Auto Crashes Result in More Injury for Heavy People

An interesting study illustrates something that Isaac Newton taught us a long time ago:

Force = Mass x Acceleration. 

The more someone weighs, the more force is potentially generated in an auto crash which could increase the amount of injury they may suffer. 

Occasionally an argument can be made regarding "more padding" but generally the safety cages of most cars seem to perform better when restraints (seat belts) are in contact with bony areas of the body.  Here at Perry Hall Chiropractic and Physical Therapy, patients of all shapes and sizes receive the highest quality care following motor vehicle collisions to return them back to normal activities as quickly as possible.

Chiropractic Treatment Found More Effective Than Drugs for Neck Pain

Choose Chiropractic Treatment Over Medication for Your Neck Pain

A recently released study funded by the National Institute of Health has found the best way to get rid of troublesome neck pain is to seek chiropractic care instead of relying on pain medication. The study of over 272 patients found that chiropractic treatment is the best method in relieving neck pain available. The study found that patients treated by a Doctor of Chiropractic rated the highest in pain relief after a 12 week period compared to patients treated with exercise or drugs. In fact, after 12 weeks patients who used a Doctor of Chiropractic or exercised were over twice as likely to be pain free when compared to people who relied strictly on medicine.

The Study Shows Chiropractic Treatment is the Most Effective Remedy for Neck Pain

The results reveal the necessity of using chiropractic care when it comes to neck pain. A full 32% of patients treated by a Doctor of Chiropractic were pain free compared to 30 percent of those who exercised and only 13 percent of those who took medication after a 12 week period. Dr. Lee Green, professor of family medicine at the University of Michigan says, “Neck pain is a mechanical problem, and it makes sense that mechanical treatment works better than a chemical one.”

New Food Pyramid Shaped as a Plate

New Food Pyramid Shaped as a Plate Makes Choosing Healthy Meals Easier

A new food pyramid, called MyPlate, was introduced to show people what a typical meal should include and in what proportions.  Fruits and vegetables contain important nutrients such as fiber and potassium that help reduce the risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure so these food groups are well represented in the MyPlate illustration. 

Whole grains allow food to be broken down slowly thereby preventing sharp spikes in blood glucose as can occur with refined grain products. Whole grains also help lower cholesterol.

Protein sources should consist of lean meats including at least 8 oz of fish per week. Calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D are some of the reasons that having dairy at each meal is beneficial.

The new MyPlate also shows the proper portion size when compared to your standard dinner plate, which is an easier way for most people to remember this vital information.  This differs from the food pyramids of the past that gave recommendations on how many servings a person should consume from each individual food group with no attention given to portion size.  

Stretching Benefits Your Body

Many people have heard about the benefits of stretching as a regular part of their daily routine. Professional athletes swear by stretching on a regular basis, before practice, and prior to an important game. However, regular stretching is beneficial for everyone and not only athletes. 

Exercise and stretching are great for your body and both offer phenomenal benefits. Stretching regularly can aid in the prevention of injury that may occur from normal household activities. For example, bending to load your dishwasher or removing a heavy box from your basement can result in unexpected injury if your body is not prepared for these common but potentially injurious activities.  Making a habit of stretching can help prevent injury. 

A great stretching routine can be instituted upon rising in the morning and/or prior to going to bed each night. This exercise may only take a few minutes. In fact, you can set a stretch routine consisting of as little as 15 minutes per day.

There are several vital stretches that can be done at home. One tool that can be used to assist in formulating an at-home stretch routine is an exercise ball. By utilizing an exercise ball you can perform a whole body stretch right at home!

Here is an example of a quick daily stretch routine that can be extremely beneficial to your overall health and fitness:

Chest Stretch

To perform chest stretches lay your back onto the ball and then roll your body down until your back is properly supported by the ball. Relax your body and arms, allowing them to fall to the sides. Repeat 3-5 times.

Whole Body Stretch

With your legs held wide, put your hands on the ball and roll the ball outwards, facing the ball and pressing your head against your chest to stretch your hamstring. Repeat 3-5 times.

Back Stretch

While standing in front of the ball place your right hand against it sideways with your thumb pointing outward. Roll the ball towards your left and keep your head straight. Repeat 3-5 times.

Balance with Ball

Standing on your left leg only, hold the exercise ball on top of your head and your right leg straight out behind you. Slowly but steadily move the ball toward the ground, shifting your left leg behind you, letting the ball assist you in maintaining balance. Now let the ball roll out slightly to lengthen your entire body. Repeat 3-5 times.

Always remember to consult a physician prior to any new workout routine for a proper analysis of preexisting injuries or illnesses that may prevent the new workout.

Chronic Headache at Perry Hall Chiropractic and Physical Therapy

Chronic Headaches verses Minor Headaches

Many people suffer from headaches but some have chronic headaches that greatly affect their everyday lives. Other people only suffer minor headaches on an infrequent basis. Whatever the cause and frequency headaches are always an unpleasant disturbance to everyday life that may be prevented.

Several Lifestyle Habits Trigger Headaches

Common triggers for headaches include:

Stress

Certain foods like chocolate, caffeine, nitrates, cheese, nuts, win and others

Some medications

Changes in sleeping habits

Hormonal changes

Tension in the neck

Chiropractic Care is an Effective Treatment for Headaches

Fortunately chiropractic care has been proven to be an effective remedy for many headaches. Studies show that spinal manipulations by a Doctor of Chiropractic can greatly decrease the frequency, severity, and/or duration of headaches.

It is recommended that headache sufferers undergo chiropractic treatment to see if the cause of their headache can be remedied.