Is Your Back Worth the Cost?

By Michael Pritsker


Time IS money... if you spend your time wisely. Sadly, the vast majority of people are really good at wasting their time when it comes to treating their back pain. That's the main reason why they are struggling. There are 2 types of non-invasive treatment for back pain and disc injuries. They are chiropractic care and spinal decompression therapy.

Anything else that you may consider as treatment such as exercise, muscle creams, electronic back devices, pills and lotions are NOT treatment. While they may help you control your pain...will NOT correct your problem. For those of you that have chosen to fix your back condition than you have chosen to spend your time wisely. Here are some additional tips for you to make the most from your treatment and keep your spine strong and healthy.

Sleeping: Sleeping on a soft bed or couch can strain neck and back muscles since the three curves of the spine are not adequately supported. Sleeping on your stomach is not recommended since it can cause additional strain on the neck and back. Make sure you have a firm mattress that keeps the spine aligned and supports the spinal curvatures. The best sleeping positions are on your back or side. A pillow can be placed under the knees when lying on your back to take pressure off of the lower back.

Standing and Walking: Standing or bending forward for long periods can cause increased spinal pressure- especially if you slouch. Bending over with straight legs increases the pressure in the lower back. High-heeled shoes may result in a "swayback," which throws the natural curves out of alignment when standing or walking. When standing for extended periods, rest one foot on a small stool to maintain spinal curvature and relieve pressure. The knees should be bent when bending forward. Low-heeled shoes may help by maintaining spinal curvatures and cushioning your weight.

Sitting: Sitting in chairs that do not support your back may throw the natural spinal curvatures out of alignment and add extra stress to the neck and back. Slouching while sitting increases the strain even more. Sitting too far away from the steering wheel while driving also may increase stress to the neck and back. Use chairs that promote good posture and support your back. Rolling up a towel or placing a lumbar or low back support cushion in the lower portion of your back may help to support your lumbar curve. Reposition the seat of your car so that your knees are level with your hips.

Bending and Lifting: Bending forward with the legs straight will gradually weakenthe three natural spinal curves and put excessive stress on the lower section of your back. Lifting while bending forward simultaneously puts great pressure on the muscles and raises the pressure inside the discs (the spongy materials between the bones of your spine) even more. When bending forward, keep your back straight while bending at the knees and hips. This will help to maintain the three spinal curvatures in appropriate alignment. When lifting, keep your spine straight while using your legs to do the brunt of the work. Hold the objects close to your body to keep the weight on your spine to least amount.

Turning: Keeping the feet, knees and hips stationary while turning the lower back increases the chances of a twisting injury to the spine or an injury to the discs. The shape of the vertebrae do not allow the joints of the spine to twist easily. Imagine your body as being one continuous unit from your shoulders to your hips. When turning, use your feet to make the turns, not your back. Concentrate on moving your feet first in the direction you wish to turn, while maintaining the natural curves in your spine.

Reaching: Do not extend your arms or back for something beyond your normal reach. This type of movement weakens the natural curves of the spine, resulting in further stress or strain. Move your body close to the item you are reaching for. A ladder or stool may be used to reach items above your head. A tool called a "reacher" can be used to grab hard-to-reach objects. Always ask someone for help if the item is heavy or you don't feel you can reach it yourself.

There are many chiropractic facilities located in the San Diego region. At New Century Spine Center, Dr. Michael Pritsker specializes in chiropractic care and spinal decompression therapy. If you find that your back pain still persists, maybe it's time to seek for either of thise treatments. Only time will tell how poor your back condition will get and only treatment will help with your back pain!




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