Summer Health Tips from Baltimore Chiropractor

Summer is in full gear here in Hampden, Maryland! With everyone out enjoying the nice weather it's important that we don't put our health on the back burner. Here are some health and wellness tips to help you MAXIMIZE your summer.

• Stay hydrated. It's especially important in the hotter months of summer to get proper fluids and by fluids we're referring to water. The key is to drink water BEFORE heading outside.

• Soak up some Vitamin D. All it takes is 15-20 minutes a day of direct sunlight to boost your Vitamin D to the desired levels. Vitamin D is vital in boosting immunity and strengthening bones.

• Lotion up. Too much sun can be a problem, as sunburn leads to increased skin cancer risk.

• Utilize the nicer weather for outdoor activity. There's no better way to add variety to your workout than to move things outside. Remember to stay well hydrated.

• Eat healthy. Take advantage of the fresh produce available from local farmers and other vendors during the summer months.

• Don't skip your chiropractic wellness appointments. Without your health you cannot enjoy all the wonderful activities summer has to offer! Taking the summer off of care could lead to a relapse, which will ultimately lead to more extensive care down the road.

Remember that prevention is something you schedule, not something you do depending on how you "feel" at the moment. It is easier to stay well than to get well. Come visit us at Baltimore Back and Pain Center for a complimentary evaluation with Dr. Michael A. Dorn, Jr. DC and receive a free 30 minute hydro-massage. Call our office in Hampden today at 410-662-4476 to schedule an appointment.

Baltimore Chiropractor Offers Tips for Golfers

Many avid golfers throughout Baltimore contort their bodies into oddly twisted postures, generating a great deal of torque. Couple this motion with a bent-over stance, repeat over three or four hours... and you've got a recipe for potential lower-back, neck, shoulder and arm trouble. Unfortunately, most golfers will go until they get hurt, and then look for help.

Here are some tips on how to take a proactive approach that will prepare your body for many years of pain-free play:

• Purchase equipment that fits. Don't adapt your swing to the wrong clubs.
• Take lessons. Learning proper swing technique is critical.
• Avoid metal spikes. They can increase stress on the back. Soft shoes or soft spikes allow for greater motion.
• Pull, don't carry, your golf bag. Carrying a heavy bag for 18 holes can causethe spine to shrink, leading to disk problems and nerve irritation.
• Warm up before each round. Do push-ups, jumping jacks and other range of motion movements with your back, neck and shoulders before and after your game, to increase your trunk flexibility.
• Keep your entire body involved. Every third hole, take a few practice swings with the opposite hand to keep your muscles balanced and even out stress on the back.

If you golf consistently, you will no doubt eventually feel the stress of the game, but by following a few simple prevention tips, it is possible to play without pain for a lifetime. Regular spine check-ups can help avoid trouble on the course. If symptoms pop up, give Dr. Michael A. Dorn, Jr. DC a call at Baltimore Back and Pain Center: 410-662-4476.

Allergy Help from Baltimore Back and Pain Center

Are you a spring allergy sufferer? From pollen to grass to weeds, the airborne allergen levels are sky high in Maryland. Many patients over the years who have sought treatment for back pain (or neck pain, shoulder pain, etc.) have also found the added bonus that their Chiropractic treatments also helped to reduce the severity of their seasonal allergies.

Chiropractic has helped allergy sufferers by aiming to reduce interference to the nervous system by specifically correcting spinal dysfunction or misalignment. A properly functioning immune system is less likely to produce allergy symptoms.

In addition to chiropractic, here are a few other tips to combat seasonal allergies:

• Try to keep the allergens outside. Pollen can be tracked in on your hair, clothes or your pet.
• Take an evening shower and change your clothes.
• Bee pollen or pure raw honey from local producers can help boost your immune system.
• Nasal irrigation can help wash away allergens.

Since allergy season is in full gear, now is the time to schedule an appointment with Dr. Michael A. Dorn Jr., DC and begin your Chiropractic Allergy Combat Plan with us here at Baltimore Back and Pain Center.