Neck Stretches for Range of Motion and Pain Prevention

The health of your cervical spine can affect your entire life. That is why it is important to protect it and keep it healthy. At Therapeutic Solutions, LLC here in Newport News, VA, we treat neck pain and injuries. Keep reading to learn about some neck stretches you can do to promote health and avoid injury. Always consult with your doctor if you are undergoing neck treatment and stop if you feel pain.

Front Neck Stretch

• Stand facing the corner of a room with your feet together, about two feet back from the walls.


• Place your hands on each wall with your elbows a bit below shoulder height.


• Lean in as far as possible. Stop if it is painful. Hold for thirty to sixty seconds.

The stretch should be felt in the front of the shoulders and the chest.

Back Neck Stretch

• To the side, raise your elbow above your shoulder and rest your elbow against a door jamb.


• Turn your head in the opposite direction and bring your chin down. You will feel the stretch in the back of your neck.


•  For an extra stretch, place your other hand on top of your head and gently pull your head forward. Hold this for thirty to sixty seconds.

Side Neck Stretch

• Stand with your feet hip-distance apart and your arms by your sides.


• Behind you, hold your left wrist with your right hand. Pull your left arm away from your body slightly.


• Lower your right ear towards your right shoulder and hold for thirty seconds. Switch sides.

The stretch should be felt in the sides of your neck.

Again, always consult with your doctor if you are already in treatment for a neck injury. For more information visit our website at www.therapeutic-solutions-llc.com or feel free to contact Dr. Brill & staff at 757-873-4131.

Yours in Good Health,

Dr. Christopher Brill

Therapeutic Solutions LLC

Chiropractic & Wellness Center

716-A Thimble Shoals Blvd.

Newport News, VA 23606

Tips for the Desk Job Worker

Working at a desk job often means a sedentary life, but that does not have to be so! At Therapeutic Solutions, LLC in Newport News, VA, we encourage our patients to live an active lifestyle. Take some of these tips to get moving even during the work day.

While at work, it is important to take “sitting breaks”. At least once per hour, stand up and stretch or walk around. Doing so will give your body a break from being in the same position all day. Plus, it will get your blood flowing better. Good excuses for quick walks are going to get water, visiting a co-worker’s desk, or taking the long route to the bathroom. In addition to refreshing your body, it may also give your brain a break (which is needed for good productivity!).

Do you take the elevator in your office building? Try replacing the elevator with the stairs. As long as the climb is not unreasonable, you can raise your heart rate several times per day. If you keep taking the stairs every day, you will also notice a change in your stamina and maybe even your leg muscles.

A sedentary lifestyle can lead to weight gain, stress, heart disease, and other health problems. Take these tips to help you move around more during the day if you have a desk job.

Working at a desk job means lots of time spent sitting down. So keep these tips in mind for your health! For more information visit our website at www.therapeutic-solutions-llc.com or feel free to contact Dr. Brill & staff at 757-873-4131.

Yours in Good Health,

Dr. Christopher Brill

Therapeutic Solutions LLC

Chiropractic & Wellness Center

716-A Thimble Shoals Blvd.

Newport News, VA 23606

Benefits of Chiropractic Treatment

Chiropractic is a health care profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health. Our focus here at Therapeutic Solutions LLC is to provide superior care for each patient to achieve full recovery from aches and pains. In many cases, such as lower back pain, chiropractic care may be the primary method of treatment.

At Therapeutic Solutions LLC, we determine the cause of your symptoms and relieve your pain with gentle, effective, drug-free and evidence-based practices. Your spinal column, made up of 24 independent vertebrae, is what allows your body to move, twist, and bend through every motion of your busy day. It also encases and helps protect the delicate central nervous system that controls and coordinates every muscle, tissue, and organ of the body. This is why we believe the first step to an active lifestyle is a properly functioning spine. Other benefits of chiropractic care include:

• Improved physical function and performance


• Improved posture


• Relief from stress and tension disorders


• Relief from joint discomfort


• Relief from chronic injuries

If you are interested in giving chiropractic care a try, give us a call! For more information visit our website at www.therapeutic-solutions-llc.com or feel free to contact Dr. Brill & staff at 757-873-4131.

 

Yours in Good Health,

Dr. Christopher Brill

Therapeutic Solutions LLC

Chiropractic & Wellness Center

716-A Thimble Shoals Blvd.

Newport News, VA 23606

Chiropractic Relief for Shoulder Pain

Chiropractic care is commonly sought by people seeking relief from neck or back pain, but chiropractors are not limited to only care for the spine. At Therapeutic Solutions, LLC, Dr. Christopher Brill is trained to adjust and treat extremities including knees, smaller joints such as the toes, and the shoulders. Sometimes shoulder pain is caused by joint irritation, which is why chiropractic relief for shoulder pain can often be achieved through manipulation and other treatments.

The shoulder joint is the most mobile joint in the body. It is surrounded by nerves, tendons, bursa and other tissues which can all be irritated and cause pain. Pain further up the body, for example, in the neck, can also refer pain into the shoulder joint as can trigger points in the muscle, or a “knot.” At Therapeutic Solutions, LLC, gentle adjustments can be performed to distract the joint or shift it forward or backward depending on symptoms. Massage therapy may also be administered depending on what the patient prefers.

If you suffer from shoulder pain and would like to discuss your treatment options, please give us a call. For more information visit our website at www.therapeutic-solutions-llc.com or feel free to contact Dr. Brill & staff at 757-873-4131.

 

Yours in Good Health,

Dr. Christopher Brill

Therapeutic Solutions LLC

Chiropractic & Wellness Center

716-A Thimble Shoals Blvd.

Newport News, VA 23606

Set Realistic Fitness Goals

Committing to a fitness goal is something that we all struggle with. Whether you want to lose weight, gain muscle or increase your endurance, our Dr. Christopher Brill at Therapeutic Solutions, LLC, wants you to know that you always have a support system in us. To assist, we suggest setting your fit goals at a realistic pace, based on your personality, lifestyle and current level of fitness. Primarily, be adaptable.

Repeatedly failing to stick to your fitness goals means that either your goal is out of reach or that you haven’t quite figured out how to reach it. Whether you are trying to lose 100lbs or 10lbs, lower your body fat percentage, or gain weight because you are too thin, your main focus should always be on whatever you are working toward.

A goal that is too easy is not very motivating. To get started, your goal should be attainable, for instance, “I will lose 7% of my body weight.” To reach this goal, examine it first. If you are not concerned about weight loss or this is not a good time in your life to focus on that, choose something that is motivating to you. Additionally, include an end-point. Knowing that you have a deadline motivates you to get started.

For more information visit our website at www.therapeutic-solutions-llc.com or feel free to contact Dr. Brill & staff at 757-873-4131.

Yours in Good Health,

Dr. Christopher Brill

Therapeutic Solutions LLC

Chiropractic & Wellness Center

716-A Thimble Shoals Blvd.

Newport News, VA 23606

Improve Your Range of Motion

When you experience painful or limited mobility, our staff at Therapeutic Solutions, LLC wants you to know why this is happening to you and how to fix it. If limited mobility is present, Dr. Christopher Brill will most likely begin to form a strategy for releasing any areas of disruption, alleviating pain and working to restore full mobility. He will begin this by performing a range of mobility test.

During your chiropractic exam, Dr. Christopher Brill will ask you to perform several simple movements to view your posture and range of motion. He may ask you to walk so that he can view inconsistencies in your steps and/or have you bend in different directions to measure your flexibility. Poor posture is typically the leading cause of joint pain and limited range of motion. Fortunately through appropriate chiropractic techniques, either applied alone or in conjunction with medical care, your range of motion is able to be fully restored.

If you have notice that your range of motion is limited, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. For more information visit our website at www.therapeutic-solutions-llc.com or feel free to contact Dr. Brill & staff at 757-873-4131.

 

Yours in Good Health,

Dr. Christopher Brill

Therapeutic Solutions LLC

Chiropractic & Wellness Center

716-A Thimble Shoals Blvd.

Newport News, VA 23606

Cryotherapy: Icing an Injury

An injury benefits from ice days following the trauma. However, if your pain worsens, you should visit Dr. Christopher Brill at Therapeutic Solutions, LLC immediately. The icing method – cryotherapy – is an essential management skill that is also a cheap, effective, and drugless method for relieving the pain of injuries. Safe application of ice to your skin can relieve symptoms from sprains, strains, bruises, and virtually any situation in which superficial tissues are inflamed by trauma.

Cryotherapy is an excellent way to heal muscle spasms in the body. Icing is well known to help numb painful areas as well as provide a cooling relief to affected soft tissues. Applying cold compresses to the skin effectively reduces the temperature of the skin and constricts blood vessels in the area to promote healing. It can be done right at home, or we can offer the service to you right here in the office.

If you’ve recently suffered an injury, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. For more information visit our website at www.therapeutic-solutions-llc.com or feel free to contact Dr. Brill & staff at 757-873-4131.

 

Yours in Good Health,

Dr. Christopher Brill

Therapeutic Solutions LLC

Chiropractic & Wellness Center

716-A Thimble Shoals Blvd.

Newport News, VA 23606

Self-Care for Back and Neck Pain

Almost everybody who experiences tight shoulders and neck accompanied with tension headaches knows how unpleasant the pain can be. Here at Therapeutic Solutions, LLC, we offer a variety of treatments to treat your back and neck pain. However, when you can’t make it to the office, here are some self-care tips to keep your discomfort under control.

1. Take it easy – contrary to popular belief, studies on acute back pain actually show that a few days of restricting your activity, and taking the appropriate over-the-counter medication, is all that many people need to allow the strained muscles to relax and unwind.


2. Ice, then heat – Ice and heat can alleviate local pain that comes from muscle and ligament strain. Ice slows swelling and inflammation and using heat afterward increases blood flow to the deep tissues and relaxes muscle spasms.


3. Massage -- if you have a willing companion, gentle massage may provide some relief by stretching tight muscles and ligaments.

For more information visit our website at www.therapeutic-solutions-llc.com or feel free to contact Dr. Brill & staff at 757-873-4131.

Yours in Good Health,

Dr. Christopher Brill

Therapeutic Solutions LLC

Chiropractic & Wellness Center

716-A Thimble Shoals Blvd.

Newport News, VA 23606

Chronic Pain Characteristics

Chronic pain can be described as an ongoing or recurrent pain that lasts beyond the usual course of acute illness or injury or more than three to six months. Chronic pain is very different than any other level of pain, and at Therapeutic Solutions LLC we highly hope that you never hold out on treatment this long. Since chronic pain may occur in a variety of locations in the body and for many different reasons, patients, and Dr. Christopher Brill need to work together to identify the causes, symptoms, and develop a treatment plan.

Chronic pain has numerous levels. It can range from mild to excruciating, be episodic or continuous, as well as merely inconvenient or totally incapacitating. The most common sources of chronic pain stem from headaches, joint pain, pain from injury, and backaches. Other kinds of chronic pain include tendinitis, sinus pain, and pain affecting parts of the body, such as the shoulders, pelvis, and neck. Chronic pain affects an estimated 100 million people of the United States and Dr. Christopher Brill does not want you to be one of them. If you are suffering from any level of pain, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options.

To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.therapeutic-solutions-llc.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Christopher Brill at Therapeutic Solutions LLC in Newport News, VA, call 757-873-4131.

 

Yours in Good Health,

Dr. Christopher Brill

Therapeutic Solutions LLC

Chiropractic & Wellness Center

716-A Thimble Shoals Blvd.

Newport News, VA 23606

 

757-873-4131

 

Importance of “Me Time”

Most of us advise that self-care is essential for happiness, but many of us don’t practice what we preach. At Therapeutic Solutions LLC, we understand that you’re busy and finding the time to take proper care of yourself can be hard. However, Dr. Christopher Brill encourages you to spend a few moments to concentrate on your own health and wellness so that you can reap the benefits of alone time.

Alone time has the ability to reboot our brains, help us unwind, and make us more productive overall. It also allows time for deep thinking, gives space for self-discovery and improves our concentration. It’s true that reserving time for yourself is good every now and then, but it’s the constant repetition of this habit which soothes you and makes sure that you’re functioning at your optimum – mentally, physically, and emotionally. If you can’t visit us for a massage or some form of chiropractic treatment, at least do us the favor of activating your own self-soothing system by utilizing time for yourself.

To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.therapeutic-solutions-llc.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Christopher Brill at Therapeutic Solutions LLC in Newport News, VA, call 757-873-4131. 

Yours in Good Health,

Dr. Christopher Brill

Therapeutic Solutions LLC

Chiropractic & Wellness Center

716-A Thimble Shoals Blvd.

Newport News, VA 23606

 

757-873-4131

Sacroiliac Joint Function

Have you ever felt an unexplained pain in your lower back when you try to cross one leg over the other? If so, your sacroiliac joint (SI joint) may be acting up. The sacroiliac joint is the joint located in the pelvis, linking the iliac bone (pelvis) to the sacrum (lowest part of the spine above the tailbone). It is an essential component for shock absorption to prevent impact forces during walking from reaching the spine. If your SI joint is not functioning properly, you may feel chronic pain in your lower back, buttocks, or in the legs. When you do, Dr. Christopher Brill of Therapeutic Solutions, LLC can provide you with relief.

The SI joint transfers weight and forces between your upper body and legs. Like any other joint in the body, it can degenerate or its support ligaments can become loose or injured. If this happens to you, chronic SI joint pain can make it difficult to perform daily activities, and can only get worse over time if left untreated.

If you are suffering from disturbed sleep patterns, hip/groin pain or pelvic pain, please give us a call. For more information visit our website at www.therapeutic-solutions-llc.com or feel free to contact Dr. Brill & staff at 757-873-4131.

 

Yours in Good Health,

Dr. Christopher Brill

Therapeutic Solutions LLC

Chiropractic & Wellness Center

716-A Thimble Shoals Blvd.

Newport News, VA 23606

Core-Strengthening Exercises to Improve Your Posture

A strong core helps your spine maintain healthy posture. As we know, good posture is important for your spine and your overall health. Dr. Christopher Brill of Therapeutic Solutions, LLC wants our patients to know how to gain a strong core. Here are some exercises to strengthen your core and help improve your posture.

Side Bend:

-Stand tall with your feet should-width apart.

-Keep your arms flat against your sides.

-Bend sideways, sliding your hand down your leg. Reach down as far as you can.

-Return to the start position and repeat twenty times on each side.

 

Leg lifts:

-Lie on your back and point your toes.

-Keep a tight core, with your spine in a neutral position.

-Lift both legs off the ground, and while keeping one near the ground, lift the other until it is perpendicular to the ground.

-As you lower the first leg, raise your other leg.

-Do this ten times for each leg

 

Mountain Climbers:

-Start in plank position.

-Bring your right knee up to your chest, then return to plank position.

-Bring your left knee up to your chest and then return to plank position.

-Keeping switching your legs, quickening as you go so it is like running in place, horizontally.

- Continue for sixty-second, going as quickly as you can, but keeping good form.

Creating your own core strengthening workout and complete it a couple of times per week. You will begin to notice changes each week. For more information visit our website at www.therapeutic-solutions-llc.com or feel free to contact Dr. Brill & staff at 757-873-4131.

 

Yours in Good Health,

Dr. Christopher Brill

Therapeutic Solutions LLC

Chiropractic & Wellness Center

716-A Thimble Shoals Blvd.

Newport News, VA 23606

Obtain Relief from Knee Pain

Knee pain is incredibly common and can be caused by injuries, mechanical problems, types of arthritis and many other conditions. Fortunately, whatever the cause, at Therapeutic Solutions, LLC our staff offers countless methods of treatment to provide you with relief. The first step on the road to treatment is to diagnose what’s causing your knee pain. Dr. Christopher Brill does this by completing a thorough exam.

Symptoms vary depending on your specific knee injury, but things to look out for are a pain, often when bending or straightening the knee, swelling, difficulty bearing weight on the knee, and limited range of knee motion. Treatment for knee pain depends on the cause, which only Dr. Christopher Brill can decipher, but until you can make it into our office for a visit, we suggest resting your knee, icing it and elevating it.

If you are experiencing knee pain, please give us a call. To learn more about the conditions we treat and the services we provide at our practice visit www.therapeutic-solutions-llc.com or contact Dr. Brill and staff at 757-873-4131.

Yours in Good Health,

Dr. Christopher Brill

Therapeutic Solutions LLC

Chiropractic & Wellness Center

716-A Thimble Shoals Blvd.

Newport News, VA 23606

How Chiropractic Care Helps the Heart

Chiropractic care helps put the entire body in its best form, including the heart. Spinal adjustments have been shown to decrease blood pressure and lower your heart rate. Read on to learn about some of the benefits chiropractic care has on heart health. At Therapeutic Solutions LLC in Newport News, VA, Dr. Christopher Brill is dedicated to helping his patients achieve a healthy life.

When a vertebra is misaligned, this causes pressure onto the tissues and nerves which can interrupt messages to and from the brain. When the C1 vertebra is misaligned, it can disrupt messages that go to the heart. Adjustments to the spine realign the vertebrae allow nerves and tissues in the surrounding area to function as they should.

It is thought that when the C1 vertebra is misaligned, it sends out signals that contract the arteries. Therefore, both systolic and diastolic blood pressures are increased. When the C1 vertebra is moved back into place, it decreases the blood pressure again in both systolic and diastolic measurements. Another benefit is a decreased heart rate. It is thought that when the rest of your cervical spine is adjusted, the eight pairs of nerves in the cervical spine are able to function properly which may reduce the heart rate.

Chiropractic care offers benefits for the whole body. For more information visit our website at www.therapeutic-solutions-llc.com or feel free to contact Dr. Brill & staff at 757-873-4131.

Yours in Good Health,

Dr. Christopher Brill

Therapeutic Solutions LLC

Chiropractic & Wellness Center

716-A Thimble Shoals Blvd.

Newport News, VA 23606

How You Should Be Lifting Large or Heavy Objects

When lifting heavy or large objects, the proper lifting technique could be vital. Injury could result from lifting incorrectly. Take some tips from Therapeutic Solutions LLC where Dr. Christopher Brill wants all his patients to practice safe lifting.

Summer is just around the corner now which usually means there is a lot of moving going on. Have you ever had back pain after helping a friend move? More than likely, it was due to improper lifting. Hurting yourself while lifting can not only cause pain but it could be the beginning of a chronic pain. This is also why it is important to see a chiropractor for back pain; you need to know the extent of your injuries and how it will affect you down the road.

To properly lift an object, place your feet shoulder-width apart with one of your feet slightly in front of the other. Then, squat down to the level of the object. Only bend at your hips and your knees; keep your back straight. Keeping your chest out and shoulders back helps. Also, keep your head looking straight forward. Lift the object slowly by straightening your legs. Your back should still be straight. Remember you should never twist your body as you lift. When carrying or holding the object, keep it close to your body at the level of your belly button. To set the object back down, do so by squatting; keeping your spine in line.

For more information visit our website at www.therapeutic-solutions-llc.com or feel free to contact Dr. Brill & staff at 757-873-4131.

Yours in Good Health,

Dr. Christopher Brill

Therapeutic Solutions LLC

Chiropractic & Wellness Center

716-A Thimble Shoals Blvd.

Newport News, VA 23606

Benefits of Epsom Salt Soaks

After receiving a chiropractic adjustment from Dr. Christopher Brill at Therapeutic Solutions LLC, you may benefit from an Epsom salt bath to prevent muscle soreness. The reason for this is that an Epsom salt bath has the power to relieve pain and muscle cramps. It is also known to ease pain and relieve inflammation, making it beneficial in the treatment of sore muscles and migraine headaches.

Unlike the type of salt you sprinkle on your French fries, Epsom salt is a naturally occurring pure mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate. Studies have shown that magnesium and sulfate are both readily absorbed through the skin; making Epsom salt baths an easy and ideal way to reap the health benefits. Studies also show that Epsom salt can help regulate electrolytes in your body, ensuring proper functioning of the muscles, nerves, and enzymes. When dissolved in warm water, Epsom salt replenishes the level of magnesium in the body. The magnesium then produces serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of calm and relaxation.

For more information visit our website at www.therapeutic-solutions-llc.com or feel free to contact Dr. Brill & staff at 757-873-4131.

Yours in Good Health,

Dr. Christopher Brill

Therapeutic Solutions LLC

Chiropractic & Wellness Center

716-A Thimble Shoals Blvd.

Newport News, VA 23606

Allergies and Chiropractic Treatment

Spring is finally here, but if you suffer from allergies you may not be all that thrilled. Even though chiropractic care is not a specific allergy treatment, Dr. Christopher Brill at Therapeutic Solutions LLC would like to explain why patients may find allergy relief from chiropractic care. The goal of chiropractic treatment focuses on optimizing the overall health function of the nervous system in your body. When the body becomes optimized, the body begins to function as it should. Because of this, your immune system develops a “boost” and decreases allergy symptoms.

Chiropractic treatment releases the pressure on the nervous system allowing the immune system to work more effectively. Since the beneficial effects of this treatment are very well documented, it’s no surprise that many chiropractic patients report a reduction of allergy symptoms. Receiving regular adjustments realigns the spine and allows the body to heal itself and function at its highest performance. If you suffer from allergies, you may want to consider chiropractic as a treatment option.

If you suffer from allergies and think you may benefit from chiropractic treatment, please give us a call. For more information visit our website at www.therapeutic-solutions-llc.com or feel free to contact Dr. Brill & staff at 757-873-4131.

Yours in Good Health,

Dr. Christopher Brill

Therapeutic Solutions LLC

Chiropractic & Wellness Center

716-A Thimble Shoals Blvd.

Newport News, VA 23606

Spring Activities to Get Moving

With the warmer weather coming, it’s a great time to put together a list of fun spring activities to get you moving! At Therapeutic Solutions, LLC in Newport News, VA, Dr. Christopher Brill knows that a big part of leading a healthy life is getting active outdoors! You may have been cooped up indoors all winter long, so check out some of our ideas!

Getting outside doesn’t just open up more options for activities, it also battles stress! Studies have shown that people who spend time outdoors are often less stressed than people who don’t.

·        Plant! Springtime is perfect for planting new trees, flowers, and more! Just be sure the last frost is over with!

·        Jog or take a hike. What better way to check out your environment as it thaws out from the winter! There are many spring 5ks you can enter, as well! 

·        Ride your bike. Put the air back in those tires and go for a ride!

·        Golf! Are you a golfer just itching for warmer weather? Get your game back on!

·        Go on a scavenger hunt! This one is great for families. Compile a list of spring sightings to look for like budding trees, crocuses, robins, and toads!

There are so many different ways to get outdoors and get active! Start planning your spring activity list today. For more information, visit our website at www.therapeutic-solutions-llc.com  or feel free to contact Dr. Brill & staff at 757-873-4131.

Yours in Good Health,

Dr. Christopher Brill

Therapeutic Solutions LLC

Chiropractic & Wellness Center

716-A Thimble Shoals Blvd.

Newport News, VA 23606

Track and Field: Stretches for Runners

With track and field starting up this month, many athletes are going to be pushing their bodies to do amazing things. With this, preparation is needed to avoid injury. Dr. Christopher Brill of Therapeutic Solutions, LLC in Newport News, VA is sharing some tips for stretching before and after those track meets.

Before Your Run

You want to be sure that you do a dynamic stretch before your run. This will loosen up your muscles and prepare them for extension. Try:

·        Walking lunges- Lunges while you walk! Alternate legs.

·        Leg swings- Hold onto a wall or a chair and swing your leg forward and back. Alternate legs.

These work to hit all of your leg muscles.

 

After Your Run

After your run, you want your muscles to heal with flexibility. Skipping stretching could lead to tightened muscles and tendons.

·        Quads: Standing up, bend one of your legs up so your heel is brought towards your butt. Press the top of your shoe into the palm of your hand. Alternate legs.

·        Hip Flexors and Hamstrings: Kneel down and put one foot in front of you, having your leg bent at a ninety-degree angle. Push your right hip forward. Alternate legs.

·        Calves: Sit on the floor with one foot stretched in front of you. Reach for your toes. Alternate legs.

Remember that static stretches should be held for about thirty seconds to get the benefit of the stretch. For more information, visit our website at www.therapeutic-solutions-llc.com or feel free to contact Dr. Brill & staff at 757-873-4131.

Yours in Good Health,

Dr. Christopher Brill

Therapeutic Solutions LLC

Chiropractic & Wellness Center

716-A Thimble Shoals Blvd.

Newport News, VA 23606

Choosing a Pillow for a Healthy Sleep Position

Your whole day of hard work healing your spine can all be thrown away if you are sleeping in an improper position. Sleep posture is both necessary for a healthy spine and healthy sleep. Dr. Christopher Brill of Therapeutic Solutions, LLC in Newport News, VA is sharing tips for picking out the right pillow for you. The right pillow will hold your cervical spine in a neutral position and support a healthy position for the rest of the spine.

For Back and Side Sleepers:

Those who sleep on their back or on their side will benefit from a thicker pillow. You want to be sure that the pillow cushions the gap between your bed and your head comfortably. You do not want your head to hang down or be pushed forward. This can create a kink in the cervical spine; hindering nerve messages to and from the brain. It can also lead to spinal pain when you wake up.

For Stomach Sleepers:

Sleeping on your stomach is the worst position for your spine. However, some patients do prefer this way to sleep. If you are a stomach sleeper, make sure to use a very thin pillow or even no pillow at all. This keeps your head from being higher than the rest of your body and keeps your cervical spine in line with the rest of your body. To take pressure off the rest of your spine, place a pillow under your pelvis/ stomach area.

A good night’s sleep leads to a restored body and healthy spine. For more information, visit our website at www.therapeutic-solutions-llc.com  or feel free to contact Dr. Brill & staff at 757-873-4131.

Yours in Good Health,

Dr. Christopher Brill

Therapeutic Solutions LLC

Chiropractic & Wellness Center

716-A Thimble Shoals Blvd.

Newport News, VA 23606

Questions to Ask Your Chiropractor

Asking questions is what allows people to continually grow their knowledge. This is important in life; especially when it comes to health. When you are new to chiropractic, it can be hard to know where to start. This is why at Therapeutic Solutions, LLC, we want to give our patients some key questions to prepare for your first appointment. Dr. Christopher Brill wants all of his patients here in our Newport News, VA office to be a partner in their health.

Knowing what your chiropractor’s technique is will help you prepare for appointments. Ask your chiropractor what steps are procedures are going to be part of your treatment. Also, ask how it will help treat your specific condition.

The second step is to find out what to expect after appointments. Will there be any pain? Will you feel relieved afterwards? This helps you get ready for the appointment and be able to plan your day after the appointment.

One more key question is to ask what you can do to continue progress at home. Whether it involves lifestyle changes or exercises, there will be something you can do at home to keep moving in the right direction.

To ask us more about the conditions we treat and chiropractic, feel free to contact us! For more information, visit our website at www.therapeutic-solutions-llc.com  or feel free to contact Dr. Brill & staff at 757-873-4131. 

Yours in Good Health,

Dr. Christopher Brill

Therapeutic Solutions LLC

Chiropractic & Wellness Center

716-A Thimble Shoals Blvd.

Newport News, VA 23606

Spinal Degeneration

We all age, unfortunately, and as we get older our spines start to degenerate. Spinal discs are soft, compressible discs that separate the vertebrae that make up the spine. The discs act as shock absorbers for the spine, allowing it to flex, bend, and twist. Spinal degenerative disease refers to any disease of the spinal column that results from the aging process and wear and tear that occurs to the bone and soft tissues of the spine. If you notice yourself losing a few inches in height, this may be the reason why. If suspect that’s the case, you should give Dr. Christopher Brill a call.

The term degenerative spine disease does not refer to any one condition of the spine. It is a general term that encompasses many types of disorders that can occur simultaneously in the same patient. Disc degeneration is actually a natural part of aging, and over time, all people will exhibit changes in their discs consistent with a greater or lesser degree of degeneration. However, not all people will develop symptoms. If you’re wondering what the symptoms are, these include lower back pain that is generally made worse with sitting, back pain intensified by bending and lifting, and a desire to change positions frequently to alleviate pain. Treatment for degenerative spine disease varies considerably depending on the specifics of each case.

To learn more about spinal degeneration and services we provide at the practice, visit our website at www.therapeutic-solutions-llc.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Christopher Brill at Therapeutic Solutions LLC in Newport News, VA, call 757-873-4131.

Ergonomic Principles

At Therapeutic Solutions LLC, we believe that ergonomics is important for your posture and your range of motion. Ergonomics looks at what kind of work you do, what tools you use and your whole job environment. In recent years, ergonomists have attempted to define postures which minimize unnecessary static work and reduce the forces acting on the body. In fact, all of us could significantly reduce our risk of injury if we could adhere to the following ergonomic principles:

• All work activities should permit the worker to adopt several different, but equally healthy and safe postures.


• Where muscular force has to be exerted it should be done by the largest appropriate muscle groups available.


• Work activities should be performed with the joints at about mid-point of their range of movement. This applies particularly to the head, trunk, and upper limbs.

No matter what the job is, the goal is to make sure that you are safe, comfortable and less prone to work-related injuries.

To learn more about the services we provide, visit our website at www.therapeutic-solutions-llc.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Christopher Brill at Therapeutic Solutions LLC in Newport News, VA, call 757-873-4131.

Chiropractic Diagnosis for Back Pain

At Therapeutic Solutions LLC, it doesn’t matter if you’re suffering from back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, or have recently been injured in a car accident, because we are here to provide you with relief whatever the cause. Once you schedule an appointment with Dr. Christopher Brill, he will need to assess what is causing you strife. He does this by classifying your injury into one of three categories. These categories of chiropractic diagnosis include:  

• Potentially serious: tumor, infection, fracture, major neurological problem, local open wound or burn, prolonged bleeding, artificial joint implant problems, pacemaker problems, joint infection


• Nerve problem: when the nerve root in the low back is pinched or compressed, causing a radiculopathy (sciatica). Typical causes of nerve root pinching include a lumbar herniated disc, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis


• Non-specific: mechanical back pain in the lumbar spine. This type of lower back pain is the most common presentation, and includes pain for which there is no identifiable cause.

If you are suffering from pain of any kind, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide, visit our website at www.therapeutic-solutions-llc.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Christopher Brill at Therapeutic Solutions LLC in Newport News, VA, call 757-873-4131.

Chiropractic Treatment for Arthritis

Arthritis is inflammation of one or more of your joints. The main symptoms are joint pain and stiffness, which is why the condition may benefit from chiropractic treatment. Chiropractic is primarily used as a pain relief alternative for muscles, joints, bones, and connective tissue, such as cartilage, ligaments and tendons. However, because in some conditions and circumstances, chiropractic techniques can actually worsen the symptoms of arthritis, Dr. Christopher Brill will need to perform a thorough examination before suggesting proper treatment.

The main goals of arthritis treatments are to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. There are several different types of arthritis and treatment will vary on the type that is diagnosed. Depending on the kind of arthritis you have, your signs and symptoms may include pain, stiffness, swelling, redness, and decreased range of motion. Specific chiropractic adjustments can take stress off your nervous system, allowing your body to rest relax and heal.

If you are suffering from arthritis pain, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. For more information about the services we provide, visit our website at www.therapeutic-solutions-llc.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Christopher Brill at Therapeutic Solutions LLC in Newport News, VA, call 757-873-4131.