Tuck in your chin. Push your head back against your hands or the floor (if your are lying on your back). Hold 5 counts. Do 20 repetitions. Alternate or extension: Place your hand on the side of your head. Tuck in your chin and push your head to the side, against your hand. Hold 3 to 5 counts. Do 10

Your spine includes an incredibly complex network of nerves that originate in your brain, coursing their way downward through the spinal column and exiting at more than 60 different locations from the base of your skull all the way to the top of your lower back. There are almost limitless ways for nerves

Your nervous system looks much like an upended tree, suspended from its roots at the base of your brain, its millions of limbs reaching out to every corner of your body. Your spinal cord is like a thick braid formed by billions of these nerves. Your body has approximately 15 billion nerve cells-all

A neurological examination is sometimes performed to determine if any part of your body has incurred damage to its central nervous system. Many health problems have been associated with nerve damage, and such, this exam can significantly improve the chances of making a thorough diagnosis. A neurological

Neuropathic pain is a debilitating form of chronic pain that results from peripheral or central nervous system damage. When the damage is peripheral in nature, it is often referred to as nerve pain, sensory peripheral neuropathy, or peripheral neuritis. Neuropathic pain is really a disease caused by

Like exercise, proper nutrition provides a wealth of benefits‚ both physical and emotional‚ that contribute to your body's strength and its ability to ward off disease and disability. A healthy diet translates into a healthy body; the proper mix of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients are the

Osteoporosis is a gradual disintegration of bone and it can have a devastating impact on the joints and vertebrae of your spine. Osteoporosis causes the loss of mass and density in bones, making them highly susceptible to fractures. If the bones in your spine become weak and spongy, your spine gradually

Pilates is an exercise program named after Joseph Pilates, who developed an exercise program in the early-20th century to improve the physical fitness of World War I soldiers. Pilates incorporated resistance into programs for rehabilitating injured patients. He later incorporated springs into exercise

Try this simple posture "reality check" the next time you are standing in front of a full-length mirror: Are your knees and ankles straight (i.e., not angled inward or outward)? Are your shoulders and hips level? As you stand sideways, does your lower back have a natural curve in it? Do the spaces between

Largely because of the physical and hormonal changes to their bodies, many pregnant women can experience various kinds of back pain. Here's a look at some of the kinds of pain pregnant women are prone to: Coccyx (tailbone) pain Groin pain Pelvic pain (which usually begins during pregnancy, but typically

When raking leaves, use a "scissors" stance. This entail keeping your right foot forward and left foot back for a few minutes. Occasionally switch by putting your left foot forward and right foot back. Always bend at your knees, not the waist, as you pick up leaves. Make piles small to minimize the possibility

Scoliosis is a medical term that refers to spinal curvatures. Scoliosis is a condition that almost always begins in early childhood. And it is exceedingly rare. In fact, only about 5 out of 1,000 American children usually develop curved spines enough to warrant treatment. Scoliosis affects only 1 percent

Tips about shoe features/selection Some serious back disorders and even more common conditions, such as muscle strain, can be linked to one avoidable thing: inappropriate, poor quality, or ill-fitting shoes. A good quality, properly fitting shoe pays big dividends for your spine down the road. When shopping

Shoulder pain can be caused by a wide variety of things, including a subluxation, or vertebral misalignment, or injury. Most often, shoulder pain can be traced to tenderness or soreness of the rotator-cuff tendon. The rotator cuff is the part of the shoulder that allows you to move your arms in a circular

It is fairly normal for most of us to snore from time to time, especially if we are tired. The rattling sound we hear in people who snore is actually caused by the tissues in your throat, such as the soft palate and uvula, vibrating. Some people, however, actually have a minor defect in their throat

As far as household chores are concerned, snow shoveling is one of the most stressful and traumatic household chores you can do to your spinal cord and muscles. When shoveling, consider these tips: Make sure your body is properly conditioned before donning your winter coat and grabbing your snow shovel.