Question
Hi Dr. Nolan,

I asked you about a soft grinding sound between my shoulder blads in my back. I just wanted to answer your questions--I didn't have any injuries or trauma as far as I know (no falls, slips). I haven't done any workouts out of my normal routine (I usually run weekends, and have been long-distance running since high school). The noise seems to be less in the morning or after long periods of standing.

I just realized that this grinding started after the vacation I just came back from 3 days ago. I had been lugging around a pretty heavy duffel bag (slung on one shoulder) and a backpack with 4 bottles of wine (Bordeaux)! Perhaps I also strained my back from all the traveling..in addition to my prolonged poor posture? Is there anything I should avoid doing other than lifting/carrying heavy things and sitting on the floor? Can I still run or should I take a break for a week or two?

Thank you so much again for your time and help!!

All the best,
Liz

Answer
Hello Again,
Thank you for the additional information.




No trauma, no change in routine.  "....The noise seems to be less in the morning or after long periods of standing...." - this means that when you are in a proper posture, ie: sleeping, relaxed, not in a particular forced posture, ie: standing, but not really carrying anything, standing comfortably;  these are postures in which your body probably assumes a proper posture, and even if you are standing or walking- your body is relatively relaxed.  Again, back to our previous discussion--- that prolonged posture, or improper posture = you body is not relaxed; sitting on that floor doing the computer either caused or perpetuated your complaints.

"....I had been lugging around a pretty heavy duffel bag (slung on one shoulder) and a backpack with 4 bottles of wine (Bordeaux)! Perhaps I also strained my back from all the traveling..in addition to my prolonged poor posture?..."- yes.
              We look for a simple answer, ie; I fell down the stairs ; --- but sometimes it is an accumulation of minor insults, rather than one big insult/ injury.  Sitting in that bad posture you have described, then also carrying the heavy bags = an accumulation that aggravates the back.

".....Is there anything I should avoid doing other than lifting/carrying heavy things and sitting on the floor? Can I still run or should I take a break for a week or two?...." ; sitting on the floor = NO, use the chair and desk ;  lifting = THINK about what you are carrying- protect yourself, move, lift, carry, position yourself as to best protect yourself, and if it takes two trips instead of one,,,, then it takes two trips ; running = I think you could run, do your usual routine, do NOT add to it, but I think your usual routine should not aggravate your complaints.

I do highly recommend the Glucosamine/ chondroitin supplement for any joint pains.

I think you (even more then me) have thought through your aches and pains- writing to me made you think about this complaint and it's causes.  You know what to do, you should be better then new in a few weeks!

As previously stated: Have a great adventure in France.  Anything further- contact me, your Staten Island Chiropractor,  here in the States.

AllExperts.com :
http://www.allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC.htm



Thanks for the discussion,

Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP
http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com (email newsletter)