Thursday, September 29, 2016

Understanding Chiropractic Care Through Frequently Asked Questions


Millions of people turn to chiropractors each year for alleviation of pain and other health related problems. Even though the field of chiropractic care has been around for more than a century, there are many people who have never been to a chiropractor or do not understand what a chiropractor can do for them.

Here are some answers to the most commonly asked questions on the subject:

What is chiropractic care?

The chiropractic field was founded on the idea that manipulations of the spine can cure and prevent many aches, pains, and disorders. Chiropractors find joint and vertebrae that are out of place or "subluxated" and adjust the spine so that everything is once again in its proper alignment.

Is it safe to be adjusted by a chiropractor?

The good news is that yes, it is safe to be adjusted by a chiropractor. This field has prided itself on using natural and alternative health treatments, especially those that are noninvasive and do not involve medications. It is also interesting to note that chiropractors pay only a fraction of what medical doctors pay for malpractice insurance.

Is the method of adjustment the same for all patients?

No. The doctor will typically take some x-rays of the spine to look for displaced vertebrae in the spine as well as several other possible spinal issues. Taking the results of the x-rays and the symptoms described by the patient, the doctor will tailor the treatment plan to the needs of each individual case.

There are even unique treatment plans for children. Those in the chiropractic field believe that birth can be a major cause for spinal trauma in infants, warranting a quick check. Older children can also benefit from spinal manipulations when they are complaining of a myriad of other health concerns.

Is chiropractic care safe for pregnancy?

It is generally considered safe for pregnant women. Lower back pain is a very common complaint for expectant mothers regular chiropractic care can help ease that pain and even put the body into a better position for labor. Pregnant women should get permission from their physicians before trying any new treatments or adjustments.

Can back surgery patients benefit from chiropractic care?

Yes, and in fact, regular spinal manipulations after back surgery can help avoid future back surgeries. As it is today, almost 50 percent of back surgery patients who do not undergo any other treatments will experience a repeat of former pain and symptoms in the following years, requiring more surgery. Chiropractic care can reduce this possibility and may even help people with back pain to find relief without any surgery at all.

Can chiropractic care cure all health problems?

No. Not all health conditions are directly related to the spine and its alignment, like cancer and diabetes for example. Yet chiropractic care can be surprisingly effective for so much more than just back pain.

It can reduce and cure many conditions associated with the nerve system function such as neck and back pain, headaches, stress reduction and conditions such as sciatica. If you, or your family, suffer from any of these conditions, its time you tried out this alternative medical therapy.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Andrew_Stratton/83489

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Monday, September 26, 2016

How & Why I Became a Chiropractor



Dr. Bejan Pazdel talks about how he became a Chiropractor. He, like many people who have never experienced a chiropractor had images of back and neck cracking, and other wild and potentially harmful things. And, like most people, once he tried it and saw the results, he was so excited about how that happened that he decided that was what he wanted to do.

See more at http://www.PazdelChiropractic.com

Friday, September 23, 2016

The 5 Benefits of Chiropractic Care


Chiropractic care has a lot of therapeutic benefits. From the beginning of the chiropractic therapy until now, people with chronic neck and back pain, generative disc disease and other spinal problems are experiencing an improved life with the use of safe and non-surgical chiropractic care. There are lots of benefits but the list below are just five from the many known benefits.

1. Avoidance of Surgery

After having an appointment and treatment with a professional or even with a local chiropractor, a lot of people were able to prevent surgery on their neck, back and spine. There is actually a new highly effective non-surgical alternative to surgery called the spinal decompression which is being used today for a better life.

2. Relief from Head, Neck and Back Pain

Surveys say that chronic back pain is the main reason why people miss work and physical activities. A person's life will surely be improved if he or she is able to be relieved from this kind of pain. People suffering from whiplash which was obtained from vehicular accidents were already helped by chiropractic care. Even migraine, headache and cluster can be treated through the help of a professional chiropractor.

3. Enhanced Immune System

Did you know that the immune system can also be improved with chiropractic therapy and wellness treatment? If your whole being is immune from disease, everything will work out just fine with your daily life. One of the chiropractor's philosophies is to live a healthy life, no worries, stress and pain.

4. Respiratory and Circulatory Benefits

Respiratory function can be improved as well as the lung opening if you receive treatment from chiropractor. Through chiropractic care, asthma, sinusitis, allergies and common colds can be treated. An improved blood supply or circulation to the nerve going to the heart and other coronary arteries is also an advantage.

5. Enhanced Well Being

According to scientific studies, chiropractic has said to be of great help to individuals when it comes to improving their sleep routines. It also shows that chiropractic helped people decrease their depression, stress and anxiety response.

By reading and knowing the five great advantages given by the chiropractic care, you should be of knowledge when you experience back pain, or even head pain, a chiropractor is someone to be contacted and chiropractic care is something to think about in order to feel relief and live a healthy moving life.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Doherty

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Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Why Sitting is Bad for You - Murat Dalkilinç



Sitting down for brief periods can help us recover from stress or recuperate from exercise. But nowadays, our lifestyles make us sit much more than we move around. Are our bodies built for such a sedentary existence? Murat Dalkilinç investigates the hidden risks of sitting down.

Lesson by Murat Dalkilinç, animation by Oxbow Creative.

Saturday, September 17, 2016

Common Myths About Chiropractic Care


Chiropractic Care Myths and Misconceptions

Chiropractic care has proven beneficial and effective to those who undergo chiropractic therapy. Medical practitioners and other health experts have acknowledged the benefits of chiropractic. However, a great number of the population are still unaware of chiropractic or at least have an understanding of it. Because of the lack of information regarding this practice, many people doubt chiropractic care because of the misconceptions, myths and misinformation that they receive from others who, like them, do not understand chiropractic.

Below are some of the myths about chiropractic care:

1. Benefits of Chiropractic are all placebo

Placebo effect is the belief that benefits and cure are received yet it is not real and only psychological. Chiropractic Care is treatments that focus mainly the muscoskeletal system. It promotes the restoration a healing of the sore and painful areas through natural process in order to retain its normal function.

Many studies have been conducted to unravel the effectiveness and benefits of chiropractic care. Patient testimonials even further attest to the benefits of chiropractic. You can also conduct a simple search in Google to find and check case studies regarding the benefits of chiropractic therapy.

2. Chiropractic treatments are dangerous

Chiropractic is actually a field in healthcare and is practiced by chiropractors who are also licensed doctors. These chiropractors earned their degree and had rigorous training as their field are mostly focused on restoring the function of the muscoskeletal system. Chiropractic care is actually proven safe and effective as compared to taking in pain killers. It also provides the advantage of minimizing the possibilities of a patient having to undergo surgery.

3. Chiropractic treatments are painful

Chiropractors undergo years of training in order to specialize in this field that is why patients should not fear pain during adjustment. There may be some discomfort during the adjustment process which may not even be substantial enough to result to pain.

4. Chiropractic has negative side effects

Chiropractic treatments are natural and manually applied and are widely recognized in the medical field because of its proven benefits. It is even recognized as one of the safest practice in the medical field as it is not dependent on drug medications and surgery for treatment which is why a great number of the population have started to turn to chiropractic care.

5. Chiropractic is expensive

Chiropractic is actually an affordable treatment option for back pain treatments. The cost is around 90% less than the overall bill when paying for a back surgery.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Bret_Scheuplein/726483

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Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Pediatric Chiropractic Care Is Beneficial to a Child's Development


More and more parents are looking to chiropractic care as a complementary part of their children's health-care needs. The American Chiropractic Association reports survey findings showing an increase of at least 8.5 percent of chiropractic patients under the age of 17. A study by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention also stated that almost 3 percent of children in the United States receive treatment with chiropractic osteopathic manipulation.

As such, chiropractic is the most prevailing type of alternative medicine employed by children. Experts concur that chiropractic care can be useful for children who suffer from spine-related ailments. Like adults, children benefit from spinal manipulation and adjustments, as well as other kinds of care that fall under the purview of chiropractic.

However, chiropractic care should work as a complementary treatment to regular pediatric care. Chiropractic care works alongside a pediatrician's treatment, but it does not replace the role of a regular doctor. The pediatrician may prescribe medications for certain necessary conditions, and treat the patient for more serious illnesses and injuries. A pediatric chiropractor, on the other hand, is instrumental in providing preventative, supportive wellness care, as well as alternative treatment in some cases.

Some studies indicate that chiropractic care may help children with various common ailments, ranging from colic and bedwetting, to asthma and ear infections. This is in addition to back and neck pain treatment. Studies have been conducted in order to determine the value and effectiveness of pediatric chiropractic care. These studies, which showed mostly positive results, concentrated on conditions other than musculoskeletal and included issues such as tonsillitis, enuresis, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, asthma and colic.

In the case of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), chiropractors are showing results with an alternative approach to treatment that focuses on nutrition, lifestyle, and postural muscle adjustments as opposed to the regular route of medication. This is no small gain considering how prevalent prescriptions for Ritalin, a commonly prescribed medication for ADHD, have become. Americans consume 90 percent of all prescriptions for Ritalin in the world - a fact that makes many parents weary of the traditional medical approach.

The widespread labeling and use of medication to address ADHD has become controversial, with many vague, but "undesirable" symptoms falling under the umbrella of ADHD. Some skeptics have also pointed to the link between the number of disabled children in a school and the amounts of funding a school gets.

In the case of ADHD, a chiropractic doctor begins by seeing the child as a whole, and seeks to consult with the child and the parents, asking questions such as, "Is the child bored or undertaking too many activities? Does the child have dyslexia, or a different learning pattern? Is he/she experiencing problems at home or with a teacher's style?"

This is a startling different approach to the standard, questionnaire-based evaluation for ADHD. Another criticism for the traditional treatment for ADHD is that drugs don't cure ADHD, and that most children who are diagnosed with it still experience ADHD symptoms in later years.

Chiropractic and chiropractic neurologists provide a non-invasive, holistic treatment approach that focuses on the underlying issue a child may be experiencing, not just the surface symptoms. Chiropractic neurologists identify the malfunctioning part of the brain, and seek treatment methods to address and correct the problem. A brain function exam is used, as well as tests focused on evaluating visual and auditory reflexes.

Once the underlying problem is singled out, patients are put on a treatment program that can often be done at home. Some patients might be asked to wear special glasses, smell a certain scent, or be put into timing therapies that help with planning, organizing, and coordination. It all depends on the individual child's needs. But the most striking element of chiropractic treatment is that it seeks to address brain activity itself, paving the way for long term results. Nutritional changes are also recommended in order to prevent biochemical imbalances that lead ADHD.

As for chiropractic spinal manipulation, the treatment itself is sophisticated and individually tailored; the treatment for children is also extremely gentle. Doctors of chiropractic employ an active, drug-free method of health care, which includes patient examination, diagnosis, and subsequent treatment. Most parents claim their children receive the benefits of improved health by regularly visiting a chiropractor, and their children enjoy their chiropractic visits and adjustments.


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Sunday, September 11, 2016

Chiropractic: An Important Ingredient to Health and Wellness


The art and science of the practice of Chiropractic has been around for over 100 years and can be a valuable tool for the person seeking improvement in health and wellness. Chiro- is derived from the Greek word for hand and praktikos - meaning the practice of or practical. Generally speaking Chiropractic focuses on finding small misalignments in the spine or vertebral column termed subluxations (luxation is a complete dislocation) and aligning the relationship of one vertebrae to the next one. These subluxations or misalignments in the spine are commonplace and can happen due to posture or chronic repetitive movements as well as acute pathology, injury and even pregnancy.

Chiropractic has over the last hundred years become mainstream moving from Eastern philosophy to becoming a part of Western medicine. Fundamentally, traditional Western medicine had treated the disease or pathology or symptom from the outside in with computer diagnostic equipment, medications and surgery. In contrast, Chiropractic is based on diagnosing the underlying cause of the disease or symptom with the premise that the central nervous system and related sympathetic and parasympathic system controls all body functions and operates like a computer program. The nervous system is comprised of nerve pairings which are split to perform their respective functions. Each pairing is split into a sympathetic branch to the muscles for fight or flight instincts as well as a parasympathetic branch for rest and digestion functions.

With a general understanding of the history and philosophy of Chiropractic let us now look at how this discipline can be used to assist in the achievement of improving and maintaining health and wellness. Few if any of us are fortunate enough to get through this life without experiencing spine or extremity misalignments. These misalignments can come as early as the birthing process! Then from toddlers through school age adolescence it is rare to not be involved in accidents such as falls, sports accidents, car accidents, poor sleep and sitting postures. As we get old enough to work there becomes more opportunity for postural imbalances and work and auto accidents. Then as we age into hopefully better health habits we face new obstacles in the form of arthritis and generally decreased activity. The list of who can benefit from Chiropractic is a simple answer...everyone can to some extent. How much one can benefit and how often treatment is required depends on many factors including age and acuteness or age of condition.

Chiropractic is by nature not a treatment of conditions but rather an alignment of the body to heal itself by being able to function as efficiently as possible. With that being stated however, patients have increasingly chosen Chiropractic to improve and at times alleviate symptoms such as headaches, back pain, shoulder pain, knee pain as well as helping with arm and leg pain and numbness, disc problems and much more.

Most importantly Chiropractic should be considered as a resource in achieving and maintaining an optimal state of health and wellness. Chiropractic has become a leader in alternative medicine and natural healing. With much criticism by Western medicine and western model insurance companies, Chiropractic has had to prove its necessity through word of mouth for much of the past hundred years.

Starting with the champion San Francisco 49er's of the 1980's Chiropractic became introduced into the NFL with documented positive outcomes for the star players of the team. Many of the players were in fact documented attributing Chiropractic to helping prolong their careers. Today it is commonplace for all sporting teams from high school to professionals to have Chiropractic be a part of the healthcare team.

Health and wellness therefore requires a combination of considerations to achieving optimal function. Chiropractic can be used effectively to achieve and maintain efficiency as well as assist following any occupational or environmental stressors that create injury, postural or nerve imbalances. Remember, do all you can to achieve health and wellness...the quantity and quality of your life depends on it. Best wishes.

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Thursday, September 8, 2016

Chiropractic Treatment of Whiplash Injury: What Can a Chiropractor Offer?



Each year approximately 2 million Americans suffer a whiplash type injury. Chiropractic care can be extremely beneficial in these cases. A Chiropractor can help assist patients with both the short and long term effects of whiplash associated injuries. Before we consider the numerous unique benefits offered by Chiropractic care in the treatment of whiplash, let's briefly discuss what exactly a whiplash injury is.
What exactly is whiplash? Surprisingly, the name "whiplash" isn't an official medical term at all. Rather the term "whiplash" is a non-medical term commonly used to describe a sprain and strain injury to the soft tissues of the neck. Whiplash is considered an acceleration-deceleration type injury and occurs when the cervical spine, or neck, is abruptly forced to stretch and move beyond its normal range of motion. This typically involves the neck suddenly extending backward and then flexing forward beyond the normal anatomical range of motion. This results in an overload injury due to excessive forces being placed on the cervical spine. The initial injury is actually thought to be tearing of muscle and ligament fibers within the neck. Although predominately an injury to the muscles and ligaments, whiplash may also include injury to the intervertebral joints, discs, and nerve roots. The degree of injury can range from minor to severe.
As if the initial injury weren't bad enough, the response of the body post injury can further complicate matters. After the injury muscles in and around the area respond to by contracting in spasm to splint and stabilize the area. This limits movement of the head and neck and is the body's well intentioned efforts to prevent movement and further injury. Essentially the body attempts to make its own soft collar to limit motion of the head and neck. Unfortunately this can eventually lead to chronic pain, inflammation, stiffness and loss of range of motion.
Whiplash is usually associated with an automobile accident, but it can occur in many other instances. Whiplash can also be caused by things such as a fall, or an impact or collision in a sporting event or recreational activity. Some examples are a fall from a horse, a collision in football, or an impact experienced in basketball, boxing, or hockey.
What are some of the symptoms of whiplash? Headache is a frequent symptom of a cervical strain. In addition to headaches and neck pain, other symptoms of whiplash may include:
- Neck stiffness
- Dizziness
- Shoulder pain
- Back Pain
- Changes in vision
- Abnormal sensations in the neck, hands and arms (such as burning, pins and needles, numbness, or tingling)
Surprisingly, symptoms are not always an accurate indication of whether or not a patient has whiplash. Contrary to common misconception, whiplash isn't always obvious at the time of injury. Many victims of whiplash related injuries often do not consult with a health care provider because they do not have neck pain at or immediately near the time of the accident or injury. This is a mistake because symptoms of a cervical sprain and strain can take time to manifest themselves. Generally speaking, the onset of symptoms is much faster in more severe injury. A severe case of whiplash injury may cause pain and symptoms immediately or within hours. In a more mild case of whiplash symptoms may not occur for weeks or months.
Many victims of an automobile accident do not seek medical or chiropractic attention because their accident occurred at a low speed. There is a misconception within the general public that high speed impacts are needed to cause whiplash. This couldn't be further from the truth. Studies show that the soft tissues in your cervical spine have an injury threshold of 5 mph. In other words, an impact of 5 mph or greater can theoretically cause damage to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the neck.
The likelihood of developing whiplash in an automobile accident depends on a multitude of factors and speed is just one variable. The position of the head and neck at the time of impact, the direction of impact, the position of vehicle headrests, whether or not a seatbelt was worn, and whether the occupants saw the impact coming are just some of the additional factors involved.
It is obvious that any impact or collision should be taken seriously. A victim of a car accident or other impact would be wise to consult with a healthcare provider as soon as possible afterward, even if no symptoms are present. A Chiropractor is a great choice.
Few health care providers are as well educated on the anatomy of the cervical spine or as well prepared to address the musculoskeletal effects of whiplash related injuries as a Chiropractor. Chiropractors receive extensive training in the normal structure and function of the cervical spine. They are also equipped to recognize and treat both the acute and long term effects of whiplash injury.
Chiropractic care can be of great value to a patient in the acute phase of a whiplash injury. During the acute, or early, stage of whiplash a Chiropractor will place an emphasis on controlling and minimizing inflammation, muscle spasm, pain, and symptoms. During this early phase of care a Chiropractor focuses on gentle treatment. Application of ice and cold therapy is common to control swelling and inflammation and to help alleviate pain. A Chiropractor may also use special forms of therapy such as electric muscle stimulation or therapeutic ultrasound to relax muscles and help reduce pain. Cold laser therapy, acupuncture, trigger point therapy, massage therapy, gentle stretching and joint mobilization techniques are also common early treatment techniques available to many Doctors of Chiropractic.
As a whiplash injury heals, symptoms often progress from pain to stiffness and inflexibility. A Chiropractor is equally beneficial to patients at this point. As you progress from the acute phase of care a Chiropractor will focus on correction, flexibility, and prevention. At this point a Chiropractor may begin to utilize more intense forms of therapy. These treatment options will include things such as chiropractic adjustments to restore proper spinal alignment and nerve function, along with prescribed stretches and strengthening exercises.
So what makes Chiropractic care different from conventional medical care? Most often conventional medical care focuses on the alleviation of pain and symptoms. This is usually done primarily through the use of drugs and medication. While getting a patient out of pain is certainly important, it is only part of the clinical picture. The long term effects of injury, rehabilitation, and prevention of future injury are all areas that need to be addressed as well. The focus of Chiropractic care extends well beyond the treatment of pain and symptoms.
A Chiropractor works with patients long after pain and symptoms have decreased or subsided. In addition to symptoms, a Chiropractor is also concerned with treating posture, spinal alignment, and any abnormal spinal biomechanics. Even after a whiplash injury has healed, a Chiropractor can continue to offer a great deal of benefit to the patient. A Chiropractor can provide a patient with ergonomic advice, home exercises, and a stretching and strengthening program to restore normal range of motion and help prevent further injury in the future.
Another benefit of Chiropractic care for whiplash patients is the fact that a Chiropractor is trained to evaluate and treat the entire spine. The spinal column is one large kinetic chain. It consists of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. The effects of forces and impacts exerted to one area of the spine are not isolated to that area. Injury to the cervical spine can, and does, impact the middle back and low back areas as well. The ability to examine and treat the entire spine is just another unique benefit offered by a Chiropractor
Yet another benefit is the fact that a Chiropractor is also educated to recognize how spinal misalignment can affect the overall health and wellness of a patient. A Chiropractic health care provider views injury and treatment from a different point of view than the most of the traditional medical community. However, Chiropractors also recognize the unique limitations and advantages of each health care profession and will refer to, and work in cooperation with, medical providers as needed.
In conclusion, whiplash type injuries are a common occurrence within American society. Research has shown Chiropractic care to be effective in the treatment of pain and the musculoskeletal effects of whiplash. A Chiropractor is armed with the knowledge, tools, and skills necessary to address cervical spinal dysfunction and the related effects. If you or a loved one feels they may suffer from whiplash, be sure to seek the advice of a qualified health care provider as soon as possible. A Doctor of Chiropractic just might be the ideal choice!

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Monday, September 5, 2016

Chiropractic Care, Its Benefits and Safety


For the past several years, chiropractic care has become one of the most popular alternative medical treatments for neuromusculoskeletal disorders. One of the reasons patients utilize this medical service is because of its cost-effectiveness. A study conducted by the Ontario Ministry of Health claims that chiropractic care shows most efficacy among all alternative treatments for lower back pain. The study had also pointed out that it will be more cost efficient if treatment for chronic lower back pain is transferred from medical physicians to chiropractors. The duration of the disability is also cut down into fewer days compared to if the disorder was treated through other medical treatments available, including pain medication prescription. Since chiropractic treatments revolve around the utilization of spinal manipulation and adjustments, prescription drug costs are also greatly reduced since chiropractors do not prescribe such drugs.
Are Chiropractors real doctors?
Doctors of chiropractic go through extensive education at par with medical doctors to receive this title. In the United States, chiropractors must be licensed in order to practice and function as a chiropractic doctor. Through it all, patients must understand that the practice of chiropractic is based on proven scientific principles proven to cure and heal neuromusculoskeletal disorders.
Is spinal manipulation safe?
Since doctors of chiropractic go through extensive training and education on physiology and anatomy, spinal manipulation through chiropractic care is generally safe. Bearing in mind that spinal manipulation must only be conducted by a practitioner who went through extensive training and education. In the year 2007, Physicians and the American Pain Society have pointed spinal manipulation as one of the several treatment options for lower back pain. The overall safety of this type of treatment for chronic back pain and neck pain also rely on the proper application of spinal manipulation.
Are all chiropractic clinics licensed and regulated?
In the United States, it is mandatory for all chiropractors to be licensed before treating any patients from any neuromusculoskeletal disorders. In 1996, the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards have requested and implemented that all chiropractors pass a test that validate their skills on X-ray interpretation, case management and chiropractic technique knowledge. With this in mind, only professional chiropractors who passed these tests are able to practice chiropractic as a profession. All chiropractic clinics operating in the United States are fully bounded to follow this regulation. With this in mind, it is safe to say that all chiropractic clinics in the US are regulated and all of its chiropractic doctors must be licensed.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7500787

Friday, September 2, 2016

Kinesio Taping as a Tool For Better Health



Dr. Pazdel explains what kinesio taping is and how it can be beneficial in moving toward health after common muscle injuries on the field and off. It is commonly used in sports to help heals stresses and strains of selected muscle sections and because it is so flexible works particularly well on the moving parts of our bodies.

See more at http://PazdelChiropractic.com