Let’s get “active and adaptive.” It’s National Chiropractic Health Month!

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Chiro month

Since March most of us have been moving less, avoiding gyms and health clubs, working from home, increasing screen time and feeling more stress. Our bodies aren’t happy, and we can do something about that!

An American Chiropractic Association poll found that more than 90 percent of respondents said their patients or people they knew are experiencing more musculoskeletal issues since having to shelter in place during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of us are now experiencing back pain, neck pain, headaches and tightened muscles.

What are strategies to improve musculoskeletal health and prevent pain? How much physical activity is enough? How can we strengthen muscles, bones and joints to prevent falls and be safer in our homes? What can we do about lower back pain? Let’s get some tips from ACA.

Sit up straight!

  • When sitting, keep your knees slightly lower than your hips.
  • Keep your head up and your back straight.
  • Avoid rolling your shoulders forward—don’t slouch!
  • Try to maintain the natural curve in your low back.
  • At the computer or mobile device make sure your feet are flat on the floor or footrest with your knees lower than your hips.
  • If you are texting, bring your arms up in front of your eyes so you don’t need to look down to see the screen.
  • Never pinch the phone between your ear and shoulder.

Inactivity is not our friend.

  • ACA agrees with the CDC in recommending that adults get 150 minutes of moderate-       intensity aerobic activity each week (or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity each week.                                                              
  • The CDC recommends children and teenagers be physically active at least 60 minutes a day.
  • Physical activity helps with weight reduction and is a partner to a generally healthy lifestyle that includes nutritious meals, adequate sleep and stress management.

My aching back! Is there an alternative to opioids?

  • You’re not alone. Experts estimate that as many as 80 percent of the population will experience back pain sometime in their lives.
  • Back pain is one of the leading reasons patients receive opioid prescriptions, but almost 80 percent of Americans prefer to use other options first. 
  • Patients who saw a chiropractor as their initial provider for low back pain had 90 percent decreased odds of both early and long-term opioid use.
  • Chiropractors offer a safe non-drug, noninvasive approach to managing back pain and other musculoskeletal conditions, taking pressure off front-line medical providers during the pandemic.

For more information about getting “active and adaptive” and maintaining musculoskeletal health and function during COVID-19 life changes, give us a call! One of our friendly staff members would be happy to answer any questions you have or help you schedule an appointment.

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