Social Distancing and The Lockdown
How are you coping with the lockdown, the homeschooling, the working from home, and the uncertainties with COVID-19? Are you sleeping well? Stressed and turning to alcohol? Hunched over your computer and suffering from headaches and lower back pain? Is everything just getting a little too much for you?
The truth is viruses are here to stay. An external influence that will remain constant and despite mitigation around social distancing, possibly a vaccine in the near future and testing made available, these are issues that are beyond our control. How we tackle the stress falls back onto us as individuals. This blog looks at things that we can take personal control over and give it our best shot! It is time for you to pivot into rethinking your health, namely strengthening your immune system and overall health by getting to the root of what is causing you pain.
Pain be it neck pain or back, sciatica or shooting pain down your legs, are the majority of the time related to one thing and one thing only……your spine. This is where your central nervous system sits, and where everything connects with your brain that governs your bodies, function. If you are in pain, it is really important to address pain by getting to the root cause of the problem.
The FACTS on Your Health
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), regular physical activity benefits both the body and mind. It can reduce high blood pressure, help manage weight and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and various cancers. It improves bone and muscle strength and increases balance, flexibility and fitness. It can also improve mental health and reduce the risk of depression, cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia. Exercise reduces stress and improves sleep, both key components of a strong immune system.
The WHO recommends adults over the age of 18 do a total of at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity throughout the week, or at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity throughout the week, including muscle-strengthening activities 2 or more days per week. There are plenty of in-home activities that can keep your body moving. In addition to a multitude of exercise studios and gyms offering workout classes online, you can improvise muscle-strengthening activities with household items, for example by lifting full bottles of water. Get creative and have fun, maybe you want to turn on some music and get your heart rate up by dancing around your house. Children should also stay active. This could be by playing hopscotch, jumping rope, or having a jumping jack competition. Movement is important for every age. Be safe and don’t take risks while exercising. The goal is to stay away from hospitals. If you are experiencing pain, Divine Spine Yorba Linda may be able to help address the root cause of that pain so that you can get back to safely exercising again.
What Are Your Options?
Staying active during the COVID-19 pandemic is critical but can be challenging. Opportunities to be physically active are limited. It’s important to find a safe activity to keep yourself moving. This could be riding a bike around your neighborhood or finding an inspiring exercise class online.
Mobility challenges can become very frustrating and stressful, at times leading to depression. This has a direct impact on your overall immune system, one that is needed to be strong with COVID-19. If you are in pain and are experiencing trouble moving, Divine Spine Yorba Linda has a safe clinic where our doctors are available to check your spine and nervous system to establish the root cause of your discomfort. Avoid emergency rooms and urgent cares especially during this pandemic. If you aren’t sure, contact us for a complimentary telehealth session with our doctor first.
True Story
The other day, a patient was referred to Dr. Sawhney at Divine Spine Yorba Linda because her primary care doctor’s schedule was booked solid for over a month. This patient was physically and emotionally exhausted due to horrible sciatic pain. Dr. Sawhney took X-rays, discovered the root cause of her pain, and began treatment immediately. She left Divine Spine Yorba Linda feeling better and able to avoid a potentially risky visit to the ER. At Divine Spine, our team specializes in treating all neck and back pain, including headaches, neck pain, lower and upper back pain, shoulder pain, numbness or tingling in hands or feet, shooting pain to hands of feet, posture correction, and the degeneration of the spine.
Divine Spine Yorba Linda is following all CDC guidelines in terms of keeping the office safe during COVID-19. You should take precautions if you exhibit any cold or flu-like symptoms. If you have a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing do not keep exercising. Stay home and rest and call a medical professional to see if you need medical attention. Practice safe social distancing and wash your hands with soap frequently. Follow the directions of your local health authority in regard to any restrictions. For more about Divine Spine’s COVID-19 support, visit our website here. If you are showing no symptoms, you can make an appointment here, or visit our website to find out more about our complimentary telehealth service.
