South Windsor Neck & Back - November/December 2019

Crashing Into Pain

Car Accidents Can Damage

Fix It

Your Back, andWe Can

As we enter another snowy season in the Northeast, we know the latter half of each year becomes a dangerous few months for your spine. This winter, avoid a spinal meltdown with chiropractic care from Dr. Chris Colby and the experts at South Windsor Neck & Back. Here’s why your spine is in danger. Shifting From Normal According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 21% of the 5.8 million traffic accidents that occur each year are the result of inclement weather, such as rain, snow, sleet, and fog. A car accident puts a tremendous amount of force on your body, even when you are traveling at a speed as low as 30 miles per hour. Vehicles are designed to absorb as much impact as possible, but like the human body, a vehicle can only take on so much force before that energy is applied elsewhere. Specifically, your neck and spine can often feel the brunt of this pressure. A 2017 study published in the Asian Journal of Neurology found that spinal injuries happened at a high rate in auto accidents, specifically for the drivers. Similarly, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke claims that car accidents are one of the most common causes of spinal injury and could lead to paralysis, pain, and further problems.

Back to Normal Any jolt or pressure on your spine shifts it from its fully functioning, open position to an abnormal position. These abnormal positions increase inflammation on your ligaments and muscles, constrict your mobility, and muddle the communication between your brain and body. As you begin to heal, your spine’s abnormal position allows scar tissue to form in dangerous places, which can further complicate your healing process and prolong your pain. To mitigate this, it is imperative that you work with a chiropractor to get your spine back into its proper position to allow for restorative healing, better communication along your nervous system, and less pain. At South Windsor Neck & Back, Dr. Colby can create a healing plan that promotes recovery.

Please use caution as you travel this season, but if you are in an accident, don’t wait to give us a call. Schedule an appointment immediately by calling 860.644.2437.

Winter Wonderland RUNNING IN A Tips for Running and Jogging in Cold Weather

Maybe you love the majesty of a winter’s morning, or maybe you just hate the treadmill. Whatever your reason is for wanting to run or jog outside in the dead of winter, remember to take the proper precautions before stepping out. Runners face challenges during the winter that they don’t face any other time of year. If you want to experience the winter safely, there are a few things to keep in mind. Warm up inside first. If you’re planning on braving the snow and frigid temperatures, try to spend 10–15 minutes warming up before you walk out your front door. Cold weather naturally tightens muscles and joints, so stretching your limbs in a heated environment is a good way to ensure maximum comfort and minimum risk of injury when you’re running in the cold. Wear shoes with traction. If your favorite running path is covered with snow and ice, you should consider finding a different route. But, if you can’t resist going down your beaten path, then you need to make sure your shoes are up to the challenge. If your running shoes have worn soles, then you’ll need to get a new pair with soles that will grip the

ground better before stepping out on the ice. Regardless of how amazing your shoes are, remain vigilant about where you’re stepping. Dress down a layer. Yes, it is cold outside, but your body will naturally warm up as you run, just like it would with any other

physical activity. Think of what you would normally wear to stay comfortable in the cold, and then wear one less layer when you’re running. Of course, you should keep other weather elements in mind as well, such as wind, rain, and snow, when you’re picking out your running clothes. Finally, if a day is particularly cold, snowy, or windy, don’t force yourself outside for the sake of your health. Sometimes, a good bowl of soup and a roaring fire can be just as physically satisfying as a run outside.

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