"SPRING" into Health by Dennis Buckley, DC
If this past weekend you decided that it was time to work on the house, clean up the yard, open the windows and start your spring cleaning, more than likely on Monday morning you woke up feeling achy and stiff. This is a common consequence and is expected with a change in activities.
Your body is sending you a strong message. BEWARE! You are overloading me. Even if you have been exercising regularly, a change in activities can activate muscles and joints not accustomed to activity and this can irritate them. This is true especially if you are over 40.
What can be done? First of all be realistic in what you want to accomplish. Trying to do too much can lead to a situation where you will not be able to do anything. If you are going to work on the house, break down your jobs into smaller jobs that are prioritized in importance. Work safely and correctly. This means the proper equipment, planning, and common sense. More people are injured trying to do projects that are beyond their means or skills.
Drink plenty of fluids, meaning water while working. Wear proper shoes and use sunscreen on exposed areas to avoid sunburn. Lift correctly using the legs and take frequent breaks so as not to overwork your body. Work when it is cooler, early morning or late afternoon/early evening. Wear protective gloves or eye protection when working. Sunglasses can provide protection and lessen stress on your eyes. More injuries occur because of carelessness than anything else does. Stepping on tools, dropping heavy objects on feet, having objects falling on you, tripping, and dehydration all can be avoided with proper preparation.
If you do experience pain and soreness during or after activity, application of ice to the affected area can provide immediate temporary relief. Contrast therapy of ice and heat, 5 minutes of heat followed by 7 minutes of ice for 4 cycles is very effective for decreasing inflammation and increasing motion.
If these symptoms persist, it is advisable to schedule an appointment with your doctor and/or chiropractor. The lack of previous activity and the increase in new activity has probably caused an imbalance in your musculoskeletal system affecting nerve function resulting in symptoms. The chiropractor can identify the problem and by eliminating this imbalance through appropriate treatment will decrease the pain, correct the underlying problem, and allow your body to heal naturally and safely. This will allow you to take advantage of outside activities in spring and through summer.
Dr. Dennis Buckley, is the co-owner of Health Advantage in Pasadena, CA
1450 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena, CA 91104 (626) 798-7805
www.health-advantage.net