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.

Tips to Alleviate Back Pain on Your Road Trips from Baltimore Back and Pain Center

Dr. Michael A. Dorn, Jr. DC says, "While road trips can be a great way to save on airfare while seeing the U.S. during the summer, they are not the most ideal situation for people dealing with a history of lower back pain."

With a little planning, long road trips can be fun and relatively pain free. Here are some tips on making your summer road trips more bearable:

Get comfortable immediately: Take the time to make sure you are comfortable from the moment you set off on your trip. The smallest irritant in the beginning can turn into raging pain hours later. If your car seat provides little back support, roll up a towel or pillow and place it between your lower back and the seat for some more support. Don't sit on your wallet, cell phone or anything else that may throw your spine out of whack.

Bring an ice pack: Pack an ice pack in your cooler along with your snacks and drinks. Applying ice for about 20 minutes to where you're experiencing back pain is typically a good way to curtail any pain.

Alternate ice with heat therapy: Alternating ice and heat is often an effective way to combat back pain, so be sure to bring something that can provide warmth for your back.

Exercise at rest stops: Exercise is often a good treatment for lower back pain. Specifically, active back exercises keep discs, muscles, ligaments and joints healthy by distributing nutrients into the disc space and soft tissues in the back. Get out of your car to stretch, walk around to increase circulation and stretch out the back muscles.

Take the back seat: If your back pain is proving unbearable and the back seat is available, use it to lie down and rest. If your lower back pain is nagging, taking a nap may be an effective way to limit the pain.

If you continue to have back pain when you return from your trip, come visit us at Baltimore Back and Pain Center for a complimentary evaluation with Dr. Michael A. Dorn, Jr. DC. Call the office today at 410-662-4476 to schedule an appointment.