Why Do People Lose Height as they Age?

As experts in spinal health, we at the Central Virginia Chiropractic Center get lots of questions about back pain. One of the peoples’ most common inquiries is why people stoop as they get older. While the answer varies from case to case, the most common reason is osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a disease in which the vertebrae are being broken down faster than new bone builds. As living tissue, bones are constantly being consumed and reconstructed, but in a person with osteoporosis, the vertebrae become fragile and honeycombed. Even ordinary movements, such as bending over, can be enough to cause a hairline fracture. As more fractures develop over time, the bone collapses, causing the patient to lose height and stoop forward.

The good news is that osteoporosis can be treated with chiropractic. We can teach patients therapeutic exercises to strengthen their back muscles and provide them with safe, noninvasive pain management treatments. Osteoporosis patients are also advised to increase their calcium intake and to limit alcohol.

Dr. Darlene Holland operates Central Virginia Chiropractic Center, Inc. at 7327 Timberlake Rd, Lynchburg, Virginia, 24502. To schedule an appointment, visit CentralVAChiro.com or call 434-237-0413.

 

Fall Yard Work

At the Central Virginia Chiropractic Center in Lynchburg, we commonly see patients who have been injured while doing yard work. Because we highly value prevention, this fall, we want to make sure everybody understands what they need to do to avoid pulling a back muscle or wearing out a shoulder.

When working outside, wear clothing that is form-fitting and warm, but made of breathable materials. Discard dangling jewelry, but wear gloves, long sleeves, and slip-resistant closed shoes or boots. Warm up using dynamic stretches and remember our advice to lift with your legs, not your back. Do a cool-down when you’re done working.

The American Chiropractic Association has some particular advice for raking. Stand next to the pile, and regularly alternate which hand is higher on the rake (this will require you to change which side of the pile you stand on). Stand with your back and neck straight and with your feet in a scissor position, one forward and one back. Alternate which foot is which every few minutes. Be careful to avoid putting too many leaves in the bag. Test it before moving it, and if it’s too heavy, transfer some leaves to a different bag.

Dr. Darlene Holland operates Central Virginia Chiropractic Center, Inc. at 7327 Timberlake Rd, Lynchburg, Virginia, 24502. To schedule an appointment, visit CentralVAChiro.com or call 434-237-0413.

 

Ice Pack Cryotherapy

An injury can benefit from ice days following a trauma. However, if your pain worsens, you should visit Dr. Darlene Holland, D.C. of Central Virginia Chiropractic Center immediately. The icing method – cryotherapy – is an essential management skill that is also a cheap, effective, and drugless method for relieving the pain of injuries. Safe application of ice to your skin can relieve symptoms from sprains, strains, bruises, and virtually any situation in which superficial tissues are inflamed by trauma.

Cryotherapy is an excellent way to heal muscle spasms in the body. The icing process is well known to help numb painful areas as well as provide a cooling relief to affected soft tissues. Applying cold compresses to the skin effectively reduces the temperature of the skin and constricts blood vessels in the area to promote healing. It can be done right at home, or we can offer the service to you right here in the office.

If you have questions or concerns regarding chiropractic care, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.centralvachiro.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Darlene Holland, D.C. of Central Virginia Chiropractic Center, Inc. in Lynchburg, VA, call 434-237-0413.

Your First Visit with Dr. Darlene Holland, D.C.

At Central Virginia Chiropractic Center, Inc., Dr. Darlene Holland, D.C. and staff are devoted to giving patients the highest quality care. Whether a patient is experiencing muscle strain from performing everyday activities, or a sprain from twisting the wrong way, Dr. Holland can assess your needs and suggest gentle therapy methods to restore function and improve mobility.

At your first appointment with Dr. Darlene Holland, D.C., all new patients will have a chiropractic examination. In many regards, a chiropractic examination is very similar to standard examination procedures administered by all healthcare providers. Your first visit will consist of three parts: a consultation, case history, and a physical exam. Once a diagnosis is made, Dr. Holland will explain what needs to happen to next.

If you have questions or concerns regarding chiropractic care, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.centralvachiro.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Darlene Holland, D.C. of Central Virginia Chiropractic Center, Inc. in Lynchburg, VA, call 434-237-0413.