Spring has arrived! All of us here at The Chiropractic Health Center of Glastonbury are excited for this season of renewal. As the weather gets warmer and flowers start to bloom, it’s the perfect time to focus on our health.
After months of being stuck indoors, many of us are eager to get back to our favorite outdoor activities. Yet, it’s important to be patient with our bodies to avoid injury.
In the springtime, injuries often occur as the result of jumping back into yardwork or being a “weekend warrior” – participating in strenuous physical activity in your spare time. Here’s what you should know to protect and keep your body healthy.
What Is a Weekend Warrior?
Many people spend their workweek at a desk in an uncomfortable or unsupportive chair. Evenings are often spent at the dinner table, then unwinding on the couch. Sitting for long periods of time compresses the spine, which can lead to back pain or degenerative disc disease. Sedentary living also slows blood circulation, which can increase heart attack risk.
Once the weekend arrives, you finally have time to get moving outside of your office walls. Yet when you’re inactive for most of the week, your body may not be adequately prepared for physical labor or activity. As a result, you could experience an injury or soreness. To help prevent weekend warrior injuries:
- Try not to save all your exercise for the weekend. Even a daily walk can get your blood pumping!
- Always warm up before a workout. Dynamic stretches help prepare your muscles for what they’re about to endure.
- Set realistic goals. If you have not properly trained, don’t push too hard in your preferred sport or activity.
- Do not overstrain yourself. Mix up your activity schedule to focus on strengthening different areas of the body.
- Listen to your body. If you feel pain, stop the activity right away.
Additionally, regular chiropractic treatment can improve flexibility, strength and your body’s ability to perform with decreased risk of injury.
Getting Back On the Green
Golf is a popular spring sport that attracts people of all ages. Before dusting off your clubs for a couple rounds on a warm day, it’s important to prepare your body for the activity.
Did you know a golf swing exerts up to 10 times your body weight on the spine? When executed poorly, teeing off can lead to injury. To help perfect your swing, make sure the movement comes from your hips, rather than your back, and that you have good posture.
Fortunately, chiropractors are posture experts! We can help ensure you maintain a proper stance while you swing and keep your spine aligned with regular adjustments.
Preparing for Yard Work
When it’s time to do yardwork, your body might not be ready to take on the challenge after a long workweek. Many spring home maintenance tasks are repetitive, working muscles that may have been dormant during winter.
As these muscle groups become overworked, the body has to compensate in other areas to get the job done. For instance, your lower back might take over when the legs are fatigued and this undue stress can lead to pain.
While homeowners may be anxious to get the lawn and garden prepped or bring out patio furniture, rushing through these tasks can result in elbow, shoulder, neck and low back injuries. Before you start working:
- Warm up with a stretching routine
- Use ergonomic tools to help protect the arms, shoulder and back
- Take frequent breaks and stay hydrated
- Stretch the muscles back out afterwards
Seeking Chiropractic Care
The spine houses the central nervous system, which controls all parts of the body. As such, a misalignment can affect us from head to toe. Chiropractors are expertly trained to assess, diagnose and treat spinal conditions, as well as prevent future injuries.
At The Chiropractic Health Center of Glastonbury, we use a variety of techniques to help the whole body perform optimally. If you’ve experienced an injury, we’ll perform a thorough physical exam to identify the cause of your pain and recommended a treatment plan.
Regular chiropractic care helps to maintain the integrity of the body’s core systems, so you can enjoy the spring season pain-free! To make an appointment, contact us today.
