If You Sit a Lot, Let Chiropractic Help
By Sandy Schroeder
Most of us don't give our hips too much thought until they begin to trigger pain. The problem starts with sitting all day every day, which tends to lock up the hips. Over time, hips tighten up to cause pain and limit mobility.
Too much sitting shortens the hip flexors, reducing range of motion, creating low back pain and sabotaging our posture.
If you think how much you sit while driving, flying, at your desk, watching TV, reading, eating and working out, the hours add up. Many of us sit as much as 80 percent or more every day.
Surprisingly, Harvard Health researchers also note tight hips impact our emotions too, since they serve as a holding place for negative emotions such as sadness and fear.
With all of that in mind, we can all use strong health support such as chiropractic and yoga.
Stop in at The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you to find out how to get started. The Joint Chiropractic licensed chiropractors can help you find the best way forward.
When you come in, your chiropractor will explain how a healthy spine can help you be healthier overall
Gentle targeted spinal adjustments may provide far-reaching pain relief if your hips or other joints are generating pain. At the same time, you may be surprised to feel more energy, sleep better, or feel more relaxed. Turning the page with weekly 15-minute spinal adjustments may be the next step as you lose pain and become more active. Your chiropractor will help you find the best fitness solutions going forward.
One very effective way to loosen tight hips starts with a series of low intensity yoga hip-opening poses. Check with your doctor before beginning new exercises. You may also need yoga blocks and straps.
Try the child's pose - Kneel on the mat touching toes. Sit on heels and widen knees. Exhale and bend forward lowering chest between thighs. Stretch arms out in front of you. You should feel a stretch through your hips, shoulders, quads, and lower back. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds.
Create a happy baby - Lie on your back and pull knees up toward chest. Press the lower back into the mat, take hold of feet and rock side-to-side.
Thread the needle - Lie on your back on the mat with knees bent and feet spread apart. Pull up the right knee and put the right ankle across the left knee. Relax right knee, exhale and pull left knee toward chest. You may need a yoga strap to make the stretch happen. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds.
When you are ready to counteract sitting, stop by The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you. No appointments are needed. Clinics are open weekends and evenings, and affordable personal healthcare plans eliminate the hassle of insurance.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Dallas, Tex.