Forward Head Posture

One of the most common posture problems today is Forward Head Position/Posture. For every inch (2.54cm) that the head moves forward from its natural position, the upper muscles of you back and neck has to support TEN more pounds (4.5 kg) of weight. Forward head posture is one of the leading causes of neck and shoulder tension, pain and headaches. Forward head posture develops over the years as a result of an injury to the neck such as a sprain or strain of the cervical or upper thoracic spine. These injuries along with bad habits such as a poor sleeping or sitting positions, overuse of a mobile device such as texting or playing video games where the head is flexed at an acute angle for extended periods of time. Other causes such as heavy backpacks, sleeping wrong on a couch or reading at night with too many pillows all can lead to the epidemic of forward head posture. The repetition of multiple forward head movement combined with poor postures or situations and/or trauma causes the body to adapt a damaging forward head posture.

 

Forward head posture occurs when the head shifts forward from your body’s centre of gravity, to compensate the upper shoulders and thoracic spine move backwards causing the hips to tilt forward. This causes a domino effect with your posture, which leaves your spine out of alignment.

Forward head posture not only aesthetically unattractive, but it can damage your health. Long term stress on your cervical spine can lead to muscle strain, disc herniation and osteoarthritis of the spine, as well as affecting your overall wellbeing. Rene Cailliet, the former Director of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Director at U.S.C., has done extensive research into the area of posture and he states that “your body follows the head…your head held in a forward position can pull your entire body out of line.”

Cailliet has research that shows forward head posture reducing a person’s lung capacity by 30%, the gastrointestinal system is affected by the upper cervical tension, especially the large intestine. Also when a forward position of the cervical spine is present, the body becomes stiff and rigid and the entire range of motion is affected. When range of motion is affected, endorphin production decreases so overall pain and discomfort increases affecting the health and mood of the patient.

If you are suffering from forward head posture, you should be examined by a chiropractor who can evaluate your spine to check for any misalignments which may be causing the improper posture. Other simple things that you can do to help improve are correcting the ergonomics at work, home, school or in the car.

Doing a quick ergonomic check to make sure that you are sitting straight, not hunching over a computer or in your car seat. First, if you are actually conscious of the problem, it is easier to identify problems that are contributing to it. One quick tip is to sit up very straight and set your car mirrors, then as the day goes on, if you check your rear-view mirror while driving and can’t see anything, adjust yourself – not the mirror!

This is why we are making an effort in Sheboygan to educate the public about the damaging effects of forward head posture and what people can do about it. We see more children with forward head posture than ever before. This can be detrimental to their overall health and wellbeing, now and in the future.

If you have any questions about your own posture or the posture of your child, please do not hesitate to contact me or another chiropractor in your area.

 Dr. Renee

How well do you sleep?

Many times when I meet with new patients I ask about sleep patterns and am amazed at how many people do not get enough sleep, or good quality sleep. Without a great night's of rest, people's health is comprimised.

Sleep medications cause side effects that interfere with your daily activities so I am putting together a newsletter devoted to help you get a better night's sleep.

Look for our newsletter next week, or go to our website and sign up for it, so it comes to your inbox biweekly.

Until next time.........try to get some sleep ;)

It's in the produce!!!

Antioxidants for a Youthful Appearance

Those who continue to look young in their 50s, 60s, 70s , and beyond usually have learned many secrets and strategies for keeping themselves healthy and well. For the most part, those secrets are not found in the bottles, tubes, and jars whose sales account for many billions of dollars each year.

One key secret is eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. No one needed to be reminded of this 75 years ago. In those days produce was an essential dietary component. And for the most part the produce people age was grown locally. Today we have so many choices, not all of them healthful, and we need to be sure to eat produce that is fresh rather than packaged in cans.

Colorful fresh produce contains high levels of antioxidants, those small biochemicals that pack a big punch. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, naturally occurring end-products of metabolism that destroy cells and may even cause cancer if they're not removed promptly.


In short, antioxidants provided by fresh produce have all kinds of life-extending benefits!

For more information, look for our upcoming newsletter! Til next time.

Neck Pain?

Many of us suffer from neck pain from time to time. We often chalk it up to "I must have slept wrong."

Neck pain can stem from many different situations; weakened muscles of the head and neck, a spinal misalignment, a combination of both, or other scenerios.

In order to find the cause of the problem, and examination and x-rays are needed. Then an individual treatment plan can be advised.

If you or a loved one suffers from neck pain, don't hesitate, call today to schedule an appointment.

Check your inbox next week for our upcoming Newsletter that discusses Neck Pain in greater detail!!

Are chiropractors real doctors??

You would be shocked at how many times I get asked this question? My initial gut reaction is something like this, "REALLY???" but then my Doctor inside of me realizes that most people don't know what it takes to become a doctor of chiropractic.

We, as in chiropractors, graduate from a four year school, and then go to another 4 year Chiropractic school. On top of that 8 year stretch, we do a minimun of 900 clinic hours to master being a Doctor.

What can we possibley study for 4 years just to learn to crack a back? We study, anatomy, embryology, microbiology, diagnosis, neurology, orthopedics, nutrition, radiography (studying and taking x-rays) and much much more. Chiropractic school is a total of 4485 classroom hours where as M.D.'s are in the classroom for 4248 hours.

So, now i propose the question to you...........are chiropractors real doctors???

It's never too late.......

It’s never too late to start walking.

No matter your age or physical condition there are many health benefits associated with walking a small amount of time daily, or even every other day. Such benefits include increased cardiovascular endurance, improved muscle tone, decrease risk in heart disease, and you burn calories.

If you haven’t exercised previously, start with simply walking around the block, then after a week, walk around the block twice, and then just keep adding distance. Eventually you can add small weights to increase the intensity.

If you are ready to get walking, call me and I will help you develop a plan for you. Check out our upcoming newsletter for more detailed information about walking.

Your children and fitness

It's never too early to start a fitness routine for your children, a habit that will last a lifetime.

Children automatically default to watching tv, playing on the computer or playing video games without a regular excercise routine. These pastimes are great for stimulating creativity and developing hand-eye coordination, but do not contribute to a child's level of fitness.

1 out of 3 American children are overweight, obese or at risk for becoming either of the two. This information indicates a much greater risk of heart disease as the child becomes a young adult. This young generation is the first that will not outlive their parents..............

Regular excercise and good nutrition helps maintain weight and promote a healthier lifestyle.

What do the Green Bay Packers and the Steelers have in common?

Irvine, CA (February 3, 2011) Both teams get into shape for the big game with Power Plate Acceleration Training. As the Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers get ready to hash it out, sports analysts across the country have their picks for who will take home Super Sunday glory. While each team brings its own strengths and strategies to the field, there is one common tool that they attribute, in part, to their success.
The Packers and the Steelers have incorporated Power Plate Acceleration Training into their workouts, utilizing vibration technology that stretches, strengthens and gets them in shape for the big game. Athletic coaches have enforced rigorous routines that include the Power Plate for fast, efficient workouts that pack on the muscle and increase endurance.
"If it's true that one is judged by the company they keep, we're proud of our association with some of the finest organizations in professional football," noted Mark de Gorter, President of Power Plate North America. "As the teams prepare for the traditional second season, Power Plate will be there with them, helping their athletes maintain their highly tuned competitive edge."
Power Plate® technology provides one of the most efficient and dynamic total-body workouts in less than 30 minutes utilizing scientifically-proven Advanced Vibration Technology™ that triggers involuntary muscle reactions 25-50 times per second while you exercise. The result is a high-intensity exercise that increases strength, improves muscle tone and balance. Power Plate® equipment's scientifically proven ability to reduce muscle pain and soreness and expedite the recovery of damaged muscles and tendons is integral to athletes on both sides who want to bring their best performances along with them to Sunday’s game.
About Power Plate
Used by elite athletes such as tennis greats Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal and baseball players Dustin Pedroia of the Boston Red Sox, Justin Morneau of the Minnesota Twins and Evan Longoria of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays; celebrities like Courteney Cox, Hilary Swank and Clint Eastwood and people from all walks of life, Power Plate equipment benefits include: increased fitness, strength, muscle tone, flexibility, bone density and range of motion as well as improved blood circulation and lymphatic system activation. The complete Power Plate line of fitness equipment is designed for health clubs, wellness centers, spas, hospitals, physical therapy and rehabilitation clinics, professional and collegiate athletic training facilities, private fitness trainers and home use.

I utilizie the Power Plates not only for athletes but for everyone that needs strength and balance improvement!!

Why Chiropractic?

So many people have asked me over the years, why Chiropractic? My answer normally is why not, but today I will elaborate.

Chiropractic is a natural solution that allows your body to perform at the ultimate capacity. This doesn't mean it's only applicable to performers, athletes, etc; it's applicable to everyone. I first went to a chiropractor due to continued knee pain. After going to a sports medicine specialist and being told there was nothing he could do, I needed more. I wasn't an athlete, but enjoyed the outdoors, and knee pain at the age of 13 wasn't an option.

My chiropractor discovered a short leg that would put extra stress and strain on my knees, hips, low back etc. After wearing a heel lift, the pain slowly went away. How many people suffer from the little aches and pains that might be construed as normal or even as growing pains? This opened my eyes and made me look at things in a different light. After utilizing Chiropractic care, I knew I wanted to be the one person that could help so many people.

Still today I can honestly say that I have helped some that no one else could help. That is the power of Chiropractic!

Happy New Year

It's that time of year when we look at the past 364 days and then try to plan the next 365 days. It's time when we all make the resolution to improve ourselves in someway, sometimes putting a lot of additional stress on us.

This year my resolution is to have more balance in my life. I urge my friends, my staff, my patients to have balance. Find time for yourself, treat yourself to something weekly, even if it's your favorite coffee, tea, CD, 30 minutes in a quiet room, but plan it.

Stress is a major factor in muscle pain, so let's try to find something that allows us to be more balanced and therefore more healthier.

Happy New year, may 2011 bring you health and happiness.

Merry Christmas

I want to take this time and wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

As you look towards 2011 and make some possible resolutions, please consider intun ChiroCare as your "health headquarters". If strength is a concern, consider our BStrong4Life program. This program is designed for those that are not the Health Club type of people, it's quick simple, and most of all the most effective way to become stronger.

If you are thinking about getting rid of those unwanted pounds, come to our next Ideal Protein workshop!! Find out how you can be successful and most of all, LEARN HOW TO KEEP IT OFF!!!!!!

But most importantly, think of us when you injure yourself, pull something, or are just sick of tired of being sick and tired!! We can help, and if we can't we will tell you we can't!!

I wish you all the best in the New Year!

Til next year..............

Dr. Renee

Tis the Season

It is that time of year when I put things in perspective and give thanks. This year I am thankful to have a new office! Some would say that is a little conceited in nature, but this is the reason behind it. With the space we have in our office now, I have helped more people than I could have in the past. Explanation needed........so here it is.

BStrong4Life is so advanced in the health benefits it offers. There is nothing else on the market that can REVERSE, yes REVERSE osteoporosis. This thing is amazing and everybody, no matter their physical condition, age, bone condition, would benefit and should be on this system. Because I believe in it sooo much, the first 50 people to respond to this blog by calling the office will recive a free month of the system...................That is my gift to you!!!

Happy Holidays!!!!

Change of seasons

As the daylight hours are fewer and fewer and as the colors change, there are many changes occuring at intun ChiroCare as well. You will see new faces and more activity.

Change is positive. Sometimes we resist change because it is difficult, but in the end without change growth does not occur. We are growing here at intun ChiroCare. However, our number one goal is still customer service, and I promise you individual attention. Our relationship is critical in the process of healing, losing weight, or becoming stronger.

I also promise to continue to provide state-of-the-art care and keep up to date with the current technology at intun ChiroCare.

Stop in and take a look at our new products,services, and meet our new team members.

The weight on your childs back

As the school year approaches I think of all the books I used to carry on my one shoulder. I was way too cool to ever use both straps on my backpack. If I only knew then what I know now.

Junior High students are in a crucial growing period. There are things that they do everyday that can cause abnormal posture and become a learned position. Which down the road can lead to early degeneration and of course pain. Crazy huh!?!?!

An average 11 year old weighs anywhere from 70-80 pounds. You should have approximately 10% of your body weight in a backpack. I actually weighed a patent's backpack last spring, it weighed 28 pounds. Fortunately for her, she is a chiropractic patient and I am educating her how to handle her books. She was constantly wearing her backpack on one shoulder until we took xrays and saw what it was doing to her spine.

If you have any junior high or high school children that are carrying a lot of weight around daily, please bring them in to get checked.

Until next time..................

Looking ahead

If you could look ahead to the future, would you want to see what would happen? In terms of health, I would like to know what could possibly happen. Especially with familial history of heart disease, cancer, and osteoporosis, it would be of great interest to learn how my life would be......... Since, there has been no reported successful time travel, I guess my health is in my hands.

Exercise and diet can prevent a lot of the things I am predispositioned for. So, I can take control of my future. With the increase of prescription medications and increase of bone loss (coincidence I do believe) we can actually determine our own bone health as well .. SAY IT ISN'T SO!!!

BStrong4Life can REVERSE, yes I said it, REVERSE bone loss. Not only reverse bone loss, but make you stronger. We are seeing results that are truly amazing. Senior Citizens that have been asked to not come back to local facilities are getting great results here. Personalized training!!! It's a no brainer to me!!!

If you know of anyone that could benefit from this program, please send them our way. Check out the website www.BStrong4Life.com