Time for your weekly tune-up of fast facts from Dr. Trevor Clark and Dr. Jane Peterson from Connect Chiropractic.

Neck and jaw pain linked?

The close proximity of the neck and the jaw can indeed link pain between the two areas.

A study in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation in July 2019 examined 57 women, 40 of whom had temporomandibular disorders, revealed that those with TMJ problems were often likely to have reduced cervical range of motion or mobility and beck pain.

"They weren't able to move their neck as well as those who did not have a TMJ problem," shared Peterson, adding that the study is contributing to a growing amount of research into the area of neck-jaw pain correlation.

Long-distance drives harsh on lower back

Driving for distance can result in difficulties for your back down the road if your seat isn't set well.

Research using dummies recently tested the effect of the position of a car's backrest on drivers.

Clark says, "they found that the greatest risk for injury occurred when the seat back was placed at 75 degrees.

"You're almost kind of hunched over the seat and the steering wheel," explained Clark.

The study also found that maximum stress in the annular disk happened when the seatback position was at 70 degrees.

Clark recommends giving yourself plenty of room while driving, and positioning your seat at around 90 degrees to best take care of your back.

Is walking "real" exercise?

"Walking is one of the most basic, simple, but best things we can do for ourselves," says Peterson.

A recent study from June of 2019 found that taking a daily walk can be linked to several positive health benefits such as better pain tolerance

"We can all get up, go walk for about 30 minutes a day," says Peterson, adding that the activity is one that can be done alone or with a friend or significant other.

More physical work, more physical pain

Those who work in jobs that require more physical work often see that result in greater musculoskeletal pain, says Clark, something the research supports.

A survey of 25,971 workers from the fishing industry in Norway found that fishermen are more likely to experience musculoskeletal pain. 33 per cent reported pain in their neck, shoulders, and arms.

Commercial fishermen that Clark treats, he says, also come frequently with pain of this nature.

"Anything physical you really should be doing something like chiropractic to offset all that stress that you're placing on your body."

TV time fun but not good

"A lot of people like to procrastinate and sit in front of the TV for hours at a time, myself included," Peterson shared.

But a recent study reveals the dangers of that act. Nearly 3600 adults were studied over a 9-year period and researchers found that those who watched television for four or more hours a day had a 50 per cent higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and early death than those who watched less television.

"All the more reason to get up and get moving and don't get stuck in front of the TV for hours at a time."

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