By: Dr. Michelle Irwin

Summer has arrived finally and with it the sun and weekend warrior!

As weekend warriors, we tend to have a variety of issues that arise the more active we become.

Over this month we will discuss some of the common ones we see come in to Energize and what to do if they happen to you.

The stories and events we share with each other are what help us get stronger and healthier together, forging a better equipped community to face the road the ahead.

So here is the common theme of the stories that we hear as the sun comes out.

The world around us is more and more often down in front of us these days; with cell phones, workstations, study books, and even our relaxation with outdoor fun, puzzles, and games, we are looking down towards the ground rather than up at what’s in front of us.

This has led to increased degeneration of the spine in younger and younger ages which then leads to increased pain and break down of the nervous system.

We have seen more young teens ask their parents to come in and see us because they are concerned about what they see in the mirror with their posture, and parents are concerned because they are learning how posture truly determines our shoulder, hip, joint, and internal health in the future.

What we do now can take us down the path of early onset of Cervical radiculopathy, numbness and weakness, increased risk of rotator cuff tears, hip degeneration, chronic sciatica, knee pain, and ankle weakness OR it can be the path of healthy vibrant old age where we can do whatever we want without the limitations of pain and weakness.

Our patients talk about wanting to build a future that not only has years, but life in those years, and what we do now will determine just how much life and activity we will have when we reach our golden ages.

Being able to take care of the garden, ride a horse, pick up the laundry, play our favorite sports, or get back into the gym are the things that make our lives more than just getting from one day to the next.

Knowing the proper postures to use and what to do if something does inevitably go awry are important to feeling confident that we will be able to continue to do them in years to come.

So, let’s start with what the steps are to keep us going long into our later years.

1. Get checked regularly for subluxation by your Chiropractor
2. Posture is king/queen so take care to know what yours is in each situation
3. Get up and move/stretch throughout the day 1-2 times an hour even just some simple squats at the desk make a big difference
4. Exercise regularly: check out our Facebook page and YouTube channel for exercise videos and workstation ergonomics
   Get out there warriors and be strong, smart, and mindful while you live your best life!

Chiropractic care focuses on healing the body naturally, holistically, and without the use of medication from the inside out. If you need help getting out of pain, schedule an appointment today!