How a Chiropractor May Help Put Us Back On Track
The neck is an amazing part of the body. It begins at the base of the skull and supports the full weight of the head, which is about 12 pounds. The neck’s flexibility allows the head to move in nearly every direction. But today’s challenges in the way we live and work are making neck pain a growing issue.
It is probably time for all of us to look around and see what can be done.
How Daily Life Can Interrupt the Process
The American Chiropractic Association explains how poor posture, obesity, and weak abdominal muscles can disrupt our spinal balance, causing the neck to bend forward to compensate. They recommend maintaining good posture, keeping screens at eye level and working at desks with feet flat on the floor.
But as we look around, we see just the opposite. Slouched posture with heads bent over screens can be found everywhere. People on the go, and at work bend over screens in cells, tablets, laptops and at workstations. Later at home they slouch on the couch or stretch out on the floor, heads again bent forward toward their screens.
This problem is not new. Many people have worked in fixed poses for years, bending toward their computer screens and slouching forward working on lengthy projects. But now the situation looks more like an epidemic as screen use takes this problem into a 24-7 state, at home and at work involving all ages.
If you, your friends and your family all fit the picture, start finding ways to fix it with safe practices and see the chiropractor for more assistance if you are already experiencing the effects of bad posture.
Seeing the Chiropractor
The visit to the chiropractor will begin with a spinal adjustment to locate the source of pain and discuss symptoms. The chiropractor will want to know when the pain started, what you have done for the pain and if the pain travels to other parts of the body. The visit will also include a complete review of medical history. The chiropractor’s goal will be to seek pain and normal activity solutions without medications or surgery. The chiropractor will also check posture, range of motion and overall physical condition.
As treatment begins, the chiropractor will also want to talk about the amount of time spent on screens at work, school or home. After a review of good posture, correct sitting and screen positions, the chiropractor will often have suggestions on taking more breaks, alternating screen work with other tasks, and using substitute activities to establish better lifestyles. Families, employers and schools can all get involved as we all learn safer ways to conduct business without endangering our bodies.
If this all sounds like it fits you and your friends and family, make an appointment today and find out more.
Used under Creative Commons Licensing courtesy of amateur photography by michel