Your spine is a long chain of bones, discs, muscles, and ligaments that extend from your skull down to your tailbone. 

Your neck, or cervical spine, supports your head and shields the nerves that supply your arms, shoulders, and face.

Postural changes, arthritis, and sudden injuries are a few of the primary causes of neck pain. 

The majority of the time, the pain is caused by an issue with your neck’s muscles, bones, discs, or nerves.

That’s important to remember when considering how to recover from whiplash injuries naturally. 

That’s probably a big part of what has you considering seeking chiropractic treatment for whiplash in Austin, Texas.

Whiplash injuries can occur during a sports accident or during a slip and fall.

Furthermore, as the most of us are aware, whiplash injuries are frequently received in car crashes.

These injuries can cause damage to the delicate structures in your neck and lead to symptoms such as headaches, neck pain and stiffness, shoulder pain, and numbness and tingling or pain in your arms and hands. 

That pain is your body’s way of saying “pay attention inside now!”

Let’s examine more closely at what happens after a whiplash injury and, perhaps more significantly, how to heal from one naturally.

Why it Matters:

Over 1.5 million whiplash injuries occur each year, many from low impact collisions.

Research does in fact show that low-speed crashes can create the force necessary to cause pain and injury.

Many people tend to neglect whiplash injuries and have never learned how to heal from them naturally because they can happen at moderate speeds and in events other than auto accidents.

That’s why many of your neighbors who were recently in a car accident are probably looking for chiropractic care for whiplash in Austin, Texas.

The truth is that even minor damage to the ligaments of your neck can take up to 12 weeks to heal. 

In some cases, the partial tearing of the muscles, tendons, or ligaments around your spine can take several months to heal.

Depending on the severity of the ligament tearing, these injuries may also be classified as permanent.

Whiplash can also cause damage to your facet joints and spinal discs by stretching them beyond their normal range of motion. 

Almost every bone in your neck has a pair of sliding joints towards the back called facet joints. 

Your body will attempt to make up for any adhesions or blocked joints.

A stiff neck after an accident is a good clue that a whiplash injury may have occurred. 

Keep an eye out for swelling and bruising, which can take up to 24 hours to develop. 

Many people may already know what symptoms to watch for, but most people may not really know how to recover from whiplash injuries naturally. 

How to Recover From Whiplash Injuries Naturally

It’s essential to control any inflammation early in your treatment and improve your range of motion. 

In other words, it’s key to use movement as medicine. 

While it may seem strange that movement can be a good thing even if it causes discomfort, we know that controlled movement can limit the amount of scar tissue that forms and may even increase the healing rate. 

Still wondering exactly how to recover from whiplash injuries naturally?

Let’s recap the key principles we just discussed. 

• Obtaining an accurate diagnosis with a complete examination and spinal imaging is the first step towards determining the best plan of care to heal from your injuries.
  
• Inflammation is often the primary factor that causes pain and restricted movement after a whiplash injury.
  
• Controlling inflammation naturally and reestablishing your range of motion can help reduce your pain and improve the results of your care. 

Next Steps:

With the right healthcare team, most people can get back to their full life and activities without the need for drugs or surgery.

Chiropractors focus on the structure and function of your spine. 

When your spine is functioning optimally, your body is able to heal itself, no medications needed. 

When looking at how to recover from whiplash injuries naturally, a chiropractor’s care is key. 

We take a holistic approach to help you recover from whiplash by examining and treating the injured muscles, ligaments, discs, and more. 

Depending on the type of accident, we may choose to take x-rays or an MRI of your neck to evaluate your injuries better. 

Chiropractors are considered essential after an accident because of our focus on improving your movement, biomechanics, and functional ability while reducing your pain. 

Schedule an appointment to receive chiropractic treatment for whiplash in Austin, Texas today if you are someone you know has been injured in a car accident. 

We’re here to help guide your recovery process and theirs every step of the way.

Science Source:

The Treatment of Neck Pain and Whiplash-Associated Disorders. JMPT. 2016. 

It’s safe to assume that all of us have an over-the-counter pain reliever like Aleve or Ibuprofen in our medicine cabinets at home. 

From a young age, we learn to have these on hand to help us find short-term relief from temporary headaches or other body aches and pains. 

We’re looking for immediate symptom relief…

This is precisely what these drugs are intended to do—they are made to momentarily obscure the feelings.

The root cause of those symptoms is not intended to be addressed by them.

Additionally, prolonged usage is not their intended purpose.

When it comes to chronic low back pain, NSAIDs like these will not help you find long-term relief. 

So, if you’re one of the many living with low back pain in Austin, Texas, here’s what you need to know.

Bottom Line:

While NSAIDs are available over-the-counter, this does not negate the risks and dangers associated with them.

Over the past twenty years, we’ve seen the effects of low back pain change our healthcare landscape forever. 

• According to estimates, NSAID-related problems result in 100,000 hospital admissions annually. 
• It is estimated that 100 individuals die from opioid overdoses every day.

Leading healthcare organizations have taken note. 

Additionally, they have highlighted the many benefits of chiropractic care for low back pain and now recommend that movement-based treatment approaches, such as chiropractic, be explored before using medication for the majority of low back issues.

Why it Matters:

As chiropractors, we take a whole-body (holistic) approach to health and healing.

The World Health Organization supports chiropractic care and other non-invasive interventions for the treatment of acute, subacute, and especially chronic back pain.

In addition, Harvard Health, The Mayo Clinic, and other established healthcare organizations have published numerous articles highlighting the benefits of chiropractic and movement-based treatment options.

The Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Low Back Pain

Most people who explore chiropractic care take far fewer medications than those who don’t. 

Why? Because it works. 

Movement-based strategies such as spinal adjustments, controlled exercise, and dynamic stretching are a few of the most effective ways to relieve low back issues. 

We see the effects first-hand every day at our chiropractic practice in Austin, Texas. 

Movement-based techniques are also effective at offering immediate relief, and evidence indicates that they may have a preventive effect if used consistently.

That’s why the care that chiropractors deliver ranks at the top of nearly every list!

The use of heat, massage, acupuncture, mindfulness-based stress reduction, tai chi or yoga, and low-level laser therapy can also be beneficial for both back-specific and overall function improvements as well as improvements in your overall health-related quality of life.

Next Steps: 

The purpose of medications is to cover up the discomfort, not to address the underlying issue.

Receiving a complete and comprehensive evaluation is the first step towards finding relief.

As a conservative care based practice, we believe in focusing on treating the root cause of an issue and ongoing prevention rather than treating and masking the symptoms. 

After discovering the cause of your pain, we can work together to craft a care plan that will help you not only reduce your pain so you can reach your health goals. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with low back pain and you’re ready to see a chiropractor who specializes in Austin, Texas, call us today. 

Our doors are open, and we’re here to help you get and stay out of back pain for years to come. 

Science Sources: 

Receiving Usual Care Plus Chiropractic Care vs Usual Care Alone. Pain Med. 2022.

Noninvasive Treatments for Chronic Low Back Pain. American College of Physicians. 2017.

Bottom Line:

If we told you that low back pain might be the leading cause of disability worldwide, would you be shocked?

You might. 

If we told you that we were 99.9% positive that you had back discomfort over the past month, would you be shocked?

Probably not. 

After all, everyone deals with neck and back pain at some point in their lives, right?

 You. Your family and friends. Your coworkers and acquaintances. Everyone. 

And as someone who’s dealt with low back pain in the past, you more than understand just how much it can alter your daily life. 

You may even be among the many who know that some days just standing up straight can feel like an incredibly impossible task!

You likely have spent a great deal of time trying to figure out what to do for low back pain relief. 

And it’s for those reasons that many major healthcare organizations are weighing in with their recommendations for the best ways to take care of low back pain. 

What they have to say may surprise you. 

Why it Matters:

Their conclusion was that the treatment of low back pain should start with conservative measures.

So, if you’ve been looking for a low back pain chiropractor in Austin,Texas  you’ve made a smart decision!

It’s becoming clear that the days of taking drugs and medications as a widely accepted front-line treatment are coming to an end. 

Due to growing awareness of the potentially harmful side effects associated with pain medications, both patients and healthcare providers are now rarely recommending them.

Researchers are also continuously sharing findings that indicate those same medications aren’t delivering the long-term relief patients are looking for. 

However, they’ve found that the conservative care provided by chiropractors like us can be particularly effective for the care of low back pain. 

In fact, our care ranks at the top of many leading healthcare organizations lists for what to do for low back pain relief.

What to Do for Low Back Pain

Movement-based strategies such as spinal adjustments, controlled exercise, and dynamic stretching are a few of the most effective ways to relieve low back issues. 

As the top low back pain chiropractor in Austin, Texas, we’ve seen the results first-hand.

In addition to being effective in offering immediate relief, research indicates that, when used consistently, movement-based techniques may also have a preventative benefit.

The use of heat, massage, acupuncture, mindfulness-based stress reduction, tai chi or yoga, and low-level laser therapy can also be beneficial for both back-specific and overall function improvements as well as improvements in your overall health-related quality of life.

Did you know…

• Back pain is classified as acute if it lasts less than four weeks, subacute if it lasts four to twelve weeks, and chronic if it lasts more than twelve weeks.
  
• The World Health Organization supports chiropractic care and other non-invasive interventions for the treatment of acute, subacute, and especially chronic back pain.
  
• In addition, Harvard Health, The Mayo Clinic, and other established healthcare organizations have published numerous articles highlighting the benefits of chiropractic and movement-based treatment options.

Next Steps: 

As you may imagine, we’re satisfied that so many major, trusted healthcare organizations now actively advocate for non-pharmacological ways to find relief from low back pain. 

As a conservative care based practice, we believe in focusing on treating the root cause of an issue and ongoing prevention rather than treating and masking the symptoms.

We have the know-how and real-world experience to help guide you on what to do for low back pain and towards the best treatments that would benefit your unique situation. 

So, if you or someone you know is struggling with back pain, and you’ve been considering seeing a low back pain chiropractor in Austin, Texas, reach out to us today. 

Our team of compassionate professionals will work with you to get you the individualized treatment needed to help you find relief.

Science Sources: 

Noninvasive Treatments for Low Back Pain. Ann Intern Med. 2017.

Prevention and Treatment of Low Back Pain. Lancet. 2018. 

Bottom Line:

Posture can either work for or against us.

Take it from the leading posture correction specialist in Austin, Texas.

New health issues linked to extended sitting, improperly positioned devices, and even furniture that may have been repurposed to meet the urgent requirements imposed at the beginning of the epidemic are becoming more and more apparent every day.

It’s obvious that it’s never been more important to find the best posture for working at our computers.

And get this.

We’re also learning more about how posture, emotions, and pain sensitivity may all have some degree of mutual influence.

It’s possible that depression and posture are related.

Consider this.

Have you ever been able to tell someone’s mood just by how they walked into a room?

We all have!

This demonstrates the connection between our attitude and posture.

Within seconds you can look at someone and tell whether they are confident or happy.

Posture can influence mood and vice versa for a number of reasons.

Let’s take a closer look at posture and depression.

Why it Matters:

Depression and other health issues have been connected to specific postures.

For the upper body, we usually see the muscles in the chest and the back of the neck become tight, and the muscles in the front of the neck and the upper back become weak.

This creates the forward head position and rounded shoulders we associate with poor posture.

When you slouch in your chair or stand with poor posture, you put extra strain on your joints and force your supporting muscles to work harder.

To help you better understand just how posture and depression can be linked, try this.

Slouch your shoulders, tilt your head forward, look down at your lap, and then try to take a deep breath.

Note how you feel. 

Now, reverse that posture, sit up tall, pull your shoulders back, and take another deep breath in.

Quite the difference, right? 

It’s easy to see how maintaining an unnatural, stooped posture can create aches and pains. 

And if you’re living with daily aches and pains, contacting a posture correction specialist in Austin, Texas to evaluate your posture can be a great place to start. 

Why it Matters:

Researchers studying posture and depression found that people who were depressed experienced an improved mood after they changed their posture to be more upright.

That’s right.

By maintaining a healthy posture, you can gain a better mindset as well as a stronger core and a healthier overall lifestyle.

The exact reason posture, emotion, and pain sensitivity appear to be connected has yet to be determined.

Some believe it’s as simple as feeling emotionally better yourself when your body is in certain positions.

Another theory is that our body posture and position can influence the release of endorphins or feel-good chemicals in the brain.

Whatever the explanation, when it comes to posture and depression, developing good posture habits can help you feel more confident, energetic, and happy.

To recap…

• Slumped posture has been linked with depressive symptoms
• An upright posture has been shown to improve your mood immediately
• Emotions and thoughts affect your posture and energy level. Look up and pull your shoulders back to reset your mind and body!

Next Steps: 

The next time you feel down, consider what you now know about posture and depression and pay attention to your posture.

You’ll more than likely find yourself slumped with your head and neck curved forward and down.

One of the best changes you can make in that moment is to pull your shoulder blades back and together, relax your shoulders down away from your ears, and look up.

The more you work on it, the easier it will become.

Start by holding your head and chest in this corrected position for a minute at a time to help build endurance.

You’d be surprised how much of a difference a few minutes a day can make!

And if your posture is causing you neck or back pain, reaching out to a posture correction specialist in Austin, Texas to evaluate your alignment and more is the place to start.

Our doors are open, and we’re here to help.

If you’re experiencing depression, we recommend reaching out to a professional for help. 

Science Source: 

Upright Posture Improves Affect and Fatigue. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry. 20

Bottom Line:

If you’ve had neck or back pain that you could pinpoint with your finger or felt a sharp pain in your back when moving, the cause may have been some sort of dysfunction with one or more of the facet joints (often the lumbar facet joints) of your spine. Facet joints: gliding your way to better health can make a significant difference.

So, what are the facet joints? 

Think of these joints as the “knuckles” of your spine that glide, slide, and stabilize. 

They both add flexibility to your spine so you’re able to bend and twist your back and also help to keep you from “over doing” any of those motions (i.e., hyperextending or hyper flexing). 

Needless to say, ensuring your facet joints are functioning at their best is important to making sure you’re able to move freely, and if you think you might need facet joint pain treatment in Austin, Texas, you’ve come to the right place! Understanding the importance of facet joints: gliding your way to better health starts here.

Here’s what you should know.

Why it Matters:

As we age, our spinal discs also age, and it’s our facet joints – often our lumbar facet joints – that take on the extra load. 

And, as you may have guessed, this excess stress and pressure can wear them down.

This can lead to the development of adhesions, bone spurs, and pain that can all limit our ability to move freely. But with the right approach, facet joints: gliding your way to better health is achievable.

The good news? Targeted spinal adjustments can help break up adhesions in and around your lumbar facet joints, cervical facet joints, and the other joints in your spine to help reduce pain and restore proper motion. 

That’s why our team specializes in facet joint pain treatment in Austin, Texas.

To recap, here’s what we know…

• The facet joints of your spine slide and glide to allow you to bend and twist your body.
  
• As we age, adhesions can develop in our facet joints that restrict how well we move.
  
• Adjustments help break up adhesions surrounding the facets so you can once again move freely and with less pain.

Chiropractic Care for Lumbar Facet Joint Pain Treatment

There’s a wide range of research supporting the use of chiropractic care for the management of adhesions and pain related to the lumbar facet joints and understanding the results of those studies can help you decide if facet joint pain treatment in Austin, Texas may be right for you. Chiropractic care can be part of the process of facet joints: gliding your way to better health. 

For your reference, here’s some basic terminology you’ll find helpful when reviewing any such studies: 

• The facet joints are also referred to as “Z” (zygapophyseal) joints.
  
• Chiropractic care / adjustments is also referred to as SMT (spinal manipulative therapy).
  
• The term “gapping” refers to the physical manipulation or mobilization of the joints.
  

In one recent study, researchers set out to understand the effects spinal manipulative therapy and specifically gapping of the “Z” joints can have on the adhesions and pain in the lower back.

In other words, they wanted to understand the effects chiropractic adjustments can have on adhesions surrounding the lumbar facet joints and any related low back pain to help evaluate its effectiveness as a facet joint pain treatment option. 

And as it turns out, they did in fact observe that study participants reported both a reduction in pain and a reduction in restricted movement after receiving chiropractic care. 

We’ve observed the same in those patients receiving facet joint pain treatment in Austin, Texas at our clinic.

Such results demonstrate why conservative care like chiropractic is recommended as first-line therapy to treat low back and pain related to the facet joints.

Next Steps: 

The facet joints of your spine – whether we’re talking about the cervical facet joints or lumbar facet joints – crave movement.  

Movement is medicine, after all!

Movement helps the facet joints stay healthy and may even help slow down the effects of aging. So remember, facet joints: gliding your way to better health is the goal. 

Spinal adjustments have been shown to reduce adhesions in these joints and others so you can move more freely and with less pain. 

When you move better, you feel better, and we’re proud to be a part of the healthcare team that helps you stay active. 

So, if you’ve been living with back pain and you’re nearby, know we’re here to provide the best facet joint pain treatment in Austin, Texas, and our compassionate team is just a phone call away. 

Science Source: 

Facet Joints. Physiopedia. 2022.

Joint Changes Following Spinal Manipulation. JMPT. 2013.

Bottom Line:

Whether you are just driving to work or taking a big family vacation, an unexpected car accident can cause painful injuries that impact you for months and years to come. 

The weight of your vehicle combined with motion and speed can create a tremendous amount of force. 

Even low-speed collisions can generate enough force to cause significant injury. 

Whatever the details, one thing remains true…

Your body is the primary recipient of that force!

If you’ve recently been in an auto accident, the first thing you should do is make an appointment with a chiropractor specializing in collision accident injuries in Austin, Texas.

The violent forces that occur during an auto accident can cause damage to your spinal discs, ligaments, tendons, and bones-even at “low” speeds. 

After a collision event, the most frequent injuries occur from the rapid whipping of the head back and forth.

This rapid back and forth motion frequently results in ligament tearing and spinal disc injuries. 

Symptoms such as neck pain, back pain, headaches, confusion, and even depression may indicate that you’ve suffered a whiplash injury.

Why it Matters:

You may be surprised to learn that shoulder injuries are among the most common ones received in auto accidents, in addition to whiplash.

With its many bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons, the shoulder is one of the body’s most complex structures.

If you are the driver and have your hands on the wheel at the time of the crash, the sudden force created by the accident can lead to a torn rotator cuff. 

Seat belt related injuries are also some of the most common injuries after a collision accident.

Your seat belt can irritate impingement syndromes in the shoulder and contribute to other spinal injuries. 

That said, remember this. 

Wearing a seat belt is imperative whenever you get into a car since it saves millions of lives annually.

In addition to head and shoulder injuries, a sudden stop or change in direction during an accident can also place a tremendous force on your chest. 

What’s more, since your arms and legs are more than likely unsecured, they can strike the interior of your car, causing additional injuries. 

Common Injuries After a Collision Accident

So, here are a few of the most common reasons we recommend you see a chiropractor specializing in collision accident injuries in Austin, Texas after any collision accident. 

• Head Injuries: Striking your head against the steering wheel, dashboard, or window can result in a severe head injury such as a concussion (which is considered a mild traumatic brain injury).
  
• Spinal Injuries: The forces that occur during a car accident can cause spinal injuries like instability, whiplash, or herniated discs.
  
• Arm or Leg Injuries: Injuries to your shoulders (if you’re holding the wheel) or your knees (if they hit the door or dashboard) are very common after a car accident.

Next Steps:

Ignoring any injury, whether it’s on our list of the most common injuries after a collision accident or not, is not a good idea.

Getting checked is crucial if you are involved in an automobile accident, regardless of how minor it may be.

Taking the right action steps as quickly as possible can make a huge difference in your overall well-being and healing. 

In actuality, most accident injuries can be managed conservatively, and many don’t even need surgery.

Research has shown chiropractic care to be very effective at treating injuries like neck and back pain, headaches, whiplash injuries, and extremity issues.

If you’re searching for a chiropractor specializing in collision accident injuries in Austin, Texas, know that our doors are open and our expert team is here to help, right now. 

In addition to treating the majority of frequent injuries sustained in collision accidents, our goals are pain relief, mobility restoration, and long-term rehabilitation.

A complete evaluation is how we determine the extent of your injuries and begin your journey towards recovery. 

What’s more, our practice’s evaluation process and assessment tools can help us fully document your injuries for your records, your medical doctor’s records, your insurance providers records, and, when needed, your attorney’s records. 

Then with a combination of conservative treatments designed specifically for you, we can help you find relief as quickly, safely, and naturally as possible.

Science Source:

The Impact of Musculoskeletal Injuries Sustained in Traffic Crashes. BMC. 2018.

Bottom Line:

The amount of postural stress you experience can undoubtedly be influenced by your anatomy, but so can many of the small decisions you make every day.

You’ve probably seen an article or two floating around the web about the relationship between tech neck and pain. 

You may have even seen an uptick in commercials for neck pain treatment in Austin, Texas, and for good reason

Many of us spend at least two hours on our cellphones and five hours or more on our laptops every day. Did you know that?

You’ve been keeping your neck “stuck” in an uncomfortable position for thousands of hours every year!

Take a moment right now and check…

Is your head creeping forward as you read this?

The forward head posture we discussed before, known as tech neck, is when your chin is tucked down and your ears are in front of your shoulders.

It’s also possible that you’ve heard this posture called “text neck.”

Driving a car, working on the computer, and using a tablet or phone all usually result in this less-than-ideal posture.

And over the past few years, the number of people experiencing headaches and tech neck and pain has exploded.

Why it Matters:

Let’s take a closer look at how tech neck and pain are related.

The average human head weighs about 8-11 pounds.

Every day, you’re effectively walking around with a bowling ball (your head) balancing on a toothpick (your neck).

Even under the best circumstances, this places a lot of stress on our spine.

Holding your head up might not seem like much, but in order to move your head around pain-free, your neck’s seven bones and twenty muscles must cooperate flawlessly.

When your shoulders are pulled back, your ears should ideally line up with your shoulders.

It’s estimated that tilting your head forward, even just 15 degrees, can increase the weight of your head on your neck by over 3X.

Tilting your head forward 60 degrees can nearly 10X the stress and strain on your neck.

That stress can add up and result in your neck not moving correctly.

We’re talking stiffness, dysfunction, headaches, and more.

We’re talking about the development of tech neck and pain, and that can leave you looking for neck pain treatment in Austin, Texas.

To recap…

• Tech neck is the term used to describe the flexed head and neck position when looking down at your smartphone.
• Even 15 degrees of forward bending (flexion) can increase the stress of your head on your neck by 3X.
• It can assist your body reset and give your muscles a chance to relax if you take 15-minute breaks and check your phone or tablet.

Next Steps: 

Reducing the symptoms of tech neck and pain is more than merely changing the angle of how you look at your phone.

Fortunately, you can lower your chance of pain by taking preventative measures and implementing a few easy regular adjustments.

Improving your ergonomics, stretching each day, and receiving periodic spinal adjustments can help you combat the effects of tech neck.

Take a moment today to check your posture. 

Be sure to stretch your shoulders, upper back, and head if you notice that they are rounding forward or moved forward.

Tell us if you frequently find yourself slouching into this position, particularly if your enjoyment of life is being hindered by pain and tech neck.

Prior to beginning to work on your posture, you must understand what good posture looks like and, perhaps more crucially, how to keep it.

That’s where we come in.

From assessment to modifications to stretches and exercises at home, our staff has the know-how to help you improve your posture and get rid of your tech neck and pain.

You can anticipate many more years of pain-free enjoyment of your smart devices by easing the strain on your neck!

It all starts with a click or a call. 

Schedule a consultation with us for neck pain treatment in Austin, Texas today to get started. 

Science Sources: 

“Tech Neck” Taking a Toll on Posture. Columbia Spine. 2018.

How to Prevent Neck and Back Pain Working From Home. Health Matters. 2020.

Bottom Line:

“Sit up straight and stop slouching!”

We’ve all heard (or said) it a million times in the name of having perfect posture.

You’ve likely heard this since childhood, and for good reason.

Poor posture as a kid can create health challenges later in life.

Rounded shoulders (scapular protrusion), swayback (lumbar hyperlordosis) and a hunched upper back (thoracic hyperkyphosis) are all postural imbalances that place a tremendous amount of stress on the spine.

And when those imbalances persist, the muscles supporting your spine must work harder to support your body weight, and that can result in pain.

Know that If you’re experiencing daily aches and pains, seeing a posture rehab chiropractor in Austin, Texas is a great place to start. 

Abnormal postures have been linked to depression, decreases in energy, headaches, and carpal tunnel syndrome. 

Maintaining good posture as you age can help keep any unnecessary stress off your spine and joints, positively impacting your overall spinal health for years to come.

What’s more, your ability to move through a full range of motion without pain plays a big role in how your posture looks when you’re still.

But is there such a thing as perfect posture?

Well, the idea of perfect posture is a bit complicated.

The latest research shows that it makes more sense to think about your posture as dynamic, not static. 

That’s because your ideal or perfect posture is constantly changing and evolving. 

Why it Matters:

Your posture consists of a dynamic pattern of responses, reflexes, and habits – not a single position.

Poor posture is usually caused by what you aren’t doing instead of what you are doing.

The effects of gravity, the ergonomics of your desk at work, and your anatomy all play a role.

Even with great ergonomics, sitting for hours each day working on a computer can lead to postural issues.

It’s true. 

As the leading posture rehab chiropractor in Austin, Texas, we see this in our practice every day. 

Why it Matters:

Think about it. 

Most of us aren’t moving and stretching very often as we work or even rest with our smartphones or tablets in hand.

Over time the imbalances caused by those long hours spent looking down at our devices can lead to a habitual forward head posture. 

And while there may not be a one size fits all perfect posture, you can bet nearly every one of us has developed some level of habitual forward head posture. 

Why does that matter?

Well, when you start to lean forward, it places a tremendous amount of extra pressure on the discs in your neck and spine.

This added pressure can cause increased compression and lead to pain.

Even just a few inches of forward head posture can double or triple the amount of stress on the spinal joints in your neck.

Think about the impact this can have day after day after day.

Sustained forward head posture has also been associated with a weakening of the supporting muscles of your spine.

It’s estimated to result in neck pain for up to 75% of us.

That neck pain as well as tension, stiffness, and tenderness are all signs of chronic forward head posture.

The good news?

While it’s not easy to maintain those perfect postures, there are things you can do to perfect your posture every day. 

You can start by taking short breaks to stretch at least every 15-30 minutes. 

Doing so will help you reset your balance and relax your body, and it’s one of the most essential practices you can adopt when it comes to improving your posture in the long term. 

Trapezius strengthening has also been shown to provide clinically significant relief for those struggling with neck pain as a result of forward head posture.

Next Steps: 

By breaking the pattern of poor posture, you can reduce your likelihood of experiencing many common aches and pains.

Every day, you can take advantage of simple opportunities to improve your strength, flexibility, and ergonomics to develop more ideal or perfect posture patterns. 

Try this.

Next time you’re on the phone, stop for a moment and see if your head is creeping forward.

If your chin is tucked down and your ears are in front of your shoulders, then you’re in that forward head posture we discussed.

When that happens, it’s a sign that it’s a good time to take a break, stretch, and reset.

Simple.

And remember, both strength and flexibility also play a significant role in your posture.

Strengthening the trapezius muscles, actively maintaining good core strength, and working to balance that strength with flexibility can help your body best adapt to your environment.

Remember. Think of your ideal or perfect posture as dynamic. 

It’s constantly changing and evolving no matter how little our daily routines change or how much our daily habits change. 

Many of us spend large chunks of our days working on a computer, so it’s important to ensure that our spinal joints are moving well and moving correctly to help keep us feeling great.

That’s where we come in.

Chiropractors are taught many of the finer details that go into developing those ideal or perfect postures.

So, if you’ve been living with nagging aches and pains, and you’re interested in working with a posture rehab chiropractor in Austin, Texas, contact us for an evaluation today.

Together, we can help you perfect your posture and say goodbye to pain for years to come!

Science Source: 

Effects of Trapezius Strengthening on Patients with Neck Pain. Med Sci Monit. 2020.

Looking for migraine and tension headache treatment options in Austin,Texas that actually work? 

Step one is understanding different types of headaches, what causes each, and what to look for. 

Read on.

The Bottom Line

We all experience headaches differently. 

Whether it’s persistent fatigue, blurred vision, or a stiff neck, the symptoms can vary widely. Patients visiting our chiropractic clinic in Austin,Texas often report having experienced headaches that prevent them from going about their everyday lives.

But despite the variety in symptoms, all headaches have one thing in common —they are not “normal” to deal with on a daily basis.

If you’re grappling with recurrent headaches, it’s time to identify the type of headache you’re experiencing.

Why it Matters

Understanding different types of headaches starts with understanding the distinct characteristics of each.

Identifying the type of headache you’re suffering from is the first step towards finding relief. 

Consulting with a healthcare professional can help you in this process, and if you’re seeking natural migraine and tension headache treatment options in Austin,Texas, look no further – we’re ready to assist you.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of headaches you may experience.

Understanding Different Types of Headaches

Migraine

Just as the experience of a headache can vary from person to person, the symptoms of migraines can vary greatly as well.

They usually cause throbbing pain, typically on one side of the head.

The pain can be severe and may persist for up to 3 days. 

Accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light, sound, or smell, migraines can be very intense to say the least.

Some essential facts about migraines include:

• They are believed to be linked to the release of inflammatory substances in the brain.
• Migraines are twice as common in women due to hormonal influences.
• Children often experience shorter durations of migraines.

Tension Headache

Tension headaches are particularly common, affecting up to 20% of the population. 

They can also occur with migraines.

Characterized by a constant dull pain on both sides of the head due to tense neck and scalp muscles, tension headaches can last from a few hours to several days.

Stress, anxiety, depression, dehydration, loud noises, lack of sleep, or insufficient exercise can trigger tension headaches. 

Fortunately, many of these triggers can be managed through a healthy lifestyle.

Some key facts about tension headaches include:

• Tension headaches are the most common type of headache.
• They are often described as pressure or tightness, almost like a band around the head.
• The pain from tension headaches can spread into or originate from the neck.

Cluster Headache

Unlike migraines, cluster headaches are more common in men.

They are often marked by an intense burning or piercing sensation behind or around one eye. 

Cluster headaches can occur unexpectedly and last from 15 minutes to 3 hours.

Some key facts about cluster headaches include:

• Cluster headaches affect less than 1 in 1000 adults, with six men affected for every woman.
• Despite their brevity, cluster headaches can occur several times a day.
• Individuals with cluster headaches may experience tearing and redness in the affected eye or a blocked nasal passage.

Next Steps

Because headaches are so common, many don’t consider them serious enough to seek professional help. 

As a result, it’s estimated that half of those with headaches self-treat.

This trend might explain why many individuals are unaware of natural, non-invasive, and medication-free headache treatment options. 

It may also explain how so many don’t know that the overuse of medications intended for headache relief can actually lead to more headaches!

To say this fact often surprises patients who visit our clinic seeking alternative migraine and tension headache treatment options in Austin,Texas is an understatement.

So, if you’re struggling with migraines, tension, or cluster headaches, don’t wait, don’t hesitate, and reach out to us today!

Research has shown that chiropractic care can significantly reduce the intensity, severity, and frequency of many common headaches, all without the risks associated with medications.

And our dedicated team will work with you to uncover the root cause of your headaches, and we’ll provide the gentle, movement-based care that chiropractors are renowned for to help you break free from your headache pain.

Science Sources:

Tension Headache. MedlinePlus. 2023.

Headache Disorders. WHO. 2016

When we feel pain in our low back, what’s the first thing many of us tend to think? 

Let’s lie down. Let’s take a seat. Resting will help our backs feel better.

Perhaps we should grab a heating pad instead of a bottle of Aleve.

Fair enough. Each of those methods has limited or short-term effectiveness at best, but they may help us find temporary relief. 

But what about when those nagging aches and pains in our back return the next day? 

Now that internal dialogue turns to – What’s the problem? What do I need to do so I don’t have to do the same thing day after day after day? 

As the go-to lower back pain specialist in Austin, Texas, we’re glad you asked!

Read on.

Bottom Line:

Simple movement can be one of the best ways to find all natural back pain relief. 

In fact, science has shown us that medications and rest are actually a few of the least effective ways to find relief! 

In one recent study, researchers found that 60% of participants with symptomatic cases of sciatica benefitted from chiropractic adjustments to the same degree as if they underwent surgical intervention.

Right?!

Your body is designed to move, and often it’s a lack of daily movement (or chronic postural changes) that causes back pain to begin in the first place.

Why it Matters:

When your joints aren’t moving correctly, the rest of your body isn’t moving correctly, and that’s when pain can strike. 

The right movements and exercises can help you recover more quickly and prevent future back pain episodes.

There are three different types of body movement: segmental, regional, and whole body. 

• Segmental motion occurs between the individual joints of your body.
  
• Regional movement occurs in a body region such as your neck, mid-back, or low back.
  
• Whole-body movement is characterized by the actions we typically think of as exercise.
   

All three types are essential and work together to keep your spine and musculoskeletal system healthy and functioning at its best.

Let’s take a closer look…

1. Segmental Movement: Moving the individual joints of your body is what chiropractors are specifically trained to do. Proper segmental movement can help reduce pain, improve your range of motion, and influence your central nervous system.
     
2. Regional Movement: Dynamic stretching with regional range of motion exercises can reduce low back stiffness.
   
3. Whole Body Exercise: Daily exercise can help your brain and body feel better as well as improve your rest and recovery at night.
   
   

Chiropractic Care for All Natural Back Pain Relief

It’s easy to see why movement can be your most important ally when it comes to finding all natural relief from low back pain. 

The foundation of all movement is segmental movement. 

Take it from the leading lower back pain specialist in Austin, Texas, if your joints aren’t moving well, your body as a whole isn’t moving well, and you certainly aren’t going to be feeling well. 

That’s where we come in.

Chiropractic care is a safe, natural, and effective way to help ensure your body is moving at its best so you can feel your best.

Harvard Health, The Mayo Clinic, and other established healthcare organizations have published numerous articles highlighting the benefits of chiropractic and movement-based treatment options.

Next Steps: 

Moving may be the last thing you want to do if you’re struggling with back pain, but research has repeatedly shown that movement and exercise are two of the best ways to find relief from back pain. 

If you’ve dealt with back pain and especially if you live in the Austin, Texas area, call us today. 

Our team will be happy to provide you with a complete movement assessment and personalized exercise plan to help you get (and stay) well for years to come, naturally! 

Science Sources: 

Back Pain. Harvard Health Publishing. 2023.

5 Steps to a Pain-Free Back. Harvard Health Publishing. 2016.