Computer Chair Tips from Dr. Eric

Computer Chair Tips
Adjustable Chair

1. Adjust the Chair Height
Start with your seat at the highest setting and then adjust downward until your legs and feet feel comfortable, and the back of your knees is at an open angle (90 degrees or slightly greater, and not compressed).

2. Sit Back in the Chair
Adjust the height and/or depth of the lumbar support to provide comfortable lower back support.

3 . Adjust the Recline
If the chair has a recline lock, set this at a comfortable position. Remember to unlock this periodically; this will allow the backrest to move with your back as you change posture. It's generally better to be slightly reclined, as this helps relieve tension from your lower back. If the chair allows you to, adjust the recline tension as you move back and forth so that the chair provides consistent support.

4. Adjust the Seat Pan
When sitting back, make any adjustments to the seat pan (e.g., seat pan tilt) to reach a comfortable position. The seat pan should extend about an inch on both sides of your legs, and should not apply pressure to the back of your knees.

5. Adjust the Armrest
If possible, adjust the height, width, and position of your armrests to one most comfortable for how you work. Keep in mind that armrests will be used only between typing sessions, not while typing or using your mouse. Consider lowering or swinging the armrests out of the way when not in use so as to not inhibit your movement.

6. Clear Obstacles
Make sure that the chair's casters (wheels) move smoothly, and that nothing obstructs your ability to position the chair in front of your desk and computer.

Non-Adjustable Chair
If you don't have an adjustable chair, consider purchasing one. It's a wise investment because it's such a crucial element in creating an ergonomically correct workspace.

If you have any further questions on work station ergonimics, please contact my office for a consultation and assessment.

Dr. Eric
Your trusted Santa Monica Chiropractor
310-993-8482
www.drericnepo.com

Spinal mis-alignments and Back Pain

Spinal mis-alignments, otherwise known as subluxations can cause back pain, neck pain and a variety of other problems. When the vertebrae are out-of-alignment they not only cause pain but also affect how the nerves that come out of the spine work. A pinched or irritated nerve can cause muscle pain and dysfunction and it may also affect how the organs and tissues that particular nerve supplies work.

In recent studies, pinched nerves in the neck were shown to increase blood pressure.

If you are suffering from back pain, neck pain, or you want to be pro-active in your health, call my office for a spinal check up.


Common signs that you might have a subluxation are:

* headaches
* neck/back pain
* shoulder pain
* numbness and/or tingling down the arms and fingers or your feet
* restricted range of motion
* tension in your muscles
* neck pain or discomfort coupled with increase blood pressure


Dr. Eric
www.drericnepo.com
310-993-8482
2116 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 208
Santa Monica, CA 90403

Back pain, chest pain and your ribs

Subluxation: a joint that is either out of it's normal alignment, restricted in motion or both, which may lead to pain and reduced overall joint and body health.

A subluxated rib is often responsible for a multitude of symptoms such as back pain, chest pain, and pain when taking a breath.
Often patients may feel like they are having a heart attack if the subluxated rib is on the upper left side. The pain is usually described as a sharp shooting pain that increases when taking a deep breath, and may radiate (travel) to the side or front of the thorax.
The reason for this is that the ribs attach to the vertebra in the back and wrap around your thorax attaching either directly to the sternum or indirectly to the sternum via the cartilage. On the inside of each rib there is a nerve called the intercostal nerve that travels along with the rib. A subluxated rib usually causes this nerve to get "pinched" and become inflamed and painful.

Muscle spasms can occur due to pain in the area around the subluxated rib.

How do we treat it? Usually a chiropractic adjustment is the treatment of choice. The chiropractic adjustment gets the rib back in proper alignment, usually significantly reducing the pain.

If you are suffering form back pain, maybe you have a subluxated rib. Call today for consultation and treatment 310-993-8482.

For more info on chiropractic care, visit my my website.

Best!

Dr. Eric

Rock-Climbing Injuries

One of the things I enjoy the most is exercising, but not necessarily lifting weights. I find rock-climbing a great way to have fun, and stay strong in a functional manner. Being around rock-climbers I've treated a lot of climbers, and here is list of the most common injuries I've treated:
1. Shoulder pain - rotator cuff tears, acromio-clavicular sprains.
2. Neck pain - muscular sprain/strains, pinched nerves.
3. Hand and wrist pain - tendonitis in fingers.
4. Elbow pain - tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfers elbow (medial epicondylitis)
5. Low back pain - sprain/strains, sciatica

Most of these injuries can be treated by conservative chiropractic care, utilizing treatment protocols including chiropractic manipulation, myofascial release, neuro-muscular re-education, therapeutic ultrasound and electrical muscle stimulation.

It you have any questions on rock-climbing injuries, or sport injuries don't hesitate to call me. I may be able to help.

If you are interested in learning to rock-climb in Los Angeles or are looking for a great indoor rock-climbing facility, check out on of my favorite gyms, ROCKREATION in West L.A.