It's Officially Cold and Flu Season in Maryland.

Cold and flu season has arrived in Baltimore, Maryland. So how can you avoid the fever, headache, chills and overall body aches that might be headed your way?

We all know that it's important to keep our body's immune system optimized at all times to fight off viruses and bacteria. Staying healthy includes eating correctly, exercising on a regular basis and getting enough sleep. Did you know that chiropractic care is important, as well? Chiropractic can help you avoid colds and the flu by ensuring that your lymphatic system is working optimally.

Your lymphatic system is actually one of the first things your doctor will check when you visit due to cold or flu symptoms. When functioning properly, whatever your lymph nodes collect will get drained out through your lymph ducts, some of which are located in your neck and along your spine. But when your neck and spine are out of alignment, your ducts can easily become congested or blocked.

If you or a family member are currently battling a cold or the flu, or you wish to prevent getting sick, it's extremely important to keep your immune system healthy and functioning at peak levels. A non-invasive chiropractic adjustment returns your neck and back into proper alignment, and alleviates the pressure on the congested lymph ducts. This allows them to flow more freely to protect you against colds, flu and other illnesses.

In addition to chiropractic care and eating healthy, drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding tobacco and alcohol also help keep your lymphatic system healthy. Frequently washing your hands also helps.

Please contact Baltimore Back and Pain Center by calling 410-662-4476 or schedule an appointment here on our website. Dr. Michael A. Dorn, JR., DC and his friendly staff can help you and your family with colds and the flu and optimize your body’s immune system so that you can enjoy this beautiful fall weather.

Are You Experiencing Pain From a Car Accident?

Are you suffering from a headache, neck pain, lower back pain, pain radiating down your arm or maybe even jaw stiffness? Any of these symptoms can be associated with injuries from an auto accident.

Sometimes, it can take several weeks or longer for symptoms to show up, and you may not put two and two together that the pain is from the accident. It's quite common for someone to be in a "fender-bender" and not feel any immediate affects, and then later, days or weeks later, begin to notice headaches, or tingling down the arm or neck, or have back pain.

The force of sudden jolt that a car accident causes is more than enough to knock anyone's spine and musculoskeletal system out of alignment, and can injure the soft-tissue supportive structure. "Whiplash" is a common injury that occurs during a car accident when one is rear-ended. A "sideways whiplash" can also occur from a side-impact crash.

If you or a loved one has recently been involved in an automobile accident, contact us at 410-662-4476 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Michael A. Dorn Jr., DC at Baltimore Back and Pain Center to determine how chiropractic care can help you heal faster and make you stronger! Dr. Dorn will properly diagnose and prescribe a treatment plan that will work to alleviate your pain without the use of drugs, or your need for surgery. Together, we can develop a true partnership with one common goal – to help you return to your normal daily activities pain-free!

Tips for Fall Raking and Mowing from Baltimore Chiropractor

Don't look now, here come the leaves!

Before you start up the mower or reach for the rake this fall, consider the possible consequences: upper or lower-back strain, neck strain and pain in the shoulders. The twisting, turning, bending, and reaching of mowing and raking can cause injury if your body is not properly prepared.

Here are a few tips to help prevent the needless pain yard work may cause:

1. Do stretching exercises before, during and after your yard work.
2. When raking, use a "scissors" stance: right foot forward and left foot back for a few minutes, then reverse, putting your left foot forward and right foot back.
3. Bend at the knees, not the waist, as you pick up piles of leaves or grass from the grass catcher. Make the piles small to decrease the possibility of back strain.
4. Keep normal curves in your lower back when you lift. A straight back is actually putting you at more risk for injury, contrary to what you may have been told in the past.
5. When mowing, use your whole bodyweight to push the mower, rather than just your arms and back.
6. Drink lots of water, wear a hat, shoes and protective glasses. And if you have asthma or allergies, wear a mask.
7. If you do feel soreness or stiffness in your back, use ice to soothe the discomfort. If there's no improvement in two or three days, give us a call at Baltimore Back and Pain Center.

If you are experiencing any type of pain, please 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 Baltimore today at 410-662-4476 to schedule your free chiropractic evaluation.