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“Back to school means back to backpacks…and the problems associated with overloaded or improperly fitting backpacks. To minimize trouble check out the following backpack safety video from the American Chiropractic Association:

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Hurt at work? In Manitoba, WCB covers 100% of the costs associated with workplace injuries. Contact us for more information. 204-586-8424 http://ow.ly/i/y8iRb

Disc lesions start when the outer fibers of the disc become strained or frayed. If enough fibers become frayed, this can create a weakness and when the disc is compressed, the outer fibers may “bulge” or “protrude” like a weak spot on an inner tube. If more fibers are damaged, the nucleus of the disc may “herniate” outward. Since the spinal cord and nerve roots live directly behind the disc, bulges that are accompanied by inflammation will likely create lower back pain that radiates into the buttock or the entire lower extremity. This condition is called sciatica. If the disc bulge is significant enough to create a mechanical compression of your nerve, you may also experience loss of your reflexes and weakness. Be sure to let our office know if you notice progressive weakness or numbness, any numbness around your groin, any loss of bowel or bladder control or fever.
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How Good Posture Helps Prevent Common Aches and Pains –

Here are 4 tips to help you stand up straight, which will in turn help ward off common aches and pain.

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One very important job of your hip muscles is to maintain the alignment of your leg when you move. One of the primary hip muscles, the gluteus medius, plays an especially important stabilizing role when you walk, run, or squat. The gluteus medius attaches your thigh bone to the crest of your hip. When you lift your left leg, your right gluteus medius must contract in order to keep your body from tipping toward the left. And when you are standing on a bent leg, your gluteus medius prevents that knee from diving into a “knock knee” or “valgus” position.

Weakness of the gluteus medius allows your pelvis to drop and your knee to dive inward when you walk or run. This places tremendous strain on your hip and knee and may cause other problems too. When your knee dives inward, your kneecap is forced outward, causing it to rub harder against your thigh bone- creating a painful irritation and eventually arthritis. Walking and running with a relative “knock knee” position places tremendous stress on the ligaments around your knee and is a known cause of “sprains”. Downstream, a “knock knee” position puts additional stress on the arch of your foot, leading to other painful problems, like plantar fasciitis. Upstream, weak hips allow your pelvis to roll forward which forces your spine into a “sway back” posture. Hip muscle weakness seems to be more common in females, especially athletes.

You should avoid activities that cause prolonged stretching of the hip abductors, like “hanging on one hip” while standing, sitting crossed legged, and sleeping in a side-lying position with your top knee flexed and touching the bed. Patients with fallen arches may benefit from arch supports or orthotics. Obesity causes more stress to the hip muscles, so overweight patients may benefit from a diet and exercise program. The most important treatment for hip abductor weakness is strength training. Moreover, people with stronger hip muscles are less likely to become injured in the first place. http://ow.ly/i/uGKU2

Researchers recommend sleeping for 7-9 hours per night. Even small deficits can pose problems like decreased athleticism, diminished brain function, increased inflammation and a greater likelihood to get sick- sleeping only 6 hours per night makes you four times more likely to catch a cold when compared to sleeping 7 or more hours.

Ideally, eat your last meal 3-4 hours before bedtime and especially limit heavy, spicy or high-fat foods. Ration how much you drink before bedtime to minimize bathroom breaks. Particularly limit caffeine in the afternoon and evening- caffeine has a half-life of 6-9 hours and can keep you awake long after the last sip. http://ow.ly/i/xY1tM

Your shoulder is a “ball and socket” joint between the ball-shaped top of your upper arm bone (humerus) and the socket of your shoulder blade (glenoid). Unlike your hip, which is a deep ball and socket, the socket of your shoulder is relatively shallow. A thick, fibrous rim of cartilage called the “labrum” surrounds the entire outside edge of the socket and serves to deepen the joint. This labrum is also an attachment point for several ligaments and tendons, including the tendon of the biceps muscle, which attaches to the very uppermost (superior) edge of the labrum.

Trauma, like a fall onto an outstretched arm or a direct blow to the shoulder, is responsible for approximately 1/3 of all SLAP tears. Other tears develop more slowly from repetitive strain. SLAP injuries are common in athletes, particularly throwers. Symptoms from SLAP tears can vary from unnoticeable to disabling. Complaints often include a deep, vague non-specific shoulder pain that is provoked by reaching overhead or moving your arm across your body. Weakness and stiffness often accompany the problem. Discomfort may limit your athletic performance, particularly in throwers who complain of a “dead arm.” Popping, clicking, grinding, and catching are common symptoms associated with SLAP tears.

If your condition is allowed to progress, you may begin to notice pinching, slipping, or “looseness,” which could indicate that your shoulder is becoming less stable. SLAP lesions are often accompanied by other problems, like rotator cuff tears, biceps tendonitis, or instability. Your doctor may order a special test called an MRI Arthrogram to clarify and confirm your diagnosis.

Although non-surgical treatment of SLAP tears is not always successful, most experts recommend trying conservative care prior to considering surgery. Your initial treatment will focus on reducing inflammation. You should avoid activities that cause pain, particularly throwing. Unfortunately, SLAP tears recover slowly and some cases will require surgical repair.

If you or someone you know suffers from this condition, call our office today. Our doctors are experts at relieving many types of pain including shoulder injuries. http://ow.ly/i/xY1i9