What To Do When The Pain Goes Away

Chiropractic care has been proven to be a very effective and efficient method to relieving life’s aches and pains.  The duration of care and the treatment times are often brief.  When the pain goes away, treatment often ends. 

What can a patient do “when the pain goes away”?

1. Posture – it’s important… Here are some helpful tips:

Standing – Using good posture is an easy way to maintain a healthy mind and body. When you practice correct posture, your body is in alignment with itself. This can alleviate common problems such as back or neck pain, headaches, and fatigue. Simply “think string”…Imagine a string is attached to the top of your head and it is pulling you gently up towards the ceiling. Visualization techniques like this can guide you to the proper posture position.

Sitting - If you sit for long hours, find a chair and work station that fits your body. The chair should allow your feet to touch the floor with your knees at a 90 degree angle. If this is not an option, try using a foot rest for support. With your lower back supported against the back of the seat or a lower back cushion, try to align your ears shoulders and hips in a straight line.  This will help you avoid slouching or leaning forward.  Adjust your chair forward or back so your elbows are at a 90 degree angle. If your elbows are too straight, you are too far back. If they are less than 90 degrees, you are sitting too close. Regardless, if you are too far away or too close, this will cause you to slouch.  Always, attempt to get out of your chair and move around for a few minutes for every 30 minutes you are sitting.

Sleeping - While you will not be able to consciously maintain a particular posture while sleeping, you can attempt the following: A firm mattress will help maintain proper back support. Sleeping on your back will help keep your shoulders and back aligned and comfortable. If you prefer sleeping on your side, try slipping a small, flat pillow between your knees to help keep your spine aligned and straight. Use a pillow to provide proper support and alignment for the head and shoulders. Don't overdo the pillows. Too many, and your head can be bent in an unnatural position. Whatever you do, avoid sleeping on your stomach. It is impossible to maintain good sleeping posture on your stomach.

2. Proper Body Mechanics and Lifting Techniques

When you are lifting, always attempt to bend at the knees and hips.  Not just the waist. Your back muscles are designed to stabilize your spine while your leg and pelvic muscles are designed to lift the weight.  Also, keep the objects close to your center of gravity. Another tip… if the object is heavy or awkward, ask for help.

3. Exercise – Flexibility / Strength / Cardiovascular

An all-around fitness program to enhance aerobic conditioning, muscular strength, flexibility and muscular endurance is a well known way to help prevent back and neck pain.  Programs can vary depending upon one’s fitness level, age and health.  In the event one has had a previous health concern, we recommend the program be designed by a trained professional.

4. Early Intervention with Chiropractic Care

Some patients rely on chiropractic care to help manage episodes of spinal problems. If you start to experience “warning signs” such as stiffness, achiness or twinges of pain, feel free to call for an appointment.  Early intervention typically shortens the duration of your condition and reduces the number of visits to get you pain free.

5. Chiropractic Wellness Care

Some patients have a chronic spinal condition that periodically turns into an acute problem. This leads to frustrating bouts of disability.  Often time’s regular chiropractic care can be integrated into this patient’s lifestyle to gain ongoing wellness without acute flare-ups. 

Our patients who have the once a month chiropractic appointment typically do the best.

How long you benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you.  

Schubbe Resch Chiropractic and Physical Therapy representatives can meet with you individually to educate you further on how to keep the pain away. Call 920-720-0660 (Neenah) or 920-738-0200 (Appleton) to schedule your appointment today.