Time for a new mattress? Here is some advice.

A question we often get asked is “What type of mattress do you recommend.” And the answer can be different for each individual. If you are sleeping on a 20 year old mattress then it is most likely time to look for a new one. There are a lot of different types of beds to choose from today and sometimes it can be overwhelming. There are coils, memory foam and even beds with air chambers (stay away from water beds). They can also range pretty significantly in price.

So here is how I feel. There are studies that show this and studies that show that, but it comes down to can you sleep comfortably with proper support and without pain. Ideally you want a mattress that gives your spine support and is not too soft. If it is too soft, this can be bad on the curvatures, discs, and ligamentous structure of the spine. If it is too hard, it may be too uncomfortable to sleep on. For most back sleepers I would recommend a medium firm mattress without a pillow top or very small pillow top. It is also worthwhile to compare the number of coils from mattress to mattress and the gauge (thickness) of the coils for durability. For most side sleepers, I would again recommend a firm mattress, but with a slightly thicker pillow top than that of back sleepers. The reasoning is that if a mattress is too firm for side sleepers it may irritate the shoulders and hips, thus aggravating and even causing a bursitis (which really hurts). The other types of mattresses like memory foam (ex. Tempurpedic) and air chambers (ex. Sleep Number) can be good also, but are usually much more expensive. Not all memory foam mattresses are built the same, so make sure to do your research on the brand and its durability. Most of the patients I know that have foam mattresses really like them. The only complaints I usually hear is that they can tend to be a little warm. The air chamber beds are good in theory because you can adjust the firmness on each side for each individual, since husband and wife tend to be different sizes. However, the problem is that what may feel like the most comfortable setting may not be best for that person’s spine and can make it worse. I have heard mixed reviews from patients with this type of bed.

When buying a mattress, it is a good idea to buy from someone that has at least a 30 day trial guarantee since a mattress will feel great in the store, but after sleeping on it a whole night may not feel so good. All mattresses are going to wear over time (no matter what the cost) and need to be replaced. So to make a long story short, I recommend a firm, but comfortable mattress. If you have any other questions on mattresses or want to know how each type of mattress may affect you individually, feel free to give me a call!

Kingwood Farmers Market - Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce

Kingwood Farmers Market -Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce

Farmers Market today in Town Center. Eat local, eat healthy!

Age is Just a Number

This morning in the gym I saw two 70 year old ladies "pumping iron" (lifting weights). Very cool.  They were energetic and moving with purpose.  So age can be just a number......with the right preparation.  One thing I noticed which can be very helpful for those wanting to be like these ladies is that they were keeping each other accountable.  I overheard them discussing what their plan was for the morning.  They discussed how many reps, how much weight and in what order they would be doing the exercises.  This can help keep you motivated with a purpose.  They also were being safe and lifting the weights with the proper, technique,  posture, etc.  So a few tips that may help make your New Year the beginning of a new life is to find a workout partner to keep you accountable, plan your activities, find out from your chiropractor which exercises you should refrain from, perhaps hire a trainer for a few sessions to learn proper technique and how to use the equipment, have clear cut goals and above all have fun! 

Is it really Carpal Tunnel?

Numbness and tingling = Carpal Tunnel?

Often when someone is experiencing numbness and tingling in their hands or arms they immediately assume they are getting Carpal Tunnel. However, there are many different conditions that can cause similar symptoms and actually, true Carpal Tunnel is pretty rare. Other conditions such as Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Cervical Disc herniations, and cardiovascular problems are very common and can often get missed diagnosed as Carpal Tunnel. Someone with these symptoms should be properly evaluated by an expert in neuromusculoskeletal disorders, such as your chiropractor, to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Most true Carpal Tunnel can be treated conservatively without the need for drugs or surgery. Many times it is initially treated by doctors with an anti-inflammatory which is fine for the symptoms, however, Carpal Tunnel is a structural problem not a chemical problem and structural problem needs to be properly addressed. At Kingwood Chiropractic Associates, once we have pin pointed the cause of the condition, we can then properly treat the cause and not just the symptom. If you suffer from Carpal Tunnel like symptoms, contact Kingwood Chiropractic Associates at 281-359-6932. www.kingwoodchiro.com

Wellness Wednesday: Special 30 minute workshop on Carpal Tunnel tonight at Kingwood Chiropractic Associates. Begins at 5:30pm.

Kingwood Farmers Market

The first Kingwood Farmers Market will be held on Thursday, May 13th from 3 to 7 in Town Center. The market will be held every Thursday afternoon and is a function of the Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce Beautification Committee, chaired by Tom Cook. So come support the Kingwood Farmers Market and get fresh locally grown produce, meat and other items.

Good article on epigenetics and lifestyle

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.yahoo.com%2Fs%2Flivescience%2F20100428%2Fsc_livescience%2Fwhatyoueataffectsyouyourkidsandyourgrandkids&h=ad51c