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A half hour leisurely walk sure can solve a lot of problems!

Dr. Stephen Graham • March 12, 2012

Many of the patients that come through our doors with back pain are finding themselves behind curtain number three—the “reduced activity” group. This group I find is the average person that comes to us for back pain. They don’t eat well and get very little physical activity. Unfortunately, many of these patients are 20+ pounds overweight. They tell me they are too busy working to eat and get the proper amount of activity.

The problems that occur from this lifestyle are as follows:

-decreased joint mobilization (jammed up spine)

-wasting trunk muscles (unstable core)

decreased muscular strength and endurance

reduced cardiovascular fitness

stiffness of ligaments and joints

reduced metabolic activity

increased susceptibility to sprains, strains, and muscular spasm

deteriorating disc especially in the lower back

The poor effects of the musculoskeletal problems, i.e., spinal joints, discs, and muscle, which causes greater avoidance of activity, which leads to more weight gain and stress on the joints. I think you get the picture.

In summary, inactivity and poor diet bring many low back pain patients to our office. Unfortunately, the correction is now more involved than eating and moving more. They need the spine aligned and unjammed to unpinch nerves that are causing low back pain.

If you fall in this category, I would advise a half hour a day of something active. For most people the easiest way to get started is just going out for a leisurely walk.

If you are suffering with back pain, neck pain, headaches, sciatica, bulging or herniated disc, then call our office and ask for Christina to schedule an appointment.

Low Back Pain Workshop every Tuesday and Saturday.

Every Saturday morning at 8am, and Tuesday evening at 6:30pm, Dr. Graham conducts a one-hour seminar on posture and low back pain that is open to the general public. This is a public service so there is no charge.

In the first half of the seminar, Dr. Graham discusses how ultimately poor posture leads to a breakdown of the nervous system; the low back joints and discs; resulting in low back pain, sciatica and other degenerative conditions.

He also will discuss how bad posture is causing stress-related illnesses including headaches, insomnia and ulcers.

During the second half of the seminar, Dr. Graham will discuss such things as what is the best pillow to use; stretches and exercises; and will review a case study.

The last 10 minutes will be used for questions and answers.

Take advantage of Dr. Graham’s 20-plus years of experience, and come out for this free low back pain workshop.

Call 245-9999 and ask for Christina to register you for this event.

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