| Whiplash |
Driving is a part of daily life for many of us. When we spend more hours in the car, the chances of injury naturally increase. Even minor, rear-end collisions pose serious potential for injury to the spine. Whiplash, when the head and neck are suddenly jolted in one direction and then another, commonly occurs during these accidents.
That sudden 'whipping' of the head and neck can damage the supporting tissues of the spine. In severe cases, damage extends to the neck's many joints, discs, ligaments, muscles and nerves.
Curiously, the symptoms of whiplash: muscle fatigue, pain, and stiffness, may not develop immediately. In some cases, they may take up to 48 hours to set in. This relatively common anomaly is not completely understood.
It's always a good idea to check with a medical professional after a car accident. However, a recent study from the University of Toronto suggests that early and aggressive treatment may delay recovery. Spinal manipulation from a chiropractor can give relief in cases of neck pain, but you should also have patience, keep a positive attitude, and take care of yourself. Be gentle with your neck, but don't avoid movement or activity. If your chiropractor prescribes an exercise or stretching program, be sure to follow through.
Naturally, prevention is the best cure. You can't control how other people drive, but you can protect yourself. Before driving, set your head rest level with, and no less than 2.5 inches from, the back of your head. This will help reduce the distance your head travels during a rear-end collision. Every time you get into the car, make sure that your head rest is set properly.
Safe travels.
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| You may want to sit down for this.
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| Receipts and cards, photos and cash. What's in your wallet?
If it's full to overflowing, think twice before sitting on it. Sitting on a full wallet for a long time can throw off your spine's natural alignment, causing discomfort or pain.
A simple solution: when driving or sitting for long periods of time, pull your wallet out of the back pocket. If you're concerned about security, put it in your front pocket or another personal item.
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| Early Pain Prevention |
| As parents, we can help our children towards a pain-free adulthood by teaching them at an early age how to take care of their body. Maintaining a healthy weight, healthy eating, and routine exercise go a long way to extending pain-free days.
All athletes need to warm up first. Encourage youngsters to jog for 10 or 15 minutes before stretching.
Young athletes need to drink water before, during and after play. They may need as much water as an active adult, eight 8-ounce glasses.
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