By Bruce

Yes, it’s real. When you hunch over a smartphone for hours at a time, texting, checking Facebook, writing e-mails, etc., you’re placing your body in an unnatural position. You might not notice it at first, but lots of people begin having neck pain and headaches that are the result of hours of looking down at the little screen.

We’re not getting rid of our smart devices anytime soon. They’ve become a regular feature of our lives and most people say they couldn’t live without them. But I take it as a good sign that tablets are losing popularity, with the exception of those that have the new detachable keyboards. This feature can help you spend less time hunching over. If you must use your smartphone for hours, take frequent breaks and straighten up. Raise your head, put your shoulders back and breathe deeply. Use the dictation feature if your phone has it. Long-term damage can come from “texting neck” but if you take some countermeasures this can be avoided. Since you’re probably reading this on a personal device, I’ll wrap it up!  

 



by Brad

Wouldn’t it be great if we didn’t require sleep? Think of all the things we could get done with that 1/3 of our lives! But, since we do need sleep (most studies recommend between 7-9 hours per night for adults) it’s vital to have a mattress that does not sabotage your rest. Finding the perfect mattress can be a real challenge. Costs vary greatly, from only a few hundred dollars to several thousand for the latest memory foam models. Investing in the right one can make all the difference between waking up refreshed and energized, or starting the day tired and in pain.
 
I wish I could tell you how many chronic back and neck issues I have solved by adjustments, in connection with a change in the patient’s mattress. Every body type is different, but in general we all have pressure points at the hips and shoulders when we lie on a mattress. The pressure points can produce reduced circulation, numbness, pain, and misalignment of the spine. Old, worn mattresses are usually the culprit, but you can also be miserable on a brand new mattress that is either too firm or too soft. Many people buy inner-spring type mattresses, but those are rapidly becoming old-fashioned. If you are having bouts of tossing and turning, are waking up often with hip or neck pain, etc., it might be time to take a hard look at your current mattress. The importance of having a good night’s sleep is more than worth a modest investment in your sleeping surface. When you come in for your next visit, ask me about the important things to consider for your own unique circumstances. Let’s work to make sure your bed is your best friend, not an enemy you have to suffer with. Sweet dreams!