Risk Factors & Ergonomics

q  Smoking – Besides numerous documented health risks, smoking decreases the oxygen available for healing and thereby delays healing significantly.  This decrease in available oxygen also accelerates the degeneration of the spine and discs.  If you can’t quit, at least reduce the amount you smoke as much as possible after an injury.  Many surgeons are now recommending that patients stop smoking up to 6 weeks before major surgery because it will help them heal better, faster, and with much less scar tissue.

q  Arm Rests – By properly using the arm rests provided, you can decreases the stress on your arms, neck, back, and shoulders.  This decrease in tension also decreases the buildup of toxic chemicals in the muscles, reduces fatigue, reduces the effects of trigger points, which all combine to reduce or eliminate many types of headaches, as well as some causes of numbness into the arms and hands.

q  Children, Grandchildren, and Pets – For many types of injuries, playing with your children, grandchildren, or pets can place a sudden and unexpected strain on your healing tissues.  The effect is to cause a flare-up of your condition, or possibly even make it worse since healing tissues are more at risk for a worsening injury.

q  Computers – Sitting at a desk staring at a computer puts significant stress and strain on your neck, shoulder, and back muscles, your eyes, and also decreases the important flow of blood and oxygen to your muscles, discs, and joints.  ‘Micro-breaks’ every 30 minutes for 15 to 30 seconds are a safe way to provide relief to your body without having you lose your train of thought in whatever project you are on.

q  Driving – Sitting in a vehicle for hours at a time is a sure way to flare up a low back or neck problem.  Rest stops are placed on interstates at 45-60 mile intervals for a reason, and it is not just for potty breaks.  Plan some extra time in your trip so that you can stop regularly, stretch your legs, and provide your muscles, joints and discs with much needed blood flow.  When you get to your destination, you will find you have more energy and are not as stiff and sore.

q  Eyesight – If your eyesight is impaired, or your glasses are out of date, you will tend to look forward and sometimes squint.  This will place unneeded stress and strain on your neck, back and shoulder muscles.  Have a regular eye check-up if you find yourself doing this.

q  Flare-Ups – As your condition improves, you will undoubtedly try to do too much, too fast.  This typically happens to almost everyone.  This may cause a temporary worsening of your condition.  15 minutes of ice every hour will help to decrease any swelling and help you to get back on the road to recovery.  Please let us know immediately of any flare ups so that we can make sure no further permanent damage was done.

q  Lifting – Unless you have knee problems, always lift with your legs, keeping the object you are lifting as close to your body as possible.  The further the object is from your body, the more stress and strain you put on your low back.  Take the time to size it up, make sure it positioned properly and safely, that you have a good grip, and you know exactly where it is you want to place it.  Get help if you are ever in doubt.  One simple wrong lift can affect you significantly the rest of your life.

q  Nutrition – A balanced diet, plenty of water and a good multi-vitamin routine are extremely important in maintaining optimum health.  Just as you put the best fuel in your car; so, too, should you put the best fuel in your body.

q  Self-Manipulating – Occasionally, you will feel one or more of your joints ‘pop’.  You will usually feel some temporary relief in the area when this happens.  This is completely natural.  Some people are able to position themselves and cause certain joints to ‘pop’ as well.  While this is relatively safe when done occasionally, problems occur when it is done forcefully, or when it is done repeatedly.  Overstressing or over-adjusting can weaken ligaments, damage the joints, and accelerate arthritis.  Only a trained chiropractor or osteopath should provide your adjustments. 

q  Sleeping – The best possible sleeping position is on your side with a pillow between your legs and your arms and hands at or below shoulder level.  Sleeping on your back with a pillow under your knees is the next best option.  Sleeping on your stomach or on a waterbed has been shown to be the worst possible way to sleep.