Friday, May 28, 2010
Chiropractic Care for a Healthy Pregnancy
Nerve interference can have a negative impact on a woman’s reproductive system. In addition, this can cause problems for the developing fetus. The threats can be eliminated by an examination of the spinal column. This will reveal if there is a spinal distortion. The spinal distortion can be corrected with a spinal adjustment. There are different uses for chiropractic adjustment that can help pregnant women. For example, an adjustment will make the hips, pelvis and spine more balanced and flexible. Also, adjustments will alleviate any nerve stress.
Chiropractic care is able to treat the condition without using any medications. A pregnant mother will not have to worry about any side effects from the medications or worry about any risks to their unborn baby. Many prescription medications and over the counter medications can result into a miscarriage or fetal damage. Seeing a chiropractor while pregnant is providing the unborn baby an advantage over other children. Many chiropractors are offering prenatal care to women. This is one of the ways to have a healthy baby.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Chiropractic Care: Symptoms and Treatments for a Pinched Nerve
Many people are unaware of the symptoms of a pinched nerve. The symptoms are numbness, pain, weakness in the extremities and tingling. In addition, nerves are located between the vertebra and travel down to the shoulder, arms and hands. If any pressures are enforced to the nerve roots then the shoulder, hand and arm may experience tingling, pain and weakness. The pain can be alleviated by getting rid of the pressure on the nerve.
Chiropractic adjustments are one of the methods for realigning the vertebra. Also, this method can relax the muscles around herniated or bulging discs. As well as, the pain related to spinal degeneration can be eased with chiropractic adjustments. Activities like yoga, stretching and physical therapy are good for improving posture and tight muscles. The activities should be performed while trying to strengthening the spinal column.
Many people visit a chiropractor to relieve symptoms of a pinched nerve. Some of the chiropractic treatments could involve regular spinal manipulation and adjustments. This will make the area more moveable, improve the function and relieve pain. There is a variety of chiropractic treatments involved for treating a pinched. A consultation with the chiropractor will help in finding the best treatment.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Chiropractic Treatment – An Alternative for Blood Pressure
Most people start their day by getting their kids off to school. If you are late for any reason then you will be in a rush to make it out the house. Also, there is the commute to school and work. Traffic can be slow because everyone is rushing to make the daily commute. As well as, work is another stressful environment that involves meeting deadlines and securing clients. This is enough to increase anyone’s blood pressure.
Eventually, the stress will start to take its toll and cause high blood pressure to be treated by a physician. Now, you have to deal with daily life and remember to take medication in order to control blood pressure. On the other hand, some people don’t like to be dependent on a medication and may choose to see a chiropractor. Some chiropractors use an adjustment to the neck in order to bring down blood pressure. There could be something interrupting the heart from functioning properly. For example, the bone could be out of alignment and putting pressure on the nerve. This can be corrected with chiropractic care.
After a few visits to a chiropractor, there is a possibility that the blood pressure could return to normal.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
How the Breathing Pattern affects the Body?
A person with an abnormal breathing pattern tends to overwork the joints and muscles in the neck. The end result is pain, inflammation and tension. The pattern has to be fixed in order to cure shoulder pain and severe neck pain. You need to use the diaphragm as the prime initiator when doing a breathing exercise. The shoulders and neck should not be used at the prime initiator in a breathing exercise because this is troublesome for the body. This can lead to severe pain and inflammation. As well as, this could lead to deeper and other underlying problems for the body.
If the shoulders and neck are the initiator in a breathing pattern then this can lead to shallow breathing. The exchange of air will only occur at the top of the lungs. The surface area location in the lungs has an exchange for carbon dioxide/oxygen located in the lower lungs. The levels of oxygen are stifling in the body. This lead to fertile ground so that chronic diseases can develop like cancer and heart disease. The breathing pattern has a major affect on the body. Correcting the breathing pattern can lead to improving body and neck pain.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Chiropractic Care and Infertility
Many people are unaware that nerves attached to the spine have an affect on the reproductive system. The nervous system has control over when the eggs are dropped from the ovaries into the fallopian tubes. In addition, the nerves will become out of position when the spine is out of position. This will make it impossible for the nerves to do their job. Also, this will result into infertility.
There was a study conducted by Dr. Madeline Behrendt on fertility and chiropractic care. In addition, the study was published in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research in the May 2003 issue. The study revealed that 14 out of 15 women were able to become pregnant after going through 2 to 24 months of chiropractic care. There was woman in the study who was told by doctors that she had only a 5% of conceiving a baby. It didn’t matter if the woman used invasive procedures or fertility drugs. Those methods wouldn’t increase the woman chances of having a baby. The woman didn’t have a menstrual cycle for 12 years. In addition, the woman went through two months of chiropractic care and she started back with her period. In 4 months, the woman was able to conceive and had a healthy baby within 9 months. The doctor said her pregnancy was “impossible”.
The power of chiropractic care is amazing and has changed so many lives. If you are trying to conceive then chiropractic care could be that next step to becoming pregnant.
Friday, May 21, 2010
How to Do Household Chores without Injury?
Lifting without Causing Injury
It really doesn’t matter what you are lifting. For example, you could be lifting a bucket or a child. Lifting has to be done in a way that doesn’t cause injury to the body. How can you left without causing damage? You should bend from the knees instead of the waist when lifting. The item needs to be held close to the body. If you have to make a turn to put the item down then you should step in the direction of where the bucket should be placed. This will prevent any twisting of the body and straining of the spine.
Most people try to walk around the home and do other things while talking on the phone. The phone should not be cradle between the neck and shoulder. This will put strain on the neck. The phone should be held in the hand or instead use a speakerphone. In addition, some people like to lean or lay their head on the sofa arm while watching TV. The sofa arm should not be used as a pillow because the angle is too sharp for the neck.
Most chiropractic doctors are very knowledgeable about spinal health. Chiropractic care can treat the problem and find the root cause of the problem. In short, prevention is the best method to avoiding pain and causing the body not to function normally.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Chiropractic Care and Allergies
Some people blame chemicals, the family pet and spicy food for their allergies acting up. There is something going on in the body causing the allergies to react. Most people are able to conform to allergens because of the nervous system. There is a relationship between people with allergies and spinal subluxation. Spinal subluxation will prevent the body from conforming to the surroundings.
The spine is maneuver to align the problems properly. This will lead to patient getting relief for any aches and pains. In addition, the patient is not given any medication when going through chiropractic care for allergies. As well as, surgery will not be used as a treatment while going through this treatment method. The patient will go through spinal manipulation and other natural treatment methods.
The nervous system will function properly when the spine is in proper alignment. There is a relationship between a weak spine, weak immune system and poor health. These parts of the body are essential to having good health. In addition, chiropractic care can be helpful to people who suffer from back pain, sinus problems, allergies and scoliosis. Furthermore, spinal manipulation can be effective in improving the nervous system and other parts of the body.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Tips to Better Posture to Improve Back Pain
Here are some tips for protecting the back.
Many people spend sit for long hours in front of a computer. You should sit correctly when performing this activity. The shoulders should be back and with the bottom against the back of the chair. The knees should be lined up with the hips. The legs should not be cross. This will put strain on the hips and back. You can purchase a chair with excellent lumber support. Another option is using a cushion or rolled up towel behind the back.
The way a person sleep can be bad for the posture and have an effect on the body. There is a way to sleep in order to decrease strain on the neck, back and shoulders. It is not a good idea to sleep lying on the back because this puts strains on the back. The shoulders and head should be in a straight line and supported by a pillow. If you sleep on the side then you should have the needs bent. Being comfortable is an important factor when sleeping in positions that promote good posture.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Chiropractic Care – Different Types of Headaches
It is important to understand the types of headaches and what triggers a headache. The way a headache is classified will depend on the underlying cause of the condition. The headache could be classified as secondary or primary. Primary headaches are categorized as tension headaches, cluster headache, migraines and cervicogenic. Most headaches are associated with being primary. In addition, primary headaches are trigger by stress, insomnia, bad posture or lack of exercise.
Secondary headaches make up 5 to 10% of reported headache cases. The causes of primary headaches are related to underlying medical conditions like weight or pressure on the brain. The pressure is caused by infection, head injury or tumors. Many chiropractors believe that there is a correlation between lifestyle and health. It is important to keep the body well hydrated by drinking water. Also, it helps to be active and introduce some type of daily exercise. The best way to deal with the headache is to prevent the headache from occurring. In short, a healthy lifestyle and chiropractic care is the key to improving an individual’s health.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Chiropractic Care for Scoliosis and Curvature
Here is the process involved for scoliosis development.
The spine will not develop normal back to front arches. This can lead to weight being carried on the spinal discs. Certain discs will shift to one side and the vertebra will tip to the other side. This type of misalignment is called a subluxation. The subluxtion will cause the spine to tip to the side. To make up for the bend, the spine will tip the other side in a different direction. This will result in scoliosis.
Chiropractic treatment has been one of the most effective treatments for this condition. It is important to catch the condition early in small children. If the condition is caught early then the spine can be straightened. Regular chiropractic visits can detect spinal subluxtions. Misalignments can develop or become worse from regular activities. For example, walkers, sit ups and bad falls can encourage curvatures in the spine or make the condition worse. In short, chiropractic adjustments can improve the condition and put the spine back in the proper place.
Friday, May 14, 2010
How to Find Mid Back Pain Relief?
Many cases of back pains are caused by bad posture and overexertion. Also, these cases can be treated at home. Sometimes, the body can be healed by relaxing and getting rest. Also, you could apply cream, sprays and ointments to the area in pain. If the pain escalates or the condition continues to get worse then it’s time to visit a chiropractor.
Here are a few tips for obtaining fast relief from mid back pain.
• You should take the recommended amount of calcium supplements each day.
• Take the recommended amount of folic acid each day.
• Drink at least 8 glasses of water each day to keep the body hydrated.
• Practice having good posture.
• It would help to practice breathing exercises when in pain
• Get at least 8 hours of sleep each night.
• See a chiropractor for treatment options.
• Watch daily carbohydrate and sugar intake.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
3 Tips for Fast Back Pain Relief
Take a mild over the counter pain pill.
Pain pills are a common treatment method that most people reach for when in pain. In addition, pain pills that contain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen are known to relieve pain. You should use any medication with caution. Also, pain pills will temporary relieve back pain and will not treat the underlying cause of the pain.
Use a hot and cold pack.
It would help to apply a hot and cold pack to area in pain. For example, you should apply the hot pack to the area for 20 minutes. Next, you can apply the cold pack for ten minutes. You should alternate the packs back and forth. Also, you should finish off this treatment method with the cold pack.
Drink Plenty of Water.
Many people underestimate the healing properties of drinking water. If you drink enough water then the body can become dehydrated. You should drink at least 8 cup of water each day. Also, drink water will keep the discs in the spine and muscles hydrated.
These are some of the tips that can be used for fast relief from pain. If you continue to experience back pain then you should make an appointment with a chiropractor.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Chiropractic Care and Dealing with Stress
Chiropractic care can treat ailments that affect the nervous system by fixing misalignments involving the spine. This can lead to alleviating pain for the patient. Many people are unaware of the different uses of chiropractic care. How does chiropractic care help with relieving stress? Here are the following ways chiropractic treatment can reduce stress.
Chiropractors can determine different areas in the nervous system that are negatively impacted by stress. This can be done by the misalignment of the vertebrae of the spine. In addition, chiropractor doctors are trained professionals with the ability to locate misalignments and fixate on specific ailments that affect the nervous system.
When the misalignments are determine, the spine will be adjusted by manual adjustments. Also, a mechanical device could be used to get rid of any hindrance to the nervous system. As well as, the adjustments can be done over time to help prevent any issues that affects the nervous system from functioning on a normal basis.
Once the chiropractor is able to adjust the nervous system, the body will begin to self heal any other ailments. Many patients have seen an improvement in other physical ailments after having adjustments. Also, this will allow the body to function normally. Chiropractic care has lead to regular bowel movements, alleviation of pain and improvement in hearing.
Many patients who are dealing with stress are having physical and emotional problems. It helps to solve the physical problems so the patient can work on the emotional problems. If you allow the stress to prolong and build up over time then the stress will become a physical problem. The physical ailments of the stress can outweigh the emotional aspects of the stress. This will lead to continuing to be in a stressful situation. In short, it helps to treat the physical ailments so you can work on having a stress free lifestyle.
Most people will deal with some type of stress in their daily lifestyle. In addition, you should find ways to deal with stress and not allow the stress to affect your body. Furthermore, chiropractic care is one of the methods for treating physical ailments bought on by a stressful lifestyle.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Chiropractic Care for Low Back Pain in Children
At one point, it was thought that low back pain affects only adults or elderly people. More children are starting to be diagnosed with the condition. In addition, low back pain was considered a rare condition for children. Many pediatric professionals are becoming concern about how the condition is affecting children.
The skeletal structure in children continues to develop until late adolescence. Cases of children with low back pain are rising because of sports activities and contact sports. In addition, a study revealed that 23% of school absents were related to low back pain. Also, 29% of students were absent from school because of sports injuries. As well as, researchers discovered that 75% of cases involving children with low back pain were associated with the conditions triggering psychological and depression problems. In short, this is enough information to command the attention of health care providers and parents.
There are certain heath issues that cause low back pain in children and adults. Some of the health issues are misalignment of vertebrae, poor posture, trauma, sports injuries and emotional stress. Also, many school age children carry heavy backpacks. Usually, the backpack weighs 10 to 20% of the child’s body weight. This can cause back problems and long term health problems.
Adolescents experience a lot of mood swings and emotional stress can cause lower back pain. Many teenagers go through an emotional roller coaster when dealing with puberty. The mood swings can be exhilarating, terrifying and filled with excitement. Next, the teenager emotions will spiral downward. Some studies have suggested that the rollercoaster emotions are related to lower back pain. A study was done in
Vertebral subluxation is the misalignment of the spinal vertebrae. This is a condition that can be found in children and adults. It can be frightening for a parent or child to hear a doctor diagnose the child with vertebral subluxation. If the condition is left untreated then it can lead to headaches, earaches, and carpel tunnel syndrome and neck pain. However, a professional chiropractor can treat the condition with success and possibly cure the child of low back pain.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Lowering Blood Pressure with Chiropractic Treatments
Patients who decided to take the chiropractic approach have seen a decrease in their blood pressure numbers. This has been done without using any drugs. Many people have careers or family issues that will cause the person to see drugs as the only way to control their high blood pressure. For example, work deadlines can be difficult and stressful for the average person. It is really amazing that a patient can lower their blood pressure without any medication. Many doctors will say that blood pressure can not be lower without some type of medication. In short, chiropractors are proving that this is possible without any medication.
Treatments for high blood pressure will consist of an adjustment. The adjustment will remove pressure from brain stem and brain. The pressure comes from the top vertebra located in the neck. In addition, the top bone will not apply pressure when pointing at a 31 degree angle. Many medical doctors will prescribe prescription drugs to patients with severe high blood pressure. There is a possibility that the medication can be cut in half with a few visits to a chiropractor.
Studies have been done to see what results would yield from using chiropractic adjustments on high blood pressure patients. In addition, the studies revealed a big change in the patient blood pressure levels after treatments. The results were amazing and caught the attention of the federal government. Now, money is being spent to research the connection between chiropractic treatments and high blood pressure. There isn’t a drug on the market that had the same affect on patients with high blood pressure as chiropractic care. Also, this method doesn’t require the patient to go through any side effects. If you would like to see a chiropractor for high blood pressure then you should get a recommendation from a medical doctor.
Source: Lower Blood Pressure with Chiropractic Care
Friday, May 7, 2010
Chiropractic Care to Ease Neck Pain
Neck pain is a common condition but the cause can be underlying issues. Some of the causes of neck pain are poor posture or holding the body at an uncomfortable position. Also, an injury to the neck could have caused the neck pain. Some other possible causes are herniated or slip disks. It really doesn’t matter the cause because the problem will be discovered by a chiropractor. Many chiropractors will examine the entire spine to determine the actual cause of the neck pain.
Chiropractic care involves a variety of method to decrease neck pain. In addition, gentle manipulation is one of the common chiropractic methods used during sessions. Gentle manipulation is a medicinal massage that uses pressure to relax the spine and muscle. This technique can correct the position of a pinched nerve and help muscle tension. Ultrasound technology uses stimulation to relax muscles and to provide pain relief.
The cause of the pain could be an alignment problem. Many people think that neck pain comes from illness, injury or accident. This is not always true. On the other hand, poor alignment can be one of the common causes of neck pain. Poor alignment can come from having poor posture. The back has to be aligned properly in order to function. Most people daily activities can cause neck pain. For example, a person who is slouching when walking and sitting for long hours with a phone. The way a person sleep in their bed can cause neck pain.
Many chiropractors can offer affordable treatments that don’t involve surgery. Patients are able to save with chiropractic care because most sessions result in healing the problem. In short, you can continue to follow up with the chiropractor from time to time.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Back Pain Relief with Chiropractic Care
Many patients are choosing chiropractic care for back pain instead of going to a traditional medical doctor. Also, some patients have notice an improvement in their condition after a couple of visits with a chiropractor. In addition, a chiropractor will show the patient ways to use the proper function of their nervous system and musculoskeletal. Chiropractors promote achieving a healthy lifestyle and show the patient how to deal with pain. Treatments with a chiropractor will not be non invasive and will not use any drugs. Most chiropractic treatments will be done in an office with a holistic approach.
Most chiropractors will examine a patient’s lifestyle and body before deciding on a treatment. In addition, the main goal is to find and treat the problem. Some lifestyle factors or physical limitations can have an affect in a patient developing a back problem. As well as, the doctor will cover techniques to improve diet, exercise routine and posture. Also, the chiropractor can treat the current condition and prevent any further injury. Many chiropractors use three main treatments.
Manipulation and adjustment are some of the common methods used to treat patients. This is when the chiropractor uses pressure on different parts of the joint or spine that may be creating pain for the patient. This can help with alleviating stress on the joints and help the joints to return back to normal function. Ice and heat therapy is another treatment used to treat different conditions. Also, this method can help with controlling pain and reducing swelling. As well as, the method can help with relaxing the muscles and increasing circulation in the body. Some other chiropractic methods are therapeutic exercises, strength training, rehabilitation, and ultrasound and muscle stimulation.
The type of treatment will depend on the condition of the problem. Chronic back pain can be the cause of different problems. In short, it’s important to get the right treatment so the condition will not return.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Women
Most chiropractors are well trained and an expert in spinal adjustments, nutritional guidance, exercise and lifestyle counseling. There are different health challenges that affect women compared to men. Also, some problems can develop for women because of the ability to bear children. The menstrual cycle and pregnancy are very important conditions for most women. Women want to know more information on getting pregnant, being pregnant and recovering from pregnancy.
There are several issues that women deal with that involves the menstrual cycle. For example, some women can experience pain during the menstrual cycle because of premenstrual syndrome and chronic pelvic pain. The conditions can be uncomfortable and disrupts everyday activities. In addition, women are affected by headaches during their menstrual cycle, pregnancy and under other circumstances. Women are more likely to seek help for a headache because of the severity of the pain. In short, pain pills cover up the symptoms of a headache but don’t prevent headaches from returning.
Women have a 200 percent chance compared to men of suffering from rheumatoid arthritis compared to men. Also, many women are diagnosed with osteoarthritis. The nervous system controls the different functions of the body. If there is a disruption in the nerve system then the body will begin to function abnormally. Chiropractors can restore normal communication and nerve function to the body. This will help the body to function naturally.
Receiving chiropractic treatments can lead to a decrease in inflammation and pain. Also, chiropractors can teach patients how to maintain the body and to avoid deterioration. Furthermore, regular chiropractic treatments can help with overall improvement of one’s health.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Chiropractic Care – Finding Relief after a Car Accident
Most people will be treated with muscle relaxers and pain killers after going through an accident. This will help with getting through the pain but the next step is rehabilitating the body. Many people think the body can heal itself over time without help. This can work in some cases. If not, you will want to schedule a visit with a chiropractor. Some people can be scared upon their first visit to the chiropractor. Most people are use to going to a traditional medical doctor. Patients don’t know what to really expect and wonder about chiropractics treatment methods.
Most people are worried about pain and having to receive treatments without any medication. In addition, chiropractors are license doctors and trained to be knowledge in the human body structure and the internal workings of the body. Also, they are trained about the muscles and on how to heal the body as quickly as possible. Some of the first visits with a chiropractor will involve x-rays and examinations. After this is done a treatment plan will be establish to help with treating the body.
Many people will experience whiplash from a car accident or sports injury. A patient with whiplash could not have any symptoms until years later. Some of the symptoms of this condition are blurred vision, fatigue, neck pain, headache and nausea. Furthermore, a chiropractor is very effective in working with patients that suffer from these conditions.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Are Painkillers the Best Treatment for Headaches?
If you don’t have frequent headaches then this could be the remedy in dealing with the pain. You should use painkillers at a minimum because painkillers can have some unpleasant side effects. In addition, headaches can be caused by the overuse of pain medication. This is called rebound headaches and a common condition. Around two –thirds of severe headaches are caused or can become worse from the pain medication created to treat the condition. Also, the body can grow a tolerance for the medication. For example, many people who are suffering for a headache will take a couple of pain pills. After taking the pills, the pain will eventually go away. There is no need to take the pills after the headache symptom leaves. On the other hand, the headache will return after the effects of the painkillers wear off. This is a terrible cycle caused by using too much pain pills.
Many people think that a rebound headache can only happen with prescription pain medication. This is not true. People can experience side effects from prescription and over the counter medication. Every pain medication will have some kind of side effects. Also, the side effects from the drugs can be more severe than the initial headache. In addition, pain medication is created to relieve pain but the drugs can cause pain as well. This can be stop by not taking pain medication or not overusing the drugs.
Some users have experience side effects after discontinuing the use of painkillers. The side effects can cause the headache to intensify for the next couple of days or a week. In some cases, you will have to take a different medication to deal with the side effects. The worse case scenario is being hospitalized because of the side effects. The withdrawal symptoms from pain medication can be very unpleasant. Furthermore, another approach is finding safe and natural cures to help treat headaches.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Back Pain Injury – Myths about Chiropractic Care
Myth # 1 – Chiropractic Treatments are Painful
The common myth is that chiropractic treatments are painful. This is not true. The treatments are not painful. Some people have even said the treatments were like getting a massage. There is a possibility that people who are having frequent pain in the back and neck that the treatments could feel uncomfortable. With time, the treatments will become soothing and comfortable.
Many adults have a positive experience with chiropractic care. At first, it can be a little scary for small children and infants. On the other hand, the child will not be hurt or any pain associated with the treatment. Also, it doesn’t take long for each treatment session. It will take around thirty minutes to an hour. It really depends on the condition being treated and what part of the body. Some people can feel pain or discomfort based on the severity of the problem and pain tolerance.
Myth #2 – Chiropractic Care is Dangerous
Some people think that having chiropractic care for back pain injury or any condition can be dangerous. This is not true. The treatments will not damage your body or make the condition worse. Actually, chiropractic care is one of the safer treatments for neck pains, back pains and other conditions. There can be a low risk of getting a spine adjusted. Most doctors will recommend spinal manipulation before recommending surgery for the condition. In many cases, chiropractic care will be recommended before prescribing steroids and antidepressants.
Myth # 3 – Chiropractic Care is Expensive
Another common myth is that chiropractic care is expensive and will not be cover by insurance. The treatments are effective and reasonable. Many medical costs include treatments, continuous cycle of prescription drugs and possibly surgery. Chiropractic treatments can be cheaper compared to health care treatments.
If you are cautious about trying chiropractic care then the best way to get over this fear is by have a consultation with a chiropractor. Furthermore, you can receive firsthand information and a treatment program on back pain injury and other condition by making an appointment.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Low Back Pain Exercises – Chiropractic Exercises to Relieve Pain
Most people will experience back pain at some point in life. Constantly twisting and bending can lead to hurting or causing injury to the back. If you have to bend or twist then take the necessary steps to do it properly. There are different chiropractic exercises that can be done to get rid of back pain. After doing the exercise, your body will begin to feel better quickly.
Low Back Pain Exercises – Hamstring Stretch
Believe it or not, hamstring stretches can be effective in improving upper or middle back pain. The different organs in the body are connected to another organ. If one part of the body is not functioning then this will affect other parts of the body. Having tight hamstrings means having a tight back. A tight back can lead to back pain.
1. Start by stretching your hamstrings by standing up.
2. Slightly bend the knees and bend over to touch your toes.
The first time doing the exercise you will be unable to bend all the way down and touch the toes. Each time the exercise is performed, you will get further each time.
Cat Stretch Exercise
The “cat stretch” is an exercise for middle back pain. The exercise will stretch the back.
1. You will need to get down on the floor on all fours.
2. The hands should be position like someone getting ready to crawl.
3. The knees and hand should be in place. The next step is leaning back.
If you have a cat or dog then take note of how the dog/cat stretch. This is the way the cat stretch should look when trying the exercise for stretching the back muscles. The exercise will cause the back to release any tension and alleviate any pain.
These are a couple of exercises that can add some comfort for someone dealing with back pain. In addition, a chiropractor will be able to develop a complete treatment plan for someone with back pain. Furthermore, a chiropractor can design a low back pain exercises program to have improve or cure back pain.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Sciatica Chiropractic Treatments – Using Chiropractic Care for Treating Sciatica
The first step of healing sciatica is finding the cause of the pain. A variety of tests can be done to help with diagnosing the condition. For example, you can take orthopedic exams, MRI’s and neurological testing. These tests will be able to determine if the condition was cause by a herniated disk or another reason. One of the common causes of Sciatica is Piriformis Syndrome. The Piriformis muscles are a triangular muscle located in the buttocks.
The exact location of the Piriformis depends on the person body shape. The sciatic nerve will pass through or underneath this muscle. The Piriformis muscle can become irritated with chronic spasms. This will lead to pressure on the Sciatic nerve. On the other hand, sciatica chiropractic care can be use for determining the reason for the sciatic pain. There is a possibility that the pain is caused by Piriformis Syndrome. Chiropractic treatments can be used to relax the muscle and decrease the nerve root irritation.
Sciatica is a condition that can improve or heal quickly with the correction of the piriformis muscle. On the other hand, the cause of the pain could be related to the L4-S3.
The malposition of the vertebrae is located in the lower spine can cause nerve root and impingement on nerves that’s made up of the Sciatic Nerve. This is called a subluxation. The subluxation can be determined with chiropractic exams and x-rays. The next step is restoring the proper alignment to the vertebrae that’s causing the irritation to the nerve.
Sciatica is a set of symptoms that can cause pain to the leg, foot or lower back pain. To cure the condition, you will have to determine the origin of the pain. Furthermore, Sciatica chiropractic treatments are one of the ways to alleviate the pain and discomfort of the condition.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Using Chiropractic Care for a Natural Asthma Cure
The expenses of treating a person with asthma can be costly for a family. Medical treatments for the condition can involve steroids, inhalers, nebulizers and any other medications. Many families have health insurance but the treatments can still be very expensive. Also, you will continue to spend money because the treatments will not cure asthma. Some people can have problems with asthma for a lifetime. Another thing to consider is the side effects for the medication. Continuous use of steroids and other medications can have negative side effects on children.
Many people want a natural asthma cure for their children as to not affect the child’s development. Some of the side effects of asthma medication are hyperactivity and sleep disruption. There can be several reasons for person to have problems with asthma. The reason for the condition could be a subluxation. In addition, a subluxation is a misalignment of bones located in the spine. The misalignment can lead to irritating the nerves.
The diaphragm and lungs are in control of the breathing. The function of the diaphragm and lungs are controlled by the nervous system. If there is interference in the nervous system then the lungs will not function properly. Also, chiropractic adjustments can relieve any stress on the nervous system. When the pressure is released off the nervous system, the lungs will function properly and the asthma will be reduced. There is a possibility that chiropractic care can eliminate the condition.
Chiropractic care will cause the nervous system to be more responsive and give a boost to the immune system. With treatment, a child or adult will have consistent good health. Furthermore, chiropractic treatment is a natural asthma cure for a safe and effective way to treat asthma in children.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Chiropractic for Neck Pain and Body Aches
Most chiropractic treatments don’t involve any side effects. Some of the chiropractic treatments for neck pain are spinal adjustments, spinal manipulation, ultrasound, and non invasive and drug free therapy. These treatments are not painful but can be uncomfortable for a first time patient. Many chiropractors will ask you to come to a consultation before doing any treatments. This is like a question and answer session for the patient and doctor. For example, the chiropractor will ask about the intensity of the neck pain. This will give the doctor clues about the severity of the condition and what treatment method to use with the condition.
Chiropractic treatment for neck pain involves diagnosing the condition, prescribing a treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders involving the spine. In addition, moderate neck pain is a caused by carelessness with daily activities or improper posture. Severe pain is usually caused by a recent accident, scoliosis and wear and tear with age. Many chiropractors use the same criteria as medical doctors when treating pain. Spinal adjustments are one of the treatment methods that a chiropractor will recommend for neck pain.
Subluxations will occur when a vertebrae moves into another position. This will create irritation and pressure on the spinal nerves. The chiropractor will use his hands which is a drug free method to treat the subluxations. In addition, spinal manipulations can fix the subluxations. This method will reduce pain in soft tissues, stimulate the nervous system and boost circulation.
Many chiropractors will suggest a healthy diet, lifestyle and becoming active to prevent any relapse. In addition, chiropractors are trained practitioners and an expert on the spine. Furthermore, chiropractic for neck pain is the solution to pain relief and having better health.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Can Chiropractors Treat Scoliosis?
In fact, 85% of scoliosis cases are unknown when determining how the person contracted the illness. In short, many health care providers tend to diagnosis the illness as being idiopathic. This diagnosis will make it impossible to treat the condition. There is a possibility that chiropractic care will not improve scoliosis. The effectiveness of chiropractic care will depend on the individual and the severeness of the condition. If you have exhausted all options then the next step could be surgery options or a full brace.
Most chiropractors have experience with improving and making changes to patients’ spinal curves. In addition, chiropractic care is effective for patients of all ages, sizes and shapes. After a chiropractic treatment, the patient has seen an improvement in their x-ray. Also, the spine is much closer after receiving treatments. Many chiropractors don’t specialize in treating patients with scoliosis. It is important to visit a chiropractor that specializes in this condition.
A chiropractor that specializes in scoliosis will be able to recommend treatments and show proof of their progress of dealing with this disease. Scoliosis is a condition that is still being researched because a lot is unknown about the condition. A chiropractor or medical provider cannot guarantee results when treating scoliosis. On the other hand, the patient could be dealing with a spinal misalignment instead of true scoliosis. A chiropractor will be able to diagnose and treat this condition.
The first step is scheduling a consultation with a chiropractor. It will not make the condition any worse by receiving chiropractic care. Furthermore, take action and see results with a chiropractic visit to improve scoliosis.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Chiropractic Centers – Treat a Variety of Medical Conditions
The belief of experts in the chiropractic field is that illnesses are associated with the misalignment of the spine. This condition can restrict the flow of energy and blood. Many chiropractic techniques can be used to treat ADD, asthma, ear infections, back pain and fibromyalgia, the immune system and problems with the digestive system. The chiropractor will introduce the patient techniques on how to improve body posture, proper nutrition education and relaxation techniques.
Many chiropractic centers support science of ergonomics and promotes healthy devices that will improve posture in the workplace. Some people will not visit a chiropractor because of being afraid of having to keep up the chiropractic treatments. This is not true. If the required adjustments has corrected the nervous and skeletal system then the treatments can be discontinue. Another concern of patients is that adjustment hurt or will do damage. This procedure can be uncomfortable for first time patients but it isn’t painful.
Nowadays, chiropractic treatments are being cover by insurance companies. Insurance companies are seeing the effectiveness in prevention of medical conditions. Also, this is a natural method for treating an illness. Some insurance companies may require the patient to pay for treatments up front and the company will later reimburse the patient. A few insurance companies can require that the patient get a physician’s referral before receiving any treatments. You should contact your insurance company before making any appointments.
If you want to improve your health or alleviate any pain then you should schedule an appointment at Bratcher Chiropractic clinic in Tyler, TX. Furthermore, scheduling an appointment is the first step in having a healthier life.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Chiropractic Massage – An Alternative Method to Healing
A good massage is a healing method good for treating chronic back pain. The reason some people suffer from back pain is because of overstressing, hereditary, pulling a muscle, or having weak muscle tone. Massage techniques can encourage the blood flow and realigned the spine. In addition, a skilled chiropractor can alleviate or get rid of never ending back pain problems. It could take several massage sessions to completely minimize or eliminate the problem. As well as, it’s common to have occasional flare ups after going through a successful chiropractic treatment.
A chiropractic massage can be used to address different areas of the back and shoulders. If you are having problems with migraines and headaches then this condition can be treated with therapeutic massages. People can have problems with headaches for different reasons. Some of the reasons headaches occur are sinus problems, muscle problems located in the neck region and nerve problems located in the neck region. Adjustment techniques and massages can invigorate weak muscles and loosen tension in the neck. It is possible that continued therapy will reduce the amount and severity of the headaches.
Many people have problems with arthritis and the condition can be treated with therapeutic massage. This condition will attack the joints and very common in the elderly. Arthritis is a very painful condition and it can be hard to perform simple tasks. Some of the treatments recommended by doctors for arthritis are painful and expensive surgeries or a variety of drugs. You should look at all options before taking extreme measures. A chiropractor can possibly help the patient to be naturally relieved of the pain.
A massage will readjust joints to the proper position. This will decrease the pain and increase mobility in the patient. It is important to have good posture. Poor posture can lead to sleeping problems, physical pain, scoliosis and misalignment of the spine. Most people have a great deal of success through chiropractic massage and realignment.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Chiropractic Care – Use Preventative Care to Treat Medical Conditions Early
Most people visit a medical doctor to treat the symptoms or pain from a physical problem. Visiting a chiropractor is an alternative for receiving relief from pain without using drugs. Many highly trained chiropractors use a variety of techniques to improve neurological and structural conditions of the body. Chiropractic doctors are able to perform effective, comfortable and safe spinal adjustments. Also, some patients have problems with pain in the neck, hips or back. A patient will see an improvement in their health by using preventative care and natural treatment.
Most chiropractors will diagnose joint dysfunction in the early stages of the doctor and patient relationship. The early diagnosis will prevent pain and severe injury from happening. A misaligned spine can cause a number of health problems from extreme pain to fatigue. Most people will experience a misaligned spine at some point in their lifetime. It can take time before the person will start to experience pain from a misaligned spine. Many chiropractors will encourage patients to have regular prevented care appointments. This will help to treat and detect the spinal problems in the early stages.
Many chiropractors offer coaching and lifestyle advice to their patients. This will help the patient to accomplish better short and long term health. Also, the doctor will recommend eliminating certain activities to prevent aggravating old injuries. For example, an office worker can experience pain from sitting at a computer for long hours. A chiropractor will recommend a treatment that consists of doing an exercise throughout the day. As well as, showing the patient how to position their body to alleviate pain is another method to prevent injury to the body.
It is important to take care of one’s body through diet, exercise and nutritional supplements. In addition, chiropractic doctors receive in depth training in rehabilitation, anatomy, nutrition, physiology, public health and pathology. Furthermore, a chiropractor is highly trained to provide preventative care for a variety of conditions.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Chiropractic Care and Pregnancy
A woman’s body changes because the body has to make room for the development and growth of the baby. This leads to stress on the joints, muscles, spine ligaments and pelvis ligaments. The stress of the pregnancy on the body will lead to strain muscles, misaligned joints and stretch ligaments. This is the reason for complications during pregnancy. Also, the body changes can cause spinal problems or irritate the spine. There are four problems that can rise because of spinal dysfunction which are extreme curving of the lower back, pelvis unable to open for delivery, gland dysfunction and hindrance of the somatic nerve flow.
Chiropractic care is able to improve nerve irritation involving the pelvis or spine and joint misalignment. The treatment will prevent a woman from having complications during a pregnancy. Many women are not aware of the symptoms that are affecting their pregnancy. For example, some of the symptoms that lead to pregnancy complications are numbness, joint aches, lower back pain, muscle spasms, sharp pain, headaches and baby unable to move in the womb. If you are having these symptoms then it’s time for a visit to a chiropractic doctor.
Many chiropractors will help a woman have a healthy pregnancy by helping the woman to understand the problems associated with being pregnant. In addition, the mother will have a quicker and effortlessly delivery. Chiropractic treatments will help relieve some of the pain from the stress on the joints, back, neck and pelvis. Also, the treatments can prevent vaginal tearing from delivering the baby. Most women want to have a natural birth but complications can lead to a cesarean section. Chiropractic care can help with avoiding a C-section.
The main goal for a pregnant woman is to have a smooth pregnancy and a healthy baby. In addition you should choose a chiropractor that is experience with prenatal care for women. Furthermore, it’s important to make a smooth transition from being pregnant to motherhood.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Pain Control for Headaches with Chiropractic Treatment
Many people are not aware that headaches are a symptom to a condition or disease. In addition, headaches can be described as a pain in the eyes, forehead, temples, jaws, scalp, eyes, neck or skull. This condition can fit in over 150 different headache categories. For this reason, it can be hard to treat and diagnose the different types of headaches. This condition can be caused from caffeine withdrawals, tension, cervicogenic, sinus and migraines. The two types of headaches are secondary and primary.
The pain of a headache can be unbearable and leave the person looking for some type of pain control of the condition. Chiropractic care is one of the most overlooked treatment methods for this condition. Many headaches will fall in the primary category and primary make of 94% of headache cases. As well as, 78% of headaches are stress related and 16% are actually migraines. In addition, secondary headaches can be caused by brain tumors or other serious conditions.
Chiropractic care isn’t the first treatment that a person that suffers from frequent migraines turn to but this treatment has shown to be effective in treating headaches. A case study published in the Journal of Manipulative Physiological Therapeutics on June 1997 revealed that chiropractic treatment reduced patients’ headache hours by 69%. Many headaches are related to problems with the neck. Neck problems can be corrected with chiropractic care. Chiropractors will use a variety of leg length checks and muscle testing to determine the location of the problem in the neck. Knowing the reason for a migraine can assist with finding the right methods to treat the condition.
It is important to examine the history of the headaches. For example, you should evaluate any patterns and how often the condition occurs. As well as, you should watch how effective each medication or treatment was in reducing the headaches. Chiropractic care involves a variety of methods to help with getting rid of headaches. Furthermore, chiropractic care is a natural treatment for regulating pain control from intense headaches.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
The Technology Age - Cause of Spine Damage?
Cyndi Cossota is a patient that was experiencing pain in her neck for years. At times, Cossota was unable to move her neck because the pain was so unbearable. The root of the problem was revealed after a visit to a chiropractor. The chiropractor took an X-ray and the X-ray revealed that Cossota had a straight neck.
It was determined that Cossota was diagnosed with the condition “Straight Neck Syndrome”. This is known in the medical condition as Forward Head position. Also, Cossota’s career had a lot to do with her having bad posture. She is an art director and has spent a lot of time looking down at the computer.
Mike Hembree is a chiropractor doctor that gave some insight on this condition. Hembree says a normal neck will have a C-shaped curve. Forward Head Position is when the neck is out of alignment. Also, Hembree says the “forward position” can lead to a number of medical problems. For example, it can cause migraines and headaches. It can lead to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome by affecting the nerves that lead to the hands and arms.
Many doctors thought that “Forward Head Position” was caused by traumatic injuries. New cases of this condition are coming from people that use iPhone, play video games and use the computer. Using these devices for a long period of time can cause the neck to change.
The condition can be corrected with improved posture and using a computerized adjusting instrument. Also, the condition has to be caught in the early stages in order to improve the condition. As well as, the condition can lead to arthritis and degeneration.
Source: Tech savvy society may cause spine damage
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Chiropractic for Bedwetting
Why are children wetting the bed?
Phrenic reflex is behind the process that causes a child to wet the bed. This is what happens while the body is sleeping. When a person is sleeping, the breathing will slow down. This will cause the carbon dioxide levels in the body to rise. The levels will rise so high that will it will cause a sudden shudder. The shudder is known as a phrenic reflex. As well as, spinal reflex is another name for phrenic reflex. Next, the person will take a deep breath and start to breath normal.
On the other hand, if the phrenic reflex is not functioning properly then the high carbon dioxide levels will cause the smooth muscles to relax. The smooth muscles have a valve at the bottom of the urinary bladder. If any fluid is in the bladder then fluid will be released. This leads to a person wetting the bed.
How can Chiropractors help with this Condition?
The phrenic reflex can be underdeveloped or not completely matured. In other cases, the reflex is completely developed and could be blocked by a vertebral misalignment. This is known as a subluxation. In addition, the blocked vertebrae will apply pressure to the spine and have an affect on a normal sleeping pattern. Chiropractic natural care can ascertain if a person has a misalignment and can lead to the root cause of bedwetting. Chiropractic treatments can help with maneuvering the spine back into the correct position.
Does Chiropractic Treatment really work for this condition?
There have been several case studies on chiropractic treatments and bedwetting. According to the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 171 children were involved in the case study that had problems with wetting the bed every night on a regular basis. In addition, the children were given chiropractic care to improve any problems with the spine. Twenty five percent of the participants showed a fifty percent reduction in wetting the bed. Fifteen people were cured of the problem after receiving the treatment. All and all, Chiropractic natural care for treating bedwetting shows a decrease in the condition after receiving treatments.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Miss Whiplash with Locking Headrest, Study Suggests
Whiplash neck injuries among drivers and their passengers who have been shunted from behind are a major cause of long-term health problems and, in extreme cases, death. A report in International Journal of Vehicle Systems Modelling and Testing describes a new type of vehicle headrest that can both improve safety and comfort.
The new headrest being developed by Italian engineers can be easily positioned so that it is always at the optimum passenger head distance to avoid whiplash injuries during a rear vehicle collision. However, the headrest almost instantaneously locks in position during a crash and provides the best protection for driver and passengers.
Federico Giorgetta, Massimiliano Gobbi, and Giampiero Mastinu of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, at the
Gobbi and colleagues explain their motivation: "Whiplash injuries constitute a growing health problem and economic burden in westernised and motorised nations," and suggest that, "Without significant efforts in crash prevention and improvements in vehicle safety design, especially with more effective seat back and head restraint systems, the ever increasing traffic density will show a rise in this negative trend."
Part of the problem is the drivers and their passengers are unaware of the personal harm a whiplash injury can do and usually fail to adjust their headrest to the optimum height. Moreover, common headrests are often difficult to adjust and are pressed downwards by the head in a collision and so do nothing to save the person from injury. A headrest that can be adjusted without fuss to the optimum safety and comfort level is needed, the team says. The team has studied the biomechanics of whiplash injury, so named because of the way the head moves when involved in a rear-end collision.
They explain that whiplash is an issue of rapid "acceleration-deceleration" with energy transferred to the neck in rear-end or side-impact collisions. A whiplash can cause bone and soft-tissue injuries that may or may not be treated effectively. Such injuries are preventable with better headrest design the team believes.
They have developed full-scale tests and a scaled test-rig for research and development of the new headrest prototype. The new headrest has an automatic locking system that is activated only in a collision, locking the headrest within milliseconds. At other times, the headrest is unrestrained and can be adjusted without difficult manoeuvres involving the depression of various locking buttons.
source: ScienceDaily
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Aerobic Exercise No Big Stretch For Older Adults But Helps Elasticity Of Arteries
ScienceDaily
Just three months of physical activity reaps heart health benefits for older adults with type 2 diabetes by improving the elasticity in their arteries -- reducing risk of heart disease and stroke, Dr. Kenneth Madden told the 2009 Canadian Cardiovascular Congress, co-hosted by the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Cardiovascular Society.
Dr. Madden studied adults between the ages of 65 to 83 with controlled Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high blood cholesterol to see how increased activity might affect stiffness of the arteries.
"The theory is that aerobic activity makes your arteries less stiff and makes artery walls more elastic," says Dr. Madden, a geriatric specialist at the
An improvement was seen in the elasticity of the arteries of the group that performed the activity compared to those who didn't exercise. "There was an impressive drop in arterial stiffness after just three months of exercise. In that time we saw a 15 to 20 per cent reduction."
The subjects were divided into two groups to either receive three months of vigorous physical activity (one hour, three times per week) or to get no aerobic exercise at all. Subjects were classified as sedentary at the beginning of the study but gradually increased their fitness levels until they were working at 70 per cent of their maximum heart rate, using treadmills and cycling machines. They were supervised by a certified exercise trainer.
Dr. Beth Abramson, spokesperson for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, stresses the importance of lifestyle factors on heart health, especially with our aging population. "Almost everyone can benefit from active living," she says. "The Foundation recommends that, like adults of any age, older adults -- with the consent of their physicians − need 30 to 60 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week."
Dr. Madden says that the exercise requirements may be viewed as controversial because of the age of the participants but the exercise level was safe and well tolerated. "There seems to be a knee-jerk reluctance to getting these older adults to exercise yet we used a vigorous level of activity and didn't have any trouble keeping participants in our study. They enjoyed the activity," Dr. Madden says. "People always underestimate what older adults can do."
Dr. Madden notes that realistically, seniors need someone to help them get started. "We need to learn how to do it effectively and how to do it safely," he says. "It could mean visiting your family doctor to find out about provincially funded programs, or joining programs for seniors that are offered at many local community centres."
Dr. Abramson recommends that seniors choose activities they enjoy, such as walking, gardening, golfing, dancing, or joining a yoga or tai chi class. If weather is a barrier, she suggests climbing stairs at home, joining a mall-walking group, or strolling the halls of their apartment building or retirement residence.
In his next project, Dr. Madden wants to find out if there is a less expensive but equally effective way to reduce the stiffness of arteries in older adults. "Our first step was to prove that it was at all possible for older adults to have reduced narrowing in their arteries due to exercise," he says. "Now we want to find out just how rigorous the levels of activity need to be to demonstrate the same results. The next step is to try studying a home-based walking program using pedometers. This is something easy for doctors to prescribe and cheap and easy for participants."
The HeartWalk Workout, a special activity program developed by the Heart and Stroke Foundation to help people with cardiovascular problems get regular, healthy physical activity is available online at heartandstroke.ca. It helps people slowly build up exercise tolerance until they can walk at least 30 minutes, five times a week.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Chiropractic Care - its types
by Dr. Greg C. Molis
Chiropractic treatment is not just restricted to improving back and the neck pain. Chiropractic care has many different forms. This treatment is concerned with the general well being of the whole body. As a result you can visit a chiropractor as often as you like to keep up your health.
Chiropractic care deals with subluxations (misalignments of vertebrae causing nerve irritation) anywhere along the spinal column, not just in the lower back. Sometimes the vertebrae of the spine become misaligned or lose their range of motion for one reason or another. This misalignment puts pressure on nerves leading to and from the brain. A chiropractor helps put them back in place by using gentle and highly skilled adjustments.
While some chiropractors generally referred to as ~mixers~, also like to indulge in other forms of treatment such as physiotherapy, diet and nutrition while treating their patients. There are those ~straight~ ones who can be considered to be purists and deal only in chiropractic treatment concentrating on location and removal of subluxations. They believe in the ideology that once the subluxation heals, so will the rest of the body. Thus, gradually bringing about, complete rejuvenation of the individual.
You will have to undergo a full medical examination by the chiropractor initially and then a complete analysis of your condition. After which the chiropractor will take in the full case history, information about any other disease that you have and then only will he decide on your line of treatment. Chiropractic care has three basic forms:
Chiropractic Care- Relief
This chiropractic care method is followed to give immediate relief when the patient is in lot of pain and discomfort. The number and frequency of visits may depend on the extent of damage that needs to be corrected.
Corrective Chiropractic Care
As compared to Relief Chiropractic Care the Corrective Chiropractic Care is more of a long term treatment in which the results appear only after a period of time. This kind of treatment is mainly taken for those patients who are suffering from spinal problems that have taken place over a long time. Very often, the patient going for long time without medical attention.
Maintenance Chiropractic Care
This kind of chiropractic care is needed for patients with permanent spinal weakness and need constant check ups. Other patients who have had relief from earlier ailments, but see the chiropractor for regular check ups to ensure their future health and comfort. Usually this kind of treatment requires a visit every 2 to 6 weeks.
Chiropractic care involves the whole health of the body. Treatments involve using the internal healing systems in the body to relieve the spinal problems that can interfere with the nerves and cells. Therefore, receiving chiropractic treatments is a way of ensuring that every part of body is functioning as it should.
Chiropractic care is the most recommended form of alternative medicine. It is based on the belief that certain conditions are caused by impairment of your nervous system due to problems in your joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons and bones. While chiropractors do not use drugs or surgery, they sometimes do refer patients for medical care when they believe it is necessary.
Chiropractic care is safe and natural helping the body to draw upon its own restorative capabilities to heal. It teaches patients how to take control of their own health and avoid chronic pain. It also can help prevent problems before they start or get worse.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Building Better Health by Adapting Your Body
By Dr. Ben Lerner
Your body will adapt or un-adapt to whatever stresses you do or don't impose on it. Consider these opposing forces.
Law of Adaption
If you run long distances, your muscles, joints, lungs and heart will adapt in a way that allows you to go the distance. This is a good thing, and the reason a marathon runner actually looks like one. And, if you're a sprinter, your body adapts for short distances. That's why sprinters look like and or train like body builders.
So if you want to improve stamina and cardio functioning, you run for a long time and your body adapts in a way to support that. If you want to increase strength and power, you do short sprints and you adapt for that.
If you want big, strong round muscles, you lift really heavy weights over a short period of time -- like a power lifter. If you want a more athletic build -- like a gymnast -- you lift weights or perform activities that create more sustained pressure.
Law of Un-Adaption
So what about the opposite action?
Whatever you're training for, you also "un-train" for. So a marathon runner doesn't make a great sprinter. Their lungs, heart, muscles and tendons are adapted for a completely different type of event. And, sprinters can't typically run a marathon. It would be like trying to ride a bull across country.
Your heart, lungs, circulatory system immune system, muscles and joints adapt to exercise by increasing their efficiency. So your muscles firm up, your joints lube up, the bones get stronger and thicker, your immune system gets cranking, your heartbeat strengthens, and your lungs and circulatory system dramatically improve their ability to take in, store and circulate oxygen.
On the other hand, if you do not exercise, your body un-adapts. Muscles get flabby, bones get soft and brittle, joints get dry, the heartbeat weakens and speeds up and you become oxygen deprived.
Exercise and Reversed Aging
People as old as 100 can dramatically increase their strength, improve their balance, restore bone density, moderate diabetes and diminish joint pain in just a few weeks of weight training. The minute you start sweating and your heart begins pounding, your arteries get more flexible and your blood pressure drops. This lowers your risk of heart disease and stroke too.
For hours after exercise, your body is more sensitive to insulin, keeping your sugar levels in check and reducing your risk of diabetes too.
Being in shape causes your heart and blood vessels to work only a fraction as hard as they do if you are out of shape. A conditioned person will have a heart rate of approximately 60 beats/minute. Someone who is out of shape will have a heart rate of approximately 80 beats/minute. This means if you are out of shape, your heart will have to beat approximately 30,000 more times per day than if you were in shape.
Dying Lighter
The purpose of weight loss is not only to weigh less, but to be healthier. Weight-reduction plans that use unhealthy foods, diet products, weird devices, drugs, supplements or even herbal "speed" to help you lose weight may make you lighter, but not healthier. When people ask me what I think about these plans I always say the same thing: "Sure, you might lose weight. You will die 10 years earlier, but at least you will be lighter."
The reality is, about the only positive thing about losing weight the wrong way is that you will make it easier on your pallbearers.
The fact is, better health does not necessarily come by simply losing weight. To improve the function of the Body By God operating system, there must be less weight and fat. It is not only how much you weigh that causes you to develop disease: It is how much body fat you have compared to how much muscle you have.
The point of exercise is to increase the amount of real muscle and decrease the amount of loosely packed muscle, or what we call "fat." Having too little lean muscle mass compared to body fat contributes to all sorts of conditions and diseases. High body-fat/muscle ratios negatively affect organ function, hormone balances, immune control, brain activity, blood chemistry and generally make you more sensitive to potentially hazardous food elements like sugar and cholesterol.
Diet alone cannot increase muscle mass and decrease fat mass. Only diet combined with exercise will increase your muscle/body-fat ratios. Through the law of adaption, the way the body adapts to exercise is by increasing your muscle-to-fat ratio. This will not only cause you to weigh less, it will cause you to have better health. Again, this will still make it easier on your pallbearers, but they will also have to wait a while before being called into action!
While many people rely on cardio activities alone and some on weights alone, to really get healthy you need both. You need to get your heart and lungs adapting in a healthy way through a regular cardio program and your lean muscle mass up by working out with weights or some kind of resistance.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Massage: It's real medicine
By Kristyn Kusek Lewis
Health.com
Having your honey rub your back is sweet, but it's tough to compete with the hands of a pro. A good massage therapist can make you feel like a new person. And now research suggests massage can ease insomnia, boost immunity, prevent PMS, and more. Maybe that's why hospitals are making it a standard therapy.
"All of our surgery patients are offered the treatment -- I call it 'service with a smile' -- and it's a mandatory weekly prescription I give myself," says Mehmet C. Oz, M.D., director of the Cardiovascular Institute at
Our advice: Enjoy your hands-on time with your sweetie, but set aside some time for a real massage, too. Here are some feel-good reasons:
Goodbye, pain
It sounds like a no-brainer, but rubdowns are especially effective for aches like low-back pain. Researchers at the
A bonus: Massage also seems to ease distress from migraine, labor pain, and even cancer, as well as the body tenderness seen with fibromyalgia, says Tiffany Field, Ph.D., director of the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine. Plus, the benefits may last as long as a year after just a few treatments, says Partap Khalsa, Ph.D., a chiropractor and a program officer at the National Institutes of Health's
Hello, dreams
Fluctuations in several types of brain waves either relax you or wake you up. Massage increases delta waves -- those linked with deep sleep -- according to a study at the Touch Research Institute. That's why it's easy to drift off on the massage table, Field says.
Nice to have you back, brain power
The Touch Research Institute study that connected massage to sleep also found that a 15-minute chair massage boosted alertness. "Subjects reported that it felt like a runner's high," Field says. Tests also show that brain-wave activity stimulated by massage is linked to improved attention.
Take that, colds
Massage helps ward off bugs by boosting your "natural killer cells," the immune system's first line of defense against invading illness. "We know that cortisol destroys natural killer cells," Field says. "Therefore, since massage decreases cortisol, your immune cells get a boost." Massage even seems to boost immunity in those people with severely compromised immune systems, such as breast-cancer patients.
Blues, be gone
Less cortisol and more serotonin and dopamine in your system may also mean less stress, anxiety, and depression. "We know that the right side of the frontal lobe of the brain is more active when we're sad, and the left side's activated when we're happy," Field says. "Our studies have observed that massage decreases activity in the right lobe and increases functioning in the left." The well-being people feel after a massage is a big reason why some hospitals offer it to anxious patients preparing for surgery and cancer patients going through chemo.
Shove off, PMS
A small study of 24 women with severe PMS found that massage reduced symptoms such as pain, water retention, and mood swings. Try it with proven remedies such as exercise (and who-cares-if-they-work solutions like a little dark chocolate).