Life Happens to Our Back

By Katie Tallent

In my experience back pain seems to be the most common complaint beginning in our 30’s and approaching our 40’s and can increase in subsequent years if not properly treated. My journey in back pain began with a car accident in 2007 and I was fortunate enough to have friends point me towards a combination of chiropractic care and massage therapy.  I became a believer!  It was that experience that started my journey into a massage therapy career and helping others find relief in an organic way.  

This marriage has prevented me from experiencing unnecessary surgeries, medication and chronic pain.  As I work on clients who receive massage to relieve their aches and pains they want to know why I suggest chiropractic care with massage in most cases.  Simply put… in combination the results are exponential.

Self care will take you far in recovering from an injury and maintaining a healthy spine.  According to 34,000 readers of a nonprofit consumer magazine the top ranked healing touch therapies are chiropractic care and deep tissue massage.  However a plan of care with your chiropractor and massage therapist will increase quality of movement and life. Here are the nuts and bolts of it:

1.) Increased Range of Motion

Spinal adjustment and massages together increase flexibility in affected areas such as muscles, ligaments and soft tissue.

2.) Circulation Improves

Relieves pressure on subluxations allowing for blood to flow where there was once congestion and relieves lactic acid.

3). Easier Adjustments

A massage before an adjustment serves to elongate the muscles along the spine reducing the likelihood of a spasm forming.

Habits:  Those consistent things we do that contribute to back pain.

1.) “I only run if I’m being chased”

poor physical fitness and carrying a few extra donuts in the midsection will cause strain on already weakened muscles.

Solution:  yoga and walking will strengthen core and muscles and support the spine.

2.) Mouse Injuries

Sitting at a desk puts 40% more strain on your low back than standing.

Solution: ergonomically designed chair and work station coupled with periodically getting up and moving around will help circulation return to your overworked parts.

3.) Bedtime

33% of our lives are spent sleeping.  Often times an old mattress will no longer support our structure during your 8 hours of beauty rest.

Solution:  Replace your mattress every 8 years and keep a pillow between your knees if you’re a side sleeper or under your knees if you are a back sleeper.

Chiropractic care and massage approaches the body holistically.  Every part serves the other and when functioning properly we have freedom of movement and pain bringing healing and comfort.

Comment:

Have you experienced these or other alternative health care modalities?  Tell us how it impacted you!

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