The Better You Feel, The Better Life Gets

In recent years chiropractors have seen an increase in the number of patients coming into our offices with work-related injuries. Back and neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, arm numbness, leg pain, TMJ (jaw pain), chronic tendinitis and even chronic headaches have all been attributed to the workplace.  What should we look out for in our work environment?

Today I am going to be addressing some physical stressors as opposed to chemical, environmental or psychosocial issues that may occur at work.

Physical injuries include but are not limited to slips and falls, equipment-related injuries, workplace transport, noise and lighting.

There are a number of “adjustments” that can make an office safer and healthier.

Computer monitors should be placed at a right angle to light sources or windows to minimize glare, a minimum of 20″ away and tipped 15 degrees from the eyes.  Keyboards should decline which is a more natural and comfortable wrist position.  When seated, lean back slightly and use a high-back chair that supports the shoulder blades and one that provides good lumbar support.  Feet rest flatly on the floor.  Change positions often and take frequent breaks to stretch.

Are you reaching for your mouse?  Wrist rests may prevent wrists from bending back while typing or using the mouse, however, be sure to check the height of the rest, that it is not too high or too thick, as it could result in too much forward flexion of the wrist.  Sometimes a forearm support can be good as it may take the weight off the shoulders and prevents the wrist from bending backwards.

Height-adjustable tables and work surfaces,  although sometimes costly, can reduce back problems as there are users of all sizes who may use these throughout the course of the day.  Adjustable chairs can help avoid back pain by supporting multiple postures often needed throughout the day.  Some shorter workers might benefit from a foot rest that would allow for different positions of the legs.

Lifting heavy objects “correctly” is so important!  Move very close to the object that you want to lift to avoid excessive reaching.  Using your knees, you can take some of the “strain” off of the back muscles.  If you need gloves or goggles or anything “protective”, be sure to wear them!

Why suffer?  Chiropractic care can be so helpful!  So before repetitive work-related injuries become chronically painful, take some action.  Insist on some changes at work and enjoy the benefits that chiropractic can give you!

Have a magical day!

~Dr. Judy

As a chiropractor for the past 25 years, I have helped many people suffering with the affects of arthritis.  The reason that I decided to write about this today is that I have noticed that the effects of living with arthritis often  decreases a person’s quality of life.  I so often see  stress, insomnia, fatigue and moodiness due to a decrease in mobility and freedom in the body.

When we think of arthritis, we think of swollen, disfigured and painful joints. Did you know that more than 350 million people around the world are affected by this chronic illness and that arthritis patients spend nearly $1 billion annually to alleviate their pain and  discomfort?

Often called osteoarthritis, we understand that it is a break down of the joint cartilage, either from “wear and tear” or from a previous injury.  What would be some alternative healing methods for those who are seeking relief.

Nutritionally speaking, the literature reveals that omega 3 fatty acids,  two herbs one called, boswellia, and the other devil’s claw, block chemical reactions involved in inflammation and  have all been quite effective in reducing the pain and inflammation of arthritis.   By now most of us have read about the benefits of glucosamine sulfate which helps build cartilage and chondroitin sulfate which blocks cartilage destroying enzymes.  Have you tried them?  If so, I am interested in hearing your feedback.

Chiropractic care does help!  Of course, the earlier we begin treatment, the easier it is to begin reversing the effects of  this chronic condition.  Chiropractic can improve mobility, increase range of motion in the joints and thereby help to lessen the pain.

Do you think that your diet can help alleviate arthritis pain?  Yes, by choosing to eat more anti-inflammatory alkaline foods, such as fruits and vegetables.   Acidic foods can be pro-inflammatory!  Be a good detective.  Notice how you feel after you eat and begin to eliminate any food that worsens your condition.  Also try to avoid common triggers such as caffeine, alcohol, processed foods and gluten- containing foods.  Try to buy free-range, grass- fed meats whenever possible, so as not to put pressure on your body to digest, utilize and eliminate synthetic hormones or additives.

There are a myriad of helpful hints.  Contact me for more information.

Have a magical day.

~Dr. Judy

Perhaps you are reading this when you have just awakened and are thinking about your day, or it is evening when you are ’surfing’ through your computer.  Whatever the time frame, have you thought of your posture today or considered your stress level?   I believe that everyone can benefit from forethought in these areas especially when the temperature rises. But why?  In warm weather, the appetite decreases because it is not as difficult for the body to maintain its body temperature in warm weather.

We also require more water and other liquids because we perspire more, lose liquids and we should have increased thirst. I advise at least 2 quarts per day of water, herbal teas, fresh juices or soups.  But what happens when we continue to override our innate body- wisdom and continue to overeat and not consume enough liquids. We tire, maybe we get cramps, or if we allow ourselves to become dehydrated, we begin to look and feel older.

Balance  is the key!  It sounds so simple-just keep an equilibrium in your lifestyle!

How we stand, sit and move around has a profound interrelationship with how we feel about ourselves and our world.  It can be said that our physical bodies are a barometer of our mental and spiritual selves. In summer, we sit on beach chairs, lift suitcases on vacation, suffer from heat exhaustion and have the desire to be on vacation when we must go to work. Ugh!!

My recommendation is to specifically set an intention to do some form of physical activity in the morning and in the evening. That is not a time to ruminate over problems in our lives rather to breathe and take in the beauty that is all around us.  Be present in your body in terms of your posture, because remember, your posture reflects you!

~Dr Judy