Migraines and Text Neck: The Hidden Connection

In today’s digital age, where smartphones and computers have become an integral part of our lives, we often find ourselves hunched over screens for extended periods. This prolonged screen time, combined with poor posture, has given rise to a phenomenon known as “text neck.” However, what many people fail to realize is that text neck can have far-reaching consequences, including triggering or exacerbating migraines. In this blog post, we will explore the hidden connection between migraines and text neck, shedding light on the importance of maintaining good posture and finding ways to alleviate these issues.

Understanding Migraines:

Migraines are intense headaches that can cause severe throbbing or pulsating pain, usually on one side of the head. Accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and visual disturbances, migraines can be debilitating and significantly impact one’s quality of life. While several factors contribute to migraines, including genetics, hormonal changes, and certain foods, external triggers like poor posture can also play a significant role.

Text Neck and Posture:

Text neck refers to the forward head posture and increased stress on the neck and upper back caused by prolonged use of handheld electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets. The act of bending the head forward to look down at a screen puts excessive strain on the neck muscles and disrupts the natural alignment of the spine. Over time, this poor posture can lead to a myriad of musculoskeletal problems, including headaches and migraines.

The Hidden Connection:

The relationship between migraines and text neck stems from the shared anatomical structures and interconnected nerves in the neck and head. The muscles and ligaments in the neck are closely connected to the base of the skull, where many nerves responsible for migraines are located. When the neck is strained due to poor posture, it can lead to tension in these muscles and contribute to the onset or intensification of migraines.

Moreover, the prolonged use of electronic devices often leads to increased eye strain, another common trigger for migraines. The strain on the eyes caused by focusing on small screens for extended periods can further exacerbate the symptoms of migraines.

Prevention and Alleviation:

  1. Maintain good posture: Be mindful of your posture while using electronic devices. Keep your head aligned with your spine and avoid slouching or hunching forward.
  2. Take regular breaks: Frequent breaks from screen time can help reduce strain on your neck and eyes. Set reminders to take short breaks and engage in stretching exercises to relieve tension in your neck and shoulders.
  3. Ergonomic adjustments: Make ergonomic adjustments to your work environment, such as using a stand or holder to keep your device at eye level and using an ergonomic chair that supports good posture.
  4. Strengthening exercises: Incorporate exercises that focus on strengthening the neck, back, and shoulder muscles to improve posture and reduce the strain caused by text neck.
  5. Mindful smartphone usage: Limit the time spent on your smartphone or electronic devices. Consider implementing “phone-free” periods during the day to give your neck and eyes a break.
  6. Consult a healthcare professional: If you suffer from chronic migraines or experience persistent neck pain, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. They can provide an accurate diagnosis, recommend appropriate treatments, and suggest strategies to manage migraines and alleviate text neck symptoms.
Conclusion:

The link between migraines and text neck emphasizes the importance of practicing good posture and being mindful of our screen time habits. By making conscious efforts to maintain a neutral spine alignment, take regular breaks, and strengthen our muscles, we can reduce the risk of developing migraines and alleviate the symptoms associated with text neck. Prioritizing our overall well-being, both physical and mental, is crucial in today’s digital world. So let’s take care of our posture, limit screen time, and find a balance that allows us to stay connected while minimizing the potential negative impacts on our health.

The Importance of Keeping Your Spine Aligned

 

When it comes to overall well-being, maintaining a healthy spine is often overlooked. We rarely think about our spines unless we experience discomfort or pain. However, the spine plays a crucial role in our daily lives, supporting our bodies, protecting our nervous system, and allowing us to move freely. In this blog post, we will delve into the significance of keeping your spine aligned and the positive impact it can have on your overall health.

  1. Backbone of Support

Your spine serves as the central pillar of support for your entire body. Its intricate structure of bones, discs, ligaments, and muscles enables you to stand upright, maintain balance, and engage in various physical activities. When your spine is misaligned, it can lead to an imbalance in weight distribution, resulting in additional stress on certain areas and potential injury. Maintaining proper spinal alignment ensures that your body is adequately supported, promoting overall stability and preventing strain.

  1. Protecting the Nervous System

The spine houses and protects the delicate spinal cord and nerve roots. These vital components transmit signals between the brain and the rest of the body, controlling movement, sensation, and bodily functions. Misalignment or compression of the spine can impede these pathways, leading to nerve interference and disruption of normal communication. This interference can manifest as pain, tingling, numbness, or even organ dysfunction. By prioritizing spinal alignment, you minimize the risk of nerve interference, promoting optimal nervous system function.

  1. Enhancing Posture and Appearance

Maintaining proper spinal alignment greatly influences your posture, which, in turn, affects your overall appearance. Slouching or hunching forward can not only make you look less confident but also cause strain on your muscles and ligaments. By aligning your spine correctly, you naturally improve your posture, helping you appear taller, more confident, and more approachable. Additionally, good posture can alleviate unnecessary pressure on your joints, reduce the likelihood of developing spinal deformities, and enhance your overall physical presence.

  1. Alleviating Pain and Discomfort

Back pain is one of the most common health issues globally, affecting millions of people. While back pain can have various causes, poor spinal alignment often contributes to its development and intensity. Misalignments can lead to muscle imbalances, joint inflammation, and increased pressure on nerves, resulting in chronic pain and discomfort. By maintaining proper spinal alignment, you can mitigate these issues and minimize the risk of developing long-term pain conditions. Regular exercise, ergonomic practices, and seeking professional care can all contribute to aligning your spine and reducing pain.

  1. Optimizing Overall Health and Well-being

The health of your spine extends beyond its immediate impact on your back. Misalignment can hinder the overall function of your body systems, leading to diminished health and well-being. On the other hand, a properly aligned spine promotes optimal nervous system function, enhances blood circulation, and facilitates the flow of vital nutrients throughout your body. By prioritizing spinal alignment, you pave the way for improved overall health, better mobility, increased energy levels, and enhanced performance in various aspects of life.

Conclusion

Your spine’s alignment is not a trivial matter; it is the foundation upon which your body stands and functions. By recognizing the importance of spinal alignment, you can take proactive steps to support your back health, prevent pain and discomfort, and optimize your overall well-being. Whether through regular exercise, maintaining good posture, or seeking professional care, remember to prioritize your spine and give it the attention it deserves. Your body will thank you for it, and you’ll enjoy the benefits of a healthier, more aligned life.

x-rays

The Vital Role of X-Rays in Chiropractic Care: Prioritizing Safety and Precision

Chiropractic care has gained significant popularity over the years as a natural and non-invasive approach to healthcare. With its focus on spinal manipulation and holistic healing, chiropractic treatments offer numerous benefits for individuals seeking pain relief and improved well-being. However, it is crucial to understand that a comprehensive evaluation, including X-rays, plays a fundamental role in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of chiropractic care. In this article, we will explore the importance of obtaining X-rays before embarking on chiropractic treatments.

  1. Accurate Assessment of Spinal Health:

The human spine is a complex structure composed of vertebrae, discs, nerves, and supporting tissues. While a skilled chiropractor can detect misalignments and irregularities through physical examination, X-rays provide an in-depth view of the spine’s structure. X-rays reveal the precise alignment of the vertebrae, the presence of fractures, degenerative conditions, or other spinal abnormalities. This information allows chiropractors to tailor treatment plans specifically to the patient’s needs, ensuring that adjustments are both safe and effective.

  1. Identifying Hidden Conditions:

X-rays offer chiropractors valuable insights into potential underlying health conditions that may not be immediately evident during a physical examination. These hidden conditions, such as tumors, infections, osteoporosis, or spinal abnormalities present at birth, can greatly impact the course of treatment. By detecting these issues early on, chiropractors can modify their approach to ensure patient safety and collaborate with other healthcare professionals as needed.

  1. Personalized Treatment Planning:

Every individual’s spinal structure and health concerns are unique. By incorporating X-rays into the assessment process, chiropractors can create personalized treatment plans that address specific areas of concern. X-rays enable chiropractors to identify the source of pain or discomfort accurately, allowing for targeted adjustments and therapeutic interventions. This individualized approach ensures that patients receive the most appropriate care, maximizing the likelihood of positive outcomes.

  1. Enhanced Safety Measures:

While chiropractic care is generally safe, it is not entirely risk-free. X-rays provide critical information that allows chiropractors to identify any contraindications or factors that could affect the safety of adjustments. For example, the presence of severe degeneration, fractures, or spinal instability may necessitate alternative treatment options or specific modifications to avoid further injury. By prioritizing safety through X-ray assessments, chiropractors can provide patients with the most appropriate care while minimizing potential risks.

  1. Objective Progress Evaluation:

X-rays not only play a role in the initial assessment but also serve as a benchmark to evaluate the progress and effectiveness of chiropractic treatments. By comparing pre and post-treatment X-rays, chiropractors can objectively assess the changes in spinal alignment, joint mobility, and overall spinal health. This approach allows them to fine-tune treatment plans, monitor progress, and make necessary adjustments to ensure continued improvement.

Conclusion:

X-rays are an invaluable tool in chiropractic care, allowing chiropractors to perform accurate assessments, identify underlying conditions, and create personalized treatment plans. By incorporating X-rays into the evaluation process, chiropractors can ensure patient safety, deliver precise adjustments, and track progress effectively. Prioritizing the comprehensive assessment of spinal health through X-rays provides the foundation for successful chiropractic care, ultimately leading to improved well-being and long-term benefits for patients.

Prenatal-Chiropractic-Care

Prenatal Chiropractic Care: Supporting a Healthy Pregnancy Journey

Pregnancy is a beautiful and transformative journey that brings immense joy to expectant parents. However, it also brings about various physical and physiological changes that can sometimes lead to discomfort and pain. Fortunately, prenatal chiropractic care has emerged as a safe and effective option for addressing these challenges and supporting a healthier pregnancy experience. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits and considerations of prenatal chiropractic care, highlighting how it can contribute to overall well-being for both the expectant mother and her developing baby.

Understanding Prenatal Chiropractic Care:

Prenatal chiropractic care involves the application of gentle, non-invasive techniques to optimize the alignment and function of the spine and nervous system during pregnancy. Chiropractors who specialize in prenatal care receive specific training to address the unique needs and concerns of pregnant women.

Benefits of Prenatal Chiropractic Care:

  1. Alleviating Back and Pelvic Pain: As pregnancy progresses, the growing belly can lead to an altered posture, placing additional stress on the spine and pelvis. Prenatal chiropractic adjustments can help relieve discomfort by aligning the spine, reducing tension in the muscles, and restoring proper joint function.
  2. Enhancing Pelvic Alignment: Proper alignment of the pelvis is crucial for optimal fetal positioning and a smooth delivery process. Prenatal chiropractic care aims to ensure that the pelvis is well-balanced and properly aligned, creating an optimal environment for the baby to navigate the birth canal.
  3. Promoting Optimal Nervous System Function: The nervous system plays a vital role in overall health and well-being, both for the mother and the developing baby. By addressing any potential nerve interference caused by misalignments in the spine, chiropractic care can help promote optimal nervous system function, supporting the body’s natural ability to heal and adapt.
  4. Easing Pregnancy-Related Symptoms: Pregnancy often brings with it a range of uncomfortable symptoms such as nausea, headaches, sciatica, and round ligament pain. Prenatal chiropractic care can offer relief from these symptoms by improving spinal function and reducing nerve irritation.
  5. Supporting Overall Well-being: Pregnancy can be a physically and emotionally demanding time. Prenatal chiropractic care focuses on supporting the body’s innate ability to heal and function optimally, fostering a sense of well-being for the expectant mother.

Considerations for Prenatal Chiropractic Care:

Before seeking prenatal chiropractic care, it is essential to consider a few factors:

  1. Choose a Qualified and Experienced Chiropractor: Look for a chiropractor who has received specialized training in prenatal care and is experienced in working with pregnant women. They should be well-versed in the specific techniques and safety considerations related to pregnancy.
  2. Consult with Your Healthcare Provider: It’s important to communicate with your obstetrician, midwife, or other healthcare providers about your decision to receive prenatal chiropractic care. They can provide insights, address any concerns, and work collaboratively with your chiropractor to ensure comprehensive care.
  3. Safety Precautions: Prenatal chiropractic adjustments are generally safe, but it’s crucial to choose a chiropractor who uses gentle, pregnancy-specific techniques. These methods avoid high-velocity adjustments and ensure the comfort and safety of both the mother and the baby.
Conclusion:

Prenatal chiropractic care offers a holistic and drug-free approach to supporting a healthy and comfortable pregnancy journey. By addressing spinal misalignments and optimizing nervous system function, expectant mothers can experience relief from pain and discomfort while fostering overall well-being. It is important to consult with a qualified chiropractor and communicate with your healthcare provider to ensure that prenatal chiropractic care aligns with your specific needs and preferences. With proper guidance and care, prenatal chiropractic adjustments can be an invaluable addition to your prenatal healthcare routine, helping you embrace the transformative journey of pregnancy with greater ease and comfort.

Decompression-Therapy

Decompression Therapy: An Innovative Approach to Relieving Spinal Discomfort

In our fast-paced modern lives, many of us find ourselves struggling with various types of physical discomfort, especially related to our spinal health. Whether it’s due to poor posture, sedentary lifestyles, or injuries, spinal discomfort can significantly impact our daily lives. However, with advancements in medical technology, a revolutionary treatment known as decompression therapy has emerged as a promising solution for many individuals seeking relief from back and neck pain. In this article, we will delve into what decompression therapy is, how it works, and its potential benefits.

Understanding Decompression Therapy:

Decompression therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment modality that aims to alleviate pressure and discomfort on the spine. This therapy is primarily used to treat conditions such as herniated discs, bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, sciatica, and facet joint syndrome. It offers a safe alternative to surgery and provides a gentle and controlled approach to spinal decompression.

The Process of Decompression Therapy:

During a decompression therapy session, a patient is carefully positioned on a specialized table. The table is equipped with a computer-controlled traction system that applies gentle pulling forces to the spine. By doing so, decompression therapy creates a negative pressure within the affected spinal discs, encouraging the retraction or repositioning of herniated or bulging discs. This action helps to reduce pressure on nerves, enhance blood flow, and promote the delivery of essential nutrients to the injured areas.

The controlled traction force applied during decompression therapy can be customized to meet the specific needs of each patient. The therapy session typically lasts between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on the severity of the condition and the recommendations of the healthcare professional.

Benefits of Decompression Therapy:

  1. Pain Relief: One of the primary objectives of decompression therapy is to relieve pain associated with spinal conditions. By reducing pressure on nerves and improving blood flow, this therapy can significantly alleviate discomfort in the neck, back, and legs.
  2. Non-Invasive Approach: Unlike surgical interventions, decompression therapy is a non-invasive treatment option. It avoids the risks and complications associated with surgery, making it an appealing alternative for individuals seeking conservative treatment options.
  3. Improved Mobility and Function: By addressing the underlying causes of spinal discomfort, decompression therapy can enhance joint mobility and functional abilities. This improvement allows individuals to engage in daily activities with less pain and increased range of motion.
  4. Avoidance of Medication Dependency: Decompression therapy focuses on targeting the root cause of spinal pain rather than relying on medication to mask the symptoms. By reducing the need for pain medication, individuals can avoid potential side effects and long-term dependency.
  5. Cost-Effective Solution: In comparison to surgical procedures, decompression therapy is often more cost-effective. It reduces expenses related to hospital stays, post-operative care, and the recovery period.
Conclusion:

Decompression therapy offers a non-invasive and promising approach to relieving spinal discomfort. By gently decompressing the spine, this innovative treatment helps to alleviate pain, enhance mobility, and improve overall quality of life. Although decompression therapy may not be suitable for everyone, consulting with a healthcare professional can provide valuable insights into whether it may be an appropriate treatment option for your specific spinal condition. Remember, taking care of your spine is crucial, and exploring non-invasive alternatives like decompression therapy can be a significant step toward a pain-free and active lifestyle.

Good Posture

How Important is Good Posture?

Posture refers to the way we hold our bodies when sitting, standing, or lying down. Good posture refers to the position in which our body is aligned correctly with minimal strain on our muscles and ligaments. Most people are not aware of the importance of good posture, which is why they tend to slouch and develop various postural problems. In this blog, we will discuss the importance of good posture and how it can benefit our overall health.

What Can Good Posture Do for Me?

  1. Reduces back pain: Poor posture can cause tension in the muscles and ligaments of the back, leading to chronic pain. Maintaining good posture while standing or sitting can help to reduce the strain on your back muscles, thus reducing the risk of back pain.
  2. Improves breathing: Good posture also helps to improve breathing. When you slouch, your lungs have less space to expand, which can lead to shallow breathing. On the other hand, maintaining an upright posture allows for better lung expansion, resulting in improved oxygen intake.
  3. Boosts confidence: Good posture can also have a positive impact on your self-confidence. Standing or sitting tall and straight can make you look and feel more confident, which can improve your overall self-esteem.
  4. Improves digestion: Maintaining good posture can also improve digestion. When you slouch, your organs become compressed, leading to digestive problems. On the other hand, sitting or standing up straight allows your organs to function optimally, leading to better digestion.
  5. Enhances circulation: Good posture also helps to improve blood circulation. When you slouch, your blood vessels become constricted, which can lead to poor circulation. On the other hand, maintaining an upright posture allows for better blood flow throughout your body.
  6. Prevents injuries: Good posture can also prevent injuries. When you maintain proper posture, your muscles and ligaments are less likely to become strained or injured. This is especially important for athletes and individuals who engage in physical activities.

Good Posture is Essential for Maintaining Optimal Health

In conclusion, good posture is essential for maintaining optimal health. It can improve back pain, breathing, digestion, circulation, and prevent injuries. So, whether you’re sitting at a desk or standing in line, remember to maintain good posture to reap its numerous benefits.

Muscles, Nerves and Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is a form of alternative medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal system disorders, particularly those affecting the spine, muscles, and nerves. The aim of chiropractic treatment is to restore the normal function of the musculoskeletal system, alleviate pain, and improve overall health and wellbeing.

How Important are Muscles and Nerves?

Muscles and nerves are essential components of the musculoskeletal system, and they play a vital role in maintaining posture, movement, and coordination. When there is a disruption in the normal function of muscles and nerves, it can lead to various health problems, including pain, stiffness, and weakness.

Chiropractic Care for the Musculoskeletal System

Chiropractors are trained to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal system disorders, including those affecting muscles and nerves. They use a variety of techniques to restore the normal function of muscles and nerves, including spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and exercise therapy.

Spinal adjustments are a cornerstone of chiropractic care. They involve the use of precise force to manipulate the spine and correct misalignments, or subluxations, that may be causing pain or other symptoms. By correcting these misalignments, chiropractors can relieve pressure on nerves and improve the function of muscles and joints.

Soft tissue therapy is another important aspect of chiropractic care. This type of therapy involves the use of massage, stretching, and other techniques to relieve tension and tightness in muscles and other soft tissues. By reducing tension in muscles and improving blood flow, soft tissue therapy can help to alleviate pain and improve mobility.

Exercise therapy is often prescribed as part of a chiropractic treatment plan. It involves the use of specific exercises to strengthen weak muscles, improve range of motion, and prevent future injuries. By improving the function of muscles and joints, exercise therapy can help to reduce pain and improve overall health and wellbeing.

Chiropractic care with muscles and nerves can be an effective treatment for a wide range of musculoskeletal system disorders, including back pain, neck pain, headaches, and joint pain. It is a safe and non-invasive treatment option that can provide long-lasting relief from pain and improve overall health and wellbeing.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your muscles or nerves, consider chiropractic care as a safe and effective treatment option. A chiropractor can assess your condition, develop a customized treatment plan, and provide the care and support you need to achieve optimal health and wellbeing.

Benefits-of-Stretching

5 Benefits of Stretching

Stretching is an often overlooked aspect of physical fitness, but it is essential for maintaining flexibility, improving range of motion, and preventing injury. Regular stretching can have many benefits for your overall health and well-being, and it is something that everyone can do regardless of age or fitness level. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the benefits of stretching and how you can incorporate it into your daily routine.

  1. Improves flexibility – A Primary Benefit of Stretching

One of the primary benefits of stretching is that it can improve your flexibility. As you stretch, you are lengthening your muscles and increasing your range of motion. This can be especially helpful for athletes or anyone who engages in physical activity, as it can help prevent injuries and improve performance. Improved flexibility can also help with everyday activities such as reaching for objects or bending down to tie your shoes.

  1. Reduces muscle tension and soreness

Stretching can also help to reduce muscle tension and soreness. When you stretch, you increase blood flow to your muscles, which can help to relieve tension and soreness. This is especially important after a workout or any activity that requires physical exertion. Stretching can help to reduce the risk of muscle strains or injuries and can also help you recover more quickly after exercise.

  1. Improves posture

Poor posture can cause a wide range of health problems, including back pain, headaches, and even digestive issues. Stretching can help to improve your posture by lengthening tight muscles and strengthening weaker muscles. By improving your posture, you can reduce your risk of developing these health problems and also look and feel better.

  1. Reduces stress and promotes relaxation

Stretching can also be a great way to reduce stress and promote relaxation. When you stretch, you activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s rest and relaxation response. This can help to reduce stress and anxiety, promote relaxation, and even improve sleep quality.

  1. Enhances athletic performance

Finally, stretching can enhance athletic performance by improving flexibility, reducing muscle tension, and improving posture. This can lead to better athletic performance and a reduced risk of injury. Many athletes incorporate stretching into their warm-up and cool-down routines to help prepare their bodies for physical activity and aid in recovery.

Consider Adding Stretching Into Your Daily Routine

Incorporating stretching into your daily routine can have many benefits for your overall health and well-being. Whether you are an athlete or simply looking to improve your flexibility and reduce muscle tension, stretching is a simple and effective way to do so. Consider incorporating stretching into your daily routine, whether it’s through yoga, Pilates, or a simple stretching routine, to reap the many benefits of this simple yet powerful practice.

If you are in Atlanta and you are experiencing back pain, then you must see a chiropractor as soon as possible. The reason why we are urging you to hurry is that this pain can lead to several other complications concerning the nerves and the skeletal muscles present in the back.

Although there are many over-the-counter medicine types which you can use to alleviate the pain, there is nothing better than treating it with chiropractic care. This article is intended to give you all the reasons why this way of treatment is the best option. However, before stating those reasons, let us quickly get through the causes of the back pain.

What causes back pain?

In terms of causes, anything that puts a strain on the spinal cord and the skeletal muscles supporting it can cause the pain. This is because like every organ in our body, these organs can only take a certain amount of strain. The pain is basically an indication that your back has experienced strain beyond its limit. If we state the mainstream reasons for that strain, then they would be the following:

  • Heavy, unbalanced lifting which targets the lower back muscles
  • Ruptured spinal disks
  • Poor posture
  • Osteoporosis
  • Arthritis

Having stated the main causes, let us know how they are treated by a chiropractor.

  1. Spinal Adjustments

    In this method, a chiropractor places his or her palm on the affected area and applies a certain amount of force. This technique is meant to realign all the muscles of the spine which are causing the pain.

  2.  Massage Techniques

    Sometimes, a chiropractor recommends massage techniques in addition to the spinal adjustments. One of those massages is the MFR which stands for Myofascial Release. It differs from the rest of the soft tissue manipulations in targeting the scar tissues.

  3.  Physical Therapy

    After the alignment of the spinal cord and the muscles surrounding it, a chiropractor advises his or her patient the exercises which are a part of physical therapy. These exercises target the core muscles and the back muscles thus increasing the stability of the core for maintaining proper posture.

These were the techniques which are used by the chiropractor to treat back pain. As you can see, in all of the three techniques no surgical instruments are involved. This means that the back pain is only cured through encouraging natural movement and alignment in the spinal bones and the skeletal muscles.

That being said, there are several other benefits of chiropractic care:

  • It is far better than using medications,
  • It can prevent back pain in the future,
  • It is cost-effective,
  • There is no need for special diets for it,
  • It can prevent disk herniations and can effectively cure it,
  • It is safer than other cures available.

Back pain affects more than 80% population in the USA. And as much as $50 billion is spent each year on treating it. However, even then, the symptoms still are observed to remain. Thus, this makes a good case for you to only seek care from a chiropractor who is readily available in your city Atlanta.

According to chiropractic team at the Corrective Chiropractic of Sandy Springs, Buckhead, Atlanta, and Decatur, stretches are a great way to release built up tension of back muscles. Muscle strain and stress are typically due to over usage from heavy lifting or over-straining, and/or poor posture habits, which can cause some back muscles to remain inactive. There are back exercise options in the form of stretches can gradually relieve the accumulated stress in your back muscles, and thus, prevent and reduce pain.It is ideal to combine the mentioned stretches with corrective chiropractic care.

Back Wheel

back-wheel-exercise.jpg

In other words, this exercise is simply rotating backward. But no matter how simple it may seem, if you do it in a wrong way, it would cause you more problems that alleviating the existing ones.

Steps to do it properly:

  1. Stand in front of a sturdy support in front of you. That could be a pole or a door frame.
  2. Hold the object with your hands.
  3. Spread your feet shoulder-wide.
  4. Rotate first to the left and hold the stretch for about 15 seconds without letting off the object.
  5. Repeat the exercise to the right.
  6. After completing both the left and right stretches, leave the object and stand straight to relax.
  7. Repeat the stretches for 15 times in 3 sets.

 

Child Posture

child-pose-exercise.jpg

This is one of the most effective yoga postures which can stretch your back. Yoga is known for its miraculous effects on both the mind and the body, so after sitting for too long or working vigorously, you should perform this stretch.

Steps to do it properly:

  1. Come in the ‘horse position’ with both hands and knees on the ground.
  2. Slowly start extending your palms in front of your body.
  3. After reaching a certain distance, bring your hips towards the ground and sit on your toes.
  4. You can bring your hands nearer if you cannot sit properly; however, you shouldn’t bring them too close to lose the stretch experienced in the back.
  5. Hold this position for as long as you can. Note your timing.
  6. Repeat the exercise 15 times in 3 sets, extending the stretch time after every rep.

 

Spinal Twist

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This particular stretch is made for twisting the back muscles and extending the glutes to loosen them. The preferable time to do it is in the morning; however, you can do it anytime during the day.

Steps to do it properly:

  1. Lie down on the yoga mat or floor with your face to the ceiling.
  2. Extend your arms away from either side of your body so that you lie in a “T” position.
  3. Bend your knees upward with your toes on the mat/floor.
  4. Gently bend the knees first to the right completely twisting your back so that the knees either touch or come near to the ground and hold this stretch for about 15 seconds.
  5. Keep your shoulders intact to the floor/mat during step ‘d’.
  6. Repeat the stretch to the left for the same duration as stated above.
  7. Do 15 reps in 3 sets. After each rep, increase the timing of the stretch by 2 seconds.
  8. Relax between the sets.

A stiff back can be a hurdle in your daily activity. You can perform the afore-mentioned stretches advised by your Sandy Springs Chiropractor, Dr. Callerina Natori and keep yourself fit. Request your appointment now!