Sitting a little less each day can reap big health benefits

Sitting a little less each day can reap big health benefits

In a recent study participants were able to significantly reduce back and neck pain and improve their mood by sitting just 66 minutes fewer each day.

Participants in the study were sedentary office workers of average health, height, and weight. Researchers provided them with a device that allowed them to sit or stand at their desks throughout the day during the 7 week duration of the study. They were given free choice to sit or stand as much - or as little - as they felt comfortable. The group ended up sitting around one hour less each day - enough to realize statistically significant health benefits.
The necessary equipment is easy to find; a quick online search will give you hundreds of ideas for sit-to-stand devices for your desk.

See Ergonomics of the Office and Workplace: An Overview

In that relatively short period of 7 weeks, the office workers reported a statistically significant reduction in upper back and neck pain. They also reported feeling generally more comfortable, less low back pain, and less wrist pain.

References: Spine-Health.com

Ear Infections

If you are a parent, chances are that your child has been diagnosed with an ear infection at point in their life.  This common infection is responsible for 35% of all pediatrician visits in the United States.  While many treat ear infections with rounds of antibiotics, eardrops, and tubes, I have found that chiropractic care is not only successful but a great deal less invasive.  My experience has shown me that there is a direct relationship between the spine, nerves and lymphatic systems.  When children are suffering from ear infections, there tends to be a problem in the upper neck or cervical spine.

Ear infections occur when the lymphatic system is unable to drain the fluids in the middle ear.  Through lymphatic massages and gentle spinal adjustments, balance is returned to the child’s system and the inner ear is healed.  Chiropractic care is also great for preventing ear infections before they occur, keeping children healthier and more attentive than they would be otherwise.  If your child regularly suffers from ear infections, chiropractic care could help treat and prevent reoccurring infections.

-Dr. David Thomson

Acupuncture and Low Back Pain

Lower back pain affects eighty percent of us at one point in our lives.  It could take shape as acute pain for a few days to chronic pain that lasts for months or even years.  Although the severity varies, low back pain is still uncomfortable and disruptive to our quality of life.

Treatments for lower back pain does not have to involve dangerous medication.  Through acupuncture, lower back pain can be treated naturally and effectively.  I recommend acupuncture for my patients that are suffering from acute and chronic pain and have not found relief.  Not only does acupuncture reduce pain, but also improves overall function. Metabolic systems in the body are millions of times more complicated than ever expected, acupuncture is an ancient medical practice that has over 3000 years of clinical documentation. Modern medicine has not been effective in treating low back pain even with DRUGS OR SURGERY.  If you are interested in the relationship between acupuncture and low back pain and how it can help you find pain relief, contact me at my practice.  I’m happy to help you find the relief that you need.

-          Dr. David Thomson

Lumbar Disc Problems

Last month Troy came into the office, (he digs water water wells for a living) He told me that after lifting some of his tools his back started to ache, 3 hours latter he noticed that his leg was aching. By morning he complained that his right leg was numb and he had a dull pain all the way to his calf on the same side. When he came into the office on Friday he could not stand up straight and was leaning to the right. After doing an examination it was very clear that X-rays and possibly an MRI would be needed. Because he was in so much pain I recommended that he do some Physical Therapy, We did this in my office. I also Prescribed a product that I have been using for quite a while now, It is a natural anti-inflammatory called Chiropractors Choice.

We Did X-rays and found that his L-5 S-1 Disc space was very thin and appeared to be slightly arthritic. We began some very specific low back treatments designed for disc injuries. 3 weeks latter he is no longer in pain. He reports that the treatment along with the chiropractors choice liquid anti-inflammatory he is pain free.