The Road to Olympic Gold is Paved with Chiropractic Care

By Dr. Dave Edenfield

If you watched any of the 2014 Winter Olympics you no doubt marveled at the athletic prowess of the US Olympic Team.  Whether your favorite winter sport is skiing, skating, hockey or any of the other events, you can’t help but be impressed at the level of physical fitness exhibited by this country’s athletes.  While we may have come in second place to Russia this year when it came to the sheer number of medals won by American athletes in the winter games, one place that we come in first is in the medical care given to our athletes.  This includes chiropractic care.

While the public knows about all the hard work it takes to win a gold medal, what most people do not realize is how hard the members of the medical staff work to make sure that all our athletes are maximizing their potential.  The US Olympic Team travels with a number of sports medicine specialists, including chiropractors who aren’t only there to assist athletes when they sustain injuries, but they are also there to help them prepare for competition.

Michael Reed, medical director for the US Olympic Committee summed it up best by stating that, “Chiropractors have really come a long way in terms of the Olympic Games. And the demands of athletes are one of the main reasons why.”

You read that right, Olympic athletes demand chiropractic care.  This is nothing new.  During the 2008 Summer Games, the US beach volleyball team requested that their chiropractor, Dr. Ernest Ferrel, accompany them to all their matches.  When you consider the demands that athletes place on their bodies, it should come as no surprise that they require a medical professional that is trained in everything from physical therapy, to nutrition and stretching.  Chiropractic is like one-stop shopping for nearly every sports medicine need.

Another chiropractor chosen to assist athletes during the 2010 Winter Olympics, Dr. Blasé Toto, stated,

“These athletes are used to receiving chiropractic care at their home training centers because they know that it helps them to perform at their top level. Since we’ll all be there for about a month, the athletes will need someone to continue their regular chiropractic routine.” In addition to maintenance and performance care, Dr. Toto was also available for acute-injury treatment for the duration of the Winter Games.

The reason that top athletes require so much maintenance has to do with the fact that they are required to push their body to extremes in order to compete.  Everything from circulation, to respiration, to nervous system response needs to be functioning at levels well above that of mere mortals.  The best way to think about Olympic athletes is to liken them to Formula 1 racecars, whose need for exotic fuel and constant fine tuning is absolutely critical to winning a race.  If one component on a Formula 1 car fails during a race, the results can be catastrophic.  So it is with the world’s most demanding physical competitors.

Just as athletes take years to prepare for competition, the selection process for the Olympic Team medical staff is equally challenging.  To make the cut for inclusion on the USOC medical staff, chiropractors are required to volunteer for a two week rotation at an Olympic Training Center.  While there they will treat any athletes in either a rehabilitation and/or long-term care capacity.  Their performance as care givers will be evaluated just as is those of the athletes in their care. Completing this voluntary program does not assure a chiropractor of making the team.  Some, like Dr. Toto, worked as a volunteer for years before being invited to the games.

“It had been a goal of mine for a long time, but I didn’t think it would ever happen because it had been 14 years since I’d first worked with the USOC,” Dr. Toto said. “I’m humbled and grateful and excited. I’ve never served in the military, so this is my opportunity to serve my country by caring for the best athletes it has to offer.”

Not Just for Star Athletes

Fortunately, even weekend warriors can take advantage of sports-related chiropractic care.  Whether you are a runner, skier, golfer, tennis player, cyclist, or just like to play the occasional pickup softball or basketball game, your neighborhood chiropractor can help you get the most out of the effort while creating the least strain to your body.  Remember, not only top athletes run the risk of injury while pursuing their avocation.  In fact, the average Joe and Jane is much more susceptible to sports injuries than top athletes, mainly due to the fact that their bodies are not accustomed to supporting the high strain that competition demands.  Most amateur athletes also do not know how to prepare for event like Olympians.  In fact, there are as many different stretching routines as there are sporting events, since various sports stress different parts of the human frame. (Your chiropractor can help you tailor a stretching routine to suit your sport.)

While you may not be preparing for a shot at a medal, remember that the way you maintain your body will have a direct bearing on how it performs day in and day out.  Particularly if you tend to lead a more active lifestyle, having a chiropractor on your team is as important to your well-being as that of every Olympic athlete who knows that the road to the gold is paved with chiropractic care.

Dr. Dave Edenfield  and Dr. Steven Warfield are part of the team of doctors and therapists at http://chiropractic-jacksonville-fl.com and http://endyourpain.org who are dedicated to helping you and your family lead  healthier, happier and pain-free lives.  

I Have to Hand it to You

By Dr. Steven Warfield

Believe it or not the hand is one of the most sophisticated parts of the human body.  It is also the most complicated, each hand having 27 bones.  (The foot only has 26.)  14 of which are the phalanges of the fingers, 5 metacarpals and 8 carpal bones.  The metacarpals are the bones that connect the fingers with the wrist.  Add to this the web of muscles, ligaments and tendons used to articulate the hand, fingers and wrist and you have an exceptional work of biomechanics.  You also have an exceptional number of ways in which to experience discomfort and dysfunction.   

Many of the maladies that occur in the hand and wrist are due to repetitive motion injuries.  This is not unusual, especially if you spend most of your day working on a computer.  Another common source of hand strain has to do with people who are engaged in sports that require repetitive use of the upper body, such as weight lifting, golf and tennis.

Below I have detailed a few of the more common medical conditions that can occur in the hand and wrist along with their treatments. 

Trigger Finger

While it sounds like a condition that only cowboys and Jesse James would contract, trigger finger can afflict most anyone.  The condition is associated with the locking of a thumb or finger in either a bent or straight position.  Caused by a thickening of the sheath that surrounds the tendon, the condition tends to afflict those whose work or hobby rely on repetitive gripping motions.  Farmers, Musicians and industrial workers often encounter the condition since they use repetitive thumb and finger movements often.  Trigger finger is more common in women than men and tends to happen most often in people who are 40 to 60 years old. It is also more common with people who have either arthritis or diabetes. 

Sometimes painful, sometimes merely annoying, the condition can be treated by immobilizing the finger by using a splint.  If the symptoms persist, the addition of anti-inflammatory compounds such as ibuprofen or naproxen may be added to the treatment regimen.  Some doctors may also recommend steroid injections.  Typically it takes from six to eight weeks to treat the condition.  But some will recover within a few weeks by resting the finger and using anti-inflammatory drugs.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

This condition may start with a dull throbbing in the wrist that could soon expand to include pain in the fingers and/or arm.  The symptoms can include everything from numbness to tingling in the fingers to a weakening of the hand itself.  Too much time spent at the computer keyboard is one cause of this condition, as well as any activity that requires repetitive flexing of the tendons in the hand or wrist, along with prolonged gripping activities such as working a computer mouse.

Typical treatment for carpal tunnel includes manipulation of the wrist and elbow as well as adjustment of the upper spine.  Other treatment modalities such as ultrasound and wrist supports designed to keep the wrist in the proper alignment can be employed by your chiropractor.  Resting the affected area as well as applying cold packs may also be necessary.

Treatment time for the condition varies from patient to patient depending upon its severity along with possible contributing factors such as a pinched nerve.  While both men and women are equally susceptible to this malady, middle age is the most common time in life for carpal tunnel syndrome to occur.

Tendonitis of the Wrist

The first signs of this problem are usually associated with pain and swelling a half inch from the base of the thumb.  Sufferers of this malady will find it exceedingly difficult to grasp objects or any other movement that requires the use of the thumb or the wrist.  While typically caused by the swelling of the sheath surrounding the tendons connecting the wrist and thumb, if left untreated, the pain may spread to the thumb or the forearm.

Common to baseball and tennis players, more than four million Americans are treated for tendonitis annually.  After diagnosing the condition, the chiropractor will treat the cause of the tendonitis, as opposed to treating the symptoms.  Treatment may include a combination of manipulation, ultrasound, immobilization, ice, electrical muscle stimulation and/or massage.  With proper treatment it isn’t unusual to see a reduction in pain and inflammation within three to six weeks.  Once healed, your chiropractor may also recommend stretching exercises to help keep the condition from repeating.

Other conditions of the hand include such things as arthritis, Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, mallet finger and gamekeeper’s thumb, all of which can cause discomfort and dysfunction in the hand or wrist. Should you or someone you know exhibit symptoms or show signs that their hand or wrist are bothering them, the most important thing is to seek treatment before complications set in.   Because as sophisticated as our hands might be, the one thing they can’t do is heal these conditions all by themselves.

Dr.’s Steven Warfield and Dave Edenfield offer the most advanced treatments for back pain, sciatica, neck pain, whiplash and headaches. They also treat auto accident victims with state-of-the-art technologies.  For more information visit http://endyourpain.org 

or http://chiropractic-jacksonville-fl.com

Chiropractic and Future Moms

by Dr. Dave Edenfield

As many new mothers can attest, the muscle strains of pregnancy are very real and can be more  than just a nuisance. The average weight gain of 25 to 35 pounds, combined with the increased stress  the curvature of her lower back is increased, placing extra stress on the spinal disks. In compensation, the normal curvature of the upper spine increases, as well. Pregnancy hormones help loosen the ligaments attached to the pelvic bones. But even these natural changes designed to accommodate the growing baby can result in postural imbalances, that run the risk of creating stability issues. placed on the body by the baby, may result in severe discomfort. Studies have found that about half of all expectant mothers will develop low-back pain at some point during their pregnancies. This is especially true during late pregnancy, when the baby's head presses down on a woman's back, legs, and buttocks, irritating her sciatic nerve. And for those who already suffer from low-back pain, the problem can become even worse. During pregnancy, a woman's center of gravity almost immediately begins to shift forward to the front of her pelvis. The displaced weight increases the stress on her joints. As the baby grows in size, the woman's weight is projected even farther forward and

What Can You Do?  Exercise

•               If you weren't active before your pregnancy, check with your doctor before starting or      continuing any exercise.

•              Walking, swimming, and stationary cycling are relatively safe cardiovascular exercises for  pregnant women because they do not require jerking or bouncing movements. Jogging can be  safe for women who were avid runners before becoming pregnant-if done carefully and under a  doctor's supervision.

•              Be sure to exercise in an area with secure footing to minimize the likelihood of falls.

•              Stop your exercise routine immediately if you notice any unusual symptoms, such as vaginal  bleeding, dizziness, nausea, weakness, blurred vision, increased swelling, or heart palpitations.

Health and Safety

•              Wear flat, sensible shoes. High or chunky heels can exacerbate postural imbalances and make you less steady on your feet, especially as your pregnancy progresses.

•              When picking up children, bend from the knees, not the waist. And never turn your head when you lift. Avoid picking up heavy objects, if possible.

•              Get plenty of rest. Pamper yourself and ask for help if you need it. Take a nap if you're tired, or lie down and elevate your feet for a few moments when you need a break.

Pregnancy Ergonomics: Your Bed and Desk

•              Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees to take pressure off your lower back. Full-length "body pillows" or "pregnancy wedges" may be helpful. Lying on your left side allows unobstructed blood flow and helps your kidneys flush waste from your body.

•              If you have to sit at a computer for long hours, make your workstation ergonomically correct. Position the computer monitor so the top of the screen is at or below your eye level, and place your feet on a small footrest to take pressure off your legs and feet. Take periodic breaks every 30 minutes with a quick walk around the office.

How Can Your Doctor of Chiropractic Help?

Before you become pregnant, your doctor of chiropractic can detect any imbalances in the pelvis or elsewhere in your body that could contribute to pregnancy discomfort or possible neuromusculoskeletal problems after childbirth. Many pregnant women have found that chiropractic adjustments provide relief from the increased low-back pain brought on by pregnancy. A recent study showed that pregnant women went from a low back pain rating of 8 on a 10 scale to a 3 on a 10 scale while under Chiropractic care. Chiropractic manipulation is safe for the pregnant woman and her baby and can be especially attractive to those who are trying to avoid medications in treating their back pain.

Chiropractic care can also help after childbirth. In the eight weeks following labor and delivery, the ligaments that loosened during pregnancy begin to tighten up again. Ideally, joint problems brought on during pregnancy from improper lifting or reaching should be treated before the ligaments return to their pre-pregnancy state-to prevent muscle tension, headaches, rib discomfort, and shoulder problems. 

Dr. Dave Edenfield  and Dr. Steven Warfield are part of the team of doctors and therapists at http://chiropractic-jacksonville-fl.com and http://endyourpain.org who are dedicated to helping you and your family lead  healthier, happier and pain-free lives.  

References

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^[i] J Chiropr Med. 2013 Jun;12(2):74-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jcm.2013.06.003.

^[ii] J Chiropr Med. 2007 Spring; 6(2): 70–74.

^[iii] Can Fam Physician. 2013 Aug;59(8):841-2.

^[iv] Chiropr Man Therap. 2012 Oct 9;20(1):32. doi: 10.1186/2045-709X-20-32.

  

The Facts About VAX-D

By Dr. Steven Warfield

As I pointed out in my last blog Above the Curve, 50% of adults experience a back or neck injury during their lifetime.  The bad news is that depending upon the nature and severity of the injury, many times this has meant surgery followed by a long, slow, painful recovery.  The good news is that modern advances in medical technology have produced a non-surgical alternative to going under the knife for many people.  Some would call this a miracle.  We refer to it by its trade name: VAX-D.

More precisely called vertebral axial decompression therapy, VAX-D is a computer controlled machine that works by slowly lengthening and decompressing the spine creating a negative pressure within the discs.  This reversal of pressure creates an intradiscal vacuum that not only takes pressure off pinched nerves, but helps to reposition bulging discs and pull extruded disc material back into place.  Imagine you are holding an Oreo cookie. The cookie parts are the vertebra of the spine. The cream center is the disc. If you squeeze the cookie we get the cream pushing out. That is similar to a disc bulge. Now imagine if the cream were really sticky and couldn’t pull away from the cookie parts. If we gently pulled the cookie parts away from each other the cream  would get pulled back toward the center of the cookie. This is similar to what VAX-D does.

Developed by Dr. Allen E Dyer MD in 1989, VAX-D treats herniated and degenerated disks by lowering spinal pressure. This lowered pressure actually creates a partial vacuum that allows the disc to retract.  Many times even severe protrusions can be retracted to their proper position using this treatment.

The equipment itself consists of a split table upon which the patient lies face down. (Anyone who has ever had a massage will relate to this.)  The patient is placed in a pelvic harness and extending his or her hands forward both hands grasp two patient-operated handgrips.  To start the treatment, the table separates in two, stretching the patient’s lower back.  If the patient should start to feel any discomfort, releasing the handgrips stops the treatment immediately.  This way the patient is always in control of the procedure. 

How Effective is VAX-D?

VAX-D is classified as a Class II Medical device that has been approved by the FDA.  A study conducted in 1994 by the Division of Neurosurgery, Health Sciences Center, San Antonio Texas and another study conducted in 1996 by the University of Illinois in Chicago concluded that between 70-75% of patients with herniated discs, degenerated discs or facet syndrome experienced significant reduction in pain.  It is important to note that the patients who volunteered for these studies had unresolved chronic back pain despite previous treatment that included bed rest, pain medications, physical therapy, and/or previous back surgery.

What Makes VAX-D Different?

VAX-D is not traction.  While traction has been used for decades to treat herniated discs, it is uncomfortable.  Conventional traction uses two harnesses, one for the chest and another for the pelvis.  Using your body’s own weight to decompress the spine can cause the muscles to tighten in an effort to resist the stretch.  This can produce additional discomfort.  VAX-D on the other hand totally eliminates the chest harness and uses intermittent stretching that gradually increases force which means your body’s own muscles do not tense up and fight the treatment.  And unlike traction, only VAX-D can create a vacuum effect which relieves disc pressure without pain or risk of injury to the patient.

Typical VAX-D treatments last from anywhere from 20-45 minutes.  The recommended treatment regimen is 24 sessions followed by a maintenance program.  While there is no guarantee that VAX-D will work for you, it has proven effective more than 70% of the time when treating acute or chronic lower back pain, leg pain and numbness, sciatica, and even for those with back pain where other treatments including surgery have proven ineffective.

Is VAX-D Right for You?

Vax-D is used by Chiropractors, Osteopaths and Medical doctors. Contact Dr. Dave Edenfield or myself to determine if VAX-D is right for you.  Basically you have nothing to lose but your pain.

Dr.’s Steven Warfield and Dave Edenfield offer the most advanced treatments for back pain, sciatica, neck pain, whiplash and headaches. They also treat auto accident victims with state-of-the-art technologies.  For more information visit http://endyourpain.org 

or http://chiropractic-jacksonville-fl.com

The Woes of a Winter Wonderland

by Dr. Dave Edenfield

While NE Florida dodged a bullet this time when it comes to winter’s worst, this doesn’t mean that area residents will get off Scott free when it comes to dealing with aches and pains brought on by the cold.  (Aren’t you glad you don’t live in Atlanta?) Maybe we in Jacksonville don’t have to worry about shoveling snow (and all the back strain that goes along with it), but when the temperature turns chillier many Floridians begin to feel winter’s icy grip playing up and down their spine.  The reason that back pain is more acute during this time of year is due to the fact that cold weather brings on tension that acts as a catalyst for back and neck issues.  Another factor has to do with the fact that when the weather is cold, most people cut back on many of the physical activities that they normally perform in warmer climes.

As a rule, the less exercise you do the tighter your back becomes regardless of the temperature.  This can set up a vicious cycle, especially for people who tend to lead a more sedentary lifestyle.  Office workers in particular feel the brunt of the season since the very act of sitting in front of a computer can cause the back to tense up even in the warmer months.  One of the remedies I recommend to those who work at a desk is to get up and do some stretches every hour or so.  If you are more of an outdoors type and find the weather a bit too cool for comfort, take a drive to the mall and walk around it a couple of times. Particularly in the winter, any exercise is better than no exercise. (Playing a video game on Xbox does not count.)

Winter Weight Gain

Worst of all is the fact that winter sets in just after the Christmas holidays, when people tend to overindulge in food and sweets.  The problem with the calories consumed during the holidays is that a new year’s resolution alone is not enough to make them melt away.  If we don’t make an effort to work them off they will only accumulate over time.  When you consider the fact that according to the CDC 65% of adults and 18% of children in the US are considered overweight, the combination of overeating and inactivity during the depths of winter can combine into a perfect storm that can take their toll on the back.

If you do feel that you need to lose weight, do not rely on fad diets that can prove ineffective or even dangerous since they tend to adversely affect blood chemistry.  Everything from mood swings to decreased immune response can be caused by diets that urge people to shun certain types of food.  Besides, restricting food intake without adding exercise (and dietary supplements) also tends to disrupt the metabolism.  This is one of the reasons that most diets are doomed to failure, since it is much easier to put the pounds back on once the diet has ceased.  That doesn’t mean that dieting can’t help you shed some weight.  You just want to make sure it isn’t going to do you more harm than good.  (If you are considering going on a diet, especially if you are diabetic or are taking cholesterol or heart medication, consult your chiropractor first.)

Posture can also take a big hit during the winter months since most people tend to hunch their shoulders to ward off the cold.   Footwear such as boots while stylish is another factor that can add to the state of imbalance imparted to your spine brought about by the falling temperatures.  Many people also tend to pack more items into purses, briefcases and shoulder bags during the winter months, much like a bear preparing for winter hibernation.  The difference is that a bear once hibernated will not eat until it wakes up in the spring.

When it comes to beating back the woes of a winter wonderland, the enemy isn’t simply the cold, it is dealing with a profound lack of inertia.  So my advice is to my fellow Floridians is to keep moving and thank your lucky stars you don’t live in Chicago, home of the Bears.

Tips to Prevent Winter Back Woes
• Maintain a healthy diet and weight.
• Remain active during the winter months
• Warm up or stretch before exercising or after remaining seated for prolonged periods.
• Strive to maintain proper posture.
• Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes.

Dr. Dave Edenfield  and Dr. Steven Warfield are part of the team of doctors and therapists at http://chiropractor-jacksonville-fl.com and http://endyourpain.orgwho are dedicated to helping you and your family lead  healthier, happier and pain-free lives.  

Above the Curve – How the US spends its healthcare dollars on spinal treatment

By Dr. Steven Warfield

While it’s common knowledge that healthcare costs in the US have skyrocketed during the past few years, most people have no idea how these costs break down for care associated with back and neck conditions.  While from 1999 to 2008, the costs of healthcare rose an astounding 95%, annual expenses for chiropractic care when adjusted for inflation were relatively stable.  This is a good thing, since more than 50% of adults will experience a back or neck injury during their lifetime.  In fact back pain is the second most common reason that adults in the US seek medical care.  (Upper respiratory infections top the list.)

While it’s hard to put an exact dollar figure on the costs associated with spinal issues, it is widely accepted that somewhere in the neighborhood of $90 billion will be spent this year alone on the diagnosis and treatment of back and neck pain.  Everything from x-rays and MRIs, from surgery to physical therapy are attributable to back and neck injuries.  Not to mention prescription and over-the-counter pain killers.  (Don’t even get me started there.) However, these costs do not include the $10-$20 billion in earnings that will also be lost due to missed days at work while convalescing.  When you add everything up, this brings the total cost for spinal treatment at well over the $100 billion mark.

While these numbers seem alarming, so is the incidence of spinal injury.  While slip and fall or automobile accidents are responsible for a significant amount of back and neck problems, these are by no means the only culprits.  Everything from overdoing it at the gym, to playing golf, tennis or some other sports-related activity can result in spinal pain.  So too can activities around the home or work.  In fact, one of the most common ways to throw your back out is to simply lift something the wrong way.  Puttering around in the garden is also another way in which to injure your back.

Kid’s Stuff

If you are a parent, caring for young children can present something of a minefield.  Whether it’s tripping over toys, or simply the strain of picking up your child, when it comes to back and neck strain, childcare is not kid’s stuff.  Even during play time, many times adults will overdo it in their zeal to compete with or corral a tot.  Not to mention the fact that toting baby paraphernalia slung over one shoulder is sufficient to cause spinal wear and tear that can ultimately result in a trip to the chiropractor.

Other than covering yourself in bubble wrap and refusing to get off the sofa, what can the average person do to enjoy an active lifestyle while avoiding back and neck strain.  (Let me count the ways.)

1.      Make sure your bedding provides sufficient support for your back and your neck.  This means checking everything from your mattress to your pillows. 

2.      Chair Check – Does your office chair have an adjustable lumbar support and more importantly is it properly adjusted?  If you routinely find yourself slouched behind your desk then it is time to either adjust or replace your chair. 

3.      Your computer is not your friend. Especially if you spend all day sitting in front of one.  Most desktop computers and all laptops and tablets force the user to lean forward to type while viewing the screen.  My advice is to get an external monitor for your laptop and to raise the level of the monitor at least a foot above the desktop.  This will allow you to sit upright and avoid the condition called shoulders forward that is primarily caused by the modern workplace.

4.      Lift with the legs as opposed to the back.  If you must lift something off the ground, the correct way to do so without straining your back is to squat down, grasp the item and then stand straight up. Do NOT lean forward, grasp the item and then straighten your back.  This is the surest way I know to strain your back.

5.      Hire a Coach – If you haven’t been to the gym in ages, or played a round of golf or game of tennis in more than a year, the last thing you want to do is go at it full bore.  Especially if you are over forty.  At least not without supervision.  Today there are scads of professional trainers who make their living by evaluating and supervising sports-minded people.  (Another person to consult regarding exercise would be your chiropractor, since he or she has been trained in everything from stretching routines to nutrition.) 

6.      Don’t let your green thumb turn you into a dead duck.  Aside from the fact that many garden implements can be considered lethal weapons, just the act of digging, pruning and/or planting is a hotbed for back and neck strain.  (So is shoveling snow, although we don’t have that problem here in sunny Florida.)  The secret to getting the most out of your gardening is to take it a little at a time, make sure you stay hydrated and be extra cautious around tasks that involve climbing trees and operating power tools.

While health costs in the US are predicted to do little but rise, that doesn’t mean that with a little common sense you can’t enjoy good health and save yourself an unnecessary trip to the doctor.  That in itself is priceless. (Or failing that I can probably get you a good price on bubble wrap.)

Dr.’s Steven Warfield and Dave Edenfield offer the most advanced treatments for back pain, sciatica, neck pain, whiplash and headaches. They also treat auto accident victims with state-of-the-art technologies.  For more information visit http://endyourpain.org 

or http://chiropractor-jacksonville-fl.com

Wakey Wakey, Is Your Neck or Back Achy Achy?

By Dr. Steven Warfield

Environmental stresses that can adversely affect your neck abound in the modern world.  Everything from chairs with poor or no lumbar support, to laptop computer screens that cause your neck to crane forward for hours on end can produce both long term and short term aches and pains that can take a toll on your lifestyle.  But the cruelest rub of all is the fact that many people start off the day with neck strain or pain before the morning commute even begins.  This is caused by pillows and/or mattresses that are anything but form fitting.

Banged Up Before Breakfast

If you routinely wake up with a headache, stiff neck or aching back, chances are either your pillow or mattress is to blame.  When choosing bedding you should take a lesson from Goldilocks.  Avoid mattresses and pillows that are either too hard or too soft and sleep only on the ones that are just right.

Finding Bedding That’s Just Right

Firm Mattress:  The term firm is nebulous, since a firm mattress that is comfortable to one sleeper is  like a bag of bricks to another.  While firmer mattresses are generally preferable in terms of support to ones that are very soft, in the final analysis the decision is up to the individual.  As a rule avoid mattresses labeled as ultra-firm unless otherwise advised by your physician.

When choosing a mattress, the last thing you want to do is climb atop one in a store for all of thirty seconds only to find out later that what seemed like a good fit was really way too stiff for either you or your bedmate to tolerate all night long.  Buying the wrong bed can be detrimental to your relationship.  What I recommend is that you and your partner test drive any bed you are considering by having both parties lie down on it for at least five minutes.  Particularly if you are petite and your spouse is built like King Kong, finding the right mattress could take a bit of trial and error.   

Plush Mattress: Pillow top mattresses are all the rage these days.  But they could prove too soft or even too hot since the topper tends to rise up to engulf your body while the mattress beneath can be either too soft or too hard to take for any extended period of time.  From a chiropractic point of view, plush mattresses as a rule do not offer sufficient support to maintain the ideal back curvature.  As a result, the muscles and soft tissues of the back and neck tend to increase their tension in order to offset this problem, which many times results in back and/or neck pain.

The Best of Both Worlds: Today there are a number of hi-tech mattress materials such as memory foam that are used to provide both support and body-cradling comfort.  This is especially helpful if you like a harder mattress while your partner prefers a stiffer one.  Some beds even allow each bedmate to tailor the hardness or softness on their side of the bed.  Since a mattress is a long-term investment for most people, don’t be in a hurry to buy one until everyone is satisfied with the decision.

Pillow Problems: Even the best bed in the world will not guarantee you a restful night’s sleep if your

 pillow doesn’t provide adequate neck support.  If you find yourself waking up in the middle of the night with your neck contorted into an unnatural position or if your neck is typically stiff or sore as soon as you roll out of bed, then chances are your pillow is to blame.  So what is the best pillow to use?  Just as with bedding, there is no simple answer to this question.  In fact when it comes to pillows, there are many makes and models from which to choose.  Whether a pillow is filled with foam, feathers, goose down or some space age material matters not if it is uncomfortable. 

Next, you want to choose a pillow that positions your neck in a neutral position.  Any pillow that is too high can cause pain upon waking.  On the other hand, a pillow that is too soft can cause the neck to bend toward the pillow and lead to neck strain and pain as well.  The ideal pillow is one that not only offers proper support and comfort when sleeping in one position, but one that can adjust whether you lie on your side or your back.

Different Strokes for Different Folks

Speaking of sleep posture, people who predominantly sleep on their sides typically require a softer mattress than those who sleep mostly on their backs.  Sleeping on your stomach is never a healthy position in which to sleep, since it not only puts added pressure on the neck, but it also makes breathing difficult since it presses on the diaphragm.

This Old Bed

The real culprit for many people is a bed that is simply too old.  While a plush mattress tends to sag when weight is applied, there is a big difference between a mattress that was designed that way and one that is worn out.  One way to tell if it is time to buy a new mattress is to pull back the covers and lay a yardstick across the mattress.  If there is any space beneath the ruler, then it is time to head for the nearest bedding store.  Another test is to sit in the middle of the mattress in order to see if the edges rise.  If the mattress resembles a banana with someone seated in the middle then the inner support system is shot.

Taking the Show on the Road

Another suspect when it comes to back and neck strain, has to do with the quality of hotel mattresses.  Particularly if you are forced to do a lot of travelling for business purposes, I can’t stress enough that choosing lodging that provides top quality bedding is far more important than a free breakfast any day of the week.  So important is this topic that there are actually websites dedicated to hotel bedding, such as http://www.mattress-wiz.com/best-hotel-mattress-reviews.html and http://mattreslo.com/best-hotel-mattresses/.  

While top quality bedding can cost thousands of dollars, it is well worth the investment since it can cost much more to have your aching neck or back put right again. 

Dr.’s Steven Warfield and Dave Edenfield offer the most advanced treatments for back pain, sciatica, neck pain, whiplash and headaches. They also treat auto accident victims with state-of-the-art technologies.  For more information visit http://endyourpain.org or http://chiropractor-jacksonville-fl.com