By: Dr. Dean Lombardo, DC
About 31 million Americans experience low back pain at any given time. Worldwide, back pain is the single leading cause of disability, preventing many people from engaging in work as well as other everyday activities.
Back pain is one of the most common reasons for missed work.
Ever feel like you have a monkey on your back? This could be due to a stressor in your life. On the other hand, your disgruntlement could literally be upper back pain!
While upper back pain may not be as common as low back or neck pain, it’s a source of constant irritation for some.
Swimming is unique in that our spines don’t have to work as hard to support our bodies. The backstroke is excellent because it promotes a neutral spine and reduces the risk of hyperextension associated with other swim strokes. Beyond swimming, many of our patients with degenerative disc disease also tell us they find relief in light stretching or other aquatic exercises.
Gardening for many, has up until recently, been an idea cast away on a list of hobbies to pursue one day when we have more time. Well, for many, that time is now. With the time off from jobs, school, and sports activities, there’s no time like the present to test out that green thumb and grow some of our own summer veggies.