Feeling that familiar twinge in your lower back? The stiffness in your shoulders and that ache that seems like an eternal friend as you settle into your car seat? If this sounds like you, you’re not alone in this journey. For many of us, commuting regularly to our workplaces is a pain in itself. Those long hours with no ergonomic support do nothing but elevate your pain and make you desperate for a solution. Before you tell yourself that there is no way out of this discomfort, let us tell you that there is. A few ergonomic changes here and there in your car can not only help you say goodbye to your aches but also make your rides more comfortable and easier. 

Think about it—most car seats are made using the general body type as a metric. Hence, they lack the specific comfort that your unique posture needs. This misadjustment can lead to you experiencing poor spinal alignment, added pressure on sensitive regions, and finally, a horrible backache. Investing in ergonomic accessories is almost like giving your car seat a personalized upgrade and tailoring it to your requirements while promoting a healthier driving posture. 

If you’re confused about what ergonomic means, it refers to the design and arrangement of things to reduce strain and discomfort on the human body. It concerns establishing a cozy and effective workspace or living space that minimizes the chance of injury and improves productivity.

In application, ergonomic design takes into account aspects such as alignment and positioning of the body, motion and workflow, lighting and climate, design of seating and furniture, and design of tools and equipment. Ergonomics aims to design an environment or system that aligns with the human body, minimizing fatigue, discomfort, and the potential for injury. This can be used in different environments, such as workplaces, residences, and public areas.

What Ergonomic Accessories Should I Get to Relieve My Back Pain?

1. Lumbar Support Pillow: If you had to choose one accessory designed for back pain relief in cars, it is the lumbar support pillow. Our lower region of the back has a naturally inward curve, which is essential for maintaining the right spinal alignment. However, plenty of cars manage to flatten or protrude outward in this region, making your spine stay in an unnatural and strained position. This inability to support applies added pressure on your spinal discs, ligaments, and muscles, resulting in discomfort and severe pain over a duration of time.

Choosing the right lumbar support pillow necessitates checking the boxes of shape and size, material, and adjustability. Fix the lumbar pillow in the small region of your back, and let it fill the gap between your lower spine and the seat. This allows you to feel a gentle support, which helps you regain your normal posture. 

2. A Seat Wedge or Cushion: The angle at which you decide to sit has the potential to affect your spinal cord and pelvis. Several car seats possess a slightly reclined or flat base, causing your pelvis to bend backward. This posterior pelvic bend may further result in pain in the lower back region and excessive strain. When you decide to use a seat wedge or cushion, it helps you experience a soft forward tilt of your pelvis. This might seem like a small change, but it can impact your posture significantly, allowing for a more natural spinal alignment and decreasing pressure on your lower back, hips, and tailbone. 

You may choose a wedge, combination or full seat cushion depending on your needs. It is important to choose a cushion that does not elevate you to compromise your head clearance or visibility. Make sure to place it in a way that your hips are slightly higher than your knees when seated. 

3. Steering Wheel Cover: While this may seem less connected to backache, a good steering wheel cover can heavily impact your overall driving comfort, therefore reducing the strain in your lower back. When you hold the steering wheel for an extended duration, you may feel tension building up in the regions of your hands, wrists, forearms, and shoulders. This may further contribute to discomfort in the lower back or upper back. An ergonomic steering wheel cover is designed keeping in mind the strain required to hold the wheel. Pick a cover made of comfortable, non-slip materials with enough padding and ergonomic contours. 

While these ergonomic car accessories may seem helpful, they are better when accompanied by good driving habits. Be sure to maintain a good driving posture and take regular stops to move around and stretch often, specifically on longer routes. Adjust your mirror and seat to make sure that you achieve the best visibility and a comfortable reach to the pedals and steering wheel. If you’re still facing lower backache or difficulties in posture, book an appointment with us today to unlock a healthier version of yourself. 

A condition causing excruciating pain similar to an electric shock on one part of the face is known as trigeminal neuralgia. In this, the trigeminal nerve gets affected and fails to perform its function of carrying signals from the face to the brain. It affects your normal functioning so much so that a task like brushing your teeth or putting on makeup could trigger a jolt of pain. This condition is long-lasting and chronic. However, it can be managed with proper treatment. 

Those suffering from trigeminal neuralgia may primarily feel like short, mild episodes of pain. As the condition worsens, they experience longer periods of pain occurring more than usual. Women and individuals over the age of 50 are more likely to develop this condition. 

What Are The Symptoms of Trigeminal Neuralgia? 

The symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia might consist of one or several of these patterns:

• Severe shooting or stabbing pain resembling an electric shock.
• Sudden pain triggered by touching the face, chewing, talking, or cleaning teeth.
• Pain lasts from seconds to minutes.
• Pain accompanied by facial spasms.
• Persistent pain lasting days, weeks, months, or longer.
• Periods of pain-free intervals.
• Sensitivity in the cheek, jaw, teeth, gums, lips, eye, or forehead.
• Pain confined to one side of the face.
• Pain is focused in a single area or widespread.
• Pain rarely occurs during sleep.
• Increasing frequency and intensity of pain over time.

What Are The Causes Of Trigeminal Neuralgia? 

Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for carrying sensation from the face to the brain. The exact cause is usually not known, but multiple factors can cause its development:

1. Compression of the trigeminal nerve: Blood vessels or tumors can compress the nerve, leading to the pain signals being sent to the brain.
2. Damage to the nerve: Injury, surgery, or infection can cause problems to the trigeminal nerve, leading to neuralgia.
3. Multiple sclerosis: This autoimmune disease can damage the protective covering of the nerves, consisting of the trigeminal nerve as well.
4. Arteriovenous malformation (AVM): AVMs are abnormal links between arteries and veins that may compress the trigeminal nerve.
5. Tumors: Tumors in the brain or face have the potential to compress or damage the trigeminal nerve.
6. Aging: Trigeminal neuralgia is more likely to occur in older adults, indicating that age-related deterioration of the nerve may contribute to its development.
7. Genetic predisposition: Some people may be more prone to developing trigeminal neuralgia because of their genetic makeup.

How is Trigeminal Neuralgia Diagnosed and Treated? 

A healthcare professional may diagnose trigeminal neuralgia depending on your description of pain, which includes the type, site of pain, and triggers such as eating or talking. They may further ask for tests to understand the cause of the condition. Those tests may include a neurological exam, reflex tests, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These tests may even help in ruling out other potential conditions. 

Trigeminal neuralgia is treated with a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, surgery. Medications commonly used include anticonvulsants, pain relievers, and muscle relaxants. Lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding known triggers, managing stress, and getting adequate rest, can also help manage symptoms. When these approaches are insufficient, surgical options like microvascular decompression, Gamma Knife radiosurgery, or radiofrequency ablation may be considered to relieve pressure on the trigeminal nerve and reduce pain.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia, consult a healthcare professional today. 

Still blaming your body for having a consistent back ache? Not anymore. We bet you didn’t think that changing your mattress could heavily impact the way you live your life. Your posture could change and you could experience a life without your back hindering your choices. Sounds easy, right? With this one simple shift, you could easily balance your support and comfort to maintain your spinal alignment. 

Finding the right fit in a mattress might be difficult. That is why we bring you to the doctor’s recommendation for navigating this journey of picking your mattress friend. There are several factors that may influence the perfect choice of mattress such as:

• Your body weight
• The position in which you sleep
• Your personal preferences 
• Your budget 

If you ask us, we recommend these top mattress types to say goodbye to your back pain.

1. Memory Foam: The good thing about the memory foam mattress is that it sticks to your body, relieves your pressure points and supports spinal alignment.
Great for: Those who sleep on their side and those needing additional contouring.
Brands to look out for: Tempur-Pedic, Nectar, Saatva Loom & Leaf. 

2. Hybrid (Innerspring with Foam or Latex): In this mattress, you shall find the support of the coils with the comfort of foam or latex.
Great for: Those who like a firmer surface and combination sleepers. 
Brands to look out for: Saatva, Helix, DreamCloud. 

3. Latex Mattresses: If you’re looking for durability and strong support to your back, along with a firm surface which is also responsive, a latex mattress is what you must choose.
Great for: Those that sleep on their back or stomach and seek firm support in those areas. 
Brands to look out for: Avocado Green, PlushBeds, Spindle.

4. Medium-Firm Mattresses: These mattresses are proven to be the most effective to reduce pain in your back and enhance the quality of your sleep. 
What Are The Features to Look Out For in Selecting The Ideal Mattress? 

Pick the mattress that has the following features:

• Zoned Support: Mattresses with zoned support provide varying levels of firmness, delivering improved support for the lower back and softer padding for the shoulders and hips. 
• Pressure Relief: Uniform weight distribution is essential to reduce tension areas. 
• Motion Isolation: This characteristic is advantageous for couples, as it minimizes movement disruptions. 
• Temperature Control: Cooling elements are especially beneficial for those who suffer from night sweating. 

What Mattress to Choose Based on Your Sleeping Position? 

These mattresses are categorized based on their firmness and softness: 

If you are a back sleeper, you need to get a medium to medium-firm mattress.
If you are a side sleeper, you need to get a medium-soft to medium mattress.
If you are a stomach sleeper, you need to get a firm mattress. 

What are the Mattresses that Cool The Fastest? 

Summer’s coming and you need to find a mattress that cools easily to make your life easy. Here are four mattresses that cool quickly without breaking a sweat (Pun intended!) 

• Innerspring/Hybrid Mattresses:

The coil structure facilitates optimal airflow, making these mattresses highly breathable.
Brands to look out for: Saatva Classic, Helix Midnight Luxe, and WinkBed.

• Latex Mattresses:

Latex is naturally breathable and does not retain heat like memory foam.
Brands to look out for: Avocado Green, PlushBeds, and Birch.

• Gel-Infused Memory Foam:

Infusion with gel beads or copper enhances heat dissipation.
Brands to look out for: GhostBed, Nectar Premier Copper, and Cocoon Chill.

• Mattresses with Phase Change Material (PCM):

PCM actively regulates temperature by absorbing and releasing heat.
Brands to look out for: Tempur-Pedic PRObreeze, and Brooklyn Bedding Aurora utilize this technology.

What Do I Choose- Memory Foam or Latex Mattress? 

The determining factor between the two is your personal preferences. If you prefer superior contouring, pressure relief and motion isolation, you must choose memory foam. If you need durability, eco-friendliness and a naturally cooler sleep surface, you must choose Latex. 

With these in mind, you could find your perfect mattress and bid your back ache goodbye! 

Are you one of those people suffering from the hunchback syndrome? Have difficulty working from home for longer hours? Can’t seem to shake the pain in your back despite numerous attempts? If your answer is yes, then this blog is for you. 

During the time of COVID-19, organizations found a way to keep productivity going without the dangers of coming to the office. Because of this, all the employees found a way to complete their work tasks efficiently without traveling to the house. As an advantage, businesses turned virtual, and people got more tech-savvy and found ways to boost their productivity despite not being in their office workspaces, which has continued post-pandemic as well. 

Since 2019, I’ve dealt with several patients that complain of a backache due to working at home. They say that they experience stiffness and pain in their backs as they work from home. My answer to them is my answer to your problems too. 

I understand the feeling all too well. Working from home might feel great. You don’t have to dress for work, don’t have to travel, and can set the room temperature to your liking too. But as much as there is an advantage to working from home, there is a major downside too. Several people choose to work from their sofa instead of their desk at work, which may adversely impact your neck and back, leading to pain. 

To evaluate why you’re experiencing the pain you are, ask yourself these four questions:

1. How much lumbar support does my chair offer me?
2. What is the height of my chair in relation to my desk?
3. What is the position of my computer and monitors on my desk?
4. How often do I take breaks after sitting? 

These factors, in addition to others, can cause back and neck pain when you work from home.

The Million Dollar Question: How Do I Prevent Back Pain When I Work from Home? 

I suggest two methods to mitigate the pain in your back. 

Suggestion 1: Keep Moving and Take Breaks from your Chair. 

Despite having an ergonomic home office, you may face difficulty working in one place without any breaks. This problem is a common one for those working outside their cubicles. My advice to you is to keep walking every 20 to 30 minutes, even if that means stretching and letting the body get some movement. Many people sit through meetings and work endlessly for hours, leading to stiffness and chronic pain. Even if it interrupts your work, make sure to take a walk to the kitchen or take a stroll in your house. Find ways to be more active. 

Suggestion 2: Get an Ergonomic Chair

Your sofa, armchair, and bed might be perfect for rewinding but aren’t for spending hours with a curved back over your computer. Investing in an ergonomic chair helps you get better posture and avoid having a hunched back. Your chair shouldn’t be simply moving up and down but forward and back too. The most important thing when you’re in a chair is lumbar support. Your chair should be able to support your lower back and be at a height that lets your feet rest on the floor. 

With these suggestions, you can mitigate your pain and feel better gradually. To experience better overall health, you may also rely on pillows, supportive shoes, and exercise. If the pain continues for a longer duration, schedule an appointment today with us to find relief. 

Back pain can feel debilitating—most women suffer from extreme back pain due to factors involving biological, hormonal, and lifestyle. 

Women have a different pelvic structure and spinal curvature, which may lead to back pain. Moreover, their pelvic muscles may lead to bad posture and misalignment. The hormonal shifts during menstruation, pregnancy and menopause may further lead to added insensitivity to pain and make the back more prone to discomfort. When women get pregnant, carrying a baby puts extra weight on their back, causing extreme discomfort. Women also have less bone mass as compared to men. Additionally, several other lifestyle changes can lead to women being more prone to backaches than men. 

There are plenty of natural and effective pain-relieving strategies for extreme back pain which include:

1. Make Anti Inflammatory Drinks your Everyday Beverage. 

By choosing to consume anti-inflammatory foods and drinks every day, you can reduce anti-inflammatory reactions in your body in the long run. By this action, several antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer agents develop in your bloodstream, relieving you of your chronic back pain. You may pick an anti-inflammatory drink from the options below or make one of your own. 

• Turmeric Milk: Turmeric or Haldi, has antioxidant, anti-arthritic, and anti-inflammatory properties. You could simply add turmeric in a small quantity, preferably half a teaspoon, to a glass of warm milk. For sweetening, you may mix honey or stevia into the milk. You may drink this milk before bedtime to let the antioxidant properties work in your sleep. However, it is important to note that some people may experience inflammation due to consuming milk regularly. For them, plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk may be advised. 
• Tart Cherry Juice: Cherries are high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Cherries, when juiced, can assist in managing pain in the muscles, whether chronic or induced by exercise. Cherry juice is available in supermarkets and stores and usually has tart cherry extract in them. Consume a glass of cherry juice regularly to witness its positive effects. 
• Ginger-Green tea: You may also rely on drinking infused-herbal drinks, such as ginger-green tea consisting of the goodness of both ginger and green tea. You may either grate some ginger in your cup of green tea or choose to purchase tea bags present in supermarkets or grocery stores. Either way, this drink can be enjoyed at work or at home. If consumed regularly, it can help in reducing inflammation and prevent any further inflammatory pain in your body. 

2. Sleep Early, Sleep More.

Sleep plays an important role in relieving chronic back pain. If you sleep well during the night, your back pain is proven to feel less problematic during the day. Getting a good night’s sleep translates to healing, as it can provide you with the feeling of refreshment and rejuvenation with reduced stress levels. You may rely on natural supplements such as Vitamin C and Vitamin B6, Melatonin, L-theanine and Valerian to have a good night’s sleep.

3. Move More Often. 

The longer you sit, the worse it gets. You must take short breaks and move around if you excessively sit for long hours at once. You can prevent pain in your joints, muscles, spine, and hip by taking small steps every day (quite literally) and checking to ensure that your posture is right and it supports your neck, shoulder, and back alignment. You may also stretch your joints and soft tissues by exercising regularly and finding ways to keep yourself active. 

Speak to your doctor about your pain and if they agree, consider taking a Vitamin D3 supplement as it helps in the functioning of the bone, neuromuscular and immune systems. This can help you reduce back pain as it helps you absorb the calcium in your body and enhances bone strength. Searching for the right treatment can be difficult as it involves a trial-and-error method to find what makes you feel better. It is important to be patient and kind to yourself in the process of relieving back pain. With the guidance of a healthcare professional, you can decide on an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. Book an appointment today to discuss pain-relieving strategies that work best for you.

The most common consequences that can occur after a stroke with the potential to damage the overall quality of your life are cognitive impairment and memory loss. This would mean a disruption or disturbance in the way your brain functions, comprehends, organizes, and stores information. The ability to solve problems is also affected in individuals who have suffered right brain stroke. This impairment may make it difficult for the affected individual to maintain a job, function independently, have interpersonal and social relationships, and even drive a vehicle. 

The common cognitive issues may consist of: 

• Difficulties in maintaining focus or attention
• Lapses in memory
• Disorientation
• Challenges in processing information effectively, 
• Struggles with responding to inquiries and organizing thoughts
• Engaging in discussions
• Recalling significant details, comprehending one’s surroundings, reasoning, or making decisions.

Why Do I Have Cognitive Problems After a Stroke? 

Issues with memory and thinking are extremely common post-stroke. Your brain is the central part dealing with comprehension, organization and storage of information. This aspect of the brain is known as cognition. Different parts of the brain work in different ways to provide for cognitive functions such as thinking and memory. Therefore, when one of those parts is damaged by a stroke, it may lead to cognitive problems. 

How are Cognitive Problems Diagnosed After a Stroke? 

If you’re in a hospital, dealing with assessment is much easier as compared to not. However, some issues are easily identifiable, whereas others may not be so noticeable even after you get discharged and return home. Several healthcare professionals recommend that affected individuals get assessed regularly after their discharge to make sure there is no cognitive impairment.

To find the issue, cognitive assessments are performed. This may be done by a doctor, an occupational therapist, and in some cases, a psychologist as well. The procedure includes them asking you questions, which may make you feel like you’re taking an exam even when you’re not. The results help determine the findings that can be further explained to you. 

What Are the Types of Cognitive Problems After a Stroke? 

There is a spectrum of cognitive issues that affected individuals may experience. It is important to explore each aspect, along with its diagnostic criteria and treatment options. They include:

• Concentration difficulties
• Memory impairments
• Challenges in planning and problem-solving (executive function)
• Inability to notice stimuli on one side (spatial neglect)
• Difficulties in movement or body control (apraxia)
• Issues with movement regulation and spatial navigation (visual perception)
• Confusion and lack of awareness (anosognosia)
• Difficulty in recognizing objects or people (agnosia)

Experiencing cognitive difficulties does not necessarily point toward the presence of dementia. Many individuals have concerns regarding this, yet it is important to note that dementia usually progresses over time, whereas cognitive challenges after a stroke often show improvement. Read more about vascular dementia. 

How to Treat Cognitive Issues After a Stroke? 

Cognitive problems poststroke can heavily impact an individual’s regular functioning, affecting memory, attention, problem-solving skills, and overall cognitive function. However, there are several treatment plans available to assist in managing these problems and improve the overall quality of life.

One of the primary approaches is cognitive rehabilitation therapy. This means working with a trained therapist who helps the patients regain cognitive skills through structured exercises and activities. The therapy is personalized to the individual’s specific needs and may focus on improving memory, attention, or executive functions. Techniques such as memory aids, strategy training, and problem-solving exercises are often used.

Another important part of treatment is occupational therapy. Occupational therapists help individuals adapt to their cognitive limitations by teaching them strategies to complete daily tasks more effectively. This may involve the use of assistive devices, curating routines, and modifying environments to help tasks get easier.

In addition to that, speech and language therapy can be beneficial, especially if communication is affected. Speech therapists can work on language skills, comprehension, and social communication, which can help enhance overall cognitive functioning.

Medication may also be considered in some cases. While there are no specific drugs for cognitive impairment post-stroke, certain medications can help manage symptoms or underlying conditions, such as depression or anxiety, which can increase cognitive issues.

Finally, support groups and counseling can provide emotional support for both patients and their families. Connecting with others experiencing similar challenges can be incredibly helpful for coping and recovery.

All in all, dealing with cognitive problems can be difficult. With the right support and healthcare assistance, you can easily minimize the problems and return to normalcy. For more queries and personalized healthcare assistance, book an appointment today.