Chiropractors in Woodbridge VA

Your Weight and your Low Back pain

in Chiropractor  by July 26, 2019 0 comments

What factor does your weight play in your low back pain?  Putting on a few pounds really doesn’t have a significant impact on your low back complaint.  Of course, the more weight you add the greater risk you have of developing a low back issue.  One thing that seems to go hand in hand with weight gain is a decrease in activity.  This is also a factor in developing a low back injury.  Your chiropractor in the Woodbridge, Dale City VA area wants to help you understand the links between low back pain and weight gain.

According to the American Obesity Association, episodes of musculoskeletal pain, and specifically back pain, are prevalent among the nearly one-third of Americans who are classified as obese.  The American Obesity Association also reports that more obese persons say they are disabled and less able to complete everyday activities than persons with other chronic conditions.

Some of the most common obesity-related problems include musculoskeletal and joint related pain.  For people who are overweight, attention to overall weight loss is important as every pound adds strain to the muscles and ligaments in the back.  In order to compensate for extra weight, the spine can become tilted and stressed unevenly. As a result, over time, the back may lose its proper support and an unnatural curvature of the spine may develop.

In particular, pain and problems in the low back may be aggravated by obesity. This occurs for people with extra weight in their stomachs because the excess weight pulls the pelvis forward and strains the lower back, creating lower back pain. According to the American Obesity Association, women who are obese or who have a large waist size are particularly at risk for lower back pain.

Obese or overweight patients may experience sciatica and low back pain from a herniated disc. This occurs when discs and other spinal structures are damaged from having to compensate for the pressure of extra weight on the back.

In addition, pinched nerves and piriformis syndrome may result when extra weight is pushed into spaces between bones in the low back area.

Arthritis of the spine that causes back pain may be aggravated when extra body weight strains joints. Those patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of greater than 25 are more likely to develop osteoarthritis than those with a lower BMI. The American Obesity Association recommends modest weight loss as a treatment for some types of osteoarthritis.

The effectiveness of back surgery may also be affected by a patient’s weight. Obese patients are at higher risk for complications and infections after surgery compared to patients who are not obese. For seriously overweight patients, paying attention to weight loss before undergoing back surgery may improve the healing process after surgery.

Identifying the Need for Weight Loss

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure commonly used by medical practitioners. BMI is a mathematical formula (BMI=kg/m2) that takes into account a person’s weight in kilograms and height in meters and calculates a number. The higher a person’s BMI falls on a pre-determined range of values, the higher the likelihood for obesity.  Although there is some debate over the specific meaning of BMI measurements, a BMI of 30 or higher is typically considered to be obese, while a measure of 25 to 29.9 is typically considered to be overweight.

It is also important to evaluate where excess fat is carried on the patient’s body. Patients who carry more weight around their midsection are at greater risk for obesity-related health problems, such as low back pain. Weight loss for health considerations is often advisable for women with a waist measurement of more than 35 inches or men with a waist measurement of more than 40 inches.

 

Doroski Chiropractic Neurology

3122 Golansky Blvd, Ste 102

Woodbridge VA 22192

703 730 9588

Map Link

Glucosamine

in Chiropractor  by May 31, 2019 0 comments

I am not big on plugging products or selling stuff to my patients.  One reason is I am skeptical of most things and the other is even if they work most people don’t completely follow through and they blame the seller or the product… not the fact they didn’t do it right!  Oddly enough that is how things work right now.  As your Chiropractor in the Woodbridge, Dale City VA area I have to relearn the benefits of glucosamine every 6 months.  Like most people I take it daily for about two months, then I take it when I see it on my desk for about a month and finally, I forget about it until my knee starts hurting.   Then I go man my knee hurts I wonder why?  About a week later I start taking the glucosamine.

  1. Helps Improve Joint Health & Osteoarthritis

Glucosamine is one of the best supplements for supporting joint health and lowering symptoms related to degenerative disorders like osteoarthritis. Aging naturally impacts the strength and durability of our joints, normally causing cartilage loss and joint pain over time. It doesn’t improve symptoms 100 percent of the time, but compared to many other supplements like chondroitin, glucosamine consistently rank as one of the most effective for treating arthritis discomfort.

 

Glucosamine slows down deterioration of joints when used long-term, plus it offers other benefits that prescription painkillers cannot (such as lowering chronic inflammation and improving digestive health). The results of taking glucosamine differ from person to person, but some long-term users often report pain relief that allows them to avoid surgeries and lower or eliminate medication use.

Osteoarthritis is a disorder characterized by ongoing joint pain caused from years of accumulating pressure and friction places on joints. It’s the most common type of arthritis worldwide, effecting millions of people (especially older adults). Glucosamine is one of the top supplements I recommend as part of a natural treatment approach for managing arthritis with diet and lifestyle changes.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease, so it becomes harder to move over the years as joint friction increases. Studies show that taking about 800 to 1500 milligrams of glucosamine daily can help millions of people suffering from degenerative joint diseases, preventing further damage, especially in commonly effected joints such as those in the knees and hips.  It has been shown to help offer relief from joint pain within 4–8 weeks, which might be longer than some prescriptions or over-the-counter pain killers, but it’s also a more natural and well-tolerated approach.

Glucosamine, whether used alone or in combination with other supplements like chondroitin, is not a “cure all” and guaranteed to help everyone, but major studies have found it can help many, especially those impacted most by arthritis. The Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT), which is considered the most comprehensive trial ever done involving glucosamine, found that the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate used for 8 weeks resulted in significant relief in the majority of study participants who had high amounts of joint pain. Many experienced improvements regarding their moderate-to-severe knee pains, although not all did (including those with milder pains).

 

  1. Improves Digestion & Eases Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Glucosamine is a helpful supplement for improving digestive function and repairing the lining of the GI tract. It’s even been shown to be an effective leaky gut supplement, combating a condition sometimes called “intestinal permeability.” This condition involves undigested food particles and proteins (like gluten, toxins and microbes) passing into the bloodstream through tiny openings in the lining of the GI tract.

Once these particles enter the bloodstream, they often trigger inflammation or initiate or worsen immune responses in the body. These include food sensitivities, arthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases. Glucosamine supplements, or naturally glucosamine-rich bone broth, help repair damaged tissue and lower inflammation related to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a set of conditions that are notoriously painful and hard to treat. The supplement may also help repair the lining of the bladder and stomach and intestines.

In 2000, researchers from the University Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology at University College School of Medicine found that glucosamine was an effective, inexpensive and nontoxic supplement used for treating chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Children affected by inflammatory bowel disease tend to have lower levels of glucosamine in the body. Interestingly, N-acetyl supplementation (GlcNAc) offered a mode of action distinct from conventional treatments, resulting in lower symptoms in 75 percent of patients.

The researchers found evidence of significant improvements in the majority of patients using glucosamine, even those who were unresponsive to other anti-inflammatory medications and antibiotics. Results showed improved integrity of the GI tract and restoration of healthy epithelial cell structures that helped stop gut permeability.

 

  1. Can Help Relieve TMJ Symptoms

TMJ (a disorder related to the temporo-manibular joint in the jaw) is common in young to middle-aged adults and characterized by frequent jaw and neck pains, headaches and trouble sleeping. TMJ affects the joint that connects the jaw to the skull and allows for the head to move up and down, or side to side, normally without pain.

As the TMJ joint becomes inflamed and worn down, pain worsens. This makes it harder to talk, eat and function normally. Studies suggest glucosamine helps ease TMJ symptoms and pain in people with arthritis that effects the jaw. The pain relief is on par with taking NSAID pain relievers can (such as ibuprofen or Advil).  Taking 500 to 1500 milligrams of glucosamine daily for several months or years may help you sleep better, chew and heal while lowering inflammation in the jaw long-term.

 

  1. Helps Alleviate Bone Pain

 

Many people with bone pain, low bone density and a history of fractures can benefit from taking glucosamine, which assists bone healing. This is especially true if they also have joint pains or a form of arthritis. Some evidence suggests that glucosamine helps preserve articular cartilage surrounding bones, decreases pain, increases physical function, and enhances activities in people with bone disorders or those who are at most at risk for bone loss (such as middle-aged and older women).

A 2013 study by the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology at Haseki Training and Research Hospital in Turkey found that glucosamine helped speed up the time it took rats to heal from bone fractures. Those researchers found that new bone formation and osteoblast lining were significantly higher in glucosamine-treated rats compared to those in control groups. After 4 weeks of taking 230 milligrams of glucosamine sulfate daily, the rats’ connective tissue surrounding bones were more cellular and vascular, and the newly formed bones that were previously fractured were stronger compared to controls.

 

Doroski Chiropractic Neurology

3122 Golansky Blvd, Ste 102

Woodbridge VA 22192

703 730 9588

Map Link

What to consider when buying new running shoes.

in Chiropractor  by March 29, 2019 0 comments

The difficult question everyone who works out eventually has to ask themselves….  Is it time to get new workout shoes?  I think everyone who has faced this dilemma knows that by the time you are thinking about your shoes, it is too late.  I know it sucks spending another $120.00 or more on a good pair of shoes isn’t what you wanted but your back, knees and ankles will thank you.  Here are some tips from your Woodbridge, Dale City VA Chiropractor on buying running/exercise shoes.

How to Select Athletic Shoes

Too many people choose fashion over function when purchasing athletic shoes, not realizing that poor-fitting shoes can lead to pain throughout the body. Because footwear plays such an important role in the function of bones and joints—especially for runners and other athletes—choosing the right shoe can help prevent pain in your back, hips, knees, and feet.

Unfortunately, there is no such thing as the very best athletic shoe—every pair of feet is different, every shoe has different features, and overall comfort is a very personal decision. For this reason, it is recommended that you first determine your foot type: normal, flat, or high-arched.

The Normal Foot

Normal feet have a normal-sized arch and will leave a wet footprint that has a flare, but shows the forefoot and heel connected by a broad band. A normal foot lands on the outside of the heel and rolls slightly inward to absorb shock.

Best shoes: Stability shoes with a slightly curved shape.

The Flat Foot

This type of foot has a low arch and leaves a print that looks like the whole sole of the foot. It usually indicates an over-pronated foot—one that strikes on the outside of the heel and rolls excessively inward (pronates). Over time, this can cause overuse injuries.

Best shoes: Motion-control shoes or high-stability shoes with firm midsoles. These shoes should be fairly resistant to twisting or bending. Stay away from highly cushioned, highly curved shoes, which lack stability features.

The High-Arched Foot

The high-arched foot leaves a print showing a very narrow band—or no band at all—between the forefoot and the heel. A curved, highly arched foot is generally supinated or under-pronated. Because the foot doesn’t pronate enough, usually it’s not an effective shock absorber.

Best shoes: Cushioned shoes with plenty of flexibility to encourage foot motion. Stay away from motion-control or stability shoes, which reduce foot mobility.

When determining your foot type, consult with your doctor of chiropractic. He or she can help determine your specific foot type, assess your gait, and then suggest the best shoe match.

Shoe Purchasing Tips

Consider the following tips before you purchase your next pair of athletic shoes:

 

  • Match the shoe to the activity. Select a shoe specific for the sport in which you will participate. Running shoes are primarily made to absorb shock as the heel strikes the ground. In contrast, tennis shoes provide more side-to-side stability. Walking shoes allow the foot to roll and push off naturally during walking, and they usually have a fairly rigid arch, a well-cushioned sole, and a stiff heel support for stability.
  • If possible, shop at a specialty store. It’s best to shop at a store that specializes in athletic shoes. Employees at these stores are often trained to recommend a shoe that best matches your foot type (shown above) and stride pattern.
  • Shop late in the day. If possible, shop for shoes at the end of the day or after a workout when your feet are generally at their largest. Wear the type of socks you usually wear during exercise, and if you use orthotic devices for postural support, make sure you wear them when trying on shoes.
  • Have your feet measured every time. It’s important to have the length and width of both feet measured every time you shop for shoes, since foot size often changes with age and most people have 1 foot that is larger than the other. Also, many podiatrists suggest that you measure your foot while standing in a weight bearing position because the foot elongates and flattens when you stand, affecting the measurement and the fit of the shoe.
  • Make sure the shoe fits correctly. Choose shoes for their fit, not by the size you’ve worn in the past. The shoe should fit with an index finger’s width between the end of the shoe and the longest toe. The toe box should have adequate room and not feel tight. The heel of your foot should fit snugly against the back of the shoe without sliding up or down as you walk or run. If possible, keep the shoe on for 10 minutes to make sure it remains comfortable.

How Long Do Shoes Last?

Once you have purchased a pair of athletic shoes, don’t run them into the ground. While estimates vary as to when the best time to replace old shoes is, most experts agree that between 300 and 500 miles is optimal. In fact, most shoes should be replaced even before they begin to show signs of moderate wear. Once shoes show wear, especially in the cushioning layer called the midsole, they also begin to lose their shock absorption. Failure to replace worn shoes is a common cause of injuries like shin splints, heel spurs, and plantar fasciitis.

 

Facebook link

Doroski Chiropractic Neurology

3122 Golansky Blvd, Ste 102

Woodbridge VA 22192

703 730 9588

Map Link

What is Sciatica?

in Chiropractor  by March 15, 2019 0 comments

Sciatica is a term used to describe almost every type of leg pain out there.  The problem is it is actually a specific diagnosis.  It is essentially the xerox of back/leg pain.  As your Chiropractor in the Woodbridge, Dale City VA area I want to help you understand sciatica.  Here is the information the ACA uses to define sciatica.    Your local chiropractor is a great place to start and if you are in the Woodbridge Virginia area give us a call.

Sciatica describes persistent pain felt along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back, down through the buttock, and into the lower leg. The sciatic nerve is the longest and widest nerve in the body, running from the lower back through the buttocks and down the back of each leg. It controls the muscles of the lower leg and provides sensation to the thighs, legs, and the soles of the feet.

Although sciatica is a relatively common form of low-back and leg pain, the true meaning of the term is often misunderstood. Sciatica is actually a set of symptoms—not a diagnosis for what is irritating the nerve root and causing the pain.

Sciatica occurs most frequently in people between the ages of 30 and 50 years old. Most often, it tends to develop as a result of general wear and tear on the structures of the lower spine, not as a result of injury.

What are the symptoms of sciatica?

The most common symptom associated with sciatica is pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, from the lower back and down one leg; however, symptoms can vary widely depending on where the sciatic nerve is affected. Some may experience a mild tingling, a dull ache, or even a burning sensation, typically on one side of the body.

Some patients also report:

  • A pins-and-needles sensation, most often in the toes or foot
  • Numbness or muscle weakness in the affected leg or foot

Pain from sciatica often begins slowly, gradually intensifying over time. In addition, the pain can worsen after prolonged sitting, sneezing, coughing, bending, or other sudden movements.

How is sciatica diagnosed?

Your doctor of chiropractic will begin by taking a complete patient history. You’ll be asked to describe your pain and to explain when the pain began, and what activities lessen or intensify the pain. Forming a diagnosis will also require a physical and neurological exam, in which the doctor will pay special attention to your spine and legs. You may be asked to perform some basic activities that will test your sensory and muscle strength, as well as your reflexes. For example, you may be asked to lie on an examination table and lift your legs straight in the air, one at a time.

In some cases, your doctor of chiropractic may recommend diagnostic imaging, such as x-ray, MRI, or CT scan. Diagnostic imaging may be used to rule out a more serious condition, such as a tumor or infection, and can be used when patients with severe symptoms fail to respond to six to eight weeks of conservative treatment.

What are my treatment options?

For most people, sciatica responds very well to conservative care, including chiropractic. Keeping in mind that sciatica is a symptom and not a stand-alone medical condition, treatment plans will often vary depending on the underlying cause of the problem.

Chiropractic offers a non-invasive (non-surgical), drug-free treatment option. The goal of chiropractic care is to restore spinal movement, thereby improving function while decreasing pain and inflammation. Depending on the cause of the sciatica, a chiropractic treatment plan may cover several different treatment methods, including but not limited to spinal adjustments, ice/heat therapy, ultrasound, TENS, and rehabilitative exercises.

 

An Ounce of Prevention Is Worth a Pound of Cure

While it’s not always possible to prevent sciatica, consider these suggestions to help protect your back and improve your spinal health.

 

  • Maintain a healthy diet and weight
  • Exercise regularly
  • Maintain proper posture
  • Avoid prolonged inactivity or bed rest
  • If you smoke, seek help to quit
  • Use good body mechanics when lifting

 

+scottdoroski3122/posts

+doroskichiropractic3122/posts

 

Doroski Chiropractic Neurology

3122 Golansky Blvd, Ste 102

Woodbridge VA 22192

703 730 9588

Map Link

Ankle injuries

in Chiropractor  by March 1, 2019 0 comments

It seems like when it rains it pours.  I just finished seeing my fourth patient of the week with and ankle injury.  An ankle injury on its own is fairly self-limiting unless you are limping around on it.  Than you start to screw up your knee, hip and low back.  As your chiropractor in the Woodbridge, Dale City VA area that is when you come see me.  So, in a round about way I am a fan of ankle injuries!  Just kidding.  Here are some things that can help you with yours to prevent you from screwing up your low back.

 

Ankle Rehabilitation Program1

As described in Human Locomotion, the following is a sample ankle sprain rehabilitation plan.

Phase 1. The patient is unable to bear weight.

  1. A) Compressive wrap with U-shaped felt balance around fibula. Change every 4 hours.
  2. B) Patient actively abducts/adducts toes for 5 seconds, repeat 10 times.
  3. C) Write out alphabet with toes, 5 times per day.
  4. D) Stationary bike, 15 minutes per day.
  5. E) Ankle rock board performed while seated (off weight-bearing), 30 circles, performed clockwise and counterclockwise 2 times per day. Perform on uninjured ankle while standing for 3 minutes. The standing rock board performed on the uninjured ankle has been shown to increase proprioception in the contralateral limb.
  6. F) Mild Grade 3 and 4 mobilization of the joints of the foot and ankle.

Phase 2. Patient can walk with minimal discomfort, and the sprained ankle has 90 percent full range of motion.

  1. A) Mobilize all stiff joints in the lower extremity and pelvis.
  2. B) Thera-Band exercises in all planes, 3 sets of 25 in each direction.
  3. C) Double-leg and then single-leg heel raises on the involved side, 3 sets of 10 reps, performed 2 times per day.
  4. D) Standing closed-eye balance, 30 seconds, 5 times per day.
  5. E) Standing single-leg ankle rock board, performed for 1 minute, 5 times per day.
  6. F) Closed kinetic chain exercises. (The sprained ankle is positioned securely on the ground while the patient pulls a resistance band forward and to the side. The patient then rotates 180° and the exercise is repeated by extending and abducting the uninvolved limb.)

Phase 3. Patient can hop on involved ankle without pain.

  1. A) Run at 80 percent full speed, avoid forefront touch down.
  2. B) Minitrampoline: 3 sets of 30 jumps forward, backward, and side to side. Begin on both legs, progress to single limb.
  3. C) Plyometrics performed on a 50cm and a 25cm box, positioned one meter apart. Jump from one box to the ground and then to the other box, landing as softly as possible. Perform 3 sets of 5 repetitions.

Resource:

Michaud, T. 2011. Human Locomotion: The Conservative Management of Gait-Related Disorders. Newton Biomechanics.

+scottdoroski3122/posts

+doroskichiropractic3122/posts

 

Doroski Chiropractic Neurology

3122 Golansky Blvd, Ste 102

Woodbridge VA 22192

703 730 9588

Map Link

Weights or Cardio

in Chiropractor  by November 16, 2018 0 comments

In my search to find possibly lazier ways to work out I decided to check and see if lifting weights would burn more calories than cardio.  I determined this was based on how much I wanted to lie to myself about the effort I put in.  It is an accepted fact that running a mile burns 100 calories.  So, say you did 6 miles in an hour you burned 600 calories.  Now let’s compare that to lifting weights.  Your Chiropractor in the Woodbridge, Dale City VA area has some information from Livestrong that helps clear this up.

Strength training, or resistance training, includes lifting free weights, using weight machines, working with resistance bands and performing body-weight exercises. Although this type of exercise doesn’t burn many calories, it keeps your muscles and bones strong and can increase your metabolism, which means you burn more calories throughout the day. A total-body strength-training workout at least twice a week is vital for maintaining overall health.

Calories Burned

Most strength-training workouts burn only a modest amount of calories compared to aerobic activities. Half an hour of moderate weightlifting burns 112 calories if you weigh 155 pounds and 133 calories if you’re 185 pounds, according to the Harvard Medical School. Vigorous weightlifting burns 223 calories for a 155-pound person and 266 calories for a 185-pound person. Half an hour of body-weight exercises like pushups and pullups burn 167 calories if you weigh 155 pounds and 200 calories if you weigh 185 pounds. Perform these at a more vigorous intensity and you can burn 298 calories at 155 pounds and 355 calories at 185 pounds.

Heavier Weights

Lifting weights just 5 to 10 percent heavier than the ones you currently use may help you burn 500 to 600 more calories per strength training session. Heavier weights with which you can perform only 6 to 8 repetitions are a better option than light weights with which you can perform 12 to 15 repetitions. Using heavier weights boosts your metabolism more post-workout than using light weights.

Compound Exercises

Compound exercises, which involve multiple joints, burn more calories than isolation exercises involving just one joint, such as biceps curls. Compound exercise options include pushups, pullups, barbell squats, lunges, bench presses, military presses and deadlifts. Ideally, aim to involve as many muscles as you can in each exercise. For example, you might perform a body-weight squat with a bicep curl.

Circuit Training

A circuit-training routine that combines strength training and cardiovascular exercise can increase your calorie-burning rate. This type of circuit training involves alternating between strength training and cardiovascular exercise with no rest between each exercise. You might do strengthening for one minute then cardio for one minute. Or complete a circuit of five or six strength-training exercises, do high-intensity cardio for one to five minutes, then repeat the strength-training circuit. Always start your workout with a cardiovascular warm-up of at least five minutes.

 

+scottdoroski3122/posts

+doroskichiropractic3122/posts

 

Doroski Chiropractic Neurology

3122 Golansky Blvd, Ste 102

Woodbridge VA 22192

703 730 9588

Map Link

Chiropractic and Dizziness

in Chiropractor  by August 17, 2018 0 comments

As your chiropractor in the Woodbridge, Dale City VA area I see lots of patients coming in with dizziness or vertigo like symptoms.  First of course it is good practice to rule out the big things.  So after an exam I may order an MRI to rule out space occupying problems or vascular problems.  Once those are ruled out we can start with the chiropractic care.

When someone experiences dizziness, also called vertigo, the whole world seems to spin out of control with the nearest solid object becoming a lifesaver.  Vertigo is a common complaint, especially after head and neck trauma. It may come from problems in the inner ear, or from disturbances in pathways in the nervous system.  The experience can be impact your whole world, causing nausea, vomiting, and sweating.

If you are having trouble with vertigo, your chiropractor may be able to help. In a recent report in Livestrong, chiropractic solutions are outlined.  Chiropractic manipulation can help solve vertigo:  “Your chiropractor will use manipulation targeting joints that are not moving properly. In the upper neck, faulty motion patterns create misinformation about body position and movement going from the joints to the brain. This type of vertigo, called cervicogenic vertigo, can be helped by chiropractic manipulation.”

Positioning Maneuvers: The inner ear houses the body’s true balance center, the vestibulocochlear system. This complex system of fluid-filled tubes lined with hair-like sensors provides information to the central nervous system about position and movement. In some individuals, debris may accumulate in there. If this debris settles on sensitive areas within the tubes, it may result in vertigo.

If the patient’s vertigo appears to be coming from the inner ear, a chiropractor may use the Epley Maneuver to reposition the debris to a more innocuous position.

Your chiropractor will have exercises to help too.  Exercises like the Brandt-Daroff technique have the person sit on the edge of a bed and flop first to one side, back upright, then to the other side at one-minute intervals. Tai chi exercise may also help as slow, controlled movements provide a safe way to focus on your body movements and balance.

Your chiropractor will discuss your diet and daily habits to pinpoint other reasons for vertigo. Tobacco, alcohol, caffeine, and other substances that stimulate or depress the nervous system may become triggers. And non-prescription sleeping pills or antihistamines can spark dizziness. Your chiropractor may also suggest meditation, relaxation, or breathing techniques to regain control.

As you pursue diet, new daily habits, and relaxation techniques, be sure to discuss changes with your doctor to complete your health picture.

 

+scottdoroski3122/posts

+doroskichiropractic3122/posts

 

Doroski Chiropractic Neurology

3122 Golansky Blvd, Ste 102

Woodbridge VA 22192

703 730 9588

Map Link

Lumbar Supports

in Chiropractor  by June 22, 2018 0 comments

To brace or not to brace!  That is the question.  Most medical opinion is to use them for short periods of time and mainly when active.  Cranking one on at 7AM and taking it off at 7PM is never a good idea.  The brace is a support and a reminder that your back hurts more than it is something you need all day.  If you use it for to long your back muscles actually weaken and you become dependent on it.   As your chiropractor in the Woodbridge, Dale City VA area I have some info on braces for you.

If you walk into any drug store, mega-box store or sporting goods store, you’ll be sure to find a variety of lumbar supports, back braces and alike. Because these devices are readily accessible, many users grab one off the self before seeking professional advice. That’s not necessarily a good idea because back braces offer a mixed bag of benefits and risks.

Now, strapping on an elastic lumbar support is tempting as a means to relieve pain and keep on going. And for the most part, these medical devices can help to accomplish that goal. The wrap-around support mimics the internal support that supposed to be provided by the abdominal muscles. Because many people have weak core muscles, the extra bracing does help sometimes. It’s probably most helpful in someone with disc degeneration as opposed to someone with lumbar stenosis. And it’s probably most helpful in average-weight individuals that don’t carry a lot of belly fat. Even if you don’t get a great deal of actual support from a brace, these medical devices when worn do provide physical cues that serve as reminders about using proper body mechanics.

The most beneficial back braces that are on the market are usually only available through an orthotist or specialty medical supply company. A basic example is a lumbar-sacral corset like the Aspen Quick Draw which has some rigid reinforcements in addition to the elastic support. Those who have a need for extra-support because of a spine fracture might be prescribed a brace like the chair-back lumbar brace or a brace that incorporates the thoracic spine called a TLSO (Thoracolumbar sacral orthosis). After surgery, some surgeons order a custom fit, hard-shelled orthosis that looks like a turtle’s shell and supports the entire thoracic and lumbar spine. No matter which brace your doctor thinks is best for you, your doctor will eventually want to you to gradually stop wearing a brace as your injury heals and as the muscle strengthen. This weaning process is best accomplished by sending you to physical therapy to strengthen your natural, built-in back brace.

Your natural back brace is your abdominal muscles, your spine muscles, and your core muscles. If you wear a lumbar support too much, you’ll weaken these muscles. Your body will become dependent on the use of the back brace to the point that the muscles will get lazy. Once that happens, your pain will get worse when you remove the back brace.

If you are already at that point, you’ll need to wean off your back brace dependency slowly. Weaning involves removing the support for brief periods of time every day and gradually increasing that “no brace” time week by week. In order to avoid lumbar support dependency, don’t wear it all the time. Wear your brace only as prescribed by your doctor or only when you are doing some heavy activities that require extra support to do them. However, when you buy that brace at the store, you don’t get these warnings or directions for use.

So buyer beware: back braces provide mixed bag of benefits and risks. You may experience temporary pain relief but you also risk becoming dependent, too.

 

+scottdoroski3122/posts

+doroskichiropractic3122/posts

 

Doroski Chiropractic Neurology

3122 Golansky Blvd, Ste 102

Woodbridge VA 22192

703 730 9588

Map Link

Leaf Raking Time

in Chiropractor  by April 27, 2018 0 comments

This looks like the weekend to get your yard ready for summer.  It is important that there are no dead leaves on your lawn so it can die evenly in the mid July heat.  That being said as your Woodbridge, Dale City VA area chiropractor I have a few tips to help you clean up your yard without injury.  In the even an injury does happen make sure you call right away.

Just as playing football or golf can injure your body, the twisting, turning, bending, and reaching of mowing and raking can also cause injury if your body is not prepared. Like an athlete, if you leap into something without warming up or knowing how to do it, the chances of injury are greater.

What Can You Do?

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) offers the following tips to help prevent the needless pain yard work may cause.

Do stretching exercises, without bouncing, for a total of 10 to 15 minutes spread over the course of your work. Do knee-to-chest pulls, trunk rotations, and side bends with hands above your head and fingers locked. Take a short walk to stimulate circulation. When finished with the yard work, repeat the stretching exercises.

Stand as straight as possible, and keep your head up as you rake or mow.

When it’s still warm outside, avoid the heat. If you’re a morning person, get the work done before 10 a.m. Otherwise, do your chores after 6 p.m.

Wear supportive shoes. Good foot and arch support can stop some of the strain from affecting your back.

When raking, use a “scissors” stance: right foot forward and left foot back for a few minutes, then reverse, putting your left foot forward and right foot back.

Bend at the knees, not the waist, as you pick up piles of leaves or grass from the grass catcher. Make the piles small to decrease the possibility of back strain.

When mowing, use your whole bodyweight to push the mower, rather than just your arms and back.

If your mower has a pull cord, don’t twist at the waist or yank the cord. Instead, bend at the knees and pull in one smooth motion.

Drink lots of water, wear a hat, shoes and protective glasses. And, to avoid blisters, try wearing gloves. If your equipment is loud, wear hearing protection. If you have asthma or allergies, wear a mask.

Try ergonomic tools, too. They’re engineered to protect you when used properly.

If you do feel soreness or stiffness in your back, use ice to soothe the discomfort. If there’s no improvement in two or three days, see your local doctor of chiropractic.

+scottdoroski3122/posts

+doroskichiropractic3122/posts

 

Doroski Chiropractic Neurology

3122 Golansky Blvd, Ste 102

Woodbridge VA 22192

703 730 9588

Map Link

Weekend Warrior Time

in Chiropractor  by April 6, 2018 0 comments

It is looking like we are getting some warm weather on a more consistent basis.  So that means it is time to find your golf clubs and softball mitt.  Just don’t follow my lead on this one.  I like to take three or four swings in the front yard than go ok where are my cigars I am ready to play.  As your chiropractor in the Woodbridge, Dale City VA area I should give you some really advice.

Anyone who concentrates all their exercise into 1 or 2 intense bouts a week could be considered a weekend warrior. But physicians agree that weekend warriors tend to be men older than 30, especially former competitive athletes who expect their bodies to adapt to—and recover from—activity the same way it did when they were teenagers.

But even people who are not super athletes can suffer injuries if they do intense activities over the course of a day or two, such as a weekend of yard work or cleaning gutters.

 

The types of injuries that frequently occur for weekend warriors are:

Muscle strains, such as hamstring injuries

Ligament sprains, particularly ankle sprains

Tendonitis in the Achilles tendon and elsewhere

Shin splints

Shoulder or rotator cuff injuries

 

Nearly all of these types of injuries can be resolved by following the RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevate) protocol. If pain lasts longer than a few weeks or doesn’t improve, make an appointment to see your doctor.

 

Prevent injuries before they occur

The main trigger for weekend warrior injuries is the abrupt transition from little or no activity to intense bouts of it. Muscles and soft tissues need gradual conditioning to perform at their best.

To prevent this, it’s important to exercise more regularly, if possible. Even if your main period of activity is on the weekends, try to fit in at least 1 or 2 periods of exercise on weekdays.

 

Build up activity slowly.

If you’ve been inactive for most of the winter or you’re starting training for a marathon in the fall, gradually increase your exercise time and intensity each week.

 

Warm up.

Before you jump into activity, warm up your muscles with 10 minutes of moderately paced activity like jogging, for example.

 

Stretch.

After doing a few minutes of light exercise, stretch your major muscle groups, such as your quads and hamstrings, as well as any muscles that will be heavily used during your chosen activity. You can also benefit from using a foam roller before you stretch, which has been shown to increase flexibility and lessen post-exercise pain.

Don’t forget to stretch after you finish exercising too. The findings about the benefits of pre-exercise stretching are mixed, but stretching after exercise has clear benefits for decreasing soreness and helping muscle tissue return to its normal state.

 

Use proper technique and proper equipment.

It may help to consult a coach, trainer, or physical therapist if you’re new to a sport or piece of equipment.

 

Find an exercise program.

A class or race training group can help you set a good pace for working toward your exercise goals.

 

Don’t push through serious pain.

Mild muscle soreness is normal after a workout, but stop exercising if you experience sudden, piercing pain or if you have pain that’s getting steadily worse.

 

+scottdoroski3122/posts

+doroskichiropractic3122/posts

 

Doroski Chiropractic Neurology

3122 Golansky Blvd, Ste 102

Woodbridge VA 22192

703 730 9588

Map Link