Fall Raking Season – Avoid Lower Back Injury With the recent passing of the Autumn Equinox, it means that leaves will begin collecting on the ground.  “At this time of year we see quite a few patients arriving to Mind Body Spine with low back pain, neck pain and shoulder injuries from raking leaves and the fall clean up,” says  Victoria, BC Chiropractor Dr. Stephanie Louie .  It is important to practice good habits the will keep the body injury free while maintaining the yard and getting it ready for winter.  Below are 5 tips to making sure that you will avoid hurting yourself during the fall raking season. Warm Up  – As a general rule of thumb, warming up the body before any type of activity is a good way to try to keep safe. Get the heart rate pumping and muscles warm for at least 5 – 10 minutes before starting the activity.  If you have a wobble chair, this will help warm up the muscles, ligaments and discs and is an ideal way to warm up the body....

Sitting on the job? Make time to stretch! Stretching can do much more than feel good and improve your flexibility – it can also improve your posture. You probably stretch countless times a day without even realizing it. Stretching is the body’s way of subconsciously easing discomfort and tension while increasing blood flow. Fortunately, there are ways to stretch strategically to improve things that need improving – especially your  poor posture . What Is Poor Posture? Does it feel like you’re always slouching or hunching? Is your back starting to arch without you even trying? Your posture may need some improvement. “Posture” refers to the position in which a person holds their body while standing or sitting. “Poor posture” is posture that results when certain muscle groups do more work than they were designed for, without a person realizing it. These muscles become strained, so they tighten or shorten up. When this happens, some muscles get overused, and some muscles get underused,...

Practical tips to keep your back and neck pain-free while travelling.  At Mind Body Spine Chiropractic in Victoria, BC, we understand how travel can strain your spine. Whether you’re preparing for a relaxing vacation or an important business trip, long flights, heavy luggage, and unfamiliar sleeping arrangements can all take a toll on your back and neck. These challenges can become even more significant for those prone to pain or discomfort.  But imagine arriving at your destination refreshed and ready to explore rather than battling aches and discomfort. Pain-free travel is not only possible but essential for sustaining mobility and maximizing enjoyment throughout your journey.  This guide offers practical tips for keeping your back and neck in check, empowering you to travel comfortably and without pain. You, too, can experience the freedom of movement and vitality that makes every moment of your trip a pleasure. Key Takeaways Pack Smart : Avoid heavy luggage and opt f...