Focus on compassion!

Whether it’s the shorter days and early sunsets, the snowstorms and cold fronts, or just the lack of time spent outside, the winter months can be especially tough on our peace of mind. And those of us who suffer from chronic pain may already be a little more vulnerable than others when it comes to mental health, since the condition is considered one of the main causes for increased stress worldwide. There’s no doubt that it can be rough coping with back and neck pain, and for all the healthy lifestyle options you might exercise, and no matter how well you take care of yourself, sometimes a little compassion is what allows us to go the extra mile and overcome the stress and strain!

At its core, compassion is all about creating community, allowing someone who’s going through something tough to feel less alone. So if you know someone in your life who’s going through a tough time with chronic pain, why not join them in some of their steps toward recovery? Even if you don’t suffer from the same ailments, it won’t hurt to take a walk, go through some therapeutic light stretching or exercise routines, or take in a yoga class together! The key is to make it communal and make it fun; this will provide a much-needed boost to both the person suffering from chronic pain and the helper--because there’s nothing more likely to snap you out of the difficulties of the day-to-day than the company of an enthusiastic friend or family member!

If you’re the one dealing with pain, don’t stress--there are loads of options to help bring some compassionate community into your experience. Why not join a class or exercise group? Take the focus off of yourself and your difficulties and begin to share the burden with those around you. There are also plenty of support groups and online forums where you can get important info from real people going through the same things; not just the advice of a medical text or doctor (though those are important too)! Again, the key is to do anything you can to put your experience in a larger context and help yourself to understand that even though things may be tough from time to time, there are others out there experiencing many of the same problems.

Maintaining a sense of connection should be a priority for everyone, not just for those with chronic pain. And it should also be a priority year-round, not just during the holidays! Still, with the new year coming up, what better time to start than now? If there’s someone in your life going through the stresses and strains of chronic pain, let them know you “have their back,” so to speak! And if you are a sufferer yourself, know that you’re not alone!

Focus on travel!

Whether you’re seeing family, visiting friends or simply going somewhere you’ve never been before, traveling is a wonderful way to spend the holidays. But between the hassles of airports and planes, the traffic-filled highways and other logistical problems, it can also be quite a hardship. For those of us that suffer from back pain and related ailments, this is even more of an issue; simply spending a few hours stuck in a plane seat can aggravate our symptoms and turn what was supposed to be a relaxing trip into a painful ordeal. Luckily, there are solutions out there! Since back pain is estimated to be the single leading cause of disability worldwide, there are plenty of remedies in place to help make sure that those who refuse to give up traveling for business or pleasure can do so without aches, pains, or stress!

The key to pain-free traveling, whether in a plane, car, train--you name it--is preparation. Plan out your trip in advance and you’ll minimize the risk for running into problems and surprises down the line. For instance, before departing (depending on how severe your symptoms are), you may want to talk to your doctor to make sure that you’re healthy enough to travel, and see whether he or she has any tips on making the journey as smooth as possible. Once you’re clear to make the trip, be sure to pack as lightly as possible, and make use of curbside pickup and other services offered by the airline. If you take medication, be sure to bring extra in case of delays or hold-ups.

Once on the plane, follow ergonomic principles (get tips on those with this blog post!) as best you can. Those seats may not be the comfiest ones around, but try to make sure your neck and lumbar spine are being supported--if necessary, bring extra pillows or use your carry-on luggage to support your legs. If possible, try to book an aisle seat, as these give you a bit more of that precious leg-room. And don’t be afraid to get up and do some simple stretches on the plane (as long as it doesn’t interfere with the flight crew!)--because when it comes to back pain, as this Travel+Leisure article puts it, “embarrassment is not a consideration.”

Many of us will also be taking long road trips during the holidays. Luckily, in cars we tend to have more control over our seating than we do on planes, and can make adjustments accordingly--for instance, tilting our seats to allow leaning back instead of hunching forward, and keeping our arms relaxed (while still driving safely). The American Chiropractic Association estimates that around 75% of drivers aren’t using their headrests correctly; make sure it supports the back of your head and lower your risk of neck pain. And most importantly, take a lot of breaks--get out and walk around every two to three hours at minimum!

Once arriving at your destination, be sure to maintain any stretching or medicine routine that keeps you healthy--it’s no time to take a break from that! But be sure to also follow through on relaxing and giving yourself a vacation from the stresses that surround you, as these can be important contributors to our levels of pain. Take a load off and enjoy the holiday--you’ve earned it!

Focus on winter!

 

Yes indeed, folks, like it or not it’s that time of year: winter’s coming in! And while heavy snowfall, ice storms, earlynightfall and other unpleasant side effects are surely not the high points of the season, there are lots of great things about the season: exciting winter sports and activities, time inside with the family, holiday celebrations, and more. Still, it doesn’t hurt to be aware of the potential pitfalls of the season, especially as they relate to your health. Here are some things to keep an eye on this winter season!

Arthritis and joint pain are major components of health year round, but they are sometimes known to flare up during the wintry months. In fact, some studies have suggested a link between cold weather and joint pain, and you’ve probably heard of the idea that folks suffering from arthritis can “predict” changes in weather by their pain levels. Still, whether or not this is actually the case, there is no doubt that cold, rain and other aspects of winter can make exercising harder to do (and certainly much less enticing) during those difficult indoor months. To combat this, why not focus in on some exercises that are more low-impact and manageable while still giving your body the workout it needs to stay fit and free of injuries? In winter, try exercises like swimming indoors, stretching or doing light exercises around the house, or even keeping your walking routine confined to indoor spaces such as shopping centers--but be aware that holiday shopping can bring its own safety hazards!

Another reliably difficult part of the season that is unavoidable for many of us is dealing with all of the snow that we’re likely to face. In fact, shoveling snow can be a major cause of back injury during the winter  (just as raking leaves can cause problems in the fall; seems we can’t catch a break until springtime!). To prevent injury, follow some simple guidelines for maintaining ergonomic practices. First of all, wear many layers so that your muscles stay warm. When shoveling, bend your knees to lift--don’t use your back! Always push snow straight ahead (don’t throw it, or jerk or twist suddenly), and keep your feet on the ground at all times. Lastly, a no-brainer: Take lots and lots of breaks!

Another major issue to look out for are slip and fall injuries. Face it: fresh snowfall, packed snowfall, freezing rain and slush and hail and all the rest--these conditions are simply the reality for many of us living in wintry parts of the country over the next few months. But these can result in slippery and dangerous surroundings for everyone. To stay safe, make sure to pay attention to your surroundings--know exactly where you’re walking, and avoid obvious hazards. Keep your eyes on your feet, and use handrails and supports whenever possible. In general, stay alert: no texting and walking! Move slowly when walking around; it’s worth a couple of extra minutes if it means you get to your destination safely! In this same vein, avoid shortcuts--walk (and drive!) on cleared, well-plowed roads. Lastly, avoid walking with your hands in your pockets--if you do lose balance, your arms can help you regain equilibrium.

Winter certainly brings with it its own challenges, but it also provides plenty of opportunities for fun and excitement all its own. Enjoy the treats of the season safely and responsibly by following these guidelines, and you’ll be healthy and ready for what’s to come!

Focus on your shopping safety!

Have you ever seen or been involved in the craziness of the Black Friday shopout? Well, we’re going to tell you all about what to do to stay safe in these situations. People are always wondering about their safety while shopping. These are some common questions regular pedestrians like you ask, “Are my children and I safe shopping during the holidays or black Friday?” or “does the store have employees around to keep things calm and under control?” In this post, we're going to break down some of the biggest dangers associated with shopping during the holiday season, and give tips on how to avoid them.

The first kind of shopping injury is the slip-and-fall. The most common effect of a slip-and-fall incident are head and body injuries. These sorts of accidents can occur for many reasons—from the craziness of crowds, having to reach for high-up or far-away items, or from structural safety lapses like a wet floor or poor lighting.

Another very common accident that can come from shopping is a cart injury. This can result in carts tipping over, or being struck by someone else’s cart. Children especially can be affected in this manner of injuries. An average of 21,600 children were treated annually for shopping injuries in the US between 1985-1996, anestimated 12,800 of whom were treated for falling out of their carts. Such falls can cause severe  injuries such as concussions and fractures. And the numbers have continued to rise; more than 24,000 children were treated in 2005, according to the American Academy of Pediatric.

Yet another kind of accident that can arisewhile shopping is an escalator or elevator incident. Accidents of this type kill roughly 30 people annually and injure about 17,000 in the United States alone, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Most of these incidents, roughly 70%, are caused by falls from the escalator.

                Overcrowding in malls and shopping centers can be a danger as well. This is the kind of injury that we see so much of on Black Friday or during shopping sprees. On Black Friday in 2008, a New York Wal-Mart employee was trampled by a stampede of shoppers, and since then, the Occupation Safety and Health Administration issued new crowd guidelines for retailers. Still, stores will be extra busy throughout the upcoming holiday season, so be careful! This also applies to the parking lots of America’s shopping centers, and parking lot injuries are another extremely common form of accident this time of year.  These problems may be made even worse by the extreme circumstances of shopping during the holiday season:  rear-ending and other types of collisions may occur as a result of crowded parking lots, tired drivers, and tensions running high. These types of incidents may result in injuries such as whiplash as well as back and neck trauma.

                So now you know many of the dangers that can affect shopper’s safety during the shopping seasons. So now get out there have fun shopping but please be cautious and remember to give back to needy people this season--give back and feel good!

Focus on posture!

We’ve heard it all before: ”Stand up straight!” or “Don’t slouch!” And even if as kids we had our standing posture corrected over and over (did anybody have to walk with stacked books on their heads?), chances are we grew up and, well, sort of forgot about it. Still, there are lots of reasons to stay mindful of our posture, particularly as we age. It keeps our bones and joints in the right alignment to ensure that we are using less energy and muscle strain to support ourselves, which will certainly cut down on any back pain we may experience in our lives. It also minimizes risks of injury or abnormal joint motion, making it a key contributor to a healthy lifestyle. Yup, turns out all those folks telling you not to slouch were right!

The consequences of poor posture go beyond simple misalignment. The postural muscles that we use to maintain support for our bodies--several groups including the hamstrings and back muscles--can easily undergo excessive strain and make them far more susceptible to injury. Even sore muscles, the most common effect of poor posture, are a real pain to deal with. And on top of all that there is spinal curvature and constriction of important blood vessels and nerves, all of which can lead to further complications, injuries, and pain down the road.

You probably know the gist of what makes a good standing posture: keep your head level, your knees bent slightly and legs shoulder width apart, and stand tall with your shoulders back. But posture is just as important when sitting or lying down--possibly even more so, as these are the times when your postural muscles may be prone to relaxing and losing strength and elasticity. When sitting, keep your lower back supported and avoid leaning forward excessively, keep your forearms parallel to the ground and your feet on the floor (i.e., avoid excessive crossing of the legs). When lying down, avoid lying on your stomach and pay special attention to using the proper pillow (for more on that, check out our recent blogpost on the topic).

So even though it may seem hard to correct posture habits that have persisted for a long time, the results can be an immediate relief, and it’s worth the effort. Make sure to follow proper guidelines for maintaining proper alignment, and avoid the urge to slouch down or bend over your desk or computer screen. Be aware that posture is not just a factor when standing or walking, but also sitting and lying down. Do your body a favor, and next time you hear “Stand up straight,” show that you’re listening! 

Focus on seatbelts!

At a time when lawmakers are embroiled in non-stop arguing, dealmaking, compromising and promise-breaking, it’s nice to see something new on the books that will indisputably help improve the health of our nation: just this week, the federal National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that large buses and motorcoaches will soon be required to provide seatbelts for their passengers. The change comes after nearly 50 years of lobbying by accident investigators and opposition from bus operators, who fought the addition of seatbelts largely for reasons of cost. In the end, a deal was worked out wherein seatbelts would have to be installed in all new buses starting in 2016, although it may take a while for the rest of the nation’s 29,000 existing motorcoaches are caught up with the new regulation.
 
While the change may seem like common sense, it has actually taken quite a bit of sobering and even tragic evidence before lawmakers could be convinced of its necessity. Indeed, an average of 21 people are killed every year in large bus crashes, and nearly 8,000 are injured, mostly as a result of rollover crashes, during which passengers are sometimes ejected from the bus--precisely the kind of situation seatbelts are designed to prevent! And there are still many things left to fix--safety concerns remain, for instance, with bus windows, which may not prevent ejection as well as they could, and motorcoach roofs, which may not always be strong enough to withstand rollover crashes.
 
Still, seatbelts are by far the most effective safety step one can take on the road. The statistics don’t lie--according to the NHTSA, seatbelts saved more than 75,000 lives between 2004-2008, and in general, wearing a seatbelt can reduce the risk of crash injuries by 50%! And, despite the fact that 88% of people now use seatbelts in their own cars nationally (a record high), there are still plenty of preventable unbelted fatalities on the road: according to the same NHTSA study 1600 lives and 22,000 injuries could have been prevented if seatbelt use were to go up to 90% in every state. More than 40% of children that die in crashes are unbelted, as are 58% of teens; it’s clear that while we’ve come pretty far with seatbelt laws, there is still quite a long way to go.
 
Seatbelts are also hugely valuable from a chiropractic perspective--in addition to being lifesaving tools, they also are the most important thing preventing lasting back and neck pain after an auto accident. In fact, whiplash--one of the most common ailments seen by chiropractors after crashes--can be prevented by the use of seatbelts and properly fitted head restraints. It’s absolutely clear: no other safety improvement (and there are many at work in modern automobiles) comes close to matching the life-saving (and pain-avoiding!) potential of a properly-used seatbelt.

While there is clearly much to celebrate in the new law for motorcoaches, the push for greater further safety improvements is not over: new regulations for buses (windows that prevent ejection, and stronger roofs that don’t cave in) are expected to be proposed next year. Hopefully, we can look forward to more good news for the safety of the 700 million of us who are transported by motorcoach every year.

Focus on pillows!

I know it may seem shocking at times when we feel overworked, overstimulated and busier than ever--but we humans actually spend a third of our lifespan in our beds asleep! And even though we use that time to recuperate mentally and physically from the hardships of the day, our bodies are still working--and still capable of being put under stress. In fact, it’s quite common for spinal injury recovery to be greatly affected by the manner in which we rest--for better or worse! Since we’ve covered ergonomics previously with the aim of helping you make your waking life a little less stressful on the spine, we thought we’d do the same for the time you spend asleep--here are some basic guidelines on the ergonomics of pillows.

Like anything dealing with as wide of variety of ailments as this, there is no one solution; every person, every body, and every condition is different. But some things are universal, after all, and the necessity for comfort and support when sleeping is one those things! That’s why above all, it’s important to make sure that you are able to rest comfortably with your choice of pillow--although perhaps a bit surprisingly, this probably doesn’t mean you’ll want to grab the softest, fluffiest pillow out there; in fact, pillows with soft down or feather padding tend to be less helpful than pillows made from firmer materials. After all, a pillow needs to be able to change shape to adapt to the changing positions our bodies take on as we sleep; having a bit of a firmer pillow will mean a greater amount of malleability and support.

Support--that’s really the name of the game when it comes to neck pillows, since ultimately what we have to shoot for is bedding which allows for relaxation of our spine and an opportunity to recuperate from any pain we may be feeling. Sometimes pillows that are especially contoured to fit around our head and neck can do the trick, sometimes a standard but well-made pillow will be satisfactory (in fact, depending on the injury, some patients end up feeling better with no pillow at all; like we said, there’s no one solution); the best thing to do is try different types out and see which one works for you. But don’t scrimp on support--it’s what provides the essential cushion your spine needs!

And this applies not only to the neck, but the whole body; after all, your spine is also affected by the position of your back, legs, and other extremities, so you’ll want to be sure you’re taking care of those too! Consider getting a body pillow--these can be used for support for those of us who like to sleep on our sides--or a lower back support pillow that cushions the inward curve of the lower spine. Try out a variety of pillows to see which work for you; if you’re a “more the merrier” type, then go all out!

Sleep is an essential time for recouping the losses of the day in terms of strain and pain. Your body deserves to get the same restful treatment as your mind--and if you’re someone who suffers from back or neck pain, you’ll be grateful for the extra effort you put in!

Focus on ergonomics!

Now that we’ve turned the clocks back and the weather isn’t as cooperative as it used to be, you can probably count on spending quite a bit more time inside than you did during the balmy summer months (remember those?). Add this to the amount of time you’re probably spending sitting around at an office or place of work, and you might be looking at an astonishing amount of time spent seated, reclining, or just plain lazing around. And while there’s nothing wrong with a little R&R, the fact is that too much sitting around—or more specifically, too much time spent seated in the wrong way—can wreak havoc on your spinal health. And while we’ve covered office and workplace health here before, there can be no doubt that there’s plenty more to say on the subject of ergonomics—the science of designing toward our physiological needs, at home, in the office, or anywhere else.

The single factor that makes ergonomics so important is time: more specifically, the staggering amounts of time we spend, on average, sitting down—roughly 7.7 hours a day! The statistics about this trend are alarming: since load on the spine is actually less when standing up than sitting down, people who sit for most of the day are at elevated risk for back pain as well as conditions as diverse as diabetes, heart disease, obesity and depression. The science is so clear on this, in fact, that many doctors have begun to speak of the trend as a “sitting disease,” responsible for a vast number of new ailments!
Thankfully, there are plenty of options for improving the way we work, stand, sit, and everything in between. One trend that’s been picking up steam in this field is the option of working at a standing desk, rather than sitting, straining or slumping to read a computer screen, and all the rest. This way—with the body held at a healthy standing posture--requires the core muscles to stay engaged, preventing our bodies from slouching down or relaxing to too great a degree. Other variations on this theme include using exercise balls to keep muscles engaged while working, using unusual but highly ergonomic office chairs, or simply designing a more ergonomic workplace setup.
Be aware, however, that ergonomics don’t only apply to the workplace, or even just to sitting! There are many instances in our daily lives where overall health could be improved by simply making a minor ergonomic adjustment. For example, with winter around the corner, the number of back injuries from snow shoveling is sure to shoot up—it’s one of the most common ailments during colder months! Staying warm, pacing oneself and making use of ergonomic lifting techniques will ensure that a task as straightforward as snow removal doesn’t lead to hassles and pain down the road.
Last but certainly not least, keep an eye on your posture at all times; whether standing, sitting, or even lying in bed, the manner in which we keep our spine straight can have major effects on our overall health and mean the difference between comfort and pain. Be certain that you’re following good practices, and rest easy, at work and at home!

Focus on diabetes care & prevention!

Get more info at the NDEP website

Diabetes is an illness which affects 8.3 percent of the American population—25.8 million people, according to a 2011 survey. The disease (really a group of diseases, since there are different types of diabetes) is marked by an increase in the body’s level of blood glucose due to an inability to produce enough insulin. It can be a truly serious illness if left untreated; however, more and more people are taking the appropriate steps to manage their illness and prevent it from severely impacting their health. Since November is 2013 National Diabetes Month, we thought we’d take time to highlight some recommendations from the National Diabetes Education Program for caring for, preventing, and managing diabetes and ensuring healthy lives!

Let’s start with some info about diagnosing the illness. Type 2 diabetes, the more common form (accounting for 90% to 95% of all cases), is partially hereditary, and having a history of diabetes in your family increases the risk of developing it. If anyone in your family has had type 2 diabetes or been told they are at risk of developing it, it is a good idea to keep an eye on your own risk levels. But thankfully, there are plenty of lifestyle choices that can go a long way towards preventing the development of type 2 diabetes—or at least greatly reducing the chances of developing it. For example, making healthy nutritional choices (see our blog post on nutrition for more info), avoiding high-sugar foods and drinks (soda, candy, etc.), and eating smaller portions will certainly make a difference. Staying active is also key—spend at least 30 minutes a day five days a week engaged in strenuous physical activity, and check out our post on exercise if you need some tips!

If you have already been diagnosed with diabetes, there are also many ways that lifestyle and nutrition can help you manage your symptoms and long-term health: develop a diabetes meal plan, tailored to your specific needs; eat foods with less fat and salt and more fiber; avoid smoking and manage your stress-levels; and check your blood glucose levels regularly. In fact, there are many such guidelines for ensuring that diabetes doesn’t take over one’s life, and plenty of resources to help you go about it: check out theNDEP’s Diabetes Management Page for lots more info on the subject!

Despite the underlying hereditary and medical causes for diabetes, there can be no doubt that our culture of fast food and little exercise has quite a bit to do with the increase in cases. The facts are quite sobering: in 1958 there were 1.5 million people diagnosed with the illness, whereas in 2010 that number had risen to 18.8 million. Prediabetes, a condition where blood glucose levels are high but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes, is thought to affect a whopping 79 million adults, or almost a quarter of the US population! But though the statistics are shocking, there is hope—in the form of awareness, education and prevention, knowledge of diabetes and of healthy lifestyle choices is spreading. This November, perhaps you can contribute to that culture of learning in your own community! Get educated, get involved and get healthy!

Focus on exercise!

 

The new 7-minute workout, courtesy of the New York Times Magazine

When it comes to exercise, it can sometimes be overwhelming for even the most dedicated fitness enthusiast to keep up. It’s true that there’s a steady stream of research, studies, and media coverage letting us know how to stay fit, promising new breakthroughs or miracles, but how do we know who or what to trust? Especially when it comes to those of us who suffer from chronic pain or spinal conditions, it is essential to know what really works and what may be a simple fad, or even a potentially harmful practice. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some recent workout ideas that may pass muster, helping you stay fit in simple, effective ways!
 

The New York Times recently reported on an excellent new “Scientific 7-Minute Workout,” which makes use of 12 exercises that make use of your bodyweight instead of elaborate machines or extensive weights. In fact, all you’ll need is a chair! What’s so fascinating about the workout, the result of a new study on “Maximum Results with Minimum Investment,” is that it is able to compress a complete all-around workout into a staggeringly short timeframe. The trick, according to the Times, is the “interval training” aspect—high intensity, quick bursts of exercise alternated with short breaks—that mimics the effects of endurance training undertaken for prolonged periods, but in a hugely reduced span of time. All in all, it’s an absolutely fascinating workout, and thanks to the handy diagram, it’s as easy to understand as it is rewarding to complete!

But this kind of routine isn’t appropriate for everyone—after all, these sorts of high-intensity programs can also be, well, intense! For folks with back pain, neck pain or spine-related chronic ailments, exercises can be an important tool for managing and lessening pain and restoring mobility. Take the McKenzie Method, a well-known system for managing back and neck pain through targeted diagnosis, stretches and exercises. After carefully assessing a patient’s condition, a spine health professional can prescribe a specific routine that very effectively manages and sometimes completely eliminates a patient’s pain.

And of course, there are plenty of exercises that may go quite a long way towards managing pain while at the same time promoting strength, endurance and overall fitness. This should be the goal of fit-minded individuals everywhere, and there’s no reason for any of us—whether young or old, suffering from pain or not—to be left out! Check out the exercise database at spine-health.com for a whole lot of useful exercises appropriate to patients with different levels of pain or discomfort.

Whether looking to pursue exercise as part of a high-intensity fitness regimen or interested in using exercise therapy as a solution to pain and spinal ailments, there is room for an increased focus on fitness in everyone’s life. And even though we may feel bombarded with conflicting information, promises of new breakthroughs or difficult-to-understand scientific results, there are tools out there to help us sort out what works from what doesn’t. Try making use of these resources, and see how you feel with a little more exercise in your life!

Focus on chiropractic: Neck pain basics!

While injury and spinal conditions can cause a broad range of symptoms, some of the most common are ones that affect the neck. In fact, millions of people experience neck pain each year from a variety of causes, and it’s been shown that 45% of people in the workforce will experience the condition at some point. And while it’s true that most cases of neck pain will end up resolving themselves, some can turn into severe or chronic conditions that require the help of a spinal professional. Here’s a breakdown of common conditions, symptoms and treatments that may cause neck pain—for more info, visit spine-health.com’s Neck Pain Database.

Acute neck pain is the most common type, and may be caused by muscle strain or soft tissue sprain, usually as a result of strenuous activity, discomfort, or lifting heavy objects. Sudden trauma—sports injuries, automobile accidents, etc.—can also cause the condition, which usually results in stiffness, pain and difficulty rotating the neck. Often this type of pain will resolve itself within a few days, and a short period of rest is recommended; more severe pain, however, can be dealt with by applying heat and ice packs, use of over-the-counter pain medications, and through the help of a doctor of chiropractic or health professional.

Chronic neck pain is less common than the acute type, but its symptoms can range from moderate to severe and may point to other underlying conditions that should be looked into. For instance, structural problems like herniated discs or degenerative disc disease (conditions which affect the spongy discs that separate the vertebrae in our spine) as well as osteoarthritis (a chronic joint inflammation, usually experienced by older patients) can cause chronic neck pain which may be triggered by certain positions or activities. Treatments for these ailments include the same options that are used for acute pain, but may also involve adjustments to behavior and lifestyle, possibly including physical therapy as well as aerobic, strengthening and stretching exercises. Above all, treatments should be worked out with the help of a spinal professional, who can help tailor a treatment plan that’s right for you.

One of the most common neck injuries encountered by chiropractors is whiplash, a condition where the neck is forced to move beyond its normal range of motion—usually as the result of an automobile accident, specifically a rear-impact collision. Whiplash symptoms usually include neck pain, stiffness and tenderness but can also involve headaches, dizziness, fatigue and even pain in the arm or mild concussion. Of course, medical care should be sought out immediately after any accident to determine the severity of injuries, but in many cases whiplash-type injuries will subside over time with rest, gentle stretching, and other basic treatments. Other times chiropractic techniques like joint manipulation and mobilization may be called for to help improve the prognosis and avoid long-term symptoms.

Unfortunately, chronic pain is a fact of life for millions of Americans, and between normal wear-and-tear, workplace injuries and auto accidents, there are plenty of chances to develop spinal injuries or pain conditions. And while some of these causes can’t be predicted or prevented, there are luckily plenty of treatment options out there for reducing symptoms and improving long-term results. Whether from low-impact treatments like pain medication and bed rest or more involved options like physical therapy, exercise and chiropractic manipulation, patients can expect to make excellent recoveries and quickly return to normal life.