STRESS and Chiropractic

Stress is not a disease as such. It is the body's response to physical and psychological attacks from our environment. There is "good" stress and "bad" stress. Great joy produces good stress, while being in an accident produces bad stress.

Of the greatest concern to most people are the effects of the bad stress caused by all sorts of health problems. An injury, illness, divorce, frustrating situation, loss of a loved one, moving to a new house, changing jobs, constant noise, anger, resentment, giving birth, workplace or domestic pressures and many other situations can cause the stress to which we are subjected on a regular basis.

Negative stress often causes high blood pressure, stomach ulcers, muscle tension in the neck, back, head a lump in your throat, nervous laughter, trembling, uncontrollable crying, irritability, and many other problems. Some scientific studies even support the hypothesis that cancer may be the result of prolonged stress.

All these symptoms arise from an imbalance of the autonomic nervous system, which is composed of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. In such a situation, the sympathetic nervous system dominates the parasympathetic nervous system.

Negative stress can cause depression, insomnia, or burnout. If nothing is done, it can become a ticking time bomb, liable to cause health problems that can be quite severe in the short or medium term.

It is good to get an adjustment throughout stressful times to ensure your nervous system is functioning at its optimum. Take care of yourself!!!

Traveling on a long flight, don't sit tight!!

Sitting cramped in a small space for a long plane ride could be a perfect recipe for low back pain. You could also strain your knees or get leg cramps.

Good Posture While Seated
When sitting for a prolonged period of time, position your lower back against the back of the seat to obtain the greatest amount of support for your spine. A rolled jacket can also be used for added support. Use the footrests on your seat or otherwise support your feet.

Keep Moving
Wear shoes you can slip off easily. Every so often, draw circles with your toes and contract your calves to help prevent blood from pooling in your legs. Tapping your feet can also increase circulation and reduce the chance of muscle cramping.

Check Heavy Bags
Check all bags heavier than 5 to 10 percent of your body weight. Overhead lifting of any significant amount of wieght like carry-ons should be avoided.

Try to have good posture and watching how you lift things! Enjoy your trip and remember if you feel any discomfort when you get back go to your chiropractor and get checked out!

LOW BACK PAIN

Low back pain is an extremely common complaint, affecting hundreds and thousands, including 25% of those in the younger age group, every year.

What causes Low Back Pain?

There are many different causes, and they can be difficult to pinpoint precisely. We do know, however, that they are frequently neuro-biomechanical in nature, such as:
1. slack abdominal muscles
2. compression or irritation of the nerve roots leaving the vertebral column
3. congenital vertebral malformations
4. poor posture
5. pregnancy
6. bone or joint disease
7. primary or secondary cancer
8. arthritis or osteoarthritis
9. systemic disease
10. stress
11. specific working conditions

The lower back area is particularly vulnerable, since it supports the entire weight of the upper body.
The lower back area is subject to great muscle tension whenever the torso is flexed, extended, or rotation. This tension affects the intervertebral discs, vertebral joints, ligaments, and nerves.

Low back pain can be prevented by regular treatments to your chiropractor, stretching and exercise.
So take care of that BACK!!

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!!