Some Injuries Are More Common Than Others Among Tech Workers

Landscaping duties and services in the US cover a wide range, including lawn care, residential and commercial irrigation, landscape construction and design, and much more.

The industry is massive, earning over $99 billion in the year 2019 alone. That’s not surprising when you understand that the average American household spends about $503 on these activities per year. The landscaping industry is only growing, too. 

This is all good news for you as a landscaping employee, but the job comes with some cautions. For example, many landscapers experience injuries, strain, and overexertion at some point in their careers. 

Are you noticing signs of injury, such as joint pain? Or, are you looking for preventative tactics that allow you to stay safe while on the job?

Here, we highlight some of the most common issues and how to prevent or treat them. Keep reading!

Problem #1: Overexertion From Heavy Lifting

When you’re a landscaper, you’re dealing with a lot of equipment: lawnmowers, leaf vacuums, edgers, trenchers, and much more. Your landscaping duties also likely require you to lift and maneuver these things often, especially during transportation to and from a job site.

Lifting heavy objects repetitively or incorrectly can strain the back muscles and ligaments, causing mild to severe back pain and discomfort. Continuous strain on an already-weaker spine can even cause muscle spasms. In worst cases, you may experience bulging or ruptured discs, which eliminate the necessary cushioning in the spine.

Solution: Know the Proper Lifting Techniques

One of the best ways to prevent these back injuries is to lift objects correctly.

At all times, lift objects with the strength of your legs, not the back, bending at the knees. Keep your back lengthened and as straight as possible, taking care to not twist as you lift. 

Keep the object close to you, avoid reaching, and always lift with a partner whenever possible.

Problem #2: Joint Pain From Bending and Kneeling

Knee pain is another common complaint of landscapers, as they’re almost constantly bending and kneeling as they work. These actions can also have adverse effects on the back.

There could be several reasons this motion causes you pain—not warming up; wearing bad shoes; squatting continuously throughout the day. The list goes on, and depends on the person.

Solution: Proper Protective Equipment

One way to help manage pain in the joints from bending and kneeling is by investing in protective equipment, such as knee braces and/or back braces, as well as knee cushions for kneeling. 

Garden kneelers are an option, and provide a cushioned bench for gardeners to use when they must get close to the ground.

Another consideration would be custom orthotics, which can help solve a slew of problems, including knee and back pain, sciatica, leg length discrepancies, and more.

Make sure to talk to your doctor or chiropractor first if you have any questions!

Part of Your Landscaping Duties Require Physical Fitness

There’s no going around it: you can’t perform as well on the job if you’re dealing with pain, strain, or injuries.

If you become unable to work due to bad practices while on the job, you’ll soon be caught in a predicament. Your best bet is staying safe by practicing proper lifting techniques and wearing or using protective equipment designed to keep you well. These practices are all part of your landscaping duties.

For more preventative care, or treatment for current pain, we at Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness would love to help.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our talented staff and see if we can help you work smarter—not harder!

The Healing Benefits of Natural Neuropathy Treatments

When complications arising from diabetes occur, they may result in the disruption of blood flow. This interruption causes fewer nutrients (oxygen and minerals) to reach most body organs, leading to a type of nerve damage known as diabetic neuropathy.

Neuropathy itself is a nerve disease caused by nerve cell damage or dysfunction, hampering communication between the cells and the brain.

There are four main types of diabetic neuropathy:

• Autonomic Neuropathy: Affects mainly the nerves that control digestion, but it can also affect the nerves controlling heartbeat, sex organs, and blood vessels.
• Mononeuropathy: This can occur in any specific nerve.
• Peripheral Symmetric Neuropathy: Affects mainly the hands, arms, legs, and feet.
• Proximal Neuropathy: Affects the thighs, buttocks, hips, and legs.

Diabetic neuropathy progresses over time, with symptoms getting worse with time. Here’s all you need to know about neuropathy’s causes, symptoms, and management.

Diabetic Neuropathy Causes

Uncontrolled high blood sugar damages the nerves over time, which is thought to be the number one cause of diabetic neuropathy. Anyone with diabetes stands a high risk of developing neuropathy. Although there is no precise reason why or how this happens, there are factors that make you susceptible to diabetic neuropathy, including:

• Uncontrolled or Excessive Blood Sugar Levels: Excessive blood sugar levels put you at risk of all complications that arise from diabetes, including nerve damage.
• Kidney Damage: Kidney damage inhibits proper excretion of some toxins, leading to nerve damage.
• Smoking: Smoking results in reduced blood flow to the legs and feet because it causes the narrowing and hardening of arteries.  
• Diabetes History: The longer you have had diabetes, the more likely diabetic-related neuropathy can occur.

Diabetic Neuropathy Symptoms

The symptoms depend on the type of neuropathy and the nerves affected, but in general, they include:

• Gastrointestinal symptoms like constipation, bloating, nausea, or even diarrhea
• Difficulty standing up after sitting for long
• Ulcers
• Infections
• Tingling, muscle weakness, numbness, or pain
• Loss of feeling in the arms, hands, or feet
• Double vision
• Aching behind one eye
• Deformities
• Bone and joint pain

A reputable chiropractic clinic can offer relief for most, if not all, of these symptoms, allowing you to get back to your normal duties.

How to Treat Diabetic Neuropathy

As mentioned earlier, anyone with diabetes can get diabetes-related neuropathy, so the first and best thing to do is monitor and manage your blood sugar levels.

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for the condition, and treatment only aims to slow down its progression. It includes using:

• Anticonvulsants: These include Pregabalin prescriptions to ease the pain. Gabapentin and Sodium valproate may also be given when other effects, such as weight gain, are present.
• Antidepressants: These include Duloxetine or Amitriptyline to reduce unpleasant sensations.
• Opioids: These include Oxycodone, Dextromethorphan, Tramadol, and Morphine. However, these are rarely prescribed because they have a high risk of rendering someone dependent after prolonged usage.
• NSAIDs (painkiller): Common painkillers such as paracetamol to ease the pain.
• Spinal Cord Stimulation: A spinal cord stimulator is a pacemaker-like device implanted between the epidural gap (space between the spinal cord and the vertebrae). It delivers electrical pulses to the spinal cord to help manage chronic pain when other medications fail to provide relief.

Diabetic neuropathy is a painful condition that causes many discomforts and can even be debilitating. However, by taking the correct measures to manage blood sugar levels, you can prevent it from getting worse.

What the Best Golfer’s Elbow Treatment in Mill Creek Really Looks Like

In 2019, 34.2 million Americans played golf on courses or at driving ranges. That’s more than 10% of the U.S. population.

Golf is a low-impact sport that people of all ages can enjoy, from children to young adults to Baby Boomers. Plus, a golf course is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon.

It’s no wonder why the game is so popular. But, that doesn’t mean injuries aren’t possible.

If you’re having inner elbow pain, you might have golfer’s elbow. Read on to learn more about this injury and what golfer’s elbow treatment looks like.

What is Golfer’s Elbow?

Golfer’s elbow, which is also called medial epicondylitis, is a type of tendonitis. It affects the inside of your elbow, specifically the bony bump where your tendons attach to the muscles in your forearm.

It’s an overuse injury that can happen when you grasp, lift, stretch, or twist your arm. It’s called golfer’s elbow because you use all of these motions when you grip a golf club.

Despite the name, you could get this injury from activity that uses your arms or wrists. That includes chopping vegetables, weightlifting, rock climbing, painting, or even typing on a computer.

Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow

Depending on your activity levels or golfing habits, medial epicondylitis symptoms can come on suddenly or build slowly over time. The symptoms can be mild or very severe.

The most common symptom is aching or burning pain in your inner elbow. The pain might also travel down your forearm muscle.

Stiffness in your elbow and trouble straightening your arm or making a fist are also common symptoms. You might also notice weakness in your hand or wrist.

In some cases, you might even notice numbness or tingling in your ring or pinky finger.

Golfer’s Elbow Treatment with KT Tape

Before your treatment, your doctor may perform a golfer’s elbow test to determine the diagnosis. He or she will have you make a fist and then they’ll rotate your wrist and extend your arm to check for pain or stiffness.

If you do have inner elbow pain, one treatment option is to use KT or kinesiology tape. It’s a type of stretchy therapeutic tape that can decrease your pain, ease muscle spasms, and reduce swelling.

Your chiropractor or physical therapist will apply the tape as part of an in-office treatment. They’ll cut the KT tape into a Y shape and apply it to your elbow and forearm. KT tape can be part of an ongoing treatment plan or as a standalone pain solution.

Chiropractic for Golfer’s Elbow

Another great treatment method for inner elbow and forearm pain is a chiropractic adjustment. Rather than simply fixing the pain, chiropractic care will address the cause of the injury, such as an alignment issue in your wrist, shoulder, or elbow.

Once your chiropractor has diagnosed you with golfer’s elbow, they’ll decide which technique is right for you.

Depending on the extent of your elbow pain, you may need to return for more chiropractic treatments. Chiropractic care will promote healing and pain relief that can ease your golfer’s elbow symptoms.

Start a Treatment Plan Today

If you have inner elbow pain, you might be suffering from golfer’s elbow. Luckily you don’t have to put away your clubs. With the right golfer’s elbow treatment, you’ll be back on the course before you know it.

At Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness, we’re dedicated to your health and wellness. Call us at (425) 737-5343 or schedule your appointment below with the most trusted and proven chiropractor in Mill Creek.