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If you parked your car in a garage for years and suddenly decided to turn the key, chances are it would have a hard time firing up. The human body should be thought of like a machine; the longer it sits around inactive, the more issues you're going to have getting it to where you want it to go. It’s important to stay active within your limits and stay committed to the path of a healthier lifestyle. Power Walking: Free, Low-Impact Exercise Power walking is usually the easiest and most affordable activity for those wishing to improve physically and reduce ...
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Slips, trips and falls are all too common during the winter months in Western New York. It's important to use caution in the icier months–back and spinal injuries are the most common type of fall-related injury. With a little preparation and caution, some injuries can be prevented. Avoid Winter Slips and Falls Slow It Down Give yourself extra time. Rushing through an icy driveway or parking lot is a surefire way to find yourself flat on your back. Take an extra moment to plan the safest path of travel. If you notice ice in your walking path, attempt to go ...
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Oh The Weather Outside Is Frightful Winter is here and the cold weather will stick around for awhile. For many, this means hot cocoa, sledding, sleigh rides, and shoveling. However, for those who struggle with back pain, the cold weather can bring with it aches, pains, and discomfort. So why does the cold weather seem to agitate issues with our bodies? What Causes Muscle Stiffness? Our body’s natural response to the cold is a process called vasoconstriction. During this process our blood vessels begin to narrow in our extremities and divert the extra blood to our vital organs (brain, heart, ...
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The holidays can be stressful. Making lists, checking them twice, cooking, cleaning, putting up decorations, shopping, fighting through crowds, etc. It seems like there's never enough time and everyone is rushing. The added stress this time of year can take its toll physically, especially on your back. It’s important to take care of yourself this holiday season by avoiding potentially risky situations that could cause neck and back issues. Decorating Dos: Proper Lifting Decorating for the holidays can be a fun family activity. Hanging lights outside is often a holiday family tradition. Most people tend to put their decorations in ...
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October Is A Special Month And not just because it's every child's favorite haunted holiday. It's Rocktober to musicians. Pinktober to breast cancer survivors. Inktober to artists. Catober to animal enthusiasts. And for those who suffer from chronic pain, Backtober. October is Spine Health Awareness Month, with World Spine Day on October 16th. It serves as a reminder of how important your spine is, highlighting the ways a person's back influences their quality of life, especially when chronic pain or debilitating pain immobilizes you. According to WorldSpineDay.org, this global holiday stresses "the importance of spinal health and wellbeing. Promotion of ...
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When we say "let's get physical" we aren't referencing Olivia Newton-John's 1981 hit. We're referencing your commitment to fitness. Not everyone enjoys hitting the gym for an intensive workout or taking a walk around the neighborhood for low-impact exercise. And yet, regular exercise improves not only your overall health and well-being but your spine's health. A Weak Core Can Cause Back Pain Your back and abdominal muscles are both part of your "core" which is essential for stability, mobility, and flexibility. When your core is weak, it can produce pain that extends beyond just your lower back up into your ...
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Fact or Fiction Everyone has a guilty pleasure. For some people, it's chocolate. For others, it's bad rom-coms. And for others, it's cracking. In fact, Time Magazine reported that "from fingers and toes to necks and knees, everyone knows a 'cracker.' Up to 45% of people do it." But wait. Cracking your knuckles can lead to arthritis, right? Actually, no. Studies have been unable to find a direct connection between cracking and arthritis. Don't let that convince you it's okay to crack your back. If you're the type of person who wakes up every morning and cracks their back, neck, ...
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Summer and Back Pain Unlike many health conditions, back pain does not require an underlying disease to produce symptoms. Too much or too little exercise, improper lifting techniques, prolonged sitting, standing, or lying down, uncomfortable sleeping positions, lugging around heavy bags, carrying babies and toddlers...all these things can contribute to pain in your arms, shoulders, upper back, lower back, and legs. And it doesn't matter what your age, race, ethnicity, or level of fitness is. Back pain can occur in anyone at any time of the year. However, those who experience chronic back or joint pain may see an increase ...
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Some of the Best Foods to Aid in Back Pain Inflammation is one of the most prominent issues of back pain, causing joint stiffness, aches, and reduced mobility. So what can we do to help reduce this inflammation and alleviate these symptoms? Believe it or not, your diet can have a major impact on reducing swelling. Foods rich in omega-3 like salmon, cod, and tuna or seeds like chia and flax can act as an anti-inflammatory and do wonders for reducing pain. Here are several foods you should add into your diet, the reasons why, and the benefits behind them: ...
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Stretch To Strengthen Your Spine The spine is the core of your body. It's a complex system of interconnected bones, muscles, joints, and ligaments that work together to keep your spine stable, maintain your flexibility, and allow for a wide range of movement such as standing, sitting, bending, and twisting. Proper nutrition is essential but so is stretching. Stretching strengthens your core muscles to improve your balance and increase flexibility. No-Impact Exercises There is no "one size fits all" solution to back pain but there are little things that anyone can do improve their overall health and strengthen their spine, ...
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