Spinal month taps awareness about pains in back

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Spinal month taps awareness about pains in back
October 25, 2007
Herald News

Many of us go through each day typing on a computer, bending, lifting items, gardening, taking care of children and playing sports. If not done properly, these activities can cause pain or injury, which may become chronic if left untreated.

During the month of October, doctors of chiropractors are using their knowledge of the spinal column and nervous system to promote the American Chiropractic Association's Spinal Health Month.

"Back pain is pervasive in our society. Eighty percent of us will suffer from it at some point in our lives, and 50 percent of us will suffer from back pain this year alone," said Dr. James Nabzdyk, owner of ABC Wellness & Rehab in Joliet.

"Low-back pain is the most common work complaint experienced by Americans today. Many Americans today are health and body conscious. We want to look and feel our best by taking care of our bodies -- exercising, getting regular dental and eye exams and getting enough sleep. In so doing, we ignore the focal point of where much of the pain associated with our daily activities originates -- our spine," Nabzdyk added.

The central nervous system originates in the brain and channels down through the spinal column, extending to every part of the body. A misalignment of the vertebrae of the spine may result in nerve interference, resulting in headaches, low-back pain and neck pain, among other problems.

Listen to your body. Use preventive measures at work and at home. Nabzdyk offers the following tips to help reduce the risk of spinal injury:

Ô While at the office, remember to take frequent stretch breaks while working on your computer. The more hours per day you use your computer, the greater the risk of discomfort or injury.

Ô While working on your computer, sit with your knees at approximately a 90- to 120-degree angle. Using an angled foot rest to support your feet may help you sit more comfortably.

Ô Make sure your chair fits correctly. Allow for two inches between the front edge of the seat and the back of your knees. Make sure your back is completely supported by the back of the chair.

Ô Always bend from the knees, not your waist, when lifting anything heavier than 10 percent of your body weight, such as a child or a heavy box.

Ô Warm up and stretch before any physical activity (including all sports), raking, gardening and shoveling snow. Be aware of your body form and technique: stand as erect as possible and let your legs and arms do the work, not your back.

Ô It is important to get a good night's rest. Choose a comfortable, supportive mattress as well as a pillow that supports your neck, reducing the risk of back or neck pain.

The key to spinal health is prevention: listen to your body's warning signals and adjust your lifestyle. If you do experience pain for more than one or two days despite using these preventive measures, consult your local chiropractor. Chiropractors are trained to identify the cause of the problem and to manipulate (adjust) the spine to encourage the body's natural healing process. More than 20 million Americans sought chiropractic care last year for spinal injuries and pain.

Dr. James Nabzdyk is with ABC Wellness & Rehab in Joliet. He can be reached at (815) 609-7735 or www.abcwellness-rehab.com.

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