Forward Heads Increase Head Weight

Neck pain can be a recurring condition that can frustrating to most patients. The simple anatomical answer is because holding your head up is like trying to balance a bowling ball on the end of a pool cue. This presents a challenges for the neck.    

Most common answers from patients experiencing neck pain: Poor sleeping positions, poor desk posture, using mobile phones/ipads, gardening, previous motor vehicle accidents, and over head decorating.

Bottom line is that we humans have very large heads that was designed to protect our very large brains. Head position is to be held high to scan the horizon looking for food and danger. In today’s world we are now sitting far too much either at a desk, driving or texting throughout the day. This causes significant imbalances in the muscles that were designed to help hold our heads up above our shoulders. Over time this continuous strain on vertebral anatomy causing postural weakness and permanent forward head carriage.

Furthermore, for every inch the head moves forward on the shoulders. The weight of the head increases by at least ten 10lbs. So for instance, if a patient’s head weighs 10lbs, and is 3 inches forward past the shoulders. This would increase head weight to 40lbs causing abnormal leverage on the cervical spine, putting extra pressure on muscles and joints of the neck.

Due to our daily activities the body will shift the head forward away from a stiff, tender and jammed joints in the neck. Over time the cervical spine can be reduced or straightened. Causing structural changes and degeneration. Regular checkups, Chiropractic adjustments and specific neck exercises can stop this process from happening.

For more information on forward head carriage, or to schedule an appointment, please contact Family First Chiropractic and Wellness.

Dr. Elton Clemence is a Chiropractor at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness, located In Red Deer, AB 142 Erickson Dr ,www.family1stchiro.ca 403-347-3261 to book an appointment.

Gardening Tips for a Healthy Spine

        Summer time in Alberta is a great time to get out and plant flowers, vegetables and fruits in your yard and garden. It is a great experience to get out of the house and enjoy new life, the sunshine and God’s creation. It improves your mood as well as giving you exercise while enjoying the birds chirping and kids playing outside with each other.Before bending down and kneeling to remove debris and till the soil, here are a few tips to help keep your day enjoyable:

Warm up your body- Go for a short walk, do some lunges, arm circles and squats to warm up you muscles

Stretch – Some simple stretching of your legs, back, arms, shoulders and wrists will help to avoid injury or severe muscle stiffness later. Some muscle soreness is normal as you probably have not used all the same muscle groups for other activities during the winter. This will generally subside in a couple of days as your body gets used to this new activity.

Take your time – Going too fast too soon increases the risk of injury so enjoy your time outdoors and pace yourself. Take a few days if you have a large garden or yard. Alternate your tasks between kneeling, standing, digging and planting.

Use the Right Equipment – Use a wheelbarrow to transport smaller loads of dirt or planters. Use a kneeling pad to protect your knees. Use ergonomic tools while working the soil.

Include your children and family and HAVE FUN- Work doesn’t have to be a chore, you can incorporate fun as you weed, pick flowers and water the garden- an old fashioned water fight will be remembered by your kids for a long time!

Visit your Chiropractor and Massage Therapist – Regular chiropractic adjustments and muscle therapy will help to keep your spine aligned and reduce back and joint pain while maintaining flexibility.

Enjoy the fruits of your gardening! There is nothing like healthy fresh fruits and vegetables straight from your own garden.

Happy Gardening!!

Call Dr. Joelle Johnson at Family First Chiropractic & Wellness at 403-347-3261 to book your appointment www.family1stchiro.ca, look for us on FaceBook, Twitter and Instagram for more great information on your health. 

Gardening Tips to Stay Healthy

Spring time in Alberta is a great times to get out and plant flowers, vegetables and fruits in your yard and garden. It is a great experience to get out of the house and enjoy new life, the sunshine and God’s creation. It improves your mood as well as giving you exercise while enjoying the birds chirping and kids playing outside with each other.

Before bending down and kneeling to remove debris and till the soil, here are a few tips to help keep your day enjoyable:

Stretch – Some simple stretching of your legs, back, arms, shoulders and wrists will help to avoid injury or severe muscle stiffness later. Some muscle soreness is normal as you probably have not used all the same muscle groups for other activities during the winter. This will generally subside in a couple of days as your body gets used to this new activity.

Take your time – Going too fast too soon increases the risk of injury so enjoy your time outdoors and pace yourself. Take a few days if you have a large garden or yard. Alternate your tasks between kneeling, standing, digging and planting.

 Use the Right Equipment – Use a wheelbarrow to transport smaller loads of dirt or planters. Use a kneeling pad to protect your knees. Use ergonomic tools while working the soil.

Visit your Chiropractor and Massage Therapist – Regular chiropractic adjustments and muscle therapy will help to keep your spine aligned and reduce back and joint pain while maintaining flexibility. Enjoy the fruits of your gardening! There is nothing like healthy fresh fruits and vegetables straight from your own garden.

Happy Gardening!!

Call us at Family First Chiropractic & Wellness at 403-347-3261 to book your appointment.

www.family1stchiro.ca