Chiropractor - Doroski Chiropractic Neurology, Woodbridge, VA

Drink your water!

in Chiropractor by Doroski April 7, 2017 0 comments

We are coming up on summer in the northern VA area. Which generally hot and miserable. I constantly tell people in my Woodbridge, Dale City VA Chiropractic office to drink water. Every patient I have hears me say it on the way out of my office! Pretty much every one of them goes “yea yea I know lots of water.” Not only from a muscle recovery stand point hydration has tons of other benefits!

Drink!

Good old H2O is critical for rehydrating when the body experiences fluid loss, such as when we sweat. Even though many gyms like to keep pricey sports drinks and protein shakes stocked on their shelves, most of the time, water will do the trick just fine. Shoot to sip seven to 10 ounces of fluid every 10 to 20 minutes during exercise to stay properly hydrated. If you’re working out for longer than an hour or doing a particularly intense exercise (like running a marathon or participating in a tough training session), you will probably need to replace electrolytes too—this is where a sports drink or electrolyte-enhanced water comes in handy. However it’s also important to be wary of overhydration: Too much water can lead to hyponatremia, which is when excess water in our bodies dilutes the sodium content of our blood. “It is most often caused by long duration exercise and either drinking fluid at a rate that is more than fluid losses or only replacing fluid losses with hypotonic fluids like water,” CamelBak hydration advisor, Doug Casa, says.

Sip on sports drinks and coconut water.

When we sweat, we lose electrolytes, which are minerals found in the blood that help to regulate (among other things) the amount of water in the body. Research suggests and sports drinks, such as Powerade and Gatorade, can help prolong exercise and rehydrate our bodies because they contain electrolytes, which plain old water does not. While an ordinary workout may not require electrolyte-replenishing, those participating in longer and more intense periods of exertion, such as running a marathon or going through a particularly intense workout, will benefit from a good dose of electrolytes mid-workout. Not in to sports drinks, or want a more natural alternative? Water-enhancing electrolyte tablets, coconut water, or a homemade sports drink could be potentially effective substitutes.

Turn to fruit.

Many fruits are a great source of both electrolytes and fluids, though the dose of electrolytes can differ from fruit to fruit. Bananas and dates are known for having high levels of the electrolyte potassium, making them a great option for refueling during an intense workout (for example, a long run). To stay hydrated while keeping up electrolytes, it’s important to drink water while munching on fruit (fruit contains some water, but not as much as your water bottle).

Weigh yourself.

Hop on the scale before and after exercise. For each pound lost during activity, drink an additional 16 ounces of fluid. If your body weight change is three percent or more, you may be experiencing significant to serious dehydration. Losing a few pounds of body weight after exercise can put strain on the body and result in uncomfortable side effects like muscle cramps, dizziness, and fatigue. To prevent sweating away the water that keeps us hydrated, have a water bottle at the ready.

Check the toilet.

If you’re taking a mid-set break to hit the loo, check on the color of your urine to make sure you’re staying hydrated. When properly hydrated, urine should be pale yellow in color. Though it may be tricky to keep an eye on it, try to watch the urine stream, since the color of urine will dilute when it hits the toilet water. Store this handy, dandy urine color test in your phone or wallet to make sure your piddle is up to snuff—dark yellow urine may indicate dehydration.

Tame thirst.

Whatever you’re drinking, be it water, juice, or sports drinks, make sure to take a sip or two whenever you feel thirsty. Even if you’re not feeling totally parched, mild thirst is still a sign of impending dehydration.

Pay attention to your muscles.

Lean muscle tissue contains more than 75 percent water, so when the body is short on H2O, muscles are more easily fatigued. “Staying hydrated helps prevent the decline in performance (strength, power, aerobic capacity, anaerobic capacity) during exercise,”Casa says. When your muscles feel too tired to finish a workout, try drinking some water and resting for a bit before getting back at it.

Pinch yourself. (No, really.)

Go ahead, pinch yourself! Skin turgor, which is the skin’s ability to change shape and return to normal (or more simply put, it’s elasticity), is an easy way to check your hydration (though not 100 percent reliable for everyone). Using your pointer finger and thumb, simply pinch the skin on the back of your hand (not too hard!) and hold for a few seconds. When you let go, if the skin takes a while to return to its normal position, you may be dehydrated.

Keep dry mouth at bay.

One of the first signs of dehydration is dry mouth. If your mouth starts feeling like the Sahara, head to the water fountain (or take a sip from your reusable water bottle!). A short water break between sets or during quick breaks from cardio can help stave off exercise-induced dehydration.

Stop if you get the dizzies.

Feeling lightheaded during a workout is a sign of dehydration and a signal to tone it down a notch. Though willpower sometimes makes us want to push ourselves through a few more reps or another mile, feeling dizzy is an indicator that it’s time to hydrate.” Due to the decreased plasma volume with dehydration during exercise,” Casa says, “the heart must work harder to get blood to the working muscles.” When there’s not enough water in blood, both blood volume and blood pressure drop, resulting in dizziness.

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Doroski Chiropractic Neurology

3122 Golansky Blvd, Ste 102

Woodbridge VA 22192

703 730 9588

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Stability Ball

in Chiropractor by Doroski March 30, 2017 0 comments

Sitting all day seems like a great idea when given the other options like lifting, standing and bending. But the reality is sitting isn’t that great for you! As a Chiropractor in the Woodbridge, Dale City VA area I see a lot of injuries that are the result of sitting. Of course, we all have to sit! I am sitting right now as I type this. But there are a few options we can use to make desk work better for us. A standing desk can help when available and so can switching between your desk chair and a stability ball. Here are some benefits of the stability ball from the AFPA.

1.) Burn Extra Calories

As a personal trainer, you may not spend a large portion of your day sitting. However, many of your clients may sit for eight or more hours a day. That’s where you come in. While you probably focus on form and stance during each session, part of being a successful personal trainer is integrating your knowledge and expertise beyond the gym. You must be willing to go the extra mile and offer advice that your clients can take home with them. If your client is interested in replacing the office chair with a stability ball, remind him or her of the added bonus: extra burned calories.

2.) Relieve Back Pain

While you will have to focus on maintaining good posture while sitting on the stability ball, you won’t be as hunched over as you could be sitting in an office chair. But the truth is, sitting on a stability ball isn’t going to bring miracles or completely alleviate any pain you are experiencing. However, with regular exercise and stretching on a stability ball, you may be able to relieve some of the pain you are experiencing. We’ll take a closer look at those options below.

3.) Tone Core Muscles

While we already discussed the negative impacts that sitting in a chair can have on your core strength, did we mention that switching to a stability ball can also help you to sculpt and tone those stubborn abs and obliques? With a stability ball, you are no longer relying on the back of the chair to keep you propped up. Instead you must engage your core, which of course leads to an increase in your core strength. Looking for an extra challenge during the workday?

4.) Induce the Inspiration to Stretch

Maybe it’s just us, but it’s rather difficult as a trainer to sit on a stability ball without taking a break or two during the day to stretch out and relieve some tension. As we stated earlier in the post, the stability ball can relieve some strain you may experience in your back. It can also provide added support when you want to get a deeper stretch that you may not have been able to perform otherwise.

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Doroski Chiropractic Neurology

3122 Golansky Blvd, Ste 102

Woodbridge VA 22192

703 730 9588

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STRESS!

in Chiropractor by Doroski March 24, 2017 0 comments

Anyone of us who has ventured onto interstate 95 or the beltway during the week can’t help but feel stressed. The key is letting go of that stress as soon as possible. Not only does stress not feel good short term it can cause long term problems with your body. At my Woodbridge, Dale City VA Chiropractic office I see the effects of stress from tight shoulders to headaches. Here are a few tips that may help you to relax.

Breathe with intention.

I call this the quickie: Center yourself wherever you are, sitting or standing or lying down, feeling the parts of your body touching the ground…just feel that grounding with the earth. Breathe naturally at first, then after a few breaths, inhale for 4 counts while saying I am in your mind. Then exhale for 4 counts while saying at peace to yourself. Repeat this I am…at peace cycle at least 4 times or up to 2 minutes. –Aviva Romm, MD, herbalist and midwife

Zero in on your pressure points.

Key acupressure spots on the head, face, and hands are really close to bundles of nerves, and pressing on them can help relax the nervous system, which ramps up when we’re stressed. Try applying pressure to the meaty part of your hand between the thumb and forefinger. You could do it in a stressful meeting, on the sub-way…no one will be the wiser. –Daniel Hsu, doctor of acupuncture and Oriental medicine

Play that calming music.

The body’s internal rhythms entrain to the external rhythms of music, like when you go to the sea, and you start breathing slower and your heart rate slows down and starts moving closer to the rhythm and pace of the ocean. It’s the same with music, especially reggae, which I find incredibly calming. –Frank Lipman, MD, founder and director of Eleven-Eleven Wellness Center and author of The New Health Rules: Simple Changes to Achieve Whole-Body Wellness

Dance it out.

Research shows that romance reduces the production of stress-related hormones, and for my husband and me, dancing is very romantic. We started taking ballroom dancing lessons 9 years ago, and even when we’re just dancing around the house for a few minutes, it leaves us feeling youthful and excited. It makes the sparks fly, and that’s the opposite of stress. –Elaine Wyllie, MD, neurologist at Cleveland Clinic

Count your blessings.

Every night, note three things for which you’re grateful that day. They can be small, like a good cup of coffee, or big, like support from your family. Doing this has had a huge impact on my well-being, and it will on yours, too. –Gail Saltz, MD, author and associate professor of psychiatry at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell School of Medicine

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Doroski Chiropractic Neurology

3122 Golansky Blvd, Ste 102

Woodbridge VA 22192

703 730 9588

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What is piriformis syndrome?

in Chiropractor by Doroski March 17, 2017 0 comments

At my chiropractic office in the Woodbridge, Dale City VA area sciatica is a very common complaint. There are numerous causes of the complaint and one of them is piriformis syndrome. That is the pain that starts in your buttock and shoots into the back of your leg. It has become a more common diagnosis but it is still overlooked. Here is some information on piriformis syndrome that may help.

Pain in the buttock that radiates down the leg is commonly called sciatica. The most common cause for sciatica is irritation of the spinal nerves in or near the lumbar spine. Sometimes the nerve irritation is not in the spine but further down the leg. One possible cause of sciatica is piriformis syndrome. Piriformis syndrome can be painful, but it is seldom dangerous and rarely leads to the need for surgery. Most people with this condition can reduce the pain and manage the problem with simple methods, such as physical therapy.

ANATOMY

What parts of the body are involved?

The lower lumbar spinal nerves leave the spine and join to form the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve leaves the pelvis through an opening called the sciatic notch.

The piriformis muscle begins inside the pelvis. It connects to the sacrum, the triangular shaped bone that sits between the pelvic bones at the base of the spine. The connection of the sacrum to the pelvis bones forms the sacroiliac joint. There is one sacroiliac joint on the left and one on the right of the low back. The other end of the piriformis muscle connects by a tendon to the greater trochanter, the bump of bone on the top side of your hip.

The piriformis muscle is one of the external rotators of the hip and leg. This means that as the muscle works, it helps to turn the foot and leg outward. Problems in the piriformis muscle can cause problems with the sciatic nerve. This is because the sciatic nerve runs under (and sometimes through) the piriformis muscle on its way out of the pelvis. The piriformis muscle can squeeze and irritate the sciatic nerve in this area, leading to the symptoms of sciatica.

CAUSES

What causes this problem?

The symptoms of sciatica come from irritation of the sciatic nerve. It’s still a mystery why the piriformis muscle sometimes starts to irritate the sciatic nerve. Many doctors think that the condition begins when the piriformis muscle goes into spasm and tightens against the sciatic nerve, squeezing the nerve against the bone of the pelvis.

In some cases, the muscle may be injured due to a fall onto the buttock. Bleeding in and around the piriformis muscle forms a hematoma. A hematoma describes the blood that has pooled in that area. The piriformis muscle begins to swell and put pressure on the sciatic nerve. Soon the hematoma dissolves, but the muscle goes into spasm.

The sciatic nerve stays irritated and continues to be a problem. Eventually the muscle heals, but some of the muscle fibers inside the piriformis muscle are replaced by scar tissue. Scar tissue is not nearly as flexible and elastic as normal muscle tissue. The piriformis muscle can tighten up and put constant pressure against the sciatic nerve.

SYMPTOMS

What does the condition feel like?

Piriformis syndrome commonly causes pain that radiates down the back of the leg. The pain may be felt only on one side, though it is sometimes felt on both sides. The pain can radiate down the leg all the way to the foot and may be confused for a herniated disc in the lumbar spine. Changes in sensation and weakness in the leg or foot are rare. Some people say they feel a sensation of vague tingling down the leg.

Sitting may be difficult. Usually people with piriformis syndrome do not like to sit. When they do sit down, they tend to sit with the sore side buttock tilted up rather than sitting flat in the chair.

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Doroski Chiropractic Neurology

3122 Golansky Blvd, Ste 102

Woodbridge VA 22192

703 730 9588

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Core Basics

in Chiropractor by Doroski March 10, 2017 0 comments

We hear it everywhere we turn with regards to low back pain. You need to strengthen your core! That is true but it needs to be done properly. It used to be strengthen your abs and your back will be more stable. So off to the ab roller everyone went. This type of training can actually make your low back weaker. Not to bore you with details but every time you contract your abs your brain sends a message to your low back to relax. If your low back didn’t relax you would be able to do a crunch. The same way when I contract my biceps to bend my elbow my brain tells my triceps to relax. Doing tons of ab exercises makes your brain tell your low back to relax. So, you need to train your abs and low back in coordination with each other. Your Woodbridge, Dale City VA Chiropractor has a few easy core exercises to help you start.

Basic Core Exercises for Beginners

Supermans

Easy to learn and perform, Supermans strengthen the often-neglected lower back, a common source of pain. They also provide a great full-body stretch to finish up your workout.

Lie with stomach on ground, arms extended overhead and legs straight

Raise arms and legs as high as possible and hold for five to 10 seconds; keep arms straight and core tight

Slowly lower and repeat for specified reps

Sets/Reps: 3-4×20

Bird Dogs

Assume all-fours position with back flat; look straight ahead

Slowly raise right arm and left leg and hold for five to 10 seconds; keep core right

Slowly lower and perform on opposite site

Repeat for specified reps

Sets/Reps: 3-4×20 each side

Planks

Assume plank position with elbows under shoulders, back flat and eyes focused on ground

Keep core tight and hold position for specified time

Sets/Duration: 3-4×60-120 seconds

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Doroski Chiropractic Neurology

3122 Golansky Blvd, Ste 102

Woodbridge VA 22192

703 730 9588

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Post workout drinks

in Chiropractor by Doroski March 3, 2017 0 comments

After a long hard workout some type of electrolyte drink seems like a good idea. Especially since every gym you can go to know has a huge refrigerator full of them by the door. But there are other ways to get the electrolytes you need without all the extra stuff in those drinks. Your Woodbridge, Dale City VA Chiropractor has a few alternative ways to get those electrolytes.

These types of drinks contain a lot of sugar, which slows down the rate at which water enters the blood. Sports drinks typically contain genetically modified organism, or GMO, ingredients as well as artificial food coloring dyes derived from petroleum and coal tar and linked to serious health problems like cancer and hyperactivity, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

So what are electrolytes? Electrolytes are made of essential minerals sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate, phosphate and sulfate. During intense exercise, sodium and potassium are sweated out the most.

The best way to replace electrolytes is through real food. Instead of reaching for a sports drink, try one of these four electrolyte options that are good for your health and the earth.

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds contain nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, omega-3s, iron, fiber, protein and vitamin C to name a few. In liquid they expand around 9 to 12 times their size, leaving you feeling full and with sustained energy.

To make your own electrolyte drink add a tablespoon of organic chia seeds, 1 teaspoon of raw honey and a little fresh squeezed organic lemon or lime juice to your reusable water bottle. (You can also add a heavy dash of Celtic sea salt.)

Kale

Yes, kale contains electrolytes. (Just another reason why kale is so amazing). Kale is a super food meaning that it’s loaded with essential nutrients and minerals that are needed for the body to function—and run, bike, swim, and workout—well. After your training routine, make a kale smoothie. You won’t even taste the kale.

To make: Combine a hearty handful of organic kale, fresh organic fruits, ice, organic coconut water, organic maca powder and Manitoba Hemp Hearts in a blender. Mix until creamy.

Coconut

Coconut water is a natural way to replenish what you lost during your workout. Coconut water is high in potassium, an essential electrolyte. Try the Harmless Harvest or Whole Foods Market 365 brand coconut water.

Fruits and Veggies

Celery, apple, beet, banana, oranges and sweet potatoes all have electrolytes. Eat these natural sources of electrolytes daily (make sure they’re organic) and your body will thank you for giving it essential minerals and vitamins the healthy way.

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Doroski Chiropractic Neurology

3122 Golansky Blvd, Ste 102

Woodbridge VA 22192

703 730 9588

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Returning to exercise for new moms

in Chiropractor by Doroski February 24, 2017 0 comments

Getting back to your exercise regime after giving birth is obviously a great idea… if you have the time. You just want to make sure you do it correctly and safely. I tell all my patients, in my Woodbridge, Dale City Chiropractic office, that are getting back to exercise that you need to do it slow! Most people think well I was running 3 miles before and I took off 6 weeks so 3 miles should be my goal. It should be but not for your first run. The same thing applies for any exercise routine you did prior to stopping. Here are the guidelines for returning to exercise for new moms from Fit Pregnancy.

Starting Back Slowly

As a general rule, I recommend that women do not return to postnatal or mommy and me yoga until their bleeding has stopped. If a woman gave birth via cesarean section, she needs to wait 6 weeks before rejoining class. If you push yourself too hard in the beginning, then you can actually be setting yourself back from real recovery. That of course does not mean you need to be held hostage in your house for 6 weeks. A walk can be considered a good start to your road back!

Watch For Your Bleeding to Stop

Once you do embark on some heavier activities, pay attention to signs from your body. Some women find that their bleeding that had tapered down starts to get heavier again, which is a sign that the body needs more time to heal.

How Is Your Pelvic Floor?

Also, if the pelvic floor is weak, putting intra-abdominal pressure (like crunches, pilates or general ab work) can put too much pressure on the pelvic floor and inhibit healing or even lead to a chance of organ prolapse. One of the first forms of exercise you can start to incorporate daily can be a kegel routine, restrengthening or even re-familiarizing yourself with your pelvic floor muscles.

Repairing Diastasis

It is very common that women experience a separation of the abdominal muscles, specifically the rectus abdominals — aka the six-pack muscles. Your care provider can check this for you when you return for your six week check up. If it is severe enough, you may need to work with a physical therapist to help draw the muscles back together. So, when easing back to an abdominal workout, be mindful not to overdo it. In postnatal and mommy and me yoga, we focus more on plank pose and variations of plank instead of old fashion crunches. It is also advised not to do extremely deep twisting poses which can also inhibit the muscles from repair.

Wiggly, Wobbly Joints

Relaxin, the hormone that is responsible for softening the ligaments and joints during pregnancy and childbirth, can stay in the body for up to six months postpartum. This can lead to wobbly, unstable joints and a loose pelvis. Again, just be mindful that the activity your choose is not too jerky in movement.

Find All Sorts of Exercise!

You do not need to attend a scheduled class to start to return to a general fitness routine. As I mentioned earlier, walking is a great place to start: don’t discount walking as a gentle cardiovascular exercise! At one point, I was told to avoid higher impact cardio since I was healing from some pretty severe pelvic floor issues and was instructed to try swimming. Fortunately, I have been an avid swimmer for years, so it felt like a nice welcome back to exercise and rediscovering my body. The nice thing about swimming is that it is gentle on the joints and pelvic floor, and is great for strengthening the core and back muscles.

Hydrate

Once you do start to ease back into your routine, please remember to hydrate well, especially if you are breastfeeding. If you are out for a stroll with your baby, put your water bottle in the cup holder as a reminder to drink often.

Rest

At the end of every postnatal or mommy and me yoga class we incorporate a few restorative yoga poses and then savasana (corpse pose). Even though many new moms hear the old saying, sleep when your baby sleeps, very few (I believe) adhere to these wise words. So, including a few moments to simply relax post-workout can really help replenish you. If you are feeling rested and restored, you will have so much more to offer to those that need you.

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Doroski Chiropractic Neurology

3122 Golansky Blvd, Ste 102

Woodbridge VA 22192

703 730 9588

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What is Chiropractic?

in Chiropractor by Doroski February 17, 2017 0 comments

I am still kind of surprised how many people haven’t really heard of or understand what chiropractic is. As a chiropractor in the Woodbridge, Dale City VA area for over 20 years I am still periodically asked what is chiropractic. Part of me is glad the person is asking rather than not interested or afraid because of something they read or were told by their MD. Yea I know there are still MD’s out there that don’t know but still subscribe to what they were told in Medical school 30 years ago. Here is a rundown on just what chiropractic is and what it can help.

Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) – often referred to as chiropractors or chiropractic physicians – practice a hands-on, drug-free approach to health care that includes patient examination, diagnosis and treatment. Chiropractors have broad diagnostic skills and are also trained to recommend therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises, as well as to provide nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counseling.

DCs may assess patients through clinical examination, laboratory testing, diagnostic imaging and other diagnostic interventions to determine when chiropractic treatment is appropriate or when it is not appropriate. Chiropractors will readily refer patients to the appropriate health care provider when chiropractic care is not suitable for the patient’s condition, or the condition warrants co-management in conjunction with other health care providers.

In many cases, such as lower back pain, chiropractic care may be a patient’s primary method of treatment. When other medical conditions exist, chiropractic services may complement or support medical treatment by relieving the musculoskeletal aspects associated with the condition.

Like their MD colleagues, doctors of chiropractic are subject to the boundaries established in state practice acts and are regulated by state licensing boards. Further, their education in four-year doctoral graduate school programs is nationally accredited through an agency that operates under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Education. After graduation, they must pass national board exams before obtaining a license to practice, and then must maintain their license annually by earning continuing education (CE) credits through state-approved CE programs.

What is Spinal Manipulation?

One of the most common and well known therapeutic procedures performed by doctors of chiropractic is spinal manipulation (sometimes referred to as a “chiropractic adjustment”). The purpose of spinal manipulation is to restore joint mobility by manually applying a controlled force into joints that have become hypomobile – or restricted in their movement – as a result of a tissue injury. Tissue injury can be caused by a single traumatic event, such as improper lifting of a heavy object, or through repetitive stresses, such as sitting in an awkward position with poor spinal posture for an extended period of time. In either case, injured tissues undergo physical and chemical changes that can cause inflammation, pain, and diminished function for an individual. Manipulation, or adjustment of the affected joint and tissues, restores mobility, thereby alleviating pain and muscle tightness, allowing tissues to heal.

Chiropractic adjustment rarely causes discomfort. However, patients may sometimes experience mild soreness or aching following treatment (as with some forms of exercise) that usually resolves within 12 to 48 hours. Compared to other common treatments for pain, such as over-the-counter and prescription pain medications, chiropractic’s conservative approach offers a safe and effective option.

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Doroski Chiropractic Neurology

3122 Golansky Blvd, Ste 102

Woodbridge VA 22192

703 730 9588

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Chiropractic and Headaches

in Chiropractor by Doroski February 10, 2017 0 comments

As a chiropractor in the Woodbridge, Dale City VA area headaches are something I see daily in my office. Most people don’t initially think of seeing a chiropractor for headaches but chiropractic does have a really good history of treating headaches. There are several factors that go into determining what type of headache you have and what type of therapies may help.

If you have a headache, you’re not alone. Nine out of 10 Americans suffer from headaches. Some are occasional, some frequent, some are dull and throbbing, and some cause debilitating pain and nausea. What do you do when you suffer from a pounding headache? Do you grit your teeth and carry on? Lie down? Pop a pill and hope the pain goes away? There is a better alternative.

Research shows that spinal manipulation – one of the primary treatments provided by doctors of chiropractic – may be an effective treatment option for tension headaches and headaches that originate in the neck. A report released in 2001 by researchers at the Duke University Evidence-Based Practice Center in Durham, NC, found that spinal manipulation resulted in almost immediate improvement for those headaches that originate in the neck, and had significantly fewer side effects and longer-lasting relief of tension-type headache than a commonly prescribed medication.

Also, a 1995 study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that spinal manipulative therapy is an effective treatment for tension headaches and that those who ceased chiropractic treatment after four weeks experienced a sustained therapeutic benefit in contrast with those patients who received a commonly prescribed medication.

Headache Triggers

Headaches have many causes, or “triggers.” These may include foods, environmental stimuli (noises, lights, stress, etc.) and/or behaviors (insomnia, excessive exercise, blood sugar changes, etc.). About 5 percent of all headaches are warning signals caused by physical problems. The remaining 95 percent of headaches are primary headaches, such as tension, migraine, or cluster headaches. These types of headaches are not caused by disease; the headache itself is the primary concern.

The greatest majority of primary headaches are associated with muscle tension in the neck. Today, Americans engage in more sedentary activities than in the past, and more hours are spent in one fixed position or posture (such as sitting in front of a computer). This can increase joint irritation and muscle tension in the neck, upper back and scalp, causing your head to ache.

What Can You Do?

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) offers the following suggestions to prevent headaches:

If you spend a large amount of time in one fixed position, such as in front of a computer, on a sewing machine, typing or reading, take a break and stretch every 30 minutes to one hour. The stretches should take your head and neck through a comfortable range of motion.

Low-impact exercise may help relieve the pain associated with primary headaches. However, if you are prone to dull, throbbing headaches, avoid heavy exercise. Engage in such activities as walking and low-impact aerobics.

Avoid teeth clenching. The upper teeth should never touch the lowers, except when swallowing. This results in stress at the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) – the two joints that connect your jaw to your skull – leading to TMJ irritation and a form of tension headaches.

Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day to help avoid dehydration, which can lead to headaches.

What Can a Doctor of Chiropractic Do?

Your doctor of chiropractic may do one or more of the following if you suffer from a primary headache:

Perform spinal manipulation or chiropractic adjustments to improve spinal function and alleviate the stress on your system.

Provide nutritional advice, recommending a change in diet and perhaps the addition of B complex vitamins.

Offer advice on posture, ergonomics (work postures), exercises and relaxation techniques. This advice should help to relieve the recurring joint irritation and tension in the muscles of the neck and upper back.

Doctors of chiropractic undergo extensive training to help their patients in many ways beyond just treatment for low-back pain. They know how tension in the spine relates to problems in other parts of the body, and they can take steps to relieve those problems.

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Doroski Chiropractic Neurology

3122 Golansky Blvd, Ste 102

Woodbridge VA 22192

703 730 9588

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A proper workstation can help you avoid injury

in Chiropractor by Doroski February 3, 2017 0 comments

As a chiropractor in the Woodbridge, Dale City VA area I see tons of patients with back, neck and shoulder pain. Most patients are trying to figure out how they did it. They go over their list of possible ways they could have injured themselves. Usually I agree with them that none of those things should have caused their injury. Than we start talking about their computer or desk set up. Here are a list of things to help you evaluate your set up.

The first step in setting up an office chair is to establish the desired height of the individual’s desk or workstation. This decision is determined primarily by the type of work to be done and by the height of the person using the office chair. The height of the desk or workstation itself can vary greatly and will require different positioning of the office chair, or a different type of ergonomic chair altogether.

Once the workstation has been situated, then the user can adjust the office chair according to his or her physical proportions. Here are the most important guidelines – distilled into a quick checklist – to help make sure that the office chair and work area are as comfortable as possible and will cause the least amount of stress to the spine:

Elbow measure

First, begin by sitting comfortably as close as possible to your desk so that your upper arms are parallel to your spine. Rest your hands on your work surface (e.g. desktop, computer keyboard). If your elbows are not at a 90-degree angle, adjust your office chair height either up or down.

Thigh measure

Check that you can easily slide your fingers under your thigh at the leading edge of the office chair. If it is too tight, you need to prop your feet up with an adjustable footrest. If you are unusually tall and there is more than a finger width between your thigh and the chair, you need to raise the desk or work surface so that you can raise the height of your office chair.

Calf measure

With your bottom pushed against the chair back, try to pass your clenched fist between the back of your calf and the front of your office chair. If you can’t do that easily, then the office chair is too deep. You will need to adjust the backrest forward, insert a low back support (such as a lumbar support cushion, a pillow or rolled up towel), or get a new office chair.

Low back support

Your bottom should be pressed against the back of your chair, and there should be a cushion that causes your lower back to arch slightly so that you don’t slump forward or slouch down in the chair as you tire over time. This low back support in the office chair is essential to minimize the load (strain) on your back. Never slump or slouch forward in the office chair, as that places extra stress on the structures in the low back, and in particular, on the lumbar discs.

Resting eye level

Close your eyes while sitting comfortably with your head facing forward. Slowly open your eyes. Your gaze should be aimed at the center of your computer screen. If your computer screen is higher or lower than your gaze, you need to either raise or lower it to reduce strain on the upper spine.

Armrest

Adjust the armrest of the office chair so that it just slightly lifts your arms at the shoulders. Use of an armrest on your office chair is important to take some of the strain off your upper spine and shoulders, and it should make you less likely to slouch forward in your chair.

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Doroski Chiropractic Neurology

3122 Golansky Blvd, Ste 102

Woodbridge VA 22192

703 730 9588

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