How can work affect your back pain?

How Can Work Affect your Back Pain?

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people miss work, and it’s no secret that work often contributes to back pain. In recent years, several media outlets have warned the public about the pain and debilitation which results from sitting for too long. But standing for too long also imperils the back, as well as the legs and feet. Chiropractors often treat cashiers, hairdressers, nurses, security screeners, custodians, and other people who are on their feet all day, but preventive measures are necessary to stop the problem from recurring.

How Standing Affects the Back

Problems in the lower limbs will have consequences further up. When peoples’ feet are painfully swollen or their leg muscles are failing, their posture is likely to get worse. They often subconsciously tilt their pelvises in an attempt to use their back muscles to compensate for tight or overworked muscles in the pelvic region, legs, or core, putting their lower backs out of alignment and increasing wear on their facet joints. Wear to the back muscles also puts uneven pressure on the spinal discs, allowing them to become misshapen and inhibiting their function as shock absorbers.

Good Habits While Standing

Ideally, workers should be able to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day. It’s good to switch about every half hour. While standing, it may be helpful to put one foot up on a bar. In either position, desk workers should position the top of their screens to be at eye-level and tilted slightly up. They also should also put the keyboard and mouse on the same level and stand about twenty inches away from the screen. Knees should be bent slightly and be positioned directly below the hips.

The Importance of Foot Care

To prevent lower back pain, the feet are especially important to care for. Blood pooling in the lower extremities can lead to vascular problems, which come with their own pain and can encourage bad posture. People with Chronic Venous Insufficiency should consider compression stockings. Many chiropractors now offer customized foot orthotics, which provide the feet with more support, and patients are generally discouraged from wearing flat shoes. Anti-fatigue floor mats have been shown to decrease foot and lower back pain. Patients are also advised to move their feet when turning to reach something, as opposed to twisting their torsos.

How Chiropractic Helps

Chiropractic care will likely include some sort of therapeutic exercise as well as pain relief. Squats are recommended for many patients as a way to strengthen core and leg muscles and to improve hip flexibility. Traction, either with a machine or suspension, can reverse the pressure in spinal discs. Adjustments will put joints back in place, removing pressure from the surrounding muscles and nerves. Therapeutic massages, electric muscle stimulation, and ultrasound therapy also help to reduce muscle inflammation and deliver more nutrient-rich blood to injured soft tissues.

Scott Chiropractic and Wellness

Matthew Scott, DC

5080 Virginia Pkwy Ste 550

McKinney, TX 75071

(972) 540-5445

www.scott-chiropractic.com

*****This is not intended to replace the services of a doctor. It does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Information in this newsletter/website is for informational purposes only & is not a substitute for professional advice. Please do not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating any condition.

Ways to Increase a Child's Happiness this Holiday Season

4 Great Ways to Increase a Child's Happiness this Holiday Season And it's NOT What You Think!

 

According to a study by psychologists at the University of British Columbia, children are happier to give than to receive. In this study, children were asked to give away their own treats, as well as extra treats. They showed greater happiness about sharing their own possessions. The study suggested that the act of personal sacrifice was emotionally more rewarding to the children involved. 

 

What is the best way to increase your children’s holiday cheer?  According to the research, it’s allowing them the opportunity to give.

 

 

Here are 4 great ways you and your family can give back this holiday season.

 

1. Volunteer. If you are not in the position to give financially, there are many ways to serve and give of your time. Call a local charity and give them some hours of volunteer service. It is the best holiday therapy of all! Some example ideas would be to serve holiday dinner to the homeless, or sing Christmas carols as a family to those that do not get frequent visitors throughout the year, such as nursing homes, assisted living centers and disabled or handicapped service centers. Perhaps you can make a meal for someone that is sick or home-bound or even donate your time to babysit for a single mother.

2. Donate books. Spread your joy for books to others that like to read. Collect books that you may never read again and look for ways to give locally. You will save on shipping costs and help those in your community. Consider your local libraries, Goodwill, or Salvation Army. If shipping is not a problem, you may consider great charities such as “Books for Soldiers” or “Books for Africa”.

 

3. Deliver cookies. Baking cookies as a family is a common activity during the holiday season. Make a few extras to gift those who are serving the community by working on Christmas day. Hotels, airports, hospitals, fire stations and stores are open for business. Call ahead and check company policy before you deliver.

 

4. Give yourself. Pack up the kids for a quick holiday visit to those that matter most. Bring egg nog or hot chocolate and share a cup (…or two) with those relatives who you do not normally have the opportunity to spend extra time with during the year. Start a tradition while strengthening family bonds.

 

***Disclaimer: This content is solely for informational purposes and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. It is recommended that you seek professional advice by a licensed health care professional.

Scott Chiropractic and Wellness Matt Scott, DC  5080 Virginia Pkwy Ste 550 McKinney, TX 75071 www.scott-chiropractic.com  (972) 540-5445

 

Cold Weather Affects on Your Body

 
Cold Weather Affects On Your Body

Your teeth chatter, your body shivers, and despite all your efforts to bundle up from head-to-toe, you can’t prevent it, the cold weather has arrived. Every person reacts differently to thermal stress. Age, fitness level and underlying diseases play a major part in someone’s reaction to cold. All these reactions are an attempt by your body to preserve heat, although not a very successful one.


With cold weather comes more impaired immune systems, and that’s pretty much an invitation for the common cold. In addition, the cold weather can affect your body in ways that never crossed your mind. Besides leaving you vulnerable to viruses, here are other ways the cold weather affects your body.

Migraines – With temperature change comes the falling of barometric pressure, also known as atmospheric pressure that is most noticeable in drastic shifts of the weather and temperature. The pressure can be so intense with cold weather that it can lead to sinus issues and migraines.

Muscle and Joint Stiffness – Our bodies, which are about 70 percent water, can become more sensitive in colder weather. As temperatures drop, our bodies can lose elasticity, and it becomes harder to stretch. Colder temperatures can also cause painful changes in joint fluid thickness.

Weakened Hair and Nails – Cold temperatures can warp hair cuticles and make hair scales weak causing split ends to form while blood circulation slows down in cold weather causing your nails to become weak and brittle.

Depression – Season Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression with a season pattern, occurring most often in months when there is less daylight. It is most common between the ages of 18 and 30 and affects more women than men. People with SAD may have abnormally low levels of serotonin and high levels of melatonin, which affects sleep quality and happiness.   

Vasoconstriction – When temperatures hit 50 degrees Fahrenheit, your blood vessels narrow to reduce blood flow near the body’s surface. Sometimes the blood vessels dilate and burst which causes redness and can also numb your hands.

Heat loss in cold, wet weather increases the risk for hypothermia, frost bite and other cold injuries. Heat loss can occur in warm temperatures through conduction. For those of you who live where the winters are bitter and brutal, it is important to pack on the layers when taking a trip outside. For those who experience warm winters, swimming or sitting in cool or cold water can cause the body to lose heat very quickly, so think twice before taking dip to cool down.

***Disclaimer: This content is solely for informational purposes and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. It is recommended that you seek professional advice by a licensed health care professional.

Scott Chiropractic and Wellness Matt Scott, DC  5080 Virginia Pkwy Ste 550 McKinney, TX 75071 www.scott-chiropractic.com  (972) 540-5445

Chocolate Quinoa Chippers Recipe

Chocolate Quinoa Chippers With 13 grams of protein in a cup of quinoa flakes and over 5 grams in a mere tablespoon of hempseeds, this delicious cookie is packed with protein and contains more fiber, antioxidants, essential fatty acids and minerals than a traditional chocolate chip cookie. And they’re delicious! 1 ¼ cups whole wheat pastry flour ½ cup cacao powder or unsweetened baking cocoa 1 teaspoon baking soda ¼ teaspoon sea salt ½ pound (2 sticks) butter, softened 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar ¼ cup coconut sugar or regular sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 large eggs 1 ¾ cups dark chocolate chips (I use Enjoy Life brand) 1 ½ cups quinoa flakes (I use Ancient Harvest Quinoa Hot Cereal Flakes) ¼ cup hemp seeds Directions: Heat oven to 375° F. In medium bowl, combine flour, cacao, baking soda and salt; mix well.  In large bowl, beat butter, sugars and vanilla extract with electric mixer until creamy. Beat in eggs one at a time. Gradually add flour mixture, beating slowly to incorporate. Stir in dark chocolate chips, quinoa flakes and hemp seeds. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto parchment lined baking sheet.   Bake 9 to 12 minutes. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Makes about 4 dozen.   Contributed by Dawn Kurth of No Kidding Nutrition. Click here for more delicious and healthy recipes like this one.          ***Disclaimer: This content is solely for informational purposes and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. It is recommended that you seek professional advice by a licensed health care professional.

Scott Chiropractic and Wellness Matt Scott, DC  5080 Virginia Pkwy Ste 550 McKinney, TX 75071 www.scott-chiropractic.com  (972) 540-5445

Bunions

The Cause of Foot Bunions

A bunion is a deformity involving the big toe.  As the bunion develops you will begin to notice an enlargement on the inner side of the first toe near the metatarsal-phalangeal joint (MTP joint).  The MTP joint is where the big toe joins to the long bone of the foot.

 

As a bunion continues to enlarge you may begin to experience pain, swelling and limited range of motion in the MTP joint.  You may even develop pain due to the rubbing and friction of your bunion on the inside of constricting shoes. 

 

Most patients who suffer from bunions and many doctors who have treated those patients do not understand the actual cause of why the bunion developed in the first place.  Most doctors believe that the bunion was caused by an inward misalignment of the first metatarsal bone (the long bone on the inner side of the foot), combined with a compensatory outward deviation of the large toe.  Although this is a correct observation with a bunion deformity, it is not the true underlying cause of the bunion formation.

 

The bunion deformity is merely the result of a more profound problem involving the entire foot structure.  There is a “normal posture” of the foot’s structure, and when that structure is maintained a bunion will not develop.

 

There are 26 bones in the foot.  Those bones all have a normal, healthy alignment that they are supposed to be in.  The primary misalignment or foot dysfunction leading up to a bunion formation develops in the hind-foot.  The hind-foot consists of two primary bones, the heel and ankle bones.  When the heel and ankle lose their healthy alignment, it causes a domino effect of misalignments into the mid-foot and fore-foot.

 

A common proposed solution for bunions in the medical world is to break the first metatarsal bone and bend it into a straightened position. The problem with this procedure is that it does nothing to improve the actual underlying biomechanical problem that caused the bunion.

 

 A better solution is to work with the entire foot to diagnose and correct the alignment of the heel and ankle and then the mid-foot and fore-foot.

 

In addition to adjusting the spine, we also work on correcting misalignments of the feet.  We do this through gentle adjustments to the foot bones.

 

Our foot patients love having their feet adjusted.  Since your feet are the foundation, having them adjusted and aligned properly will benefit your entire body.

 

 ***Disclaimer: This content is solely for informational purposes and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. It is recommended that you seek professional advice by a licensed health care professional.

 

Scott Chiropractic and Wellness
Matthew Scott, DC 

5080 Virginia Pkwy Ste 550

McKinney, TX 75071
972-540-5445

www.scott-chiropractic.com

 

 

We wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving season!  You will find valuable health tips in every month’s issue of our Full Body Chiropractic Newsletter.

 

We strive to provide the latest and best health information to help you meet your goals and have the well-being you deserve.  Please continue to share your testimonials, as many of you have been experiencing wonderful results with chiropractic care at our clinic.

 

 

 

5 Simple Ways to Improve Your Health with Gratitude

Dr. Robert A. Emmons described research he carried out with three experimental groups over 10 weeks (Emmons & McCullough, 2003):  People who expressed daily gratitude felt 25% happier. They were more optimistic about the future, they felt better about their lives, and they even exercised 1.5 hours longer per week on average.

 

Here are 5 simple ways to improve your health with gratitude.

 

1.  Keep a gratitude journal.

 

Take time first thing in the morning or last thing in the evening to write three to five things about what you are thankful for.  Keep a notebook, journal, or loose paper and a pen on your nightstand for convenience.  Reflect on the good, pure and lovely highlights of your day and transcribe them onto paper.  You will feel better and have a deeper sense of appreciation.

 

2.  Speak positively to yourself.

 

Learn to tame your “inner chatter” with only words of encouragement, edification and confidence.  Transform any self-doubt, negativity and words of disapproval such as,

“I am not good enough or worthy” to words like “I am worth it, I am valuable, I deserve to have the best in my life.” 

 

Speaking and thinking positivity over yourself will improve your self esteem and cause you to feel better and happier about yourself.

 

3.  Surround yourself with optimists.

 

Find people that are grateful and spend quality time with them.  Chances are you are like those that you hang around with most.  This is true with attitudes.  Make sure that the people you spend the most time with are uplifting and live life in a positive light instead of an ungrateful manner.  Other people’s gratitude and positivity will rub off on you and as a result you will become a happier and healthier person.

 

4.  Listen to and read uplifting material.

 

Spend leisure time indulging in edifying material.  Books and audios that build up the inner man and make you feel good about yourself and life.  Tony Robbins, Bob Proctor, Joyce Meyer and other wonderful authors have wonderful material to encourage, motivate and promote proper thinking.

 

5.  Take time to say thank you.

 

One of the best ways to remain thankful is to tell others you appreciate them and how much they mean to you.  A simple handwritten note is a nice touch and means a lot to the one receiving it.  Picking up the phone to call someone and say “thank you” goes a long way and will cause you to feel good in the process.  As you engage in making other’s feel appreciated you will in turn reap great rewards with your own happiness and emotional health.

 

 ***Disclaimer: This content is solely for informational purposes and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. It is recommended that you seek professional advice by a licensed health care professional.

Scott Chiropractic and Wellness
Matthew Scott, DC 

5080 Virginia Pkwy Ste 550

McKinney, TX 75071
972-540-5445

www.scott-chiropractic.com

 

 

A Complete Wellness Approach

A complete wellness approach is a comprehensive focus on adopting positive habits that will increase the well-being of your physical, mental, social, and spiritual self.  Quality chiropractic care is an essential aspect of your wellness plan.  Maintaining your nervous system is essential to balance other areas of your wellness plan.

Wellness plans include regular checkups with your physician and dentist, so why not your chiropractor? Chiropractic care is more than fixing bad backs and alleviating pain. Regular chiropractic care gives the patient energy and increased endurance.

People maintain their teeth and their car, but forget about their nervous system. There is a common misconception that the absence of pain means that the body is healthy. Wellness is more concerned with a higher level of thinking that requires that the patient be at their mental and physical best to get the most out of life.  Again, the nervous system brings your body up to this level through regular chiropractic care. For those who seek to live their best life through a comprehensive wellness plan, regular chiropractic care is an essential element.  

Chiropractic treatment enables your body to benefit from the rest of your wellness routine. If you are exercising regularly, chiropractic treatment enables you to do so without added pain and stiffness. If you are eating well, regular chiropractic treatments aid in a regular digestion system. Chiropractic has the ability to bring together all aspects of a wellness program so you can reap the maximum benefits from your healthy lifestyle. The result is more vitality, greater endurance, and the ability to be the best in all that you do.

 

 

 ***Disclaimer: This content is solely for informational purposes and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. It is recommended that you seek professional advice by a licensed health care professional.

Scott Chiropractic and Wellness
Matthew Scott, DC 

5080 Virginia Pkwy Ste 550

McKinney, TX 75071
972-540-5445

www.scott-chiropractic.com

 

Thumb Arthritis

A Solution for Thumb Arthritis

There is a tiny bone in the carpal (wrist) area known as the trapezium.  The trapezium is directly above the first metacarpal (the long bone for the thumb), where the thumb connects to the wrist.  This joint is known as a “saddle joint” because it has a unique shape similar to a horse’s saddle.  The saddle shape provides this joint a much greater range of motion compared to the other thumb and finger joints.  It is at this joint where thumb arthritis occurs.

 

This thumb joint is the most common joint in the entire body to become arthritic in the greatest number of people.

 

Because there is such broad motion at this “saddle joint”, it gets the heaviest workout.  We use our thumbs to grip and hold most objects, and the thumb is always opposing the four fingers.

 

The fingers oppose the thumb four against one.

 

After a period of time the thumb may lose its healthy alignment where it connects to the carpal region.  This misalignment will irritate the joint and cause the cartilage surfaces to become worn.  This wearing of the cartilage is referred to as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis.

 

It is a common misconception that arthritis cannot be treated through chiropractic.  Practically every patient we treat has some form of arthritis.  If you break the word down to its root meaning, arthritis means “joint inflammation”.  When two bones become misaligned relative to each other, the joint at which they connect becomes irritated and inflamed.

 

Adjusting the small wrist and hand bones will restore healthy alignment and function to the irritated joints.  In addition to pain relief patients often experience increased strength, range of motion and greater ability to grip objects for longer periods of time without pain and fatigue.

 

Arthritic pain and dysfunction can be helped with chiropractic care.  If you or someone you know is dealing with arthritic pain, we recommend a chiropractic evaluation to determine if there is a solution that can provide relief and restore healthy function to their hand.

 

 ***Disclaimer: This content is solely for informational purposes and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. It is recommended that you seek professional advice by a licensed health care professional.

Scott Chiropractic and Wellness
Matthew Scott, DC 

5080 Virginia Pkwy Ste 550

McKinney, TX 75071
972-540-5445

www.scott-chiropractic.com

Heel Spurs and Heel Pain

Heel Spurs & Morning Heel Pain

Some people experience sharp, stabbing foot pain immediately upon awakening and getting out of bed.  Heel pain first thing in the morning is a sign that you may have a heel spur.

 

The morning foot pain associated with a heel spur normally lasts about 10 minutes or less before it begins to calm down; however the pain pattern may become worse over time until it eventually becomes constant.

 

Each foot has 26 movable tarsal bones which are arranged into a network of arches.  However when you lose the healthy alignment of one or more of those bones you may begin to develop foot pain.

 

Two of the most common foot conditions that develop as a result of misalignments are plantar fasciitis and heel spurs.

Plantar fasciitis is a condition in which the soft tissues on the bottom of the foot (the plantar fascia) become overstretched, irritated and inflamed.  The classic symptoms associated with plantar fasciitis include pain on the bottom of the heel and sometimes into the arch of the foot.

 

Attaching from the heel to the five toes, the plantar fascia spans the entire plantar surface of the foot.  Due to misalignments of the tarsal bones and altered foot function, this tissue becomes overstretched and develops micro-tears near its attachment at the heel bone.

 

If the tarsal bones aren’t realigned in a timely fashion, the foot will begin to develop a bony heel spur near the attachment site of the plantar fascia.

 

It’s important to note that a heel spur does not cause pain by itself.  Rather it’s the irritation, micro-tearing and inflammation of the connecting plantar fascia that results in heel pain.

 

As plantar fasciitis remains untreated and is allowed to progress into a chronic condition, a heel spur may develop and continue to become larger and more prominent over time. Common symptoms associated with plantar fasciitis accompanied by a heel spur, includes morning heel pain first thing upon standing up.   

Specific chiropractic adjustments to the foot bones will correct the underlying mechanical problem, improve foot function and ease tissue stress.  Getting your feet adjusted is an effective, non-surgical solution for alleviating the pain associated with plantar fasciitis and heel spurs.

 

***Disclaimer: This content is solely for informational purposes and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. It is recommended that you seek professional advice by a licensed health care professional.

Scott Chiropractic and Wellness

Matthew Scott, DC 

5080 Virginia Pkwy Ste 550

McKinney, TX 75071
972-540-5445www.scott-chiropractic.com

Backpack Safety for School Age Children

Just like children, backpacks come in all shapes and sizes.  That's why we've created an easy to follow list when selecting the appropriate backpack.

 

1.  Choose size over style.

 

If your child wears a backpack that's too large for their frame, chances are they will haul around more than is safe for their spine. 

 

Use your child's back as the tape measure.  The top of a backpack should not go above your child's shoulders and the bottom of the bag should sit 1 to 2 inches above their beltline.  The width of the backpack should reach shoulder blade to shoulder blade.

 

2.  Don't over pack.

 

The first step in correctly packing a backpack is getting the right size bag as discussed in point number one.  A bag larger than a child's back is too easily overstuffed with sports equipment, toys, science projects, snacks, and if there's room, the all important books. 

 

Make sure the backpack weighs no more than 15-20% of your child's total body weight when full.

 

Begin packing the backpack by laying large, flat items at the back of the bag so they lay flat against your child's back.  Then layer smaller books and items on top.  Don't forget to utilize small pockets and compartments to better distribute the weight.  Show your child where each item is so they can re-pack properly after school.  

 

3. Use both straps.

 

Adjust both shoulder straps so the backpack fits snug against your child's back, but make sure it isn't too tight or cutting into their shoulders.  As impossible as it may seem, make sure your child uses both shoulder straps.  It's the best way to avoid spine or back injury.  Your child should be comfortable carrying a fully packed bag if it is adjusted and worn correctly.

 

If your child's backpack fits improperly or isn't worn correctly, it can lead to poor posture and eventually childhood back problems.   Make sure you select the best-fitting bag for your child to help protect their spine.

 

We encourage all parents to bring their children in periodically for chiropractic care.  Chiropractic is safe and effective for kids of all ages and it will help to maintain optimal spine posture and overall health.

***Disclaimer: This content is solely for informational purposes and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. It is recommended that you seek professional advice by a licensed health care professional.

Scott Chiropractic and Wellness

Matthew Scott, DC 

5080 Virginia Pkwy Ste 550

McKinney, TX 75071
972-540-5445
www.scott-chiropractic.com

Self Massage Technique for Hand Pain

Easy Self-Massage to Alleviate Hand Discomfort

If you experience stress or fatigue in your hands it wouldn’t be uncommon for most to deem it unnecessary to call in for a checkup, however it could be an indicator of an underlying hand problem. 

 

In the meantime I’d like to give you a simple self-relaxation technique you can use to relieve your hand tightness and fatigue.  Keep in mind however these relaxation techniques will not correct the underlying problem, rather it will merely provide short-term relief to help you better cope with hand symptoms.

 

To apply this self-massage technique you will use one hand to massage the other.  To avoid any confusion I will guide you through this simple technique for massaging the right hand.  You may do this on yourself as you read the instructions using your left hand to massage your right hand.

 

There are two major areas of the palm that we will focus on:

1. The fleshy muscle pad on the thumb side of your hand (aka thenar pad)
2. The fleshy muscle pad on the pinky finger side of your hand (aka hypothenar pad)

There are several small muscles that make up these two prominent muscle pads on the palm surface of your hand.  Massaging these two fleshy pads periodically throughout the day can help keep your hand relaxed and functioning as you continue to work. 

 

You should use the thumb of your left hand to gently stroke the thenar pad on your right hand.  One of the best methods to work this muscle group is to stroke from the crease at the central portion of your hand (known as the palmar crease) outward toward your thumb.

 

Massage the thenar pad area for approximately 30-60 seconds and then take a short break. 

 

Now you should perform a very similar process to the hypothenar pad on the pinky side of your right hand.  Again you should work the muscle group by starting near the palmar crease and stroking outward toward the edge of your hand.  You may also massage by starting near the wrist and stroking outward toward the pinky finger.

 

Keep in mind that these massage techniques are not supposed to cause pain.  They also are not meant to diagnose or treat any hand condition you may have.  These gentle massage techniques are merely to help you temporarily relax your stressed and fatigued hands.

 

Again if you have been suffering with hand symptoms (even mild symptoms) we highly recommend that you schedule for a hand evaluation at our clinic.

 

***Disclaimer: This content is solely for informational purposes and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. It is recommended that you seek professional advice by a licensed health care professional.

Scott Chiropractic and Wellness

Matthew Scott, DC 

5080 Virginia Pkwy Ste 550

McKinney, TX 75071

(972) 540-5445
www.scott-chiropractic.com

Tips on How to Avoid Foot Problems while Standing Around

Avoiding Foot Problems from Standing Around

Two common activities that affect the health of your feet are stance and gait.  The weight of your body pushes downward thus driving your heels and feet into the ground.

 

Standing in one spot for several hours at a time can be especially stressful to your feet and your entire body. Common symptoms that develop may include foot pain, knee pain and lower back pain.

 

If you must stand in the same position for a prolonged period of time, we recommend that you keep your legs and feet moving periodically throughout that time. You can bend your knees, march in place, dance in place or take small steps in either direction. Moving around while standing in one spot will improve circulation and alleviate sustained pressure and stress from your feet, knees, hips and spine.

     

The healthier your feet, the better they will absorb the stress your body experiences from prolonged standing.  When the 52 bones that comprise both of your feet are in their healthy alignment, they will certainly help to protect your legs and back and reduce the potential for injuries.

 

However when your foot bones lose their healthy alignment, the feet will not do as good of job in absorbing shock while standing and walking.  This will cause greater stress on your knees, hips and spine.  Foot misalignments and dysfunction are a leading cause of back pain.

 

There are four major misalignment patterns that may affect your feet:

1. flat feet
2. high arches
3. pronation (walking too much on the inside arch of your foot)
4. supination (walking too much on the outside edge of your foot)

You may not be aware that you actually have a misalignment or structural problem in your feet.  In many cases a foot may appear to be normal at first glance, but a thorough examination could indicate differently.  Just because your feet look healthy doesn’t mean that they actually are.

 

It is our goal to provide the most complete care possible for you as our patient.  If we haven’t already evaluated your feet and you would like us to do so, please mention that to us during your next appointment.  People don’t typically think of the chiropractor first when it comes to their feet, so we appreciate you for helping us spread the word about chiropractic foot care to your friends and family.

 

***Disclaimer: This content is solely for informational purposes and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. It is recommended that you seek professional advice by a licensed health care professional.Scott Chiropractic and Wellness

Matthew Scott, DC 

5080 Virginia Pkwy Ste 550

McKinney, TX 75070

(972) 540-5445

www.scott-chiropractic.com 

Three Motions to Avoid with a Shoulder Condition

The shoulder is an interesting joint because it has such a broad, unrestricted range of motion.  Because of its versatility, this mobile joint may become compromised by extreme ranges of motion.  There are few movements or arm positions that are potentially dangerous if you have a preexisting shoulder problem.  In fact there are three particular positions or movements to avoid if you have had a previous shoulder condition.

1. Working for prolonged periods with your arms overhead
2. Reaching behind your body to lift an object
3. Sleeping with your arms overhead

Let’s take a look at each of these potentially injurious shoulder motions.

 

Working With Your Arms Overhead

 

Working with your arms overhead for short periods is generally acceptable; however when you must work with your arms overhead for prolonged periods of time it may cause great stress and strain to the muscles, nerves and blood vessels in the shoulder region.  When this happens you may experience symptoms of numbness and tingling in your hands.

 

Reaching Behind Your Body to Lift an Object

 

 

Have you ever reached behind your car seat to pick something up while you were sitting in the front seat?  This type of motion compromises the shoulder joint and can lead to injury.  If you’ve ever injured your rotator cuff, this motion may be exceptionally dangerous and should be avoided.

 

Sleeping With Your Arms Overhead

 

When you sleep in this position it’s not uncommon to develop tingling or numbness sensations in your hands.  This is very similar to working with your arms overhead.  The only difference is that while sleeping with your arms overhead, your shoulders may remain in that compromising position for several hours.

 

Healthy Posture

 

The healthiest position for your shoulders is to remain in as neutral and relaxed posture and range of motion with whatever activity you are participating in.  If you must place your shoulders and arms in an awkward position, be sure to limit the time and amount of strain you exert on your shoulders while in that compromising position.

 

Chiropractic Care for Shoulder Injuries

 

Our practice has a great record of success when it comes to treating shoulder conditions.  Chiropractic adjustments to the shoulder joint and spine can relieve stress and strain from stretched, irritated or torn shoulder muscles and ligaments.  Whether you’ve had a rotator cuff injury or just a simple shoulder pain or strain, you should consider coming in for a shoulder adjustment.

 

***Disclaimer: This content is solely for informational purposes and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. It is recommended that you seek professional advice by a licensed health care professional.Scott Chiropractic and Wellness

Matthew Scott, DC 

5080 Virginia Pkwy Ste 550

McKinney, TX 75070

(972) 540-5445
www.scott-chiropractic.com

Texting Your Way to Arthritis

Texting Your Way to Arthritis

Maybe you’ve heard the term “blackberry” thumb before and wondered if that condition really existed.  There are several other condition names that have been thrown around loosely such as iPhone thumb, cell phone thumb, etc., but all of them are modern, common names for a condition known as De Quervain’s tendonitis.

 

When De Quervain’s tendonitis isn’t treated appropriately or if treatment is delayed, it may lead to the development of osteoarthritis in the joint where the thumb connects to the wrist.  It is therefore best to seek treatment for this potentially disabling hand condition sooner rather than later.

 

De Quervain’s tendonitis has been around for a long time and doctors have tried many different things in attempt to treat this painful condition.  Common treatments for De Quervain’s include anti-inflammatory prescription medications, cortisone injections and even surgery in extreme cases.

 

However there’s actually a non-surgical treatment that will not only alleviate the symptoms associated with De Quervain’s tendonitis, but also correct the underlying problem that caused the condition to develop in the first place.

 

De Quervain’s tendonitis is a painful condition that affects a couple of the most prominent tendons that control the movements of the thumb.  These tendons glide through a pulley system (or sheath) as they pass through the wrist before connecting to the thumb bone.

 

Healthy thumb movement and action requires healthy alignment of the thumb joints and wrist (carpal) bones.  When these bones and joints are aligned properly the connecting muscles and tendons will function harmoniously to provide proper thumb movement.

 

With healthy thumb and carpal bone alignment you should be able to use your cell phone or PDA device to send text messages without any pain or discomfort.  However when you lose the healthy alignment of these bones and joints, with repetitive activities such as texting and playing games on your cell phone or other device, you may begin to develop stress in the interconnecting tendons and joints.  This continued stress may lead to De Quervain’s tendonitis.

 

Once you understand the relationship between healthy thumb and carpal bone/joint alignment, it becomes apparent why chiropractic adjustments to the wrist and hand can alleviate the stress and dysfunction associated with De Quervian’s tendonitis and other hand conditions.

 

If you suffer with pain in your wrist or thumb, whether it’s related to texting, gaming or other repetitive activities, we highly recommend that you schedule an appointment with us to have your wrist and hand adjusted.

 

***Disclaimer: This content is solely for informational purposes and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. It is recommended that you seek professional advice by a licensed health care professional.

Scott Chiropractic and Wellness

Matthew Scott, DC 

5080 Virginia Pkwy Ste 550

McKinney, TX 75070

(972) 540-5445
www.scott-chiropractic.com

Foot Pain

72% of Americans Will Suffer With Foot Pain

This statistic is hard to believe but it’s absolutely true.  According to the American Podiatric Medical Association nearly 3 out of 4 people will develop debilitating foot pain at some point during their life.

 

The foot is comprised of 26 bones arranged into 4 arches held together by ligaments.  Foot pain is often the result of a misalignment of one or more of those 26 foot bones.  When the bones of the foot lose their healthy alignment it can cause pressure and stress on nearby nerves, muscles and ligaments.

 

Misalignments of the bones in the feet are usually the result of abnormal or excessive stress to the feet.  Think about the activities you participate in on a routine basis.  If those activities involve strenuous use of your feet, you are at risk of developing a foot condition.

 

Most musculoskeletal foot problems are correctable without surgery.  Gentle chiropractic adjustments to the 26 foot bones can realign the misaligned bones which will improve foot flexibility and range of motion.  This will remove stress from the muscles, ligaments and nerves in the feet allowing your body to heal.

 

Here at this office we have taken a vast interest in correcting our patients’ foot problems.  This is rather unique in that most chiropractors focus primarily on adjusting the spine versus the extremities.  However we believe that the feet are equally important to correct when there is a misalignment or a loss of healthy function.

 

If you are experiencing stress, stiffness or pain in your feet please mention that on your next visit to our clinic.  We will be delighted to evaluate your foot condition and determine if a chiropractic foot adjustment will benefit your health.

 

Also if you know of somebody else who suffers with a foot problem we encourage you to tell them about us and refer them in for a foot evaluation.  Many people in the community are not yet aware of our unique expertise in treating foot conditions.  By helping us to spread the word we will certainly be able to help people who otherwise may never have known about this beneficial health option for their feet.

 

***Disclaimer: This content is solely for informational purposes and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. It is recommended that you seek professional advice by a licensed health care professional.
Scott Chiropractic and Wellness

Matthew Scott, DC 

5080 Virginia Pkwy Ste 550

McKinney, TX 75070

(972) 540-5445

www.scott-chiropractic.com

101 Causes of Physical Stress and How to Maintain Your Health

Have you ever looked at yourself in the mirror while you were performing some daily activity such as talking on the phone or sitting at your desk?  If you really took the time to evaluate your body mechanics (or posture), more often than not you would probably observe a few things that you could work on.

 

From holding the phone to your ear using your shoulder as your head is bent to one side – to sleeping on your stomach as your head and neck is rotated – to crossing one leg over the other all day long, every day as you sit behind your desk – it’s no wonder why so many people need chiropractic care.

 

There are well over 101 things you encounter daily that may cause undue stress to your body.  These abnormal body postures and positions are responsible for many of the aches and pains that patients commonly develop. 

 

It would be next to impossible to maintain perfect body posture in all of your activities.  That’s one of the reasons why chiropractic care is so vitally important in keeping you and your family healthy.

 

Part of maintaining healthy alignment and body function is to keep your chiropractic appointments as recommended.  If you initially came to our office with a condition or health issue we may have recommended a specific schedule of care to correct your alignment in order to restore your health. 

 

Once your body has reached stability we recommend that you return periodically for a wellness or maintenance adjustment.  Some of our patients refer to this as getting a “tune-up”.

 

How often your body will require a wellness adjustment is relative to your specific condition.  There are many factors that contribute to your prescribed wellness plan.  Some of those factors may include your current state of health, your activity level, prior injuries, age, overall health, etc.

 

Our goal is to help you to improve your health as best possible.  Diet, exercise, and being aware of and maintaining proper body posture are all key elements to your overall health.  We encourage you to embrace your own health and do everything you can to preserve your wellness.  

 

If you ever have any questions about how to use proper posture or body mechanics with activities you commonly participate in, we would be delighted to give you the necessary advice. 

 

Also if you have a friend or family member who is suffering from a health condition that you think may be related to their life activities or stress we encourage you and thank you for referring them to us for a health evaluation.

 

***Disclaimer: This content is solely for informational purposes and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. It is recommended that you seek professional advice by a licensed health care professional.

Scott Chiropractic and Wellness

Matthew Scott, DC 

5080 Virginia Pkwy Ste 550

McKinney, TX 75070

(972) 540-5445

www.scott-chiropractic.com