Today’s technology allows us to connect to people and things all around the world. But it can also help us physically. Simple technology such as a pedometer can get us moving every day and help us know how much more we should be moving.
What kind of pedometer should you have and how do they help?
At Tulsa Spine and Rehab you’ll hear the staff constantly tell patients and clients to just “get moving.” Patients need to stay active as they possibly can. Research has shown that patients with low back pain and different types of spine problems need to maintain activity but not increase it – not yet.
Years ago you’d go into your doctor with low back pain and he’d write you a couple of prescriptions – maybe an anti-inflammatory and a pain medication. Then you would go home kick your feet up and take it easy.
These days we want to do the opposite. Research shows that we’re going to heal much quicker and can return to work and return to function by maintaining some activity. This can be as simple as walking – just keep moving. And pedometers can be a great way to help.
A pedometer is a small, portable device that can clip to your pocket, wrist or your shirt. It simply detects motion in your lower extremities and determines how many steps you take in a day. This gives valuable feedback on how much activity is taking place.
Just wear it for a week and see how many steps you actually take in a day. The results may surprise you -and they could depress you. A mile is 2,000 steps and a normal day should have about 10,000 steps in it. What’s your number? Time to get a pedometer and get on track and increase your number. We start with your baseline number and work to add 10 percent to that to increase your daily activity.
A low number indicates a sedentary lifestyle, which can lead to neck, back, hip, and shoulder or ankle problems. Walking is good for your joints and your spine unless you have some sort of arthritic condition. A pedometer can help get you moving and you can challenge your friends, family and co-workers to take more steps each day. You can ever reward each other.
You don’t need a fancy one, there are many to choose from. Just Google them and find one that fits your need. There are some that records your data and can be input into your computer via a USB port. They measure your heart rate, calories burned, your steps and much more. But for now, just focus on counting those stops and “get moving.”
Exercise is important even if it is just a brisk walk. Don’t let aches and pains get in your way, give Dr. Riley and his team a call, (918) 743-3737.
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