A visit to the chiropractor can provide you with a great deal of relief from your aches and pains, but how can you extend the effects from your stay for the days and weeks to come?
Mind Your Posture
Practicing poor posture can contribute to spinal misalignments, tight muscles, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Although your trip to the chiropractor may make you feel better after, your results won’t last very long if you slouch or spend hours hunched over your laptop or phone. When you use your phone or another digital device, hold it at eye level if possible. Always looking down at devices puts enormous strain on your neck and may even cause permanent damage to your spine if you don’t change your habits.
Use Ergonomic Furniture
If you sit in an office chair that is not properly fitted for your body, you may slouch and cause unwanted stress to the lower back. When using ergonomic furniture, you may be less likely to slouch and therefore experience fewer aches and pains.
Standing desks offer another ergonomic option. Using a standing desk several times throughout the day can reduce pain in your upper back and neck and may improve your productivity. The counters are adjustable and move up and down to allow you to move quickly from a seated to a standing position.
Take Regular Breaks
To improve your posture, use ergonomic furniture to help you keep your spine correctly aligned; however, pain may still be a problem if you spend long hours at your desk. Implement frequent breaks into your daily schedule to prevent pain and discomfort. Take a short walk, walk in the place, or do a few stretches before you return to your desk.
Avoid Awkward Movements or Lifting
Activities that involve awkward movements or require you to contort your body can cause aches and pains. Painting the ceiling or digging new posts for your fence the day after your treatment can reverse the results of your adjustment.
When lifting heavy objects, always be sure to use proper lifting techniques to avoid damaging your back and potentially ruining the effects of your chiropractic adjustment.
Drink Water
Hydration plays a vital role in your overall health as water helps your body rid itself of toxins that are released after an adjustment. By drinking an adequate amount of water, your joints will become lubricated, which will allow them to be more flexible. Upping your water intake can also help you avoid dehydration, a condition that can cause headaches, muscle weakness, dizziness, fatigue, and irritability.
Movement
Although you won’t want to participate in strenuous activities soon after an adjustment, low-impact exercise will help keep your muscles loose and improve your range of motion. Walking, swimming, biking, yoga, Pilates, and other forms of exercise will enhance your adjustment results.
Your chiropractor may have taught you a few exercises you can do at home to improve the strength and flexibility of your muscles. These exercises are an essential part of your treatment plan and should be performed as often as your chiropractor recommends.
Adequate Rest
Sleep plays a pivotal role in the healing process. While you’re sleeping, your body repairs muscles and tissues and produces hormones that reduce inflammation. If you don’t get seven to eight hours of sleep every night, you may be unwittingly sabotaging the effects of your chiropractic treatment.
If you’re a back sleeper, this position may affect your pain levels. When sleeping on your back, you add an extra 50 pounds of pressure, which can make a restful night sleep difficult.
Our Atlanta chiropractors offer multiple treatment options, with spinal adjustments being a common practice. If you are looking to manage your chronic pain or are looking for relief following an injury, our chiropractic team can provide you the comfort you deserve. Contact our office today by dialing (404) 889-8828 to schedule an appointment!