We have all been there. You come home from work to “Netflix and chill” but its been a long day, you are tense and have a headache. You’ve worked hard all day and after you fix some dinner you just want to sit with your family and relax. Maybe you want to hit “play” on the next episode of your favorite show. In our house, that would be Heartland and or Gilmore Girls. But instead of enjoying the evening, you find yourself focused on pain or a headache. You might even try shifting positions or rubbing the sore spot, still you can’t seem to unwind and enjoy the evening.
Welcome to the unfortunate reality of “bringing home the pain.” Whether you spend your day sitting at a desk, hunched over a computer, or constantly on your feet, the stress and strain of daily life won’t always magically disappear when you clock out. Sometimes, they follow you home, turning your downtime into discomfort time.
But what if there was a better way. Maybe it is time for “Chiropractic and Chill?”
Why Sitting All Day is a Pain in More Ways Than One
Hours of sitting can lead to poor posture, muscle tension, and misalignment in your spine. Over time, this can cause issues like:
Stiff neck and shoulders
Lower back pain
Headaches
Numbness or tingling in the arms and legs
Proper Ergonomics – Ergonomics are is important, they help maintain a good posture throughout the day. However, they will only minimize the chance of discomfort; it cannot always eliminate it. Here is the best way to sit through the day to minimize tension in the neck and shoulders:
Sit upright, with your hips and knees bent at approximately 90 degrees, with your feet flat on a surface.
Make sure your spine is resting against the back of the chair to utilize the lumbar support.
Keep your elbows near your side, with a 90-degree bend, and avoid reaching for either keyboard or mouse. The keyboard and mouse should be close enough so that your elbows stay close to your side.
Avoid laptop monitors because they keep you looking down, and that will increase tension on the neck and shoulders. Instead, use a regular monitor, and have your eyes looking just below the top of the screen.
The problem for many is that even with good ergonomics, once you’re home, these issues don’t just disappear. They can turn relaxing family time into a constant struggle to find comfort.
Chiropractic and Chill
At Desert Valley Chiropractic, we’re all about helping you reclaim your chill time. Our gentle, precise Chiropractic Care is ideal for
Relieving muscle tension and stiffness by restoring proper joint movement in the neck and upper back, which reduces strain on surrounding muscles.
Improving posture and spinal alignment, helping to correct the forward head posture that often contributes to chronic neck pain and tension headaches.
Reducing nerve irritation through gentle adjustments, which can decrease referred pain patterns and help calm the nervous system.
Supporting long-term relief and prevention by addressing the root causes of pain, not just the symptoms—especially when combined with stretches, posture tips, and ergonomic support.
Imagine coming home, sinking into the couch, and actually enjoying your time with your family, without the constant battle against headaches or neck and upper back pain.
Tips for Bringing Home the Relief, Not the Pain
Stay Active: Take short breaks to stand at least every hour. Consider a quick stretch or walk during your workday.
Prioritize Your Posture: Adjust your workspace to support your spine.
Stay Consistent with Chiropractic Care: Regular adjustments can help keep your spine in line and your body feeling great.
Stretch Before You Chill: A few gentle stretches in the evening can release tension. You don’t always have to do a 30-minute yoga practice, often just a few minutes of stretching can help you relax and enjoy your night.
Don’t let your daily grind turn into nightly discomfort. Make “Chiropractic and Chill” your new routine – because you deserve to enjoy your evenings pain-free. If you’re ready to feel better, move better, and actually chill, give us a call at Desert Valley Chiropractic. We’re here to help.
Cervicogenic headache … what the heck is that? Unfortunately, many people suffer with headaches. Often those headaches can be debilitating. In 2021a study by the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that 40% of the global population, or 3.1 billion people suffer regularly with headaches. While there are many different types of headaches, not many people know about cervicogenic headaches.
What is a Cervicogenic Headache:
A cervicogenic headache is a type of secondary headache that originates from tissues in the cervical spine (the neck region) and its related structures. Unlike primary headaches such as migraines or tension headaches, cervicogenic headaches are caused by underlying neck problems. These may include disorders of the cervical vertebrae, intervertebral discs, muscles, or nerves.
Characteristics of Cervicogenic Headaches:
Pain Location: Typically starts at the top of the neck or back of the head and radiates to the front. While not always, they appear more often on one side.
Trigger Points: Pain can be triggered or worsened by neck movements or sustained neck positions. This can include sitting at a desk all day, looking at our phones or gaming.
Associated Symptoms: Other signs may include restricted neck movement, jaw pain, tension across the shoulders, and shoulder pain.
Causes of Cervicogenic Headaches:
Cervical Spine Disorders: Such as spinal misalignments or joint dysfunction. If the neck is out of alignment it can cause both neck pain and headaches.
Herniated discs or degenerative disc disease.
Arthritis: With aches and muscle stiffness there can also be underlying joint dysfunction. As a result we get more neck pain that may lead to cervicogenic headaches.
Neck Injuries: Including whiplash or other trauma.
Postural Issues: Poor posture can lead to muscle strain and tension in the neck.
Spinal Adjustments: Correcting misalignments in the cervical spine.
Posture Correction: Improving posture to alleviate neck strain.
Muscle Therapy: Relaxing and stretching tight neck muscles.
By understanding and treating the underlying cervical spine issues, individuals can achieve significant relief from cervicogenic headaches. If you are having headaches in North Phoenix and this presentation sounds familiar, Desert Valley Chiropractic would like to help.
Car Accident in Phoenix? – 5 tips to avoid an insurance hassle!
Unfortunately a Car Accident in Phoenix can happen anytime and anywhere, and they can be a real pain in the neck. It is important to handle the situation correctly to avoid hassles with the insurance company, but with the shock of it all it can be tough to remember what to do.
Here are 5 tips for the scene of the crash to avoid any hassles down the road.
The statistics highlight the potential for non-fatal but serious injuries that often occur in traffic accidents, reinforcing the importance of a proper evaluation from a health care provider who has experience with these types of injuries. They often require specific care after any accident, even if no immediate injuries are apparent. This can prevent long-term health issues, a concern especially relevant to chiropractic care, where underlying injuries can sometimes manifest symptoms days or even weeks after an accident.
Being prepared at the scene of a crash can help you handle the unexpected with a clearer mind. At Desert Valley Chiropractic, we care about your safety and well-being. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to take if you find yourself at the scene of an auto accident.
Ensure Safety First
As soon as an accident occurs, your priority should be ensuring the safety of all parties involved.
Check for Injuries: Before assessing property damage, ensure that everyone involved in the accident is okay. Do not move anyone who is seriously injured unless there is a hazard that puts their life at immediate risk.
Move to a Safe Location (if you have to): If the accident is minor and you feel the need to move the vehicles, or it is safer to move the vehicles as opposed to staying put, make sure you take many pictures from the scene of the accident, including the intersection and surrounding areas. Once you have moved your vehicle turn on the hazard lights.
Alert Authorities and Document the Scene (Picture’s or it didn’t happen )
It’s crucial to report the accident to law enforcement. Many people skip this step, hoping the other driver (s) and their insurance will cooperate later. However, after 20+ years of treating injuries related to car accidents cooperation is rare and it can affect your access to the health care you need to recover.
Call 911: Even if the accident appears minor, it’s important to call the police. This is very important because they will document the scene and can help determine who is at fault, which can protect your access to health care if you have injuries from the crash.
If the police are unable to come to the scene, once again take multiple pictures of the scene including the surrounding area. Also, you may want to call your own insurance company to get the details of the accident recorded in case there is a question of fault later.
Wait for Help: Unless the authorities have told you they won’t be able to make it to the scene, stay until help arrives. Leaving the scene of an accident can result in legal penalties.
Driver and Vehicle Details: Collect the names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance information of all drivers involved. Using the camera on your smartphone is a convenient collect the information you will need.
Witnesses: If there are witnesses, get their contact information as well; their statements could be crucial in resolving disputes.
Seek Medical Attention
If you have more serious injuries including a head injury, you may need to go to the hospital. If that is the case don’t hesitate.
Even if there are no apparent injuries, it’s wise to consult a healthcare provider, including a chiropractor who can assess your condition and document injuries, which is crucial for insurance claims and potential litigation.
Injuries from a car accident like whiplash may not show symptoms immediately but can cause long-term discomfort and mobility issues. At Desert Valley Chiropractic we specific protocols to determine the extent of a car accident injury, and that has allowed us to help thousands of people with injuries related to a car accident
Conclusion
We have treated thousands of patients who have been in an car accidents in Phoenix and we know it can be overwhelming, but taking these steps can help ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved. Remember to stay calm, be courteous, and follow these guidelines to manage the situation effectively. For more detailed information on what to do after a car accident, or to schedule a consultation, visit our website at Desert Valley Chiropractic.
