Doctor's Orders

So that you may achieve maximum improvement in the shortest period of time, here are some recommendations that will help you get the most out of your chiropractic care. 

• During your intial phase of treatment, it is important that you do your absolute best to stay on the schedule outlined, avoid missing appointments, and make up missed appointments.
• Use ice when your pain is severe and save the heat for when you are having mainly stiffness. 
• Continue with any exercises the doctor recommends, even if you are not hurting. This will help prevent flare-ups of pain.
  
• Sleeping on your back is the best position. Sleeping on your side with your knees bent and a pillow between them is the next best bay, but sleeping on your stomach is very bad for your back.
  
• Avoid holding the same position when standing stationary for extended periods of time. Change positions, shift your weight, and use some sort of foot rest while alternating feet.
  
• Always stretch your muscles, both before and after participating in any sport of physical activity. This will prevent injury and soreness, while improving your performance.
• When lifting objects, bend at the hips and knees, not the back. As you lift, hold the object close to you and lift the weight with your legs, while concentrating on keeping your back straight. 
• Ladies, no high heels over 2", as these will cause stress and strain on the knees, hips, and feet, and also creates undue pressure on the lower back.
• If you cross your legs, do so at the ankles only, in order to avoid twisting of the lower back.
  
• Men, don't carry fat wallets in your back pocket, especially when sitting for a long time. This tilts your hips and forces your lower back to curve sideways. 
  
• When at work, arrange your desk so that everything is handy, phone, mouse, reports, etc., to minimize stretching and reaching.
  
• Hold the telephone with your hand or use the speaker or a headset. Don't cradle the phone between your ear and shoulder.
• Position your computer monitor so that the middle of your chin is aligned with the middle of your monitor. This will allow for good neck posture.