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CAN BACK PAIN CAUSE FALLS?
If you’re an older adult who has back pain, does that put you at greater risk of falling? That was the question addressed in a study undertaken by Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, Oregon, and it found a surprising answer. The study followed 6,000 older men who had varying degrees of back pain during a two year period, and when the results were in it turned out that 25 percent of the men had fallen at least once in the first year, and about ten percent had fallen multiple times. Men with more severe or frequent back pain were at greatest risk for falls, the study found. Also, having any back pain at all was a risk factor for multiple falls — men with back pain had a 30 percent great risk for falling multiple times.
The researchers did not speculate why back pain increases the risk of falling in older adults, but there could be several reasons. Any type of back pain can make people less sure of themselves as they move around, and this tentativeness could make them more prone to falls. In addition, back pain can discourage older people from getting regular exercise, which means their coordination and muscle tone can suffer, which leads to more falls.
Falls can cause serious injuries in older adults, so it’s important to reduce risk factors for them. Back pain should be addressed right away, through a chiropractor near me or other treatments, so that it doesn’t become a chronic issue that will increase the chance of a fall.
YOGA HAS MANY BENEFITS
Yoga has had an enormous surge in popularity in the last two decades, and there are millions of people who do yoga on a regular basis for its health benefits. Many studies have shown the benefits of yoga on various systems of the body. Here is a rundown from a Jamison chiropractor of some of the latest studies on how yoga can make you healthier.
It reduces inflammation. Studies show that a yoga session reduces cytokines, which are chemicals that play a role in inflammation of tissues. Cytokines have been identified as a factor in diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and autoimmune conditions. Yogic meditation has been found to reduce our body’s stress responses that lead to inflammation, according to studies at the University of California.
It helps with bladder problems. Women can benefit from yoga postures because they strengthen the pelvic floor area, which can help with bladder issues that occur after menopause or childbirth.
It benefits the heart. Yoga has been proven to lower blood pressure and lessen the risk of heart disease. It actually can lower heart disease risk as much as cardio exercises like cycling or walking, according to a study from the European Society of Cardiology.
It eases our pain. Many studies have shown that utilizing a Warrington chiropractor and yoga can reduce pain in our bodies and offer relief from conditions like arthritis, back pain or fibromyalgia.
Modern medicine continues to find positive benefits in this ancient system of health. It’s a good idea to take up the regular practice of yoga — your body will thank you for it!
Back To School Backpack Safety Tips
As another school year is upon us, and parents and students alike are making their back to school lists, Dr. Jeff is reminding his patients that back-to-school is tough enough. Your child’s backpack shouldn’t make it tougher.
Dr. Jeff says “In my Doylestown chiropractic practice, I have seen more and more elementary and middle school aged children who are complaining about back, neck and shoulder pain.” “The first question I typically ask is do you carry a backpack to school and almost 100% of the time the answer is yes.”
This back pain trend among younger students isn’t surprising when you consider the amount of weight they carry in their backpacks, and usually slung over one shoulder. Some of the statistics are outstanding:
According to US Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2013, over 14,000 students sought medical treatment for injuries, ranging from sprain/strains to dislocations and fractures. Another study from the University of California showed that 64% of students between 11-15 reported back pain from their backpacks and 21% of them had pain for more than 6 months.
Dr. Jeff says “A lot of these problems can be addressed by using proper body mechanics. While they may not be “cool”, it will help prevent the possibility of long term damage.”
In an effort to cut down on the number of these injuries, Dr. McQuaite offers parents the following backpack safety advice:
- Never let a child carry more than 10% of his or her body weight. A heavier backpack will cause the child to bend forward in an attempt to support the weight. In our office, we have seen backpacks weighing more than 40% of the child’s weight.
- Load heaviest items closest to the child’s back and arrange books and materials to prevent them from sliding.
- Always wear both well-padded shoulder straps. Wearing only one strap can cause a child to lean to one side, curving the spine and causing pain or discomfort.
- Adjust the shoulder straps so that the pack fits snugly to the child’s back. The bottom of the pack should rest in the curve of the lower back, never more than four inches below the child’s waistline.
- Use the waist belt, if the backpack has one, to help distribute the pack’s weight more evenly.
- Choose the right size pack for your child’s back, bigger isn’t necessarily better.
- Dr. McQuaite urges that parents don’t put a child’s name on the outside of a backpack, for safety reasons: When the child is walking home from school, you don’t want a predator to be able to call him or her by name
- If a student is experiencing back pain or neck soreness, consult your physician or chiropractor.
Doylestown Chiropractor Helps You Prepare Your Back For The Snowpocalypse
Are you preparing for “Snowmaggedon”, “Snowpocalypse” or whatever the latest hype is? No matter what they are calling it, it will be a lot of snow that you will have to remove, and if you do not have a snow plowing service or a snow blower, that means old fashioned shoveling. When you are faced with the daunting task of shoveling snow, consider this: The task sends on average more than 11,000 adults and children to the hospital every year.
A recent 17-year study published in American Journal of Emergency Medicine details the most common health hazards associated with shoveling snow. Snow shoveling can sometimes lead to bad backs, broken bones, head injuries, and even deadly heart problems.
It is not surprising to learn that many people suffer from muscle fatigue, low back strain, vertebral disc damage, and even spinal fractures during the winter season. Some of these injuries result from excessive stress to spinal structures by slip and fall accidents.
A study published by Brad Coffiner at Cornell University’s ergonomic department indicated “…when handling heavy snow with a shovel, the L5-S1 disc has been identified as the weakest link in the body segment chain. The most severe injuries and pain are likely to occur in the back region.” Recognizing the low back is especially susceptible to strain or injury; it would be smart to review something’s you can do to help prevent injury.
Tips for Safe Snow Shoveling
Having recognized that snow shoveling can injure your back; now let’s look at tips from your Doylestown PA chiropractor to help you avoid such problems.
- If you experience pain of any kind, stop immediately and seek assistance.
- Choose a snow shovel that is right for you! Be sure that your shovel has a curved handle, as this enables you to keep your back straighter when shoveling. Obtain a shovel with an appropriate length handle. The length is correct when you can slightly bend your knees, flex your back 10 degrees or less, and hold the shovel comfortably in your hands at the start of the “shoveling stroke”. A plastic shovel blade will generally be lighter than a metal one, thus putting less strain on your spine. Sometimes, a smaller blade is better than a larger blade. Although a small blade can’t shovel as much, it avoids the risk of trying to pick up a too heavy pile of snow with a larger blade.
- Push the snow, do not lift it. Pushing puts far less strain on the spine than lifting.
- Be sure your muscles are warm before you start shoveling. Cold, tight muscles are more likely to sprain or strain than warm, relaxed muscles.
- When you grip the shovel, make sure your hands are at least 12 inches apart. By creating distance between your hands, you increase your leverage and reduce the strain on your body.
- Your shoveling technique is very important. Dr. Jeff McQuaite recommends: “If you must lift the snow, lift it properly. Squat with your legs apart, knees bent and back straight. Lift with your legs. Do not bend at the waist. Scoop small amounts of snow into the shovel and walk to where you want to dump it. Holding a shovel of snow with your arms outstretched puts too much weight on your spine. Never remove deep snow all at once; do it piecemeal. Shovel and inch or two; then take another inch off. Rest and repeat if necessary.” In addition to these comments, remember to move your feet rather than twisting.
- Never throw snow over your shoulder. Remember that wet snow can be very heavy. One full shovel load can weigh as much as 25 pounds.
- Pace yourself by taking frequent breaks to gently stretch your back, arms and legs.
- Consider buying a snow-blower. When used correctly, a snow-blower will put far less strain on your back than snow shoveling.
By following these tips, you are far less likely to be injured while shoveling snow. Finally, for those of us who are able bodied, it is always worth remembering neighbors on your block who might not be able to remove the snow from their sidewalks. A few minutes of help can make the world of difference to the well-being of a less able bodied person as well as make you a good neighbor! Be safe this week and if you find yourself suffering from “snow shovelers back”, feel free to call our office!
McQuaite Chiropractic
295 Logan Stret
Doylestown, PA 18901
267-247-7000
Doylestown Chiropractor Talks All About Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most common problems that affect lots of people. It feels like a tension, an ache or stiffness in the back. There are actually 2 types of back pain. One is an acute type that usually starts suddenly and the next one is a chronic type that bothers the sufferer for months. This kind of pain, at times, can be severe, which people find it hard to move sideways or bend forward. Back pain has main causes including injuries at the back, strain in the back muscles, sprain on your ligaments that join the slipped disks and bones.
Back pain is triggered by a bad posture while you are standing or sitting, lifting incorrectly, or bending awkwardly. It isn’t caused by some serious health conditions, and it often gets better in 12 weeks. It is usually treated by keeping mobile and taking painkillers.
Back pain is common from the lower portion of the back, but you can also feel it anywhere along the spine, from the neck down the hips. According to the Doylestown Pa Chiropractor, back pain is related with the way your bones, ligaments, and muscles in your back work together.
Types of Back Pain
Lower back pain may be associated with your lumbar spine, discs between your vertebrae, ligaments around your discs and spine, nerves and spinal cord, muscles of the lower back, pelvic and abdomen internal organs, and also the skin from around your lumbar area. Upper back pain may be caused by disorders of aorta, chest tumors, and even spine inflammation.
Back Pain and Its Risk Factors
Risk factors are something that increases the possibility of the onset of a disease or condition. These factors are being linked to higher risks of developing back pain:
– Mentally stressful work
– Pregnancy – a pregnant woman is more prone to back pains
– Sedentary lifestyle
– Age – the elderly are more prone compared to your adults and children
– Depression
– Anxiety
– Gender – back pains are common with females compared to males
– Overweight/obesity
– Smoking
– Strenuous physical activity or exercise
Treating Your Back Pain
If you are suffering from back pains, you should consider trying to remain active and continue your everyday activities. Before, doctors will recommend rest but now most experts agree that staying inactive for a long period of time is not good for the back. Moderate activity like walking or even doing your everyday tasks can help you recover from the pain. You can also take painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol if you need to. Cold or hot compress can also reduce your back pain.
For back pains that last for more than 6 six, which is being described as chronic, treatment may involve combination of either exercise classes, chiropractic care, manual therapy, spinal decompression or acupuncture. It is essential for you to know the different factors concerning back pains in order for you to have the best knowledge on how to treat or even prevent back pains from happening or reoccurring.
McQuaite Chiropractic Center
295 Logan Street
Doylestown, PA. 18901
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