Dr. Newton Featured on Paramus Post
New Year Tips for New Parents
By Mel Fabrikant
How to make the world’s hardest job a little easier – Parenthood is difficult enough as it is. But many parents find themselves with aches and pains because of their bundle of joy. “All the lifting and twisting can really cause a lot of damage to new moms and dads,” says Terel S. Newton, M.D., a Board-Certified anesthesiologist and pain management specialist at Pain Relief Centers. But there are ways to enjoy every minute with your child – without the pain.
“One simple trick for parents is to clear the clutter from the diaper bag. All the toys and must-have gadgets can add an extra 10 pounds to your shoulders and back,” Newton warns. The American Chiropractic Association recommends carrying just 10 percent of your body weight on your shoulders. Newton suggests opting for the basics: a few extra diapers, wipes and a change of clothes. If the bag is still a little heavy, place the strap across the body to even the weight distribution.
Picking children up is another way parents put strain on muscles and joints. “Never pick up a child by bending over at the waist. That position can put up to 10 times the amount of normal pressure on your spinal discs,” Newton explains. “A new mom or dad picking up a 10-pound infant, can really be putting 100 pounds of pressure on her back.” To avoid this, he tells patients to bend at the knees with one foot in front of the other to help balance the weight.
Newton also warns parents about the strain of putting a child in a car seat. “It can be awkward and force your body to bend and twist in ways it shouldn’t.” Parents should put at least one leg in the car and face the child when strapping them in. “This placement puts less strain on the muscles and joints,” says Newton.
There are also a few ways to avoid ligament strain when carrying a baby. “Try to avoid putting the baby on your hip. It throws your back and hips out of alignment and forces your body to be out of balance. Using a sling that puts the baby in front of you can ease the pressure off your hips and lower back,” explains Newton.
Carrying a car seat on your forearm can cause a painful inflammation of the cushion between the bone and tendon in the shoulders or elbows, called bursitis. Newton urges parents to carry the car seat in front of your body with both hands to avoid this painful condition.
Following these tips, Newton says, will make being a parent just a little easier, at least on the back.
About Florida Pain Relief Centers:
Pain Relief Centers are multi-specialty practices that use a combination of innovative and minimally invasive treatments that help relieve patients’ pain and improve their quality of life. Pain Relief Centers’ Board-Certified physicians utilize advanced technology and interventional therapies to diagnose and treat pain effectively. Pain Relief Centers’ comprehensive approach ranges from osteopathic manipulation and nerve ablation to minimally invasive spine procedures. Pain Relief Centers treat a variety of conditions such as neck and arm pain, back and leg pain, complex regional pain syndrome, degenerative disc disease, failed back syndrome, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis. Pain Relief Centers works with patients to improve their pain and return them back to their busy lives. Visit www.PinellasPain.com or call 727-518-8660 for more information.