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Tag: back pain

Live Well Chiropractic CenterNewsback pain
How A Chiropractor Can Help Treat Pain After A Car Accident
By Dr. Kim Wermert Health

How A Chiropractor Can Help Treat Pain After A Car Accident

According to the National Highway Traffic Administration, a car accident happens every 60 seconds. And even if you’re the safest, most aware driver on the road, you can’t account for other drivers and their competency behind the wheel.

If you have been in an accident before, you know even the most minor of fender benders can cause lasting pain. Even minor car accidents can cause soft tissue injuries, which can lead to arthritic issues, and other forms of chronic pain down the road.

A chiropractic exam might not be the first medical professional you think of when scheduling appointments post-accident, but an experienced chiropractor can help those who have incurred injuries to the musculoskeletal system and the spine.

Reducing Inflammation

While some inflammation is normal and a sign of healing, too much inflammation can cause pain and discomfort. When a chiropractor works to realign your spine, your body responds by lowering its production of cytokines, a protein that regulates immune system cells. But when cytokines build up, it can cause severe inflammation, resulting in pain.

Improving Range Of Motion

Depending on the type of accident you have been in, you may temporarily lose some flexibility (or mobility) in your neck or back, reducing your quality of life. This loss of flexibility can be caused by a misalignment in the spine, inflammation, or even scar tissue build-up. A series of chiropractic adjustments can help restore your range of motion by returning your joints to proper alignment, while also reducing discomfort.

Decreasing Physical Pain

Even a minor car accident can jolt your body, resulting in lasting pain in areas of the body that weren’t even injured in the collision. Chiropractic adjustments can provide relief throughout the entire body by adjusting your spine, and other areas of the body that are hurting.

Reduce Dependency On Pain Relievers

Depending on the severity of your car accident, a doctor may prescribe potentially addictive painkillers to help with your pain management. These painkillers will help with the pain but do not treat the underlying issues that are causing the discomfort. Chiropractic adjustments can target the source of discomfort and work to reduce the pain without prescription painkillers.

Your insurance company might work slowly after a car accident, but Dr. Kimberly Muhlenkamp-Wermert at Live Well Chiropractic Center works quickly. Schedule your appointment with Dr. Kim today by calling 513-285-7482 or emailing info@livewellcc.com. Be sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn for our latest updates and tips!

Live Well Chiropractic Center

Simple Stretches To Prevent Back Pain
By Dr. Kim Wermert Exercises

Simple Stretches To Prevent Back Pain

According to the U.S. Government’s National Center for Biotechnology Information, nearly 80 percent of people will deal with back pain at some point in their lives. Whether in a debilitating form or as an annoyance, back pain can often stop us in our tracks and make even common movements difficult.

The back’s musculoskeletal system is made up of bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues that provide form, support and stability to our bodies. And to keep this complex system functional, we need to exercise it. So while it may seem counter-intuitive to exercise a sore back, it is actually key to helping it heal and prevent pain from beginning — with your physician’s approval. Here are a few simple stretches to keep your back in great shape.

Arm Raises

Before you get out of bed in the morning, raise your arms slowly above your head and you take a few deep breaths.

Toe Touches

Once you sit up in bed and move your legs to the floor, bend over and touch your toes, then raise your hands above your head.

Trunk Rotations

The trunk rotation stretch can help relieve tension in your lower back. It also works your core muscles, including your abdominals, back muscles, and the muscles around your pelvis.

Lie on your back and bring your knees up toward your chest so your body is positioned as if you’re sitting in a chair. Fully extend your arms out to the sides, with your palms face-down on the floor. Keeping your knees together and hands on the floor, gently roll both bent knees over to your right side and hold for 15–20 seconds.

Return to the starting position and repeat step three on your left side, again holding for 15–20 seconds. Repeat five to 10 times on each side.

Pelvic Tilt

​​The pelvic tilt exercise is a simple yet effective way to release tight back muscles and maintain their flexibility.

Lie on your back with knees bent, feet flat and arms by your sides. The natural curvature of your spine will lift your lower back slightly off the floor.

Push your pelvis slightly up toward the ceiling (your pelvis should not leave the floor) while tightening your abdominal and buttock muscles. In doing so, you should feel your lower back pressing into the floor. Hold for five to 10 seconds, then relax. Work your way up to doing 10 of these per day.

Are you experiencing lower back pain? Consider comprehensive chiropractic care with Dr. Kimberly Muhlenkamp-Wermert at Live Well Chiropractic Center. We help treat and prevent pain and injury with non-invasive healthcare services and a focus on nutrition, exercise and spinal health. Schedule your appointment with Dr. Kim today by calling 513-285-7482 or emailing info@livewellcc.com. Be sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn for our latest updates and tips!

By Dr. Kim Wermert Health

Backpack Safety Tips

There are few things more exciting for kids and their parents than the start of a new school year, but it’s also exhausting getting everyone back on a school schedule. One of the main complaints parents hear this time of year is just how heavy their backpacks are. This weight isn’t just uncomfortable, because it also carries a risk of injury. Avoid the risks with these tips to help your child.

Safety First, Style Second
Finding the perfect backpack is more than just finding the right color or style. Key factors to consider are size and padding. Look for small-sized packs to prevent overpacking, which may happen with oversized bags. Padding is necessary for both safety and comfort — the more, the better. Straps should have wide padding to protect the shoulders. Padded backs will provide comfort against heavy items placed along the spine.

Ask What They’re Able to Carry
If your child has spinal disorders such as scoliosis, they may find that backpacks contribute to more back or shoulder pain. The extra weight can be painful, if not more dangerous. Talk to your family doctor and follow our weight and style tips so your child is supported. If the weight is too painful, a rolling backpack may help, too.

Whether your children are challenged or able-bodied, ask what feels comfortable for them to wear. Remember to listen to their comments so you can best help!

Wear And Care
Style is more than just fashion — it’s the way you wear things, too! The way your child wears his backpack and packs it will help him stay safe during the school day. Healthcare professionals recommend that a backpack shouldn’t weigh more than 10 percent of your child’s bodyweight. When it comes to packing, take tips from professional hikers. Heavier items should be placed parallel to the back for extra support. And finally, when she wears the pack, adjust the straps until the bottom sits just above the small of her back.

Fix Poor Posture With Dr. Kim
Backpacks have a way of weighing us down. Maybe not emotionally, but physically. When backpacks are too heavy, we often overcorrect by slouching, trying to take some pressure off the back and shoulders. This leads to bad posture and takes a toll on the body. Dr. Kim can help your child with corrective exercises to help maintain good posture, which also helps build confidence!

We know you want your child to succeed in school, both comfortably and safely. At Live Well Chiropractic Center, we’re invested in your student’s education and wellness, too. Schedule an appointment for your student today by calling 513-285-7482! Be sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn for our latest updates and tips!

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How To Know When It’s Time To Buy A New Mattress
By Dr. Kim Wermert Physio

How To Know When It’s Time To Buy A New Mattress

Mattresses are expensive. With some costing several thousands of dollars, it’s reasonable to delay this purchase. While a quality mattress can last up to nine years and still be in decent condition, here are some tell-tale signs it’s time to take the plunge and buy a new one.

Old Age

Even if your bed is still in great shape, it’s best to replace your mattress every seven to nine years. The main reason? Dirt. Even the most diligent housekeeping can’t stop your mattress from accumulating dead skin cells, pollens and even bodily fluids. The average person sheds a half-billion skin cells every day, and dead skin is a feast for dust mites. A study from The Ohio State University states the average mattress has anywhere between 10,000 to 10 million dust mites.

Allergens

Not only are dust mites disgusting, but they’re also a culprit for allergens. Dust and other allergens can accumulate in your mattress, leading to you waking up with a runny nose or sneezing. If you or your partner suffers from severe allergies or have asthma, we recommend replacing your mattress more frequently, and investing in a high-quality mattress protector.

Sagging

If your mattress has obvious signs of sagging or visible lumps, it’s definitely time to buy a new one. Mattresses are supposed to support your spine, and a sagging mattress means your spine will be curved while you sleep and your muscles will have to work harder to keep your body supported.

Noise

If your mattress makes noises when you get in or out of bed, or when you roll over, odds are the springs are not as effective as they once were. Not only is this annoying, but poor spring support can also mean waking up in pain from lack of support.

If you’re waking up frequently feeling stiff or sore, it’s best to make an appointment with your chiropractor. At Live Well Chiropractic Center, we’re here to help you live as pain-free as possible. From pain relief to nutritional support, call us today at 513-285-7482 or email info@livewellcc.com to schedule your consultation to learn more about the services Dr. Kimberly Muhlenkamp-Wermert offers. Be sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn for our latest updates and tips!

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How To Relieve Lower Back Pain
By Dr. Kim Wermert Exercises, Therapy

How To Relieve Lower Back Pain

If you’ve ever had pain in your lower pain, you know how much it hurts to move even your arms, legs or neck. A good way to stop constant low-back pain, aside from treatment, can be by exercising. It’s a bit of an oxymoron, sure, but exercise can help. Until you’re ready to go for a run or lift weights, consider swimming, a low-impact aerobic workout that relieves pressure on the joints and spine while exercising the muscles in the back.

What Causes Low-Back Pain?

Back pain can range from a muscle aching to a shooting, burning or stabbing sensation. In addition, the pain may radiate down your leg or worsen with bending, twisting, lifting, standing or walking.

The most common cause of low back pain is muscle or ligament strain. If you do not have a strong core, this can also cause low back pain from the strain of carrying extra weight.

Bulging or ruptured disks in your spine could also be the culprit. Disks are the cushions between the bones in your spine. The soft material inside a disk can bulge or rupture and press on a nerve, causing the pain.

In some cases, arthritis in the spine can lead to a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord, a condition called spinal stenosis. In rare cases, it could be osteoporosis, when your spine’s vertebrae develop fractures from porous or brittle bones.

If your back pain is accompanied by pain radiating past your knees, unexplained weight loss, bladder/bowel problems or is a result of an injury, call your physician.

How Does Swimming Help Pain In Your Lower Back?

When you’re in the water, you’re in a non-weight bearing environment. This reduces stress on your joints and allows a greater range of motion. The hydrostatic pressure in a pool also increases blood flow to the muscles in your back.

Depending on the severity of the pain in your lower back, and of course with your doctor’s OK, start slowly with a simple walk through water that completely covers your core. The friction from the water gives a light resistance that will strengthen the muscles in your back, as well as your core. As you heal, work your way up into swimming laps or taking a water aerobics class.

Are you experiencing lower back pain? Consider comprehensive chiropractic care with Dr. Kimberly Muhlenkamp-Wermert at Live Well Chiropractic Center. We help treat and prevent pain and injury with non-invasive healthcare services and a focus on nutrition, exercise and spinal health.

Schedule your appointment with Dr. Kim today by calling 513-285-7482 or emailing info@livewellcc.com. Her extensive understanding of body mechanics will get you feeling better! Be sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn for our latest updates and tips!

contact Live Well Chiropractic Center

 

 

How Chiropractic Care Can Help The Healing of Bone Fractures As We Age
By Dr. Kim Wermert Elder Individuals

How Chiropractic Care Can Help The Healing of Bone Fractures As We Age

The old saying, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” is relevant when it comes to broken bones and healing – especially as we age.

A broken bone doesn’t heal as quickly when we are 50 as it did when we were 20. This is because of age, but also because of the physical changes that affect the skeletal system, such as osteoarthritis or osteoporosis.

Patients with osteoporosis are often more prone to fractures of the hip, spine and wrist. According to the American Chiropractic Association, “half of all women and a quarter of men older than 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis.”

Lifestyle choices, such as inactivity, smoking, using alcohol in excess or a poor diet, also contributes to the risk of osteoporosis. Chiropractic care can help patients alter those life habits and improve chances for a better healing outcome after a fracture.

Aging also impacts the immune system and can disrupt the body’s normal inflammatory response to healing. This means an elderly person who falls could have a more serious bone fracture, such as a broken hip.

How Chiropractic Care Helps With The Healing Process

Chiropractic care can help as you heal and recover from a bone fracture. As chiropractors, we evaluate and test a patient’s bone density, and create an individualized plan to help regain and maintain optimal bone strength.

Manipulation treatments (also known as adjustments), along with rehabilitation, relaxation techniques, and nutritional and dietary supplement counseling are some common techniques used to help our patients heal faster and their body and bones become stronger.

Our focus is to help you and your broken bone heal well through increased mobility and range of motion.

Not only can these treatments help in your recovery – they are preventive in nature by strengthening your muscles, reducing stiffness, improving nutrition and reducing pain. Other benefits to chiropractic care after a bone fracture are:

  • Reducing risk of future fractures
  • Increased strength, balance, agility and flexibility

Women Have Their Own Unique Considerations

Women are more prone to losing bone density and strength that can factor into an increased risk for a bone fracture. This is especially true after a woman goes through menopause. Chiropractic manipulation, corrective exercise, and nutritional counseling help a woman’s body function and heal better. This helps the healing process after breaking a bone, but also serves as a preventive measure for later in life.

After The Fracture …

At Live Well Chiropractic Center, we help you heal from a fracture by relieving your pain, stabilizing your spine and joints, and creating a personalized wellness program. We are committed to keeping you healthy and your body stronger. With regular maintenance and adjustments, you will be at a lower risk for fractures. Contact us at 513-285-7482 to schedule an appointment. For more tips and our latest updates, be sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

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What to Know About Sciatic Pain
By Dr. Kim Wermert Physio

What to Know About Sciatic Pain

If you have it, you know it. Sciatic pain (also called sciatica) is a common back ailment that impacts approximately 40 percent of adults at some point during their lifetime. The sciatic nerve is the longest and largest nerve in the body. About the same thickness as your thumb, it begins in the lower back and extends to the foot.

Characterized by shooting pain that travels the length of the nerve, sciatica can be mild or severe. It can prevent mobility or at the very least, be uncomfortable and irritating.

Symptoms Of Sciatic Pain

In addition to the shooting pain, people who suffer from sciatica may experience other symptoms such as:

  • Numbness or weakness of the leg
  • Difficulty moving the leg or foot
  • Inability to stand up
  • Burning sensation in their back, hips and legs
  • Chronic pain on one side

What Causes Sciatic Pain?

Sciatic pain occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed. Conditions that could cause this compression include spinal stenosis, degenerated disc disease, a herniated disk, or a bone spur on the spine. Smoking, injury or regular wear and tear from age can also be to blame. All of these conditions result in numbness, pain, stiffness of the leg, or inflammation.

How Is Sciatic Pain Diagnosed?

Sciatic pain can be diagnosed by a chiropractor after a complete assessment. The doctor will begin with a medical history and ask about the location and severity of the pain. A series of tests, such as the Straight Leg Test or Braggard’s Test, will be conducted that focus on your reflexes. The doctor may ask you to perform certain stretches and exercises to determine what aggravates or relieves your pain.

How Is Sciatic Pain Treated?

The good news is most people usually get relief from sciatic pain without invasive procedures or medications. Here are a few treatment options that a chiropractor can offer:

  • Ice or cold therapy. Applying ice or cold compress to the area reduces inflammation and eases pain.
  • Ultrasound. A gentle heat that penetrates deep into the muscle, these sound waves increase circulation and reduce cramping, stiffness, inflammation and muscle spasms.
  • Spinal manipulations. At the core of chiropractic care, these adjustments restore misaligned vertebrae to their proper position and improve movement of the spine.
  • TENS. TENS therapy, otherwise known as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, uses electrical currents to control pain and reduce muscle spasms.

Chiropractic care is an effective way to treat sciatic pain because it focuses on the musculoskeletal and nervous systems and the conditions that impact them.

At Live Well Chiropractic Center, our goal is to help you feel better so you can engage comfortably in the activities you enjoy most. If you or someone in your family is experiencing sciatic pain, you don’t have to suffer any longer. We can help you determine the cause of the pain and then develop a non-invasive treatment plan that is best for you. Give us a call at 513-285-7482 to schedule an appointment! Be sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn for our latest updates and tips!

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How To Stay Healthy This Winter With Chiropractic Care
By Dr. Kim Wermert Exercises, Physio

How To Stay Healthy This Winter With Chiropractic Care

Staying healthy during the long winter months is a challenge facing most of us. Not feeling well or dealing with an injury makes day-to-day life more challenging. Whether it’s the seasonal flu, winter sports injuries or just feeling the impact of the cold weather on your joints, chiropractic care is one way to proactively prepare for the change in temperatures and stay healthy during the winter.

Here’s how visiting your chiropractor during the winter months can help:

Reduce body stiffness

When the temperature drops, your muscles contract in an effort to keep you warm. Unfortunately this well-intended reaction often results in stiffness and less flexibility in your muscles or joints, making you more prone to discomfort and injury. An adjustment to your spine can help your spine stay properly aligned, which will relieve your body stiffness.

Prevent colds and flu

The spread of colds and flu is more prevalent in the winter. Combine that with compromised immune systems, sleep deprivation and stress, and it’s no wonder why most of us get sick in the winter. Spinal adjustments can boost your nervous system, which in turn can strengthen your immune system.

Heal sports injuries

If you’re a skier, snowboarder or like to exercise outside, chiropractic care can ensure your body is loose and properly aligned before you venture out into the elements. When your muscles are already warmed up and flexible, you are less prone to injury.

If you do sustain an injury, chiropractic care can help you rebuild your strength and coordination. This gives your body a chance to heal and correct itself naturally without medication or invasive procedures.

Relieve symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a type of depression that occurs with the changes of season. While there is no cure for this, chiropractic care can regulate hormone production to the nervous system. Because the spine acts as the central nervous system’s communicator to the rest of the body, spinal adjustments can help you get better control of your feelings, thoughts and emotions.

Manage stress

Our muscles contract when we’re feeling stressed, resulting in tension in our shoulders, back, neck and other muscle groups. Muscles that are constantly tense impact the bones, tendons, ligaments, joints and nerves as well. When a chiropractor adjusts the spine, it relieves the pressure and results in an immediate sense of relief, which is freeing both physically and mentally.

If you’re ready to stay healthy this winter and alleviate the aches and pains the cold weather brings, give Live Well Chiropractic Center a call. We are available to answer any questions you have about joint or muscle stiffness, sports injuries, or the impact of Seasonal Affective Disorder on your body.

Contact us today at 513-285-7482 to schedule an appointment, or check us out on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn for our latest tips and updates!

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8 Safety Tips For Hanging Holiday Decorations Without Injury
By Dr. Kim Wermert Christmas

8 Safety Tips For Hanging Holiday Decorations Without Injury

Holiday lights and decorations put us in the holiday spirit, but the excitement can quickly extinguish if hanging them is not done safely. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says there have been 12,000 or more holiday-decorating emergency department visits each year in the U.S. since 2009. Here’s what you can do to get those holiday decorations installed safely and without injury.

Tip #1: Inspect the decorations before you hang them

Check the wiring of the holiday lights for cracked or frayed cords, missing lights, dead bulbs and other types of damage. If the product has been inspected for potential safety hazards, the label “UL” for the Underwriters Laboratory will be clearly displayed on the tag. A green UL mark means the lights are safe for indoor use only; a red UL means they are safe for indoor or outdoor use. Throw away any damaged strands. Before you move to the next steps, take a few moments to stretch your muscles to avoid injuries!

Tip #2: Clean your gutters and downspouts

Clear out any leaves, branches and other debris from nearby trees. Clogged and backed up gutters and downspouts can lead to water overflow onto your lights, causing an electrical hazard. This should be done before you install your decorations.

Tip #3: Secure your ladder

Make sure your ladder is secure and on level ground before you start climbing. Have someone be your spotter to hold the ladder as you climb up and down. This helps to minimize your risk of falls.

Tip #4: Don’t walk on your roof

Slippery shingles, angled roofs and water channels can make holiday decoration installation dangerous. Avoid the roof, or hire a professional with the proper tools and equipment to handle this for you.

Tip #5: Use plastic safety clips

Use plastic safety clips to secure hanging lights to the exterior of your home. They are both safe and affordable. Don’t hammer tacks or nails into the cord or use metal staples. This can damage wires and create small holes in the exterior of your home, giving rain and melted snow the opportunity to damage your home.

Tip #6: Use the appropriate extension cords

Heavy-duty extension cords made specifically for outdoor use are the safest ones to use for your holiday lights and decorations. Use no more than three sets of standard lights per extension cord to avoid overloading them.

Tip #7: Use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs)

Plug all your outdoor lights and inflatable decorations into GFCIs. They will help prevent electric shock if different currents occur in the hot and neutral wires.

Tip #8: Take care of the cords

Place the cords against the house or other structures so they are not stepped on, walked on, mowed over or tripped on.

Live Well Chiropractic Center wants you to stay safe and avoid injury as you install your holiday decorations this season! If you are experiencing any pain, inflammation or soreness after putting up your festive décor, please schedule an appointment with us. We will help you stay healthy and pain-free so you can enjoy the holidays with your family and friends. Contact us today at 513-285-7482 to schedule an appointment, and be sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn for our latest tips and updates!

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Pros and Cons of Standing Desks
By Dr. Kim Wermert Physio

Pros and Cons of Standing Desks

If “sitting is the new smoking,” when can we stand? We sit at work, we sit at school, we sit as we drive from one place to the next and we sit on the couch when we get home. Since the average office worker spends about six and a half hours per day sitting at a desk, standing desks have been introduced as an alternative in the workplace. But do they really work? What are the pros and cons? Here are some things to think about as you decide if a standing desk is right for you.

Standing Desk Pros

  • It improves posture. Standing while working forces you to stand up straight and have good posture. Some employees report less back, neck and tailbone soreness.
  • It keeps the blood flowing. It’s harder to nod off or feel sleepy when you’re in a standing position, so you may feel more alert while standing at a desk. Work may feel more urgent, so you may be more productive as a result.
  • It reduces some types of diseases. Standing reduces the risk of developing diseases such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease. It can also reduce back and neck pain by 54 percent.
  • You will burn more calories. When you stand at a desk for 3-4 hours during the workday, your heart beats about 10 times more per minute. That’s the equivalent of running 10 marathons a year.
  • It’s easier to engage with co-workers. If you are in a shared office space, you are at eye-level with co-workers walking by, which may encourage brief exchanges that take the place of an email.

Standing Desk Cons

  • It can be uncomfortable. Some workers have complained about stiff legs, aching backs and sore feet after standing for long periods of time, especially if they have a health issue. Watch out for swelling in your feet and ankles, stiff knees and varicose veins.
  • It stifles the creative juices. Some workers have reported that creative work, like designing or writing, is more difficult to do in a standing position.
  • It’s hard to eat at your desk. Standing over your desk to eat lunch can be awkward and messy. It might be better to find a comfortable place to sit.

If you do decide to invest in the standing desk option, we suggest you consider the following:

  • Invest in an anti-fatigue mat. These are mats that cushion your feet and may reduce the discomfort in your body.
  • Wear supportive shoes. Standing all day won’t be possible in heels or in bare feet. Find a pair of shoes that will give you the support you need to be on your feet the whole day.
  • Take your time. Ease into your standing desk. You may need to work your way up to standing the whole day, and/or take frequent sitting breaks.
  • The best of both worlds. Consider a standing desk option that raises and lowers to allow you to both stand and sit throughout the day.

Do you have questions about the impact sitting or standing has on your body? Live Well Chiropractic Center is available to answer your questions, help you determine the cause of your pain and develop a treatment plan so you can start healing. Contact us today at 513-285-7482 to schedule an appointment! Be sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn for our latest tips and updates!

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