Families First of Loudoun

Oiling Your Joints

Sometimes, as you start to move, you feel aches and pain you didn’t expect.

This may be especially common after sitting or standing for long periods of time. Here are some tips to follow to loosen up the joints. Always remember to come and get a spinal tune-up. Our clinic is conveniently located in Leesburg. You don’t have to live with neck or back pain.

Muscles and ligaments are sort of like playdoh, they are both elastic and plastic. This means that our ligaments are stretchable (elastic), but also stay in the position that they are in for long periods of time (plastic). When you’re in pain the lower back ligaments become irritated.

They lose their elasticity, but still maintain their plasticity.When you try and stand up after sitting, your ligaments and muscles don’t want to stretch. In order to help them stretch and regain their elasticity,you must first regain low back motion. Pelvic tilts and hula hoops will help regain motion in the lower back.

Do the following to avoid pain upon standing:
While still sitting, do a few pelvic tilts. First arch your lower back, then tuck your tailbone under (flatten your arch). Be careful when arching as this may increase your pain. Only stay in the pain free range of motion. Notice as you’re tucking your tailbone, that you’re contracting the muscles in your buttocks. Furthermore, notice that as you tuck, you’re also using your abdominal muscles. Arch and flatten your lower back three times. On the third time, tuck your tailbone (flatten the arch) and hold it. Put your hands on your thighs and stand up slowly.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help Prevent Falls 

Every year, people injure themselves needlessly in slip-and-fall accidents. One million adults over age 25 will be injured in falls at home this year.1 In serious cases, a fall can cause long-term disability or even death. What can we do to protect ourselves, our parents, and our families?

Here are some facts and tips, courtesy of the Virginia Chiropractic Association. Be proactive. Do a survey, whether it’s for your office, your home, or a loved one’s home.

Safety strategies include: 

• Beware mats and rugs on hard surfaces. Be sure to put a non-slip surface beneath any stepping surface that may otherwise slip.
• In the bathroom, be especially aware (and see the above tip on carpets and mats). Deaths in the bathroom exceed those due to handgun accidents.2 If safety “grab bars” are present, check them (or have them checked) periodically for stability.
• Secure electrical cords. Be sure cords are out of the way when possible, and secure them when re-routing is not an option. Consider hiring an electrician if necessary; or make a simple trip to the hardware store for a conduit strip that mounts to the floor, safely.
• Mind toys and pets. Be sure kids clean up after themselves. If you have pets, walk with care.
• Take an extra moment on the stairs… especially the top and bottom one.

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How Cryotherapy and Contrast Therapy Can Help Arthritis

Over 20 million Americans suffer from arthritis and arthritis-related disability. But what is arthritis? And how can we protect ourselves? Here are some tips.

“Arth” refers to joints, the places where bones meet and typically move. “Itis” refers to inflammation. “Arthritis” means inflammation of joints. There are two main categories of arthritis: Systemic, which includes rheumatoid arthritis; and “wear-and-tear” or osteoarthritis. Systemic arthritis is often an autoimmune disorder with the body attacking tissues surrounding the joints. Osteoarthritis is the result of microtrauma (daily wear that adds up over the years) and macrotrauma (such as falls, car accidents, and sports injuries).

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