Chiropractic Advice that Cuts to the Core
By Genevieve Smith
Chiropractors will not always be as direct as they’d like to be. They’re people, after all, and at the end of the day, they want to be kind and avoid being interpreted as judgmental. That’s why I’m here -- to be direct and tell you some advice that’s in your best interest.
For Your Own Good
While healthcare may not be easy, it takes getting down to business. What would your chiropractor like you to know?
You’re not better just because you feel better - One of the biggest mistakes made by patients is their lack of patience (see what I did there?). We all get it, you want to return to life as normal, but healing takes time, and ultimately the path to recovery and sustained pain relief will be shorter if you just take it easy for the time recommended by your chiropractor.
Your phone is killing your neck - “Text neck” is a term in chiropractic circles for a reason. When you crane your neck down to look at a phone, the weight the spine experiences shifts to around 60 pounds, a major strain from the 12 pounds your back is calibrated to expect from a neutral head posture. Do your spine a favor and change phone viewing behaviors to lighten the load. Hold devices up so that your neck is neutral, and pull shoulders back to avoid slouching.
Cut out the harmful habits - Leaving the chiropractic office to eat fast food, drink soda and smoke does not help your journey. Unfortunately, these choices exacerbate inflammation, and can leave the benefits of an adjustment with a short lifespan. Sure, treat yourself to indulgent eats every once in a while, but a healthy and mindful lifestyle is part of a preventative pain treatment plan.
Your furniture may be your foe - Your environment should support good posture. Take a look at your office chair and computer setup, as well as the support your couch and bed provide. An office chair should allow your feet to touch the floor; a computer monitor should always be at eye level; a couch should be padded out with supportive cushions, and your bed should be outfitted with pillows to prop up your knees and shoulders.
Success comes from playing the long game, making changes for the better to bring about future good health. Consider these tips from chiropractors as coming from the best of intentions, designed to ensure you are on a path to agile limbs and a robust nervous system.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Phoenix, Ariz.