Does Sitting Up Straight Hurt Your Back?

Many people hear their mom or teacher say those famous words, "Sit up straight and stop slouching." Sitting up straight does improve your posture; however, maintaining good posture requires strong abdominal muscles and back strength.  These core muscles help with keeping your spine aligned.  If they are weak, it will cause poor posture and pain when trying to sit up straight.  Here are a few things that happen to your body when you slouch:

• Pelvis tilts backwards --- tightens hamstrings
• Upper back rounds --- over stretches muscles
• Shoulder roll forward --- shortens chest muscles
• Chin juts forward, shortening the back of the neck --- limits the ability to take deep breaths

Stretching the tight muscles and strengthening the weak muscles help to prevent slouching and back pain.

Need extra help to stretch and strengthen your back muscles?  Come by Dr. Harper's office to learn the most effective techniques. Schedule an appointment today!

Slouching effects even the Hollywood crowd. Take a look at the picture to the left of music performer, Justin Bieber caught in the act!

Do Doctors Recommend Firm or Soft Mattresses?

I am often asked by my patients how often they should reverse or purchase a new mattress.  The answer is not as cut-and-dry as one might think.  However, this is my take on the perverbial mattress debate.  Mattresses should be reversed every 3 to 6 months.  A mattress should be replaced every 5 to 7 years.  There are many different types of mattresses with variant price tags to accompany them.  Doctors try to fit the mattress with the patient and their condition.  This can be a tough question to answer because of the patients' different body shapes, ages, and support needs.  There's no "one-size-fits-all" mattress.  However, a mattress that is too firm or too soft can exacerbate lower back pain. A sound option would be to purchase a mid-range mattress.

There are a variety of mattress manufacturers, so do your homework!  Similarly to buying a car, you need to research, ask questions, and test various ones to determine the right fit for you.  Lying on them at the store is a great way to see which one is the most comfortable.  Also, be sure to consider a mattress top and properly fitting pillows to enhance your well deserved rest!

If you've been experiencing back pain because of your mattress and are looking for chiropractic care, schedule an appointment with Dr. Harper today! He would be more than happy to make a mattress recommendation.

Drink Water

(A Public Service Announcement) More than 75% of all Americans are chronically dehydrated.  In 37% of Americans, the thirst mechanism is so weak that it is typically mistaken for hunger.  Even mild dehydration slows down one's metabolism as much as 3%.  Lack of water is the leading trigger of daytime fatigue.  A mere 2% decrease in one's body water level can provoke fuzzy, short-term memory.  Research indicates that just 8 to 10 glasses of water can ease joint pain for 80% of sufferers.  So how important do you think it is?

Consult with Dr. Harper about the benefits of adding water to your daily diet!

In Honor of Black History Month:

A few facts for you to think about.  Did you know....

• Mae Jemison was the first African American woman to travel in space in August of 1988
• She was the 5th black astronaut
• Willie Thrower was the first black quarterback in the NFL
• He played for the Chicago Bears in 1953
• James Derham was the first African American to formally practice medicine in the United States
• In 1783, without a M.D. degree. He was known for saving more yellow fever victims than any other physician in colonial Philadelphia.
• Vanessa Williams was the first black Ms. America
• In 1984
• Count Basie & Ella Fitzgerald were the first African American Grammy winners
• Both won in 1958
• Autherine Lucy was the first African American to be enrolled at the University of Alabama



Autherine Lucy

• Accepted in 1952, but denied when her race was discovered.  After a 3 year battle in court, she was re-admitted in 1956.  She moved to Texas when she married divinity student, Hugh Lawrence Foster. He had attended Miles College. They eventually returned to Alabama when he became the pastor of New Zion Baptist church in the city that Dr. Harper currently practices in, Bessemer, Alabama. 
• Bessie Coleman was the first licensed African American pilot in the world on June 15, 1921
• Received her aviation instruction in France, as she couldn't be admitted in the U.S. because of her sex and race.
• The first black Billionaire was Robert Johnson in 2001, owner Black Entertainment Television
• The second was Oprah Winfrey in 2003

The Chiropractic Approach Toward Obesity

The chiropractic advantage is a welcome approach in the fight against obesity. We as chiropractors, provide beneficial services to patients who struggle with obesity. Patients may initially come to us because of lower back pain brought on by their additional weight. The extra weight that people carry can also affect their knees and hip joints. A 10 pound weight gain can have an impact on your balance and alignment. As these patients come into the office, the chiropractor will have the opportunity to assist them in making better lifestyle choices that will result in achieving overall health. The unique advantage is that the chiropractor can monitor their patients increased physical activity, reduce musculoskeletal (muscle and joint) pain that may occur, make any adjustments to their specific weight loss plan, address concerns, and offer helpful words of encouragement to stay on course.

Dr. Harper is eager to offer his expert advice in order to aid you in achieving your weight loss goals. Call (205) 425-5428 today!