Health Concerns
By - Dr. Michael M. Credico
I’m hearing from many of our patients, especially our seniors, that many are experiencing bouts of new and unusually increased stiffness and general soreness. Recently, we have been discussing the possible reasons for this obvious increase in musculoskeletal complaints, including neck, low back and general joint pain and spasm. With every patient, we all agree on one common denominator – COVID-19. Not directly related to the dreaded virus but noticeably related to the altered ergonomic changes that we all have experienced. So many people are working from home, sitting/working in abnormal positions, in bad chairs or even working in bed. More importantly most of us just changed our life habits and we have essentially abandoned exercise and going to the gym.
The answer, obviously, is to get back in motion. The body is made to move. We don’t have to travel to the gym but we do need to set an alarm, schedule a home session and get back to a routine to stretch and exercise, no excuses. When we get back in motion for a few short weeks (three times a week minimally) we will “loosen up” and the pain and stiffness will subside. I have attached a few general home exercises/ stretches for you to do … no excuses. Let’s get back in motion and beat the stiff body blues!