We've all been visiting the chiropractor lately and I thought I'd share some information with my friends out there. We have a great doctor and our insurance will pay for both a massage and a chiropractor visit if you do them together. So both my girls and I have been taking advantage of this. And the main thing the doctor has been telling us is to watch your posture! (I'm sitting up straight as I type this.) Since I know that back pain is one of the most common causes of pain (every member of my family has had back pain, including Will) I thought I would share a few tips.
1. Watch your shoulders. Your shoulders should not be hunched forward or slumped down, but straight and to the side.
2. Watch your head. Your face is front heavy - your jaw, your eyeballs, your teeth, etc. are all in the front. Then you'll naturally bring your head forward even more when watching TV, driving, or using the computer. Keep it centered, right on top of your spine.
3. Watch your feet. I walk like a duck. No, really, I do. My feet naturally turn out because of a broken bone when I was a kid. This pulls on my lower spine and my pelvis. I need to keep my feet facing straight forward. This hurts, because my muscles are not used to this, but eventually, it will pay off in a healthier back.
4. These attempts to 'straighten up' will cause a little discomfort at first. Your muscles are used to doing things a different way. But as you let the spine do the work, the muscles will get to relax. At first, it will hurt more, but keep it up and after a couple of weeks, the new posture will be automatic and the pain will be much improved.
Hope this helps. I'm going to try to remember to watch my back and sit up straight.
2 comments:
Thanks for the reminders. I need to work harder on having good posture. That's nice that you guys have good insurance, that helps a lot.
This is a good post! I get back trouble too, and as you say, I have to watch the way I walk and avoid slouching when I'm sitting. Spinal problems seem to be everywhere nowadays, probably because as a culture we're less physically active than our grandparents. It is a PAIN - literally! Best wishes. I'll visit again.
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