Month: <span>June 2016</span>

Core, core, core….what’s the deal?

Anyone who has been looking to get in shape, lose weight, or get rid of their back problems has heard the advice, “strengthen your core”.  But what exactly is your core? Without getting too technical, your core is the deepest layer of your abdominal musculature that contracts and “stabilizes” your internal organs and your spine, just moments before your “power muscles” contract and move the body with running, walking, jumping, etc. If your core is weak, your big muscles can’t do their job. So yes, it is that important. But remember, just like any other muscle in the body, your core can be strengthened much faster and more efficiently if the bones and joints around it move freely. So after an adjustment, your body can stretch, bend and strengthen way easier. Happy training!

Until next time, be healthy, happy and smart!

Dr. Jim

High Heels, yeah or na?

Okay ladies, I will admit it. High heels look great. Yes they make your legs more defined and shapely.  However, they also cause bunions, hammer toes, plantar fasciitis and lots of back pain! If you wear high heels, you can get inserts to reduce the stress to your feet and back if the heel is 2 inches or less. Those 4 inch stilettos?  Forget it. High heels bring your body weight forward onto your toes, moving your hips forward and your lower back into extension, which “jams” your lumbar joints together. Last time I checked, jamming joints together for hours at a time usually leads to serious problems!

Special occasion, nice dinner, go for it. All day at work? No way! Ladies, let me remind you, guys are easy! You can attract our attention in all kinds of ways that doesn’t do long term damage to your body!!!

Until next time, be healthy, happy and smart!

Dr. Jim