Family Chiropractor Advice: Playing in the Snow Part I.

If you live in the part of the country that receives major snow falls, a great family activity is going out to play in the snow.  Playing in the snow with your children creates a fun family atmosphere, and also instills the love of the outdoors and the habits of good exercise even when it’s cold outside!  As a reminder from a family chiropractor, exercise caution and good judgment while playing in the cold and snow with your children.

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 A family chiropractor offers these safety guidelines for your consideration:

• Layer Clothing.  Layering is tricky.  Too many layers and they'll overheat; too few and they'll freeze.  The key to keeping kids dry is conserving heat while still letting steam escape.  Start with a thin inner layer to keep moisture away from the skin. Avoid cotton as it soaks up sweat and holds it against the skin, accelerating heat loss.  Use a lightweight polyester or polypropylene fabric instead. Add two insulating middle layers (maybe a long-sleeved top and leggings) of similar materials, keeping them a little loose to trap insulating air between fibers. Top it all off with a wind and waterproof outer shell.
• Protect Hands and Feet.   As the body conserves energy in the inner core, fingers and toes grow icy. Look for a quality mitten or glove (mittens are warmer than gloves) that offers insulation as well as waterproof protection. If you dress your kids in thick, heavy socks (stay away from cotton), go up a shoe size.  Too-tight boots or shoes reduce the insulating effects of socks and reduces blood flow to feet. Boots should be insulated and waterproof. Dry out and warm up the boots in between the rounds of play.
• Dress for Attention.  Choose bright outer gear with reflective graphics on the front and back, shoes with reflective features, and/or reflective tape placed on clothing to ensure you and your kids can be seen in all weather conditions.
• Protection from UV rays.  According to the American Academy of Dermatology, snow reflects 80 percent of UV rays. UV radiation exposure increases along with altitudes.  Sun block with an SPF of at least 30 is a must for skiers and snowboarders.  Either goggles or sunglasses with UV protection are also important protection for eyes.  Don’t forget the SPF lip balm.

To sum it up, remember C.O.L.D.:

C—Cover hands and head with a hat and gloves or mittens to preserve heat.
O—Avoid Overexertion. Bring kids in for periodic breaks.
L —Layers. Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and water-repellent clothes.
D —Keep Dry. If kids get snow in their boots, have wet mittens, or are sweating, change them into dry clothes immediately.

If you or your child experiences any pain or discomfort resulting from any outdoor activities, call a family chiropractor at McKim Chiropractic for more information and to schedule a consultation.  Our licensed and certified staff is committed to helping the children of Boise, ID, Nampa, ID, and Caldwell, ID get a head-start for a healthy life!

What Kind of Low Back Pain Treatment do I need?

The type of low back pain treatment you need will depend upon your history and the type and severity of pain. The vast majority of lower back pain cases get better within six weeks without surgery or medication.  However, if pain persists or worsens, your doctor of chiropractic may prescribe a combination of the following low back pain treatment:

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• Rest: Limited to one to two days, rest will allow the injured tissue and nerve roots to begin to heal, which in turn helps relieve lower back pain.  Any longer will lead to a weakening of the muscles.  
• Heat and Ice: An application of ice and/or heat (alternately) on the lower back helps to reduce inflammation.
• Spinal Manipulation: Manipulation for acute back problems has been used primarily by Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) for the last century.  It is an effective safe and drugless form of treatment which reduces pain, decreases medication, rapidly advances physical therapy, and requires very few passive forms of treatment, such as bed rest.

It is advisable to seek a diagnosis to determine the underlying cause of lower back pain and seek appropriate treatment.  A physical exam will be conducted to assess nerve function and motion in the lower back. Sometimes diagnostic tests (such as an x-ray or MRI) will be recommended to better assess the anatomy of the spine and determine the appropriate course of care.

There is another non-invasive, non-surgical low back pain treatment option available—the DRS Protocol™.  Following a thorough examination of your condition, a course of low back pain treatment will be customized uniquely for you.  This is a slow gentle process, so it allows the muscles and tendons to respond to the treatment. Motorized and computerized spinal decompression allows the ability to target the injured disc, creating better results than traction.

The chiropractors at McKim Chiropractic specialize in low back pain treatment with the DRS Protocol™, a non-surgical alternative treatment for back pain associated with spinal and disc problems.  Call McKim Chiropractic today or http://www.mckimchiropractic.com for more information and to schedule a consultation. Our licensed and certified staff is happy to help the residents of Boise, ID,Nampa, ID, and Caldwell, ID, take the first step on the road to recovery.