How to Prevent Carpal Tunnel and Bad Posture at Work

Does your job require you to sit at a desk for hours at a time?

Do you notice pain in your wrists, or tingling in your fingers?

How does your back feel after sitting in an office chair all day?

Millions of workers all over the country sit at a desk, sometimes for eight or more hours consecutively. If you’re not taking breaks often enough or investing in ergonomic furniture, especially if you work at home, you could be feeling it in your hands, wrists, back, and neck.

The good news is there’s a lot you can do to prevent carpal tunnel including:

• Use a softer touch – You might grip your tools or writing utensils tightly when a firm hold is plenty to get the job done. You might pound your keyboard when gentle keystrokes will do the job just as well. Pay attention to mindless tasks you may not notice are impacting your posture.
• Stretch often – When you take breaks throughout the day, try this simple stretch: first, make a fist. Then, release your fingers and fan them out. Stretch them as far as you can. Repeat 5-10 times.
• Talk to your workplace about ergonomic adjustments – While you’re at it, adjust your keyboard so you don’t have to bend your wrists when you type and keep your elbows close to your side.

Read more on our website!

See a Chiropractor in Ann Arbor to Relieve Pain from Poor Posture

To further improve your health, make sure you don’t sit at your desk for hours. At least once per hour, you should get up and walk around, or do some stretching. Try to go for a walk if you’re able or find an off-screen task to keep your eyes fresh.

If you must sit for most of your workday, we know getting relief isn’t easy. You can’t just quit your job, and sometimes it can be difficult to find the time to stretch, take a break, or exercise.

Regular visits to the chiropractor can help correct many of the problems caused by excessive sitting and poor workspace ergonomics. Make time to schedule a complimentary consultation to see if a chiropractor in Ann Arbor can help. Contact Dr. Gessert today to get started!

Stretches for Upper/Middle Back Pain

Have you tried stretching to help relieve back pain?

Here are a few stretches that can help relieve upper and middle back pain:

• Cat-cow pose: On your hands and knees with a flat back, alternate between dropping your belly while looking toward the sky and arching your back while tucking your chin. This will give you a gentle stretch along the whole spine.
• Corner stretch: This pose targets upper back pain and promotes good posture. Face the corner of a room and put one forearm on each wall, then lean your chest towards the wall. This can also be done with a door jamb if you don’t have a corner.
• Cobra pose: Lay on your stomach with your hands in line with your shoulders, then slowly raise your upper body. This stretch targets middle back pain.

Remember that stretching should never hurt! Be mindful while exercising so you don’t make the pain worse.

Read more about stretching your upper and middle back here.

Get Treatment for Middle Back Pain in Ann Arbor

Exercise helps relieve pain, but visiting a chiropractor can actually fix it. Dr. Gessert has been giving people in Ann Arbor relief for middle back pain. Pivotal Chiropractic offers complimentary consultations, so you don’t have to commit to treatment on the first visit. Contact us here or call (734) 221-0362 if you’re ready to say goodbye to back pain.

Daily Exercise to Help Back Pain

Does your pain come back between appointments?

We recommend daily exercise and stretching to help relieve your back pain in between chiropractor visits. Gently stretching your back regularly can help loosen tight muscles, while at the same time strengthening your muscles so they’re less likely to cause you pain. A regular stretching regimen can help increase your range of motion and make moving more comfortable.

Read more about stretching for middle back pain here.

Chiropractor for Middle Back Pain in Ann Arbor

Exercise helps relieve pain, but visiting a chiropractor can actually fix it. Dr. Gessert has been giving people in Ann Arbor relief for middle back pain. Pivotal Chiropractic offers complimentary consultations, so you don’t have to commit to treatment on the first visit. Contact us here or call (734) 221-0362 if you’re ready to say goodbye to back pain.

Tired of Hip Pain? Consider Chiropractic Care

Do you struggle with hip pain?

Are you tired of dealing with intense pain every time you walk, or even when you’re just sitting?

Hip mobility is essential for everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, and even sitting down comfortably. When something isn’t right in your hips, you’ll probably notice it quickly. 

Common causes of hip pain include:

1. Inflammation
2. Osteoarthritis and inflammatory diseases
3. Overuse injuries
4. Trauma

Many studies have found that chiropractic adjustments are effective in relieving sciatica, a common cause of hip pain. Manipulative therapy to the spine, knee, ankle, or foot when appropriate have been proven to help patients experiencing hip pain.

Read more on our website! 

Come to Pivotal Chiropractic in Ann Arbor for a Chiropractor Who Puts You First!

We understand that healthcare choices are critical decisions and that you have many different options in Ann Arbor and the surrounding communities. If you have hip pain, back pain, neck pain, or tingling or numbness in your hands and feet, it’s time to see a chiropractor in Ann Arbor. To schedule a complimentary consultation, where a conversation is never a commitment, contact us at 734-221-0362.

How Does a Specific Structural Correction Chiropractor Treat Hip Pain?

Structural chiropractic focuses on the relationship between the spine, joints, discs, nerves and nervous system recognizing that displacements in the spine and pelvic structures impact various areas of the body including the hips.  

1. Accurate diagnosis: A comprehensive structural correction chiropractic examination will identify the root cause of your hip pain. During this examination we will assess your condition with orthopedic and neurological testing as well as your posture, range of motion and spinal alignment. In some cases, additional diagnostic tests such as X-rays or MRI scans may be ordered to gather more information. 

2. Spinal Corrections: During the initial phase of care, spinal corrections including hip and extremity adjustments are used to correct displacements of the spine and pelvis. These corrections relieve pressure on the nerves, hip joints and spinal discs thus improving overall joint function which reduces hip pain.

3. Lifestyle Recommendations: In addition to hands-on spinal corrections, specific structural corrective chiropractic provides lifestyle recommendations to support the initial phase of care and to prevent future hip problems.  These may include in-office spinal remodeling exercises or a home stretching and strengthen program for the hip and spinal muscles.

Read more on our website!

Certain forms of hip pain may not be treatable with Structural Chiropractic care from a chiropractor in Ann Arbor. Some causes of hip pain may need further evaluation by an orthopedist or physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor. 

If you’re tired of never-ending hip pain, consider seeing Dr. Gessert for relief through specific structural chiropractic care! Contact us today.

The Cardiovascular Benefits of Cold Showers

Do you prefer taking hot showers?

If the idea of taking a cold shower is unappealing, you’re not alone; most people prefer warm showers. But despite how unpleasant they can feel, cold showers have more cardiovascular benefits than hot ones.

Here are three major health benefits to cold showers:

Faster recovery for athletes
After a strenuous workout, it’s common for athletes to relax in an ice bath. Not only does this numb them to any post-workout pain, but the cold water reduces inflammation and speeds up the recovery process. You can get similar benefits from taking a chilly shower after intense training sessions.

Healthy skin and hair
Does your hair or skin feel extra dry after a hot shower? Hot water strips moisture from your skin and hair almost instantly. To avoid moisture loss, turn down the temperature when you jump in the shower—your hair and skin will look and feel a lot better in the long run.

Better circulation
Good cardiovascular health depends on getting enough blood pumping through your veins. Alternating between hot and cold water in the shower is an easy way to boost circulation. Cold water causes your blood to move towards your organs to conserve heat, and warm water brings it to the surface of your skin.

Learn more surprising benefits of cold showers here.

Work Towards a Healthy Heart with Chiropractic Care in Ann Arbor

There’s much more to cardiovascular health than taking a cold shower! Regular visits to a chiropractor can help support a healthy lifestyle and recovery from injury by protecting your joints, spinal discs and nerves If you are looking for outstanding chiropractic care in Ann Arbor, call Pivotal Chiropractic at (734) 221-0362 or schedule a complimentary consultation!

Lift Your Spirits with a Cold Shower

Did you know that cold showers can benefit your mood?

Along with cardiovascular benefits, taking a cold shower can boost your energy and help ease depression.

To enjoy a boost to your health and energy that lasts all day, start off with hot water and slowly adjust the temperature until it’s cold but tolerable. Spend at least five minutes under the water before getting out.

Increased energy
Stepping into a cold shower instantly ramps up your heart rate, and the rush of blood through your body will quickly wake you up. You might even find that a few minutes under cold water is just as effective as a piping hot cup of coffee.

Natural Depression Treatment
Research from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine revealed that short, cold showers can activate the “blue spot” in a person’s brain. This area is the brain’s main source of nor-adrenaline, a feel-good chemical known for relieving feelings of depression.

Read more about the surprising benefits of cold showers here.

Feel Good with Chiropractic Care in Ann Arbor

A healthy heart is an immediate boost your energy and mood. Regular visits to a chiropractor can help support a healthy lifestyle and recovery from injury by protecting your joints, spinal discs and nerves. If you are looking for outstanding chiropractic care in Ann Arbor, call Pivotal Chiropractic at (734) 221-0362 or schedule a complimentary consultation!