My Chiropractic Clinic in San Diego sees many patients with work related injuries. Most of the injuries are classified as repetitive stress type injuries with obvious contributing factors. Tendonitis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Trigger Finger are the more common types of repetitive stress injuries that we provide treatment for.
I think that one of the more common stress related conditions that we see that isn’t usually associated with work is headaches. There are many different work related contributing factors for headaches that we will examine in this post.
The most obvious type of stress that contributes to the onset of headaches is postural stress. A poorly designed computer work station causes the PC operator to keep their neck in flexion for extended periods of time. This prolonged flexion is due in part to the computer monitor sitting too low relative the level of the operator’s eyes. Prolonged flexion of the neck causes muscle tension in the neck and can easily trigger the development of a muscle tension headache. In order to relieve this stress, make sure that your monitor sits directly in front of you and that the top 1/3 of your monitors viewing area is level with your eyes when you are gazing straight forward.
Another important contributing factor in the development of headaches is dehydration. Statistics indicate that upwards of 75% of us suffer some level of dehydration. Statistics also indicate that we tend to consume less water while we are at work. This is a straight forward problem. Considering that dehydration causes headaches and as a population we tend to run on the dehydrated side and we tend to drink less water while at work, you can see how this is a perfect formula for the development of a headache.
One last headache instigator that we will discuss here is related to lighting of your work space. Ideally, lighting should come directly from your left and right sides and overhead. This lighting set-up prevents shadows in your work space and reflections off of your monitor. Eye strain and fatigue are major contributors to headaches and must be addressed. Proper lighting can reduce eye strain which often leads to muscle tension headaches.
That is it for now. More soon.
Doc
Gardening and Back Pain
In a May 12, 2003 release from the "Canada NewsWire" was some information and advice about gardening. This publication included poll results that revealed that gardening and yard work are the number one causes of back and/or neck pain in the spring and summer months. The poll was conducted by national research firm Pollara, where 500 Ontario Canada chiropractors were asked what the most frequent causes were of back and neck pain among their patients.
The results of the poll showed that Ontario chiropractors report that working in the yard and garden are the most common sources of back and neck pain they see during the warm weather season accounting for 88% of neck and back complaints. Golf ranked in second place at 31 per cent, tied with outdoor sports in general at 30 percent.
Dr. Dennis Mizel, president of the Ontario Chiropractic Association noted, "In Canada, injuries resulting from gardening cost an estimated $3.5 billion dollars. Apparently all that digging, lifting, raking, pruning, planting, weeding and watering can cause significant strain to the muscles of the neck and back." Dr. Mizel continued, "The good news is that it's preventable. Gardening can be a serious workout. That's why we're encouraging people to treat it like any other kind of exercise. Warming-up before digging in, and using the proper techniques and tools can go a long way to letting people enjoy the results of their labor pain-free."
The Ontario Chiropractic Association offered several tips for back smart gardening:
**Stretch before You Start: Warming-up your muscles with stretches before going out helps to reduce the stress and strain on your joints and muscles, reducing the chance of injury.
**Bend Your Knees to Lift with Ease: When lifting, keep your back straight and bend your knees. Always carry the load close to your body and avoid twisting.
**The right tools, the right moves: Use the right tools and moves for the job. Kneel to plant and change positions frequently when raking, digging, hoeing or pruning. Use ergonomically designed, long handled, lightweight tools.
**Take a Break before It Aches: Give yourself and your back a break. As a rule-of-thumb take a brief rest or stretch break at least three times each hour, and drink fluids frequently.
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Steven R. Jones D.C. has a 15 year chiropractic practice in San Diego, CA 92108. Learn more here about "Relief From Back Pain" or if you live in San Diego, make an appointment to see the the doctor. Doctor Jones is also a Practitioner of the 21st Century Technology" Intense Pulsed Light System for Hair Removal and Acne Treatment". Practicing in a city by the sea, bikini season is 7 to 9 months. That's a long time to shave and pluck unwanted hair.
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Gardening and Back Pain
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How to avoid getting low back pain
Chiropractic is Effective for Treating Neck Pain and Back Pain
Low Back Pain
What is Chiropractic and how does it Work?
Back Pain - A Chiropractic Overview
Chiropractic Care for Seniors
What Causes a Stiff Neck?
Chiropractic Preventative Treatment