Chiropractic Health & Wellness Blog
Fight For Air Climb - February 27, 2010
January 21, 2010
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Fight For Air Climb - February 27, 2010
Lyn Lake Chiropractic our Minneapolis Chiropractors are proud sponsors of the Fight For Air Climb. We'll be there. We'll provide Massage Therapist, Personal Trainers and Chiropractors to help you make it to the top. We're trying to help raise $100,000.00 and so far we're at about 26% of the goal. Please join us or donate to support the cause. Drop by Lyn Lake Chiropractic and donate money and checks into our Donation Bucket for THE FIGHT FOR AIR CLIMB!
It's more than a walk, it's more than a run...go vertical for a unique challenge!
The Fight For Air CLIMB is a unique fundraising event for the American Lung Association. Sometimes called a "vertical road race" participants can use the event as a fitness target or as race. Climbers can enjoy the personal challenge or race against other climbers. In either case it's a great Quick read more or view full article way to be active.
Individuals and teams race, run or walk up the 660 steps to reach the top of the Accenture Tower. Create a team of friends, family or co-workers and compete together. This event is a great way to challenge yourself - whether your goal is just to reach the top or to be the first to cross the finish line - you will walk away with a newfound respect for your lungs!
Why Should You CLIMB?
Your support helps the American Lung Association in the Fight For Air. With lung disease on the rise, we are fighting for research that will find a cure for tomorrow. We are fighting for those who can't quit smoking and those who shouldn't start. We are fighting for lungs that burn from exercise rather than from ozone. We are fighting for asthma education to stop children from dying from asthma attacks. We are fighting for laws that improve air quality both inside and out. And we won't breathe easy until we win the fight.
The American Lung Association's climbs are a wonderful way to support someone who has lung disease or as a memorial to someone who has passed away.
The mission of the American Lung Association is to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is "Fighting for Air" through research, education and advocacy.
Call Lyn Lake Chiropractic at 612-879-8000 or 1-800-LUNG-USA to contact your Local American Lung Association for more information about these events or:
Maura Studer
Director of Development
American Lung Association in Minnesota
490 Concordia Avenue St. Paul, MN 55103
(651) 223-9561
http://ala.convio.net/site/TR?fr_id=1280&pg=entry Read Less
Lyn Lake Chiropractic our Minneapolis Chiropractors are proud sponsors of the Fight For Air Climb. We'll be there. We'll provide Massage Therapist, Personal Trainers and Chiropractors to help you make it to the top. We're trying to help raise $100,000.00 and so far we're at about 26% of the goal. Please join us or donate to support the cause. Drop by Lyn Lake Chiropractic and donate money and checks into our Donation Bucket for THE FIGHT FOR AIR CLIMB!
It's more than a walk, it's more than a run...go vertical for a unique challenge!
The Fight For Air CLIMB is a unique fundraising event for the American Lung Association. Sometimes called a "vertical road race" participants can use the event as a fitness target or as race. Climbers can enjoy the personal challenge or race against other climbers. In either case it's a great Quick read more or view full article way to be active.
Individuals and teams race, run or walk up the 660 steps to reach the top of the Accenture Tower. Create a team of friends, family or co-workers and compete together. This event is a great way to challenge yourself - whether your goal is just to reach the top or to be the first to cross the finish line - you will walk away with a newfound respect for your lungs!
Why Should You CLIMB?
Your support helps the American Lung Association in the Fight For Air. With lung disease on the rise, we are fighting for research that will find a cure for tomorrow. We are fighting for those who can't quit smoking and those who shouldn't start. We are fighting for lungs that burn from exercise rather than from ozone. We are fighting for asthma education to stop children from dying from asthma attacks. We are fighting for laws that improve air quality both inside and out. And we won't breathe easy until we win the fight.
The American Lung Association's climbs are a wonderful way to support someone who has lung disease or as a memorial to someone who has passed away.
The mission of the American Lung Association is to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is "Fighting for Air" through research, education and advocacy.
Call Lyn Lake Chiropractic at 612-879-8000 or 1-800-LUNG-USA to contact your Local American Lung Association for more information about these events or:
Maura Studer
Director of Development
American Lung Association in Minnesota
490 Concordia Avenue St. Paul, MN 55103
(651) 223-9561
http://ala.convio.net/site/TR?fr_id=1280&pg=entry Read Less
Strong Lower Backs
January 17, 2010
Strong Lower Backs
You never know until you hurt it how much you use your lower back all day long. When your lower back is injured, every movement becomes painful. Simple actions, such as getting out of a chair or bending over the sink, become excruciating, and your daily routine becomes difficult and frustrating.
Back pain affects 60 to 80 percent of U.S. adults at some time during their lives, and up to 50 percent have back pain within a given year. Some of these problems are easily treated and never return, but in five to ten percent of patients low back pain becomes chronic and the person continues to have recurrences and exacerbations.
Effective treatment of uncomplicated lower back pain involves treatment in a chiropractor’s office and beginning and continuing an exercise program. A recent study conducted by the Medical Research Council, a research organization based in the United Kingdom, has found Quick read more or view full article that patients given a combination of spinal manipulation and exercise experienced greater improvement in back function and greater reduction in pain compared to those treated with spinal manipulation or exercise only.
Most mechanical lower back pain is associated with tight leg muscles and weak abdominal muscles. Leg muscles need to be stretched and abdominal muscles need to be strengthened to avoid recurrences of lower back pain. People are generally not aware of these relationships. You may know you “should be exercising”, but you may be unaware of the importance of stretching. Also, abdominal strengthening is usually the last thing a person thinks of when he or she thinks of doing exercise.
Abdominal strengthening helps support the lower back. Spinal muscles are not designed to carry your body weight.
If your abdominal muscles are weak, then your back muscles will be used to carry your body weight, and eventually you’ll have a lower back injury. Abdominal strengthening not only helps keep your lower back healthy, but also helps maintain good posture. Postural benefits include an easy, relaxed gait; muscles that are long and supple, rather than short and tight; and an open chest that allows for easy, smooth breathing. Your body is a machine. Everything’s connected. A lower back problem affects many other areas, ultimately. By making sure to stretch regularly and by including abdominal exercises in your gym routine, you can help ensure having a lower back that works.
Exercise is a three-step process: stretching, exercising, and abdominal strengthening. Stretching prepares you for the work of exercise, and is done first — before anything else — gently and gradually.
You may be tighter than usual on a particular day. This is not important — you should never try to stretch to where “you think you should be”. Just stretch, making sure to pay attention to what you’re doing. It’s easy to injure a muscle if you’re thinking about something else, or if you’re rushing, trying to squeeze in some stretching before dashing off to the gym. Take your time, and continue your chiropractic care at Lyn Lake Chiropractic in Minneapolis Minnesota.. Read Less
You never know until you hurt it how much you use your lower back all day long. When your lower back is injured, every movement becomes painful. Simple actions, such as getting out of a chair or bending over the sink, become excruciating, and your daily routine becomes difficult and frustrating.
Back pain affects 60 to 80 percent of U.S. adults at some time during their lives, and up to 50 percent have back pain within a given year. Some of these problems are easily treated and never return, but in five to ten percent of patients low back pain becomes chronic and the person continues to have recurrences and exacerbations.
Effective treatment of uncomplicated lower back pain involves treatment in a chiropractor’s office and beginning and continuing an exercise program. A recent study conducted by the Medical Research Council, a research organization based in the United Kingdom, has found Quick read more or view full article that patients given a combination of spinal manipulation and exercise experienced greater improvement in back function and greater reduction in pain compared to those treated with spinal manipulation or exercise only.
Most mechanical lower back pain is associated with tight leg muscles and weak abdominal muscles. Leg muscles need to be stretched and abdominal muscles need to be strengthened to avoid recurrences of lower back pain. People are generally not aware of these relationships. You may know you “should be exercising”, but you may be unaware of the importance of stretching. Also, abdominal strengthening is usually the last thing a person thinks of when he or she thinks of doing exercise.
Abdominal strengthening helps support the lower back. Spinal muscles are not designed to carry your body weight.
If your abdominal muscles are weak, then your back muscles will be used to carry your body weight, and eventually you’ll have a lower back injury. Abdominal strengthening not only helps keep your lower back healthy, but also helps maintain good posture. Postural benefits include an easy, relaxed gait; muscles that are long and supple, rather than short and tight; and an open chest that allows for easy, smooth breathing. Your body is a machine. Everything’s connected. A lower back problem affects many other areas, ultimately. By making sure to stretch regularly and by including abdominal exercises in your gym routine, you can help ensure having a lower back that works.
Exercise is a three-step process: stretching, exercising, and abdominal strengthening. Stretching prepares you for the work of exercise, and is done first — before anything else — gently and gradually.
You may be tighter than usual on a particular day. This is not important — you should never try to stretch to where “you think you should be”. Just stretch, making sure to pay attention to what you’re doing. It’s easy to injure a muscle if you’re thinking about something else, or if you’re rushing, trying to squeeze in some stretching before dashing off to the gym. Take your time, and continue your chiropractic care at Lyn Lake Chiropractic in Minneapolis Minnesota.. Read Less
Tips From a Minneapolis Chiropractor
January 15, 2010
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Top Tips From a Minneapolis Chiropractor
What height should my chair be at? Should I really sleep with a pillow between my legs? Lyn Lake Chiropractic, Our Minneapolis Chiropractors answers the most common questions that chiropractors are asked.
What type of mattress do you advise people get?
I recommend getting as firm a mattress as you feel comfortable sleeping on. If I say get an ultra-firm mattress and you don’t feel comfortable on that and are having trouble sleeping, than that is not doing you any good at all. I do personally sleep on a Tempur-Pedic and I do endorse those to my patients, but I always tell them to try it before you buy it because if you are not comfortable than it won’t be of any help.
Do you recommend sleeping with a pillow between your legs?
I think that is very good if you are a side sleeper. It allows your hips Quick read more or view full article to assume a more neutral posture, which I think is an excellent way to sleep.
Do you have a recommend sleeping position?
Sleeping on your back is best. Sleeping in a fetal position on your side is 2nd best. Sleeping on your stomach is no good because you need to turn your head almost 90 degrees.
Are there daytime tips for work you can share?
Ergonomics are important. You want to make sure when you are sitting that your feet are on the floor and that your workstation is set up appropriately for you and your height. You should make sure that your keyboard is ergonomically set up and within reach and your chair height is proper with respect to your desk.
What is correct chair height?
It’s a system of ratios. Your arms should basically be at a 90-degree angle, resting on your chair. Your feet should be resting on the floor. If you are of shorter stature, perhaps a footrest under your desk might be better so you can rest your feet on that.
Are there some common activities that should be avoided?
It is different for each person. For some people, running can really stress their spine, and for some people, doing squats at the gym can really cause disc problems.
It is different for everybody and that’s why everyone should get an assessment so they can find where their strengths and weaknesses are. Having good posture is important.
If you have a kid and your kid is carrying a backpack to school, than that backpack should not exceed one-third of your child’s body weight. If you have a 50-pound kid and you put 20 pounds of books in that backpack, than that is going to trash his spine. Avoid stress. Keep good posture. Sleep with proper posture. All of these are important pieces in the puzzle.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider. Read Less
What height should my chair be at? Should I really sleep with a pillow between my legs? Lyn Lake Chiropractic, Our Minneapolis Chiropractors answers the most common questions that chiropractors are asked.
What type of mattress do you advise people get?
I recommend getting as firm a mattress as you feel comfortable sleeping on. If I say get an ultra-firm mattress and you don’t feel comfortable on that and are having trouble sleeping, than that is not doing you any good at all. I do personally sleep on a Tempur-Pedic and I do endorse those to my patients, but I always tell them to try it before you buy it because if you are not comfortable than it won’t be of any help.
Do you recommend sleeping with a pillow between your legs?
I think that is very good if you are a side sleeper. It allows your hips Quick read more or view full article to assume a more neutral posture, which I think is an excellent way to sleep.
Do you have a recommend sleeping position?
Sleeping on your back is best. Sleeping in a fetal position on your side is 2nd best. Sleeping on your stomach is no good because you need to turn your head almost 90 degrees.
Are there daytime tips for work you can share?
Ergonomics are important. You want to make sure when you are sitting that your feet are on the floor and that your workstation is set up appropriately for you and your height. You should make sure that your keyboard is ergonomically set up and within reach and your chair height is proper with respect to your desk.
What is correct chair height?
It’s a system of ratios. Your arms should basically be at a 90-degree angle, resting on your chair. Your feet should be resting on the floor. If you are of shorter stature, perhaps a footrest under your desk might be better so you can rest your feet on that.
Are there some common activities that should be avoided?
It is different for each person. For some people, running can really stress their spine, and for some people, doing squats at the gym can really cause disc problems.
It is different for everybody and that’s why everyone should get an assessment so they can find where their strengths and weaknesses are. Having good posture is important.
If you have a kid and your kid is carrying a backpack to school, than that backpack should not exceed one-third of your child’s body weight. If you have a 50-pound kid and you put 20 pounds of books in that backpack, than that is going to trash his spine. Avoid stress. Keep good posture. Sleep with proper posture. All of these are important pieces in the puzzle.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider. Read Less
Headaches helped by Chiropractic
January 3, 2010
Most people with headaches treat themselves with over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), acetaminophen (Tylenol) and naproxen (Aleve). If these fail to provide more than short-term relief (which they often do), other supportive treatments are available. It is important to remember that OTC medications may have side effects and potential interactions with prescription medications. This can lead to a whole host of problems and emphasizes the value of alternatives to drugs. Here are some of the most important (and effective) nonpharmaceutical options for dealing with headaches:
A Minneapolis Chiropractor: I have never seen a headache patient who did not have some type of misalignment of the bones of the neck (cervical spine). It is amazing how much muscle spasm and tension can be caused by misaligned bones. When bones are even slightly out of alignment, the muscles attached to them become stressed, so they become tight. Tight Quick read more or view full article muscles restrict the flow of information through the nerves and circulation through the blood vessels. This can contribute to all sorts of problems, including headaches and neck pain.
Having your chiropractor adjust those spinal bones back into their normal alignment will reset your system. The joints will have better movement, the muscles can begin to relax on their own and the circulation and nervous systems can start to flow again. The spine and the bones of the extremities really do hold the key to feeling good for the long term.
Massage Therapy: A good therapeutic massage by a certified massage therapist can relax muscle tissue, improve circulation, and clear out the toxins that are trying to drain (lymphatic system). It is astonishing how much muscle tension accompanies any type of headache in the body. The muscles of the neck and upper back are among the most powerful in the body. After all, they have to hold up the head, which can weigh as much as a bowling ball.
When chiropractic and massage work together, patients will respond especially well to care. Consider having chiropractic and massage treatments within 36 hours of each other. This way, the adjustments and the muscle relaxation can work together.
Ergonomics: Daily habits and body positions are extremely important when it comes to preventing headaches. For example, for many people, headaches start with something as simple as their pillow. In general, sleeping on your back is best with a pillow under your neck and head. If you are going to sleep on your side, the pillow needs to be wide enough to span the distance between your shoulders and neck. Custom-made pillows are now available to help give you the proper support you need. Ask your chiropractor for guidance in this area to help ensure you get the pillow that's best for you.
Your computer desk or workstation and telephone setup also need to be examined. Improper keyboard and monitor placement can cause eye strain and make you crane your neck for hours on end. A chair that is not adjusted properly or fit to your body type can stress the entire body, including the neck. All of these factors can contribute to headaches.
Exercise: Performed correctly, specific exercises can help strengthen upper back and neck muscles and improve posture, which will reduce the risk of muscle tension and poor-posture-related dysfunction that can contribute to headaches. Exercise also reduces emotional stress, which often goes hand in hand with a headache. Remember, make sure that the exercises you are performing do not strain any of your neck and upper back muscles. Consult with your doctor about the exercises you are doing to make sure they are not stressing your body too much and creating further problems.
Which Type(s) of Headache Do You Get?
Tension headaches are the most common type of headache, and yet their causes aren't well-understood. A tension headache is generally a diffuse, mild to moderate pain that many people describe as feeling as if there's a tight band around their head. As many as 90 percent of adults will suffer one or more tension headaches. Tension headaches are more common among women than men.
Migraine headaches - are the second most common type of headache. An estimated 28 million people in the United States (about 12 percent of the population) will experience migraine headaches at some point in their life. Migraine headaches affect children as well as adults. Before puberty, boys and girls are affected equally by migraine headaches, but after puberty, more females than males are affected. An estimated 6 percent of men and up to 18 percent of women will experience a migraine headache during their lifetime.
Cluster headaches are so named because the attacks come in groups. The pain arrives with little, if any, warning, and has been described as the most severe and intense of any headache type. It generally lasts from 30-45 minutes, although it might persist for several hours before disappearing. Unfortunately, the pain can recur later in the day. Most sufferers experience one to four headaches a day during a cluster period.
Cluster headaches frequently surface during the morning or late at night; the cluster cycle can last weeks or months and then can disappear for months or years. It is estimated that less than 1 percent of the population are victims of cluster headaches. More men (about five to one) than women suffer from cluster headaches.
There is no doubt that headaches of all types affect quality of life. Some people have occasional headaches that resolve quickly, while others are debilitated. Tension, migraine, and cluster headaches are not life-threatening. However, due to the quality and intensity of the pain, people often have trouble concentrating, and their work and home life suffer. In many cases, you hear of people having to go to sleep in order to make the headache disappear, which can be difficult to do when you're in pain.
What You Can Do to Get Rid of Headaches?
Most people with headaches treat themselves with over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications such as asprin (Motrin, Advil), (Tylenol) and (Aleve). If these fail to provide more than short-term relief (which they often do), other supportive treatments are available. It is important to remember that OTC medications may have side effects and potential interactions with prescription medications. This can lead to a whole host of problems and emphasizes the value of alternatives to drugs.
Here are some of the most important (and effective) nonpharmaceutical options for dealing with headaches:
Chiropractic: I have never seen a headache patient who did not have some type of misalignment of the bones of the neck (cervical spine) which can cause neck pain and headaches. It is amazing how much muscle spasm and tension can be caused by misaligned bones. When bones are even slightly out of alignment, the muscles attached to them become stressed, so they become tight. Tight muscles restrict the flow of information through the nerves and circulation through the blood vessels. This can contribute to all sorts of problems, including headaches and neck pain.
Having your chiropractor adjust those spinal bones back into their normal alignment will reset your system. The joints will have better movement, the muscles can begin to relax on their own and the circulation and nervous systems can start to flow again. The spine and the bones of the extremities really do hold the key to feeling good for the long term.
Massage Therapy: A good therapeutic massage by a certified massage therapist can relax muscle tissue, improve circulation, and clear out the toxins that are trying to drain (lymphatic system). It is astonishing how much muscle tension accompanies any type of headache in the body. The muscles of the neck and upper back are among the most powerful in the body. After all, they have to hold up the head, which can weigh as much as a bowling ball.
When chiropractic and massage work together, patients will respond especially well to care. I suggest to my patients that they should have their massage and chiropractic treatments within 36 hours of each other. This way, the adjustments and the muscle relaxation can work together.
Ergonomics: Daily habits and body positions are extremely important when it comes to preventing headaches. For example, I have found that for many people, headaches start with something as simple as their pillow. In general, sleeping on your back is best with a pillow under your neck and head. If you are going to sleep on your side, the pillow needs to be wide enough to span the distance between your shoulders and neck. Custom-made pillows are now available to help give you the proper support you need. Ask your chiropractor for guidance in this area to help ensure you get the pillow that's best for you.
Your computer desk or workstation and telephone setup also need to be examined. Improper keyboard and monitor placement can cause eye strain and make you crane your neck for hours on end. A chair that is not adjusted properly or fit to your body type can stress the entire body, including the neck. All of these factors can contribute to headaches.
Exercise: Performed correctly, specific exercises can help strengthen upper back and neck muscles and improve posture, which will reduce the risk of muscle tension and poor-posture-related dysfunction that can contribute to headaches. Exercise also reduces emotional stress, which often goes hand in hand with a headache. Remember, make sure that the exercises you are performing do not strain any of your neck and upper back muscles. I often recommend my patients who are starting a fitness routine for the first time to consult with a personal trainer or physical therapist for at least 3-5 sessions to learn the proper techniques for exercises. For those of you already exercising, consult with your doctor about the exercises you are doing to make sure they are not stressing your body too much and creating further problems. Call your local Minneapolis chiropractor.
LYN LAKE CHIROPRACTIC
2937 LYNDALE AVENUE SOUTH
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55408
612.879.8000
www.lynlakechiropractic.com Read Less
A Minneapolis Chiropractor: I have never seen a headache patient who did not have some type of misalignment of the bones of the neck (cervical spine). It is amazing how much muscle spasm and tension can be caused by misaligned bones. When bones are even slightly out of alignment, the muscles attached to them become stressed, so they become tight. Tight Quick read more or view full article muscles restrict the flow of information through the nerves and circulation through the blood vessels. This can contribute to all sorts of problems, including headaches and neck pain.
Having your chiropractor adjust those spinal bones back into their normal alignment will reset your system. The joints will have better movement, the muscles can begin to relax on their own and the circulation and nervous systems can start to flow again. The spine and the bones of the extremities really do hold the key to feeling good for the long term.
Massage Therapy: A good therapeutic massage by a certified massage therapist can relax muscle tissue, improve circulation, and clear out the toxins that are trying to drain (lymphatic system). It is astonishing how much muscle tension accompanies any type of headache in the body. The muscles of the neck and upper back are among the most powerful in the body. After all, they have to hold up the head, which can weigh as much as a bowling ball.
When chiropractic and massage work together, patients will respond especially well to care. Consider having chiropractic and massage treatments within 36 hours of each other. This way, the adjustments and the muscle relaxation can work together.
Ergonomics: Daily habits and body positions are extremely important when it comes to preventing headaches. For example, for many people, headaches start with something as simple as their pillow. In general, sleeping on your back is best with a pillow under your neck and head. If you are going to sleep on your side, the pillow needs to be wide enough to span the distance between your shoulders and neck. Custom-made pillows are now available to help give you the proper support you need. Ask your chiropractor for guidance in this area to help ensure you get the pillow that's best for you.
Your computer desk or workstation and telephone setup also need to be examined. Improper keyboard and monitor placement can cause eye strain and make you crane your neck for hours on end. A chair that is not adjusted properly or fit to your body type can stress the entire body, including the neck. All of these factors can contribute to headaches.
Exercise: Performed correctly, specific exercises can help strengthen upper back and neck muscles and improve posture, which will reduce the risk of muscle tension and poor-posture-related dysfunction that can contribute to headaches. Exercise also reduces emotional stress, which often goes hand in hand with a headache. Remember, make sure that the exercises you are performing do not strain any of your neck and upper back muscles. Consult with your doctor about the exercises you are doing to make sure they are not stressing your body too much and creating further problems.
Which Type(s) of Headache Do You Get?
Tension headaches are the most common type of headache, and yet their causes aren't well-understood. A tension headache is generally a diffuse, mild to moderate pain that many people describe as feeling as if there's a tight band around their head. As many as 90 percent of adults will suffer one or more tension headaches. Tension headaches are more common among women than men.
Migraine headaches - are the second most common type of headache. An estimated 28 million people in the United States (about 12 percent of the population) will experience migraine headaches at some point in their life. Migraine headaches affect children as well as adults. Before puberty, boys and girls are affected equally by migraine headaches, but after puberty, more females than males are affected. An estimated 6 percent of men and up to 18 percent of women will experience a migraine headache during their lifetime.
Cluster headaches are so named because the attacks come in groups. The pain arrives with little, if any, warning, and has been described as the most severe and intense of any headache type. It generally lasts from 30-45 minutes, although it might persist for several hours before disappearing. Unfortunately, the pain can recur later in the day. Most sufferers experience one to four headaches a day during a cluster period.
Cluster headaches frequently surface during the morning or late at night; the cluster cycle can last weeks or months and then can disappear for months or years. It is estimated that less than 1 percent of the population are victims of cluster headaches. More men (about five to one) than women suffer from cluster headaches.
There is no doubt that headaches of all types affect quality of life. Some people have occasional headaches that resolve quickly, while others are debilitated. Tension, migraine, and cluster headaches are not life-threatening. However, due to the quality and intensity of the pain, people often have trouble concentrating, and their work and home life suffer. In many cases, you hear of people having to go to sleep in order to make the headache disappear, which can be difficult to do when you're in pain.
What You Can Do to Get Rid of Headaches?
Most people with headaches treat themselves with over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications such as asprin (Motrin, Advil), (Tylenol) and (Aleve). If these fail to provide more than short-term relief (which they often do), other supportive treatments are available. It is important to remember that OTC medications may have side effects and potential interactions with prescription medications. This can lead to a whole host of problems and emphasizes the value of alternatives to drugs.
Here are some of the most important (and effective) nonpharmaceutical options for dealing with headaches:
Chiropractic: I have never seen a headache patient who did not have some type of misalignment of the bones of the neck (cervical spine) which can cause neck pain and headaches. It is amazing how much muscle spasm and tension can be caused by misaligned bones. When bones are even slightly out of alignment, the muscles attached to them become stressed, so they become tight. Tight muscles restrict the flow of information through the nerves and circulation through the blood vessels. This can contribute to all sorts of problems, including headaches and neck pain.
Having your chiropractor adjust those spinal bones back into their normal alignment will reset your system. The joints will have better movement, the muscles can begin to relax on their own and the circulation and nervous systems can start to flow again. The spine and the bones of the extremities really do hold the key to feeling good for the long term.
Massage Therapy: A good therapeutic massage by a certified massage therapist can relax muscle tissue, improve circulation, and clear out the toxins that are trying to drain (lymphatic system). It is astonishing how much muscle tension accompanies any type of headache in the body. The muscles of the neck and upper back are among the most powerful in the body. After all, they have to hold up the head, which can weigh as much as a bowling ball.
When chiropractic and massage work together, patients will respond especially well to care. I suggest to my patients that they should have their massage and chiropractic treatments within 36 hours of each other. This way, the adjustments and the muscle relaxation can work together.
Ergonomics: Daily habits and body positions are extremely important when it comes to preventing headaches. For example, I have found that for many people, headaches start with something as simple as their pillow. In general, sleeping on your back is best with a pillow under your neck and head. If you are going to sleep on your side, the pillow needs to be wide enough to span the distance between your shoulders and neck. Custom-made pillows are now available to help give you the proper support you need. Ask your chiropractor for guidance in this area to help ensure you get the pillow that's best for you.
Your computer desk or workstation and telephone setup also need to be examined. Improper keyboard and monitor placement can cause eye strain and make you crane your neck for hours on end. A chair that is not adjusted properly or fit to your body type can stress the entire body, including the neck. All of these factors can contribute to headaches.
Exercise: Performed correctly, specific exercises can help strengthen upper back and neck muscles and improve posture, which will reduce the risk of muscle tension and poor-posture-related dysfunction that can contribute to headaches. Exercise also reduces emotional stress, which often goes hand in hand with a headache. Remember, make sure that the exercises you are performing do not strain any of your neck and upper back muscles. I often recommend my patients who are starting a fitness routine for the first time to consult with a personal trainer or physical therapist for at least 3-5 sessions to learn the proper techniques for exercises. For those of you already exercising, consult with your doctor about the exercises you are doing to make sure they are not stressing your body too much and creating further problems. Call your local Minneapolis chiropractor.
LYN LAKE CHIROPRACTIC
2937 LYNDALE AVENUE SOUTH
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55408
612.879.8000
www.lynlakechiropractic.com Read Less