatment for disc protrusion will be based on the individual’s symptoms.
A chiropractor will take a detailed medical history and perform a physical examination.
A spinal MRI test could be ordered depending on the injury or condition.
A customized treatment plan will be developed to fit the individual’s medical needs.
Most disc protrusions improve after a few weeks of rest, avoiding strenuous activities, activity modification, an anti-inflammatory diet, and gentle exercises that the chiropractic team will provide.
True Spinal Decompression
References
Fardon, David F et al. “Lumbar disc nomenclature: version 2.0: Recommendations of the combined task forces of the North American Spine Society, the American Society of Spine Radiology and the American Society of Neuroradiology.” The spine journal: official journal of the North American Spine Society vol. 14,11 (2014): 2525-45. doi:10.1016/j.spinee.2014.04.022
Mysliwiec, Lawrence Walter, et al. “MSU classification for herniated lumbar discs on MRI: toward developing objective criteria for surgical selection.” The European spine journal: official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society vol. 19,7 (2010): 1087-93. doi:10.1007/s00586-009-1274-4
Herniated, slipped, or ruptured discs affect 80% or more of the population. Most individuals don’t even realize they suffered a vertebral subluxation, as it shifted slightly but returned on its own and healed itself. Herniated disc/s symptoms can subside over time and can heal on their own. However, there are times when chiropractic is necessary to help the slipped or ruptured disc back into correct alignment and to help prevent re-injury or the development of new ones.
When Chiropractic Is Necessary
When an individual’s ability to move is limited is definitely when chiropractic is necessary. Individuals twist and turn their bodies, and the rotational force that comes from lifting and moving objects at home, work, school, sports, or lifting weights increases the risk of disc injury.
The lumbar spine or lower back is the most common location for a herniated disc injury.
The pain can spread to the glutes and legs, causing sciatica or sciatica-like symptoms.
When back pain spreads to the shoulder through the arm, it s caused by a herniated neck/cervical disc.
When the cushioning material from the disc/nucleus pulposus presses on surrounding nerves, it causes inflammation, pain, and numbness.
Individuals can suffer a herniated disc after changing a flat tire, stepping/slipping out of the bath/shower, or coughing and sneezing.
Healing
Herniated discs can be treated with ice packs and heat, over-the-counter medications, and anti-inflammatories. However, if these approaches are not producing results, chiropractic and physical therapy could be necessary to address the pain, reactivate the body’s healing system, and get the body’s circulation energy flowing. Exercises/movements are recommended depending on the injury to allow the musculoskeletal system to realign and circulate the nutrient-rich blood.
Evaluation
The chiropractic team must check if the individual is cleared for chiropractic care. Some individuals cannot undergo chiropractic adjustments because of the following:
The chiropractor will assess the injury and damage by evaluating the spine’s overall health, not just the painful areas.
They will inquire about medical history and conduct a physical examination.
Diagnostic tests could be necessary depending on the condition.
The team will evaluate the following criteria:
If reflexes are normal.
If there is muscle loss or decreased muscle strength.
If there is numbness or loss of sensation.
Loss of reflexes, muscle strength, and sensation could indicate the need for more aggressive treatment.
Depending on what is found, they may refer the individual to a spinal surgeon or specialist.
Techniques
Chiropractic focuses on restoring structural integrity to the body, reducing pressure on neurological tissue, and re-establishing a normal range of motion. With this treatment, pain and inflammation will be reduced or eliminated, and regular movement and reflexes will return. The body is realigned, stress is reduced, and the body’s natural energy can repair the damage. Adjustments involve:
HVLA is a high velocity, low amplitude short thrust to vertebrae that are out of position.
Mobilization involves low-velocity manipulation, stretching, and moving affected muscles and joints.
Joint cavitation expels oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide from the vertebrae and releases pressure on the affected area.
This technique uses a drop table while the chiropractor uses quick thrust and release manipulation.
Logan Basic Technique
This technique uses a light touch to level the sacrum.
Thompson Terminal Point Technique or Thompson Drop
This table technique adjusts with a weight mechanism to keep the patient in the correct position before the thrust is applied.
DOC Decompression Table
References
Danazumi, Musa S et al. “Two manual therapy techniques for management of lumbar radiculopathy: a randomized clinical trial.” Journal of osteopathic medicine vol. 121,4 391-400. 26 Feb. 2021, doi:10.1515/jom-2020-0261
Kerr, Dana, et al. “What Are Long-term Predictors of Outcomes for Lumbar Disc Herniation? A Randomized and Observational Study.” Clinical orthopedics and related research vol. 473,6 (2015): 1920-30. doi:10.1007/s11999-014-3803-7
Lurie, Jon D et al. “Surgical versus nonoperative treatment for lumbar disc herniation: eight-year results for the spine patient outcomes research trial.” Spine vol. 39,1 (2014): 3-16. doi:10.1097/BRS.0000000000000088
Wang, Jeffrey C et al. “Epidural injections for the treatment of symptomatic lumbar herniated discs.” Journal of spinal disorders & techniques vol. 15,4 (2002): 269-72. doi:10.1097/00024720-200208000-00001
Yussen, P S, and J D Swartz. “The acute lumbar disc herniation: imaging diagnosis.” Seminars in ultrasound, CT, and MR vol. 14,6 (1993): 389-98. doi:10.1016/s0887-2171(05)80032-0
When it comes to the body, many factors can cause low back pain without a person knowing they encounter it. Simple actions like sitting, standing, and walking can be difficult or helpful, depending on the person’s actions. Since low back pain tends to vary from person to person and the possible factors that can cause low back pain make diagnosing a bit difficult. Fortunately, there are available treatments that can help manage low back pain symptoms and can help alleviate its associated symptoms in the body. Today’s article examines the causes and symptoms of low back pain, aqua therapy for low back pain, and how chiropractic care goes hand in hand with aqua therapy. We refer patients to certified providers specializing in musculoskeletal treatments and hydrotherapy to help many individuals with low back pain. We also guide our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is the solution to asking our providers insightful questions. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
The Causes Of Low Back Pain
Have you been feeling aches along the sides of your back? Do you feel stiff when hunched over for an extended period? Or does sitting down make the pain go away or worsen? Many of these factors are associated with signs that you could be suffering from low back pain. Low back pain is considered the leading disability causes worldwide, as studies reveal, which can be influenced by many factors that a person is going through. Anyone can risk developing low back pain as it can derive from different sources that overlap many potential issues. Some of the causes associated with low back pain vary depending on how severely the factors affect the individual, which includes:
Muscle and ligament sprain (Overused muscles and ligaments from injuries, poor posture, or lifting heavy objects)
When it comes to the symptoms of low back pain, many individuals will experience pain ranging from a dull ache to a sudden shooting burning pain that travels down the legs. Many individuals often feel pain from one location of the lower half of the body; instead, it is located on the other side, known as referred pain. Low back pain can potentially mean that another issue is affecting the body. Some of the symptoms associated with low back pain include:
Muscle stiffness
Sciatica
Muscle spasms
Limited mobility on the hips and pelvis
Inflammation
Muscle tenderness
All is not lost, as treatments are available to manage low back pain symptoms and alleviate the body’s pain.
Aqua Therapy For Spine Health-Video
Have you been experiencing muscle stiffness in your lower back? Do hip pain and sciatic symptoms cause mobility issues in your legs? Or does it hurt when you are bending down to pick something up? You could be dealing with low back pain associated with chronic symptoms affecting the body, so why not try aqua therapy? The video above demonstrates what aqua therapy does to the body and the exercises used to relieve low back pain. Studies reveal that the therapeutic purposes of water have dated back to ancient Egypt, Greek, and Roman civilization; that helps cleanse the body from ailments. Many physical therapists utilize aqua therapy to enable individuals with low back pain. Aqua therapy engages the waters, buoyancy, resistance, and hydrostatic pressure that helps rehabilitate injuries and maintain health.
Aqua Therapy For Low Back Pain
Many individuals that suffer from low back pain will try to find ways to alleviate the pain. Aqua therapy is one available treatment that doesn’t strain the lower back and has therapeutic properties. Studies reveal that the beneficial properties of aqua therapy allow the body to improve muscle strength and range of motion while reducing muscle fatigue by using water buoyancy to take the pressure off the spine. Since low back pain is a common health issue associated with environmental factors for many individuals, studies reveal that water buoyancy can eliminate the gravitational forces impacting the body weight by counteracting it. To that point, this reduces joint stress on the body to perform the water aerobic exercises with ease. Individuals who incorporate aqua therapy in their health and wellness journey may be more motivated to exercise in the water without worrying about constant pain.
Aqua Therapy Goes Hand In Hand With Chiropractic Care
Like any treatment, chiropractic care and aqua therapy have an excellent relationship as they work together to assess and analyze the individual’s problem and devise a plan for them. Chiropractors utilize spinal manipulation to determine where the pain is located. So when a person is dealing with low back pain due to spinal subluxation or misalignment, a chiropractor can help the individual by loosening the stiff muscles and increasing the range of motion back to the spine. At the same time, aqua therapy incorporates the same benefits associated with land-based physical therapy, including a treatment plan tailored to the individual. Chiropractors and physical therapists work together to determine the best possible action to speed up the recovery process when it comes to a person’s pain, giving them the best chance to get back their quality of life.
Conclusion
Low back pain is one of many individuals’ most common complaints worldwide. The many factors associated with low back pain vary and range from a dull ache to a sharp pain radiating down the legs as part of the symptoms of low back pain. Treatments like aqua therapy can help take the load off the spine through water buoyancy and can help reduce the stress on the joints in the lumbar spine while reducing muscle fatigue. Combined with chiropractic care, many individuals can recover faster from their low back pain and bring back their quality of life without being in so much pain.
References
Abadi, Fariba Hossein, et al. “The Effect of Aquatic Exercise Program on Low-Back Pain Disability in Obese Women.” Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation, Korean Society of Exercise Rehabilitation, 31 Dec. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6944883/.
Allegri, Massimo, et al. “Mechanisms of Low Back Pain: A Guide for Diagnosis and Therapy.” F1000Research, F1000Research, 28 June 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4926733/.
Carayannopoulos, Alexios G, et al. “The Benefits of Combining Water and Land-Based Therapy.” Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation, Korean Society of Exercise Rehabilitation, 26 Feb. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7056478/.
The body is designed to move. For individuals who spend a significant amount of time driving each day, whether for a living or a long commute, over time can lead to headaches, neck and back pain, sciatica, and increases the risk for serious injury. Chiropractic can retrain individuals to practice healthy driving posture. This is accomplished through decompression and massage therapy combined with recommended stretches/exercises, and an anti-inflammatory diet will bring pain relief and help prevent injury.
Healthy Driving Posture
Two main reasons driving impacts the back are poor posture and being in a fixed position for an extended period. Individuals who regularly drive for more than 4 hours a day are more at risk. An unhealthy driving posture can lead to an increased risk of discomfort/pain in the:
Over time these issues can become chronic, making the body vulnerable to various injuries.
Back Pain Symptoms
Sometimes back pain needs immediate medical attention if any of the following symptoms present:
Inflammation in the back.
Swelling on the back.
Constant pain does not go away or ease up after resting or movement.
Pain in the upper back that radiates to the chest.
A high temperature.
Unexplained weight loss.
Loss of bladder or bowel control.
Numbness or tingling around the buttocks or groin area.
Driving Recommendations
Spine Support
Slide the tailbone as close to the back of the seat as possible.
Leave a gap between the back of the knees and the front of the seat.
If the vehicle doesn’t allow for the proper position, a back support cushion can help.
Raise The Hips
If possible, adjust the area you sit on, so the thighs are supported along their entire length.
The knees should be slightly lower than the hips.
This will increase circulation to the back muscles while opening up the hips.
Sitting Too Close
An individual should be able to comfortably reach the pedals and depress them through their full range with the entire foot.
A safety study found that drivers whose chests were closer to the wheel were significantly more likely to suffer head, neck, and chest injuries in front and rear-end collisions.
Proper Height
Ensure the seat raises the eye level a few inches above the steering wheel to allow sufficient clearance between the head and roof.
Seat Angle
The angle of the back of the seat should go a little beyond 90 degrees to 100-110 degrees places minimal pressure on the back.
Leaning too far back forces the individual to raise/push their head and neck forward, which can cause neck pain, shoulder pain, and tingling in the fingers.
Headrest Height
The top of the headrest should be between the top of the ears and the top of the head.
It should slightly touch the back of the head when sitting with a healthy driving posture.
This exercise activates the abdominal and external oblique muscles.
Press the lower back into the car seat.
Inhale and tilt the pelvis forward to create an arch in the lower back.
Hold for 3 seconds, then release.
Repeat ten times.
Posture is more than just how one carries themselves. The effects of unhealthy posture can carry over into an individual’s physical, mental, and emotional health. Whether it’s caused by injury, stress, work, or sports, a professional chiropractor will help you get back to optimal health.
Driving Position
References
Cvetkovic, Marko M et al. “Assessing Post-Driving Discomfort and Its Influence on Gait Patterns.” Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 21,24 8492. 20 Dec. 2021, doi:10.3390/s21248492
Pope, Malcolm H et al. “Spine ergonomics.” Annual review of biomedical engineering vol. 4 (2002): 49-68. doi:10.1146/annurev.bioeng.4.092101.122107
Tinitali, Sarah, et al. “Sitting Posture During Occupational Driving Causes Low Back Pain; Evidence-Based Position or Dogma? A Systematic Review.” Human factors vol. 63,1 (2021): 111-123. doi:10.1177/0018720819871730
van Veen, Sigrid, and Peter Vink. “Posture variation in a car within the restrictions of the driving task.” Work (Reading, Mass.) vol. 54,4 (2016): 887-94. doi:10.3233/WOR-162359
Many people worldwide know that exercising has impressive benefits that help improve the body’s overall wellness. The body has different muscle groups that have a casual relationship with the vital organs inside the body. Organs like the heart, lungs, gut, and bladder correlate with the different muscles through the nerve roots that connect them. When the body suffers from various factors that affect it, it causes referred pain to the body where one pain is at one location but radiates from the other side. Exercising can help the body recover through physical rehabilitation by reducing inflammation and scarring on the muscle tissues. One of the many exercises that helps strengthen the muscles, increase flexibility, and even improve posture is Pilates. Today’s article looks at Pilates, its benefits, and how it can help alleviate back pain. We refer patients to certified providers specializing in musculoskeletal treatments to help many individuals with low back pain issues affecting their bodies. We also guide our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is the solution to asking our providers insightful questions. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
What Is Pilates?
Have you been feeling sluggish or having low energy throughout the entire day? What about experiencing pain in your lower back? Have you experienced muscle stiffness in certain areas around your body? Many of these symptoms are associated with musculoskeletal issues that correlate with different factors that affect the body; why not try an exercise regime like Pilates? Pilates is a system of exercises that uses a particular machine or body to improve a person’s physical strength and posture while increasing the body’s flexibility and enhancing mental awareness. Joseph Pilates developed Pilates in the early 20th century as an exercise program to help World War I soldiers improve their physical fitness levels. Pilates was used as rehabilitation therapy for injured individuals by incorporating resistance, stretching, and target muscle strengthening. Pilates is now utilized for all individuals with different bodies and fitness levels and can provide tremendous benefits.
What Are The Benefits?
Pilates, like any other form of exercise, has many beneficial properties that help improve a person’s health and wellness. Studies reveal that Pilates helps many individuals, including older adults, by improving their posture by decreasing thoracic flexion while increasing lumbar extension for pain relief. Some of the beneficial properties that Pilates offer to the body include:
Increasing core strength: The deep muscles in the abdomen, back, and pelvic regions become stronger and help stabilize the body more.
Strengthen muscle groups: Pilates helps make the muscles not only strong but also helps stretch them so that they can look long and lean. This makes the individual look toned.
It’s a whole body workout: As many exercises work on specific body parts, Pilates focuses on each muscle part of the body and helps muscle development.
Posture Improvement: Pilates help keep the spine aligned while strengthening the body and core. Over time a person’s posture will improve naturally, making them stand taller, stronger, and even more graceful.
Increases energy: Like all exercises, Pilates will give a person the energy boost they need. This is due to the focused breathing and increased blood circulation that stimulates the muscles and the spine.
Pilates Exercises For Back Pain-Video
Are you looking for a new exercise to tone your muscles? Have you been dealing with pain in your lower back? Do you have muscle weakness in some regions of your body? If you have been experiencing pain-related issues, why not try Pilates? The video above goes through a 10-minute Pilates workout for back pain. Studies reveal that non-specific low back pain is a highly prevalent condition many individuals associate with disability and work absence worldwide. Many environmental factors affect many individuals, causing them to suffer back issues. Pilates can help encourage many individuals to regain their health and wellness by incorporating core strength and stability while improving their posture.
Pilates Alleviate Back Pain
Many people don’t realize that some low back pain symptoms are related to poor posture. Poor posture can lead to associated symptoms of headaches, back pain, improper balance, and pelvic issues. What Pilates does is that it creates body awareness and helps improve the lower back muscles by strengthening them and relaxing the stiff muscles. Studies reveal that incorporating Pilates as physical therapy for individuals suffering from low back pain can help address the mental and physical pain aspects with core strengthening, flexibility, and relaxing the tense muscles. Many individuals should never put off exercising when it comes to back pain. Incorporating an exercise routine can benefit the body and prevent future injuries.
Conclusion
An exercise regime can provide many beneficial results for those looking for ways to be healthy, those suffering from injuries, or those who want to add something else to their workout routine. Pilates is one of those exercises that incorporates resistance, stretching, and muscle targeting as it is a full-body workout. Pilates is used in rehabilitation therapy for injured individuals and can provide tremendous benefits. Pilates can help many individuals with back issues associated with environmental factors like poor posture. Many individuals that utilize Pilates as part of their exercise regime will begin to feel stronger and healthier as their backs will thank them.
Kuo, Yi-Liang, et al. “Sagittal Spinal Posture after Pilates-Based Exercise in Healthy Older Adults.” Spine, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 May 2009, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19404180/.
Sorosky, Susan, et al. “Yoga and Pilates in the Management of Low Back Pain.” Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine, Humana Press Inc, Mar. 2008, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2684152/.
When many individuals look for ways to relax after a stressful event in their daily lives, many people have an exercise regime that allows them to take their minds off of their hectic lives. When finding the proper exercise, it is best to consider that everybody is different and has different fitness levels. Many individuals could be dealing with chronic issues that affect them drastically and with so much pain in their bodies. When these chronic issues overlap with muscle and joint pain, it can make the body dysfunctional while potentially being involved in environmental factors. Yoga is a low-impact exercise that helps tone muscles, relax tension in the body, and focus on deep breathing. Today’s article looks at the benefits of yoga for the body, how chiropractic care works together with yoga, and different yoga poses can help manage various chronic issues. We refer patients to certified providers specializing in musculoskeletal treatments to help many individuals with musculoskeletal problems affecting their bodies. We also guide our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is the solution to asking our providers insightful questions. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
The Benefits of Yoga For The Body
Have you been dealing with chronic stress affecting your quality of life? Have you been dealing with bladder or gut issues constantly? What about feeling muscle stiffness in your back, neck, shoulders, or pelvic regions? Some of these symptoms are signs that you could risk developing musculoskeletal problems associated with pain. Dealing with musculoskeletal issues related to pain can make a person feel miserable and have stress affecting their bodies. Yoga is a low-impact exercise that doesn’t put pressure on the joints and will provide a full-body workout through strengthening and stretching weak muscles. Yoga has many benefits for many individuals that are dealing with the following:
Studies reveal that environmental factors are involved in non-specified chronic pain in the spine, overlapping musculoskeletal disorders causing many individuals to try to find relief. Many individuals incorporate yoga because it is a safe and effective way to alleviate various forms of back, neck, or pelvic pain causing issues to the body. Yoga utilizes gentle stretching and strengthening of weak, injured muscles while increasing blood circulation to promote healing in the body.
Chiropractic Care & Yoga
When people are dealing with health conditions or injuries that have affected their bodies, it can make them feel frustrated and think their injuries are taking forever to heal. Many individuals don’t realize that incorporating yoga practices provides impressive health benefits while mirroring the similar foundations of chiropractic care. Both chiropractic care and yoga provide many beneficial results to an aching body that needs a good stretch and ready the body to heal itself naturally. Chiropractic care includes spinal manipulation to the spinal joints while reducing inflammation and strengthening weak muscles. Yoga allows the body to increase its flexibility and stamina, reduces stress and blood pressure, and provides a better sense of breathing and balance.
Yoga For Chronic Pain-Video
Have you felt muscle stiffness in your neck, back, or body? Have you felt sluggish or overly stressed from your day-to-day lives? Do you want to improve your balance? If you have been experiencing these issues affecting your quality of life, why not incorporate yoga as part of your exercise regime? The video above shows that yoga poses for chronic pain affect the body, including the neck, back, and pelvic regions. Studies reveal that yoga can help relieve intense neck pain while improving pain-related function disability. Yoga allows the muscles to not only relax but strengthen them as well. Yoga can also help improve the body’s range of motion through deep breathing and give more awareness of how the body holds tension in places a person hasn’t realized they were holding onto.
Yoga Poses For Different Issues
When a person does yoga, they will go through various poses and repeat them constantly as their body begins to get used to the movements. This allows the body to challenge itself and helps the individual focus more on deep breathing. A good example would be an individual taking a yoga class due to experiencing pelvic pain. By going through each yoga pose, many individuals suffering from pelvic pain will reduce the pain intensity while improving their quality of life. Below are some yoga poses that anyone can do to reduce pain associated with their back, neck, or pelvis.
Bridge Pose
Lie on your back
Bend both knees while placing the feet on the floor at hip-width apart
Arm on the sides with palms facing down
Press feet to the floor and lift the hips as you inhale
Engage the legs and buttock
Hold 4-8 breaths and exhale to lower the hips back to the ground slowly
Cobra Pose
Lie on your stomach with hands near the chest just under the shoulders and fingers facing forward
Keep elbows close to sides
Press hands on the floor and slowly lift your head, chest, and shoulders while slightly bending the elbows by inhaling
Exhale to go back down slow and rest your head
Cat-Cow
Be on all fours, hands under the shoulders and knees under hips (Think like a table)
Inhale to lower your core to the floor as your head looks up to the sky
Exhale slowly to lower your chin to the chest as you round your back
Continue fluid motion for a minute
Forward Bend
Be in a standing position, and feet are at a hip distance apart
Lengthen the body as you lean forward while keeping the knees slightly bended
Place hands on either legs, yoga block, or the floor (Whichever makes you comfortable)
Tuck the chin into the chest, letting the neck and head relax
Gently rock your head side to side to relieve tension in the neck and shoulders
Slowly roll up to a standing position allowing the arms and head to be the last to rise
Supine Spinal Twist
Lie on your back while your knees bent and feet flat on the floor
Extend arms out of the side and place palms down on the floor
As you inhale, breathe into the gut and lower limbs
Exhale to lower knees on the left side (Look at the opposite way to slowly stretch the neck and shoulder muscles)
Pay attention to the stretches for 5 breathes as well as the lengthening sensations on the ribs
Return the knees to the middle and repeat on the right side
Child’s Pose
Sit back on the heels with the knees together (For added support, you can use a rolled-up blanket under your knees)
Bend forward and walk hands in front of you
Gently rest your forehead on the floor
Keep arms extended in the front while focusing on relieving tension in the back as the upper body falls to the knees
Stay in that pose for 5 minutes
Conclusion
Incorporating yoga as part of an exercise regime allows the individual to focus on deep breathing while calming the mind. Yoga is a low-impact exercise that helps strengthen weak muscles associated with pain and inflammation. Yoga provides a full-body workout that benefits many people dealing with chronic pain. Utilizing yoga as part of a daily practice might help individuals learn to be calm and practice mindfulness.
Crow, Edith Meszaros, et al. “Effectiveness of Iyengar Yoga in Treating Spinal (Back and Neck) Pain: A Systematic Review.” International Journal of Yoga, Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd, Jan. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4278133/.
Li, Yunxia, et al. “Effects of Yoga on Patients with Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain: A Prisma Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Medicine, Wolters Kluwer Health, Feb. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6407933/.
Saxena, Rahul, et al. “Effects of Yogic Intervention on Pain Scores and Quality of Life in Females with Chronic Pelvic Pain.” International Journal of Yoga, Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd, 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5225749/.
Practicing improper/unhealthy postures throughout the day can severely fatigue the mind and body. Children’s postural health is vital to their overall health and energy levels to perform tasks, school work, and play. An unhealthy posture causes the body to lose its ability to dissipate forces evenly and correctly. Symptoms like soreness, pain, tightness, and irritability can begin to present, which is the body’s way of letting the individual know something is off. When the body is in proper alignment, the spine disperses body weight correctly and efficiently. Chiropractic adjustments can effectively counter the unhealthy posture effects, and simple postural exercises can strengthen the body, increasing healthy posture habits.
Children’s Posture Health
Healthy posture is more than simply sitting and standing up straight. It is how the body is positioned, meaning the head, spine, and shoulders, and how it moves unconsciously like a walking gait. An uneven gait or awkward body position can indicate a problem and cause long-term consequences to a child’s health.
Challenges
Kids and children are constantly hunched, slumped, and slouched over device screens. This constant awkward positioning adds weight to the spine, increasing the pressure, which can cause issues ranging from headaches, mild neck pain, low back pain, and sciatica. Severe health effects from poor posture include:
Shoulder problems.
Chronic pain.
Nerve damage.
Difficulty breathing from prolonged hunching-over.
Spinal joint degeneration.
Vertebral compression fractures.
Poor alignment of the muscles begins to restrict postural muscles from relaxing correctly, making the muscles stay stretched or slightly flexed, causing strain and pain. As a child’s body grows, practicing unhealthy postures can drive continued awkward positioning, abnormal spine growth, and an increased risk for arthritis later in life.
Chiropractic Adjustments
A chiropractor will check for any imbalances, like a hunched back, one shoulder higher than the other, or a pelvic tilt/shift. Through a series of adjustments, chiropractic releases the muscles, relieves pressure on ligaments, allows the postural muscles to relax and realign to their proper position, prevents further muscle overuse, strain, abnormal joint wear, and helps reduce fatigue by conserving/utilizing energy as the muscles are functioning correctly and efficiently.
Exercises
Simple postural exercises can help maintain children’s postural health.
Place hands next to the chest so that they are underneath the shoulders.
Gently press the chest upward.
Keeping the legs on the ground.
Look straight ahead.
They only take a few minutes, but the objective is consistency. Doing the poses for one week won’t immediately change unhealthy posture habits. It is developing consistent healthy postural habits that generate improvement. They should be done at least three times weekly to build strength and endurance.
Kids and Chiropractic
References
Achar, Suraj, and Jarrod Yamanaka. “Back Pain in Children and Adolescents.” American family physician vol. 102,1 (2020): 19-28.
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