Health Made Easy

Recovering from an Auto Accident- Dr. Jason Jones Elizabeth City NC, Chiropractor

You need proper care and enough time when recovering from an auto accident. You might have sustained different injuries from the accident, and it would take a little time to heal completely. However, each recovery time depends on the person, activity, level, pre-accident health, and the severity of the injury.

So you may have to visit your doctor regularly, miss some working days, and follow some useful tips. Besides, Chiropractic care has been the most effective way to enhance recovery from an auto accident. And that’s what we help you achieve at our Chiropractic office at Elizabeth City, NC.

Recovery from an Auto Accident takes time

You may desire to get back to work and normal life routine very early, but you need to let your body be the guide. This will require you to follow your body’s cues as to when your healing process is complete and when you’re ready to resume your normal life.

So have it in mind that your recovery can take days, weeks, months, or years, and this depends on the extent of your injury.  More so, apart from physical injuries, you may have to deal with the emotional injury caused by the accident (which takes even longer time to heal). You may find that you’re afraid to drive or even stay in a car at all, but this fear often passes with time and the right treatment.

Useful tips for recovering from an auto accident

There are many treatment measures available for treating auto accident injuries, and the best has been Chiropractic care.   However, here are some tips for quicker recovery and complete healing:

• Follow your doctor’s instructions: Your doctor will usually give you some instructions and recommendations in the first few days of recovery. And it is important to follow those instructions to prevent further damage.
• Exercise: Exercise works a great deal to help the body heal itself. But you need to speak with an expert injury doctor before starting any routine. You can consult Dr. Jason Jones at our Chiropractic office at Elizabeth City, NC to get advice as to when your body is ready to begin. However, it is good to start with light stretches like some beginner yoga to see if your body will tolerate the movement. It if does, then you can progress into a more rigorous routine later.
• Stay hydrated and rest well: You need to stay hydrated and take enough rest to allow your body to produce more of the healing cells to repair those that are damaged. Instead of exerting energy in other activities, your body will be able to focus all of this energy on repairing the damaged tissue even as you rest. This helps to speed up your recovery time.
• Eat healthily: You need to ensure your diet is full of vitamins and proteins, which are essential nutrients for the recovery process. These two components will boost your body’s healing process and reduce the recovery time.

How Can a Chiropractor help?

You should seek early care and treatment after an auto accident. This helps to enhance quick recovery. So it is advisable to consult a Chiropractor to get evaluated as soon as possible and know the best treatment plan that will put you on the road to recovery.

Besides, you may have delayed pains after an auto accident that may show up days or weeks after. So make sure you consult a Chiropractor as soon as possible. You can reach Dr. Jason at our Chiropractic office at Elizabeth City, NC.

Chiropractic care will make adjustments to your spine if needed and might employ foam roller techniques or massage to help you find relief and recover from an auto accident. You will also get nutritional counseling and exercise plans that will boost the healing process to help you regain your full range of motion.

Why Whiplash is a Big Deal- Dr. Jason Jones Elizabeth City NC, Chiropractor

Have you ever experienced an increased tenderness in your neck and shoulder after a minor car accident? Maybe you even disregarded it, thinking its only whiplash and it would subside on its own after a couple of ibuprofen and a little ice. But that’s a big mistake many people are making. You don’t discount a whiplash injury. It can become more serious if you don’t take proper treatment measures. And the best way to take care of whiplash has been the use of corrective Chiropractic care.

You need to understand that your whiplash injury is more than just a sore neck. A lot happens in your body which you may not know. Well, read on to learn about whiplash injury, its symptoms, and the best treatment measure.

What does whiplash mean?

Whiplash was first known as the “railway spine” because it was commonly experienced in train accidents. But as cars became more popular as a means of mobility, car crashes became the most common culprits for whiplash injury. However, whiplash can occur from any number of accidents or collisions.

During a car accident, your head and neck tend to whip forward and backward after a change in acceleration. This stretches, sprains, and strains your tendons, disc, and muscles beyond what you’re used to, and it creates tears in the soft tissues.  You may even get a concussion if your body is thrashed around with enough force.

More so, research by Harvard shows that if you’re rear-ended by a car moving 10 miles an hour, your neck can still experience up to 9 Gs of force. This means your neck can move nine times the force of gravity.

Common Symptoms of Whiplash

Your neck vertebra may suffer the injury, but the pains of a whiplash injury can be felt in all parts of your body. Some common symptoms accompanying this injury include:

• Pain when moving your neck
• Stiffness
• Decreased range of motion
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Arm tingling and numbness
• Jaw pain
• Dizziness
• Tenderness or pain in the upper back, shoulder, or arms

Take note that you may not feel any of these symptoms immediately after a car accident. The adrenaline rush at that moment may mask the symptoms for days or even weeks. Hence, it is advisable to seek medical attention after a car accident for proper checks and treatment.

What happens If your leave whiplash Untreated?

Whiplash is not always revealed in traditional imaging testing because it is a soft-tissue injury. And this has caused many people to think it is a fabricated condition.

But the long-term side effects of not treating whiplash injury can be severe. The pain can become more chronic as time goes by.

You may start to experience:

• Sleep disturbances
• Chronic headaches
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Poor concentration/memory
• 80% more likely to develop osteoarthritis of the spine

It is quite hard to predict your likelihood of developing these complications. Hence, you need to take quick action and go for proper treatment to prevent long-term consequences and get back to your normal life.

Treatment Options for Whiplash Injury

Most medical doctors do recommend pain medication, rest, ice, or physical therapy for more severe cases. However, Chiropractic care has been the most effective measure that keeps pain medications away and lessens your recovery time.

At our Chiropractic office at Elizabeth City, NC, we offer corrective Chiropractic care for whiplash injury, and we also help if the car accident caused your vertebrae to shift out of alignment. 

We have a team of experts led by Dr. Jason Jones who uses a combination of measures including therapeutic exericses, soft-tissue therapy, spinal adjustments, low level laser therapy and E-stim treatment to encourage the body to heal naturally without any drugs.

So you see Whiplash injury is truly a big deal and you shouldn’t take it lightly. You can reach today at our Chiropractic office at Elizabeth City, NC to get great care.

How Auto Accidents Can Cause Delayed Pain - especially low impact collisions- Dr. Jason Jones Elizabeth City NC, Chiropractor

A lot of people feel an auto accident isn’t that bad, especially when they’re not feeling any pain at the moment. Yea, imagine you were driving calmly to work, switching between your favorite jam stations, when suddenly heard a crunch at the trunk of your car with your head whipping back and forth.

The low-impact collision smashed your taillights but you felt okay because you didn’t experience any pains at the moment. So you took notes, exchanged information with the other motorist, and zoom off without signing any release form of settlement (fortunate for you).

But after a few weeks, you begin to discover symptoms of whiplash injury and wonder why it is delayed. Well, it is quite common for injury-related pain after an auto accident to be delayed and they can appear in different ways.

Types of Delayed pains after an Auto/Car accident

You may not notice some pains at the time of an accident, but as times goes on (maybe one or more weeks), you may start experiencing symptoms of serious injury. Some common types of pain that can be delayed after an auto accident include the following:

• Pain in the Neck or shoulders: You may experience pain in your neck and shoulder right after an accident, but it can be delayed sometimes, emerging several days later. This is often a sign of whiplash and could also indicate a spinal injury.
• Headaches: You need to observe the severity and location of the pain. It could be a sign of whiplash, concussion, neck injury, brain injury, or even a blood clot. However, it could be stress-related or caused by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after an accident.
• Numbness, tingling, etc.: You can feel these types of sensations when you have a herniated disc that presses or pinches on nerves in the spine. This pinching can result in tingling, numbness, or other sensations.
• Back pain: This form of pain can also be delayed and it may be a sign of a whiplash-related injury. Besides, it could also be a sign of a herniated disc, sprain, or other injuries like muscle damage.
• Emotional pain: You may feel anxiety, depression, or sometimes PTSD after the whole accident chaos goes down. In this case, it may be associated with physical injury or the actual incident. But if you suffer brain injuries, it may also lead to emotional pain and suffering.
• Abdominal pain: If you experience internal soft-tissue injuries, it can be fatal if left untreated. So if you notice it days after an accident, ensure you seek immediate medical attention. When you have internal bleeding, it may cause dizziness, headaches, and deep bruising.

What to do before signing a release of liability for settlement

If you want to settle a car accident claim, it is customary for you to sign a release of liability form as the injured party. So this ends the lawsuit and all future claims around the accident.

But unfortunately, a lot of people do not get an opportunity to ascertain all of the injuries caused by the auto-accident, especially when it is a low-impact collision. This may cause you to lose out on compensation for injuries and pains that are delayed.

So, it is advisable to get a complete medical evaluation before signing any such release. You can consult our Chiropractic office at Elizabeth City, NC to get the best check-up to know where you have delayed pains. In addition to this, you can also get an accurate estimate of the medical cost that these injuries might incur in the future.

You can consult Dr. Jason Jones if you notice any of the above-listed pains several days after an auto accident. We would help you diagnose the symptoms and treat potential lingering problems using the our corrective Chiropractic techniques.

The 5 Most Common Injuries After a Car Crash- Dr. Jason Jones Elizabeth City NC, Chiropractor

You might sustain serious injuries after a car crash that can impact you for weeks and even years to come. In fact, studies have shown that 20-50 million people are injured every year in an automobile accident.  Some injuries may resolve within days without any medical intervention, but the more serious types require the best treatment measures to avert the risk of some permanent damage or physical disability.

That being said, the injuries resulting from a car crash are varied based on the individual circumstances of each collision. However, some types of injuries are more common after an auto accident.

Check the most common injuries after a car crash below and learn what you need to do after getting involved in an accident.

1. Head Injuries

Head injuries are one of the most common forms of injuries after an auto accident. It can be severe or mild depending on you and your head placement. Some can be mild, but most times you should never take these injuries lightly because they can be life-threatening.

If you’re involved in a minor crash, you may have an impact with the steering wheel and this may cause a little more than a bruise or bump. But if it is a severe collision, you may suffer concussions or brain tissue damage.

Hence, you need to get a full medical evaluation anytime you suspect a head injury. Take note that head injuries may be hard to diagnose at first (may just feel like a mild headache), but it is advisable to visit an injury doctor to rule out any potential problems.

1. Whiplash

This is a common injury after a car crash and it occurs when your neck whips back and forth in an accident causing spraining and straining of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

This happens when the driver is rear-ended and the common symptoms include:

• Neck stiffness
• Headache
• Pain

You may not feel the pain from whiplash until the following day or two days after. But most times, you tend to feel better in a few weeks. Serious cases, however, can cause pains that last for several months or years.

1. Back Injuries

Back injuries are also part of the most common injuries after a car crash. They can appear as spinal cord injuries and may result in body paralysis in very extreme but rare cases. However, mild cases can cause issues like back pain, spinal pain or even a bulged disc or herniated disk.

Back injuries are not always obvious like head injuries. Hence, you need to go for a consult a Chiropractor to get a thorough screening after your accident.

1. Broken bones

When the physical force applied to the bone in a car crash carries more strength than the bone itself, it can cause a broken bone.  A simple bone fracture involves bones breaking without open wounds, but in the compound fractures, it penetrates through the skin.

It is easy to know you have a broken bone- you won’t be able to move the body part (or you might feel severe pains while moving). You will definitely want to consult with your local emergency room or urgent care facility for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

1. Psychological injuries

Apart from the visible injuries, you may also suffer some psychological injuries after a car crash. Some people develop a phobia of driving. Others may feel depressed, especially if the accident caused serious injuries or death.

If you’re in this category, and you struggle with heightened feelings of depression or anxiety, you may seek psychotherapeutic intervention to help you heal completely and get back to your normal life without any fears.

Other common injuries after a car crash include:

• Chest injuries
• Arm and leg injuries
• Scrapes and cuts
• Burns

Getting a Chiropractic Care

You need to keep in mind that some injuries may be delayed and may not be visible until after many days, weeks, or even months. So if you are involved in a car crash, it is advisable to seek immediate medical intervention for even the slightest discomfort you feel. You can consult Dr. Jason Jones at our Chiropractic office at Elizabeth City, NC for a proper check-up and effective treatment measure to any automobile injuries.

The best ways to maintain or boost your energy levels is to eat a well, balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. But these are not always easy to achieve as you would need to balance with the demands of life. This is one of the reasons why you may not accomplish everything on your task list, and you may sometimes find it hard to even get out of bed. But luckily for you, there are some supplements and herbs that help to increase energy.

At our chiropractic office, Elizabeth City, NC, we encourage some of these supplements and herbs to people who need support in their energy levels throughout the day.

So if you want to perk yourself up to achieve more daily, you can try out these supplements and herbs below:

Ashwagandha - Ashwagandha is one of the most useful medicinal herbs in Indian for over 3,000 years. This herb helps to enhance the body’s resilience to mental and physical stress, thereby boosting energy levels.  More so, numerous studies have shown that the ashwagandha root is effective in reducing anxiety and stress. It also helps to reduce the fatigue associated with exercising.

Maca - Maca is rich in nutrients that provide the body with energy-boosting benefits. It also helps you adapt to various environmental stressors, as well as improve your mood and endurance.  Also, the maca is safe with no adverse reactions or side effects. However, it is best to consume the gelatinized maca over the raw maca, due to the chemical substance called goitrogens, which is present in this herb and can affect your iodine levels.

CoQ10 - CoQ10 stands for coenzyme Q10 and it is found naturally in the body as ubiquinol and ubiquinone. The body cells use CoQ10 to produce energy and prevent oxidative damage. However, when the level of CoQ10 declines in your body due to age, heart failure, type-2 diabetes, or certain cancers, your cells may not produce the needed amount of energy anymore, and this may lead to fatigue.  Hence, taking CoQ10 supplements is an effective solution to help increase your energy level and reduce fatigue.

Vitamin B12 - Vitamin B12 is essential for transforming food into energy that the cells can use. It also helps to keep your blood cells and nerves healthy to prevent a type of anemia that can make you weak.  You can get vitamin B12 naturally from animal proteins like fish, meat, and dairy products. However, you may be at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency if your body is not getting enough or is unable to absorb the needed amount. This is common among vegans, older adults, and those with G1 disorders.  But, you can boost your energy levels by taking vitamin B12 supplements. This helps to ward off fatigue and weakness.

Creatine - Creatine is a donor of phosphate to Adenosine diphosphate to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) - which is the energy currency of life. You can include creatine supplements in your diet to when your body needs a quick source of energy for high-intensity, short-duration exercises like jumping, football, short sprints, or weightlifting. When you supplement with creatine, you get enough energy to train harder and longer.

Other supplements and herbs that help to increase energy levels include:

• Beetroot powder
• Iron
• Rhodiola Rosea
• Citrulline
• Tyrosine
• Melatonin
• Holy Basil
• Ginseng

You can experience reduced energy levels as you go about your daily routines and eating good and exercising may not be enough to keep your energy fired-up. Hence, you can take the supplements and herbs listed above to enjoy increased energy levels and improve your overall wellbeing.

However, it is important to note that things like body pain, headache, and stiffness can zap you of the available energy needed by your body to function optimally. But you can take care of that by getting the best chiropractic care. You can consult Dr. Jason Jones at our Chiropractic Office, Elizabeth City, NC to get the best care to eliminate these troubles to keep your energy levels up as you enjoy your choice of supplement and herbs.

What you consume when you feel tired or run-down matters a lot for your overall health. You don’t have to go for unhealthy treats like sugary drinks, coffee, or energy bars that offer only a brief boost in energy levels. Instead, you can enjoy some natural healthy foods that contain nutrients that provide more stable energy and improve your productivity throughout the day.  The beauty is that you don’t have to deal with preservatives or other chemical substances that are harmful to your health. That’s more reason we always advise people at our Chiropractic office, Elizabeth City, NC, to stick to natural food sources to get the best boost in energy levels.

Below is a list of the TOP 7 foods that are best for energy:

Banana:  Banana is a good source of carbohydrate, vitamin B6, and potassium, all of which helps to boost energy levels. And when it comes to easy absorption, bananas are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream far more than any other food. This is a healthy option for you if you need an immediate energy boost.

Avocados:  Avocadoes are rich in good fats, vitamin C, fiber, and other nutrients that help to sustain energy levels throughout the day. Besides, they are loaded with good fats that increase energy levels and supply the body with fat-soluble nutrients.

Fatty fish:  Fatty fish like tuna and salmon are rich in fatty acids, protein, and B vitamins, making them a great option for an energy boost. A serving of tuna or salmon usually supplies the recommended daily amount of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin 12. This helps greatly to reduce inflammation, which is associated with fatigue.

Eggs:  Eggs are not only satisfying, but they also provide the body with enough energy. This food is packed with protein that can give you a steady supply of energy, and this is major because eggs do not cause spikes in insulin or blood sugar when it is digested. The leucine and B vitamins contained in eggs also help to stimulate the release of energy.

Leafy green vegetables:  Dark, leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens are rich in nutrients and contain filling proteins and antioxidants, and they help supply the body with energy. These leafy greens are high in calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin A, C, E, K, and iron. The iron content helps to enhance the production of red blood cells for increased delivery of oxygen to your cells, and this helps to fight fatigue and boost energy.

Beets:  Beets contain nitrates and antioxidants which help to improve blood flow. More so, beets contain fiber, carbs, and sugar for a sustained energy boost. You can consume beets as cooked beets, dried beetroot chips, or as a bottle of beetroot juice.

Sweet potato:  Apart from the delicious taste, sweet potatoes are a rich source of energy for anyone looking for an extra boost. Your body digests the fiber content and complex carbs slowly, thereby releasing a steady supply of energy. The manganese content also helps to breakdown nutrients to produce energy.

#8:  BONUS - Water:  Water represents over 60% of a human’s body weight, and it is vital for many cellular functions, including the production of energy.  When you don’t drink enough water, you become dehydrated, and this slows down bodily function and leaves you weak and exhausted. But when you drink enough water, you get a boost of energy that you need to fight off feelings of fatigue. Hence, try to drink water regularly throughout the day.

Other healthy and natural foods that are best for energy include:

Apples

Goji berries

Yogurt

Yerba mate

Strawberries

Beef liver

These natural foods above are great for increased energy levels. However, you need to have a functional digestive system to get a quick release of energy from these foods. One way to achieve this is to keep your nervous system in good shape, and Chiropractic care can help you achieve that. You can consult Dr. Jason Jones at our Chiropractic Office, Elizabeth City, NC today to get the best care without any hassle.

Do you ever feel fatigued and less energetic? You can increase your energy level and fight off feelings of tiredness with a simple measure like exercising. Yea, recent studies have shown that scheduled physical activity is far more effective to boost energy levels than sleep.

You may ask, “Why scheduled?” well it is simple- when you include exercise program in your daily regimen, you are more likely to follow through with it.   More so, if you have chronic health problems, you are likely to enjoy huge benefits and a boost in your energy levels from physical activities.

Research Findings on how exercise increases energy

Many studies reveal that when you utilize stored up energy, you are indirectly making more of it. A study conducted at the University of Georgia showed that adults with a sedentary lifestyle, who spent 20 minutes on low-to-moderate aerobic exercise three times weekly for six consecutive weeks, experienced a boost in energy levels and reduced fatigue.  One leading researcher states that a lot of people are always looking for other forms of energy: energy bars, coffee, sports drinks, etc. But he says the best way to increase energy is to lace up your running shoes and get moving.  “If a sedentary individual begins follows an exercise program, it will help increase the flow of blood carrying nutrients and oxygen to muscle tissue, thereby improving the ability to produce more energy in form of ATP,”- said Peter McCall, Exercise Physiotherapist at the American Council on Exercise.

What types of exercise increase energy?

It doesn’t matter the type of exercise you follow to get energy; what matters is how long you do it and the frequency. Yea, any type of exercise can help you ward off fatigue and boost your energy.  So, for example, you can start with 10 minutes of physical activity three times per week and move up to 45 to 60 minutes of exercise three times per week.

This is a good way to start if you lead a sedentary life. You can consult Dr. Jason Jones at our Chiropractic office, Elizabeth City, NC to get the best Chiropractic care to ensure you are fit to start an exercise routine.

Why do you need to follow a proper schedule when exercising to increase energy?

Just like we said earlier, scheduling keeps you focused on the plan and motivates you do try more exercise to gain more energy. However, this can be difficult if you don’t know how to go about it.  But the best course of action is to choose the best time that is convenient for you to exercise daily. Look into your routine and check how much free time you have; then consider your physical ability and the exercise that you would find enjoyable.

That being said, always ensure you don’t go more than two days without exercising. When you exercise regularly, you will:

• Gain energy
• Keep your muscles well-toned
• Stay in the habit of exercising as part of your routine
• Improve your mood

So, no matter your current fitness level, studies have shown that there is a direct correlation between regular physical exercise and increased levels of energy. However, it is good to get yourself prepared for the routine. You can get the best chiropractic care at our Chiropractic office in Elizabeth City, NC to put your body in the best shape and you can commit to a time and day to start your new exercise routine to enjoy a boost in energy.

You may wonder how the body produces all the energy used for daily activities and even metabolism. Well, no doubt the body produces energy in the form of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate), and this energy is used to fuel all cells in the body and function in three major ways including:

• ATP is necessary for mineral substances between cell membranes, including potassium and calcium
• ATP is essential for the synthesis of chemical compounds like cholesterol and protein
• ATP is used as a major source of energy for mechanical work, like muscular functions

There are more but for the purposes of this article our bodies produce this needed energy in form of ATP using four major mechanisms, namely:

• Glycolysis
• Beta-oxidation
• Oxidative phosphorylation
• Aerobic Respiration

These four systems use different starting fuel, provide ATP at different rates, and vary based on whether they use oxygen or not.

Glycolysis – essentially carbohydrate metabolism  Glycolysis is one of the major ways our bodies produce energy, and it occurs in almost all cells. This process involves the catabolic breakdown of one molecule of glucose into two molecules of ATP and two molecules of pyruvic acid.  This process is anaerobic and uses glucose stored in the muscle and liver in a concentrated form called glycogen. The energy produced is then used by various systems in the body.

Beta-oxidation – essentially fat metabolism  The body also breaks down lipids to produce energy in a process called beta-oxidation. Fat is a good source of energy and it consists of a glycerol backbone with 2-3 fatty acids connected to it. So when you eat fatty foods, the body absorbs the fat and break off the fatty acids from the glycerol. This is a slow system that takes place in the mitochondrion, and the fatty acids are broken down to produce ATP which is further used to synthesize acetyl-CoA.  The body uses this process to produce energy when carbohydrate is not available.

Oxidative Phosphorylation  - The body also produces energy through oxidative phosphorylation, and this is a major producer of ATP in our body. In fact, 26 out of 30 molecules of ATP formed from glucose are generated through oxidative phosphorylation.  The starting fuels are proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. So when the carbohydrates and fat are delivered to the mitochondria, they are broken down to yield ATP. Usually, electrons flow from chemicals known as FADH (flavin adenine dinucleotide) or NADH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide to oxygen to form ATP.

Aerobic Respiration - This is a mechanism whereby our body uses oxygen to burn glucose and produce ATP. Without oxygen, this process converts to anaerobic respiration, which generates 2ATP compared to 34 ATP produced through aerobic respiration.  This sugar burning process delivers the energy your body needs to live, do everyday activities and cardio exercises, such as jogging, running, etc.

However, if your body is not producing the right amount of energy you need and you’re looking for ways to improve your energy levels, consulting a Chiropractor can help you get the required boost. You can consult Dr. Jason Jones at our Chiropractic Office Elizabeth City, NC, and get the best Chiropractic care to help your body produce more energy.

Tips to Prevent Back Pain with Good Posture- Dr. Jason Jones Elizabeth City NC Chiropractor

Have you ever experienced pains in your back when doing mundane things like pulling weeds or tying your shoelace? If yes, then you will know how debilitating it can be, and how much it can stop you from enjoying life.  At some point we all get to know the importance of our mom’s reminder to always stand straight and stop slouching. When you slouch, your ligaments and muscles can get strained, which puts you off balance and lead to back pain and other problems.  The truth is that the health of your spine and back is largely dependent on your posture. Good posture is a simple but effective way to reduce the risk of back pain and neck pain. More so, if you spend many hours in front of a computer or stand for long during the day, you need to learn how to keep a good posture to prevent back pain. And that is what we always recommend at our Chiropractic Office at Elizabeth City, NC.

Tips to Prevent Back Pain with Good Posture

Here are some tips to help you maintain good posture to prevent back pain.

Sitting posture:

• Keep your back aligned against the back of the chair with lumbar support. Lean forward and avoid slouching.
• Get an ergonomically designed chair to properly support your back and spine if your work requires you to sit for long hours.
• Keep your knees even with your hips when sitting in your office chair
• Practice regular stretching even when sitting in an ergonomic chair to prevent back pain. Pause and take a walk from time to time to stretch out your muscles.
• Sit with your shoulders straight and your head straight when looking into your computer.

Walking posture:

• Avoid pushing your head forward
• Keep your shoulder aligned with other parts of your body
• Keep your eyes looking straight ahead and your head up

Sleeping posture:

• Use a relatively firm mattress for proper back support (although individual preference exists)
• Use a pillow to get the right alignment and support for your head, neck and shoulder
• Sleeping on your back or on one side is healthier for your spine than sleeping on your stomach.
• Some do better by placing a relatively flat pillow in between their legs when sleeping on their side.

Standing posture:

• Keep your feet slightly apart
• Allow your weight to rest mostly on the balls of your feet, not on your heels.
• Stand straight and tall
• Stand and walk with your feet pointing straight ahead.
• Tuck your chin in to keep your head level
• Ensure your head is not pushed out forward but resting squared on top of the spine
• Allow your arms to hang naturally down the sides of your body.

Always remember that the major cause of back pain is tension in the back muscles and in your spine. So you can follow the measures above and include regular exercises in your routine to prevent back pain. You can also consult Dr. Jason Jones at our Chiropractic office, Elizabeth City, NC. You will get the best Chiropractic care and support to maintain a good posture to prevent back pain.

The Surprising Health Benefits of Proper Posture- Dr. Jason Jones Elizabeth City NC Chiropractor

You may think keeping a proper posture only helps you prevent back or neck pain. But our posture impacts our wellbeing far more than we think. So when our parents scolded us stand straight or sit up, they were really helping us in a lot of ways, but we didn’t care to know why.

What is proper or good posture anyway? Basically, posture refers to the body’s positioning and alignment with respect to gravity. Whenever you sit or stand, gravity is always exerting a force on your muscles, joints, and ligaments. Good posture is all about distributing the force through all parts of the body so no one structure is overstressed.

There are lots of health benefits you stand to gain when you put in the effort to keep a proper posture. This article will explain them briefly to you.

Surprising Health Benefits of Proper Posture

1. It lowers your stress level - Studies conducted at Harvard University found that people with more powerful postures have a 25% decrease in cortisol levels and a 20% increase in testosterone levels. On the other hand, people that slouched in their seats showed a 15% increase in cortisol levels and a 10% decrease in testosterone level.

The result of this study shows that bad posture can lead to high levels of stress. Not only that, but improper posture can also affect your breathing pattern and cause your heart to strain.

But when you keep proper posture, your heart pumps blood optimally and your stress level is reduced drastically.

1. It boosts your productivity at work - Just by fixing how you sit, you can get more motivation and power through your workday. Your body will always send signals to your brain that you are in the right stance for power.

More so, a proper sitting posture helps to improve your breathing, which in turn allows more oxygen to your brain, thereby improving concentration.

It helps to boost self-esteem:  Studies have shown that when you sit in an upright posture, it helps to boost your confidence and increase your self-esteem.

Just take a look at a photo of you slouching and compare it with a photo of yourself standing straight, you will notice the difference in the way you feel about yourself.

1. It helps you feel more powerful - Have you ever noticed people who are sitting up straight? How do you feel about them? You tend to see them as being very powerful. It gives you a feeling of control and your decision-making potential is boosted.
2. It keeps your body system working optimally - One of the benefits of yoga is that it encourages good posture to prevent your intestine from being obstructed. This helps to keep your bowel movement in good form. However, when you slouch, what you may not know is that your intestine also gets squashed.

So, one of the secrets to preventing uncomfortable constipation is to keep good posture. Maybe you just need to adjust your sitting pattern to enjoy better digestive health.

You can get more support to keep a proper posture at our Chiropractic office, Elizabeth City, NC. Consult Dr. Jason Jones today, and get corrective Chiropractic care for proper posture. Your health will thank you in return.