Tag Archive for: neck pain

Finding Relief from Neck Pain in Denver: Chiropractor Glenn Hyman Can Help

Finding Relief from Neck Pain in Denver: Chiropractor Glenn Hyman Can Help

How Denver Chiropractor Glenn Hyman Can Relieve Your Neck Pain

Your neck plays a vital role in your daily life, supporting the weight of your head and facilitating its movement. However, various factors, including postural changes, sudden injuries, and arthritis, can lead to neck pain. When your neck’s muscles, bones, discs, or nerves are affected, it can result in debilitating pain and discomfort.

If you’ve ever experienced neck pain that restricts your head’s movement, you understand the life-changing impact it can have. Muscle spasms can be a sign that something is amiss with the sliding facet joints in your neck. Denver Chiropractor Glenn Hyman can help by gently adjusting your spine and incorporating daily stretching exercises to restore motion to these facet joints, reducing pain and promoting a better quality of life

How Denver Chiropractor Glenn Hyman Can Help Alleviate Neck Pain

Experiencing neck pain is your body’s way of signaling an issue that needs attention. Even if the pain subsides, it’s wise to seek an evaluation to address any underlying problems. Movement assessments are a crucial part of our examination, offering valuable insights into your condition. By taking proactive steps towards your health, you can prevent future episodes of neck pain and stiffness with the assistance of Denver Chiropractor Glenn Hyman.

Denver Chiropractor Glenn Hyman’s Approach to Relieving Spinal Stenosis

Have you been diagnosed with spinal stenosis? You’re not alone; this condition affects millions of individuals daily, especially those over the age of 65. Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of spinal spaces, often caused by degenerative changes related to osteoarthritis. This condition can lead to severe discomfort, making it challenging to move freely.

Denver Chiropractor Glenn Hyman offers a non-invasive approach to relieving the symptoms of spinal stenosis. By reducing pressure on your spinal cord and nerves, we help you regain the ability to move comfortably and live a more active life.

After receiving chiropractic care from Denver Chiropractor Glenn Hyman, many patients report reduced symptoms, increased mobility, and an improved overall quality of life. If spinal stenosis has slowed you down, don’t hesitate to schedule an evaluation with us. We will provide a comprehensive assessment and guide you towards the best treatment options for lasting relief.

Arm Pain Linked to Neck Issues: How Denver Chiropractor Glenn Hyman Can Help

Dealing with pain in your hand, wrist, or arm can be frustrating and debilitating. Often, we don’t associate these symptoms with issues in our neck. However, arm pain can frequently be attributed to nerve problems originating in the neck.

Pain, numbness, or tingling in your hand, wrist, or arm often stem from a neck issue. When a spinal disc in your neck irritates or compresses a nerve, it can result in arm pain. Denver Chiropractor Glenn Hyman specializes in addressing such issues through chiropractic adjustments, improving spinal mobility, reducing inflammation, and promoting better posture.

Denver Chiropractor Glenn Hyman’s Expertise in Relieving Arm Pain

Surgery is rarely necessary for arm pain caused by a pinched nerve in your neck. Most individuals can find long-term relief through conservative care provided by Denver Chiropractor Glenn Hyman. Our comprehensive approach focuses on reducing inflammation, allowing the disc to heal, and helping our patients regain their lives.

Denver Chiropractor Glenn Hyman’s Approach to Neck Pain Relief

Neck pain can disrupt your daily life, making even simple activities challenging. Whether your pain stems from injury, degenerative changes, or poor posture, relief is within reach. About 70% of people experience neck pain at some point in their lives, but understanding the source of your pain is the first step towards finding relief.

Different types of neck pain can indicate various underlying issues, with strained muscles and stuck spinal joints being the most common culprits. Denver Chiropractor Glenn Hyman can accurately diagnose the cause of your neck pain and develop a comprehensive care plan to help you regain your life from this discomfort.

A minor adjustment can bring significant improvements to your quality of life. Our practice is dedicated to enhancing your spinal motion and providing you with at-home stretches and exercises to continue your progress. If neck pain has been holding you back from enjoying life, contact our team for assistance. We’re here to help you find relief from neck pain and improve your overall well-being.

Call us today to see how Denver Chiropractor Glenn Hyman can help you @ 303-300-0424

Science Source:

  • Intervertebral Kinematics of the Cervical Spine Before, During, and After High-Velocity Low Amplitude Manipulation. The Spine Journal, 2018.
  • Spinal Stenosis. The Mayo Clinic, 2020.
  • Symptomatic, Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Confirmed Cervical Disk Herniation Patients: A Comparative-Effectiveness Prospective Observational Study of 2 Age- and Sex-Matched Cohorts Treated With Either Imaging-Guided Indirect Cervical Nerve Root Injections or Spinal Manipulative Therapy. JMPT, 2016.
  • Spinal manipulation, medication, or home exercise with advice for acute and subacute neck pain: a randomized trial. Annals of Internal Medicine, 2012.

Denver Chiropractor Offers Targeted Treatments for Headache Relief

Know Your Headache: Targeted Treatments for Relief

Looking for migraine and tension headache treatment options in Denver that actually work?

Step one is understanding different types of headaches, what causes each, and what to look for.

Read on.

The Bottom Line

We all experience headaches differently.

Whether it’s persistent fatigue, blurred vision, or a stiff neck, the symptoms can vary widely. Patients visiting our Denver Chiropractic Center often report having experienced headaches that prevent them from going about their everyday lives.

But despite the variety in symptoms, all headaches have one thing in common —they are not “normal” to deal with on a daily basis.

If you’re grappling with recurrent headaches, it’s time to identify the type of headache you’re experiencing.Why it Matters

Understanding different types of headaches starts with understanding the distinct characteristics of each.

Identifying the type of headache you’re suffering from is the first step towards finding relief.

Consulting with a healthcare professional can help you in this process, and if you’re seeking natural migraine and tension headache treatment options in Denver, look no further – we’re ready to assist you.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of headaches you may experience.Understanding Different Types of Headaches


Migraine

Just as the experience of a headache can vary from person to person, the symptoms of migraines can vary greatly as well.

They usually cause throbbing pain, typically on one side of the head.

The pain can be severe and may persist for up to 3 days.

Accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light, sound, or smell, migraines can be very intense to say the least.

Some essential facts about migraines include:

  • They are believed to be linked to the release of inflammatory substances in the brain.
  • Migraines are twice as common in women due to hormonal influences.
  • Children often experience shorter durations of migraines.


Tension Headache

Tension headaches are particularly common, affecting up to 20% of the population.

They can also occur with migraines.

Characterized by a constant dull pain on both sides of the head due to tense neck and scalp muscles, tension headaches can last from a few hours to several days.

Stress, anxiety, depression, dehydration, loud noises, lack of sleep, or insufficient exercise can trigger tension headaches.

Fortunately, many of these triggers can be managed through a healthy lifestyle.

Some key facts about tension headaches include:

  • Tension headaches are the most common type of headache.
  • They are often described as pressure or tightness, almost like a band around the head.
  • The pain from tension headaches can spread into or originate from the neck.


Cluster Headache

Unlike migraines, cluster headaches are more common in men.

They are often marked by an intense burning or piercing sensation behind or around one eye.

Cluster headaches can occur unexpectedly and last from 15 minutes to 3 hours.

Some key facts about cluster headaches include:

  • Cluster headaches affect less than 1 in 1000 adults, with six men affected for every woman.
  • Despite their brevity, cluster headaches can occur several times a day.
  • Individuals with cluster headaches may experience tearing and redness in the affected eye or a blocked nasal passage.


Next Steps

Because headaches are so common, many don’t consider them serious enough to seek professional help.

As a result, it’s estimated that half of those with headaches self-treat.

This trend might explain why many individuals are unaware of natural, non-invasive, and medication-free headache treatment options.

It may also explain how so many don’t know that the overuse of medications intended for headache relief can actually lead to more headaches!

To say this fact often surprises patients who visit our clinic seeking alternative migraine and tension headache treatment options in Denver is an understatement.

So, if you’re struggling with migraines, tension, or cluster headaches, don’t wait, don’t hesitate, and reach out to us today! Dr. Glenn Hyman uses a very specific combination of Active Release Techniques soft tissue treatments to release tight muscles and very gently re-adjust the bones.

Research has shown that chiropractic care can significantly reduce the intensity, severity, and frequency of many common headaches, all without the risks associated with medications.

And our dedicated team will work with you to uncover the root cause of your headaches, and we’ll provide the gentle, movement-based care that chiropractors are renowned for to help you break free from your headache pain.

Chiropractic Care for Improved Athletic Performance

Chiropractic Care for Improved Athletic Performance

Even if your name isn’t recognized outside of Denver, you can still benefit from chiropractic care for improved athletic performance – just like Michael Jordan.

Chiropractic care has been gaining popularity among athletes of all levels who are looking for ways to naturally improve their performance.

Whether you’re a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, chiropractic care can help optimize your body’s structure and function so you can perform at your highest level.

In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of chiropractic care for improved athletic performance and why you should consider specialized chiropractic treatment for athletes in Denver to help you achieve your fitness goals.

Why it Matters:

As sports science and technology continue to advance, athletes are always looking for a natural advantage to improve their performance.

Chiropractic care has been providing that advantage for over a century, and more and more studies are being done every day to prove its effectiveness.

Chiropractic Care for Improved Performance

By reducing pain and improving how well the joints and tissues of the body move, chiropractic adjustments can help athletes stay injury-free and perform at their best. We use a powerful combination of adjustments and Active Release Techniques, along with targeted rehab exercises specifically for you. Dr. Glenn Hyman has been doing this for over 25 years, heloing thousads of people.

Studies have also shown that chiropractic care positively influences functional muscle strength and endurance, making it an effective way to improve athletic performance.

Additionally, chiropractic adjustments can help maximize an athlete’s balance, flexibility, and range of motion, all key factors for optimal athletic performance.

Our Denver chiropractor usea a variety of techniques to help athletes achieve these benefits, including assessing movement patterns, making adjustments when necessary, and crafting an at-home exercise plan.

Soft tissue therapy (Active Release Techniques) and exercise rehabilitation are also commonly used to help athletes stay injury-free and perform at their highest level.

If you’re an athlete in Denver looking for chiropractic treatment, you’ve found one of the best and top-rated chiropractors for sports injuries who can help you achieve your fitness goals.

We’ll address your specific needs and develop a personalized treatment plan that can help you perform at your best, no matter your level of experience or athletic ability.

Next Steps:

Chiropractic care offers numerous benefits for athletes of all levels, including improved muscle strength, balance, endurance, and reduced pain.

If you’re interested in discovering how chiropractic care can help you perform at a higher level, schedule a visit with our chiropractor for sports injuries in Denver today! Call 303.300.0424 or use our Contact Page to request an appointment.

Denver Athletes- Unlock Your Athletic Potential: The Benefits of Chiropractic Care

Denver Athletes- Unlock Your Athletic Potential: The Benefits of Chiropractic Care with a top rated chiropractor for sports injuries in Denver

The benefits of chiropractic care for athletes are becoming more widely recognized, with many professional sports teams now including chiropractors on staff. From injury prevention to performance enhancement, chiropractic care offers numerous benefits to athletes of all levels.

Recent research has shown that spinal adjustments can positively influence the brain, spinal cord, and muscle strength, resulting in improved motor control and movement patterns. Chiropractic care can also help reduce pain perception, making it an effective treatment for athletes dealing with pain. Athletes who receive chiropractic care have been found to have significant increases in functional muscle strength compared to those who do not receive care.

Chiropractors themselves are a bridge between the player, coach, and medical team, offering a holistic approach to sports care that emphasizes injury prevention and performance improvement. This unique focus on preventing injury and improving mobility and performance means that chiropractors can bring an athlete’s care full-circle.

If you’re an athlete, whether you’re a weekend warrior, local minor league celebrity, or you play at a professional level, taking care of your body is key to unlocking your full potential in any sport. Chiropractic care is an all-natural and “hands-on” approach to sports care that can help ensure your body is feeling and functioning at its best.

 

As a top rated chiropractor in Denver for sports injuries, we understand the unique needs of athletes. We have experience working with athletes of all levels and can help you achieve your fitness goals by addressing your specific needs. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain or simply looking to improve your athletic performance, chiropractic care can help unlock your full potential. We use a powerful combination of chiropractic adjustments, Active Release Techniques, and targeted rehab exercises.Our Denver Chiropractor has over 25 years of experience.

So if you’re looking for a way to improve your athletic performance or prevent injuries, don’t write off chiropractic care. It is an essential component of athlete care, and finding the best chiropractor for sports injuries in your area is essential to achieving your fitness goals and staying injury-free. Take care of your body and give us a call today to schedule. 303.300.0424, or use the contact page above to schedule.

How to Recover from Whiplash Injuries Naturally

Recovering from Whiplash

Bottom Line:

 

Your spine is a long chain of bones, discs, muscles, and ligaments that extend from your skull down to your tailbone.

 

The cervical spine (your neck) is designed to support your head and protect the nerves that go out to your face, shoulders, and arms.

 

Postural changes, arthritis, and sudden injuries are a few of the primary causes of neck pain.

 

Most of the time, the pain can be traced to a problem with either the muscles, bones, discs, or nerves in your neck.

 

That’s important to remember when considering how to recover from whiplash injuries naturally.

 

That’s probably a big part of what has you considering seeking chiropractic treatment for whiplash in Denver, CO.

 

Whiplash injuries can occur during a sports accident or during a slip and fall.

 

And, as most of us know, whiplash injuries are also commonly sustained during auto accidents.

 

These injuries can cause damage to the delicate structures in your neck and lead to symptoms such as headaches, neck pain and stiffness, shoulder pain, and numbness and tingling or pain in your arms and hands.

 

That pain is your body’s way of saying “pay attention inside now!”

 

Let’s take a closer look at what happens when a whiplash injury is sustained, and, perhaps more importantly, how to recover from whiplash injuries naturally.

 

Why it Matters:

 

Over 1.5 million whiplash injuries occur each year, many from low impact collisions.

 

Research does in fact show that low-speed crashes can create the force necessary to cause pain and injury.

 

Because these injuries can be sustained in collisions other than car accidents and can occur at low speeds, many people often ignore them and have never learned how to recover from whiplash injuries naturally.

 

Many of you neighbors who’ve been involved in an auto accident recently are most likely seeking chiropractic treatment for whiplash in Denver, CO right now for that reason.

 

The truth is that even minor damage to the ligaments of your neck can take up to 12 weeks to heal.

 

In some cases, the partial tearing of the muscles, tendons, or ligaments around your spine can take several months to heal.

 

Depending on the severity of the ligament tearing, these injuries may also be classified as permanent.

 

Whiplash can also cause damage to your facet joints and spinal discs by stretching them beyond their normal range of motion.

 

Almost every bone in your neck has a pair of sliding joints towards the back called facet joints.

 

If an adhesion forms or the joint is stuck, your body will try to compensate.

 

A stiff neck after an accident is a good clue that a whiplash injury may have occurred.

 

Keep an eye out for swelling and bruising, which can take up to 24 hours to develop.

 

Many people may already know what symptoms to watch for, but most people may not really know how to recover from whiplash injuries naturally.

 

How to Recover From Whiplash Injuries Naturally

 

It’s essential to control any inflammation early in your treatment and improve your range of motion.

 

In other words, it’s key to use movement as medicine.

 

While it may seem strange that movement can be a good thing even if it causes discomfort, we know that controlled movement can limit the amount of scar tissue that forms and may even increase the healing rate.

 

Still wondering exactly how to recover from whiplash injuries naturally?

 

Let’s recap the key principles we just discussed.

 

  • Obtaining an accurate diagnosis with a complete examination and spinal imaging is the first step towards determining the best plan of care to heal from your injuries.
  • Inflammation is often the primary factor that causes pain and restricted movement after a whiplash injury.
  • Controlling inflammation naturally and reestablishing your range of motion can help reduce your pain and improve the results of your care.

 

 

Next Steps:

 

With the right healthcare team, most people can get back to their full life and activities without the need for drugs or surgery.

 

Chiropractors focus on the structure and function of your spine.

 

When your spine is functioning optimally, your body is able to heal itself, no medications needed.

 

When looking at how to recover from whiplash injuries naturally, a chiropractor’s care is key.

 

We take a holistic approach to help you recover from whiplash by examining and treating the injured muscles, ligaments, discs, and more.

 

Depending on the type of accident, we may choose to take x-rays or an MRI of your neck to evaluate your injuries better.

 

Chiropractors are considered essential after an accident because of our focus on improving your movement, biomechanics, and functional ability while reducing your pain.

 

Schedule an appointment to receive chiropractic treatment for whiplash in Denver, CO today if you are someone you know has been injured in a car accident.

 

We’re here to help guide your recovery process and theirs every step of the way.

 

 

Science Source:

 

The Treatment of Neck Pain and Whiplash-Associated Disorders. JMPT. 2016.

Got Whiplash? Here are 3 Big Reasons to See our Denver Chiropractor

Got Whiplash?

 

Bottom Line:

 

Whiplash is the term used to describe the injuries that occur as a direct result of a forceful, uncontrolled, and rapid back and forth motion of the neck.

 

These injuries can occur during sports, slip and fall, or auto accidents.

 

Most of us have heard of this type of injury.

 

Most of us know whiplash pain is often associated with auto accidents.

 

However, what we may not know is that whiplash injuries used to be considered “no big deal.”

 

Needless to say, times have certainly changed.

 

Doctors now know that whiplash injury can mean lifelong pain and disability if the associated injuries are not properly cared for when they occur.

 

Recent research also tells us that people who suffer a neck injury during a motor vehicle accident are very likely to experience both whiplash pain and future neck pain.

 

Thankfully, research also indicates that chiropractic care can improve range of motion and decrease pain associated with whiplash injuries.

 

And if you’re looking for a local chiropractor who treats whiplash in Denver, you’ve come to the right place!

Why it Matters:

 

With all the stress that comes with the accident itself, calling insurance companies, getting cars repaired, and so on, it’s not uncommon for people to make the mistake of putting their health and well-being last on the to-do list.

 

Your body wasn’t designed to deal with the forces that occur in a car accident.

 

Even low-speed collisions can generate enough force to injure the delicate ligaments in your neck that support your head.

 

And although modern cars have an array of safety features, the damage from an accident can range from small aches to life-changing injuries.

 

The forces that both the vehicle and your body have while driving along the road is known as kinetic energy.

 

It’s true – your vehicle has been carefully built to displace the (kinetic) energy that occurs during an accident.

 

However, no matter what type of car you have, your body will still absorb some of the impact.

 

It’s likely that those powerful forces will cause injuries to your body.

 

During a car accident, your head moves forward and backward suddenly with a tremendous amount of force.

 

If you’ve sustained a whiplash injury it means your head and neck have been forcefully extended beyond their normal range of motion.

 

This can create partial tears and other damage to the muscles and ligaments around your spine and also injure your spinal discs or nerves and your spine’s supporting muscles.

 

Key Indicators of a Whiplash Injury

 

A few key indicators that you may have suffered a whiplash injury include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and pain in your upper or lower extremities.

If you or someone you love has sustained a whiplash injury recently and are considering seeing a local chiropractor who treats whiplash in Denver, here’s are some quick facts to keep in mind:

 

  • Today, whiplash injuries are considered severe and the rapid back and forth motion that occurs during the associated collision accident can lead to permanent injury to the ligaments of the neck.

 

  • It’s estimated that over 80% of people involved in a car accident will sustain whiplash injuries.
  • What’s more, over 50% of people with neck pain or whiplash pain after a car accident will continue to have pain one year or more after their initial injury, especially without treatment.

 

Next Steps:

 

Remember this.

 

Immediately after any accident, your adrenaline is pumping, so you may not feel any whiplash pain or overall physical discomfort because you’ll most likely be in a state of shock.

 

That’s why many people wake up the day after an accident experiencing the full brunt of their injuries for the first time.

 

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you may be wondering how long your whiplash pain and other symptoms are going to last.

 

The good news is that with a proper evaluation and early treatment, you have a high likelihood of getting well within a matter of weeks.

 

Receiving the proper diagnosis and care after a car accident can also help reduce your likelihood of struggling with whiplash pain and a lifetime of chronic neck pain.

 

Our practice is focused on accurately assessing, documenting, and treating those who have been involved in a car accident to help them regain their quality of life as quickly and safely as possible.

 

Don’t shrug off any accidents and push your symptoms aside.

 

Instead, follow three easy-to-remember steps.

 

First, get an evaluation.

 

Next, begin receiving care.

 

Finally, stay consistent.

 

Getting well is a process, so If you have been in an accident and think you might have sustained a whiplash injury –  or someone you know has been involved in an auto accident recently – be sure to reach out to our expert team as soon as possible.

 

When you need a local chiropractor who treats whiplash in Denver, remember that our doors are open, and we’re here to help right now!

 

Science Source:

 

The Association Between a Motor Vehicle Collision and Future Neck Pain. Eur Spine J. 2010.

3 Key Ways to Prevent a Herniated, Bulging, or Slipped Disc

A neighbor of mine once told me “Getting old is not for the faint of heart,” and that’s always stuck with me.

 

After all, haven’t we all had one of those days where we wake up somehow having managed to injure ourselves in our sleep?

 

Or, if you’re like an old classmate of mine (who shall remain nameless), maybe there was a time you ate a big meal and a couple of hours later ended up taking yourself to the emergency room because you had not yet learned what heartburn felt like.

 

We’ve all been there.

 

And, like it or not, back pain is more likely than not something we’re all going to have to learn to prepare for and manage.

 

So, right here, right now, let’s start with lesson number one…

 

Simple ways to prevent a herniated disc.

 

Bottom Line:

 

Absolutely no one wants to deal with back pain.

 

Whether you’re living with pain today or looking to reduce your risk of injury and find ways to prevent a herniated disc in the future, you may be curious about how you can strengthen your spine.

 

And as the go-to provider of non-surgical spinal disc treatment in Denver, we’re here to tell you that you’ve come to the right place!

 

When it comes to fortifying your spinal discs, it’s wise to start with the body’s core — the set of muscles, ligaments, and tendons that support your spinal column and help your spinal discs move.

Why it Matters:

 

Your core needs to have a balance of strength and flexibility to perform at its best.

 

A strong core allows your body to have the support it needs to move, bend, and twist without causing injuries, and a flexible core is crucial to allowing the body to move well and through a full range of motion.

 

Together, these physical qualities help you keep your spinal discs healthy, just like movement-based care such as the adjustments we provide.

 

So, our top 3 ways to prevent a herniated disc include:

 

  1. Core exercises can help your back maintain a balance of strength and flexibility.
  2. Movement of the spine promotes the delivery of nutrients to the spinal discs.
  3. Spinal adjustments can improve your range of motion and help to decrease pain.

 

Ways to Prevent a Herniated Disc at Home

 

As noted in the list above, engaging in exercise to improve your core strength or to strengthen the abdominal, back extensor and rotator muscle groups can help you reduce your risk of spinal disc injury.

 

And in our time providing non-surgical spinal disc treatment in Denver, we’ve seen first-hand just how much of a difference incorporating and prioritizing core work can make in our patients’ spinal health.

 

The stronger your core is, the less load your disc sees with activities of daily living, ultimately lessening the risk of herniation, which is why we compiled the following list of ways to prevent a herniated disc at home.

 

We recommend the following exercises and stretches below and aiming for 10 repetitions of each and then repeating each 2-3 times a week.

 

Planks

 

  1. Start in a push up position, bend your arms, and support your body with your forearms.
  2. Keep your hips, legs, and torso in a straight line while tightening your abdominal and glute muscles.
  3. Draw your core muscles in at the level of your belly button and hold that position as long as you can.

 

Bird Dogs

 

  1. Get on all fours, making sure your spine is neutral (not arching up or down).
  2. Then, engage your core muscles and slowly reach forward with your right arm as you extend your left leg behind you.
  3. Hold for a breath and then slowly return your limbs to the starting position.
  4. Repeat the exercise on the other side.

 

Glute Bridges

 

  1. Lie on your back with knees bent 90 degrees and feet flat on the floor.
  2. Engage the muscles of the deep core and move into a bridge position by lifting your bottom off the floor. Instead of forcing your belly up by arching your back, try to maintain the natural curve in your lower spine.
  3. Lift your left foot off the floor and extend your left leg to maintain a straight line through your left heel.
  4. Return your foot to the floor and repeat with your right leg.

 

Dead Bugs

 

  1. Begin lying on your back with both arms extended towards the ceiling.
  2. Lift your legs off the floor to 90 degrees.
  3. Exhale to bring your ribcage down and try to flatten your back onto the floor by rotating your pelvis upwards and bracing your core muscles (this is the starting position for this exercise that you need to hold throughout the movement).
  4. Start the exercise by extending your left leg, straightening at the knee and hip and bringing the leg down to just above the floor (don’t let your lower back arch).
  5. At the same time, lower your right arm back to just above the floor.
  6. Keep your abdominal and gluteal muscles tightened and return your left leg and right arm to the starting position.
  7. Repeat with your right leg and left arm.

 

Back Extensions

 

  1. Lie face down on a mat and place the hands on the floor or behind the head (more advanced).
  2. Contract the abs and keep them contracted throughout the exercise.
  3. Squeeze the back to lift the chest a few inches off the floor.
  4. Lower and repeat.

 

Knee-to-Chest Stretches

 

  1. Lie on the back with both legs flat against the floor.
  2. Lift the right leg, bending the knee toward the chest.
  3. Use both hands to pull the right knee toward the chest.
  4.  Hold the right knee against the chest for several seconds.
  5. Return to the starting position.
  6. Repeat with the left leg and then return to the starting position.

 

Kneeling Back Stretches

 

  1. Begin the exercise on the hands and knees, positioning the knees hip-width apart, with the shoulders directly over the hands.
  2. Round the back, pulling the belly button up toward the spine and tilting the lower back toward the floor. Hold the position for 5 seconds.
  3. Rock gently backward, lowering the buttocks as close as possible to the heels. Ensure that the arms are stretched out in front. Hold the position for 5 seconds.
  4. Rock gently back up to the starting position.

 

Modified Seat Side Straddle

 

  1. Sit on the floor with one leg extended to the side and the other leg bent.
  2. Keep your back straight and bend from your hips toward the foot of your straight leg. Reach your hands toward your toes and hold for 5 seconds.
  3. Slowly round your spine and bring your hands to your shin or ankle.
  4. Bring your head down as close to your knee as possible.
  5. Hold for 30 seconds and then relax for 30 seconds.
  6. Repeat on the other side.

Next Steps:

 

It’s been said that we don’t get old and stiff, we get stiff then old.

 

The fundamental takeaway from our list of ways to prevent a herniated disc is that It’s much easier to keep your spine moving than to get your spine moving, and our practice is here to help you stay active, healthy, and happy!

 

If you’re ready to get serious about your spinal health or you’re looking for non-surgical spinal disc treatment in Denver, reach out to us today to schedule a visit whether it’s been awhile since your last adjustment or it’s time for your first.

 

Our expert team will work with you to assess your movement and create a plan of action to keep you pain-free and at the top of your game for years to come.

 

Our doors are open, and we’re here for you!

Spinal Disc Health 101: The Proven Benefits of Proactive Care

Spinal disc 101

“Move it or lose it!”

I’m not really sure where that started, but it wouldn’t surprise me if the person who originally coined that phrase was a chiropractor… thinking about spinal disc health and proactive care.

Seriously, It seems that so many of us just don’t realize movement can and is often the best medicine for the spine!

Did you know that our spinal discs actually don’t have a good blood supply running to and through them to help keep them healthy?

It’s actually movement – yes, movement – that drives the uptake of the vital fluids, oxygen, and nutrients that our discs need to maintain their optimal structure.

Bottom Line:

We’ve said it once, and we’ll say it again – absolutely no one has time for back pain.

After all, not many things can sideline you like a nagging, persistent, seemingly ever growing pain in and around your spine – you know, the core structure of your body that holds you upright and allows you to bend, twist, and move!

Every day, those tiny but mighty discs between the bones of your spine are absorbing the stress related to gravity, your posture, and your movement patterns.

Over time, this stress can cause wear and tear to your discs that can become painful when left unchecked.

Perhaps that’s why another chiropractor coined the saying “You’re only as old as your spine.”

It’s one we certainly use frequently being the go-to chiropractor for herniated discs in Denver.

A strong spine fortified with strong spinal discs will help you keep that back pain at bay.

And the good news is that spinal disc health and proactive care go hand in hand.

There are a few key ways you can keep your discs healthy from the comfort of your own home… starting today!

Why it Matters:

Not surprisingly, movement and exercise are perhaps the best ways to approach spinal disc health and proactive care.

There’s really no wrong way to get your daily dose of movement, but you will want to do what you can to ensure you’re moving well.

After all, you don’t want to trade one type of back pain for another!

Spinal Disc Health and Proactive Care

Each day, try to stay active, move your spine through its full range of motion, and, as always, be cautious about sitting for hours on end.

If you do have to sit for long periods, try to change positions every 15 minutes. And if you have to work at a computer for hours at a time and you have the option, bring in a standing desk.

These small steps can help both reduce stress on your discs and engage the small muscles supporting your spine – both of which are essential for disc health.

Also, when it comes to spinal disc health and proactive care, something we feel the need to stress based on what we’ve seen first-hand as the go-to local chiropractor for herniated discs in [your city / town / neighborhood] is to always, always mind your posture.

The combination of inactivity and long periods in an unbalanced posture can wreak havoc on your spinal discs.

Here are a few other easy adjustments you can make to proactively protect your discs:

● Practice safe lifting. Improperly lifting any object of any size places undue stress on your spine. Remember to avoid bending while lifting, to use your legs rather than your back, to use a buddy when needed, and to always try to hold items close to your body.

● Exercise consistently. In addition to getting that daily dose of movement, incorporating exercises designed to improve the strength and flexibility of the muscles in your core and back that support the spine can make all the difference to your spinal health.

● Rethink your sleeping position. On top of minding what we’ll call your daytime posture, it’s important to do the same when you sleep. Aim to avoid sleeping on your stomach and make sure to replace old or worn out mattresses when needed.

● Rethink your shoes. High-heeled shoes in particular can make it harder to maintain proper posture.

● De-stress regularly. Be sure to find time to relax and unwind so the stress of the day doesn’t turn into physical tension in your neck, shoulders, and back.

Next Steps:

As you can probably tell from that list, keeping your spinal discs healthy is one of the best things you can do to reduce your risk of experiencing neck or back pain.

If you spend long hours at the computer, you’ll want to take proactive steps to counteract that stress.

When it comes to spinal disc health and proactive care, following the steps outlined above is a great place to start.

Keeping up on those adjustments and regularly checking in with our expert team is even better, especially if you’re looking for a chiropractor for herniated discs in Denver.

And get this. Adjustments are actually a great way to help your muscles relax.

When a muscle is stretched quickly, the nerves in the muscle respond by causing the muscle to relax. This reflex protects the muscles from tearing during any quick stretch.

A chiropractic adjustment does not go nearly deep enough to risk tearing muscles, and it activates those same nerve impulses that make the muscles relax.

So, whether it’s been some time since your last adjustment or you’re ready for your first, we hope you’ll give us a call.

We’d be happy to work with you to keep your spinal discs healthy for years to come!

Science Source:

Disc Changes Associated with Prolonged Sitting. PMR. 2014.

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