Friday, May 27, 2011

Health Tips for May 27

Health Tip: Prevent Back Pain in the Car

Traveling long distances in the car can take a toll on your back.

The American Chiropractic Association suggests how to keep back pain at bay during a car trip:

  • Adjust your seat so you're sitting comfortably close to the wheel, with your knees just higher than your hips.
  • Use a back support.
  • Take regular breaks to rest.
  • Stretch your toes, leg muscles and shoulders as you drive.
  • Keep hands on the steering wheel at the 3:00 and 7:00 positions, alternating occasionally with the 10:00 and 2:00 positions.
  • Keep a relaxed grip on the wheel, occasionally tightening, then loosening, your hold.

Health Tip: Signs That You May Have a Herniated Disc

A spinal disk becomes herniated when the inside contents bulge out from a weakened portion of the disk and put pressure on surrounding nerves.

The resulting pain may affect the leg, foot or hip if the slipped disk is in the lower back. A herniated disk in the neck can cause pain in the upper back and shoulders.

The ADAM Encyclopedia says painful symptoms of a herniated disk tend to worsen:

  • After you have been sitting down or standing for a long period.
  • During the night.
  • When you laugh, cough or sneeze.
  • When you walk, even a short distance.
  • When you bend over backward.

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