Pregnancy and Chiropractic

One of the most important times for a woman to receive chiropractic care is during pregnancy! From the moment of conception your body goes through a series of remarkable changes. Some are easy to spot - a growing belly, changes in posture and changes in gait- that characteristic pregnancy "waddle". Adjusting women throughout pregnancy can help with a healthier pregnancy meaning an easier labor and delivery, and a better transition for the baby into this life.


Here are some Tips to Prevent Pregnancy Backache
-stand erect, do not allow your belly to sag
-change position often to ease lower back strain
-when lifting, bend your knees and keep your back straight
-consult your chiropractor for exercises to reduce lower back strain -such as the pelvic tilt
-your mattress should be supportive and comfortable
-sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees
-adequate rest is essential
-keep daily chores manageable, seek those whom can help you with stuff don't try to do everything yourself
-know your limits, if you are working throughout your pregnancy and/or have other children to care for , try not to overdo it
-practice good postural habits
-plan to do regular exercise
-kegel exercises are a great way to prepare and tone the pelvic floor muscles for delivery and can be done anytime. To do kegels, contract the muscles around your urethra and vagina- imagine you are trying to prevent yourself from urinating. Hold for several seconds, then release. Repeat sets of ten several times each day.
-have regular spinal check-ups, they are an important part of preventative health care.

SPORTS-related INJURIES

Chiropractors are some of the most actively involved health-care professionals in sports-related conditioning, injury prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. The most typical injury involves the back, neck or shoulder type injuries caused by over the head movements found in sports like tennis, softball, pitching, hockey and even golf leading to pain and lack of mobility. Alot of knee and back injuries are also caused by snowboarding, skiing and soccer.

Chiropractic manipulations are vital in restoring the biomechanics of the shoulder, neck, upper back and hips. Many professional sports teams employ chiropractors to treat and prevent sports injuries.


Chiropractic care of a sport injury regardless of whether you are a professional or amateur athlete can take a week to eight weeks to heal depending on the particular injury. Shoulder and knee injuries typically take the longest as those joints are the least stable. Once the injury has healed it is a good idea to continue with regular chiropractic adjustments to keep the body balanced properly and functioning at its peak.

Be safe and take care of yourself!

BACK PAIN

Activity is good for your back because it:
-develops, stretches, and strengthens muscles and joints
-maintains and increases your flexibility
-prevents your joints from seizing up
-assists in developing stronger bones
-keeps your heart and lungs healthy
-reduces pain by releasing natural chemicals such as endorphins

Back Pain And Risk Factors
Back pain can be caused by:
-poor posture
-slips and falls
-un-natural movements
-carrying or lifting excessive weight
-stress-physical and mental
-overexertion
-lack of exercise
-medical factors

Back Pain Warning Signs
-leg pain with numbness, tingling and/or weakness
-back or leg pain with coughing or sneezing
-difficulty standing up after sitting for period of time
-stiffness in the morning that decreases when you move around
-pain in your hip, buttock, thigh, knee or foot
-inability to turn or bend to each side equally
-unbalanced posture
-pain which prevents you from sleeping well or spasms

Tips for a Healthy Back
-exercise regularly
-follow a healthy diet
-maintain good posture as much as possible
-do an active warmup before activity and stretch after
-don't overload your backpack or shoulder bag
-stretch your legs and back after each hour of sitting
-never cradle the phone between your neck and shoulder
-sleep on your back, or side not stomach
-get a good chair, pillow and mattress
-Have regular spinal check-ups

Take care of your back and stay fit!!! Get regular chiropractic check-ups to prevent further injury.

SNOW SHOVELING TIPS- For a Healthy Back

With all this snow we are getting it is a good idea to have good technique to protect your body.
So here are some tips:
-Warm up before beginning any snow shoveling, about 5mins to get your joints moving and increase blood circulation, so you don't pull anything. Run on the spot, climb stairs, or go for a quick walk around the block. Follow with stretches for your low back, arms, shoulders, and legs. This will make sure you are ready for your task.
-Don't let the snow pile up-removing small amounts of snow on a frequent basis is less strenuous in the long run.
-Pick the right shovel-use a lightweight, non-stick, push-style shovel
-Push, don't throw- so push the snow to one side and avoid throwing it. If you are throwing do not twist and turn, position yourself to throw straight at the snow pile.
-Bend your knees-use your knees, legs and arm muscles to do the pushing and lifting while keeping your back straight.
- Watch for ice- keep your eyes open so you do slip and fall and hurt your back
-Wear proper footwear- something with a good grip to lessen the fall
-Take a break- if you are feeling tired or short of breath, stop and take a rest. Over working could only cause you damage and you could end up hurting yourself.

Try to enjoy the snow, and have fun!
Happy new Year and may 2009 bring you lots of happiness, good health and joy!!

Want Energy? GET CHIROPRACTIC

If you feel your get-up-and-go has gone, consider that maybe your spine is out of alignment. Alignment is needed in order to make efficient use of energy. When your chiropractor corrects a mechanical distortion with a spine adjustment, nerve system energy is normalized. The vital energy that runs your body comes from the brain, travels over the nerves, and gives vitality to your body.

The objective of chiropractic is to support your body in doing what it is supposed to do. Pain also zaps energy. It interferes with getting a good night's sleep and this is the time that your body needs to regenerate and reenergize. Chiropractic care deals with the pain and allows people to experience renewed energy. Emotional and pshychological stress aslo has a negative impact on your body. Chiropractic treatments help to relaease that stress. Chiropractic adjustments improve the nervous system communication to the body, making it more efficient and thereby giving you more energy.

With the holiday season here, make sure you are well rested and adjusted so you can have all the energy you need to enjoy this wonderful time of year!
Stay in Good Health!

Holiday Tips For A Healthy Back

People often visit their chiropractor after Christmas, complaining of neck and back pains. Here are some tips to make your Christmas holiday enjoyable, and pain free.
- If you have to drive more than two hours to visit friends and relatives, take a break; get out of your vehicle and stretch. This temporarily restores normal posture, which will help prevent a recurrence of neck or low back conditions.
- When loading your vehicle for a trip, organize your luggage and packages into smaller loads, as opposed to one large suitcase, cardboard box or carrying case.
- Wear your seatbelt. Adjust vehicle headrests so that they are no more than two inches behind the center of the back of the head. This will prevent injury.
- It's okay to be a couch potato during the holiday season, but don't slouch on the sofa and don't fall asleep on the recliner, as two or three vertebrae in the spine can assume a sharp angle. When you sit up, the normal movement isn't restored.
- Avoid bending directly over the oven door to lift out the turkey. Crouch down, pull out the oven shelf, and use your legs for better balance. Avoid putting all the leverage on the lower spine. This will prevent injury.
- Stretch when you can, even for a few minutes and drink water.

Have a great holiday season!

Flexibility- Why Stretch?

Everyone should do stretching exercises regardless of age or flexibility.
By stretching you will:
- Reduce muscle tension
- Improve coordination and body awareness
- Increase flexibility and range of motion
- Reduce risk of strain from unexpected over stretch
- Improve circulation
- Prepare for other physical activities

Attempt to integrate stretching into your daily routine. Always warm up first. Do not hold your breath while stretching. Do not strain yourself, a stretch should always be comfortable . Return to neutral slowly. Never change positions too quickly after a stretch is completed or a muscle spasm will occur. An average stretch routine should last about 15 minutes.

Have fun stretching!