There is an army out there. Day in and day out, in silicon trenches they hone their skills on desktops and laptops. They train hard and they work hard. And they have the battle scars to prove it: back, neck, and wrist pain; headaches and eye strain. They are the Workstation Warriors.
And you’re part of that army. You show up diligently for your job; be it web design, accounting, programming or any of the myriad vocations that require hours of sitting in front of your computer. Things usually start off alright, but slowly a change happens. A tension starts building in your body. And it grows from an annoying discomfort to outright pain. But it’s not just the pain that’s the problem; it also affects the effort and energy you have to stay at the top of your game. Studies show that there is significant productivity loss associated with the muscle and joint aches and pains of desk and computer work.
In light of this let’s take a look at some simple things you can do to reduce pain, make your workspace more comfortable, and improve productivity.
Ergonomic and environmental factors
Much research has been done into what the best way to sit/type/read is. And what the research shows is that there is no single best way to approach any of those variables. However, even though there is no perfect position, there are some general steps to take to position yourself and your workstation to function well.
Keyboard – Have your keyboard positioned just above your lap and have your arms relaxed freely or use arm rests that just support but do not elevate your elbows.
Monitor – Your monitor should be directly in front of you with the centre of the screen at eye level. The monitor, keyboard, and you should all be in line (none of that twisting your body to reach the keyboard on one side while you look in another direction for the monitor).
Phone – When it comes to talking on the phone either use a headset or hold the phone with your hand but refrain from cradling it between your ear and shoulder (it might have made you look like you were really takin’ care of business in the 80’s, but not so much now).
Chair – Adjust your chair so that your knees are bent at approximately a 100 degree angle with feet flat on the floor while sitting upright. Have the chair back providing support to the small of your back.
Individual factors
Along with desk and chair positioning there are also steps you can take to make sure that your internal environment is functioning well.
Move around – I’ve said many times before that our bodies are made to move and be active. The problem, however, is that a workstation (station: from the Latin meaning to stand still) by definition is a place where very little movement happens. So the first piece of advice is to frequently change your position. Change how you’re sitting; stand up and move around for 30 seconds every twenty minutes or so; instead of emailing something to a co-worker, get up from the chair and bring it to them.
Stretch – Muscles will get tight. And then they’ll get sore. Take a preventative approach and stretch them out frequently throughout the day. Pick one or two muscles each hour and make it a part of your routine to stretch. It’ll make a difference.
Drink water – I sometimes think I sound like a broken record1 but having enough water in your system is important. Water keeps your blood flowing, your neurons firing, and your nose running (a runny nose is actually a good sign that your immune system is working). Drinks such as coffee and tea contain caffeine which is a diuretic. Although there are health benefits associated with them they tend to dehydrate you. My suggestion: drink an equal amount of water for every coffee/tea you consume. Now some may say that this will have them frequenting the washroom more frequently…but that works well into getting up and away from the desk more often.
Give your eyes a break too – Use the 20-20-20 rule: take a 20 second break every 20 minutes to look at something at least 20 feet away. This helps the muscles in your eyes to relax (yup, even in there you have tiny little muscles working hard for you)
Sometimes, however, even the best executed plans still need some extra help. And when that’s the case, come and see your chiropractor. Through a variety of therapies we can help reduce muscle tension and joint stiffness. We can show you the most appropriate stretches and exercises for your specific needs. We can just plain help you to feel better and stay well. If you need help, contact us.
1. Records were like big, vinyl CDs2
2. CDs were like smaller, shiny plastic records1
Imagine for a moment that your financial advisor showed you a simple plan to take away all of your debt. It’s not that there wouldn’t be effort involved, but over a short period of time you would be debt free. How would that make you feel? My guess is that you would feel pretty good. Now if that same advisor then showed you a plan to keep your account balance at zero, how would you feel then? Again, only guessing here, but you would probably feel some combination of confused, annoyed, and bewildered. Why? Because that’s not what a good plan for your bank account is supposed to do.
We all understand that a healthy bank account is one that’s growing or at least staying in the black. We understand that when you make a deposit into your bank account it goes up. And when you have a bit of a reserve saved up you have a sense of security. You’re able to spend some without stress, and when an unexpected expense comes up, you’re able to cover it without breaking the bank. There is both comfort and freedom that comes with an account that’s in the black.
On the other hand, when you’re in debt, there is an ever present stress. Bills add up along with your cost of living and you hope just to be able to make the minimum payments to keep the creditors at bay.
And then there’s the middle – a zero account balance. You don’t owe anything, but you also can’t really do anything. And if a financial emergency comes up you have nowhere to go but into the red. Neutral is not what they recommend when they describe a “balanced” bank account. If someone suggested to you that this is the goal for your bank account you would, at the very least, think that they were misguided.
However, when it comes to your Health Account the latter is the exact view that most people have. We wait until there is a problem with our health and then we start working on it. “Ouch! That hurts. What should I do to get rid of these symptoms?” is the typical response. This is followed by putting in some effort until the symptoms are gone and then stopping. “Great, my symptoms are gone (I’m out of debt) and I can quit working at it (I’ll choose stay at zero in my account)”.
But as it is with your bank account, your Health Account is only as good as what you put into it. Being symptom free is great. But if you have no reserves, if nothing is built up, then you’re back down in the red fighting the battle of symptom relief or worse when the unfortunate happens.
My recommendation: if you’re feeling well, don’t be complacent. Approach your Health Account as you would your bank account. Take a preventative approach and build up your health reserves. Add in a daily walk, eat some extra veggies, do some relaxation breathing (and look through the rest of this blog – it’s full of healthy steps to take). Every time you do something healthy you’re making a deposit into your Health Account. It doesn’t mean that you won’t ever become sick, but you will be less susceptible. And when it does happen, you’ll bounce back more quickly because your body has a good foundation to work with.
What steps are you taking or planning to take? What has an active, healthy lifestyle meant to you? Let us know.
Do you have back or neck pain when you sleep? Maybe you wake up still feeling tired and sluggish. Or perhaps you have difficulties falling asleep. You’re not alone. These are common problems that many people suffer with. And it’s more than just annoying – it can significantly affect your health. Good, regular sleep is vitally important for cell and tissue repair, improving your memory, regulating a normal heart rate and blood pressure, and boosting the immune system. As we often have patients asking about various sleep recommendations we thought that we would present an easy to read (and share) list on simple steps to take to improve your sleep.
Recommendations for sleeping with pain:
Back pain – Low back pain may be decreased by placing a pillow under the knees if lying on your back or, if you sleep on your side, placing a pillow between your knees for added support. This helps to align the spine and reduce torsion.
Neck pain – Neck pain may be decreased with sleeping on your side or back, and not on your stomach. A good pillow is important with neck pain – avoid pillows that are so thick or thin that they angle your head and neck away from your body. Again, alignment is key.
Other aches – Shoulder conditions such as bursitis or tenditis/tendonosis can also be aggravated with sleeping positions. If sleeping on the side, sleeping on the non-injured arm is often recommended, and a small pillow or towel can be tucked under the elbow on the affected side for added support.
Dangers of the heating pad – A quick safety tip is also appropriate here. Avoid sleeping with a heating pad as they can be deceptively hot. So much so that I’ve seen people end up with blisters from the continual low-grade heat after having fallen asleep with one. It can be like a sun burn in the way that it sneaks up on you. Best practice is to just not use a heating pad while sleeping.
Recommendations for falling asleep:
Keep regular hours – Try to go to bed and wake up around the same time each day, including weekends. This helps to regulate your body’s sleep-wake cycle. If you need to take a midday nap it is best to limit it to 30 minutes. Also try not to nap too close to your normal bedtime as you may find yourself counting more than your fair share of sheep later on.
Careful with caffeine – Limit intake of coffees, colas, and teas in the later part of the day as the caffeine is a stimulant to your body. Everyone is affected differently, but for some people having caffeine after 12pm can cause sleepless nights. For most people it is best to avoid caffeine after dinner time. If you feel the need for something warm to drink try decaffeinated or herbal teas.
Alcohol too – Although alcoholic beverages close to bedtime may make you feel sleepy, they can disrupt your sleep pattern and cause a restless night.
Feeding the furnace – It is best to not eat a large, heavy meal just before bed. A late dinner may interfere with sleep as your body’s metabolism kicks in to digest the food you’ve eaten. Try to eat dinner at least two hours before bedtime.
Exercise time – A regular exercise program can also help you sleep more soundly at night. However, avoid exercising close to your bedtime – usually at least 2 hours prior is recommended as any later may interfere with your sleep (again, increased metabolism).
Slowing down – If you have a difficult time falling asleep, try incorporating bedtime rituals such as light reading, listening to soft music or sipping a cup of herbal tea. These cues will help let your body know that it’s time to prepare for sleep.
Happy bedtime stories – Many people like to watch the news before bed, however, the news is often focused on the negative and can trigger the release of cortisol (a stress hormone) making it more difficult to fall asleep.
Recommendations for staying asleep:
In-line sleeping – In general, it is best to sleep on your back or side, and not on your stomach. Lying on your back or side allows your head, neck and spine to relax into their natural alignment reducing stresses which may otherwise cause discomfort throughout the night.
Mattress madness – A mattress should be flexible enough to adapt to your body’s shape, while firm enough to provide support. Studies regarding how firm the mattress should be have been inconclusive. Mattresses should be replaced every 8-10 years to ensure proper support and comfort.
Pillow talk – Choosing a pillow often seems harder than choosing a mattress – be selective. When lying on your side, your head, neck and shoulders should remain level with your mid and lower spine. When lying on your back, your head and neck should remain level with your upper back and spine. For most people, it is best to avoid very thick pillows or too many pillows that can cause your neck to be in a state of flexion (cranked forward). Ideally your neck should be in a neutral position – imagine how your upper torso looks when you are standing with good posture and try to replicate this when laying on your side or back.
We spend approximately one-third of our of life sleeping; it is important that we get the most out of it and wake up feeling refreshed for a new day. The above tips are a good start for getting the sleep you need. Do you have anything that you would ad to the list? What has worked well for you? Please let us know below.
Carpal tunnel syndrome. The term gets thrown around a lot not just here in Guelph, but all over. It conjures up images of wrist braces, sore hands and forearms, and specially padded keyboards. But what is typically assumed to be carpal tunnel syndrome often isn’t. Why should that make a difference? Read on…
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a nerve disorder within the wrist characterized by pain, weakness, tingling, and loss of sensation of the hand and fingers. CTS occurs when the median nerve is trapped and pinched within the carpal tunnel of the wrist. The carpal tunnel itself is a space found on the palmar side of the wrist and is bordered by the carpal bones and transverse carpal ligament (there may be a test at the end*).
Overuse of the wrist can lead to swelling and inflammation within the carpal tunnel which, in turn, causes irritation and compression of the median nerve passing through. Some predisposing factors include:
Work requiring repetitive wrist/hand motion
Use of vibrational equipment/machinery
More common in women (especially when pregnant)
Not to get too bogged down in the details, but there is a bit more to consider. The median nerve has a branch that splits off just before it passes through the carpal tunnel. It is this palmar branch of the median nerve which supplies sensation to the middle of the palm. With true carpal tunnel syndrome you may notice wrist pain with accompanying finger numbness, but you typically will still have normal sensation in the palm of the hand because that branch of the median nerve is spared compression. Identifying this difference through a thorough history and physical examination by a chiropractor or other therapist is important – it can mean the difference between conservative treatment, possible electrodiagnostic testing, or potential surgery.
I started off this post, however, implying that the term CTS is often misused because pain, weakness, and altered sensation of the hand and wrist can be caused by structures other than the carpal tunnel. For instance, the median nerve, which travels the distance between the neck and the fingers can become compressed and irritated anywhere along its’ path. Tight muscles of the forearm are often the most likely culprits. Other conditions such as golfer’s elbow, tennis elbow, and pronator teres syndrome may be confused with CTS. It is important to have a thorough evaluation of your specific complaint in order to direct which treatments are best. From a chiropractic perspective we make sure to evaluate along the entire mechanical chain to see if there are other factors in the elbow, shoulder, or neck which may be contributing to the condition. And when CTS is still high on the list of differential diagnoses, managing the symptoms with a conservative treatment plan is the best place to start. However, if not improving, the definitive evaluation for CTS is electrodiagnostic testing of the nerves which I believe is very important prior to exploring any surgical options.
Most health care practitioners will agree that conservative management is the first step for forearm, wrist, and elbow complaints . Treatments can include:
Rest and ice to avoiding aggravating factors and reduce inflammation
Stretching tightened muscles of wrist and forearm. Very simple: reach your arm out in front with palm up. Use other hand to gently pull fingers down toward floor. Hold 20 seconds. Repeat several times throughout the day.
Modalities such as microcurrent and TENS
Wrist splinting either for work or in bed to reduce repetitive straining movements or positions
Ergonomic changes made to workspace environments such as proper positioning of mouse, keyboard.
If you suspect you have carpal tunnel syndrome or suffer from other hand, wrist and forearm pain, see your chiropractor at Clear Path Chiropractic Health Centre in downtown Guelph Ontario.
*Okay, so there’s no test. But I’d like to hear about any experiences you’ve had with CTS or other similar conditions. What’s worked well for you? Were you able to manage it on your own, or did you require some extra intervention?
Sharks are interesting animals. They don’t blink; they need to stay in constant motion in order to keep water flowing over their gills; and it’s common knowledge that when they get to a certain size they develop an insatiable taste for human blood. Another thing that we have in common with sharks* is the need to keep our mouths (in particular our jaw) in a balanced state for proper mechanical function. In the case of the shark, they can actually dislocate their jaw to enlarge their mouth when taking big bites. This helps to reduce some of the pressure and stress on the jaw thus allowing a pleasurable eating experience. For people, however, dislocation is not normally possible (or advisable). but we can take note to reduce the pressure and stresses we place on our jaw in other ways.
Now sharks don’t have a lot of jaw pain – this is self-evident by the lack of surveys filled out by sharks indicating as such. Humans, on the other hand, have a much higher prevalence of jaw pain, also know as temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD): it is estimated that between 85-95% of people will develop some TMD related symptoms in their lifetime with women more often being afflicted than men.
The temporomandibular joint itself is fairly robust. It’s surrounded and controlled by some powerful muscles including the masseter, the pterygoids, and the temporalis among others. The action of this joint consists of more than just opening and closing – take a moment and you’ll see that you can move your jaw through a variety of planes. There is a delicate interplay of bone, muscle, and ligament which can be subject to stress, strain, and over-use like any other joint. Many of us may notice some minor popping or clicking periodically, but dysfunction has a way of building up over time and can result in some more annoying symptoms:
Jaw pain
Ear pain
Headaches
Loud popping/clicking while chewing
Difficulty opening/closing the mouth
Neck pain
Some of the risk factors which may predispose you to developing TMD include the following:
Poor posture
Stress
Mal-alignment of teeth
Nail biting
Excessive gum chewing
Sleeping without head support
Sleeping on stomach
Bruxism (teeth clenching)
Previous trauma
Of all the things that contribute to TMD, poor posture and stress are among the most common. Fortunately, they can be well managed with some knowledge and a reasonable amount of effort.
Poor posture and TMD. Sit up straight. You’ve heard it before from your mother or teachers – and with good reason. When you’re sitting/standing tall the force of gravity is most balanced around all of your joints. On the other hand, when you slouch, especially with your head jutting forward, your postural muscles actually start having to work harder. In turn they get stressed and tired and can become sore. Further more, when your head juts forward it causes your jaw bone to shift in such a way that it places great stress on the temporomanibular joint. This can lead to the clicking, locking, and pain of TMD. For information on posture and what you can do about it I recommend reading this post on upper cross syndrome as well as this one on stretching tips.
Stress and TMD. For many of us stress can manifest itself in the form of tightening up and tensing our muscles. For a short time it’s not a problem, but left unchecked, tight muscles can change our postural dynamics and how we move, as mentioned above. One of the best ways to better manage stress is through the process of Active Relaxation. Active Relaxation is a state of being self-aware during an activity designed to calm the mind. It may take the form of meditation, deep breathing, prayer, or visualization to name a few. It’s different for everyone. The important part isn’t which technique you choose, but that you act on your choice. Check here for a previous post that I’ve written which details one very simple technique to try.
Paying attention to your posture, keeping muscles relaxed, and managing your stress are some of the simplest and most effective ways to treat and prevent TMD. When more help is required, discussing options with your chiropractor and dentist can be of great benefit (especially when they take a team approach). But that will have to wait for a future post.
If you would like more information on TMD or finding a Guelph chiropractor please contact us at Clear Path Chiropractic Health Centre in downtown Guelph Ontario.
Photo credit: Mail Online
*best transition ever.
A healthy stormtrooper is a happy stormtrooper.
Star Wars gave us lasers, droids, and hyperspace. We learned of the continuing struggle between the Republic and the Empire and the importance of family and friendship. But in addition to all of the cool action and adventure Star Wars has much to teach us about living a healthy lifestyle. Here are a few tips that I’ve gleaned throughout watching the films.
1. Stay active. Jabba The Hut sat around too much. And although financially powerful he was a bit of a wimp and easily taken down by a princess (not that a princess can’t be tough…I’m just saying). While being a couch potato can be fun every once in a while the risks far outweigh the benefits. Heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and just general weakness are all waiting in the wings for the sedentary.
2. Eat your veggies. Whether on their own, on sandwiches, or lightly steamed, vegetables and fruits are definitely on a Jedi’s plate. Studies show that a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables promotes a high midi-chlorian count. Or is it a strong immune system? Either way, it’s a good thing.
3. Water is good. They didn’t have moisture farms on Tatooine just for the fun of it. We’re made up of 60-70% water and it is vital for normal functioning. Contrary to popular belief the blue lightning from the Emperor’s fingers was not Dark Side derived, rather it was a consequence of dehydration resulting in a build up of uncontrolled electrostatic charge (trust me, you don’t want to be standing next to that guy on a floor with shag carpeting). But dehydration has other consequences as well: tight muscles causing back pain, neck pain, and headaches, harder working kidneys, and mental fatigue. So make sure to drink up and get the water that you need.
4. Put the “time” back in meal time. Fast food has become more than just a restaurant choice; it’s become a way of eating. But food should nourish more than just our caloric need. We should make the time to experience our food, its’ tastes, textures, and even the people we’re sharing it with. The Sarlacc is a model representative for taking the time to fully appreciate food and allowing one’s meal to digest (10,000 years should be sufficient).
5. Variety in exercise. Strength, agility, and cardio are all important components of physical fitness. Although all three are best developed simultaneously while running through a swamp with a green troll on your back, you may not always have such facilities at your disposal. When that’s the case you can always shake up your own routine by periodically substituting a bike ride for a run, or a swim for the weight room. Variety is the spice of life in galaxies far, far away as well as our own.
6. Take time to stretch. Think of sitting in front of the computer as the equivalent to mini episodes of being frozen in carbonite. Over time the tightness will build up and if you don’t shake things out regularly you’ll end up stumbling around like Han after being thawed. Get up from the computer/desk every 30 minutes or so. Pick one or two muscle groups and take them through their range of motion. It doesn’t take much, but it can make a big difference in keeping you feeling refreshed and productive throughout the day.
7. Relax. Obi-Wan Kenobi kept things in perspective and didn’t get all worked up when facing Darth Vader – in fact he became more powerful than Vader could possibly imagine. An over-stressed and over active mind can not only hamper thinking, it can can contribute to increased blood pressure and weight gain. Meditation, relaxation breathing, and yoga (not to be confused with Yoda) are all great ways to calm the mind and body and let the Force flow through you (as opposed to letting anger build up like the Dark Side would have you do. Oooh those Sith…they’re just so bad).
8. Know your limits but shoot for the stars. Even though the odds of successfully navigating that asteroid field were 3720 to 1, Han still knew it had to be done. We all know that the odds are often against us – that losing weight and keeping it off, or exercising regularly will be tough to maintain. But with some self-confidence and support from your Wookie (or friend/spouse) you can beat those odds and turn it into a reality.
9. Take time to rest and repair. If you are injured make sure to rest and rehabilitate the injury properly. Sure we don’t all have access to suspended scuba gear in clear acrylic walled hot water tanks like Luke did on Hoth, but following the R.I.C.E. principles (rest, ice, compress, elevate) can go a long way to reduce inflammation and speed the healing of minor injuries. As well, rest in the more general sense of the term, is also vitally important and a regular sleeping pattern encourages healthy day-to-day functioning. In fact Darth Vader was misunderstood when he told Luke “You underestimate the power of the Dark Side.” He was actually referring to a sector of the Death Star called the Dark side, a special low light sleeping dormitory adjacent to the Tropical Plants room.
10. Be proactive about prevention. Yoda was a very capable Jedi even in his later years. He understood the importance of a healthy body and a healthy mind. Try new things and challenge yourself. Keep learning and moving in order to stay active both mentally and physically. I’m hoping to be able to jump around just like that little green senior when I’m 865 years old.
We don’t yet have the technical mastery to seamlessly replace a fully functioning hand lost in a light saber fight. We’re not quite there when it comes to the finer points of using over-sized shiny black helmets for rehabilitation (you know it was shaped like that to prevent him from scratching at the stitches on his neck). But Star Wars has shown us that there are many simple and modifiable lifestyle factors that can help us live better, healthier lives. And I’ve only touched on some; if you have other insights and tips that you’d like to ad I’d love for you to leave a comment. How has Star Wars helped you with your health…?
Photo Credit: Balakov
This week’s guest post is provided by Allison Hampton, Hons. BKin, CK. Allison is a Certified Kinesiologist residing in Guelph Ontario. She is the co-owner and operator of Kinective Performance.
I have to admit that I am not a professional Gardener – by far. I am actually a Kinesiologist who specializes in Ergonomics. I do however have lots of family, friends, and neighbours who are avid gardeners. So while people talk about the beautiful plants and flowers they are growing and what type of fertilizer they are using, I am all the while wondering about the biomechanics of how they are planting their garden. In my mind’s eye I’m picturing a horror show of people straining their backs and necks, knees and arms, working until they are physically exhausted – all to make their yards look beautiful and more awe inspiring than their neighbour’s. All the while I am waiting for an opportunity in the conversation to ask if they warm up before they start gardening, if they schedule jobs when it is easiest to do them, and if they apply proper ergonomic principles to their gardening practices?! There is usually never a good time to ask these questions and if I do catch a break, I almost always get those weird looks that say: YOU DON’T garden so what would you know about it. But the fact is, even if I am not Gardener Extraodinaire, I am a Kinesiologist with a specialty in ergonomics and part of my job is assessing how proper body mechanics can be promoted to be more efficient, prevent injury and effectively use the most appropriate tools for the job. So now with my Ergonomic Specialist hat on, and not my “keeping up with the Joneses” hat, I will provide you with some tips for preventing gardening injuries and increasing your gardening productivity – because proper posture and movement mechanics will help you conserve energy, avoid fatigue, and prevent injury … which leaves you with more energy to scope out your neighbour’s plot!
There is a common misconception out there that if you just have the right tools for the job you will have no problem getting the job done (and no pain will be experienced as a result). It is true that the wrong tools will make the job more difficult and stress your muscles, however, approximately 75% of the pain we suffer is due to bad habits and attitude.
So first things first, let’s talk about using proper body mechanics while gardening.
Contract your abdominals when bending to lift something heavy. Also, when lifting heavy objects, squat and bend your knees using your powerful thigh and buttock muscles (added benefit – your petunias grow, your backside will shrink but none of it at the cost of your back!). If that wasn’t incentive enough: bending with your knees locked, you are actually lifting 50% of your body weight in addition to the object you are lifting – being a busy mom of 3 young kids and a business owner, I know I can’t afford all that extra energy expended into playing in the dirt!
Reduce the strain on your low back by keeping objects you are lifting close to your body and center of gravity. Keep your arms close to your body and comfortably bent.
Stand upright when working at ground level and when using long handled gardening tools such as hoes, spades and rakes.
Keep your feet shoulder width apart, rather than close together.
When carrying, show off those bi-ceps and shoulder muscles by holding from underneath with your whole hand and keep the load close to your body; use two hands for balancing the load, if possible. If you have to carry with one hand, switch sides so that you don’t pull your body out of alignment, stressing your back and hips.
Work below shoulder level whenever possible to avoid strain on your back and shoulders. If you have to work above shoulder level, do so no more than 5 minutes at a time. (tip: use a ladder to bring yourself up to the level you are working at).
Use both arms whenever possible.
Never over reach; move to the job and keep moving to be close to your work.
Don’t twist – face what you’re working on squarely.
Keep your elbows partially bent, especially when doing resistive activities requiring elbow strength i.e.: digging a hole for that beautiful Service Berry bush.
Work with forearms in neutral position (thumbs up).
Keep your wrists straight (in line with forearms) when pushing, pulling or grasping.
Avoid repetitive pinching and pulling with finger and thumb i.e.: no prolonged use of pruning scissors.
Hold objects with a light grasp or pinch, avoid a tight sustained grip
Tools: Size Does Matter!
Use the correct tool for the job.
Buy tools that fit you: know your body’s weaknesses and focus on getting the best tools that avoid injury for that body part first.
Gardening tools that are sold as “ergonomic” are only good if they fit your body.
Try out tools before you buy them because handle size, length of spindle, and weight are all important factors when choosing and using a tool “ergonomically”.
Use long handled tools to reduce strain on your back, knees, and hips instead of reaching.
Telescopic and pistol-grip require less energy and keep the body in proper alignment.
Handle diameter is important. Although a fatter handle feels more comfortable at the wrist it will fatigue your grip more quickly; thumb and forefinger should meet when wrapped around the handle; and indentations should encourage the neutral position (thumb up, wrist straight).
Keep tools sharp and in good shape – sharp digging tools reduce the amount of effort needed to dig.
Use thin gloves made of specific material appropriate for the task, covering the smallest area of hand as possible, without being restricting. Too much padding in a glove will decrease overall hand coordination, power grip, decreases feeling in the hand, and hand strength by at least 30%.
Gardening is great exercise! It is a very physically demanding activity requiring the use of your entire body. So please take the time to warm up your body before you go out into the garden. Spend about 10 minutes on a warm up routine to get your blood pumping, your joints limber, and your muscles pliable and ready to work!
Also, remember gardening is a source of relaxation and exercise. Try not to overdo yourself. Plan for rest breaks (a few minutes every hour even if you do not feel tired!), drink plenty of water, and avoid dehydration. If you are gardening for more than an hour drink a protein/electrolyte/carbohydrate drink to recharge your body. After 3 hours take a break and eat a small meal of whole grains, protein and vegetable and fruit.
Don’t forget to rotate tasks often! When rotating tasks move from a physically demanding task to a light activity every 20-30 minutes. Muscles typically fatigue in less than a half hour of repetitive activity; therefore your activities should rotate between ones that require different muscle groups and different body positions.
Use your overall physical activity tolerance level as your guide for engaging in gardening tasks i.e.: if you can usually do 2 hours of physical activity in a day then you should only garden for 2 hours a day.
Whatever your level of gardening knowledge and expertise, keeping your body conditioned, practicing healthy habits, and using the right tools will keep you gardening pain free for years to come – maybe even after the Joneses have long retired their flowery gardening gloves and fancy fertilizer.
And go easy on yourself – remember that changing your work habits takes practice and time. You will need to pay close attention to your actions and movements and readjust frequently in the beginning. With a little dedication these changes will become habit … and you will become an Ergonomic Gardener Extraordinaire!
For more information on ergonomics Allison Hampton can be contacted at allisonhamptonck@me.com
All of us have our own, unique pattern of movements, gestures, and even walks. I’m sure that you’ve been in this situation before: you’re at the mall looking for your mom/dad/sibling/spouse in a crowd and immediately recognize them from a distance not from their face or clothing, but from their movements. It’s pretty cool how tuned-in we can become to those we’re close with.
As a chiropractor a large portion of my job involves assessing how the body moves; evaluating the interplay between joints, limbs, and muscles and seeing the patterns that arise. And although you can take the chiropractor out of the clinic it’s not so easy to take the clinic(ian) out of the chiropractor. So it’s not uncommon that when I’m walking around in public spaces (downtown Guelph, the mall, the park) I can find myself subconsciously evaluating the gait (walking) patterns of those around me. Sometimes I’ll notice a short stride or a bit of a limp. Sometimes I’ll notice that someone is leaning more to one side than the other. Often, however, it will really stand out when someone is over-pronating.
Over-pronation is a condition where the arch of the foot fails to provide proper support for walking/running. It is often secondary to another condition called pes planus (a.k.a. flat foot/fallen arches) and can be easy to identify in those who’s shoes get compressed along the inside half between the heel and the toe. No, over-pronation and flat feet aren’t the end of the world. But they do affect how you move, feel, and function.
You can take upwards of 10,000 steps every day. Considering the amount of stress, force and pressure that’s applied to your feet with each step it’s no wonder that they often feel tired and sore at the end of the day. Your feet are the foundation for your body and as such it is important that they provide proper support to the rest of your skeleton. Misalignment of foot mechanics can lead to not only foot pain but can also affect the joints above including those in the knee, hip and back.
One way to help improve foot mechanics is through the use of custom orthotics. An orthotic is an insert placed within the shoe to alter and enhance foot function. Recent studies have shown that orthotics can even help increase the proprioceptive (balance) fibers in the feet and ankles and that this in turn may improve athletic performance. Common problems that orthotics can help with include: flat feet; over-pronation; high arches; bunions; plantar fasciitis; knee, hip or back pain.
Orthotics come in all different shapes, sizes and styles. There’s no one best type but there are some key considerations:
What will you be using the orthotic for? Some orthotics are designed for everyday use. Others are better for sports such as soccer, hockey and running while others fit better in dress shoes (yes, even high heels!).
Is it a custom orthotic? Not all orthotics are created equal. If you are getting a custom orthotic, make sure it’s just that – custom, which is made for your specific foot. Some orthotics use a best fit or customized template which only approximates your foot’s shape and specific needs.
Who are you getting them from? Chiropractors, among other regulated health professionals, are able to provide orthotics. Choose a provider with whom you feel comfortable and who will provide a proper biomechanical assessment to ensure you’re getting the right orthotic for you.
Most health insurance plans cover the cost of custom orthotics. Your insurance provider knows that happy feet contribute to a healthy person.
Not everyone needs a custom orthotic. But for those who do, it can make a world of difference in comfort, pain relief, and performance. If you would like more information on orthotics give us a ring at Clear Path Chiropractic Health Centre in Guelph ON.
* As a bonus, five (5) points to anyone who can give the appropriate reference to the above image in this post (see Health Pursuit for description of points system and value).
Photo Credit: stringberd
Guelph has a large and very talented technology community. From coders and systems analysts to web developers, designers, and AV creatives, the Guelph tech scene is ready, willing, and very capable of providing quality work. But hidden within the lines of formula and code, lurking just behind the next cascading style sheet lies something more insidious than the viruses, malware, and phishing scams of cyberspace: the Upper Cross Syndrome (cue scary music overlay with thunder and lightning).
Upper Cross Syndrome (UCS) is the name given to a condition affecting the upper torso and neck which involves a pattern of uninhibited/overactive muscles coupled with weakened muscles. The condition arises from maintaining certain postures for a prolonged period of time (such as sitting at a work station) which predisposes the muscles in the back of the neck and the front of the chest to become tight and overactive. However, at the same time that those muscles tighten up, the opposite muscles in the front of the neck and those between the shoulder blades become weakened. Over time this posture can cause headaches along with pain within the muscles and joints of the upper body. And when you’re not feeling well it can affect both your productivity and creativity.
So why does this happen? Well, we’re victims of our body’s own functional design. We’re all familiar with the various reflexes we have: Knee Jerk Reflex, the Gag Reflex, the Pain Reflex (pulling your hand away from something too hot). Reflexes help our bodies to perform certain tasks automatically without us always having to think about them. Another reflex, referred to as the Reflex of Reciprocal Inhibition, works to coordinate functional movements. For example: when you move a fork full of food from the plate to your mouth your biceps muscle is activated and contracts. At the very same time, a reflex impulse is sent from the nerves in your biceps muscle, up through your spinal cord, and back down to your triceps muscle causing it to turn off, thus allowing your elbow to bend and the food to get to your mouth (you can imagine that if this reflex didn’t happen your arm would stay straight with the food stuck at the end of the fork).
The reflex for reciprocal inhibition is set up all over our bodies including the postural muscles of the neck, chest and upper back. When sitting in front of a computer we often adopt a position where our arms are in front on the keyboard, our upper back is slouched and rounded, and our head is jutting forward on our neck (you’re guilty, I’m guilty, we’re all guilty). Being in this position for a short time isn’t a problem. But many of us are like this for a great portion of the day. And as the day goes on the muscles of the upper neck and chest, continually activated in that position, become shorter, tighter, and overactivated. In turn, the opposing muscles (those in the front of the neck, and those of the upper back between the shoulder blades), through the reflex of reciprocal inhibition, are told to turn off and thus are weakened/inhibited from helping to maintain good posture (see diagram above).
It’s not just people on computers who are susceptible to developing UCS. Anyone who maintains the posture for long periods can develop it: truck and taxi drivers, dental hygienists and overhead crane operators, professional models who pose for upper cross syndrome diagrams (the latter group is particularly at risk).
Although UCS is often associated with the high tech industry there are several effective low tech steps you can take to both prevent and treat it. Below are some things that you can implement on your own right away:
The biggest and best thing you can do is to be more physically active throughout the day. Avoid staying in front of the computer for too long a time. Get up at least every 30 minutes to walk around and shake out the shoulders. Set up a reminder on your computer or smart phone. Also, try to incorporate more face-to-face in-office communication and less email/text messaging between co-workers. This will further encourage you get up, up, and away from your desk.
Stretch out the muscles of your neck and chest on a regular basis to avoid them becoming too short and over activated.
Drink plenty of water. Water helps to keep muscles and joints fresh, relaxed and hydrated.
Using a tennis ball between you and the wall to apply direct pressure can release some of the tension in already tight muscles of the upper back.
Sometimes, however, a little extra help is needed. When that’s the case, chiropractic care can help through a combination of one or more therapies:
Myofascial Release is a soft tissue therapy that is used to decrease inflammation and contracted tissues (“muscle knots”) by helping to break up adhesions which develop between muscle fibres. It may involve either active or passive stretching along with direct pressure to the affected muscles.
Trigger Point Therapy aims to reduce tension within the muscle by applying direct pressure over the muscle knot. As it is being performed the patient will often feel tenderness and resistance within the muscle which eventually gives way to a sensation of release and relaxation in that specific area.
Chiropractic Adjustment is a highly skilled and precise movement usually applied by hand to a joint of the body. Adjustments loosen the joint to restore proper movement and optimize function and allows the muscles to move more freely.
TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) is an electro-stimulation modality that is applied to the affected area using pads and works to decrease muscle spasm, pain and inflammation. Depending on the setting, TENS can feel like an electrical tingle or a pulsing/contracting sensation within the muscles.
Upper cross syndrome is one of those occupational hazards that comes along with many of today’s work environments. Being active and taking a preventive approach can go a long way to reduce its’ incidence. If you have any questions about UCS or if you would like to find a Guelph chiropractor you can contact us at Clear Path Chiropractic Health Centre.
Two months ago your friend handed you a plant to revive. The leaves were yellow-brown and withering. The soil dry. Clearly it had been neglected and subject to stresses which gradually wore it down. But you took up the challenge, placed it on the window sill and began your efforts. You re-potted it in a foundation of healthy, nourishing soil. You watered it to keep it from drying out and periodically added plant food. Given the new conditions the plant flourished and grew, its’ roots taking hold and leaves and blossoms spreading.
Now ask yourself: were you the one that made the plant grow? Ultimately the answer is no. The plant had all the information within it to revive. It knew at what angle the stalk goes up, where the buds for the leaves form and how often to flower. You imparted none of that information into the plant. That all lies within its’ own natural makeup.
You did, however, play a pivotal role. You gave it a healthy environment that met its’ needs. You facilitated the right conditions for the plant to fully express itself.
The same reasoning can be applied to role of chiropractic, medicine, acupuncture and all other healing professions and modalities. When you are suffering from aches and pains, tight muscles and stiff joints, your body is telling you that the environment it’s in is setting up poor conditions for it to function well. The physical, chemical and emotional stresses that you expose yourself to on a daily basis affect your body’s performance. Does applying chiropractic care, using acupuncture or taking a vitamin heal your body? Or is it that, when used correctly, they help to set up the right environment within so that your body can repair and heal itself? Reducing the tension and stiffness within your joints and muscles can help free up otherwise wasted energy and enables your body to function at its best. Once corrected, your body can go from just “hanging on” to using its innate ability to be strong, relaxed and resilient.
Treat your body well and have faith in its ability to heal and maintain itself.
For more information on how chiropractic care can help you please contact Clear Path Chiropractic Health Centre in downtown Guelph.
Photo Credit: 108dragon
Guelph Chiropractor | 200 Steps 