Biking Comfort

Back pain and injuries are the most common health complaint among cyclists. At Dr. Kent Carlomagno’s Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in San Rafael, our philosophy is to focus on prevention, so we want all our cyclists to know how they can reduce their chances of strains and misalignments.

It is of crucial importance for the bike to be fitted to the rider. The handlebars shouldn’t be too low and they shouldn’t be so far forward that the rider has to stretch out to reach them. However, back pain is common even among professional cyclists who don’t have any problem getting their bikes fitted. This is usually due to lack of core strength. As cyclists become tired, their spinal posture gets worse, putting extra strain on their lower backs and necks.

Regular core strengthening exercises are an important means of reducing back pain. It is also important for the rider to be flexible, particularly in the hamstring area. Other changes will be more specific to the rider’s style; for example, Bigger tires n wheels are better shock absorbers but less desirable for racing. If possible, it is a good idea to change postures frequently while riding and to not sit for too long at work or home, either.

Dr. Kent Carlomagno operates Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center at 710 C Street, Suite #12, San Rafael, California, 94901. To schedule an appointment, call 415-721-7520 or visit SummitChiro.net and fill out a contact sheet.

Backpack Safety

Now that children are back in school, most of them are using backpacks on a daily basis. This is a good time for a reminder from Dr. Kent Carlomagno on how to use backpacks safely, in order to avoid unnecessary strains and potential accidents.

A backpack should only weigh about 15% of its wearer’s body weight, at most. Tell your children not to put things they won’t really need it. Most children’s class schedules will have settled down enough by this point for them to plan which items to swap out during passing periods, so ask them if they’re remembering to do so. Backpacks should also be worn at the center of the back. Children should tighten the straps if it is hanging over their lower back, but not so much they cut off circulation to their arms.

It is certainly better to use a backpack than a shoulder bag or large purse that concentrates weight on one side of the body, but the weight in the backpack has to be evenly distributed and both straps should be used. It’s best to use a backpack with a chest strap and to select the smallest one possible. Make sure your kids use proper lifting techniques while putting the backpack on and removing it, and ask them if they have tingling or numbness or nerve pain from vertical weight pressure in their limbs if it looks like they’re struggling under its weight.

Dr. Kent Carlomagno operates Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center at 710 C Street, Suite #12, San Rafael, California, 94901. To schedule an appointment, call 415-721-7520 or visit SummitChiro.net and fill out a contact sheet.

Spinal Decompression Therapy

Spinal decompression may sound painful, but it’s actually quite the opposite. The goal of spinal decompression therapy is to relieve pain and promote optimal healing for bulging, degenerating, or herniated discs. Dr. Kent Carlomagno of Summit Chiropractic Health and Longevity Center uses this nonsurgical method to help patient’s return to their daily activities, pain-free.

Spinal decompression therapy uses a traction device placed on a table and involves stretching the spine, with the goal of relieving back and leg pain. At Summit Chiropractic Health and Longevity Center, Dr. Kent Carlomagno utilizes Posture Pro spinal decompression therapy, a state-of-the-art treatment for neck pain relief, sciatica relief, and much more. PP therapy uses gentle forces, to improve blood flow and nutrient exchange to an injured area. Therapy sessions typically last less than 20 minutes and Dr. Carlomagno will create an individualized treatment plan that is attentive to your needs.

If you have questions or concerns about spinal decompression, please give us a call. To learn more about the conditions we treat and the services we provide at Summit Chiropractic Health and Longevity Center, visit www.summitchiro.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kent Carlomagno in San Rafael, CA, call 415-721-7520.