Prevention And Management Of Neck Pain

By Dr. John A. Papa, DC, FCCPOR(C)

Most adults can expect to experience some neck pain in their lifetime.  The cause of neck pain is often multi-factorial, meaning that there is usually no single cause.  Once an episode of neck pain happens, some individuals will find it is a persistent or recurrent condition.  However, there are management strategies that can be employed to minimize the negative impact of neck pain.

Below are some tips on prevention and management of neck pain.

·   Protect your neck while you sleep by choosing a pillow that will help support the head, neck, and shoulders.  This will keep them in alignment and minimize stress and strain. 

· Be smart when working at a workstation/ desk. The workstation/desk should be at elbow height.  Use of an adjustable chair can help meet this need.  Computer monitors should be at eye level for easy viewing.  Do not cradle the phone between your head and shoulder.  Use of a headset or the speakerphone feature will keep your hands free and allow you to multi-task in a safe manner.  Be sure to take regular breaks every 20 to 40 minutes that allow you to stand, walk around, and stretch your neck and upper back.

·      Avoiding cigarette smoke can be helpful.  The reduced blood circulation found in smokers deprives spinal discs of vital nutrients which can lead to premature degeneration.  Smoking may also provoke disc herniation with coughing, and cause general damage to the musculoskeletal system through direct chemical irritation and chronic inflammation.  Exposure to secondhand smoke during childhood may also increase the risk of developing neck problems later in life.

·         Drinking water brings vital nutrients to neck muscles and decreases the risk of cramps and strains.  Water also helps to protect neck joints by providing lubrication and cushioning.

·      Eliminate poor posture which can strain the muscles and joints in the neck.  While sitting, make sure that your weight is evenly distributed on your seat, your shoulders are not rounding forward, and you are not slouching.  Your head should be resting on your torso and not poking forward.

·     Engaging in regular physical activity and exercise will help keep your neck strong.  This can include general cardiovascular conditioning, along with postural, stretching and strengthening exercises for the neck, shoulders and upper back.

·      Get professional help for your neck pain.  The following treatments have been identified as being helpful for most cases of neck pain:  education, exercise, mobilization, manipulation, laser therapy, acupuncture, and soft tissue therapy.  The scientific literature does not identify any “best” treatment that is effective for everyone.  Trying a variety of therapies or combination of therapies may be required to find relief and help manage neck pain.

If you are having difficulty managing neck pain symptoms, contact a qualified health professional who can prescribe appropriate therapy, rehabilitation and self-management strategies specifically for your circumstance.  For more information, visit www.nhwc.ca.

This article is a basic summary for educational purposes only.  It is not intended, and should not be considered, as a replacement for consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a duly licensed health practitioner.

What Smoking Does To Your Musculoskeletal System

By Dr. John A. Papa, DC, FCCPOR(C)

The musculoskeletal (MSK) system includes the muscles, tendons, joints, and bones of the body.  Cigarettes contain many harmful chemicals, including nicotine and carbon monoxide which negatively affect the physical health and integrity of the MSK system.  Included below is a summary of those affects:

1.  Smoking decreases bone mineral density (BMD) and increases the risk of osteoporosis and future fractures.  Studies have shown that nicotine reduces the blood supply to bones, slows the production of bone forming cells, and decreases the absorption of calcium.  Post-menopausal women who smoke have greater spinal osteoporosis than non-smoking counterparts.  Among men, a consistently lower BMD at all bony sites is observed regardless of when in their life they smoked.  In addition, a relationship between cigarette smoking and low BMD in adolescence and early adulthood has been identified.

2.    Smoking delays healing times for bony fractures and soft tissue injuries such as rotator cuff tears.  Nicotine has been shown to decrease the production of fibroblasts (the main cells responsible for tissue repair).  In addition, the carbon monoxide found in tobacco smoke reduces oxygen levels in the body which is critical for all tissue healing.

3. Smoking contributes to an increase in spinal problems.  The reduced blood circulation found in smokers deprives spinal discs of vital nutrients which can lead to premature degeneration.  Smoking may also provoke disc herniation through coughing.  Studies demonstrate a definite link between smoking and low back pain that increases with the duration and frequency of the smoking.  Exposure to secondhand smoke during childhood may also increase the risk of developing neck and back problems later in life.

4.    Smoking increases pain levels.  Smokers complain more often of MSK pain than non-smokers.  Studies indicate that smoking makes individuals more susceptible to sensing pain at lower thresholds.  In addition, smoking causes general damage to the MSK system through direct chemical irritation, chronic inflammation, and restricting blood and nutrient flow.

5.   Smoking causes stress and de-conditioning in the body.  For optimal functioning, your muscles and joints need a steady supply of oxygen-rich blood.  Smoking not only stiffens your arteries, it also decreases the rate at which oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged in the blood.  Other side effects of smoking include fatigue, lung disorders, impaired healing, and chronic pain.  Impaired healing means that injuries affect you for longer than usual, and healing from surgeries or infections can be problematic.  These side effects can lead to inactivity, which causes deconditioning.

Scientific evidence has established links between cigarette smoking and its detrimental impact on the MSK system.  However, it is never too late to try and quit smoking.  Some of the negative health aspects of smoking start to reverse after a smoker quits.  Those looking for help in trying to quit should speak to a medical professional.  Valuable resources can also be found on the Health Canada and Canadian Lung Association websites.  For additional information on health and wellness, visit www.nhwc.ca.

This article is a basic summary for educational purposes only.  It is not intended, and should not be considered, as a replacement for consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a duly licensed health practitioner.

Everyday Activities That May Be Hurting Your Back

By Dr. John A. Papa, DC, FCCPOR(C)

80% of all Canadians will suffer at least one significant episode of back pain in their lives.  Back pain prevention can go a long way in reducing the risk of injury.  Below are some tips on how to overcome some of the common everyday activities that can contribute to back pain.

1.    Improper lifting is a risk factor associated with back pain. There are several strategies that should be employed during lifting activities.  Maintaining the natural curve/hollow (lordosis) of your low back is important, as this is its strongest and most secure position.  Avoid awkward postures such as bending, reaching, and twisting/turning.  Whenever possible, you should square your body toward the object being lifted, turn your whole body by moving your feet, and keep the object close to your body.  Contracting your abdominal muscles during lifting, lowering, and moving activities improves spinal stability, referred to as bracing.  You should also bend at the legs and not the waist, lifting slowly and smoothly, not jerking.  Minimizing lift load and exposure, taking mini-breaks, and job rotations can be helpful.  The use of assistive devices such as dollies, handgrips, and pull carts is also recommended.

2.    The physical strain of sitting.  People who sit for prolonged periods of time may adopt a poor posture that includes losing the natural hollow of the low back, along with rounding or slouching of the upper back and shoulders.  These less than ideal positions put cumulative compression and strain on the spine.  Take 10 to 30 second stretch or posture breaks every 20 to 40 minutes to make sure weight is evenly distributed, your shoulders are not rounding forward, and you are not slouching.

3.    Working in stooped positions.  When we keep our backs in a neutral/straight position, the mechanical load on the spine is considerably lower than when your back is bent forward.  Many activities around the home and workplace cause you to bend forward and stoop.  The longer you work in these forward bent positions, the more likely you are to experience back problems.  In order to minimize the risk of injury, you should interrupt the stooped position at regular intervals before pain starts.  Trying to find alternative ways of completing tasks without stooping is ideal.

4.    Smoking contributes to an increase in spinal problems.  Smoking has been shown to decrease bone mineral density and increase the risk of osteoporosis and future fractures.  The reduced blood circulation found in smokers deprives spinal tissues of vital nutrients which can lead to premature degeneration.  Smoking may also provoke disc herniation through coughing.  Exposure to secondhand smoke during childhood may also increase the risk of developing back problems later in life.

5.   Lack of physical activity de-conditions the body.  This makes us more susceptible to cumulative spinal strain and injury.  Regular exercise increases our functional capacity to withstand occupational, recreational, and everyday stresses on our back more efficiently, thereby minimizing the risk of injury.

For some, back pain can be dramatically minimized or avoided; while for others it needs to be managed so that its negative effects on activities of daily living can be reduced.  If you are suffering from back pain, a qualified health professional can determine the cause of your pain and prescribe appropriate therapy, exercises, and back sparing strategies specifically for your circumstance.  For more information visit www.nhwc.ca.

This article is a basic summary for educational purposes only.  It is not intended, and should not be considered, as a replacement for consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a duly licensed health practitioner.

What Smoking Does To Your Musculoskeletal Health

By Dr. John A. Papa, DC, FCCPOR(C)
 

The musculoskeletal (MSK) system includes the muscles, tendons, joints, and bones of the body.  Cigarettes contain many harmful chemicals, including nicotine and carbon monoxide which negatively affect the physical health and integrity of the MSK system.  Included below is a summary of those affects:

 

1.   Smoking decreases bone mineral density (BMD) and increases the risk of osteoporosis and future fractures.  Studies have shown that nicotine reduces the blood supply to bones, slows the production of bone forming cells, and decreases the absorption of calcium.  Post-menopausal women who smoke have greater spinal osteoporosis than non-smoking counterparts.  Among men, a consistently lower BMD at all bony sites is observed regardless of when in their life they smoked.  In addition, a relationship between cigarette smoking and low BMD in adolescence and early adulthood has been identified.

 

2.    Smoking delays healing times for bony fractures and soft tissue injuries such as rotator cuff tears.  Nicotine has been shown to decrease the production of fibroblasts (the main cells responsible for tissue repair).  In addition, the carbon monoxide found in tobacco smoke reduces oxygen levels in the body which is critical for all tissue healing.

 

3.   Smoking contributes to an increase in spinal problems.  The reduced blood circulation found in smokers deprives spinal discs of vital nutrients which can lead to premature degeneration.  Smoking may also provoke disc herniation through coughing.  Studies demonstrate a definite link between smoking and low back pain that increases with the duration and frequency of the smoking.  Exposure to secondhand smoke during childhood may also increase the risk of developing neck and back problems later in life.

 

4.    Smoking increases pain levels.  Smokers complain more often of MSK pain than non-smokers.  Studies indicate that smoking makes individuals more susceptible to sensing pain at lower thresholds.  In addition, smoking causes general damage to the MSK system through direct chemical irritation, chronic inflammation, and restricting blood and nutrient flow.

 

5.    Smoking causes stress and de-conditioning in the body.  For optimal functioning, your muscles and joints need a steady supply of oxygen-rich blood.  Smoking not only stiffens your arteries, it also decreases the rate at which oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged in the blood.  Other side effects of smoking include fatigue, lung disorders, impaired healing, and chronic pain.  Impaired healing means that injuries affect you for longer than usual, and healing from surgeries or infections can be problematic.  These side effects can lead to inactivity, which causes deconditioning.

 

Scientific evidence has established links between cigarette smoking and its detrimental impact on the MSK system.  However, it is never too late to try and quit smoking.  Some of the negative health aspects of smoking start to reverse after a smoker quits.  Those looking for help in trying to quit should speak to a medical professional.  Valuable resources can also be found on the Health Canada and Canadian Lung Association websites.  For additional information on health and wellness, visit www.nhwc.ca.

 

This article is a basic summary for educational purposes only.  It is not intended, and should not be considered, as a replacement for consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a duly licensed health practitioner.

Prevention And Management Of Neck Pain

By Dr. John A. Papa, DC, FCCPOR(C)

Most adults can expect to experience some neck pain in their lifetime.  The cause of neck pain is often multi-factorial, meaning that there is usually no single cause.  Once an episode of neck pain happens, some individuals will find it is a persistent or recurrent condition.  However, there are management strategies that can be employed to minimize the negative impact of neck pain.

 

Below are some tips on prevention and management of neck pain.

 

·        Protect your neck while you sleep by choosing a pillow that will help support the head, neck, and shoulders.  This will keep them in alignment and minimize stress and strain.

 

·        Be smart when working at a workstation/desk.  The workstation/
desk should be at elbow height.  Use of an adjustable chair can help meet this need.  Computer monitors should be at eye level for easy viewing.  Do not cradle the phone between your head and shoulder.  Use of a headset or the speakerphone feature will keep your hands free and allow you to multi-task in a safe manner.  Be sure to take regular breaks every 20 to 40 minutes that allow you to stand, walk around, and stretch your neck and upper back.

 

·        Avoiding cigarette smoke can be helpful.  The reduced blood circulation found in smokers deprives spinal discs of vital nutrients which can lead to premature degeneration.  Smoking may also provoke disc herniation with coughing, and cause general damage to the musculoskeletal system through direct chemical irritation and chronic inflammation.  Exposure to secondhand smoke during childhood may also increase the risk of developing neck problems later in life.

 

·        Drinking water brings vital nutrients to neck muscles and decreases the risk of cramps and strains.  Water also helps to protect neck joints by providing lubrication and cushioning.

 

·        Eliminate poor posture which can strain the muscles and joints in the neck.  While sitting, make sure that your weight is evenly distributed on your seat, your shoulders are not rounding forward, and you are not slouching.  Your head should be resting on your torso and not poking forward.

 

·        Engaging in regular physical activity and exercise will help keep your neck strong.  This can include general cardiovascular conditioning, along with postural, stretching and strengthening exercises for the neck and upper back.

 

·        Get professional help for your neck pain.  The following treatments have been identified as being helpful for most cases of neck pain:  education, exercise, mobilization, manipulation, acupuncture, and soft tissue therapy.  The scientific literature does not identify any “best” treatment that is effective for everyone.  Trying a variety of therapies or combination of therapies may be required to find relief and help manage neck pain.

 

If you are having difficulty managing neck pain symptoms, contact a qualified health professional who can prescribe appropriate therapy, rehabilitation and self-management strategies specifically for your circumstance.  For more information, visit www.nhwc.ca.

 

This article is a basic summary for educational purposes only.  It is not intended, and should not be considered, as a replacement for consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a duly licensed health practitioner.

Everyday Activities That May Be Hurting Your Back

By Dr. John A. Papa, DC, FCCPOR(C)

80% of all Canadians will suffer at least one significant episode of back pain in their lives.  Back pain can negatively impact an individual’s work, recreational, and social life.  Back pain prevention can go a long way in reducing the risk of injury.  Below are some tips on how to overcome some of the common everyday activities that can contribute to back pain.

 

1.    Improper lifting is a risk factor associated with back pain. There are several strategies that should be employed during lifting activities.  Maintaining the natural curve/hollow (lordosis) of your low back is important, as this is its strongest and most secure position.  Avoid awkward postures such as bending, reaching, and twisting/turning.  Whenever possible, you should square your body toward the object being lifted, turn your whole body by moving your feet, and keep the object close to your body.  Contracting your abdominal muscles during lifting, lowering, and moving activities improves spinal stability, referred to as bracing.  You should also bend at the legs and not the waist, lifting slowly and smoothly, not jerking.  Minimizing lift load and exposure, taking mini-breaks, and job rotations can also be helpful.  The use of assistive devices such as dollies, handgrips, and pull carts is also recommended.

 

2.    The physical strain of sitting:  Most people that sit for prolonged periods of time will eventually adopt a poor posture that includes losing the natural hollow of the low back, rounding or slouching forward of the upper back and shoulders, and a forward head poking position.  This can lead to significant back pain as these less than ideal positions put cumulative compression and strain on the spine.  Take 10 to 30 second stretch or posture breaks every 20 to 40 minutes to make sure weight is evenly distributed, your shoulders are not rounding forward, and you are not slouching.

 

3.    Working in stooped positions:  When we keep our backs in a neutral/straight position, the mechanical load on the spine is considerably lower than when your back is bent forward.  Many activities around the home and workplace cause you to bend forward and stoop.  The longer you work in these forward bent positions, the more likely you are to experience back problems.  In order to minimize the risk of injury, you should interrupt the stooped position at regular intervals before pain starts.  Trying to find alternative ways of completing tasks without stooping is ideal.

 

4.    Smoking contributes to an increase in spinal problems.  Smoking has been shown to decrease bone mineral density and increase the risk of osteoporosis and future fractures.  The reduced blood circulation found in smokers deprives spinal discs of vital nutrients which can lead to premature degeneration.  Smoking may also provoke disc herniation through coughing.  Exposure to secondhand smoke during childhood may also increase the risk of developing back problems later in life.

 

5.    Lack of physical activity de-conditions the body.  This makes us more susceptible to cumulative spinal strain and injury.  For optimal functioning, your muscles and joints need a steady supply of oxygen-rich blood.  Regular exercise increases our functional capacity to withstand occupational, recreational, and everyday stresses on our back more efficiently, thereby minimizing the risk of injury.

 

Decreasing your risk for back pain is the first step in prevention.  For some, back pain can be dramatically minimized or avoided; while for others it needs to be managed so that its negative effects on activities of daily living can be reduced.  If you are suffering from back pain, a qualified health professional can determine the cause of your pain and prescribe appropriate therapy, exercises, and back sparing strategies specifically for your circumstance.  For more information visit www.nhwc.ca.

 

This article is a basic summary for educational purposes only.  It is not intended, and should not be considered, as a replacement for consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a duly licensed health practitioner.

What Smoking Does To Your Musculoskeletal System

By Dr. John A. Papa, DC, FCCPOR(C)

The musculoskeletal (MSK) system includes the muscles, tendons, joints, and bones of the body.  Cigarettes contain many harmful chemicals, including nicotine and carbon monoxide which negatively affect the physical health and integrity of the MSK system.  Included below is a summary of those affects:

 

1.    Smoking decreases bone mineral density (BMD) and increases the risk of osteoporosis and future fractures.  Studies have shown that nicotine reduces the blood supply to bones, slows the production of bone forming cells, and decreases the absorption of calcium.  Post-menopausal women who smoke have greater spinal osteoporosis than non-smoking counterparts.  Among men, a consistently lower BMD at all bony sites is observed regardless of when in their life they smoked.  In addition, a relationship between cigarette smoking and low BMD in adolescence and early adulthood has been identified.

 

2.    Smoking delays healing times for bony fractures and soft tissue injuries such as rotator cuff tears.  Nicotine has been shown to decrease the production of fibroblasts (the main cells responsible for tissue repair).  In addition, the carbon monoxide found in tobacco smoke reduces oxygen levels in the body which is critical for all tissue healing.

 

3.    Smoking contributes to an increase in spinal problems.  The reduced blood circulation found in smokers deprives spinal discs of vital nutrients which can lead to premature degeneration.  Smoking may also provoke disc herniation through coughing.  Studies demonstrate a definite link between smoking and low back pain that increases with the duration and frequency of the smoking.  Exposure to secondhand smoke during childhood may also increase the risk of developing neck and back problems later in life.

 

4.   Smoking increases pain levels.  Smokers complain more often of MSK pain than non-smokers.  Studies indicate that smoking makes individuals more susceptible to sensing pain at lower thresholds.  In addition, smoking causes general damage to the MSK system through direct chemical irritation, chronic inflammation, and restricting blood and nutrient flow.

 

5.   Smoking causes stress and de-conditioning in the body.  For optimal functioning, your muscles and joints need a steady supply of oxygen-rich blood.  Smoking not only stiffens your arteries, it also decreases the rate at which oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged in the blood.  Other side effects of smoking include fatigue, lung disorders, impaired healing, and chronic pain.  Impaired healing means that injuries affect you for longer than usual, and healing from surgeries or infections can be problematic.  These side effects can lead to inactivity, which causes deconditioning.

 

Scientific evidence has established links between cigarette smoking and its detrimental impact on the MSK system.  However, it is never too late to try and quit smoking.  Some of the negative health aspects of smoking start to reverse after a smoker quits.  Those looking for help in trying to quit should speak to a medical professional.  Valuable resources can also be found on the Health Canada and Canadian Lung Association websites.  For additional information on health and wellness, visit www.nhwc.ca.

 

This article is a basic summary for educational purposes only.  It is not intended, and should not be considered, as a replacement for consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a duly licensed health practitioner.