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Winter 2001-2002: Winter Yes, Hibernation No!
Winter Yes, Hibernation No!
Too much sitting will increase the likelihood of experiencing back and neck pain. Sitting for long periods puts a strain on the muscles, ligaments and joints of the spine. This typically occurs when the back muscles are tight and weak and poor posture such as slouching is adopted. Most of us do not stretch or strengthen our core stabilizing muscles of the spine in our regular workouts and many others do not exercise at all. This weakness not only makes it easier for the muscles to be strained directly it also allows a greater load to be placed on the ligaments and joints of the spine.
Similar to a sprained ankle, if the postural load becomes too great inflammation in the spinal joints will set in. This compounds the already strained muscle problem by getting them to tighten even more when they sense the injury to the affected joints. At this stage even if no treatment is done and the area is rested the pain will commonly go away. Unfortunately, the area is not fully healed for when inflammation settles scar tissue remains. This scar tissue can restrict the movement of the joints and reduce the amount of blood flow, oxygen and nutrients to the area.
Fortunately, Winter here in beautiful BC affords no shortage of activities that can help prevent these postural strains from occurring. Strengthening the back along with numerous other health benefits can be achieved by skiing, snow-boarding, snow-shoeing, skating, x-country skiing, or skate-skiing. Should you prefer walking, it too is a great way to reap these health benefits.
X-country skiing is perhaps one of the most complete body workouts. Furthermore it is easy on the joints - less the falls - so the not so young can also enjoy its benefits.
For those of you who have been sidelined from running due to strains from pounding on the pavement try snow-shoe running. It's a great workout and is much less demanding on our knees.
Take advantage of our local mountains. They are a great escape from the city and are only minutes away.
For Your Information
It is easy to screen your child for scoliosis as follows:
- do the shirt sleeves hang unequally at the wrists?
- do the pant legs hang unequally at the feet?
- are the shoulder heights unequal?
- are the hip heights unequal?
- have your child bend forward and see if their back is more rounded on one side
If any of the above checks are observed with your child it is advisable to have them assessed by a health professional such as a chiropractor, medical doctor, or physiotherapist.
Health Quiz
1. Where does the nerve get entrapped in Carpal tunnel syndrome?
a) in the hand or wrist
b) muscles in the arm
c) muscles in the shoulder girdle
d) muscles in the neck
e) all of the above
2. Inactivity is as harmful to your health as smoking.
a) true
b) false
3. While sitting, what should be avoided?
a) filing at floor level
b) changing seat angle and chair height slightly at least once a day
c) frequent shoulder and neck stretches
d) sitting tall with the normal curves of the spine well maintained
Answers to the Health Quiz can be found on the bottom of this page.
For your free video on how the spine affects our health phone the British Columbia Chiropractic Association at: 1-877-390-1100 or local in Vancouver at: 270-1332.
Health Quiz Answers:
1.e Pressure on the median nerve can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. This pressure typically arises from tight muscles (e.g. scar tissue) anywhere from the neck to the hand and commonly involves more than one location. There is a ligament in the wrist that can put pressure on the median nerve as well. This ligament is not commonly involved.
2.a True. Inactivity is as harmful to your health as smoking. Health Canada, Canada's Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Active Living for Older Adults
3.a Filing at floor level typically causes the normal curve in the lower back to reverse or become 'rounded' which puts a great load on the lower back discs, especially if accompanied with twisting.
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