How To Choose The Best School Backpack
Bay Area Chiropractor Comments: Every year millions of children walk around with heavy school back packs filled with books and supplies. While this is a good way to carry their school materials, by using their back and shoulder muscles, the tendency is to place too much strain on their neck and back due to overloading the back pack. The back will compensate for any load applied to it for an extended period of time. A heavy weight carried in backpacks can:
- Distort the natural curves in the middle and lower backs, causing muscle strain and irritation to the spine joints and the rib cage
- Lead to rounding of the shoulders
- Cause a person to lean forward, reducing balance and making it easier to fall
This problem can be made worse by carrying the pack on just one shoulder. Doing this causes the body to adapt by causing the body to lean to the other side placing additional stress on the mid and lower back as well as their associated muscles. This can lead to the children having headaches, shoulder, neck, and back pain as well as pain down the arms and legs.
There is not a consensus among doctors on the correct amount of weight that a child can carry or the perfect back pack design, but parents should use common sense in choosing the best back pack for your child.
Look for backpack design features that help reduce the chance of back pain:
- Lightweight material (canvas as opposed to leather)
- Two padded, wide (2-inches), adjustable shoulder straps on the backpack
- Padded back
- Individualized compartments
- Hip strap, waist belt, or frame to redistribute the weight of the backpack from the shoulders and back to the pelvis
- Wheels so that the backpack can be pulled rather than carried
- Consider using a separate bag for the child’s laptop or other heavier electronic items
Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston, TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at BeecherChiropractic.com or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!
Chiropractic Treatment of Pickleball Injuries
Houston Chiropractor Comments: Pickleball is a popular sport, unfortunately it also is causing an increase in injuries. Of the 22 million players of the sport, almost a third of them are seniors. Seniors also account for 86% of the emergency room visits. Over the last six months, we have seen a couple patients a month that have been injured while playing the sport.
Since it began in the 1960’s, it was seen as way for people to get exercise while playing a sport similar to tennis. According to CBS, it is now on track to cause almost $500 million in injuries in 2023.
According to a 2021 medical study, 60% of pickleball injuries are sprains, strains, and fractures. Twenty percent of the injuries are contusions and abrasions, and 10% are lacerations or dislocations.
What I have noticed with my patients is that half of them had played competitive sports when they were younger. Their mind is telling them that they can run, jump, and swing like they could when they were younger, but their body cannot perform at that level. The other half of my patients have never been very active, but they want to play the sport as a social activity. They have a hard time getting their bodies to adapt to the repetitive motions that the game requires.
The best advice that I have is to begin playing the game slowly. Start by just playing one game a day and do not play on consecutive days. This helps to minimize the sprain strain injuries. Get comfortable walking for 20 minutes. This will help your cardiovascular fitness so that you can move about the court. Work on your balance. It is common to fall after bending and twisting rapidly in a game. You can do this by walking on uneven surfaces or spending some time on a balance board. Begin to play more after 2 or 3 weeks when your body has begun to get use to the new activity. Finally, remember that is just a game. You do not have to win every point. Take time just to enjoy the comradery.
If you do get injured, then we can help you recover from your sprain strain injuries. We can also adjust your spine to help you perform at your maximum potential. We are here to help you enjoy all of your activities of life.
Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston, TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at www.BeecherChiropractic.com or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!
School Sports Physicals
Clear Lake City Chiropractor Comments: As we get closer to the fall school activities starting, we wish to remind Intermediate and High School students and parents that we perform the required Preparticipation Physical Evaluation at our office. The charge for this examination is only $20. Please call the office at 281-286-1300 to schedule.
Here are the links for the (2) forms that are needed. Please fill out the medical history form before arriving.
Thanks,
Ward Beecher DC
Causes Of Tailbone Pain and How To Minimize It
Nasa Area Chiropractor Comments: One of the more painful conditions that we see and treat in our office is tailbone pain. This can be either from the sacrum or coccyx. Usually, the cause is from direct trauma. We have seen it from people slipping and falling backwards around a pool, striking an underwater rock while tubing, or landing wrong while doing cheer or gymnastics.
Initially we need to make sure through a proper examination and x-rays (if needed) that there is not a fracture. If the bone is not fractured, but instead it is out of alignment, we can help reduce the pain through spinal adjustments and using physical therapy modalities.
Sometimes the bone is not out of alignment, but instead it is just bruised. A bone bruise can cause pain for several weeks. The best thing that the patient can do is to avoid putting pressure on the bone. This is accomplished by using a donut pillow or a cushion with a sacral slot. This will allow the bone to heal while not aggravating the problem.
If the tailbone pain was not caused by trauma, we need to look at other causes. It can be caused by repeated strain on the coccyx from prolonged driving or cycling. Other causes are pilonidal cysts, anal fissure, or shingles.
The key thing is to make the correct diagnosis first. This way we are able to determine if you can be helped via chiropractic or if you need to be referred to a medical doctor.
Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston, TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at www.BeecherChiropractic.com or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!
Easing Back Pain With Pool Exercises
Houston Chiropractor Comments: As the summer heat rises, people find ways to spend more time in the pool. In addition to being relaxing and a great way to unwind, it also offers ways to help ease your back pain.
The easiest exercise to perform in the pool is walking. You can walk across the pool or you can walk in place. The water will help to support your weight and give you a little extra balance. Once you are comfortable with walking for 10 minutes, you can add some lunges or even begin to jog.
Once you are comfortable going forward, you can work additional muscles by going side-ways and by going backwards.
Another exercise is to either use a kickboard or to hold on to the side of the pool and kick. While doing this, try to keep your back straight and to engage your core muscles. Try to work up to being able to do this for 60 seconds and then rest.
In the shallow area of the pool, try and do some deep knee bends or squats. You can also use the stairs of the pool or place a chair in the water. Try to keep your back straight and squat down like you would be sitting in a chair. Try to not lean forward while doing this. The goal is 3 sets of 10 repetitions.
You can also work your stomach and core muscles. Stand with your back against the side of the pool with your arms spread wide out of the water. Begin by slowly raising your leg one at a time as high as you can with your leg straight. When that gets easier, you can slowly raise both legs while trying to keep your core engaged by trying to pull your belly button towards your spine. The goal is 3 sets of 10 repetitions.
Finally, you can do modified push-ups by either using the side of the pool or the stairs / ladder. Concentrate on keeping your back straight while touching your chest on the pool and then fully extending your arms. The goal is 3 sets of 10 repetitions.
These are the basic motions. Once these are easy, try adding different movements. Almost all motion is good, just add new motions gradually.
Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston, TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at www.BeecherChiropractic.com or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!
Self-Cracking: Can I Adjust My Own Spine?
Clear Lake Chiropractor Comments: The short answer is yes you physically can, but you should not do it. Below I will explain why you should not adjust your own spine and I will give you a way to still feel relief on your own.
A couple times a year I will have a patient come in that has injured themselves while trying to adjust their own spine. It can be as simple as pulling a muscle or mildly getting a joint out of alignment to as severe as herniating a disc, breaking a rib, or dislocating their jaw.
The problem arises when the patient tries to force the joint so that they can hear the “crack.” To do this, they press on their jaw to get leverage on their neck or they lean against a chair or object to rotate their low back enough. Some people even try to just turn their body quickly in hopes that they will get the joint to release and make the “cracking” noise.
The irony is that they usually are not even adjusting the joint that is giving them discomfort. Usually that joint is stuck or fixated. They are manipulating the joint either directly above or below the problem area.
It is better to have the joint properly adjusted by a trained doctor of chiropractic. The chiropractor is the best equipped doctor to determine where the problem is and how to properly align the joint so that it does not cause a problem in the future.
If in the future, while doing your home stretches and exercises that your chiropractor has given you, you may hear and feel the joint adjust or “crack.” This is ok. Once the joint is properly aligned, then sometimes regular stretches or using a foam roller will allow the vertebrae or rib to properly position themselves without risk of injury.
Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston, TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at www.BeecherChiropractic.com or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!
Minimizing Back Pain While On Vacation
Houston Chiropractor Comments: Now that school is out, our thoughts turn to summer vacations and traveling. It can be an overnight camp for the kids, a trip to visit family, or a vacation to an entertaining location.
No matter where your travels take you, it means a new routine, a different bed and pillow, and carrying luggage. These things can lead to neck and back pain.
There are a couple things that you can do to minimize these pains. The first thing to do is to remember to do your stretches daily. Just because you are on vacation does not mean that you can skip your stretches. Remember to be as consistent with your stretches as you are with brushing your teeth. If you are driving, remember to take a break every 2-3 hours and get out of the vehicle and walk around for a minute or two. This will keep you from being in the same position for hours at a time while driving. If possible, take your pillow. Most hotel pillows are too thick. As discussed in a previous blog, your pillow should be as thick as your hand is wide. For most people it is 3-5 inches. Having the correct pillow will help you to achieve a more restful sleep. Finally, make sure to drink enough water. Eating out, drinking alcohol, and being more active can lead to dehydration. This increases your muscle soreness and discomfort. Making sure that you are staying hydrated with plain water will minimize those problems.
If you manage to hurt your neck or back while on vacation, contact your regular chiropractor. They can help you to find a doctor that will treat you with the same types of treatment. Different chiropractors can have very different styles of adjusting and types of therapies.
Take the time to take care of yourself so that you and your family can enjoy your well-deserved vacation.
Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston, TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at www.BeecherChiropractic.com or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!
Are Chiropractors Good For Treating Herniated Discs?
Clear Lake Chiropractor Comments: Herniated discs can occur anywhere in the spine, with the neck (cervical) and low back (lumbar) being the most common. Usually, people will be complaining of pain or weakness either radiating down their arm or leg along with neck or back pain.
Just because you are having pain or weakness going from your neck or back down your arms or legs does not automatically mean that you have a herniated disc. You can have a radiculopathy (pinched nerve) or sciatica from irritation of the nerve due to arthritic degeneration or trauma that does not affect the disc.
Sometimes people have gone to their regular medical doctor, who ordered an MRI that stated that they had a herniated or bulging disc. They assume that since the MRI showed a disc complaint then that must be the cause of their pain. Well, 25% of the population has an asymptomatic herniated disc. The doctor needs to make sure that the herniation is clinically relevant. In other words, is the disc herniation on the same side as the problem and is it at the vertebral level where the symptoms are located.
With all of that said, chiropractors are very good for treating herniated discs, bulging discs, and disc protrusions. The only type of disc injury that chiropractors typically do not get good lasting results from are disc injuries with a sequestered fragment. These injuries usually only get temporary relief and require surgical co-management.
If the cause of your symptoms is a herniated disc, then chiropractors are the best non-surgical option. Most chiropractors will treat the herniated disc with physical modalities, stretches, and exercises, just like a physical therapist (PT). In addition, a chiropractor will include spinal manipulation to take the pressure off the herniated disc. The spinal adjustments will help to decompress the affected area. This combination of therapy and spinal manipulation gives the best lasting benefit. Most patients have relief of their pain in weakness in 4-6 weeks after 8-12 therapy sessions.
In our office, we will comanage the problem with your medical doctor if the pain is too great or if there is too much muscle spasm.
Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston, TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at www.BeecherChiropractic.com or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!
Can A Chiropractor Help My Frozen Shoulder?
Houston Chiropractor Comments: Most cases of a frozen shoulder occur after a recent injury, especially after a fracture. During this time your arm is in a cast or a sling, and is immobilized. This causes you shoulder’s joint capsule to thicken with scar tissue subsequently causing shoulder pain and limiting the movement of the affected shoulder.
Several other factors can increase your risk of developing a frozen shoulder. It can be affected by your age, sex, and medical history. Certain medical conditions, such as a stroke, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and thyroid conditions such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism appear to increase the likelihood of you developing a frozen shoulder.
The initial symptoms of a frozen shoulder typically get gradually worse over 2 – 4 months. The pain is typically worse at night, producing a dull achy pain. The range of motion of the shoulder is painful and limited. The next stage produces a stiffness with the range of motion severely restricted. This stage typically lasts 3 -12 months. The final stage shows the range of motion gradually improving with good and bad days. This stage usually takes 6 – 12 months.
Typically, x-rays are obtained to determine if there are any other medical conditions, and in some cases advanced imaging studies, such as an MRI, are obtained.
Most medical treatment involves using medication to control the inflammation and pain until the condition resolves in up to 3 years. In severe cases steroid injections are prescribed in the shoulder joint. Physical therapy is often prescribed to increase the shoulder motion and strength. In severe cases arthroscopic surgery will be performed to loosen the joint capsule or shoulder manipulation under anesthesia will be prescribed.
At my office we will examine the shoulder and surrounding muscles to determine the actual cause of the problem. We will treat the complaint with manipulation, physical therapy, and a specific exercise program designed for you to resolve the root cause and prevent future injuries. Most patients get relief in a couple weeks instead of a couple of years.
Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston, TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at www.BeecherChiropractic.com or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!
How To Avoid Backpain While Breastfeeding
Clear Lake Chiropractor Comments: After the joy of childbirth comes the realization that taking care of an infant causes back pain. Suddenly you are carrying around a baby that only grows larger. You are bending over to change diapers and to place them in their crib or bassinet. You are also feeding the child several times a day.
One of the questions that I get regularly is “How can avoid backpain while breastfeeding?”
The most important thing is sitting correctly. You can even semi-recline on a couch or adjustable chair. Allow yourself to use pillows to support your baby while they are feeding.
Periodically you should change your position. This allows you to use different muscles and not overuse just one set.
You can try feeding the infant in front of a mirror. This allows you to see if you are in an awkward position.
Sometimes you can get up and walk around while feeding. Remember that movement is beneficial.
Other things that are beneficial to preventing backpain is staying hydrated by drinking enough fluids, getting some rest while the baby is sleeping (if possible), and getting some exercise so that you can use other muscles.
To help minimize any pain that occurs, remember to stretch, use a heating pad, or hot water bottle, and keep up with your regular chiropractic care.
Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston, TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at www.BeecherChiropractic.com or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!
