Summertime is fun time - swimming, surfing, beach volleyball, beach barbecues, and lots of sunshine!
We want to be sure to enjoy ourselves all summer long and not be slowed down by the speed-bumps of sunburn, muscle aches and pains, and back strain. There's plenty we can do for prevention and to make sure we continue to have fun for the whole summer and beyond!
Sunburn first. This is now a real problem for almost everyone. More harmful ultraviolet radiation is reaching the surface of the planet, and that means it's reaching us! When we were kids we could get away without putting on sunscreen. Now we really need protection - for kids as well as adults.
Everyone needs to use a sunscreen. These products are rated by the amount of sun protection factor they offer - the SPF. Generally, sunburn can be avoided by using a product with an SPF of 15. Infants and children should be protected with an SPF of 30. Babies younger than six months of age should be kept out of the sun.
Both sweat and water reduce SPF protection. So if you've been in the ocean or the pool or have worked up a sweat playing volleyball or Frisbee, reapply your sunscreen right away. If you're fair-skinned or have a receding hairline, wear a hat. Protecting your lips is important too - lip balms are available with an SPF of 30.
The right kind of sunglasses is important - not all sunglasses are created equally. For proper protection, choose sunglasses that offer ultraviolet (UV) protection - helping to avoid cataracts and other eye diseases. Protection should block 99% of UVB and 95% of UVA radiation.
Getting ready for exercise is next on our summer-fun agenda. Swimming, surfing, and volleyball all require a good amount of flexibility. It's a bad idea to jump in the ocean after having spent the last six months sitting on your couch playing "Grand Theft Auto" or "World of Warcraft". The first big wave may knock you over and sprain your back!
Getting ready is important. Begin by doing daily gentle stretches for your major leg muscles - the hamstrings, quads, and calves. Stretching these big muscle groups reflexively relaxes and lengthens the muscles of your lower back.
Also, start doing abdominal exercises - leg lifts for the lower abs and crunches for the middle and upper abs. Strong abdominal muscles translates into support for your lower back.
Learning how to do a set of core exercises is very valuable. These exercises specifically strengthen the inner wall of your abdominals and lower back, resulting in more strength, more flexibility, and better balance. The only equipment required is an exercise mat.
Your chiropractor will be glad to provide information, guidance, and recommendations for a range of exercises and stretches that will help keep you healthy all summer long and beyond!
1Holick MF: Sunlight, UV-radiation, vitamin D and skin cancer. How much sunlight do we need? Adv Exp Med Biol 624:1-15, 2008
2Moehrle M: Outdoor sports and skin cancer. Clin Dermatol 26(1):12-15, 2008
3Urquhart DM, et al: Abdominal muscle recruitment during a range of voluntary exercises. Man Ther 10(2):144-153, 2005
Surf City
Spinal Decompression from Our Chiropractor near You in Winter Park, FL
If you have back or neck pain, the conditions can reduce your range of motion and prevent you from participating in your favorite activities. At Lions Chiropractic & Injury in Winter Park, FL, we offer various treatments, including spinal decompression, to reduce your discomfort and improve your overall health. Before you schedule your appointment, keep reading to learn more about this treatment!
How Spinal Decompression Works
This therapy involves the use of a specialized decompression table that applies controlled traction to the spine. The gentle stretching reduces pressure on spinal discs, allowing bulging or herniated discs to retract. This process also increases blood flow and nutrient exchange, which supports the body’s natural healing response.
Conditions That Benefit from Spinal Decompression
Spinal decompression is commonly used to treat a variety of conditions affecting the back and neck. Many patients find relief from chronic pain and mobility issues caused by pressure on the spine. Common conditions that respond well to this treatment include:
- Herniated or Bulging Discs – Reducing pressure on the discs helps them return to their normal position.
- Sciatica – Relieving nerve compression can ease pain that radiates down the legs.
- Degenerative Disc Disease – Creating space between the vertebrae can slow disc deterioration.
- Chronic Back or Neck Pain – Stretching the spine alleviates tension and improves flexibility.
What to Expect During Treatment
A session typically lasts between 15 and 30 minutes. Patients lie on a motorized table while our chiropractor adjusts the traction to target specific areas of the spine. The treatment is gentle and relaxing, with most patients experiencing little to no discomfort. Several sessions may be needed to achieve lasting relief and maintain spinal health.
Contact Lions Chiropractic & Injury for an Appointment Today
If you’re considering spinal decompression, contact Lions Chiropractic & Injury in Winter Park, FL, at (407) 951-5500 today. Our team is ready to answer any questions you have and assist with scheduling your appointment. When you need a trusted chiropractor near you, our team is here to help!
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2221 Lee Rd #20
Winter Park, FL 32789
