Author: Randy Briesacher

E-Learning: How to Avoid Tech Neck

Is your child connected to a phone, computer, or tablet during and after school? Think about it. Many of us aren’t more than an arm’s length from our phone at any time (even when sleeping). Spending time every day looking down at our devices can place a lot of stress on the supporting muscles of our neck and lead to an uptick in headaches. It’s a condition called “Tech Neck,” one of the most common causes of headaches and neck pain.

 

The countless daily hours kids spend on phones and computers can significantly contribute to tension headaches. It’s estimated that kids spend up to 1,400 hours per year in the exact positions attributed to the development of “Tech Neck.” That’s not surprising. Recent research has also shown that even 15 degrees of forward head tilt can triple the weight of the head on the spine.

 

Here are some key things to remember when it comes to “Tech Neck”:

 

“Tech Neck” is the term used to describe the symptoms of headaches, neck pain, and poor posture attributed to the forward head posture often associated with using your phone, tablet, and computer.

Taking a break from our mobile devices every 15 minutes can help reduce the likelihood of developing recurring neck pain and headaches.

Chiropractic care, including adjustments and postural exercises, can help decrease the pain and reverse the effects of “Tech Neck.”

 

Next Steps:

 

Keep it simple. Encourage your children to take breaks and stretch often. These are some of the best (and easiest) ways to help them break the bad habits leading to “Tech Neck.” If your child spends a lot of time online and begins experiencing neck pain or headaches, don’t hesitate to give us a call.

 

Our team is experienced in evaluating children and creating kid-friendly care plans. Our doors are open, and we’re ready to help you and your family live the highest quality of life possible!

Power Your Child’s Brain with Movement

Years ago, many believed that the health benefits of exercise were limited to the body. However, research has demonstrated that regular physical activity and movement can benefit the body and the brain. Recent studies have highlighted that movement can improve the supply of oxygen to the brain and promote the production of new cells. It appears movement also aids in creating new connections in the brain!

 

Many schools have reduced physical education classes. Many more students have moved towards e-learning. For those reasons, it’s important to be mindful of our children’s physical activity and encourage them to exercise more daily. And not just to benefit their physical health. In many ways, exercising each day is likely to make your child a better student! Movement triggers the release of chemical substances in the brain that enhance brain function.

 

Here’s a quick snapshot of the benefits of movement:

 

Better Brain Function – Movement may protect your brain against degenerative changes.

Better Stress Reduction – Exercise and movement have been shown to have an antidepressant effect that can help reduce overall stress.

Better Memory – Regular exercise can help directly and indirectly improve recall and reasoning skills.

Why Chiropractic Care is Critical for Kids Who Play Sports

Youth sports are a big deal. It’s estimated that over 45 million kids are actively engaged in sports! While sports give kids a fantastic opportunity to grow socially and physically, they also increase risks for injuries, pain from overuse, and muscular imbalances. Finding proactive ways to reduce the risk of injury and balance the effects of training are essential for your child’s developing musculoskeletal system.

 

Your child’s skeletal system is actively developing until they are approximately 25 years old. Their postural habits, history of injuries, and genetics play a role in their body’s final form (and function). Sports have the potential to add a significant amount of stress and increase the chances of injuries for your developing child. Even small injuries to their spine can create bigger challenges down the road as they get older.

 

To recap:

 

Addressing minor injuries and challenges while your child is young can help ensure proper musculoskeletal development.

Youth sports can increase your child’s likelihood of developing overuse, growth plate injuries, and chronic pain.

Chiropractic care is a safe and natural way to help your child stay active and perform their best.

Be Smart With Your Smartphone and Look Up!

As education steps into the digital age, many students will be e-learning in some capacity for hours each day on their digital devices. While our devices can be fantastic tools for entertainment and education, the postural effects are something all parents should be aware of. For many students, e-learning may increase neck, mid-back, and low back pain.

 

Spending six or more hours each day looking down at your digital devices can profoundly affect your mental, social, and physical health. It can also lead to the development of “Tech Neck Syndrome.” This forward head posture often places tremendous stress on the neck (cervical spine) and can lead to an uptick in headaches, back and neck pain, and more.

 

Did you know…

Low back pain is the 3rd most common form of pain interfering with schoolwork.

It’s estimated that 50.3% of school-aged children present with posture disorders.

Approximately 41.6% of children experience back pain from prolonged sitting.

The Benefits of Chiropractic

Do you know the benefits of chiropractic care? Many people know that chiropractors adjust the body’s joints, but things can get confusing after that. The truth is that chiropractors help your body heal itself through movement-based techniques that influence your body’s nervous system, muscles, and joints.

 

The benefits of chiropractic can extend beyond just your spine. Chiropractors have been trained to work with nearly all the joints in your body. But there is something unique about spinal adjustments. Spinal adjustments have been shown to directly and indirectly, influence your nervous system. Since your nervous system is the master control system of your body, you may experience improvements in function and pain relief that extend beyond the area of your body that is being adjusted.

 

– Spinal adjustments can help relieve pain and improve your body’s function

 

– Chiropractors are trained to treat a variety of conditions that extend beyond your neck and back

 

– Adjustments can influence your neuromusculoskeletal system and provide unexpected benefits beyond pain relief alone

 

 

Next Steps:

 

Whether you are looking to find relief from pain, correct the cause of your health issues, or you’re seeking improvements in function and performance, chiropractic care may be able to help. It’s very common for people with low back pain, headaches, or neck pain to seek chiropractic care. But don’t forget about all of the other joints of your body- we can help there too. And finally, if you’re seeking human performance improvements, you may want to try chiropractic care. There’s a reason chiropractors are a part of every major sports team

Taking a Stand Against Opioids

Meta-description: About 30 years ago, medicine had a shift in how they thought pain should be addressed. “Pain is a 5th vital sign” became a rallying cry, and new medications were created to block pain…at all costs. It’s now time to take a stand against opioids.

About 30 years ago, medicine had a shift in how they thought pain should be addressed. “Pain is a 5th vital sign” became a rallying cry, and new medications were created to block pain…at all costs. They now know that these medications created a never-before-seen healthcare epidemic. To begin with, the drugs weren’t very good at addressing chronic pain, and they require larger and larger doses to achieve an effect over time.

 

Taking a stand against opioids starts with our ability to help people find relief from chronic pain. Nearly all of our primary healthcare organizations have now advocated for a non-drug approach to care. And the data is clear- people are looking for solutions for chronic pain that extend beyond a prescription.

 

– The Centers for Disease Control (FDA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and others have recommended a non-pharmacological approach to chronic pain should be the first line of treatment

 

– Over 40% of blogs relating to opioids are focused on people trying to find solutions “beyond the pill”

 

– Together, we can end the opioid crisis by breaking the cycle of chronic pain with natural and effective healthcare choices

 

Chronic pain is described as biopsychosocial, which means that it’s complex and has many dimensions. Creating personalized care, goal-oriented, and coordinated care plans are critical and exactly why our practice begins each patient with a complete and thorough evaluation. Our evaluation helps us understand your history, goals, and challenges. From there, we can create a comprehensive plan of care that enables you to find long-term relief from chronic pain.

Exposing the Truth Behind Opioids

The truth will set you free. While much of the information about the opioid epidemic is shocking, it’s important to understand how we got here. For example, when we first learned that 35 billion opioids (half of all the distributed pills) were handled by about 15% of pharmacies, it became clear that there was a network of “pill mills” that weren’t concerned about helping people actually find relief from their chronic pain.

 

Chronic pain is a real issue for tens of millions of people each day. In many cases, the answer isn’t found in a pill but rather with a combination of movement-based treatments. Your body heals through motion. Taking medications may provide temporary relief, but they don’t address the cause of your pain. Nearly everyone who takes opioids for an extended time becomes dependent. We think it’s a smart idea to avoid the risks.

 

– In 2016, over 91 million people used prescription opioids – The rates of emergency department visits involving opioids more than tripled from 1999 to 2013

 

– Over 16 million people currently suffer from an opioid use disorder

Finding Relief Without Opioids

There is no question that opioids are powerful painkillers. The problem is they are also highly addictive and don’t actually fix the cause of your pain. But, if you’re struggling with chronic pain,

you may be curious about your best care options. How can you fix the cause of your pain, find lasting relief, and avoid these harmful medications?

You may be surprised to discover that people who saw a chiropractor for spine pain had half the risk of filling an opioid prescription than those who didn’t. It’s not just that chiropractors don’t prescribe these dangerous medications. As time passed, most people were not likely to fill an opioid prescription at all. That indicates the care provided by chiropractors helped people find enough relief that they no longer sought medications to find relief!

 

● Choosing chiropractic for spinal pain can reduce your risk of filling an opioid prescription by over 50%

● Masking spine pain with medications can possibly increase your risk of further injury

● Movement-based care helps your body heal and can improve your likelihood of finding long-term relief

Why are Opioids so Dangerous?

It’s estimated that over 200 million opioid prescriptions are written each year. This use and abuse has led to an epidemic that’s been fueled by chronic pain. Opioids temporarily hide pain by attaching to receptors in the brain and boosting feelings of pleasure. Unfortunately, they do nothing to stimulate healing, leading to a pattern of pain, medications, and more pain. The good news is that there is a better way to find relief.

 

Opioids are in the same family of drugs as heroin, and some opioid medications are thought to be even more addictive. The temporary relief that they offer comes at a steep price. In lower doses, opioids can cause drowsiness or dizziness. Higher doses can cause your breathing and heart rate to slow down to dangerous levels. But the most dangerous aspect of opioids is the addiction rate of up to 30%.

 

– Opioids bind to the receptions in your nervous system that block pain and produce intense euphoria

 

– Tolerance to opioids can build in just a few short days

 

– Withdrawal symptoms are severe and can lead to addiction

Moving and Feeling Better: Chiropractic Care for Extremities

Discover how chiropractic care at Mount Pleasant Neck and Back Center can alleviate pain and enhance mobility in your shoulders, hips, knees, and elbows in our new blog.

 

In the intricate universe of our bodies, our joints – shoulders, hips, knees, and elbows – play the pivotal role of maintaining mobility and ensuring our active participation in life’s many adventures. But what happens when these joints start crying out in pain and restrict our movement? Traditional medicine often recommends painkillers, anti-inflammatories, or in severe cases, surgery.

 

But there’s a better path to consider: chiropractic care.

 

Chiropractic care has been known for its effectiveness in treating back and neck pain, but fewer people know its benefits for other joint issues. Whether it’s the result of an injury, arthritis, or general wear and tear, chiropractic can provide non-invasive, drug-free relief for ailing shoulders, hips, knees, and elbows.

 

Let’s get started:

 

How to find relief from shoulder pain…

Your shoulder is the most unstable and moveable joint in your body. Its wide range of motion occurs due to four primary muscles and their tendons, called the rotator cuff. If your shoulder becomes inflamed or an impingement happens, you may try to avoid using your arm to help it heal. It may surprise you that not moving can contribute to more pain or even lead to a frozen shoulder. Controlled movement is one of the best ways to heal.

The tendons are the most common source of shoulder pain. Your tendons attach the muscles of the shoulder to the bones. If a tendon becomes trapped, it can result in shoulder impingement. If a tendon becomes inflamed, you may hear it called tendinitis or bursitis. And if a tendon becomes torn, you guessed it; you have a rotator cuff tear.

 

Here are three of the most common reasons for shoulder pain:

 

Shoulder Bursitis: If the sac of fluid that cushions your shoulder becomes swollen and painful due to repetitive motions, you may have bursitis.

 

Shoulder Impingement: If your tendons get pinched between or under the bones of your shoulder, it can lead to impingement. Lifting overhead repetitively can cause impingement, resulting in swelling and pain.

 

Rotator Cuff Tear: Your rotator cuff can become damaged due to overuse, injury, or age. Tears usually cause pain when you try to lift things, and you may hear a popping sound as you move.

 

Your shoulder and spine work together. While it may seem like they are two completely different areas, it’s been discovered that postural abnormalities can play a significant role in your likelihood of developing shoulder pain. Maintaining a full range of motion in your shoulder and spinal joints of your neck and mid-back can help reduce your chances of dealing with shoulder pain. If you have shoulder discomfort or restricted movement, schedule a visit with us today. We’ll work to create a movement-based plan to help you find long-term relief.

 

 

What’s the difference between your hip and SI joint

 

Determining the difference between hip and SI (sacroiliac) joint pain can be extremely confusing. But being able to identify which one is the culprit is crucial when you are looking to find relief. Your SI joint connects your tailbone (sacrum) and your pelvis. The SI joint is very fibrous and only moves a few millimeters. On the other hand, your hip is much less stable and allows your entire leg to move in every plane of motion.

 

While the hip and SI joints are very different in structure and function, they share similar pain patterns, making it difficult to tell one from the other. It’s common to have SI joint pain mimic low back pain. Bending backward usually aggravates SI joint pain due to the compression that happens in the joint as you move. Hip pain is more likely to occur when you walk or try to bring your knees to your chest.

 

Here are the primary differences between hip, SI joining, and low back pain:

 

Hip Pain: characterized by pain with walking, weight-bearing, and rotating the leg

 

SI Joint Pain: characterized by difficulties while standing, walking, climbing stairs, and getting out of the car.

 

Low Back Pain: characterized by pain that radiates into the buttock or leg and may travel down to the foot

 

Suppose you’ve felt discomfort and aren’t exactly sure if it’s your hip, SI joint, or low back- it’s important to schedule a complete evaluation to determine the source of your pain. This is important because our hips tend to become degenerative as we age, and if your doctor is only looking at a hip X-ray to determine a plan of care, you may find yourself getting treatment for a problem you don’t have. At our practice, we take a holistic approach to our evaluations, and our

movement assessments ensure that we can pinpoint your challenges so that you get the best care plan to live your highest quality of life.

 

Are You At Risk for Chronic Knee Pain?

 

Do your knees hurt? You’re not alone. Chronic knee pain is thought to affect up to 25% of adults and can significantly limit your mobility and quality of life. Your knee is a hinge joint that primarily moves back and forth (flexion and extension) and allows some twisting or rotation. Every step you take places stress and strain on your knees, so it’s no surprise that trauma, misalignment, and degenerative changes can all take their toll.

 

While knee pain may not be entirely preventable, there are steps you can take to keep your knees as healthy as possible. At the top of the list is to watch your weight. For every pound you are overweight, your knees must absorb an extra 4 pounds of pressure when you walk, run or climb stairs. In addition, the cartilage in your knee is designed to last a lifetime if you take care of it.

 

Here are a few additional ways to keep your knees healthy and strong.

 

Warm-Up Before Exercising: Stretching your quadriceps and hamstrings before and after you exercise is a smart way to reduce the chance of a flare-up of knee pain.

 

Find Adequate Foot Support: Every step you take transfers force from the bottom of your foot to your knee. Therefore, your shoes should provide the support you need to keep your knees healthy for at least 10,000 steps per day.

 

Maintain a Full Range of Motion: Ensuring your low back and hips are moving freely is essential to overall knee health.

 

The joints of your body should have a balance of strength and flexibility through their full range of motion. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for people with back issues to struggle with knee pain after limping around for a few weeks. We encourage our patients to be proactive with their health. Use the strategies above to help reduce your chances of knee pain and be sure to schedule an appointment if you encounter any knee pain or restricted motion.

 

Tennis Elbow? But I don’t even play tennis!

 

Tennis elbow isn’t just for athletes. Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) is a painful condition when the tendons in your elbow are inflamed and overloaded due to repetitive motion.

Because of the motion that occurs when swinging a racket, it’s commonly referred to as tennis elbow, but anyone with a job that features repetitive arm motions may be at risk.

 

Tennis elbow can become a serious issue because of the pain and weakness that make it difficult to perform daily tasks. Because it’s an injury caused by repetitive motion, finding ways to decrease the inflammation and improve your biomechanics is critical.

 

Three natural ways to help reduce the pain associated with tennis elbow include:

 

Rest: Giving your arm time to rest is important to stop the cascade of inflammation and pain

 

Ice: Icing a few times per hour is a smart strategy to reduce pain and inflammation.

 

Technique: Be mindful of how you are moving your arm, use proper ergonomics, and use a brace for a short time if necessary

 

Tennis elbow is usually not a condition that will go away on its own. However, we’ve found two key strategies for reducing the pain associated with tennis below. First, begin an at-home exercise routine to strengthen your supporting muscles. The second is receiving adjustments, when necessary, to improve the motion and movement of your elbow joints. If you or someone you know has struggled with tennis elbow, call us so we can provide you with a plan to find relief.

 

Next Steps:

 

In conclusion, chiropractic care is integral to the journey toward better mobility, strength, and overall well-being. It’s not only about the spine but also the care for your extremities. If you’re struggling with pain or lack of motion in your limbs, don’t let it keep you from the activities you love. Reach out to our practice today. We’re committed to helping you move better, feel better, and live a more fulfilling life. Your journey to a healthier you starts here. Remember, chiropractic care is a step towards enhanced health and pain-free life. Don’t hesitate to contact us today!