According to The Chiropractic Way of Life
Flexibility and range of motion are the first things to go with age. When we are young, we take everything for granted: how could tying your shoelace cause you pain? As we grow older, seemingly harmless motions can contribute to a vicious cycle of pain. While pain limits motion, limited motion can lead to injury, and this is a cycle that many Americans are led into by jobs that require long hours in front of the computer. At Holmes Chiropractic, we want you to rediscover the joys of having a full range of motion Below are just a few of the benefits you can enjoy from a more flexible body:
- Confidence that regular motion will not create pain.
- Better athletic performance
- Better posture
- Longer connective tissues and muscles
- Prevention of injury
The Profound Impact of Sleep Disruption
Sleep is a fickle friend
There are so many barriers to sleep: internal and external stressors, physical and mental disturbances and chemical imbalances all play a part in keeping us from getting the sleep we deserve. But sleep is so essential to our experience that we cannot simply accept lack of sleep and get on with it. Poor sleep health is linked to depression, diabetes, obesity, heart disease and a host of other maladies. At Holmes Chiropractic, we are making a better night’s sleep a priority for the Houston community. We know that more quality sleep makes life easier. It helps with:
- Mental acuity
- Improved immune functioning
- Better memory
- Perform better physically
- Improved digestion
- Lowers the risk of early death.
Caffeine’s Addictive Capacities Create Headaches
Caffeine is a crutch for the 21st century civilian.
Speedy lifestyles and the demands of a job frequently call for the individual to produce more per hour, adding stress that interferes with their sleep patterns and leaves them reaching for espresso the next morning. A frequent byproduct of this turbulent cycle is the chronic headache that can accrue from a body’s dependence on caffeine.
Fighting Pain with Phytonutrients
The debate over modern diets is a smokescreen
So much of the debate centers around carbs, proteins, and fat. And while balancing this energy-providing triad is of crucial importance, it is only a starting point for a truly balanced diet. If you suffer with chronic back pain, then dietary balance is one of the best ways you can provide for your body on a daily basis. A plant-based diet that includes plenty of phytonutrients is a good option for anyone suffering with back pain.
Holiday Stress Reduction Techniques
The holidays shouldn’t be a stressful time of year
Yet for many of us they are- the pressures of money and social commitments on top of an already overburdened schedule can push us to the tipping point. If this describes you, and you want to prevent yourself from tipping, the only response is to take control of stress reduction. There are many ways to do this- one of our favorites is a tech break. Phones, computers and tablets seem so necessary in today’s society. But there was a time not long ago when these devices plaid zero role in our lives! And who can say whether we were worse off. While we would never suggest ditching your devices completely, you can manage your screen time more effectively.
Take the Pain Out of Your Workday
Excuses are over
Chances are this post finds you slouching in your chair trying to relieve stiffness that has come from sitting upright in your chair. And while it may feel good in the moment, this is the wrong way to go about things. “But its human nature to seek comfort!” I hear you arguing- to which I have more than a few refutations. To begin with, sitting is not human nature- we were made bipedal for a reason and that was to make us more effective movers. By not moving for 10 hours a day, your body and spine are adjusting to a “new normal,” that is anything but good for you.
Being Realistic About Spine Treatments
Many people buy into the notion of a “magic cure”
Whether it be an aggressive treatment like spinal surgery, or a more conservative one like chiropractic, many people believe that seeking treatment for their back pain will simply make it go away. But when it comes to spinal conditions, there is no panacea or magic bullet. To begin with, pain is a symptom and not a condition; chronic back pain is often linked to a complex network of causative factors that resist even the most vigorous treatment.
Chiropractic Care for Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis requires proactive care
This disease, most prevalent in our elderly population, is characterized by weakness in the bones which leaves them vulnerable to partial or total breakage. The first step is diagnosing the problem: many people won’t find out they have osteoporosis until they’ve broken a bone. If you suspect you may have osteoporosis, your PCP may need to order a bone density scan which will give use key indicators regarding your bone mineral density. If we determine that you have osteoporosis, it’s time to start being proactive about your condition.
This Vacation, Go Back-Pain Free
Don’t let your vacation be remembered for back pain and discomfort
If you have a pre-existing spinal condition, chances are that the thought of being in transit doesn’t fill you with joy. The hours of sitting, lack of activity, lack of sleep, and changes in dietary and hydration patterns all conspire to leave your spine in a stiffer and more vulnerable condition. But rather than accepting this lying down, you need to be all the more proactive about taking care of your beleaguered back.
Treating Pulled Back Muscles
Muscle strains and sprains: painful, but preventable
Muscle strains and sprains are among the most common back injuries in our adult population. Symptoms include dull aching, stiffness and tenderness and indicate that soft tissues in the back have become overstretched. While the pain remains localized, it will feel better when resting and worse when in motion. The typical progression of a strain or sprain will involve a continuance of symptoms with the addition of inflammation; most injuries resolve themselves in a matter of days to weeks. And while they are low on the scale of severity, and respond well to treatment, they can give us indicators into the overall state of your back and spinal health.