If you’re a person who enjoys an active lifestyle, the last thing that you want is to be sidelined by an injury or pain. While chiropractic care is often seen as a therapy that can help to heal an athlete, it can also be used to make you more resilient and improve your overall athletic abilities.
While people who lead active lifestyles are typically aware of the overall benefits of their increased movement, there are also some drawbacks. Some injuries occur from overuse of joints or the increased impact that we impose on our joints from high impact activities like running, skiing, or hiking.
All of these activities can have effects on our necks and backs. Chiropractic care can not only help to reduce the pain we feel, but a properly aligned back can also reduce the potential for future injuries.
Here are some of the other benefits of receiving regular chiropractic care when you participate in an active lifestyle.
It is drug-free – We often associated visits to the doctor with an accompanied trip to the pharmacy to pick up a prescription. Simply taking medication may help reduce pain. However, many people don’t like to take medications if they can avoid introducing foreign chemicals into their bodies. Chiropractic care can offer the same benefits of many medications, but you can also avoid side effects, or the unknown long-term issues that are associated with certain medications.
It is non-invasive – Many people use chiropractic therapy to avoid having to get surgery. Chiropractic care does not require your body to be cut or have an overnight hospital stay. Most chiropractic procedures can be done over your lunch break, and you can return to work feeling better than you did that morning.
Prevents Injuries – Chiropractic care is used by a wide range of people for short- and long-term treatments. Speak with your chiropractor to develop a long-term plan that helps you avoid injuries.
Improves Performance – Proper spinal health helps people move more freely which can result in their ability to train more effectively. This can help runners with faster run times, or other athletes compete at a higher level than they otherwise would.
Reduces Pain – When your spine isn’t properly aligned, it can affect everything you do. Many patients have pain so severe that it affects their ability to breathe. When your spine is happy, it alleviates the pain associated with normal activities and can reduce the swelling or inflammation along your vertebrae.
Increases Strength – While chiropractic care is typically used for treatment, long-term use can increase your overall strength. Studies have shown that athletes that regularly have chiropractic visits are stronger than their competitors who do not.
Improves Relaxation – Chiropractic care isn’t just about cracking your back (although this often happens too), but about working through your entire spinal comfort. Chiropractic appointments often entail an extensive massage that works through pressure points. Therefore, it shouldn’t surprise you to feel an overall sense of improved relaxation after your appointments.
While the few benefits given here are not an exhaustive list for the improvements you can expect from a chiropractic appointment, it should be a good reason for you to schedule an appointment today. Our lives can be greatly improved when we can remain active and engaged in the world around us.
Chiropractic care is just one avenue that you can explore to keep your body in the best condition to continue exploring. If you haven’t used a chiropractor before, now is the time to give it a try. You may wonder why you haven’t utilized their services before.
As parents, we always want what is best for our kids. We are right to be concerned about the things that they are exposed to, and want to give them the best possible childhood and set them up for a successful future. When our kids become sick or injured, it can be a worrying time, and it can be challenging to identify the best path for their care.
Effective medications to treat childhood ailments are tough to come by. Prescription medications have some scary side effects, and they can become even more severe when given to our little ones. The possibility of surgeries looms as an even more frightening prospect.
Several childhood ailments lend themselves well to chiropractic care. In fact, chiropractors have been practicing their craft with children for more than a century. With the long history of successful treatments in children, it may be an option that is worth considering for your kids.
Chiropractic care is based on the relationship between the spine and the central nervous system. Our spinal cord houses the brain stem and all the nerves as they exit from the base of our skull. These nerves then pass through the spinal cord.
Nerves to control different parts of our body exit from the spinal column at specific vertebrae. This means that if you are having an issue anywhere in your body, it may be linked to your spinal health. Chiropractors are specially trained to evaluate these possibilities.
Children and infants are subjected to a wide range of changes occurring rapidly to their bodies throughout their youth. This means that any injuries or issues should be addressed immediately to reduce the potential effects on your child’s future. Some problems may even occur for your child due to the process of growing.
You may want to consider chiropractic care for your newborn too. While many women are aware of the baby’s positioning in utero, they aren’t told about the stresses that this may place on your child’s spine.
Many infant issues may be directly related to problems with the spine or the nervous system that may be corrected with chiropractic care. You should schedule an appointment with a chiropractor if your infant is experiencing issues with:
Colic
Reflux
Breastfeeding
Chronic infections
Sleep patterns
Allergic
Chiropractic care is non-invasive and doesn’t involve your child taking any medication, so it is a safe option to gain more insight and weigh treatment options.
Just like other medical professionals, a chiropractor will want to conduct a thorough review of family history, your child’s history and the issues surrounding the reason for your visit.
After completing this review, your chiropractor will want to conduct a thorough physical exam to find any potential problems. They may request that you complete some additional testing such as X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to adequately diagnose your little one.
At the end of their examination, you can expect that your chiropractor will develop a diagnosis and a treatment plan for your child. Feel free to ask questions and make sure that the treatment is specifically tailored.
Chiropractors have a wide range of treatment options that are available and safe for children. This may involve manual manipulation of the joints. This helps to properly align and position the joints and allow passage for the nerves.
You may hear popping or cracking sounds during this process. That is a common and normal reaction during adjustments. This is simply gases escaping from the joints. The release of the gas also reduces pressure on the nerves.
Your chiropractor may also use therapies that involve heating or cooling the joints or using ultrasound. Ultrasound produces sound waves that help stimulate the nerves and reduce inflammation and swelling.
If your infant or child is having any health-related issues, it may be worth scheduling an appointment with a chiropractor to review their case. Chiropractors have a long and safe history of working with children to alleviate their pain or sicknesses without using harmful medications or invasive and painful surgeries. Call to schedule your appointment today.
Many Seniors today believe that aging and pain are synonymous. While aging is a natural part of our lives, pain in our bodies is a signal that something isn’t right. Some diseases like arthritis can attack the joints and cause inflammation, pain, and reduce our ability to move. However, the intensity or amount of pain that you experience is often an unnecessary side effect, and there are ways to help reduce or eliminate these problems. If you haven’t considered contacting a chiropractor, then you should keep reading. There are several benefits that chiropractors can offer you to increase your quality of life during your Golden Years.
Pain relief is one of the most common reasons that any patient visits with their chiropractor. While it is common to consider visiting a chiropractor for neck or back pain, you may consider a consultation any type of discomfort.
Chiropractors commonly adjust the spinal column. Your brain stem and the nerves that travel throughout your body must pass through your vertebrae. This means that if you are having discomfort anywhere, it may be resolved or reduced by making sure that the nerve can easily pass signals to the brain.
Many seniors will tell you that aging commonly attacks their joints. Painful and inflamed joints can restrict the body’s ability to move freely. Over time, as these muscles go unused, they begin to shrink and become weaker. After a visit with their chiropractor, many senior golfers have found that they have gained distance in their drives, or gardeners find that they can finally collect their harvest without pain for the first time in years.
As the bones and muscles in our necks begin to deteriorate, one of the first signs can be a change in our ability to maintain balance. There are specific structures called mechanoreceptors that reside in our cervical spine. These mechanoreceptors are partially responsible for helping us maintain our balance. As we age, they can often experience some minor defects. Chiropractic care has been shown to help restore and stimulate the mechanoreceptors function and leads to an increase in our ability to balance. Improved balance can also mean fewer falls and less chance of injury.
If your spine is not aligned correctly, it can cause additional strain and wear on many of our other joints. When we don’t hold proper body position, our legs, hips, neck and other joints must compensate for this change. Over time this can cause damage to the joints that leads to increased discomfort and a reduction in our ability or desire to move. Chiropractic adjustments can help to bring the spine into proper alignment which allows our body positioning. These factors reduce the demands that we place on joints throughout the body and can leave you feeling better and moving more.
A study in 1996 suggested that patients who used chiropractic care to aid in their health versus those who did not receive several benefits. These include:
Less evidence of arthritis
Increased strenuous exercise levels
Fewer hospitalizations
Fewer falls
In fact, these patients also found that receiving chiropractic care may have even influenced their ability to stay out of the nursing home. At a follow-up interview three years after the study, only 5% of the patients who received chiropractic care had moved to a nursing home compared to 48% of those who did not receive care.
Chiropractic care has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for people of all ages. However, as our bodies age, we need to be increasingly cautious about the medications we take or the treatments that we use to maintain or improve our health. Chiropractic care is used for athletes, teens, adults, for injuries, pregnant women, and even babies. If you think that you may benefit from chiropractic care, schedule an appointment today.
Many people have consistent and regular foot pain or pain that occurs only when they are engaged in certain activities. While orthotics may not be the answer for everyone, it’s a good idea to consult with a professional to decide of orthotics are an option to help relieve your pain.
While it may be tempting to try to diagnose, purchase and use shoe inserts without consulting with a medical professional, the results are often minimal or ineffective. That doesn’t mean that you need to be unprepared for your visit. Below, we’ve compiled some helpful information to get you up to speed on the world of orthotics.
Shoe inserts are available over the counter in many pharmacies and shoe stores. These products provide an additional cushion when they are placed inside of the shoe. They are constructed with a variety of materials, but many contain gels, plastic or foam. Inserts are not made specifically for your foot or your foot pain. Many inserts offer additional support for arches, heel, toe, or entire foot cushioning. However, shoe inserts are not designed to correct any problems that are causing your pain.
Many consumers feel that orthotics and inserts are synonymous. There are several distinct differences between the two. Orthotics are prescription medical devices. They are specifically designed and tailored to meet your needs. They can help with your foot position when you stand, walk or run. Orthotics are also prescribed to help with other medical conditions like arthritis, diabetes, plantar fasciitis or bursitis. They can also be prescribed to eliminate the need for surgery to correct flat feet.
Now that you’ve determined that an appointment is necessary, there are a variety of tests and images that your medical professional will gather before deciding what your options are. Initially, many orthotic appointments include 3-D imaging of the foot to see if they can identify any problems or differences between your feet.
Next, you will be given a thorough examination. The examination will include watching you walk to check your stance, foot-strike, hip movement, and ankle movement and how that may relate to the root cause. You will also likely be given a physical exam where your ability to move and stretch your foot in different directions and different angles is analyzed.
If you need orthotics to help correct an issue, you can expect that mold will be made of your feet in order to accurately create an orthotic that will work for you. There are several different materials that are used to develop orthotics, and each has specific benefits and drawbacks. You should discuss your options with a professional
There are two basic types of orthotics, rigid and soft. During your appointment, you should make sure to understand which type of orthotic you are receiving and why it is the best option for your condition.
Rigid Orthotics – Rigid or functional orthotics are typically made from a durable plastic or carbon fiber. This orthotics are best paired with dress or walking shoes. They are specifically designed to ease the pain in the foot, legs, thighs, and back that may be caused by issues with how your foot is working.
Soft Orthotics – Soft or accommodative orthotics are made from a possible variety of soft, pliable materials. This form of custom orthotic is designed to ease pain and pressure on certain parts of the foot. They are often very thick and may need to be worn with a custom orthotic shoe so that they will fit the orthotic and your foot without causing additional discomfort.
Now that you understand some of the details about orthotics, it’s a good time to speak to a professional about any concerns that you have. They will be able to discuss the causes and your treatment options. It’s never too soon to get rid of the discomfort that you’re having, so schedule an appointment today.
Chiropractors are genuinely out to see their patients succeed and enjoy life as much as they would like. Therefore, they aren’t likely to simply perform an adjustment and send you out of the door. Chiropractors care to understand the root of your issue and then offer a broad approach to make sure that you get the most from their care. One of these avenues is to help you understand some corrective exercises that you can perform. The exercises that your chiropractor will suggest are based on your unique history, condition, and limitations.
Corrective exercises are not aimed to be the sole factor in helping you with a condition. Your corrective exercise plan is designed to be part of well-rounded chiropractic treatment. While there are many issues that chiropractors can help with, most of their patients suffer from pain caused by muscle or tension in the spine. While your adjustments focus on the proper alignment of the spine, corrective exercises can help to strengthen muscles that are not adequately performing.
When muscles are underdeveloped, it may cause other muscles to compensate. This overcompensation can lead to joint misalignment and is also linked to an increased number of sprains or strains in an individual. Corrective exercises can help to strengthen the appropriate muscles. When the right muscles are doing the right amount of work, the risk of injury decreases.
Chiropractors who utilize corrective exercises will base their instruction on your individualized needs. They can review your goals and your current fitness level and tailor a program that is unique to you. They also understand that over time, you may require changes to keep you improving to reach your target.
Corrective exercises aren’t the only part of your overall chiropractic treatment, but the bulk of the work is something that you will do outside of the office setting. Therefore, you should work with your chiropractor to really understand the entire process. Your chiropractor will help you understand the proper movements in exercises while you are in the office, but they can also send you videos and educational material that you can review at home. With the combination of office demonstration and the ability to evaluate the exercises at your own pace, the chances of success with your treatment program are increased. This is truly a win-win for you and your chiropractor.
We don’t all begin anything new and expect to perform at the level of a seasoned professional. Your treatment plan is no different. If you are in extreme pain or facing serious muscle deficiencies, your exercises will be tailored and amended to fit your specific needs and limits. You should expect that your muscles will begin to strengthen and that once difficult exercises no longer pose a challenge. As you hit these plateaus, your chiropractor will review and update your plan. You may perform the same moves with more weight, more time, or more repetition. It is also likely that you will be introduced to entirely new moves that require your increased level of fitness to perform.
Physical therapy is like corrective exercises. However, physical therapy typically utilizes office visits much more heavily, and you may always be completely monitored by a physical therapist. While this is an effective practice for many individuals, other people may prefer to work more independently. If you are crunched for time, making additional office visits may ultimately derail your treatment efforts.
If you’ve been injured or are experiencing pain, you should consider scheduling an appointment with a chiropractor today. They have the skill and means to treat your issues with a broad approach that leads to increased health and movement in all areas of your life.
Pregnancy is often one of the happiest times in any family’s lives. However, due to the nature of growing a child within your womb, the body also undergoes several significant physical changes. The body’s ability to foster life comes with compromises to a mother’s body, and these changes can cause discomfort and pain in the back and neck. Additionally, because the fetus is vulnerable to several medications, mothers are often hesitant to take medication to alleviate their discomfort.
Chiropractic appointments can be a solution to your back health during pregnancy. In fact, there are no contraindications for chiropractic care during pregnancy. This means that chiropractic care should always be considered for expectant mothers to promote their health throughout pregnancy.
Chiropractors may often specialize in specific issues related to your spinal health. However, all licensed chiropractors are required to complete education that specifically relates to women who need prenatal and postnatal care. Some chiropractors even specialize in the treatment of pregnant women and complete additional classes specifically related to this population.
Chiropractors that specifically work with pregnant women may also have additional equipment or tables that are specifically designed for the comfort and safety of a mother and her unborn child. You can also ask your chiropractor to review specific exercises or stretches that are safe for different stages of pregnancy.
The changes that occur during pregnancy can often lead to several issues that affect your back health. Some of these changes lead to pelvic misalignments, spinal compensation for a protruding abdomen, and poor posture changes.
The pelvis can often become misaligned during pregnancy. Unfortunately, these misalignments can be uncomfortable for the mother and reduce the available space for the baby. Chiropractic adjustments can help realign the pelvis. This will alleviate the pain and restore the size of the womb for the fetus. Proper pelvic alignment will help the baby’s delivery.
There are several benefits of receiving chiropractic care for the duration of your pregnancy, and even after your baby has been born.
Reduce the effects of morning sickness
Relieve pain associated with pregnancy in your neck and back
Help prevent a Cesarean.
Reduce the amount of time in labor and delivery
Have a healthier overall pregnancy
Reduce a mother’s recovery time
Typically, while a baby is in the womb, it is in breech presentation. Your physician is usually not concerned with the baby’s position until about 37 weeks or pregnancy. Approximately four percent of deliveries present in a breech position. This position is dangerous and potentially life-threatening.
Chiropractors are trained in a technique known as the Webster technique. The Webster technique aims to properly align and balance the pelvis specifically for the delivery of the baby. A balanced pelvis helps to reduce stress on the uterus and surrounding ligaments.
The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics published a study that found that the Webster technique helped to correct breech presentation in 82% of cases. The report also found that the Webster technique could be used as soon as the eighth month of pregnancy if a woman is in breech presentation.
It is essential to develop a relationship early with your chiropractor so that they understand your specific case and can respond according to your needs.
Chiropractic care is one option that many expectant mothers have used to reduce several health and comfort issues associated with pregnancy. If you are pregnant and would like to know more about the benefits of chiropractic care during your pregnancy, contact a chiropractor today to discuss your options.
If you are experiencing headaches, back pain, digestion issues, or other joint pain you may be an ideal candidate for chiropractic care. Many patients have had these issues for years but have not considered visiting a chiropractor to review their case.
Your back, neck, and spine are responsible for maintaining our overall posture. The spinal cord also passes through your spinal column, so you may experience issues in other places that are caused by poor spine health. You may recognize problems that are immediately connected to your spine; there are some other health benefits that aren’t as apparent.
The cause of both tension and migraine headaches can be traced to the muscles in your back. When your back muscles are injured or strained, they can trigger excruciating headaches. While you may recognize that your back hurts, many patients suggest that they take pain medication to manage the immediate discomfort.
However, if your muscles are strained due to issues with your spine, a chiropractic adjustment help. An adjustment can relieve muscle issues and reduce the frequency and intensity of your headaches. Headaches associated with back pain are one of the most common reasons that people visit a chiropractor.
Studies have recently found that chiropractic patients have often found the relief of symptoms associated with acid reflux in just a few appointments. Even children who experience acid reflux have seen that within four treatments that there has been a significant reduction in their symptoms.
While it may not seem like chiropractic adjustment would help acid reflux, it is essential to recognize the nervous system’s role in intestinal health. The gut is lined with nerves that help process nutrition. Problems with nerves being able to communicate with the brain are often found in the spine. A properly aligned spine helps to reduce or eliminate issues with nervous system responses resulting in effective digestive processes.
Along the same lines as acid reflux, our ears are linked through our spinal system. Our ability to fight an ear infection can be hindered by compromised spine health. Patients that experience frequent ear infections have found that chiropractic adjustments can reduce or eliminate the frequency or duration of ear infections.
Recent studies into the effectiveness of chiropractic adjustments have linked a lowering of blood pressure in patients who have hypertension. Adjustments have been just as effective as two medications targeted specifically at lowering blood pressure.
Many patients feel that the benefits of chiropractic adjustments certainly go beyond their ability to stop taking additional medications. These results have even lasted up to six months after the last adjustment.
Patients who have been diagnosed with hypotension have also been keen to receive chiropractic adjustments to help their blood pressure. Researchers believe that proper spine health helps to promote homeostasis within the body. This helps our bodies regulate proper chemical levels and physical responses because the nervous system can freely communicate between the body and brain.
Patients that have experienced severe or moderate back pain are typically open to a wide range of options to reduce their discomfort. It should be no surprise that as medication or other therapies fall short of their expectation that they consult with surgeons.
Reviewing your case with a chiropractor can postpone or prevent your need for surgery. This also improves your overall quality of life because your body does not need to recover from an invasive procedure.
If you are experiencing lower back or neck pain, a chiropractic adjustment should be a consideration for your treatment. While you may require multiple visits, the health benefits and immediate pain relief of chiropractic adjustments can easily be justified. Consult with your chiropractor to review your case and discuss your treatment options.
For people who haven’t visited a chiropractor, it can seem like an unclear profession, and it may be difficult to discern the potential benefits that a chiropractor can offer you. To help clear up some of this confusion we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions and their answers.
Chiropractic is one of the safest forms of neuromusculoskeletal treatments available. This treatment option is non-invasive in contrast with many surgeries or procedures. Chiropractic does not use medications and can reduce or eliminate a patient’s need for pain medications. Many modern prescriptions contain addictive substances and when abused can lead to permanent damage or death.
Chiropractors are required to complete extensive medical education and complete more hours of in-class instruction than medical students training to become doctors. Students are also required to complete a residency program like that of medical doctors. This extensive training helps to create one of the safest and most effective treatment options available for a variety of conditions.
Yes. In fact, chiropractic care is often very beneficial for children. Children are generally more active and more prone to injury than any other age group. Their rapid growth also requires that any injuries are quickly addressed to minimize any adverse effects on their development. Unlike surgeries, chiropractic care also has minimal or no recovery time for patients. Children receive rapid care and feel normal more quickly than most other treatment options.
While most chiropractors don’t require a referral, your insurance plan might. If you have specific questions, it is important to call your insurance provider to check before you go to your first appointment. Most insurance plans allow you to call and schedule your appointment directly with a chiropractor. If you have any other questions or concerns, you can also contact your chiropractor for more information.
Chiropractors can admit and treat patients in hospitals and outpatient settings. This care often includes special equipment like medical labs, X-ray machines, and other diagnostic equipment.
Doctors of Chiropractic must complete one of the most rigorous education schedules of any medical professionals. Most students that are entering chiropractic college have already completed their bachelor’s degree in a medical field. Their education generally includes biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and lab work. Upon entrance to chiropractic school, students must complete an additional five years of classes and study orthopedics, human anatomy, physiology, neurology, nutrition, medical imaging, and exercise courses among others. This is in addition to the chiropractic courses where they learn the techniques and practice of spinal manipulation and other adjusting techniques.
At the completion of their class schedules, chiropractic students will have completed over 4,200 hours of classroom, clinical, and laboratory experience.
Yes. Most insurance plans currently cover chiropractic care and other plans are adding it every year. Medicare and Medicaid cover chiropractic care for their customers. Chiropractic care is also a covered benefit on over 60 military bases and an additional 60 veterans’ facilities. If you are unsure of your coverage, call and discuss this with your insurance provider today.
An adjustment of the spinal joints often allows for the release of gases that have built up in the spinal column. The sound is the pressure being released in the gas bubbles that were previously trapped in the joint. This popping sound is the same process as when somebody cracks their knuckles. There is often little or no discomfort associated with the sound or adjustment.
Chiropractic care is an essential field for the ongoing care and treatment of your medical issues. If you have additional questions or concerns about chiropractic care, please contact your chiropractor today and schedule an appointment. Their expertise is sure to leave you feeling empowered and ready to begin your healing journey.
Whether you are a professional sportsperson, or you just enjoy taking part in your spare time, injuries are very much a common occurrence. Pulls, sprains and strains happen regularly, and while many heal quickly without the need for professional intervention, other injuries may see you needing to take weeks or even months away from your sport while you heal.
Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to increase the rate at which your injury will heal and reduce any pain or other side effects that you experience during the process. In addition to hot/cold therapies, sports massage and pain medications, you should also consider making an appointment for a consultation with a chiropractor.
Although professional or regular sports players are less likely to suffer from injury than someone who plays intermittently, they do still occur. All of our bodies are prone to the same types of injury, many of which can create a range of side effects, from discomfort and pain to swelling, limited mobility and an interruption to the ability to perform day to day tasks.
In some instances, it may be an underlying problem that causes the injury, such as issues with joints or the spine itself. These often occur gradually and without causing any symptoms, until one day, when the underlying problem causes something noticeable to develop.
Some of the most common sports injuries treated by chiropractors include:
Achilles tendon problems
Calf and hamstring pulls
Golfer’s elbow
Groin strain
Lower back pain
Neck pain
Shoulder pain (rotator cuff injuries)
Thigh injuries