You know the story, right? One of the very real dangers of coal mining is the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning. In the old days, coal miners would keep a canary in a cage while down in the mines, because the canary is intolerant to even very low levels of carbon monoxide. So, if the canary died, all the miners would immediately get out of the cave. Many lives were saved with this strategy.
If you’ve ever had lower back pain, or neck pain issues, your “canary” – your strategy – is to be aware of a sense of stiffness or tightness. In almost every case, people with disorders of the spine go through a period of stiffness prior to the symptoms getting really bad. So, if you know what to do, sometimes you can actually prevent a serious episode from coming on.
Here’s my advice: If your back or neck feel stiff and it’s hard to move through your usual range of motion, and you’re in the age group of 20-50, attempt to move your body into an arch. If the stiffness is in your neck, that means trying to tip your head back as far as tolerated. If your lower back is the painful part, lay on your stomach and try to press up to form an arch in your lower back. This is not easy, and honestly, it helps to have someone trained in this sort of treatment to help you through the process.
If you’re older than 50, back stiffness usually can be remedied by movements that move the spine into a rounding position. For example, you can sit on the edge of the chair and reach down between your feet. Doing this repeatedly lubricates the joints of the spine. Read more here!
For further information you can click here, or schedule a visit with your local experts at Essential Physical Therapy! 458-210-2940
