YOGA POSES TO HELP YOU SLEEP BETTER

We all lead busy lives, and some of us cram so much into our day that we don't pay attention to the need for sleep. A local chiropractor tells us that a good night's sleep plays a key role in health and longevity, and it's important to get the proper quantity and quality of sleep.

The problem is that even when we go to bed at a reasonable hour, we sometimes can't fall asleep because our bodies and minds are full of the residue of stress from our busy day. Our muscles are tense and our minds are agitated, so we're not able to fall into a deep, restorative sleep.

Yoga, offered by a chiropractor near me, is great for stretching and soothing tense muscles and relaxing an agitated mind. Here are a few yoga poses to help you get a better night's sleep.

 

. Child’s Pose. Kneel on the floor with your big toes touching but your knees spread apart. Slowly bend forward and walk your hands outward on the floor till your arms are straight. Touch your forehead to the floor and breathe in and out through your nose ten times.

. Forward Fold. From a standing position with your feet together, inhale and bring your hands up to the ceiling. Then, exhale as you bend forward, bringing your chest toward your thighs. Caution: to avoid back strain, keep your knees bent. This is a great pose for releasing tension in your neck. Hold the pose for as long as you’re comfortable, letting it relax and stretch your back and leg muscles.

. Straight Leg Twist. Sit on the floor with your right leg straight and your left knee bent, with the left foot flat on the floor. Wrap your right arm around your left knee and turn your body so you’re looking over your left shoulder. For support, place your left hand on the floor behind your left shoulder. Hold the pose for a few seconds, then repeat on the other side.

. Waterfall. Lie with your back on the floor next to a wall. Slowly walk your feet up the wall as you move your bottom till it touches the base of the wall. Spread your arms out to the side. Close your eyes and breathe deeply for as long as you are comfortable. This is a great way to stimulate blood flow, relieve aches and pains in your legs, and calm your mind before sleep. 

With these simple yoga poses from your Doylestown chiropractor, you’ll be able to release the tension from your day and prepare yourself for a great night’s sleep.

Doylestown Chiropractor Discusses Cymbalta Commercial

I was home the other day for lunch and a Cymbalta commercial came on.  During the commercial, the voice over said how effective Cymbalta was for chronic musculoskeletal pain, which I was not aware it was used for.

However 2 other things that stood out the most to me was that the recommended dosage was once a day and the long list of side effects.  According to their website:

Cymbalta should generally be administered once daily without regard to meals.

In clinical studies, the most common side effects identified in people taking Cymbalta included:

• Nausea
• Dry mouth
• Sleepiness
• Fatigue
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Decreased appetite
• Increased sweating

ALSO:
Cymbalta may be associated with serious side effects. Call your healthcare provider right away or seek emergency help if you experience any of the following:

• Itching, right upper-belly pain, dark urine, yellow skin/eyes, or unexplained flu-like symptoms, which may be signs of life-threatening liver problems. Severe liver problems, some fatal, have been reported
• High fever, confusion, stiff muscles, muscle twitching, or racing heart rate, which may be signs of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition
• Abnormal bleeding, especially if Cymbalta is taken with aspirin, NSAID pain relievers (like ibuprofen or naproxen), or blood thinners
• Serious, possibly life-threatening skin reactions, which may include skin blisters, peeling rash, mouth sores, hives, or other allergic reactions
• Abnormal mood (mania), which may include greatly increased energy, severe trouble sleeping, racing thoughts, talking more or faster than usual, and reckless behavior
• Seizures or convulsions
• Decreased blood pressure upon standing, which can cause dizziness or fainting, mostly when first starting or increasing the dose. Cymbalta can also increase blood pressure. Your healthcare provider should check your blood pressure prior to and while taking Cymbalta
• Headache, weakness or feeling unsteady, confusion, problems concentrating, or memory problems, which may be signs of low sodium levels in the blood. Elderly people may be at greater risk
• Problems with urination, including decreased flow or inability to pass any urine
• Changes in appetite or weight. Children and adolescents should have height and weight monitored

I know in my Doylestown chiropractic practice, that if I were to suggest that someone come see me everyday for their back pain AND I told them that you may experience any or all of the listed side effects, people would think that I am crazy!
So my question is, why are so many willing to take a prescription drug everyday, with this long list of potentially deadly side effects, yet so many balk at seeing a chiropractor 1-2 times a month?  At my office we have been helping the residents of Doylestown, Jamison, Warrington, Chalfont and the entire Central Bucks area rediscover a life without pain for over 15.  If you want to get off that medication train and start a non-surgical, drugless approach to your pain, give my office a call today.

Azzatori Chiropractic-Doylestown

Dr. Jeff McQuaite

295 Logan Street

Doylestown, PA 18901

267-247-7000

www.mcquaitechiropractic.com