Today, I answer one of the most frequently asked questions in my practice: After all of the treatments, adjustments, therapy- why am I still in pain?
Some helpful tips follow the video. Enjoy!
Here are some things to pay attention to in your spine lifestyle. Addressing these few things may go a long way towards helping you to find relief. Take a look at these:
1) Make sure your workspace is as ergonomically optimized as possible. Good chair, good organization of work related materials, etc…
2) Get regular sleep. Optimize your sleep environment- supportive mattress, dark room, quiet. Don’t consume caffeine within several hours of your bedtime.
3) Get regular exercise, and exercise properly- maintaining an optimal body composition will help take the strain off of your back. Good form will ensure that you are working the correct muscle groups, and prevent you from harming yourself further.
4) Minimize the weight of the items you carry with your. Dump out the contents of your purse or briefcase and get rid of everything you don’t really need.
5) Make sure your car is as spine friendly as possible; Adjust seating and controls for easy, unstrained reach. Add a lumbar support (a rolled up t-shirt will do.) Set your mirrors so you aren’t cocking your head one way or another.
6) Consume plenty of water daily. This helps to eliminate cellular waste from your system, and allows you to heal and function more efficiently. Take a few minutes, several times a day to do some relaxing, restorative deep breathing exercises.
7) And as always, use a headset while you are on the phone- Cradling your phone between your ear & shoulder is one sure way to wreck your neck!
A good place to start is to pay attention to those areas where you spend the most time. Invite your partner to pay attention as well- sometimes an objective second party set of eyes will notice things you will not.
Be well!
-Andy
Victoria & Albert Museum, Kensington, London
