'Oh My Blooming Back!'

Health

June 22, 2009

Dr. Heather Wright, Democrat Columnist

Anonymous The Weatherford Democrat Mon Jun 22, 2009, 09:15 AM CDT

This time of year is when the frequency of a condition I have dubbed “Oh My Blooming Back!” becomes very prevalent.

That’s right, Americans swarm into their yards, their gardens, and their pastures after a winter of relative inactivity and suddenly contract “Oh My Blooming Back!” If that happens, definitely get in and see your chiropractor as soon as possible. Usually the sooner you address the problem, the easier it tends to be to resolve. I highly recommend not waiting to “see if it goes away.” Better safe than sorry. An even better solution is of course prevention in the first place.

Here are some things to keep in mind while you’re out working on the land:

· Repetition is the Enemy Keep in mind that many activities in the garden are repetitive in nature like raking, hoeing, etc. Continuous repetition can cause injury with the injury slowly building up. This type of injury can sneak up on you, so take regular breaks.

· Warm up While it may seem silly to you, doing simple stretching before, during and after yard activities can be very effective at preventing injuries, especially if you are not used to the exertion. Stretch upper and lower body as well as the spine.

· Positioning is Everything Concentrate on maintaining a straight back while working at ground level and when using long-handled tools like shovels. Don’t work overhead for long periods of time without rest.

· Keep it Even Keep in mind that alternating sides of the body the work is being done on by shifting from left to right with both arm and leg positions helps reduce fatigue injuries.

• Lift off! Bend at your knees and hips versus your spine to lift objects.

• Know When You’re Done If in doubt, quit. If you feel a tightening sensation in your spine, that’s often a “warning shot.” Heed it.

u

“Back to Health” is published on the second and fourth Mondays of the month. Questions may be sent to Dr. Wright, B.S., D.C., CCEP, 702B Eureka, Weatherford, TX 76086 or by e-mail at hwright@ev1.net.

Text Only

Health

Free mammograms for uninsured This Saturday, the Careity Foundation, a North Texas based non-profit, will partner with medical service providers to make available free mammograms for uninsured, or underserved, men or women who lack insurance coverage or access to preventive care, ages 40 and over, or women ages 35 to 39 with a family history of breast cancer.
September 17, 2009
Flu shot clinics scheduled
September 16, 2009
Time for flu vaccine is now AUSTIN — The Texas Department of State Health Services is encouraging people to get their seasonal flu vaccination now.
September 8, 2009
Distinguishing CTS One of the most common hand/wrist complaints I see in my office is patients coming in with pain that they think is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
July 7, 2009
DSHS urges PAM precautions AUSTIN – The Texas Department of State Health Services is reminding swimmers and skiers to take precautions to avoid infection from Naegleria fowleri, an ameba assumed to be present in all rivers, lakes, ponds, tanks and streams.
July 2, 2009
Obesity surgery thins bones, but enough to break? WASHINGTON — It isn't just the thunder thighs that shrink after obesity surgery. Melting fat somehow thins bones, too.
June 22, 2009
'Oh My Blooming Back!' This time of year is when the frequency of a condition I have dubbed “Oh My Blooming Back!” becomes very prevalent.
June 22, 2009
During recession consumers should keep insurance CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Barry Miller figured he was saving $100 a month when he scaled back his disability insurance. After all, he was healthy.
June 22, 2009
Texas Department of State Health Services  DSHS Warns Against Eating Raw Cookie Dough Linked to E. Coli O157:H7 Outbreak AUSTIN – The Texas Department of State Health Services is warning consumers to avoid eating any varieties of prepackaged Nestle Toll House refrigerated cookie dough as state and federal health officials investigate an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7.
June 22, 2009
National health study links some ADHD meds to rare deaths, physical deformities MIDDLETOWN, CT – In a society where it’s easy to pop a pill to solve a problem, Clinical Psychologist Dr. Robert Reynolds is taking the road less traveled. Specifically, Dr. Robert Reynolds is leading the medication-free revolution for treating children with mental conditions and behavioral disorders across the state.
June 22, 2009
More Health Headlines

The Komen Foundation recently cut ties (before announcing they would reinstate them) with Planned Parenthood and stopped funding breast cancer screenings — was that a good thing?

Health

Search Results