Posture - Top Chiropractor in San Leandro, CA

Good posture depends upon several factors. While exercise, attitude, and practice can positively affect posture, some postural problems need more aggressive attention due to complications which can jeopardize good health and well-being.

The foundation for normal spinal posture is laid out early in life. Improper development of the spine’s normal curvature will set the stage for eventual distortions. If the base of a child’s spine is tilted incorrectly, it can wreak havoc with the structure that builds upon it.

Normally the human body attempts to maintain erect posture by balancing “back and forth” over the lower spine. If the lower vertebrae are wedged to one side it can cause the spine to compensate by bending into an abnormal curve. This condition is commonly referred to as scoliosis. The medical approach to scoliosis has been to administer braces and electrical stimuli; neither of which have proven very successful. Upon termination of such practices the abnormal curve usually returns to its initial state within five years.

Why are abnormal spinal curves unhealthy?

When vertebrae move out of their normal alignment, neurological disturbances known as subluxations can result. This condition impedes the normal transmission of mental impulses through the nerves from the brain to the body, thus inhibiting body function. Besides interfering with the innate ability of the body to heal, subluxations disturb the “righting reflex” which allows the body to adapt to abnormal equilibrium permitting the body to stand upright.

How can parents help?

As the parent of a child with poor posture and/or scoliosis, there are several things you can do to help.

First, it is crucial to keep all of your child’s corrective chiropractic appointments so that proper spinal balance may improve. Specific adjustments work not only to restore normal posture, but also to improve overall health by facilitating nerve function.

Second, avoid placing infants in a walker, jumper, or other restraining device that allows him/her to stand. An infant’s spine is not completely developed and these devices can cause permanent damage. Instead, one of the best positions for your baby is on his/her stomach. In addition to developing the muscles of the neck, this position lays ground for the proper development of the lower back’s secondary curve. Crawling also helps to develop this important curve of the spine. Exercises such as these allow for better physical growth and encourage strong spinal musculature.

Lastly, be a good role model for your child. Seek chiropractic care yourself, exhibit good posture, and exercise daily. Encourage your child to ride a bike or run and play outside instead of watching TV.

Any child suffering from poor posture and/ or scoliosis should be thoroughly analyzed for vertebral subluxations that may be causing the problem. Although this condition is difficult for both the parents and the child, continued patience seems to pay off with visible improvements in overall posture and health.

STRESS

In today’s fast paced, ever-changing society, many factors or stressors are believed to contribute significantly to our most serious health problems. Individual perception of stress varies from person to person, but most often stress is related to situations in which you are forced to adapt to in a way that is difficult or unpleasant.

Many life events and the ability to cope with them are closely related to stress-related health problems. Some stressful events are the death of a loved one, alienation of affection, geographical moves, decline in self-esteem, or change in job status. Threats to marital, family or social status, to health or security may also be particularly stressful. Patterns of change, both for better or worse, can also cause stress.

Particular kinds of work seem to cause special stresses related to the nature of the work or imposed irregularities, For example, rotating shift work which disturbs the normal sleep cycle, produces chronic stress by repeatedly upsetting daily rhythms that control specific hormones and other responses. Jobs that entail little variation but close attention, such as assembly line work involving dangerous machinery, also seem particularly stressful. People in high-stress jobs often view their situation as controlling: too much to do, too little time, unstimulating and no way to escape.

Much has also been written about the role of personality and stress-related conditions, particularly heart disease. Individuals who are very tense, impatient, highly competitive and seem to be driven by time and the need to succeed (Type A persons) seem to be at a higher risk for stress-related diseases than others who are more relaxed and less competitive.

A Soft Tissue Injury (STI)happens when your muscles, tendons and ligaments get damaged because of a sprain or strain. It happens when one overuses or put too much stress on a particular joint. As a result the pain accompanied by bruising or swelling. STI is a very common problem and it can easily be remedied as long as the pain that accompanies it is not severe.

When STI occurrs, an immediate response applying the principle of “PRICE” would make a big difference. PRICE means Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. After an injury, the patient should be prevented from making any movements as it allows to prevent further damage. If the patient feels the pain, when he/she bends or walks then he/she should avoid these movements. If absolutely necessary, crutches may be used. Icing minimizes the pain and the swelling especially during the first 3 days after the injury has occurred. Ice is placed on the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time every waking hour. Take a note that if you have diabetes or poor blood circulation, you must consult your doctor first before applying a cold pack. Pressure is applied to compress the injured area to control bleeding and swelling. Elevation of the affected area also minimizes the bleeding and swelling. Raise the affected area above the heart level for the first 72 hours or until the swelling would subside.

The “PRICE” management is effective but other treatments may be necessary if the patient experiences extreme pain that lasts for more than 24 hours. A health care professional would be able to make a diagnosis and recommend treatments. Treatments include chiropractic, physical therapy and massage therapy. If a patient suffers from severe pain, prescription medications might be necessary along with a rehabilitation program.

Chiropractic rehabilitation helps to rapidly solve the problem of injuried muscles, tendons and ligaments. One of the chiropractic specialties for such treatments is called ART or Active Release Techniques. Patient would be amazed at how fast your recovery would be if you go for a chiropractic adjustment, ART and Physical Therapy Modalities. It is a hands-on approach that locates then eliminates the scar tissues. The Graston Technique is a treatment using different stainless steel tools and it can be even more effective than ART. The Graston Technique uses instruments to treat the affected areas suffering from chronic inflammation or fibrosis of the soft tissues. SASTM is another chiropractic tool used that is made of acrylic instead of stainless steel as used on the Graston Technique. But, in some cases, in order to get the best result in treatment, both set of tools may be used on the patient as well as different modalities.

Question: What Kind of Therapy Have You Had For Your Soft Tissiue Injury? What was an outcome like?