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Piriformis Syndrome

Piriformis Syndrome

Ever felt pain in your hip, the center of the buttocks, or pain down the back of the leg, you’re likely suffering, at least partly, with piriformis syndrome. The piriformis is a muscle which runs from the sacrum (mid-line base of spine) into the outer hip bone (trochanter). This muscle works overtime on runners.

The muscles in and about the gluteal area help with three areas

� rotation of the hip and leg;
� balance while one foot is off the ground
� stability of the pelvic region.

Needless to say, every one of these attributes are highly needed by runners and everyone else.

Piriformis Injuries

RMI or repetitive motion injury occurs when a muscle has to perform beyond the level of its capability, not given time to recover and doing it again and again. The normal response from a muscle in this situation is to tighten, which is a defensive response of the muscle. This stimulation, however, manifests itself several ways.

First Symptom�indicating piriformis syndrome could be pain in and about the outer hip bone. The tightness of the muscle generates increased pressure between the bone and the tendon which produces pain and either discomfort or an increased tension in the joint which produces a bursitis. A bursitis is an inflammation of the fluid filled sac in a joint caused by tension and strain within that joint.

Second Symptom suggesting piriformis syndrome would be pain right at the middle of the buttocks. Although this is not as common as the other two symptoms, this pain can be brought on within the fatty part of the buttocks region with direct compression. A tight muscle becomes a sore muscle upon compression because of reduced blood flow to that muscle.

Third Symptom indicating piriformis syndrome would be a sciatic neuralgia, or pain from the buttocks down the back of the leg and at times into different parts of the lower leg.

The sciatic nerve runs directly through the belly of the piriformis muscle and in the event the piriformis muscle contracts from being overused, the sciatic nerve now becomes strangled, producing pain, numbness and tingling.

Physiology

piriformis syndrome illustration of athlete runningAny muscle constantly used has to have an opportunity to recover. This recovery can be natural with time, or could be facilitated and sped up with treatment. Continuing use will make it even worse since the muscle is tightening due to overuse. This injured muscle needs to relax and have blood flow encouraged into it for a rapid recovery. The tightness� lessens the normal blood flow going to the muscle. To encourage new blood into the muscle is the way of getting the muscle to begin to unwind and operate normally. Massages daily to this area is greatly supported.

The next step in this “recovery” process is to use a tennis ball under the butt and hip area. Roll out from the side of engagement while sitting down on the ground and set a tennis ball inside the outer hip bone under the buttocks area. Note areas of pain and soreness, as you start to allow your weight onto the tennis ball. Trigger points will have a tendency to collect in a repetitively used muscle, and till these toxins are manually broken up and removed, the muscle will have an artificial well being concerning flexibility potential and recovery potential. Consequently, if it’s sore while your sitting on it, you’re doing a good job. Let the ball operate under every spot for 15-20 seconds before transferring it to a different place. After 4-5 minutes place cross legs with the ankle of the affected leg over the knee of the non-affected leg. Then place the tennis ball just inside the outer hip bone and work the tendon of the muscle. Although this pain requires some time to reduce and is excruciating, the advantages are enormous. Be patient and good things will happen.

Treatments

Due to how the sciatic neuralgia and the hip bursitis or tendonitis are both inflammatory in character, ice therapy, or cryotherapy, within the involved region 15-20 minutes at a time will be beneficial. This should be performed multiple times each day.

Once the acute pain is gone then start with gentle stretching, like a cross-legged stretch while pulling up on the knee. The muscle should have improved flexibility.

Finally the use of pharmaceutical anti-inflammatories are not encouraged. One the intestines are greatly aggravated by them, but they also suggest an artificial wellbeing that can lead to larger problems. Proteolytic enzymes, such as bromelain, extremely beneficial without any side effects and are organic.

Piriformis Syndrome & China-Gel

Naturopathic Medicine: Safe For Your Family

Naturopathic Medicine: Safe For Your Family

For those millions of Americans with chronic conditions, naturopathic doctors are offering new views and treatment options which are quickly becoming a primary line of care. This popularity has led to license ND’s across the country.

Like chiropractic doctors, naturopathic physicians operate in outpatient, non-emergency centers. Naturopathic doctors work alongside medical doctors.

Combining the wisdom of nature with the rigors of contemporary science, ND’s are highly trained as thorough diagnosticians. Utilizing the body’s inherent ability to restore and maintain health, ND’s treat patients with the least invasive and least toxic treatments. These modalities that are noninvasive and gentle are among the several reasons why naturopathic medicine is safe for you and your family.

little girl at doctors el paso tx _01Naturopathic Physicians Treat Patients Using Noninvasive & Conservative Modalities

Naturopathic physicians specialize in preventative medication and are specialists in clinical nutrition and dietary interventions. They believe diet and lifestyle is the basis to health.

According to some 2014 National Health Report from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, seven of the top ten leading causes of death are chronic ailments that could have been prevented or delayed, and quality of life could have been improved through lifestyle changes, including proper diet, physical activity, avoidance of tobacco, and other types of risk reduction. Naturopathic doctors help treat chronic diseases including heart disease and cancer, which account for roughly half of all deaths each year.

Research on naturopathic medicine treatments for the prevention of cardiovascular disease and stress reveal that treatments aren’t only safe but effective. The randomized controlled study regarding naturopathic care for anxiety involved the treatment of 75 participants that received nutritional supplements, deep breathing relaxation techniques, dietary counseling, and herbal medicine. According to the analysis, significant differences between groups were observed in mental health, concentration, fatigue, social functioning, energy, and quality of life. The treatments also resulted in no adverse responses in any group.

In addition to nutrition and lifestyle recommendations, naturopathic medicine utilizes other noninvasive modalities such as hydrotherapy, manipulative therapy, botanical medicine, and homeopathy. Every one of these modalities is gentle, safe, effective, and based on nature’s healing power.

Malpractice Claims In Naturopathic Medicine Are Unusual

naturopathic medicine malpractice suit el paso txBecause naturopathic doctors treat their patients via conservative and noninvasive methods, malpractice rates are much lower for naturopathic doctors when compared with conventional doctors. Annual premiums for ND’s are about $3,800 compared to medical doctors with annual premiums of approximately $18,600, based on NCMIC, the largest malpractice insurance coverage for ND’s.

According to 2014 report from the California Naturopathic Doctors Association, because licensure was granted in 2005, nearly 500 practicing naturopathic doctors have a security record that is pristine with no cases of injury. The same report in Washington State says that from 2004-2014, there have only been 25 disciplinary actions against naturopathic doctors in ten years, in comparison to more than 20,000 disciplinary actions for MD’s.

Naturopathic Physicians Are Well Trained

naturopathic medicine el paso txDoctors attend licensed, four-year, on-campus, naturopathic medical colleges in which they study the latest advances in science and natural methods to illness prevention and management. Students gain a comprehensive knowledge of sciences by taking biochemistry, physiology, anatomy, pathology, and pharmacology classes.

Before graduation, students must complete no less than 4,100 hours of course and clinical training, which comprises over 1,200 hours of hands-on, supervised, clinical training. These doctors must also pass board rigorous examinations, to become a licensed practitioner.

ND’s are trained to work in conjunction along with medical physicians. Along with their two years of science coursework students spend 100 hours studying pharmaceuticals . ND’s know how to safely use their treatments integratively with conventional medicine and they understand their limitations.

ND’s Are Trained To Treat A Wide Selection Of Conditions And Populations

naturopathic medicine foot massage el paso txND’s are rigorously trained to practice in a primary care setting in which they experience conditions of all sorts and age groups. A substantial section of an ND’s education is diagnostic training in order that they can treat or refer patients to medical professionals when necessary. This training involves diagnostic tools common in traditional medicine, such as detailed health, disease, prescription medication histories, physical examinations, and lab testing and imaging, according to the American Association of Naturopathic Practitioners.

ND’s consider diet, lifestyle habits and options, exercise history, and also social/emotional factors to evaluate patients’ needs. These approaches often open doors to new and effective treatment choices.

ND’s treat allergies, chronic pain, digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, obesity, respiratory conditions, heart disease, fertility issues, menopause, adrenal fatigue, cancer, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

States Are Recognizing And Licensing ND’s

naturopathic license el paso txCurrently 20 states, the District of Columbia and two U.S. territories license naturopathic physicians with three states gaining licensure approval in the last year: Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. More legislators have started to acknowledge the value of the naturopathic medicine profession that is growing.

“[Naturopathic medicine] has assisted lots of individuals suffering from chronic diseases get relief without chemicals and pharmaceuticals which may have unintended side effects,” Pennsylvania State Reps. Bryan Cutler and Steve Mentzer said in a statement.

New laws create ND licensing boards in each state, requiring that those who set up practice as an ND hold a graduate degree from an accredited naturopathic medical school.�ND’s must also pass national board examinations, which cover therapeutic and diagnostic subjects, fundamental sciences and clinical sciences.

At the NUHS Whole Health Center at Lombard, Ill, medicine doctors offer you a variety of mild and safe treatments such as hydrotherapy, nutritional counseling, homeopathy, botanical medicine, and more.

Excessive Weight Gain, Obesity, And Cancer

Excessive Weight Gain, Obesity, And Cancer

Opportunities For Clinical Intervention

Even though the effects of overweight and obesity on diabetes, cardiovascular disease, all-cause mortality, and other health outcomes are widely known, there is less awareness that overweight, obesity, and weight gain are associated with an increased risk of certain cancers. A recent review of more than 1000 studies concluded that sufficient evidence existed to link weight gain, overweight, and obesity with 13 cancers, including adenocarcinoma of the esophagus; cancers of the gastric cardia, colon and rectum, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, corpus uteri, ovary, kidney, and thyroid; postmenopausal female breast cancer; meningioma; and multiple myeloma.1�An 18-year follow-up of almost 93?000 women in the Nurses� Health Study revealed a dose-response association of weight gain and obesity with several cancers.2

Obesity Increase

obesity man eating oversized burger outside el paso txThe prevalence of obesity in the United States has been increasing for almost 50 years. Currently, more than two-thirds of adults and almost one-third of children and adolescents are overweight or obese. Youths who are obese are more likely to be obese as adults, compounding their risk for health consequences such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Trends in many of the health consequences of overweight and obesity (such as type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease) also are increasing, coinciding with prior trends in rates of obesity. Furthermore, the sequelae of these diseases are related to the severity of obesity in a dose-response fashion.2�It is therefore not surprising that obesity accounts for a significant portion of health care costs.

Cancers

obesity cancer-cells microsope el paso tx

A report released on October 3, 2017, by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention assessed the incidence of the 13 cancers associated with overweight and obesity in 2014 and the trends in these cancers over the 10-year period from 2005 to 2014.3�In 2014, more than 630?000 people were diagnosed as having a cancer associated with overweight and obesity, comprising more than 55% of all cancers diagnosed among women and 24% of cancers among men. Most notable was the finding that cancers related to overweight and obesity were increasingly diagnosed among younger people.

obesity man sits at beach el paso txFrom 2005 to 2014, there was a 1.4% annual increase in cancers related to overweight and obesity among individuals aged 20 to 49 years and a 0.4% increase in these cancers among individuals aged 50 to 64 years. For example, if cancer rates had stayed the same in 2014 as they were in 2005, there would have been 43?000 fewer cases of colorectal cancer but 33?000 more cases of other cancers related to overweight and obesity. Nearly half of all cancers in people younger than 65 years were associated with overweight and obesity. Overweight and obesity among younger people may exact a toll on individuals� health earlier in their lifetimes.2�Given the time lag between exposure to cancer risk factors and cancer diagnosis, the high prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults, children, and adolescents may forecast additional increases in the incidence of cancers related to overweight and obesity.

Clinical Intervention

obesity doctor in surgery room el paso tx

Since the release of the landmark 1964 surgeon general�s report on the health consequences of smoking, clinicians have counseled their patients to avoid tobacco and on methods to quit and provided referrals to effective programs to reduce their risk of chronic diseases including cancer. These efforts, coupled with comprehensive public health and policy approaches to reduce tobacco use, have been effective�cigarette smoking is at an all-time low. Similar efforts are warranted to prevent excessive weight gain and treat children, adolescents, and adults who are overweight or obese. Clinician referral to intense, multicomponent behavioral intervention programs to help patients with obesity lose weight can be an important starting point in improving a patient�s health and preventing diseases associatedwith obesity. The benefits of maintaining a healthy weight throughout life include improvements in a wide variety of health outcomes, including cancer. There is emerging but very preliminary data that some of these cancer benefits may be achieved following weight loss among people with overweight or obesity.4

The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)

obesity woman doctors office blood pressure taken el paso txThe US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening for obesity and intensive behavioral interventions delivered over 12 to 16 visits for adults and 26 or more visits for children and adolescents with obesity.5,6�Measuring patients� weight, height, and body mass index (BMI), consistent with USPSTF recommendations, and counseling patients about maintaining a healthy weight can establish a foundation for preventive care in clinical care settings. Scientific data continue to emerge about the negative health effects of weight gain, including an increased risk of cancer.1�Tracking patients� weight over time can identify those who could benefit from counseling and referral early and help them avoid additional weight gain. Yet less than half of primary care physicians regularly assess the BMI of their adult, child, and adolescent patients. Encouraging discussions about weight management in multiple health care settings, including physicians� offices, clinics, emergency departments, and hospitals, can provide multiple opportunities for patients and reinforce messages across contexts and care environments.

Weight Loss Programs

obesity young men working out in gym el paso txImplementation of clinical interventions, including screening, counseling, and referral, has major challenges. Since 2011, Medicare has covered behavioral counseling sessions for weight loss in primary care settings. However, the benefit has not been widely utilized.7�Whether the lack of utilization is a consequence of lack of clinician or patient knowledge or for other reasons remains uncertain. Few medical schools and residency programs provide adequate training in prevention and management of obesity or in understanding how to make referrals to such services. Obesity is a highly stigmatized condition; many clinicians find it difficult to initiate a conversation about obesity with patients, and some may inadvertently use alienating language when they do. Studies indicate that patients with obesity prefer the use of terms such as�unhealthy weight�or�increased BMI�rather than�overweight�or�obesity�and�improved nutrition and physical activity�rather than�diet and exercise.8�However, it is unknown if switching to these terms will lead to more effective behavioral counseling. Effective clinical decision support tools to measure BMI and guide physicians through referral and counseling interventions can provide clinicians needed support within the patient-clinician encounter. Inclusion of recently developed competencies for prevention and management of obesity into the curricula of health care professionals may improve their ability to deliver effective care. Because few primary care clinicians are trained in behavior change strategies like cognitive behavioral therapy or motivational interviewing, other trained health care professionals, such as nurses, pharmacists, psychologists, and dietitians could assist by providing counseling and appropriate referrals and help people manage their own health.

woman being tempted devil angel shoulder cake fruit obesity el paso txAchieving sustainable weight loss requires comprehensive strategies that support patients� efforts to make significant lifestyle changes. The availability of clinical and community programs and services to which to refer patients is critically important. Although such programs are available in some communities, there are gaps in availability. Furthermore, even when these programs are available, enhancing linkages between clinical and community care could improve patients� access. Linking community obesity prevention, weight management, and physical activity programs with clinical services can connect people to valuable prevention and intervention resources in the communities where they live, work, and play. Such linkages can give individuals the encouragement they need for the lifestyle changes that maintain or improve their health.

two men stomach cut out healthy obesity unhealthy el paso txThe high prevalence of overweight and obesity in the United States will continue to contribute to increases in health consequences related to obesity, including cancer. Nonetheless, cancer is not inevitable; it is possible that many cancers related to overweight and obesity could be prevented, and physicians have an important responsibility in educating patients and supporting patients� efforts to lead healthy lifestyles. It is important for all health care professionals to emphasize that along with quitting or avoiding tobacco, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight are also important for reducing the risk of cancer.

Targeting Obesity

Article Information

Greta M.�Massetti,�PhD1;�William H.�Dietz,�MD, PhD2;�Lisa C.�Richardson,�MD, MPH1

Author Affiliations

Corresponding Author:�Greta M. Massetti, PhD, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30341 ([email protected]).

Conflict of Interest Disclosures:�All authors have completed and submitted the ICMJE Form for Disclosure of Potential Conflict of Interest. Dr Dietz reports receipt of scientific advisory board fees from Weight Watchers and consulting fees from RTI. No other disclosures were reported.

Disclaimer:�The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and not necessarily the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

References

1. Lauby-Secretan B, Scoccianti C, Loomis D, Grosse Y, Bianchini F, Straif K; International Agency for Research on Cancer Handbook Working Group. Body fatness and cancer�viewpoint of the IARC Working Group. N Engl J Med. 2016;375(8):794-798. PubMed Article

2. Zheng Y, Manson JE, Yuan C, et al. Associations of weight gain from early to middle adulthood with major health outcomes later in life. JAMA. 2017;318(3):255-269. PubMed Article

3. Steele CB, Thomas CC, Henley SJ, et al. Vital Signs: Trends in Incidence of Cancers Related to Overweight and Obesity�United States, 2005-2014. October 3, 2017. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/66/wr/mm6639e1.htm?s_cid=mm6639e1_w.

4. Byers T, Sedjo RL. Does intentional weight loss reduce cancer risk? Diabetes Obes Metab. 2011;13(12):1063-1072. PubMed Article

5. Grossman DC, Bibbins-Domingo K, Curry SJ, et al; US Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for obesity in children and adolescents: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. JAMA. 2017;317(23):2417-2426. PubMed Article

6. US Preventive Services Task Force. Final Recommendation Statement: Obesity in Adults: Screening and Management. December 2016. https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/Page/Document/RecommendationStatementFinal/obesity-in-adults-screening-and-management. Accessed September 21, 2017.

7. Batsis JA, Bynum JPW. Uptake of the centers for Medicare and Medicaid obesity benefit: 2012-2013. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2016;24(9):1983-1988. PubMed Article

8. Puhl R, Peterson JL, Luedicke J. Motivating or stigmatizing? public perceptions of weight-related language used by health providers. Int J Obes (Lond). 2013;37(4):612-619. PubMed Article

Migraine Headaches: National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association

Migraine Headaches: National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association

Migraine headaches, a clinical study involving 11 migraine patients and NUCCA care was recently conducted. Let’s take a look at the results and reveal the benefits of NUCCA care and how the study was conducted.

Method Of Study: Migraine Headaches

lady migraine headache pain el paso txThe 11 patients in the study had never experienced upper cervical chiropractic care before. All were subject to having migraine headaches and were required to have at least 10-26 days with a headache for the previous four months. Additionally, at least eight of those headache days per month required a 4 out of 10 or higher for pain. While many candidates had either a concussion, auto accident or both, candidates who experienced trauma in the past year were excluded.

NUCCA professionals used various kinds of testing to evaluate the patients. Supine Leg Check Screening tested patients� for visible signs of one leg being shorter, which may indicate atlas misalignment. Gravity stress analyzers were used, as well as, calipers for detecting asymmetry in the pelvis were used. A typical NUCCA radiograph series also includes three x-rays a lateral cervical film (side view), a nasium film (back view), and a vertex film (top view) to identify specific misalignments.

migraine headaches NUCCA-OrganizationAccording to these diagnostic methods, the practitioner then prepares an alignment specifically designed for the patient involving the patient’s position, the stance of the practitioner, and the suitable force vector for atlas correction. Patients were given between one and five corrections.

Outcome: Migraine Patients

Headache days per month decreased for patients on average. 14.5 headache days per month was the norm. After one month of NUCCA treatment, patients experienced 11.4 headache days per month. At the conclusion of the two-month study, patients were down to 8.7 headache days per month.

Quality of life measurements in three categories also improved radically within the course of two months:

  • Restrictive enhanced from 38.4 to 73.5
  • Emotional improved from 53.3 to 81.2
  • Physical improved from 54.1 to 86.8

MIDAS score (which measures migraine headaches in the form of level of disability caused) improved from a mean of 46.7 to only 14.6.

While further studies are necessary to offer a quantifiable method of documenting the physiological changes which take place because of the corrections, the results speak for themselves as to the advantages of NUCCA for migraine headaches, especially those with a history of neck or head trauma.

Chiropractic & Headaches

Eliminate Headaches And Migraines Juice Recipe

green juice migraine headache eliminator el paso txHeadaches and migraines. The only thing you want is for it to vanish. Here is a juice that immediately eliminates headaches and migraines! Try this juice recipe out, in addition to getting an adjustment!

Headaches and migraines are often the result of stress, poor diet, poor posture, emotional tension or exposure to environmental toxins. People reach for over-the-counter medications to help ease the pain, but there are much safer and natural ways of getting rid of headaches.

This juice is loaded with minerals such as magnesium and calcium, two crucial components in helping prevent and alleviate headaches. A juice as opposed to these foods in solid form will help nutrients reach the bloodstream faster, alleviating headaches and migraines in a jiffy!

  • 5 stalks celery
  • 1 cucumber
  • 1 cup parsley
  • 2 granny smith apples
  • 3-4 cups leafy greens (ex. spinach, arugula)
  • Two inches ginger root
  • 1 lime

METHOD:

Blend all ingredients in a juicer, blender, food processor and enjoy immediately to preserve freshness and antioxidants!

Back Pain Myths: Revealed

Back Pain Myths: Revealed

Back Pain Myths

Myth 1: You Only Have To Sit Up Straight.

Back pain myths are like any other, however, your mom was not totally wrong; hunching can certainly be bad for your back. But the opposite is true as well. Strain can be also caused by sitting up for too long without a break. If you work make sure that your chair is at a height where your knees are at a 90-degree angle, your feet can rest flat on the ground, and you have back support. Make sure that you stand up, stretch, and take a walk several times each day to keep from becoming stiff or causing injury.

Myth 2: You Need The Firmest Mattress Possible.

Back pain sufferers can actually experience increased pain if their mattress is too firm since it puts more strain on heavy points like the hips and shoulders. On the other hand too soft a mattress could lack the support required to allow proper movement. In both instances, the person wakes up stiff and in pain. Studies show that a medium-firm mattress provides the right amount of support to help prevent injury.

Myth 3: Back Pain Is Caused By Exercise.

A poll by the North American Spine Society revealed this as the number one back pain myth. Sure, if you don’t work out then try to win a competition, you could experience injury. You can help prevent back pain by preparing your body and workouts with proper warm-up and great stretching exercises. (Take a cue from professional athletes that factor stretching and warm ups in their everyday routine.) Strengthen your back by strengthen your core, through exercises focused on�strengthening your stomach and back muscles as well as cardio.

Myth 4: Back Pain Is An Unavoidable Side-Effect Of Getting Older.

Getting older does not mean life has to be painful. While there are aches and pains that come with an aging body, staying physically healthy (see Myth #3) through exercises that keep our bodies strong, flexible and limber are a huge benefit. There are several exercise options to try, T�ai Chi, Pilates, yoga and treatment options which range from acupuncture to physical therapy to advanced treatment options both surgical and nonsurgical. Bottom line is you do not have to live with back pain.

Myth 5: Back Pain Came Out Of Nowhere.

Another back pain myth is sufferers often claim one wrong twist or simply bending over was the cause of their injury. But that was likely the result of several other factors. Overdoing a workout, using poor technique when lifting heavy objects, bad posture, and especially weight gain can all put strain on the spine and lead to “out of nowhere” spasms. As with more serious conditions such as joint and disk disorders a spine doctor is recommended to find the source of the pain.

Myth 6: A Hot Bath Can Bring Relief

There are few things as relaxing as a nice spa, but doing so after injuring your back may actually make your situation worse by increasing inflammation. Doctors recommend applying ice to the area for 20 minutes at a time during the first two or three times in order to reduce pain and inflammation. An exception, people who suffer from chronic pain can find relief taking a warm bath. Play it safe and check with your doctor for the best treatment.

Myth 7: If I See A Doctor, I’ll Probably Have Surgery.

Most people will experience some level of back pain in their lifetime, but the overwhelming majority will find relief through modifications such as over the counter anti-inflammatory medicines, exercise, physical therapy, or even just by waiting it out. In actuality, spine surgery is recommended for a small percentage of patients and until all other treatment methods have been tried. These patients often suffer from degenerative spine or joint problems that cause pain that is chronic. Whether you understand the origin of your pain or not, a fear of surgery shouldn’t prevent you from seeking medical help.

F4C Jerry Rice Poster

Ergonomics: Office And Workplace

Ergonomics: Office And Workplace

Ergonomics in the work place. Back pain is one of the most frequent work-related injuries and is often brought on by ordinary work activities like sitting in an office chair or heavy lifting.� the study of the workplace as it relates to the worker – helps prevent back pain and back injury and help maintain a healthy back.

The objective of an ergonomics program in business is to adapt the workplace to a specific worker, determined by the job description, required tasks, and physical make up of the employee performing these tasks.

  • Non-accidental injury, where pain occurs as a result of normal activities and needs of the task. This might occur from sitting in an office chair or standing for too long in one position.
  • Accidental injury results when an unexpected event triggers injury during the task. A load that changes as it is being lifted, and fall and a slip or hitting one’s head on a cabinet door or slips are typical examples. These injuries can jolt other joints, back, and the neck with consequent muscle strain or tearing of soft tissue at the back.

Occupations which are physically demanding and require repetitive lifting (such as in nursing or heavy industry) are at greatest risk for both non-accidental and accidental spine injury. For instance, a number of health workers have problems because patients are of weight and different stature with needs. Often, the patients need help changing position, rising from a chair and walking. Similarly, the physical effort needed to release a trapped individual or save a life is unpredictable. The same problems occur in the building industry where consistencies of tasks are a challenge.

Office Chair Back Injuries

ergonomics work injury office chair el paso txIndividuals who sit most of the day, like those working in a computer while sitting in an office chair, are also at high risk for non-accidental spine injury. Office ergonomics, or computer ergonomics, can help minimize the risk such as the dangers associated with prolonged sitting in an office chair, and carpal tunnel syndrome, such as lower back pain, neck strain, and leg pain.

Office Chair: Ergonomics To Reduce Back Pain?

This guide summarize the use of ergonomic concepts, mechanical apparatus and decent body mechanics (biomechanics) that can contribute to reducing back injuries in the work environment for several jobs. Significantly, staying strong, physically fit and flexible improves the probability of preventing back injuries.

There are certain basic ergonomic tips which may help an employee avoid back pain or back injury:

  • Develop a job description based on the forces within a particular work environment, the time spent performing the task and the biomechanics (which define human moves and seated posture in an office chair) used in the task.
  • Use body posture as a tool which may be changed to fit the job demands with minimal stress on the muscles, ligaments, bones and joints.
  • Learn and use proper body mechanics to restrict extra mechanical stress in completing the job.
  • Maintain fitness and flexibility and create a reserve of strength.

Identifying Poor Posture And Risks

ergonomics work injury office el paso txMany potentially harmful situations that lead to back injury can be identified and avoided by following four basic rules of thumb:

Prolonged static posture is your enemy. The healthy body can only tolerate staying in one position for around 20 minutes. That is sitting at a movie theatre, in a desk in an office chair, or on an airplane becomes uncomfortable after a short time. Standing in one area, such as standing on a floor at an assembly line tends to cause back pain. Holding the same position gradually reduces elasticity in the soft tissues (muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the back). Stress builds up and causes discomfort and/or leg discomfort back.

The remedy is simple. Whether you are sitting in an office chair or standing in a line, change positions frequently. Just move. Stand or sit, stretch, have a short walk. After returning to the standing or sitting posture, use an alternate posture for only a couple minutes and some.

Frequent or repetitive stretching to the end range of motion or embarrassing, angled positions can liquefy the joints. Unlike jobs that need seating in an office chair, jobs that require motion can cause discomfort. Such tasks involve lifting overhead lifting from the floor, moving loads, or utilizing force or twisting while managing material and which signal back injuries might be on the way.

Heavy loads offer greater risk. It is important to have the proper tools or get help if the job requires moving objects.

Fatigue�from sitting in an office chair, from work or from insomnia can make people move more awkwardly. If one is overtired or feels fatigued, it is advisable to avoid lifting heavy objects alone or quickly.

ergonomics work injury office chair el paso txThese ergonomic rules of thumb will help the worker and their backs. Otherwise the worker is at risk of sustaining or aggravating a back injury.

Technology: Becoming A Pain In Your Child�s Neck?

Technology: Becoming A Pain In Your Child�s Neck?

Did you know people send an average of 250 million texts daily? Along with the convenience that technology provides, also comes the need to avoid or minimize injuries. This is particularly true of young people, who are still growing.

With the ever increasing daily use of mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets and handheld games, chiropractors are seeing an increase in corresponding Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI’s), known by names like text neck and Blackberry thumb. RSIs are injuries of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems that are often caused by repetitive activities, forceful exertions, vibrations, mechanical compression (pressing against hard surfaces), or sustained awkward positions.

What Is Text Neck?

technology infographic F4CP posture el paso tx

Text neck shows itself as curved shoulders, head hanging forward and down and is caused by poor posture from being�hunched over a mobile device for a long time. This prolonged poor posture is often related to chronic headaches, shoulder, neck pain and can have long term impact.

text neck technology boy looking at phone el paso txFor every inch of forward head posture, it can increase the weight of the head�on the backbone by an additional 10 pounds.

 

 

Physiology Of Joints & Technology

Young men and women are especially at risk as they are heavy users of advancing technology i.e. smartphones and handheld gaming devices.

 

Text neck and neck strain can cause postural abnormalities and change the growth pattern, especially in the spine.

Technology isn’t going anywhere, so how can we help our children minimize the risks? The trick is to stress the importance of posture and how to attain it, since text neck is a postural abnormality.

 

 

Chiropractic And Strong Posture

Recommendations To Avoid Text Neck

There are several things parents and young people can incorporate into their daily activities to alleviate the symptoms of text neck, related RSIs and fortify their posture:

  • Sit up straight with chest out and shoulders back.
  • Bring your arms up to eye level so you don’t have to look down to see the screen.
  • If you must look down, tuck your chin into your neck instead of hanging your head forward.
  • If you use your mobile device for extensive typing, consider investing in an external keyboard.
  • Rest your forearms on a pillow while typing to minimize neck tension.
  • Avoid using mobile devices in bright sunlight. Straining to see the screen often leads forward chin movement which, strain the head muscles.

Try For A Balanced Lifestyle

The best way to minimize the risk of RSIs related to mobile devices is to balance the use of these devices and all around techology.

Balance is critical. Encourage your child to take breaks from devices that are mobile and get regular physical activity to offset the effects of leaning over a smartphone, tablet or computer.

“You want to neutralize the stress,” says Doctor of chiropractic Brian Gushaty. “Strenuous physical activity for the upper body, such as racquet sports, can provide a good counterbalance for the strain caused by poor posture.”

Another key element is to introduce your child to a regular stretching program:

  • Hand stretches and squeezing a stress ball can help fingers.
  • Pull shoulder blades down and back to help alleviate neck and shoulder strain.
  • Stretch the chest by standing up straight with arms down at your side. Turn forearms until thumbs are pointing at the wall behind you.
  • Posture strengthening programs, like Straighten Up Alberta, is a fun, fast and effortless method to incorporate stretching into your daily routine.

If you are worried your child is suffering from a repetitive strain injury like text neck, speak to a health care provider. A chiropractor is trained to treat RSI’s in all age groups and can provide advice on achieving a balanced healthy lifestyle for your whole family.

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