Author: Susan Newman

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!

There are many causes of neck pain, such as poor posture, muscle strain, injury, whiplash from an auto accident or work injury or underlying conditions like cervical herniated discs or osteoarthritis. Dr. Newman does a thorough medical history, physical examination, and possibly diagnostic imaging such as X-rays or can recommend an MRI scan to assess spinal alignment and identify any structural abnormalities.

Chiropractors use precise, manual techniques to realign the vertebrae of the cervical spine, relieve joint restrictions, and reduce pressure on nerves, which can alleviate pain and improve mobility. Complementary therapies used by chiropractors to address muscle tension, trigger points, and soft tissue imbalances contributing to neck pain. These may include techniques such as massage, myofascial release, or instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) to relax tight muscles and enhance circulation.

Dr. Newman is a C.C.S.P. which is a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician and is educated in how to best help athletes achieve and maintain their best results. With regular chiropractic adjustments, you help enhance athletic performance by optimizing joint function, increasing flexibility, and promoting better overall body mechanics.

Chiropractic care can help prevent sports-related injuries by addressing biomechanical imbalances, reducing muscle tension, and promoting proper alignment. Specific techniques and exercises recommended by your chiropractor minimize the risk of common athletic injuries. Preventing sports-related injuries by addressing biomechanical imbalances, reducing muscle tension, and promoting proper alignment. Chiropractic treatment and adjunctive physical therapy can help to minimize the risk of common athletic injuries.

If you are looking for a Chiropractor in Frederick or Hagerstown Maryland, Our office can help you with Sciatica Pain. We use the following therapies to help alleviated your pain. Whether your Sciatica is from a sports injury, or auto accident, or the pain just came on, we can help.

1. Spinal Adjustments: Chiropractors use spinal adjustments to realign the spine, which can relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve if it’s being compressed by misaligned vertebrae.
2. Manual Therapy: This includes techniques like massage, stretching, and applying pressure to the affected area to reduce muscle tension and inflammation, which can contribute to sciatic pain.
3. Posture Correction: Poor posture can exacerbate sciatic pain by putting additional pressure on the lower back and sciatic nerve. Chiropractors can provide guidance on improving posture and ergonomics to help prevent further irritation of the nerve.
4. Exercises and Rehabilitation: Chiropractors may prescribe specific exercises and stretches to strengthen the muscles supporting the spine and improve flexibility, which can help alleviate sciatic pain and prevent future episodes.
5. Lifestyle Advice: They may offer advice on lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding prolonged sitting or standing, and using proper lifting techniques to reduce strain on the lower back and alleviate sciatic symptoms.
6. Electrotherapy and Heat/Cold Therapy: Chiropractors may also use modalities such as electrical stimulation, ultrasound, or heat/cold therapy to help reduce inflammation and relieve pain associated with sciatica.

1. MYTH #1: Chiropractic is not real medicine: Chiropractic care is a legitimate healthcare profession that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing musculoskeletal disorders. Chiropractors undergo extensive education and training, earning doctoral degrees, and are licensed and state certified healthcare providers in many countries.
2. MYTH #2 Chiropractic is only for back pain: While chiropractors are known for treating back pain, they can also address a wide range of musculoskeletal issues, including neck pain, headaches, joint problems, sports injuries, work related injuries, auto accidents.
3. MYTH #3 Chiropractic care is not evidence-based: Chiropractic care is supported by a growing body of research demonstrating its effectiveness for various conditions. Many studies have shown positive outcomes for back pain, neck pain, headaches, and other musculoskeletal issues treated by chiropractors. Chiropractic is covered by most insurances.
4. MYTH #4 Once you start chiropractic care, you have to keep going forever: Chiropractic treatment plans are typically tailored to each individual’s needs and goals. While some patients may benefit from ongoing maintenance care to prevent future problems, others may find relief after a short course of treatment. Ultimately, the frequency and duration of care depend on the patient’s condition and response to treatment.
5. MYTH # 5 Chiropractors only treat symptoms, not the underlying cause: Chiropractors focus on addressing the root cause of musculoskeletal problems, rather than just masking symptoms. By restoring proper spinal alignment and function, chiropractic care aims to promote the body’s natural healing processes and improve overall health and well-being without medication or surgery.
6. MYTH # 6 Do Chiropractic adjustments hurt?: Chiropractic adjustments are gentle and painless, though some patients may experience mild discomfort or soreness afterward, similar to the feeling after exercising or stretching. Chiropractors use various techniques to ensure patient comfort and safety during adjustments.

If you are looking for Chiropractor in Frederick Maryland or a Chiropractor in Hagerstown Maryland. Give us a call. 301-696-8888. We are happy to help with any Back Pain, Neck Pain, Headaches, Shoulder Pain, Sciatica, Sports Injury or Injuries related to an auto accident. Evening hours available. Insurance accepted.