Injury Free Archives - Live Well Chiropractic Center

August 26, 2021

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!

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

June 22, 2021

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!

8 Safety Tips For Hanging Holiday Decorations Without Injury

November 19, 2020

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!

How Chiropractic Care Can Help With Shoulder Pain

August 18, 2020

By Dr. Kim Wermert Physio

How Chiropractic Care Can Help With Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain is one of the most common forms of chronic pain for many adults. Left untreated, shoulder pain can be debilitating, preventing you from enjoying your favorite activities, working, and even leading to problems including neck and back pain or numbness in the arm and hands.

As a ball and socket joint, our shoulders are responsible for a large range of motion. The great mobility our shoulders give us also means that frequent use puts a great deal of strain on the four rotator cuff muscles that help shoulders move and provide stability. It’s here that most people often have chronic pain. Because most shoulder pain is associated with repetitive physical use, it can impact both adolescents and adults.

What Causes Shoulder Pain?

Because our shoulders are so versatile and offer a wide range of motion for different activities, there’s also different types of pain we can experience in our shoulders depending on how we use them. The most common type of pain is bursitis or tendinitis, which occurs when the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that helps movement by protecting the shoulder joint, becomes inflamed.

Other common causes of shoulder pain are injuries, rotator cuff tears due to overuse, arthritis, spinal issues and a condition called frozen shoulder, which happens when the lining of the capsule of the ball socket becomes inflamed.

Early signs and symptoms of shoulder pain include inflammation, pain and limited range of motion. Recognizing the signs of chronic shoulder pain early can play a vital role in preventing long-term damage, which can lead to permanent chronic pain. So if you think you might be experiencing shoulder pain that won’t go away within a few days, make sure to schedule an appointment to have it looked at.

How Chiropractic Therapy Can Help

If you’re suffering from chronic shoulder pain, chiropractic treatment is a great alternative to invasive surgeries or prescription medication. Using gentle readjustments, regular chiropractic treatments help reduce inflammation and pain while restoring your range of motion and improving muscle strength.

At Live Well Chiropractic Center, we believe in providing the best service and care by identifying the root causes of pain and helping get your body back to maximum function. Contact us today to schedule an appointment so you can start healing. Be sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn for our latest updates and tips!

Managing Knee Pain With Non-Invasive Treatment

August 18, 2020

By Dr. Kim Wermert Physio, Therapy

Managing Knee Pain With Non-Invasive Treatment

Whether it pops when you bend it or there’s a persistent ache or stinging, dealing with knee pain is difficult. Knee pain impacts millions of people, whether it’s caused by a minor or serious injury, aging, arthritis or other medical issues. Left untreated, knee pain and injuries limit mobility and impact daily activities including walking, climbing stairs, getting out of bed in the morning and even using the restroom.

Types of Knee Pain

Knee pain falls into one of two categories: acute or chronic. Acute knee pain often occurs when tendons are injured, causing swelling and limiting range of motion. Left untreated, this can lead to a serious injury such as a tear or ruptured tendon.

Chronic pain is caused when joints and cartilage wear down, resulting in steady, regular pain as joints rub directly against each other. Often this is due to arthritis or osteoporosis, a bone disease. Other causes of chronic knee pain include degenerative joint disorders, which cause joints to quickly wear down.

Common Causes of Chronic Knee Pain

The knee is comprised of interconnected tendons, ligaments and cartilage, which can wear down over time. Because the knee is a major weight-bearing joint, any increased stress can lead to inflammation, chronic pain and/or injury if left untreated. Knee pain can take a variety of forms. If your knees lock or click when you bend them, you have difficulty with your knee’s range of motion, or experience swelling, numbness or discoloration, it’s a sign that something’s wrong.

One of the most common causes of knee pain is bursitis, which affects people who spend a lot of time on their feet. Like our shoulders and other joints, our knees have fluid-filled sacs called bursae that cushion the outside of the joint. Bursitis is caused when these sacs swell or become inflamed.

Other common causes include fractures, bacterial infections, and uric acid build-up, which occurs when uric acid crystals build up in the joints and cause inflammation.

How Chiropractic Treatment Can Help

Luckily, these problems can be treated with non-invasive chiropractic treatment. Not only can an experienced chiropractor provide physical therapy along with knee and hip manipulation that can help reduce pain and inflammation, but she can also help reduce stress on your knees with spinal adjustments.

Whether you’re dealing with acute or chronic knee pain, Dr. Kimberly Muhlenkamp-Wermert of Live Well Chiropractic Center can help you understand the underlying causes of knee pain, and reduce inflammation with a customized treatment plan so you can start enjoying a pain-free, active lifestyle again. Contact us today to schedule an appointment, and be sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn for our latest updates and tips!

December 5, 2018

By Dr. Kim Wermert Work Injury

4 Ways to Stay Injury-Free This Winter

Snow, ice, rain, sleet, hail — some climates see it all in winter (and some might see it all in a 24-hour period). While some of it can be pretty to look at, oftentimes that beauty comes with its own set of hazards, by way of icy walkways, snow shoveling, sports injuries, or car accidents. The good news is, with a little preparation and know-how, you can avoid serious injury for yourself or others this winter.

Tips for Preventing Winter Injury

1. Prevent an icy situation. The best way to keep from falling on the ice is to make sure there’s nothing slippery under your feet. Make sure to salt or use a de-icing solution on all your steps and walkways before the snow hits. If this isn’t possible and you find yourself needing to clear the snow or ice after the fact, make sure you have on boots with good tread and that you take short, careful steps or use available railings for balance while you put down the salt. Carry your cellphone as well, in case of emergency.

2. Slow down that shovel. Don’t let it fool you — shoveling snow is hard work. Not only are you lifting heavy snow off the ground with a shovel, but you’re also carrying those heavy loads off your walkways. Doing all this exercise in the freezing cold only makes the task more difficult. However, it’s better to go slowly and take breaks if necessary to avoid back strain or a twisted neck muscle. Rushing through the job only sets yourself up for injury. Make sure you are wearing boots with a heavy tread and warm clothing, including a hat and gloves and face protection, if necessary.

3. Recognize the need for speed. Slow speeds, that is. Weather-related accidents account for 1,235,000 vehicle crashes a year! To avoid adding to this statistic, take heed when driving in bad weather. Only drive if you absolutely have to, and pay attention to area road conditions and closures.

If you must get on the road, remember to dress appropriately, to warm your car up ahead of time, and to make sure to remove all snow and ice from all of your windows and wipers before heading onto the roads. Drive slowly and give yourself plenty of room and time to stop in case your car slides.

4. Exercise caution. If you want to get outside for some exercise — whether that’s going for a walk, a run, sled riding, or playing another outdoor game, you’ll need to take extra precautions in winter weather.

• Make sure you are well hydrated and that you have water on hand during your activity. Just because you’re cold doesn’t mean you’re not sweating.

• Use appropriate footwear for your activity, and double up on warm wool socks to keep from getting frostbite. The same goes for hats and gloves.

• If you’re already tired, skip the activity. The cold weather can take more out of you than you think, which can lead to injury or illness.

• Use the buddy system. Never venture out alone on a winter hike or decide to ice skate on a frozen pond without bringing someone with you. That way, there will always be someone to help or call emergency services, if necessary.

• Watch the weather reports. If more snow, ice, or rain is predicted, don’t risk getting stuck outside. Wait until weather conditions abate before resuming your outdoor activities.

At Live Well Chiropractic Center, we know sometimes injuries can be unavoidable. If you are dealing with pain or an injury, we can help, and with chiropractic care from our clinic, you can expect to feel better. Call us today at 513-285-7482 or email info@livewellcc.com to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more about the health benefits of our brand of chiropractic care.

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Tag: Injury Free