Easy Steps To Eliminate Your Back Pain
Does a painful moan come out of your mouth often when you get up from a chair?
Back pain can make a serious negative impact on your quality of life if you need to have the right information to handle it. This article provides the information you are doing all you can to treat and manage your back pain.
Find a good mattress to avoid aggravating your back pain.
It is a well known fact that very soft mattresses are bad for backs. While firm mattresses are always better, take care that a mattress is not too firm, as this will cause back pain also. You might have to check out numerous stores and try laying on different mattress sets until you find one that feels like it will help your ideal mattress.
For instance, the greater flexibility offered by yoga can help you to prevent unnecessary muscle strains. If you have to do a lot of heavy lifting, focus on strength training for your core muscles to fortify them.
To determine your back pain’s severity and to avoid worsening the injury, it is a good idea to take it easy for a couple of days after the onset of the pain. If the back pain subsides in a short time, then you can assume the injury was minor. When your pain does not go away or gets significantly worse, you should consult your care provider or a chiropractor to discover the cause and treat it. Resting more than two days is counterproductive because of muscle atrophy, and it may even make the problem worse due to back muscle atrophy.
Lay down and lift your knees at a 90 degree angle to your hips.
This comfortable position will decrease the stress your back. If this position feels uncomfortable to you, try experimenting with different positions to find one that works for you.
Lifting items that are far from you is usually a result of laziness and/or impatience. People attempt to do this daily. You have to ensure you move physically closer to far away objects, and take the time to do things the right way.
The fastest way to accomplish this is to lay down and putting heat to the tense muscles. It will also be a good idea to drink lots of fluids and reduce your sodium intake while you are in pain. This is because dehydration can either cause or worsen muscle spasms.
If you are having back pain, consult your physician for a diagnosis.
There are tons of both prescription and non-prescription medications that help with back pain. It is crucial that you consult a physician before you make any decisions on which medications to take. Sometimes you can get relief from non-prescription medicine, and sometimes it is necessary for other prescribed medications; even treatment with a dose of painkillers.
Back surgery might be a consideration if your doctor in cases of severe back pain. Surgery should only be used as a last resort if all other options have been unsuccessful.
Some back injuries can be so severe that they cause paralysis, but it’s dependent upon how extreme it is and the situation. There are also other back conditions that can only be fixed with surgery.
Make sure that you are sitting up straight.
Bad posture tends to put unnecessary strain on your spine and spine. If you have to sit for long periods of time for work or other reasons, have a supportive, comfortable chair to sit in. Sitting on an exercise balls can help you improve your posture and keep your back.
Be aware of your posture throughout the day and night.
Your back should be straight, your elbows should be at your sides, with one in front of the other and as you type, keep your elbows by your sides.
Visit your local natural foods or nutrition store to see if they carry good back pain. Different types of stores and specialists will recommend different types of items. Ask someone that is working there what they recommend for back pain.
Smoking can be a cause of back pain. Smoking affects circulation and contributes to the degeneration of your spinal discs by reducing blood flow.
You can easily spread your weight evenly by sleeping on your side to sleep.
If your job requires you to sit for long periods of time, bringing in a foot stool can minimize the amount of back pain you feel over the course of a day. Just raising your feet up at the onset of back pain. The elevation should work to eliminate your pain before it becomes a big problem.
Physical Therapy from a Professional
Physical therapy from a professional can be a very effective method to reduce back pain, although it can be costly if your insurance doesn’t cover it.If your doctor doesn’t have a referral for you, they will at least direct you to the right place. It can be a bit costly, but a medical professional can give you the best care for your back pain.
Although you want to avoid excessive alcohol consumption for your back health, consuming a glass of wine can help give you some back pain relief. Wine will help your muscles relax, but only when moderately consumed. This may be a great way to help you temporarily relieve back when it is hurt.
It is important to have proper lower back support whenever you are seated at the office. If the lumbar region of your back (where it curves) isn’t supported, a lot of back pain can result. Try placing a pillow behind this region for better support.
Include more of the vitamin B12 into your daily diet.
A deficiency in this type of B12 has been known to cause back pain for some people. You can eliminate back pain by eating foods that are high in many vegetables.
As mentioned earlier, being properly informed is essential in managing a serious issue like back pain in an appropriate manner. Use the information laid out here to make informed choices on how to best handle your back pain, or the back pain of someone you love.
Contact Dr. Mierzwa today at 716-965-4343.
5 Ways Your Chiropractor Can Relieve Pain
People go to chiropractors for a number of reasons, but one of the most predominant reasons is for the relief of pain. Contrary to what you may believe, pain of all types – even headaches and joint discomfort – may resonate from problems in the spinal region. For that reason, chiropractic care can be a great, natural go-to for pain relief, even if you are seeing a medical doctor; especially if your doctor hasn’t been able to ease your pain. As a matter of fact, a recent survey conducted by Consumer Reports found that sixty-five percent of all people who receive chiropractic care for pain assert that they experience “a lot” of relief from their treatments. So, just how does chiropractic care work such wonders? Here are five ways your chiropractor can relieve pain:
Multifaceted approach to wellness. Chiropractors do not prescribe medications. Instead, they advise their patients on diet and nutrition, as well as exercise and fitness, in order to promote a well-balanced approach to the treatment of pain and other health conditions. For example, a chiropractor can tell you which vitamins and supplements will best support the recovery of your specific cause of pain.
A chiropractor can even help you in boosting your body’s immunity. This will boost your physical ability toward off infections.
Vertebral alignment. This is the standard treatment you will receive any time you go in for a session to relieve pain. Many types of pain are caused by misaligned vertebrae, as well as swelling caused by illness and injury. When a chiropractor aligns your spinal column, it frees up the space in between your discs, allowing nerves the ability to communicate with the nervous system more effectively so that they stop sending pain signals.
There are many good reasons you may want to visit a chiropractor. If you are experiencing ongoing pain in your back or neck, then you should contact one immediately. Your body will not run correctly if you properly align the skeletal structure.
Deep tissue massage. Chiropractors often offer deep tissue massage as an additional service. This treatment can greatly relieve pain caused by stress, muscle tension, and inflexibility.
Acupuncture. In addition to deep tissue massage, many chiropractors also offer acupuncture as a supplement to their other services. Acupuncture is an ages-old technique used to treat and relieve pain, in addition to a wide array of other health conditions.
Chiropractic care can also improve your immunity. Bones that are not aligned properly can cause problems with the nervous system. Because the nervous system is in control of cell, cell and organ function, if it gets impacted it can make your health go wrong. Fixing any issues can return your immune system back to peak levels.
Cold laser. This is a relatively new technological development to be used in chiropractic care, and some chiropractors are seeing great results in their patients who seek pain relief from their chiropractic treatments.
Don’t carry your wallet in a back pocket. This can cause lower back. It will put quit a bit of pressure in that area of your back along with the nerves that connect to your reproductive organs, the colon, bladder, and your bladder.
As you can see, a chiropractor does much more than bend, twist, and pop your back into place. Chiropractic care encompasses a variety of treatment techniques, and can effectively treat pain of any type – even pain having nothing to do with the back.
Contact Dr. Mierzwa today at 716-965-4343.
Chiropractic Care Basics
Chiropractic Care Basics
It’s likely you know at least one or two people who make regular visits to a chiropractor, and it’s also likely these people swear by the benefits of chiropractic care. So, what is chiropractic care all about? And, more importantly, is it right for you? Here are chiropractic care basics to help answer your questions:
Pay attention to the way your sleep position can lessen back problems. Put a pillow so that it is under your head and shoulders. Place a rolled up towel beneath your neck and knees to maintain the natural curve of your body’s main three curves stabilized. You should also have a more comfortable mattress.
Who gets chiropractic care?
Anyone may go to a chiropractor for treatment, regardless of age, and for a wide variety of reasons. People with back pain often seek the treatment of a chiropractor, but so do people with asthma, headaches, diabetes, allergies, stomach ulcers, and many other common ailments. If you think chiropractic care might be a good solution for you, then it never hurts to schedule a consultation.
Ask your regular physician if they can refer you doctor to recommend a quality chiropractor. Even if you don’t need a referral, your doctor can suggest a good chiropractor.
What can you expect at the chiropractic office?
Any chiropractic session includes an alignment of the vertebrae. This is where the chiropractor works the muscles around the spinal column, as well as the positioning of your back and joints, in order to correctly align all of your discs, relieving pain and pressure in the process. It is not unusual to experience some soreness after the alignment, which will subside with time. Additionally, many chiropractors offer extra therapeutic services in their office for the treatment of back discomfort and stiffness. These include deep tissue massage and acupuncture.
How does chiropractic care work?
When the chiropractor aligns your spine, the goal is to free up ample space in between your vertebrae for optimal nerve conduction. By alleviating the pressure on your spinal cord, often caused by swelling and/or bulging or herniated discs, the nerves are able to communicate effectively with the rest of the nervous system. This can relieve many common health conditions, many of which have nothing to do with the back, itself.
Don’t carry your wallet in your pants’ back pocket. Many men put a wallet in back pockets because they do not know it can harm their lower back. Carry your wallet in a front pocket.
How much does chiropractic treatment cost?
The cost of your treatment will vary depending on what kind of care is required. Any time you are a new patient, you can expect that the doctor will take some extra time with you going through a thorough medical history, as well as an extensive physical examination.
As you can see, there are many reasons to visit a chiropractor, and many benefits to be had from chiropractic care. Consider these chiropractic care basics to determine if seeing a chiropractor is right for you.
Contact Dr. Mierzwa today at 716-965-4343.
Foot Levelers Orthotics Fit Your Lifestyle
Functional Orthotics like Foot Levelers support all three arches in the feet, thereby creating a stable foundation upon which to build proper body posture. Each pair is individually designed to stabilize the spine and pelvis by correcting the specific imbalances in the feet.
We emphasize individually designed, because that is exactly what they are. You will not find two people with the exact same pair, just as you will not find two people with the exact same lifestyle.
Foot Levelers strives to meet the demands of our patients’ different lifestyles. We want to accommodate and provide quality Functional Orthotics that keep up with their day-to-day routine. We are certain that we have the right fit for you; whether they’re worn to the gym, the office, or the golf course, Foot Levelers is there every step of the way.
Especially for:
Athletes
Enhance Athletes’ Performance
Every sport requires perfect balance, and Functional Orthotics provide the best balanced foundation for your body. Athletes wearing our orthotics have a lower risk of injuries ranging from Turf Toe to broken bones. A common injury that can help be prevented is sprained ankle because of the support Functional Orthotics provide.
What our orthotics can do for the athlete:
- Proven to increase vertical leap
- Research shows that people have increased strength
- Athletic shoes, alone, do not provide enough protection against the tons of pressure being exerted on the feet while running
- Once arches in your feet are compromised, there is no way to restore them
- Professional athletes purchase and wear our Functional Orthotics to enhance their performance
Children
Help Children Grow Stronger
It is important that children’s feet be supported and in balance. Most children grow up with flat arches and need corrective support to relieve pain. Functional Orthotics that slip into a child’s shoes help support the feet in a balanced, stable position. Due to the rapid pace of children’s overall growth, it is essential to keep them in properly fitted Functional Orthotics and shoes.
What our orthotics can do for children:
- Help prevent misalignments of the spine which affects a child’s nervous system
- Allows child to go through correct gait cycle as they develop
- Provides the child with comfort and support while enhancing the effectiveness of adjustments
- Help protect the child’s growing body and improve their overall health
Businessmen/women
Provide Support During Business Hours
Whether you’re sitting at a desk all day or spending a majority of time on your feet, Functional Orthotics can benefit you. Generally, business style shoes for men are tight and provide little, if any, support. Professional women often complain of knee and foot pain from the high heels or tight fitting shoes they choose to wear.
What our orthotics can do for you:
- Relieve your knee and foot pain
- Provide comfort throughout the day
- Comfort while wearing shoes with a 1″ to 2″ heel
- Give you the support you need without having to sacrifice the style of shoe you want to wear
Elderly patients
Relieve Some Stresses of Aging
We can blame the effects of time for many microtraumas among elderly folks. Of all the most common types of microtrauma, the elderly seem most concerned with the development of stress fractures and degenerative arthritis. With age, the musculoskeletal system’s ability to respond to daily stresses diminishes. Time has the tendency to stretch and relax ligaments, weaken muscles, decrease shock absorption, and increase the risk of bone-weakening conditions.
What our orthotics can do for them:
- Enhance shock-absorbing abilities that have been weakened by postural distortion or accidents
- Bones and joints can benefit from the increased balance and support provided
- Help avoid microtraumas by correcting posture and normal biomechanics
- Reduce wear and tear to a level within the body’s ability to repair
Diabetic patients
Optimum Protection for Diabetics
Diabetics must take special care of their feet. Diabetes damages blood vessels, which results in poor circulation, nerve damage and slow healing. This combination of factors can cause significant health problems for any who suffers with diabetes.
What our orthotics can do for them:
- Support the foot and encourage even weight distribution, resulting in relief from pressure that can cause ulcers, sores, and blisters
- Encourage physical activity for weight control
- Absorb shock, which eases heel strike and reduces joint stress
- Reduce knee and spine stress
- Provide injury protection with a flexible, padded surface
Call today to set up your appointment! 716-965-4343
Basics of Chiropractic Adjustments
Basics of Chiropractic AdjustmentsThe prospect of seeing a chiropractor for the first time can cause some apprehensions, to say the least. However, that is usually only due to unfamiliarity with the functions of a chiropractor and the techniques a chiropractor uses to treat patients. Fortunately, chiropractic care is nothing to be scared of, and it could likely be just what you need to experience relief from your condition. Spinal manipulation, also called chiropractic adjustment, is a mystery to people who have never been to a chiropractor. But, being as how chiropractic adjustment is the cornerstone of chiropractic care, it is important that you understand what it means if you plan on seeing a chiropractor any time soon. Here are the basics of chiropractic adjustments: More doctors are working in conjunction with alternative providers today. This makes it important that your insurance policy and other forms of alternative care. This can improve your physician’s care even more. What does chiropractic adjustment involve?During a chiropractic adjustment, the chiropractor will manipulate the joints in your spine, forcing them through their natural range of motion, until they “fall” into their natural position, called “alignment.” The release of pressure is the goal of spinal manipulation, and is what makes that popping sound once the goal is achieved. Pay attention to the way you sleep position to lessen back problems. Put a pillow under the head and also your shoulders. Place rolled-up towels under the neck and knees to keep your body’s curves. You should also want to sleep on a mattress that is comfortable. What techniques are used during chiropractic adjustments?Chiropractic adjustment involves a series of manual manipulations, most of which are used to apply pressure to areas around the spine where the vertebrae are out of place. Different chiropractors use different methods to accomplish this. Some use a soft, gentle touch, while others prefer using sporadic pressure and sudden movements to achieve the desired relocation. Before you choose a chiropractor, it is imperative that you ask about the techniques that will be used during the adjustment and pick a practitioner whose treatment style matches your preferences. Be sure to get out of your bed the morning. Getting out of bed in this way can decrease your chances of sustaining a spinal injury happening. How does chiropractic adjustment work?Once the joints in the spinal column have been properly adjusted, the vertebral discs should be aligned in a way that provides for optimal space in between them. There are large nerves in disc joints, and when the joints are cramped (often due to swelling and/or bulging or herniated discs), those nerves are compressed. Compressed nerves become irritated and cannot communicate with the nervous system the way they need to, resulting in pain and discomfort. By aligning the discs through chiropractic adjustment, the chiropractor lessons the pressure on the spinal cord nerves, in turn alleviating a variety of symptoms and health conditions. You shouldn’t be expecting a single chiropractor to solve your pain problem. You may feel better, but true healing occurs over time. Stick to whatever regiment your chiropractor recommends. If you fail to do this, you can end up disappointed. As you can see, there is a lot more to spinal adjustment than a few simple twists and turns of the back. Chiropractic care is a specialized field that makes use of its very own techniques. Chances are your health could benefit from these techniques in more ways than one. Call 716-965-4343 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Mierzwa today! |
5 Chiropractic Care Treatment Techniques
5 Chiropractic Care Treatment TechniquesMany people think that chiropractors do not do much more than twist and tweak a patient’s back, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Chiropractors are trained to provide patients with a multifaceted rounded approach to health management, and to apply well rounded care from a variety of angles. If you are interested in chiropractic care and wonder what it might be like, then read on for five common chiropractic care treatment techniques: A chiropractor can even help you in boosting your immune system! This increases your body’s ability to ward off infection. Spinal manipulation. This is the hallmark of chiropractic care; some chiropractors even opt to provide spinal manipulation as their sole treatment. The process of spinal manipulation may sound scary, but it really is not so bad, and can actually be a pleasant experience. To accomplish the best possible alignment of the spinal column in order to free up available space in between the discs, chiropractors work with the spine using a combination of manual techniques. The result is that nerves in between the discs are less cramped, and can therefore communicate with the nervous system more effectively. Any session you have with a chiropractor will involve some form of spinal manipulation. You should not expect one treatment at the chiropractor to solve your back problems. You might feel a bit of initial relief, but you can only really heal your problem if you continue to see a chiropractor. Stick to whatever regiment your chiropractor suggests. If you fail to do this, you will not experience proper healing. Deep tissue massage. Many chiropractors offer deep tissue massage to loosen tight tendons, ease tense muscles, and work out pain-inducing lumps in your muscles. There are a lot of good reasons you should visit a chiropractor. If you have back or neck pain, it is very important that you pay a visit to a chiropractor to get checked out. Your body will work better when your back is correctly aligned. Acupuncture. This form of “alternative” medicine involves inserting narrow needles into certain parts of the body – called acupuncture points – in order to treat a number of common health conditions ranging from pain to nausea. Although it sounds painful, acupuncture needles only sit in the outer layer of the epidermis, and patients report little to no pain at all. Ask your chiropractor if the chiropractic office to see of they offer discounts for frequency discounts. Chiropractic care often means many visits for treatment. You might need to visit them multiple times every week for several months. The cost really can add up. The office may be able to give you a discount for multiple visits to make treatment much more affordable. Fitness and nutrition. Because chiropractic philosophy involves a holistic, total body approach to healing, chiropractors are trained to advise patients on dietary habits, as well as provide recommendations for nutritional supplements, herbal remedies, and vitamins. Chiropractors can also formulate an exercise or physical activity routine that can strengthen the muscles that need strengthening in order to help your body heal faster and prevent future injuries. Choose the chiropractor you intend to see one. Make sure you’re doing research prior to choosing a chiropractor. Traction. A chiropractor may use this method of hanging you upside-down on a specialized traction machine for a specified period of in order to naturally loosen your spine and relieve pressure in between the joints of your spinal column. Check out the background of any chiropractor before scheduling an appointment with them. Though most chiropractors really care about your health, some of them may try to address conditions beyond their scope of knowledge. Check on the internet for reviews and obtain references from medical professionals if possible. As you can see, going into the chiropractic office entails much more than lying on a table and receiving a back adjustment. Your chiropractor will put a lot of thought will go into your treatment plan, and you can expect to receive care in a variety of ways. See more of Dr. Mierzwa’s Testimonials HERE. |
3 Ways a Chiropractor is Different than a Medical Doctor
3 Ways a Chiropractor is Different than a Medical Doctor
If you have a lot of experience as a patient of a Chiropractor, having been treated by an array of doctors and specialists, then you are probably well aware of the various letter combinations that sit behind any given doctor’s name. The most widely recognized designation of this type is “MD,” which stands for “Medical Doctor.” However, if you have back problems or any number of other common health conditions, you may decide to visit a “DC,” or “Doctor of Chiropractic.” So, what do those two letters mean? And why can’t your MD do what a chiropractor does? For your information, here are three ways a chiropractor is different than a medical doctor:
Don’t expect miracles after one visit to the chiropractor. You may feel a great sense of relief at first, but you need to realize that true healing can only happen with ongoing care. If a regimen is recommended by the chiropractor, you need to adhere to his/her instructions. Otherwise, the relief you FEEL will be short term. The chiropractor’s main goal is not to eliminate symptoms. While your symptoms will likely improve, the main goal is to ensure that your nervous, circulatory & immune systems are all functioning optimally. Your chiropractor does that by adjusting your spine.
Education.
Doctor of Chiropractic *Palmer College of Chiropractic Medical Doctor *Johns Hopkins
Anatomy 520 hours 508 hours
Physiology 520 hours 256 hours
Pathology 195 hours 401 hours
Chemistry 325 hours 200 hours
Microbiology 130 hours 114 hours
Diagnosis 520 hours 224 hours
Neurology 130 hours 112 hours
X-Ray 292 hours 48 hours
Psychiatry 65 hours 144 hours
Obstetrics/Gynecology 65 hours 198 hours
Total: 2762 hours 1697 hours
The biggest difference is that in chiropractic we’re focusing on the functioning of the body and its neurology. In medicine they focus on symptom management, primarily through pharmacology.
There are many excellent reasons for seeing a chiropractor. If you suffer from back or neck pain, you should consult a chiropractor. Even if you aren’t having any problems yet, keeping your spine properly aligned can prevent trouble from even starting. Making sure your skeletal system is in good alignment keeps you much healthier.
Licensing.
Chiropractors are required to obtain a license with their State Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Medical doctors must pass an examination given by the United States Medical Licensing Board. Both must fulfill requirements for continuing education in order to maintain their licenses in good standing.
Choose your doctor wisely.
Treatment options and methods: Chiropractors primarily deal with the functioning of your neuro-musculoskeletal (nerve, muscle, bone) system while medical doctors usually prescribe medications to manage symptoms. While medications are a valuable tool to manage a condition in a crisis, one must look to the overall functioning of the body in order to obtain maximum health. The benefit of using medication is that the result will be predictable and swift. Chiropractors use a non-invasive approach to treatment that involves manual manipulation of the spinal column to eliminate any interference to the functioning of the central nervous, immune and circulatory system. A chiropractor will also council you on the various lifestyle changes that would be beneficial for you. Let’s use a burning fire as a comparison. When the house is on fire you need the firemen to put the fire out. In medicine, this might be that you have high blood pressure and they need to prescribe medication (spray the water) to bring your blood pressure down to a safe range. If we carry on with the analogy… the medical doctor may prescribe a medication and tell a patient “You’ll be on this for the rest of your life.” That’s like the fire department saying “We’re going to stay here & continue to spray water so the fire doesn’t start again.” Yes, that will work but is it practical?
Chiropractors, as a rule, will work with you to change your lifestyle choices that have gotten you into the predicament in the first place. Medical doctors know that patients need to improve their diets and exercise too… but when patients see them they often time ask for the “quick fix” which is “Doc, please give me some medication so I can go on with my life.” The medical doctor knows it doesn’t solve the issue but they cannot go home with the patient and force them to improve their lifestyle. Ultimately, the majority of any patient’s health issue lies in the choices they make every day; from what they eat or drink, whether or not they exercise, have a healthy stress management protocol in place or are able to sleep at night! As the patient, you have the choice to decide who is on your health management team.