A new Danish study published in JAMA  Pediatrics has found a link between taking Acetaminophen (found in Tylenol) to an increased likelihood of your child developing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).  The study followed over 60,000 Danish women and concluded that taking Acetaminophen, commonly taken for aches and pains during pregnancy, was associated with a significant increase in children diagnosed with ADHD.

If you are pregnant, or know a pregnant mother, please share this information and look for alternative ways to manage your pain and discomfort.  Chiropractic, for over 100 years now, has safely and effectively managed pain control for pregnant mothers. 

Chiropractic for pregnant mothers has added benefits besides just pain control.  As you progress through your pregnancy, a hormone is released called relaxin that will 'loosen' up ligaments to prepare for birth.  While relaxin is necessary to allow your birth canal to open up for the newborn, it also decreases that stability of your joints.  Routine visits to the chiropractor during pregnancy is great as we can ensure proper alignment and function of the pelvic girdle helping your birth process go as smoothly as possible. 

If you have any questions about pregnancy and chiropractic, please feel free to contact me and I will answer any questions you may have.

Special Thanks to the Me-One Foundation and the Getty Owl Foundation.  These two organizations put on great running events this last weekend supporting children diagnosed with cancer and spinal muscular dystrophy. 

It's always great being out on a nice sunny day in February working on runners and athletes.  I got to meet a lot of people and answer a lot of questions about health, well-being, and performance as a runner.  Lowe Chiropractic was out there performing stretching and myofascial release therapy to runners pre and post race helping them perform at their best and recover from their injuries. 

Headaches?  Neck Pain?  Low Back Pain? Pain between your shoulder blades?  Could this be due to Texting Syndrome? 

Okay, so texting syndrome is not a 'real diagnosis' and you won't find this code in any medical billings.  But look around!  How many people do you see right now looking at their cell phones texting with a slouched back, rounded shoulders, and flexed head looking down?  Do notice the same observation seeing your loved ones using a computer?

We have entered the technological age where we are dependent on our computers and cell phones.  The average american will spend 8 hours each day looking at some sort of screen whether its their computer, cell phone, or TV.  For most of us, this means that for a large portion of our day, we are fixated in this poor posture that overtime causes serious pain and discomfort.

This is why we must be conscious about our posture and body position throughout the day.  Our head should be over our shoulders, not flexed forward beyond our shoulders.  Every inch that our head goes forward, our lower neck and upper back muscles have to work extra hard to support the weight of your head.  Overtime this leads to a strain on your muscles and can result in a constant dull, achy pain.

Our shoulders should be relaxed, back, and downwards.  Our neutral position or ‘happy zone’ for our shoulders can be found by placing your two hands in your back pockets.  While they’re there make a mental note of where your shoulder blades are.  Now when you take your hands out of your back pocket, try and leave your shoulder blades in that position.  This is a much more balanced position and will take strain off your upper back and shoulders.

While at the computer make sure you pull your chair in.  You should avoid having to reach your arms out to use the keyboard or mouse.  Think 90 degree angles.  You should maintain a 90 degree angle at your elbows, hips, and knees.  Have your monitor at head level so your head and neck can look at a neutral position instead of having to constantly look down at the computer.

Lastly, when using your computer either at home or at work, avoid long periods of sitting.  Take a break every hours to sit up, stretch, and walk around to avoid this texting syndrome!