Almost everyone deals with pain at some point. When it sticks around — lasting more than about twelve weeks — we call it chronic pain, and it affects a remarkable number of adults across the country. There are many ways to manage it, but one option people often overlook is chiropractic care. As the founder of Zock Family Chiropractic here in Cranberry Township, I've spent years watching this kind of care give people real relief, so let's take a closer look at how it works and whether it might help you.

Have you ever stepped outside into the chilly morning air and feel your body immediately stiffen? This involuntary reaction is completely normal. And maybe an insight as to why your back may hurt on a cold winter day. Vasoconstriction is the process of narrowing blood vessels in your extremities. This is done so that any extra blood can be diverted to more vital areas such as your brain, heart, and lungs. When the temperature drops, the body begins this process as a means to protect (and keep warm) your most vital organs. And while vasoconstriction is a preemptive measure, it means that your muscles, tendons, and ligaments have less blood. And as a result, they become stiff.

For office workers, sitting at a desk all day can lead to severe health problems. That's why it's so important to ensure good posture while working. Here are some tips on how to improve your posture and stay healthy. First, make sure your chair is at the right height. Your feet should be flat on the ground, and your thighs should be parallel to the floor. If your chair is too high or too low, it can put a strain on your back and neck. Second, keep your shoulders back and down. Slouching forward will put pressure on your back and neck, and it makes you look less confident. Third, pay attention to your monitor. Ensure it's at eye level so you're not straining your neck to look up or down. Finally, take breaks often. Get up and walk around for a few minutes every hour to stretch your legs and give your body a break from sitting in the same position.

You need to have your computer monitor(s) placed so that you can keep your back straight and head at a comfortable viewing angle.  Your eyes should be looking at the top of the monitor 18 to 24 inches away from your head.  If you are older and are wearing bi-focal lenses you might want to get computer glasses. This way your head is not tilted at an unnatural angle. Ensure your hands rest comfortably on the desk, so you are not putting stress on your wrist. Make sure your back is supported by the chair and your feet should be on the floor.  You can see in the image below that we used two weeks ago for the height-adjustable desk the proper positioning.  Try to create 90-degree angles at the waist and knees.