Sitting around all day may sound relaxing, but anyone who works a desk job can likely tell you otherwise. Excessive sitting is surprisingly stressful to both the spine and lower extremities, which can cause joint restrictions that create back pain and discomfort. Those restricted joints can also lead to a host of other problems, including improper joint movement and compromised nerve flow to organs and tissues. So how can a chiropractor help?
Understanding Chiropractic
The spinal column is comprised of 24 vertebrae that allow the body to twist, bend, and move through everyday activities. It’s also a protective element to the central nervous system, which coordinates and controls all the organs, tissues, and cells within the body. To address those joint restrictions discussed above, chiropractors use gentle and targeted movements designed to improve motion in both the spinal column and extremities.
In addition to back and neck pain, chiropractic care can help with:
- Sciatica
- Knee and ankle pain
- Headaches and Migraines
- Arthritis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
Can You Improve Pain at Home?
Improving your posture and incorporating periods of activity to break up the time you spend sitting can help. Here are other tips:
- Use back support against the curve of your back. A lumbar pillow or rolled towel will work.
- Make sure your hips and knees stay at a right angle. You may need to use a foot rest or stool. Avoid crossing your legs, and make sure you can keep both feet on the floor.
- When you stand, keep your head up, shoulders straight, chest forward, and hips tucked in, with your weight evenly balanced across both feet.
If you’d like to see how a chiropractor can help ease the stiffness and discomfort that you live with, Dr. Ryan Weaver in Zanesville is happy to help. He can help identify potential causes of your pain and offer tips for alleviating it at home.