May 2021

“Sit up straight!” It’s something almost everyone has heard at some point as a kid. Proper posture isn’t only for looking good and confident. There are many health problems that come with slouching at your desk or while walking around. Some might surprise you!

The effects of bad posture

The most obvious effect of bad posture is the pain that comes with it. Slouching leads to tension  in your upper back and shoulders.This tension also causes the spine to misalign and can cause muscle spasms. The more unknown effects of poor posture is the problem it creates for your lungs, digestion, and circulation.

Hunching over affects the amount of air your lungs can take in. The vital organs, such as your heart and brain, don’t get enough precious oxygen which can lead to heart and vascular disease in the long term. The abdominal organs also get squished. It can impact your metabolism and the ability to process foods properly. This can cause stomach aches, IBS-like symptoms, and even constipation.Taking a short walk after a meal can help straighten your back and help digestion.

Over time,  tension and constriction caused by poor posture while sitting affects circulation and the health of your nerves. Sitting with your legs crossed for long periods of time is one of the causes of varicose veins. As the bad habit continues, the bones in the spine start to shift and pinch the veins. There have also been links to bad posture causing high blood pressure!

How to fix bad posture

• Lay on the floor! Simple enough but very effective. Just lay on your back with no pillows. This allows your back to straighten and relieves tension.
• Stretch Your Neck. Loosen up your neck by bending it back and forth and side to side. A stretching routine every 3 hours has many benefits for posture.
• Do posture workouts. Working out your shoulders and back can help with the alignment of your spine. In addition, strengthening the muscles around your spine will naturally correct your posture. Check out this quick video for a posture building workout!
• Buy a back brace. We have busy lives and breaking the habit of bad posture can be hard. There are many back braces that help fix posture that won’t break the bank!
• Contact a professional. If the back pain is unbearable and nothing seems to be helping, contact a chiropractor to give you a hand!

If bad posture has affected your life and you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, contact us today!

Read More about bad posture:

https://www.backfithealth.com/7-detrimental-effects-of-bad-posture/

https://shapermint.com/blogs/news/bad-posture-shapewear\

Car accidents can be extremely stressful and there are certain steps you have to take to streamline the process. Here is a quick guide on what to do after you get into a car accident.

1. Check yourself for injuries

This is super important. If you are seriously injured, try not to move and wait for emergency personnel. Moving around with potential neck and back injuries can worsen or even create permanent damage. If you are not severely injured check on your passengers and on the other driver. Try to remain calm and not panic or get angry. I understand that this situation is not fair to you, but they are called accidents for a reason and getting overly emotional will only make the situation a lot worse. 

2. Get to safety 

If you can, drive your car to the side of the road. If you can’t drive your car, put the car in park AND pull up the emergency break. Turn the car off and walk to the side. Some cars come with a flare in the safety kit located in the truck. Place it down, facing oncoming traffic so other drivers know they should slow down and be cautious. 

3. Call 911

No matter how small the accident is, call 911. Make sure to start with the location, then the situation and how many people are involved. Stay calm, explain everything clearly. Try to keep conversation limited. Speak of the important information and stay away from saying “I’m sorry,” “it was my fault,” or “I didn’t see them.” These phrases can be considered admission of guilt. 

4. Document the accident

Take plenty of pictures of all angles, this can help with reporting the accident to your insurance company. Take pictures of the involved car’s license plate, the car, model, and the other driver’s insurance and registration card. 

5. Notify your insurer

Many insurance companies have apps that allow you to claim car accidents right on your phone. If your insurance has this feature, report it immediately. If not, after you leave the scene of the accident, then call them during their business hours ASAP.  

6. Make an appointment with a chiropractor

Even minor accidents can cause damage to your spine and neck. Injuries such as whiplash can take months to fully heal. Do NOT deal with your pain and ignore it. Chiropractor care can help support your body’s natural healing process and help you avoid a lifetime of chronic pain. Chiropractic adjustments can relieve the pressure on your muscles and nerves and realign your spine. After you accident be sure to make an appointment to decrease the chances of developing chronic pain. Keep receipts of the treatment because some auto insurance policies can cover the cost.

At Pain Management & MRI we have over 30 years in car accident injuries. Schedule an appointment today!