Jun 21

Can I Get Adjusted While Pregnant?

chiropractic and pregnancy

Is it a good idea to get your spine checked while you are pregnant? Firstly, yes it is highly recommended to get your spine checked while you are pregnant. You’ve probably noticed that, your body is going through many changes, and these alterations will continue as the pregnancy progresses. One change that goes basically unnoticed is your body’s increased production of the hormone elastin. This hormone is designed to relax the tendons in the pelvis. This relaxation allows the pelvis more flexibility during the birthing process to make delivering the baby easier.

This process, despite the fact that its function is to assist the mother during labor, can create a lot of back pain in the months leading up to the birth. As the pregnancy advances, more elastin is released, which allows the pelvis to become increasingly more unstable. In combination with the increased size of the baby and uterus, and you have the ingredients for severe low back pain. As an chiropractor” href=”http://www.chiropracticoxnard.com/”>Oxnard Chiropractor I see many pregnant women in my practice in my clinic for a variety of symptoms, but generally it is for their low back pain.

One side benefit of having your spine and pelvis checked by a chiropractor regularly during your pregnancy is that it has been shown to actually decrease labor time. Why do chiropractic adjustments help? Simply put, if the pelvis is where it needs to be, the muscles contracting during the labor process are more efficient and won’t have to strain against misaligned joints.

In answer to the second question above, by all means chiropractic care during your pregnancy is safe. Chiropractic is not only safe and beneficial in relieving the low back pain associated with pregnancy, but other symptoms like heartburn, nausea, swelling, and so on. Certain trained chiropractors can also help mothers who have a breached baby. This is done by using the Webster Technique, a low force technique to manipulate the uterus and get the baby into the proper presentation for delivery. Additional information on the Webster Technique can easily be found online.

In summation, not only is chiropractic safe for pregnant women, it is also very beneficial in helping with the symptoms associated with their pregnancy. If you are pregnant, I highly recommend that you go to see a good local chiropractor, or if you live or work in the area, look up your Oxnard Chiropractor. We can make you quite a bit more comfortable in the months of your pregnancy, and we can even make the labor process easier.

Jun 10

The Benefits of Chiropractic Care to Children’s Health

The detrimental effects of pharmaceuticals on the health of children has many moms and dads disturbed. Parents want to know if there is something better that they can do for their child than to give them prescription drugs.

Many children’s prescription and non-prescription drugs often not only mask a child’s symptoms, but can produce negative side effects. Their desire to maintain a state of true health for their children has encouraged moms and dads to seek health care opportunities that assist their child’s own innate ability to be healthy.

Chiropractic care is that option. All children function better with 100% nerve function. The immune system is controlled by the nervous system. When it is functioning at its peak, children stay healthier.  As the adage goes, “the best offense is a good defense.” Everyday, children are exposed to massive amounts of airborn, food-born, and contact bacteria. So many bacteria, in fact, that it would be inconceivable to immunize them against them all. Your Camarillo Chiropractor has both knowledge and experience with colds, sore throats, ear infections, fevers, colic, asthma, tonsillitis, allergies, bed-wetting, infections, pains, falls, stomach-aches, and the hundred and one little (and big) things children go through as they are growing up.

The goal of a chiropractor is to help keep your child healthy and strong so that the complaints that seem to be an inevitable part of childhood, either will not affect your child as intensely or won’t affect them at all. chiropractic adjustments helps to remove interferences to the innate healing power that runs through your child’s body. When that power is released, the healthy results that take place many times appear to be profound.

Furthermore, a child has less tendency to be injured at play or in sports when his or her spine is in alignment. In addition, children who are brought in regularly for chiropractic care don’t appear to experience as many “growing pains” as other children.

Each day at your Chiropractor we are happy to see that more and more parents are bringing their children to our clinic to address the questions and concerns they have about their children’s health. Every child is deserve the right to express their entire potential. Chiropractic care for children at your Camarillo Chiropractor is safe, gentle and effective.

Jun 05

Chiropractic and Acupuncture - Healing That Helps

If you are experiencing back pain looking to a traditional healing approach may not incontrovertibly be the answer for you.  As a matter of fact, many times when medical science is unable to help a person overcome pain, some natural methods have been identified as being very effective.  Medical approaches, by their nature, are inclined to treat the symptoms of a problem, not the origin. However, natural techniques look for the fundemental cause of the pain.  If you’re interested in experiencing natural methods that have been confirmed to be potent in relieving back pain and many other difficulties, you don’t need to look any further than chiropractic and acupuncture.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been essential to traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years.  It is earning popularity many places around the world and for an excellent reason: A vast number of people have undergone relief from their back pain and a number of other afflictions by visiting an acupuncturist on a regular basis.  According to traditional Chinese acupuncture therapy, small needles are put into the body at distinct points that are believed to affect a number of different areas of the body.  Customarily, only the needles are used, though at times and especially these days, tiny electrical currents are directed through the needles into the body.  Although it may seem as if it would hurt, it rarely ever does and, in fact, many people feel tranquil and pleasurable sensations while undergoing acupuncture treatments.

Chiropractic

For over one hundred years, chiropractors, such as a chiropractor.alohafamilychiropractic.com/”>Honolulu chiropractor, (also called doctors of chiropractic) have been treating men, women, and even children suffering from back pain and other health problems. A chiropractor cares for those who are suffering from musculoskeletal and nervous system problems. Chiropractic medicine treats the deviations of the vertebral column that hamper the capacity of the nervous system. These misaligned vertebra can reduce resistance and immunity, hence producing new health problems. An effectual chiropractor has superior observational and diagnostic skills that assist in detecting physical anomalies and joint conditions. Many chiropractors employ neurological tests and orthopedic checks. Some will analyze the posture of someone as a way of identifying postural anomalies, and in addition may observe a person’s gait to identify faulty movement patterns. Chiropractic therapy non-invasive, drug-free treatment as well as advice and education about the benefits of individual lifestyle changes, such as in exercise and nutrition.

So, if you have back pain, headaches, neck pain, hip pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, balance challenges, or arthritis, and you’ve tried a number of other things and and you’re still suffering, it could be time for you to try chiropractic and acupuncture.  One way to find out  for sure is to go in to see a good chiropractor or acupuncturist, and to allow them to tell you definitively what they are going to be able to do for you.  It’s very possible that you will experience some relief from your suffering even after only one visit.  With subsequent visits, you will make more advancements and improvements, and you might just find that these natural treatments work best for your back pain.

Jun 01

Losing Weight Can Help Your Arthritis Pain

San Diego Chiropractor: Chiropractic and Arthritis

Do you suffer from painful chiropractor arthritis” href=”http://sandiegochiropractor.aimforbetterhealth.com/arthritis”>arthritis? Do you also have a challenge with your weight?  If you’ve answered yes to both questions, it’s conceivable that you’re having back pain not only due to arthritis, but also because of the burden your weight is putting on your spine.  The body was not intended to carry around additional weight in the form of body fat.  If you are carrying around only an additional 20 or 30 pounds of extra weight, your spine, which supports the body, is being put under a tremendous amount of strain. This kind of strain can cause irregularities of the vertebral column. These misaligned vertebra can generate arthritic changes in the spine and continue to irritate the degenerative changes that have already taken place. Furthermore, your body may counteract in other ways, like your hips moving forward or tilting to counterbalance the excess pounds.  This can restrict the sciatic nerve, which is intensely painful.

A new survey by the NPD Group, a leading market research organization based in Rosemont, Ill., shows that about 62% of adults and 34% of children are overweight or obese. The ubiquitousness of arthritis increases with accumulating weight. Research suggests that cultivating a healthy weight lessens the risk of developing arthritis in the first place and may decrease degenerative progression. A weight decrease of just 11 pounds can decrease the occurrence (incidence) of new knee osteoarthritis and would do quite a lot to decrease back pain as well.

In order for a person to get rid of their back pain, knee pain, and pain in the joints in other regions of the body, a good diet and appropriate exercise is imperative.  Even though this counsel probably doesn’t strike you as anything new, it truly is the only solution for you to get out of pain and regain your life.

First of all, let’s talk about the topic of dieting.  There are a huge number of different ways to diet and most of them are useful only for a limited period.  Sadly, the diet industry is not concerned about your losing weight permanently because consequently they would not have you as a customer.  Eating a healthy diet (as a lifestyle choice and not a temporary fix) and cutting your calories so that you are at a slight calorie “deficit,” is the only way to lose weight in a healthy, permanent manner.  Losing a large amount of weight too rapidly is not only unhealthy, but dangerous. A good goal is to lose about 2 pounds every week in order for it to work well.

Research has shown that exercise and physical activity not only reduces pain and augments function, but actually delays disability. Be certain to get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a minimum of 3 days a week. Even at 10-minute intervals such movement is beneficial.

Chiropractic treatment is a highly beneficial way to get mobility back in the joints of your spine and other regions of, and can be a good first step prior to starting an exercise program. A spine in alignment makes exercise and physical activity much easier and will slow down arthritic degenerative changes. The Annals of Internal Medicine published the findings of a survey of 232 people who had arthritis and were under a rheumatologist’s care.  Of those people, 63% replied to the survey by stating that they were taking advantage of some kind of “complementary care” as named by the study.  Of those responders, 31% were trying chiropractic. Undoubtedly the most notable statistic was that 73% of those using chiropractic found it helpful.  Indicating why they’d tried the non-medical chiropractic care, people provided a number of reasons: 1) to reduce pain, 2) they’d been told that it helps, 3) they felt assured that it is safe, 4) it had aided someone they knew, and 5) because their prescription medication wasn’t working.

chiropractors, also called doctors of chiropractic, have been helping men and women suffering from back pain due to arthritis and other arthritic afflictions for over a hundred years. Your San Diego chiropractor treats misaligned vertebra that, in addition to creating arthritic pain and degenerative changes in the spine, can weaken resistance and immunity, which can lead to new health challenges.

It is always a good idea to consult a health care professional to discuss diet and exercise. If you looking for expert advice on the kind of lifestyle changes that you will required to help you to manage your arthritis, your chiropractor will be more than glad to assist you. Furthermore, in addition to getting your spine in alignment through gentle adjustments, your chiropractor will analyze any faulty gait patterns or posture irregularities that may be adding to the pain you are experiencing.

May 21

Extra Weight in the Middle Can Mean Extra Pain in the Back

There is a large number of individuals today in a daily struggle to lose weight, notably too much weight around the middle. But, the necessity to lose weight is, most often, more than merely a cosmetic issue.  In actuality, if people are lugging around extra weight in their midsection, their back is going to suffer as an outcome.

The majority of individuals who are overweight suffer from moderate to severe back pain. This happens because the spine was not made to haul something that is more substantial in weight than the body is at its naturally healthy weight.  As a human being puts on extra poundage, the spine begins to distort and to compress, causing a lot of pain and discomfort.  The pelvis can conjointly be affected and become tilted forward causing it to pinch the sciatic nerve. This is a major reason why people who are overweight tend to have problems with their lower back. The pain is due to either sciatica or the distorting of the spinal column.

If this situation sounds achingly familiar, and you’d like to get out pain, unmistakeably the thing to do is to get rid of some of the extra weight that you are toting around, and your spine will immediately respond and reestablish its regular position.  Unfortunately, weight loss isn’t easy and it can take time, even with the best of intentions. But, luckily you don’t have to continue to experience back pain as you lose the weight. A Costa Mesa chiropractor can assist you in getting the pain relief you’ll need as you shed the extra pounds.

Even so, you will still need to lose the additional poundage, and being free of back pain will undoubted assist you in doing it. Losing the extra weight naturally and healthfully is crucial, and there are two (simple but not easy) things that will definitely work: Get some type of exercise every day, even if it’s just a bit, and be certain that you take in fewer calories than you burn! Sure, you’ve heard about these two things before. Nonetheless, now that you know your back is depending on you, it definitely time to get truly motivated.

Start exercising slowly, particular if you’re having difficulties with back pain. And, most importantly, be sure to see a chiropractor so that you don’t go wrong the way many people do, which is to exercise into the pain. That will without a doubt make your condition worse. Exercise, though sometimes uncomfortable, should never be painful or cause pain. That’s why seeing a chiropractor is important if you’re suffering from back pain.

Do basic stretching exercises and also concentrate on your core abdominal body muscles. Strong stomach muscles assisting in relieving back pain. Your chiropractor will be able to offer exercises that are best for you, personally. After a very short period of dedication to shedding the pounds that are causing your back pain and possibly other health issues as well, you should begin to notice a dramatic difference in the way that you feel.

May 17

Can a Chiropractor Help Scoliosis?

chiropractic and Scoliosis” href=”http://www.chiropracticwrks.com/scoliosis”>Scoliosis an Introduction

When the body is seen from behind, a normal spine looks straight without much deviation from laterally. But, if the spine is viewed to have a lateral, or side-to-side, curvature, the individual might have a condition called scoliosis.This condition many times gives the appearance of the individual leaning to one side although it should not be confused with unsatisfactory posture. Scoliosis is a complicated deformity that is defined by both lateral curvature and rotation of the vertebra often creating a characteristic “rib hump” in the mid or thoracic spine. This is created by the vertebrae in the area of the major curve rotating toward the concavity and pushing their attached ribs posterior thus producing the symptomatic rib hump seen in thoracic scoliosis. The pulmonary and cardiac functions can be impeded if the thoracic curve and rib rotation exceeds 70 degrees. Frequently later in life in untreated severe idiopathic infantile and juvenile scoliosis patients, this intensity of curve and consequential cardiac and pulmonary changes can be life threatening.

Anatomy

The spine displays four normal curves: the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral, all of which are observable from a side view of the trunk. In the lower spine there is a normal “C-shaped” curve called swayback or lordosis, while the thoracic curve in the chest vicinity has a “reverse C” called a kyphosis. Increased kyphosis in the thoracic area is called hyperkyphosis, while increased swayback is termed, hyperlordosis. Scoliosis changes generally accompany diversions from normal on a side view. Postural exercises can correct some round back deformities that are simply due to bad posture. A small percentage of patients with kyphosis have more rigid deformities than the postural type, which are coincidental with vertebral deformity. This class of deformity, called Scheuermann’s kyphosis, is much more problematic to treat than postural kyphosis, and it’s cause is unknown.

Even a nonprofessional can help to identify a child or fully-grown individual with scoliosis just by viewing the person in a standing position, preferably with no shirt and in boxers, and observing the following:

  • One shoulder may be higher than the other.
  • One scapula (shoulder blade) may be higher or more conspicuous than the other.
  • There may be more space between the arm and the body on one side when the arms hang freely at the side.
  • One hip may seem to be more elevated or more conspicuous than the other.
  • The head is not aligned with the pelvis.
  • One side of the back appears higher than the other when the individual is viewed from the rear and asked to flex forward until the the spine is horizontal.

Once scoliosis is detected, the child or adult should be sent to a healthcare professional, such as a chiropractor, for further evaluation. your chiropractor would be happy to help.

There are many different causes and many kinds of scoliosis, however the most prevalent, by far, is Idiopathic Scoliosis, which accounts for approximately 85 % of all cases. “Idiopathic” means “no known cause” and is observed with equal occurrence in boys and girls in the mild or low curve magnitudes. Depending on the age of onset, this disorder can be sub-classified into infantile, juvenile and adolescent types. Idiopathic Scoliosis often runs in families and may be caused by genetic or hereditary influences. For reasons yet to be found, girls are five to eight times more likely than boys to have their curves increase in size and require treatment. The most frequent time for the development of Idiopathic Scoliosis is during adolescence when children are ending the last major growth spurt. Unfortunately, at this age young people are disinclined to permit their body to be looked at by parents and other adults, so it is wise to have this age group examined on a regular basis.

If a scoliotic curve is found in the growing adolescent, it is crucial that the curves be monitored for change by periodic examination and occasionally standing X-rays. In ninety percent of conditions, the scoliosis is mild and does not require active treatment, however increases in spinal deformity necessitate evaluation to ascertain if a brace or other therapy is necessary. In a small number of patients, surgical treatment may be necessary.~Surgery may be needed for a small number of people.

Brace support (orthosis) is recommended for newly-found conditions of moderate scoliosis or abnormal kyphosis, as well as when an increase in scoliosis or kyphosis is identified in both juvenile and adolescent children. There are a number of styles of braces, all made to prevent curves from increasing through acting as a buttress for the spine during active skeletal growth. Bracing is effectual in preventing curve progression in a significant percentage of skeletally-immature adolescents. Nevertheless, braces generally won’t make the spine entirely straight, and cannot always keep a curve from progressing.

Scoliosis has no simple solution. The majority of cases, even though often monitored, are not actively treated. Severe conditions are sometimes treated surgically, but the common medical treatment for moderate symptoms is a brace. You may want to see your local chiropractor first.

In addition to bracing, many other methods have been used successfully like specialized exercise, electric stimulation of spinal muscles, nutritional programs, and chiropractic treatments. It seems like the most beneficial results have been maintained with a multi-faceted approach to the treatment of this abnormality.

There are chiropractors” href=”http://www.chiropracticworks.org/”>chiropractors, that have years of experience treating scoliosis cases.

May 15

Correct Your Posture, Correct Your Knee Pain

San Jose Chiropractor: Ten Most Frequently Asked Questions

Besides spinal problems, knee pain and disability is one of the most frequent problems of the musculoskeletal system. Problems with the knee can be separated into several categories including unsatisfactory of the knee and faulty foot mechanics that compensate for foot pain, general overuse of the knee joint,  inflammation due to arthritic changes in the joint, and traumatic injury from events such as sports and falls.

Non-trauma knee problems: Deficient mechanics of the knee joint and the corresponding stress on the soft tissues of the knee are, by far, the most widespread cause of non-traumatic pain. The patella or knee-cap is normally the area affected because many times the patella does not move adequately on the femur during bending of the knee producing abnormal stress on the tendons, cartilage and ligaments. This particular condition is often called chondromalacia patella (CMP) or Patella Femoral Syndrome (Knee Cap Pain). The problem usually starts when there are imbalances in the quadriceps muscles of the thigh that attach to and move the patella. Lower back conditions, especially in the sacroiliac joints, are one of the foremost reasons for imbalances in the muscles related to knee movement, and resultant knee problems. Pain and dysfunction can also be produced by imbalances in the muscle groups that connect to the knee. For example, pain on the medial or inside of the knee occurs when the muscles on the insides of the thigh are stressed and taut.   Mechanical knee pain is also caused by gait abnormalities such as pronation.

The associated pain from overuse is most generally felt during activity, particularly stair climbing, running, jumping, and following getting up from prolonged sitting. Many women are likely to be predisposed to painful overuse problems for anatomical reasons, although such ailments are often caused by wearing high heels on a regular basis.

The main treatment for mechanical or overuse injuries to the knee is to re-establish proper balance of the muscles, restore proper movement to the patella and other joints of the knee, and to correct any subluxations of the sacroiliac joints and bones of the foot.  In certain cases, a brace is used to assist with the positioning of the patella or to stabilize the joint. chiropractors, such as your San Jose chiropractor, are highly experienced in administering the appropriate diagnosis and treatment of these ailments.

Knee problems due to trauma: Traumatic injuries often occur during sports that involve running and jumping, particularly. When the knee is pulled or bent beyond the strength of the ligaments that hold the joint together, tearing of these tissues can happen producing a sprain. Strains to muscles that facilitate movement of the knee can occur when the muscles are torn during injury. As with a sprain, a muscle strain can range from a mild injury that requires little care to a serious injury needing surgery. The knee also has two special “cartilages” - the menisci - between the tibia and the femur that allow frictionless motion and cushioning. These cartilages can also be torn during trauma, and often require surgical repair, or even removal if damaged severely.

Traumatic knee injuries can cause severe pain and swelling and need prompt diagnosis and care. In most instances a qualified chiropractor, such as your San Jose Chiropractor, can manage these conditions, however there are some injuries that do need the skills of an orthopedic surgeon. Nevertheless, it is crucial to stabilize the injured joint right away and to put ice on the damaged area, if possible, until the injury can be examined.

Conditions such as poor mechanics and problems due to overuse, as well as traumatic injuries, need to be corrected at an early stage. Otherwise, the tissues of the knee joint, especially the cartilage, will start to erode. Consequently the bones will rub on one another, and changes such as bone spurs can occur. This painful affliction, known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis, is commonly progressive with age. Usual treatment may involve medications such as NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Nevertheless, there are natural anti-inflammatory supplements that produce excellent results such as rosemary, glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, bioflavinoids, curcumin. Conservative treatment, such as chiropractic, can be extremely valuable in reducing the pain. Your San Jose chiropractor is will gladly discuss anti-inflammatory supplements. In addition, sufferers can frequently help themselves by keeping their weight down, doing exercises (especially in the pool), and wearing cushioned shoes or insoles.

 

May 07

How Good Posture Can Help Neck Pain and Whiplash

Whenever we wake up in the morning with a stiff and painful neck, the propensity is to blame the situation on our pillow, bed, or sleep position during that night. We also make an effort to figure out what is taking place when we move our neck suddenly and feel a sharp pain that feels as if something has suddenly slipped out of position or is pinching a “nerve.” Though it may seem so, one single incident is hardly ever the cause of most neck problems, but rather the cumulative effects of incorrect sitting posture, bad work and lifestyle habits, and lack of healthy exercise for strength and flexibility. Obviously, some neck problems are due to traumatic events such as a whiplash accident, a fall, or a sports injury.

To understand neck pain, it is important to understand the anatomy of the spine. The spinal bones or vertebrae of the neck are comprised of posterior joints, called facets, that attach vertebrae to one another and serve to pilot the motion of the spine. Inter-vertebral discs, composed of strong cartilage, join the “bodies” of the vertebrae. This strong cartilage encases the nucleus, a soft material in the center of the inter-vertebral discs. The discs act as shock absorbers and spacers between the vertebrae. The spinal cord is positioned between the facets of the vertebrae. Spinal nerves leave the spine between the vertebrae and provide energy to muscles and organs of the body. They also carry sensory impulses, including pain information, from the body to the brain.  The nerves that leave from the neck are responsible for the entire upper extremity including the shoulder, elbow and hand, as well as structures of the head and neck. The natural forward curve of the neck balances the weight of the head and alleviates stress on neck vertebrae. For more information please feel free to visit your Colorado Springs Chiropractor.

Risk Factors: Neck Pain and Computer Use

Computer use has risen dramatically over the years, at home and in the workplace. Nowadays, a large number of people spend eight to ten hours a day, or more, bent over a keyboard and staring at a monitor. Sitting with the head in a forward bent position (the posture most computer users assume), puts tremendous strain on neck ligaments and muscles. Furthermore, the normal forward curve of the neck may become reversed and create more stress on the surrounding tissue of the neck. Awkward posture and repetitive stress can produce spinal problems including disc herniation and subluxations, which are the main causes of spinal nerve pain. Conjointly with general pain, spinal nerve irritation in the neck can cause symptoms including headaches, eye problems, giddiness, arm and hand pain (and paraesthesia), as well as shoulder pain.

Headaches and chiropractic Care

Headaches or migraines are frequently associated with misalignments of the cervical spine. Symptoms, from a dull ache to throbbing pain, are caused when the cervical vertebrae lose their essential position or motion and sensitive nerves and blood vessels, associated with structures in the head are stretched or irritated. Trigger points, the tight knots in the muscles of the neck, can also refer pain to the head.  Of course there are other factors associated with headaches including toxic fumes, certain foods, additives such as MSG, alcohol, caffeine, and stress. Nevertheless one must always look at the tissues and alignment of the neck when considering the cause of headaches and migraines. Chiropractic care has been shown to exceptionally beneficial in the treatment of headaches. Your chiropractor“>Colorado Springs Chiropractor can give you further information regarding treatment and pain relief.

Whiplash and Chiropractic Care

Unfortunately, many people are involved in car accidents. Rear-end collisions are the most common. During such an accident, the passenger in the front vehicle gets his or her head forcefully wrenched backward and then forward causing injury to the structures of the back and front of the neck. Such a powerful force can cause trauma to the ligaments, muscles, facet joints, discs, and spinal nerves. Whiplash injury includes neck pain and immobility, and other symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vertigo, arm and should pain, tingling in the hands and fingers, and weakness of the arms and hand. It is extremely important to get immediate evaluation and x-rays to rule out the possibility of fracture. More often than not in most cases, the injuries are principally to the soft tissues and joints. Proper management is crucial in rehabilitation from the pain and symptoms of whiplash, and also to prevent future disability. Your Colorado Springs Chiropractor is educated to understand whiplash injury, and is more than capable of managing the case from injury to recovery.

 

May 01

Orlando Chiropractor Says Stretch Away Your Back Pain

Chances are that at some point in your life, you’ll experience back pain. When it happens, it’s likely that your first reaction will be to grab some pain relievers. Medication, however, can be helpful in some ways, yet harmful in others. If you are experiencing severe pain, medication is definitely in order. Muscle relaxants can be effective at temporariy calming muscle spasms in your back. As a practicing chiropracticorlando.info” title=”Orlando chiropractor“>Orlando Chiropractor, I say go see your local chiropractor for treatment.

Because medication really doesn’t treat the cause of the problem and it just masks your discomfort sufficiently to help you get through the day. If you never really treat the problem, you’re likely to experience back pain issues on an ongoing basis.

If you can’t get to a Orlando chiropractor, there is another method of treating back pain. This technique can be far more effective than medication. The key is that you must be dedicated to using it on an ongoing basis. And don’t give up without giving it enough of a chance to start working. What is this miraculous treatment? It’s a simple thing known as stretching exercises.

There are lots of good reasons to use stretching exercises to manage your back pain. First of all, it’s an all natural way to deal with the problem. You won’t have the need for continuous medication or various treatments to ease your pain. Since it’s completely natural, there aren’t any side effects to worry about. This can certainly happen with some medications. However, you do need to make sure you perform the exercises correctly so you don’t injure yourself further.

Another great reason to take up stretching to manage your back pain is that it helps you avoid more damage down the road. It’s unlikely that any medication can make that claim. Stretching strengthens your core muscles. So you’re ensuring that your body can handle the demands you place on it every day.

You’re also contributing to the flexibility of your muscles. So they will be prepared to perform well whenever you need them. It’s important that your muscles be limber so they can support you in unexpected situations like when you lose your balance.

Stretching exercises aren’t just good for your back. They have benefits for your entire body. By incorporating a stretching routine into your day, you improve your fitness. This gives your cardiovascular system a health boost. Your immune system will be strengthened, which means you won’t get sick as often or as severely.

It’s to your benefit to regularly perform stretching exercises. The benefits aren’t only for your back. Your whole body will be more fit and full of health.

Apr 02

Can Chiropractors Help Arthritis?

One of the most frequently misunderstood conditions among people is arthritis..Often the word, “arthritis,” produces fear of a future that includes crippled and twisted joints.  However “arthritis” is a very general word that encompasses many different conditions from the benign to the severe. For our purposes we will limit this analysis to the most common forms of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis and Chiropractic Care

The most common form of arthritis has many labels: osteoarthritis, degenerative arthritis, degenerative joint disease (DJD), and spondylosis if it is in the spine. This form of arthritis is not limited to humans, but occurs in all mammals, and is due to the breakdown of the cartilage that covers the joint surfaces. When joint cartilage is injured, the sensitive bone tissue that is normally preserved by the cartilage becomes stressed causing degenerative changes in the joint. Sometimes the bone around the joint will proliferate and make osteophytes, or what are more commonly called bone spurs. These spurs can produce painful irritation to other tissues surrounding the joint, in this way complicating the already distressing condition. 

Degenerative joints most often occur in the lower neck and lower back, the knees, hips, and fingers. Previous trauma, certain occupations and activities, weight, diet, and heredity all appear to influence both the onset and severity of DJD.

The symptoms of DJD invariably involve some degree of pain and/or stiffness in the body part involved. If the weight-bearing joints, such as the hips or knees are involved, ones mobility can be affected especially in the more advanced stages of the condition.  As a last resort joints can be surgically replaced with synthetic devices. This should be done only in severe cases where the joint is measurably worn and movement is impossible without severe pain.

Prevention is always the best option, beginning at an early age.

  • Making sure that all injuries to joints are appropriately treated will help to avoid future problems.
  • Shoes with proper support and shock absorption should be worn by those whose jobs necessitate extended periods of standing or walking.
  • Excess body weight can cause increased stress upon the weight bearing joints of the body.
  • Avoid kneeling on hard surfaces, such as when doing housework, as this can put strain and create knee pain.
  • Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables as they include natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are essential for the health of the joints, as well as the rest of the body.

Recent studies have shown that long-term use of the nutritional supplement, Glucosamine, can not only assist with DJD symptoms, but might help to rebuild joint cartilage.

Chiropractic adjustments assist in restoring proper mobility and function to the spinal joints. chiropractic care is not only safe, but extremely effective in relieving the debilitating pain of arthritis. Your Chicago chiropractor is highly skilled when it comes to arthritic pain relief. Other forms of chiropractic care may include joint mobilization, massage, ultrasound, cold laser, or electro-therapy, all of which may be helpful in the relief of painful and stiff joints. Occasionally, a brace is necessary to support the joint and relieve pain. A chiropractor may suggest exercises such as stretching, yoga, tai chi and other gentle mobilizing activities to help maintain arthritic joints.

Gout

Gouty arthritis is generated by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood and the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. Generally, gouty arthritis is characterized by acute pain and swelling of the joints in the big toes, knees, ankles and wrists. Most people who develop gout are predisposed through heredity, though episodes are usually brought on by binge eating of inflammatory foods, when dehydrated or fasting, or after a major surgery or illness. Certain foods such as red meat (especially organ meat), certain seafood, legumes, and mushrooms contain the natural substance, Purines, that are metabolized in the liver to form uric acid. Since individuals with gout cannot efficiently metabolize uric acid, the accumulation in the bloodstream creates joint problems. In addition to the foods mentioned and additional foods containing Purines, other dietary restrictions must be followed including the avoidance of alcohol.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease of systemic origin. The principal cause is not known, but it is thought to be associated with a problem with the immune system. The most common joints affected are the small joints of the hands and fingers, the feet, knees, and shoulder, although other areas of the body can be affected as well. The condition is most often associated with morning stiffness that is aggravated by motion. Further symptoms can include general malaise and fatigue, and in its more advanced stages other systems of the body may be affected. There are specific blood tests to help identify Rheumatoid arthritis that can be easily run. Management includes medication and vitamin and diet therapy, as well as chiropractic manipulations. In addition, joint mobilization and modalities such as ultrasound, heat, electro-therapy and massage can help with the pain and stiffness associated the condition. Your chiropractor“>Chicago chiropractor is dedicated to supporting people in getting relief from the pain and suffering associated with arthritis.

 

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