Rules to Avoiding Pain & Improving Lifestyle
Avoidable pain is frequently associated with musculoskeletal injuries and include the muscles, tendons, ligaments, bursae, discs and joints. While it is unlikely to live completely free of these common aches and pains, it is possible to minimize their severity, frequency and duration. There are 4 general rules to accomplish this goal.
1. Maintaining proper biomechanics of your body. This requires a periodic visit to your chiropractor – sometimes even when you are feeling well. Chiropractic adjustments help restore proper biomechanical alignment to your spine and extremities preferably before any problem becomes noticeable.
2. Exercise regularly – but don’t over-exercise. The goal in exercise is to increase your heart rate but not to get out of breath. For some, this may be as little as stretching to maintain range of motion. This is important, because all joints need motion to maintain their health and function and to assist in any repair. In fact, studies show that if a good joint is immobilized, it will degenerate. Joint motion helps bring in nutrients that the body needs for maintenance and removes waste products generated by normal activity.
3. Find ways to keep stress levels low. Rest following your regular exercise. Learn relaxation techniques and take up meditation or explore Tai Chi. Find activities that promote a calm state-of-mind.
4. Pay attention to nutrition. The body will only maintain and rebuild most effectively based on the nutrients it has available. Foods today may not contain the same levels of nutrients as in the past. High quality nutrition from specialized sources (not the supermarket or pharmacy) are important.
Avoiding pain can be simple and needs only a little planning. Avoid junk foods and fast foods. Get some exercise. Find ways to relax. See your chiropractor when needed but not less than once every month or two. This lifestyle will help keep you pain-free for many years.
Dr. Steven Becker lives and works in WLA (West LA) and frequently sees patients from the surrounding neighborhoods of Century City, Beverly Hills and Culver City. He specializes in the treatment of neck pain and spinal stenosis. Please feel free to call with any questions or comments (310) 277-8822.
