How to properly care for your spine after treatment:

·        Following an adjustment, soreness can occur and is normal.  When your body
is placed into the proper alignment, different muscles are required to support your spine, which leads to the soreness.  However, exacerbated pain is not normal and should be brought to Dr. Tanner’s attention immediately.

·        Try to avoid activities that require your arms to be raised over your head for an extended period of time.

·        Do not ever use your shoulder to hold the telephone next to your ear.

·        Improper sleeping habits may increase spinal problems and inhibit recovery.  Never sleep on your stomach!  Try to sleep on your back with a small pillow under your head and a couple of pillows under your knees.  If you sleep on
your side, make sure you have the proper amount of pillow to keep your head and neck parallel with the rest of your spine, along with a pillow between your knees.  Remember, 1/3 of your life is spent in bed!

·        Do not read in bed propped up with your neck in a flexed position.  Never lie
on the couch with your head propped up on the armrest.

·        Stand as erect as possible with your shoulders upright and the head directly
over the spine.

·        You should always sit in an erect position with the head directly over the spine and hips.

·        Do not cross your legs when sitting, except at the ankles.

·        Initially, do not lift in excess of 15 to 20 pounds.

·        When lifting, bend your knees.  Avoid lifting anything from the side; always lift with the weight in front.

·        You should have a minimum consumption of 6 to 8 glasses of water each day.