The ability to generate creative, innovative ideas not only keeps life interesting, but helps us reach solutions for the challenges we face.  In a study reported in the Chiropractic Journal of Australia, research participants were given a creative abilities test. The participants were then examined for subluxation (spinal misalignment) and given a corrective, chiropractic adjustment.

Afterwards, the participants took a second creative thinking test. 60% of those tested showed a substantial post-adjustment improvement in their test results.  The study participants were interviewed days after the chiropractic adjustment.  70% of the participants stated they had personally taken a new direction in a creative endeavor, while 60% reported renewed vigor toward an existing creative endeavor. In addition, none of the participants expressed a decrease in creative thinking or less energy since the adjustment, two to eight days prior to the follow-up interview.

In the US, scoliosis affects 5 to 7 million people.  Mild scoliosis can go undetected by the untrained eye.  Scoliosis may develop at any age, but it usually occurs or rapidly progresses between the ages of 10 and 15. Chiropractic evaluations include a physical examination and an x-ray analysis of the spine.  Chiropractors never take a “wait and see if scoliosis will develop,” approach to spinal health. Chiropractors are the only health professionals qualified to give early diagnosis and preventative scoliosis treatments, which include adjustments and therapeutic exercise.

Chiropractors also address postural and balance problems and leg-length inequality. A 3-yr study found that children with mild scoliosis experienced improvement, (reduction in their spinal curvature), after receiving regular chiropractic adjustments.  Thus, early examination, detection and treatments by a chiropractic physician are paramount to spinal health and the prevention of spinal degeneration.

Daily we may experience stress: physically, chemically or mentally and emotionally in varying degrees. Stress can lead to fatigue, high blood pressure, insomnia, headaches, tooth-grinding, irritability, or digestive disorders.  Researchers estimate that stress contributes up to 80% of all major illnesses! Chronic stress lowers the body’s immune responses, making it more susceptible to disease.

Sufficient sleep helps fight fatigue and stress. Exercise and outdoor activities are great stress reducers. The body doesn’t absorb ingested nutrients well under stress and may become deficient. Ask your doctor about taking Vitamin B Complex and other nutritional supplements. Chiropractic adjustments clear nerve system interference and heighten immune responses. While we cannot always remove or control the stressful situations we experience, we can strive to enhance our quality of health with regular chiropractic treatments.

In many cases, prevention is the best medicine. You can prevent pain in your back and other areas of the body by making small adjustments to your life. If you have experienced an auto injury or a personal injury, stretching and improving your posture, combined with chiropractic care, can alleviate and help prevent pain. At Affinity Health and Wellness Center, our chiropractor has tips to help Orlando back pain patients minimize pain.

Stand or Sit Up Straight

Back pain often occurs when you have chronic poor posture. When you maintain proper posture while sitting or standing, you keep the spine's natural curves. If you stoop or slouch, you pull your spine into an unnatural shape or curve, putting stress and strain on the muscles, leading to pain in the back.

Practice good posture when standing by balancing your weight evenly on both feet. Pull your shoulders back, so that they do not roll forward. Don't hold tension in your shoulders, though. Look straight ahead and keep your chest pulled up.

Stretches and Exercise to Prevent Pain

Stretching the muscles in your back keeps them flexible and prevents stiffness. When you visit our Orlando chiropractic center, chiropractors Dr. Brent Baldasare and Dr. Michael Rudoni can teach you exercises and stretches to perform at home to help you avoid pain and prevent injury.

Physical activity that strengthens the spine can help reduce or prevent pain. Try walking or riding a bicycle as a form of gentle exercise. If you lift weights or perform any exercises that can put stress on the back, make sure you perform them properly. Always start slowly to prevent pain or injury.

Choose the Right Furniture

The bed you sleep in and the chairs you sit in can contribute to or prevent pain. Choose a mattress that is firm enough to sleep on. One that sags or doesn't provide much support will likely cause you to wake up in pain each morning. When you sit in a chair, your feet should rest flat on the floor and your knees should bend at a 90 degree angle.

What steps do you take to prevent back pain?