Author: Susan Newman

Chiropractic treatment is a form of alternative medicine that primarily focuses on diagnosing and treating mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine. It is based on the premise that misalignments (or subluxations) of the spine can interfere with the nervous system and lead to various health problems. Here’s a breakdown of the science behind chiropractic care:

1. Spinal Manipulation and Adjustments

• Concept: Chiropractors often use spinal manipulation (also called spinal adjustments) to treat musculoskeletal pain, especially in the back and neck. The idea is that misalignments in the vertebrae can impact the nervous system and cause pain or dysfunction in other parts of the body.
• Mechanism: During an adjustment, a chiropractor applies a controlled force to a joint in the spine that has become restricted or misaligned. This is believed to restore normal motion, reduce pain, and improve nerve function.
• Scientific Basis: Studies show that spinal manipulation can help reduce pain, improve function, and even alleviate certain conditions like lower back pain, tension headaches, and neck pain.

2. Nervous System Interaction

• Concept: Chiropractors believe that the spine is integral to the functioning of the nervous system. According to chiropractic philosophy, when the spine is misaligned, it can place pressure on the spinal nerves, which may interfere with the nervous system’s ability to transmit signals effectively, potentially leading to pain or dysfunction.
• Scientific Basis: While it is widely accepted that the nervous system is essential for communication between the brain and body, the theory that spinal misalignments (subluxations) disrupt nerve function is controversial. Scientific Studies have shown that spinal adjustments can affect the nervous system.

3. Pain Relief and Inflammation Reduction

• Concept: One of the main goals of chiropractic treatment is to reduce pain and inflammation. Spinal manipulation can improve blood flow, relax muscles, and reduce inflammation in the affected area.
• Scientific Basis: Research has shown that spinal manipulation can help reduce pain, especially for conditions like acute lower back pain. The application of manual therapy can trigger the release of pain-relieving substances in the body, such as endorphins, and may help reset the body’s pain processing pathways.

4. Musculoskeletal Health and Mobility

• Concept: Chiropractors often treat conditions that affect the joints, muscles, and ligaments, with the goal of improving mobility and reducing stiffness.
• Scientific Basis: Regular chiropractic adjustments can help restore motion in the joints, particularly those in the spine. This may lead to improvements in range of motion, reduction of muscle tension, and greater overall mobility. This has been especially useful for conditions like chronic back pain and joint dysfunction.

If you’ve sustained an injury at work, chiropractic care can be an effective treatment option to help alleviate pain, improve mobility, and promote healing. Chiropractors specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal issues, particularly those related to the spine, muscles, and joints, which are common in workplace injuries.

Here’s how chiropractic care can assist with work-related injuries:

1. Spinal Adjustments

• A chiropractor can perform spinal manipulations or adjustments to correct misalignments, relieve nerve pressure, and restore proper function to the nervous system. This can be particularly beneficial if your injury involves back pain, neck pain, or posture issues.

2. Pain Relief

• Chiropractic care can help manage pain resulting from injuries like strains, sprains, herniated discs, or repetitive stress injuries. Chiropractors use techniques like spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and therapeutic exercises to reduce pain and inflammation.

3. Muscle Rehabilitation

• For injuries involving muscle strains or sprains, chiropractic treatments may include massage therapy, stretching exercises, or strengthening routines to help restore muscle function and prevent further injury.

4. Posture Correction

• Poor posture due to prolonged sitting, standing, or repetitive motion in certain jobs can lead to misalignments and muscle imbalances. Chiropractors can address posture issues and teach corrective exercises to reduce strain on the body.

5. Non-invasive Treatment

• Chiropractic care provides a drug-free, non-invasive approach to managing pain, which may be especially appealing for those looking to avoid medications or invasive surgeries.

6. Workplace Ergonomics

• Chiropractors can also provide advice on proper ergonomics at work, such as adjusting your workstation setup, lifting techniques, and stretches to prevent future injuries.

7. Injury Recovery

• Chiropractic care can promote healing and speed up recovery by increasing blood flow, reducing inflammation, and stimulating the body’s natural healing processes.

Common Work-related Injuries Treated by Chiropractors:

• Lower back pain: Often caused by lifting, bending, or sitting for long periods.
• Neck pain: Related to poor posture, especially with desk jobs.
• Repetitive strain injuries (RSI): From repetitive motions such as typing or using machinery.
• Shoulder injuries: Resulting from heavy lifting or awkward motions.
• Headaches: Often linked to neck or spinal misalignments.

What to Expect During a Chiropractic Visit:

• Initial Evaluation: The chiropractor will assess your injury, medical history, and lifestyle factors. This may involve physical exams, X-rays, or other diagnostic tests.
• Treatment Plan: A chiropractor will create a personalized treatment plan that might include adjustments, stretches, exercises, and lifestyle advice.
• Follow-up Care: Depending on your injury, multiple visits may be needed to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan.

Workers’ Compensation and Chiropractic Care:

• In many cases, chiropractic care can be covered by workers’ compensation insurance if the injury occurred at work. It’s essential to check with your employer or insurance provider about your benefits.

If you’re experiencing pain from a workplace injury, visiting a chiropractor could be a beneficial step in your recovery process.

Wishing everyone a healthy, happy new year. TIPS for starting 2025 in a healthy way:

Stay active: Find an activity that you like weather its walking, pickleball, yoga or going to the gym. Being active helps your mental health and well being of your body.

Get enough sleep: Institute a bedtime routine, give yourself time to settle down from your day without your phone or computer. A cup of non caffeinated tea, mindful breathing and some quiet time can help you get to sleep. You should feel alert and not exhausted when you wake up in the morning, if you feel tired when you wake up in the morning you may not be getting enough sleep.

Eat a healthy diet: Try to make healthy choices when eating. We all like to splurge on a treat once in a while, that’s ok. Now that holidays are over, focus on healthy foods to start the new year.

See your Chiropractor: Finding time to get the the chiropractor to keep your spine in line can help relieve back pain, neck pain, headaches and your overall health.

Chiropractic care can be an effective option for addressing neck pain caused by prolonged computer use, often referred to as “tech neck” or “computer neck.” This condition arises from poor posture, prolonged screen time, and repetitive movements, which can strain the muscles and joints of the neck.

Here are ways chiropractic care can help with neck pain related to computer use:

1. Spinal Adjustments

Chiropractors perform spinal adjustments to correct misalignments (subluxations) in the neck and upper back. These adjustments can help restore proper alignment, improve range of motion, and relieve muscle tension, all of which are common causes of neck pain related to computer use.

2. Posture Correction

Poor posture is a major contributor to neck pain caused by prolonged computer use. Chiropractors can evaluate your posture and offer guidance on improving it. This may include exercises, ergonomic adjustments, and tips to maintain better alignment while sitting or working at your computer.

3. Muscle Relaxation and Tension Relief

Neck pain from computer use often involves muscle strain, particularly in the upper traps, shoulders, and neck. Chiropractors can use techniques such as massage, myofascial release, and stretching to help relax tense muscles and relieve discomfort.

4. Exercise and Stretching Recommendations

Chiropractors often prescribe specific exercises to strengthen the muscles supporting the neck and improve flexibility. These exercises can help prevent future neck pain by promoting better posture and muscle function.

5. Ergonomics and Lifestyle Advice

Chiropractors can provide advice on setting up an ergonomic workspace to reduce strain on your neck. This includes adjusting your monitor height, chair positioning, and keyboard placement to ensure a neutral posture while using your computer.

6. Prevention of Long-Term Problems

If left untreated, neck pain from computer use can lead to chronic conditions such as degeneration of the cervical spine, herniated discs, or chronic muscle tension. Chiropractic care helps prevent these long-term issues by addressing misalignments early on and promoting overall spinal health.

If you’re experiencing neck pain from computer use, it’s a good idea to consult with a chiropractor who can tailor treatment to your specific needs. Additionally, regular breaks, ergonomic adjustments, and exercises can play a vital role in preventing and managing neck pain.

During this Thanksgiving week, Enjoy time with friends and family. We appreciate our great patients and are thankful for trusting us to help them with their healthcare needs. We will be open through Wednesday this week and return on Monday to help with any back pain, neck pain, headaches incurred over the long holiday weekend. Gobble, Gobble!

Many people often experience neck pain. Neck pain can be caused by many factors including misaligned spine, sports injuries, car accidents, poor posture, work injuries and other causes. Neck pain can also cause headaches. Dr. Newman can help with your neck pain and headaches without drugs through spinal manipulation and adjunctive physical therapy. He has been helping patients re-align their spines and has relieved many patients with neck pain for over 30 years. Whether your neck pain is caused by whiplash from an auto accident or if you just wake up with a tweaked your neck, Chiropractic care can help relieve your symptoms naturally.

1. Check the Fluids

• Engine Oil: Ensure it’s at the proper level and change it if it’s due.
• Coolant: Check the level and top off if necessary.
• Brake Fluid: Ensure it’s within the recommended range.
• Transmission Fluid: Check the level and condition.
• Windshield Washer Fluid: Fill it up.

2. Inspect Tires

• Tire Pressure: Inflate to the recommended PSI.
• Tread Depth: Check for sufficient tread; replace if worn.
• Spare Tire: Ensure it’s inflated and in good condition.

3. Battery Check

• Connections: Ensure terminals are clean and tight.
• Charge: Test the battery or replace it if it’s old.

4. Brakes

• Inspect brake pads and discs for wear.
• Listen for any unusual sounds while braking.

5. Lights and Signals

• Test all headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights.

6. Wipers and Mirrors

• Check wiper blades for wear and replace if necessary.
• Ensure mirrors are clean and properly adjusted.

7. Emergency Kit

• Stock an emergency kit with a first-aid kit, flashlight, water, non-perishable snacks, jumper cables, and basic tools.
• IF YOU DO HAVE A CAR ACCIDENT. MAKE SURE YOU GET TO A SAFE AREA, EXCHANGE INFO AND IF YOU ARE HAVING BACK PAIN, NECK PAIN OR WHIPLASH. Call your local chiropractor.

Tips for good Posture:

Neutral Spine: Your spine should have three natural curves: one in your neck, one in your upper back, and one in your lower back. Good posture means maintaining these curves without exaggerating them. Chiropractic Spinal adjustments help keep the spine aligned for better posture.

Sitting Posture

Feet Flat: Keep your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest. Avoid crossing your legs. Knees at Hip Level: Ensure your knees are at the same level or slightly lower than your hips. Back Support: Use a chair that supports the natural curve of your spine. You can use a small cushion or lumbar roll for additional support. Shoulders Relaxed: Keep your shoulders relaxed and not hunched up toward your ears. Head Aligned: Your head should be aligned with your spine, not leaning forward. Your ears should be over your shoulders.

Standing Posture

Weight Distribution: Distribute your weight evenly on both feet. Avoid shifting your weight to one side. Knees Slightly Bent: Keep your knees slightly bent, not locked. Engage Core: Engage your core muscles to support your spine. Shoulders Back: Keep your shoulders back and down.

Nice weather is here! Take some time a few times per week to get outside and exercise. It can be as simple as a 15 minute walk. Just get your body moving. How about a bike ride, a swim, or gardening. Studies show even small amounts of exercise increase health benefits and mental well being. So…. enjoy the warm weather while its here!

Newman Family Chiropractic- Care for Back Pain, Neck Pain, Sciatica, Whiplash, Headaches. Call 301-696-8888 Available in Frederick and Hagerstown.

Good Posture

• Bend at the Hips and Knees: When lifting or reaching low, bend at your hips and knees, not your back. Keep your back straight.
• Avoid Twisting: Try to move your whole body rather than twisting your spine. Pivot with your feet instead of twisting at the waist.
• Proper Lifting Techniques:
• Lift with Your Legs: When lifting heavy objects, squat down and use your leg muscles to lift, keeping the object close to your body.
• Use a Wheelbarrow: Transport heavy items in a wheelbarrow or garden cart to avoid carrying them.
• Frequent Breaks: Take regular breaks to stand up, stretch, and walk around. This prevents stiffness and reduces strain.
• Alternate Tasks: Switch between different gardening tasks to avoid repetitive strain on the same muscles.

If you injure your back or neck while gardening. Call our office in Frederick, Maryland 301-696-8888 In Hagerstown Maryland 301-791-5900. We are here to help!