Now you Know about Chiropractic!

Sitting the new smoking

Posted: June 7, 2016
By: Dr. Allison Stafford

SITTING: THE NEW SMOKING

Long commutes, desk jobs, computer work, even a few hours at night spent on the couch can be very detrimental to your health and here's why:

1) Spine damage and poor posture. Sitting for longer than 20 minutes causes the discs in the spine to compress and lose flexibility, which raises the risk of a herniated disc. It also leads to weak muscles in the shoulders, neck and back, which affects posture and can cause back and neck pain.

2) Weight gain. Sitting while eating or immediately after sitting slows digestion. Slow digestion can cause constipation, heartburn, bloating, and weight gain over time.

3) Poor circulation. Inactivity leads to poor circulation, which can eventually cause blood clots, swelling, weak bones, varicose veins, and even osteoporosis.

Simply moving more frequently throughout the day will help combat these negative effects of sitting. Here are a few easy ways to get moving:

*Take the stairs whenever possible
*Park further away from building
*Move around at least once per hour
*Use a chair without armrests to sit straighter
*Walk on coffee and lunch breaks


Mind Over Mattress

Posted: June 7, 2016
By: Dr Allison Stafford

Mind Over Mattress

I recently read a statistic that 60% of Americans would choose sleep over, umm... well, other activities performed in bed. Sadly, though, that is not the only potential result of a poor nights rest or uncomfortable mattress. Lack of sleep can also affect metabolism, immune function, mental well being, and, of course, your back.

As a chiropractor, I am frequently asked what type of mattress is best for a person's spine. I wish I had a "one size fits all" response for that question, but since I don't, here are a few tips in helping you choose a mattress that will allow you to get a good nights rest:

*Look for a mattress that conforms to the spine's natural curves. The best way to do this is to bring a friend to the store and have him/her observe your spine while laying on the mattress. If you're a side sleeper, the spine should be parallel with the bed. If you sleep on your back, there should not be sagging or curving in any direction.

*Make comfort your goal. Of the popular options (pillowtop, sleep number, memory foam, airbed, coil mattress, etc.), there is not one that is superior. A pillowtop may be too soft for a teenage girl, but perfect for an adult man. Lay on the bed for 15-20 minutes in the store to determine how comfortable it is to YOU.

*Make sure there is a return policy. Ultimately, the only way to know if you're going to get a better nights rest on a new mattress is to sleep on it. So, take it home and try it for 30 days and, if you're not sleeping better, return it and try another.