Healthy Hangover Cures
- Vit C and Milk thistle good combo, before and after a night out. Milk thistle protects the liver, and lessens the hangover. Can buy in droplet form or tablets from a health food shop.
- Lemon in warm water next day. Alcohol is quite acidic, whereas the lemon/water combo makes the body more alkaline, it's natural state.
- nettle tea or dandelion tea the next morning, again help flush out toxins, and clear out the liver.
- banana supposed to be good, as is full of potassium, which may have been lost by the body as alcohol is a diuretic, and makes you go to the toilet.
- loads of good quality filtered water the next day.
- loads of veg, and good quality food. Green juice if you have a juicer is excellent to get nourishment back into cells.
- walk in the fresh air, or by the sea!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
How do Children Benefit from Chiropractic?
Life is a miracle. Two cells become four and four become eight and so on until nine months later a perfect human being enters the world. His little heart started beating at 24 days. Her eyes formed at 36 days. This miracle unfolds perfectly – unless there is interference. Which is why children can benefit from chiropractic before they are born by having a mother with a nervous system free from the interference of spinal subluxations.
With pregnancy come hormonal changes, a shift in body weight and a laxity of connective tissues. New stresses are experienced by the lower back and pelvis. Many women report that their pregnancies were easier and their delivery times shorter when they received chiropractic care. Even today’s birthing procedures can put tremendous pressures on a child’s spine. And while the injury from forceps deliveries may be less common today, vacuum extraction and eager hands can do even more damage by pulling, forcing and twisting the baby’s young spine.
Without the language to explain, many newborns experience colic, unexplained crying, lack of appetite, frequent ear infections or other signs of poor health. A chiropractic examination is essential to determine if birth trauma to the spine is involved.
If indicated, a gentle, life-affirming adjustment is given. With no more pressure than you’d use to test the ripeness of a tomato, nerve-compromising subluxations can be reduced. Almost miraculously, many parents see instant improvements in the well-being of their child.
Later, regular chiropractic checkups are helpful to monitor spinal development as infants sit upright, support their heads, learn to crawl and take their first brave steps. Many experts believe that uncorrected spinal problems during this early stage of development cause the chronic, hard-to-correct subluxations seen in adults.
Sadly, bedwetting and many childhood aches and pains are passed off as “growing pains” or “just a phase they’re going through.” Careful! Aches and pains at any age are a sign that something isn’t right. Subluxations may be involved.
As you make decisions about your baby’s health care and are confronted with the issues of antibiotics, vaccinations and the growing use of behaviour altering drugs, consult with your chiropractor. Seek accurate information and make an informed choice. First, make sure you child has the best change to be all that he or she can be by having a nervous system free of subluxations.
How can something as natural as being born cause subluxations?Being born is a natural phenomenon. It’s what we’ve done to the birth process that has become increasingly suspect. In hospitals, birth is often treated like a disease. A newborn’s introduction to the world is often accompanied by a severe drop in temperature, loud noises and other insensitivities. The administration of drugs and anaesthesia can have a profound effect on a newborn/
Will my paediatrician approve of chiropractic care for my child?
First, you don’t need anyone’s approval to seek a chiropractic opinion about health issues affecting your child! Medical practitioners keeping up with the latest paediatric chiropractic research are starting to understand the value of this natural, drug-free approach to better health.
Will adjustments hurt my baby?This is a common concern among parents who mistakenly think that their child will receive adjustments like they ones they receive. Adjusting techniques are modified for each person’s size and unique spinal problem, and an infant’s spine rarely has the long-standing muscle tightness seen in adults. This makes a child’s chiropractic adjustments gentle, comfortable and effective.
Life is a miracle. Two cells become four and four become eight and so on until nine months later a perfect human being enters the world. His little heart started beating at 24 days. Her eyes formed at 36 days. This miracle unfolds perfectly – unless there is interference. Which is why children can benefit from chiropractic before they are born by having a mother with a nervous system free from the interference of spinal subluxations.
With pregnancy come hormonal changes, a shift in body weight and a laxity of connective tissues. New stresses are experienced by the lower back and pelvis. Many women report that their pregnancies were easier and their delivery times shorter when they received chiropractic care. Even today’s birthing procedures can put tremendous pressures on a child’s spine. And while the injury from forceps deliveries may be less common today, vacuum extraction and eager hands can do even more damage by pulling, forcing and twisting the baby’s young spine.
Without the language to explain, many newborns experience colic, unexplained crying, lack of appetite, frequent ear infections or other signs of poor health. A chiropractic examination is essential to determine if birth trauma to the spine is involved.
If indicated, a gentle, life-affirming adjustment is given. With no more pressure than you’d use to test the ripeness of a tomato, nerve-compromising subluxations can be reduced. Almost miraculously, many parents see instant improvements in the well-being of their child.
Later, regular chiropractic checkups are helpful to monitor spinal development as infants sit upright, support their heads, learn to crawl and take their first brave steps. Many experts believe that uncorrected spinal problems during this early stage of development cause the chronic, hard-to-correct subluxations seen in adults.
Sadly, bedwetting and many childhood aches and pains are passed off as “growing pains” or “just a phase they’re going through.” Careful! Aches and pains at any age are a sign that something isn’t right. Subluxations may be involved.
As you make decisions about your baby’s health care and are confronted with the issues of antibiotics, vaccinations and the growing use of behaviour altering drugs, consult with your chiropractor. Seek accurate information and make an informed choice. First, make sure you child has the best change to be all that he or she can be by having a nervous system free of subluxations.
How can something as natural as being born cause subluxations?Being born is a natural phenomenon. It’s what we’ve done to the birth process that has become increasingly suspect. In hospitals, birth is often treated like a disease. A newborn’s introduction to the world is often accompanied by a severe drop in temperature, loud noises and other insensitivities. The administration of drugs and anaesthesia can have a profound effect on a newborn/
Will my paediatrician approve of chiropractic care for my child?
First, you don’t need anyone’s approval to seek a chiropractic opinion about health issues affecting your child! Medical practitioners keeping up with the latest paediatric chiropractic research are starting to understand the value of this natural, drug-free approach to better health.
Will adjustments hurt my baby?This is a common concern among parents who mistakenly think that their child will receive adjustments like they ones they receive. Adjusting techniques are modified for each person’s size and unique spinal problem, and an infant’s spine rarely has the long-standing muscle tightness seen in adults. This makes a child’s chiropractic adjustments gentle, comfortable and effective.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Chiropractic for a more comfortable pregnancy and labor
Pregnant women benefit greatly from Chiropractic care with benefits that can include the baby as well.
Pregnancy can be a time of joy and exciting anticipation, yet for some the experience is coloured by pain, discomfort and illness. This is often because pregnant women undergo many structural and hormonal changes that affect the spine, nerves, joints, ligaments, connective tissues, centre of gravity and stability. Your Chiropractor can ensure that the spine, pelvis and related structures are balanced, moving easily and free from dysfunction.
When free of vertebral dysfunction, the mother-to-be experiences pregnancy at a greater level of comfort, health and vitality and can better handle the rigor of childbirth.
Drugless Approach to Health
During pregnancy there are many medications that are unsafe to use. Chiropractic’s approach to pain is another reason why it is valued during pregnancy.
Pregnant Women Have Special Concerns
There are so many things pregnant women worry about: staying pregnant, carrying the baby to full term, morning sickness, the baby developing normally, backaches, leg pain and if their labor will be safe and (hopefully) easy.
Can Chiropractic care help ease their minds? Chiropractic care has been observed to help pregnant and birthing women for many years. Chiropractors have been performing spinal adjustments on pregnant women for over a hundred years and have noted that chiropractic spinal corrective care can help reduce pain associated with pregnancy.
Chiropractic Improves Baby’s Birth Position
Pre-natal Chiropractic techniques release stress on the pelvis and uterus, helping the unborn child to turn and position itself properly for a healthy birth presentation.
Pregnant women benefit greatly from Chiropractic care with benefits that can include the baby as well.
Pregnancy can be a time of joy and exciting anticipation, yet for some the experience is coloured by pain, discomfort and illness. This is often because pregnant women undergo many structural and hormonal changes that affect the spine, nerves, joints, ligaments, connective tissues, centre of gravity and stability. Your Chiropractor can ensure that the spine, pelvis and related structures are balanced, moving easily and free from dysfunction.
When free of vertebral dysfunction, the mother-to-be experiences pregnancy at a greater level of comfort, health and vitality and can better handle the rigor of childbirth.
Drugless Approach to Health
During pregnancy there are many medications that are unsafe to use. Chiropractic’s approach to pain is another reason why it is valued during pregnancy.
Pregnant Women Have Special Concerns
There are so many things pregnant women worry about: staying pregnant, carrying the baby to full term, morning sickness, the baby developing normally, backaches, leg pain and if their labor will be safe and (hopefully) easy.
Can Chiropractic care help ease their minds? Chiropractic care has been observed to help pregnant and birthing women for many years. Chiropractors have been performing spinal adjustments on pregnant women for over a hundred years and have noted that chiropractic spinal corrective care can help reduce pain associated with pregnancy.
Chiropractic Improves Baby’s Birth Position
Pre-natal Chiropractic techniques release stress on the pelvis and uterus, helping the unborn child to turn and position itself properly for a healthy birth presentation.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Accidents & Trauma
If you have ever been in an accident or suffered a trauma you need to have your spine checked by a Chiropractor.
Any dysfunction created in your spine during the accident often remains in your body and prevents you from healing properly. That may be the reason why over half of accident victims never completely recover from their injuries and may live on painkillers, physical therapy or even repeated surgery for years. Sometimes they’re told that they’ll have to live in pain for the rest of their lives!
It must be emphasized that Chiropractic never opposes necessary medical care. In emergencies the first order of business is always controlling life-threatening situations such as haemorrhage, cessation or breath, broken bones, serious contusions or abrasions, shock and the like. That is the specialty of emergency medicine.
Unfortunately today, millions of accident victims leave the hospital with as many vertebral dysfunctions as they had when they entered. That’s a big reason why so many people say “I haven’t felt right since the accident,” and why they may continue to suffer for months, years or even decades afterwards.
Anyone who has been in an accident even if there are no obvious symptoms should get a Chiropractic check up. The damage from spinal dysfunction may take months or years to surface and a simple spinal check up today could save an accident victim from much pain and illness later.
If you have ever been in an accident or suffered a trauma you need to have your spine checked by a Chiropractor.
Any dysfunction created in your spine during the accident often remains in your body and prevents you from healing properly. That may be the reason why over half of accident victims never completely recover from their injuries and may live on painkillers, physical therapy or even repeated surgery for years. Sometimes they’re told that they’ll have to live in pain for the rest of their lives!
It must be emphasized that Chiropractic never opposes necessary medical care. In emergencies the first order of business is always controlling life-threatening situations such as haemorrhage, cessation or breath, broken bones, serious contusions or abrasions, shock and the like. That is the specialty of emergency medicine.
Unfortunately today, millions of accident victims leave the hospital with as many vertebral dysfunctions as they had when they entered. That’s a big reason why so many people say “I haven’t felt right since the accident,” and why they may continue to suffer for months, years or even decades afterwards.
Anyone who has been in an accident even if there are no obvious symptoms should get a Chiropractic check up. The damage from spinal dysfunction may take months or years to surface and a simple spinal check up today could save an accident victim from much pain and illness later.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Sports and Athletics
Does your neighbourhood team need a chiropractor?
Chiropractic can give your athletic endeavours an edge. That’s why you’ll find chiropractors as “team doctors” for professional, college, secondary and primary school, football, hurling, basketball, rugby, hockey and camogie teams.
Chiropractic is used by top players in sports as diverse as tennis, ballet, boxing, biking, racing, golf, soccer, basketball, baseball, hockey, handball, rugby, running, weightlifting and other sports. Chiropractors help keep the athlete on the field and help stop minor injuries from becoming major ones without the use of drugs or surgery.
A survey among US National Football League (NFL) trainers found that 77% refer players to chiropractors and 31% of NFL teams have a chiropractor officially on staff.
Many amateur and professional athletes wouldn’t dream of competing without first getting a chiropractic spinal check-up.How about you? Want that winning edge? A little more balance? A little more lightness to your step? Try a chiropractic “shaping up” adjustment of the spine.
Sports Injuries
Sports injuries nearly always jar and misalign the spine: a blow to the ribs, legs, feet, head, shoulder or torso always radiates to the centre of the body – that’s why a chiropractic check-up is needed when you are injured regardless of the nature of the injury.
Chiropractic is needed, in fact, even when medical procedures may also be necessary.
Why? If an injury is serious enough to need medical care, the spine and body alignment is almost always damaged. Furthermore, medical doctors are simply not trained to locate and correct spinal dysfunction – that is the realm of the chiropractor.
Does your neighbourhood team need a chiropractor?
Chiropractic can give your athletic endeavours an edge. That’s why you’ll find chiropractors as “team doctors” for professional, college, secondary and primary school, football, hurling, basketball, rugby, hockey and camogie teams.
Chiropractic is used by top players in sports as diverse as tennis, ballet, boxing, biking, racing, golf, soccer, basketball, baseball, hockey, handball, rugby, running, weightlifting and other sports. Chiropractors help keep the athlete on the field and help stop minor injuries from becoming major ones without the use of drugs or surgery.
A survey among US National Football League (NFL) trainers found that 77% refer players to chiropractors and 31% of NFL teams have a chiropractor officially on staff.
Many amateur and professional athletes wouldn’t dream of competing without first getting a chiropractic spinal check-up.How about you? Want that winning edge? A little more balance? A little more lightness to your step? Try a chiropractic “shaping up” adjustment of the spine.
Sports Injuries
Sports injuries nearly always jar and misalign the spine: a blow to the ribs, legs, feet, head, shoulder or torso always radiates to the centre of the body – that’s why a chiropractic check-up is needed when you are injured regardless of the nature of the injury.
Chiropractic is needed, in fact, even when medical procedures may also be necessary.
Why? If an injury is serious enough to need medical care, the spine and body alignment is almost always damaged. Furthermore, medical doctors are simply not trained to locate and correct spinal dysfunction – that is the realm of the chiropractor.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Neck problems & Whiplash
Your neck is jam-packed with nerves, glands, tubes, blood and lymph vessels, and 48 different joints, plus your brain stem, spinal cord, spinal column, muscles, ligaments, tendons, fluids, meninges and more! It also balances your heavy head!!
If the head and neck are thrown or “snapped” back and forth very quickly you can end up with Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD). WAD is seen in car accidents, falls and in “collision” sports such as football and boxing. In addition to the disc and soft tissue damage WAD can cause spinal dysfunction, irritation and stretching and impingement to spinal nerves. Millions of people suffer WAD each year.
Other neck problems can be caused by poor posture, work habits and even birth trauma.
Neck problems and WAD can cause headache, numbness, coldness or “pins-and –needles” in the face, chest, arms, wrists or hands. They can also result in anxiety, insomnia, low back and neck pain, ear ringing, dizziness, eye pain, blurred vision, sensitivity to light and other symptoms.
Of course, in an accident, the first order of business is to attend to any life-threatening problem – for example, fracture, hemorrhage, shock and severe concussion. After that, the spine must be attended to.
Chiropractic has been a blessing to millions of people suffering from neck and WAD, saving many sufferers from unnecessary drugs and surgery.
Your neck is jam-packed with nerves, glands, tubes, blood and lymph vessels, and 48 different joints, plus your brain stem, spinal cord, spinal column, muscles, ligaments, tendons, fluids, meninges and more! It also balances your heavy head!!
If the head and neck are thrown or “snapped” back and forth very quickly you can end up with Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD). WAD is seen in car accidents, falls and in “collision” sports such as football and boxing. In addition to the disc and soft tissue damage WAD can cause spinal dysfunction, irritation and stretching and impingement to spinal nerves. Millions of people suffer WAD each year.
Other neck problems can be caused by poor posture, work habits and even birth trauma.
Neck problems and WAD can cause headache, numbness, coldness or “pins-and –needles” in the face, chest, arms, wrists or hands. They can also result in anxiety, insomnia, low back and neck pain, ear ringing, dizziness, eye pain, blurred vision, sensitivity to light and other symptoms.
Of course, in an accident, the first order of business is to attend to any life-threatening problem – for example, fracture, hemorrhage, shock and severe concussion. After that, the spine must be attended to.
Chiropractic has been a blessing to millions of people suffering from neck and WAD, saving many sufferers from unnecessary drugs and surgery.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
HOW TO AVOID INJURIES
The majority of running injuries occur from overtraining. Avoid doing too much too soon. Your progress in mileage and speed should be a gradual one. An unrelenting increase in mileage from one week to the next will ultimately result in a breakdown. It is important to keep in mind the principle of hard days and easy days being interspersed and also hard and easy weeks. Mileage should usually only be increased approximately 10% per week. Every third week, you should drop back a small amount. For most runners one or two days a week, at least, should be devoted to rest or non-running activities. This gives your body a chance to recover and strengthen itself. Remember, pain is a warning, stop running and consult your chiropractor immediately.
Regular stretching may also help reduce injuries. Runners frequently develop tightness in the posterior muscle groups, such as the hamstrings and the calf muscles. The quadriceps and anterior shin muscles may become relatively weak, due to muscular imbalance.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT RUNNING SHOE
Joggers should wear a shoe with good cushioning impact. Running shoes are designed to provide maximum overall shock absorption for the foot. Such a shoe should also have good heel control. Although not a cure-all, these qualities in a running / sports shoe help to prevent shin splints, tendonitis, heel pain, stress fractures and other overuse syndromes.
A good running shoe should have a wide, cushioned heel and sole. The heel should be “rockered” at the back so that the heel strike is under the heel, not behind it. The shoe should be deep enough so that the toes do not press against the front and long enough to allow free motion and gripping during running. There should be about a thumb-nail length between the longest toe and the toe of the shoe. Unless there is enough space for the toes, the toe nails will be injured.
Running shoes should have “spring” in the forefoot; that is, the forefoot of the shoe should tilt up off the ground when the shoe is resting flat on the ground. The shoe should be flexible but not limp and the heel counter firm and padded to support the heel. The sole of the heel should be soft enough to absorb much of the shock of running. A soft neoprene sole is a great help in absorbing shock. Most running shoes have a cushion to support the arch. This is desirable to avoid the foot ‘going over’ or ‘pronating’.
Follow these simple guidelines when choosing your shoes:
• Don’t just go by size. Have your feet measured.
• Visit the shoe store at the end of a workout when your feet are largest.
• Wear the sock you normally wear when working out.
• Fit the shoe to the largest foot.
Running shoes should be regularly replaced as the shock absorbing capability will diminish gradually and may be inadequate after 350 – 550 miles. The upper part of the shoe may not show much wear, but the shock absorption may still be gone. If you are running 20 miles per week, you should be replacing your shoes between 4 and 8 months depending upon your shock absorption needs.
The majority of running injuries occur from overtraining. Avoid doing too much too soon. Your progress in mileage and speed should be a gradual one. An unrelenting increase in mileage from one week to the next will ultimately result in a breakdown. It is important to keep in mind the principle of hard days and easy days being interspersed and also hard and easy weeks. Mileage should usually only be increased approximately 10% per week. Every third week, you should drop back a small amount. For most runners one or two days a week, at least, should be devoted to rest or non-running activities. This gives your body a chance to recover and strengthen itself. Remember, pain is a warning, stop running and consult your chiropractor immediately.
Regular stretching may also help reduce injuries. Runners frequently develop tightness in the posterior muscle groups, such as the hamstrings and the calf muscles. The quadriceps and anterior shin muscles may become relatively weak, due to muscular imbalance.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT RUNNING SHOE
Joggers should wear a shoe with good cushioning impact. Running shoes are designed to provide maximum overall shock absorption for the foot. Such a shoe should also have good heel control. Although not a cure-all, these qualities in a running / sports shoe help to prevent shin splints, tendonitis, heel pain, stress fractures and other overuse syndromes.
A good running shoe should have a wide, cushioned heel and sole. The heel should be “rockered” at the back so that the heel strike is under the heel, not behind it. The shoe should be deep enough so that the toes do not press against the front and long enough to allow free motion and gripping during running. There should be about a thumb-nail length between the longest toe and the toe of the shoe. Unless there is enough space for the toes, the toe nails will be injured.
Running shoes should have “spring” in the forefoot; that is, the forefoot of the shoe should tilt up off the ground when the shoe is resting flat on the ground. The shoe should be flexible but not limp and the heel counter firm and padded to support the heel. The sole of the heel should be soft enough to absorb much of the shock of running. A soft neoprene sole is a great help in absorbing shock. Most running shoes have a cushion to support the arch. This is desirable to avoid the foot ‘going over’ or ‘pronating’.
Follow these simple guidelines when choosing your shoes:
• Don’t just go by size. Have your feet measured.
• Visit the shoe store at the end of a workout when your feet are largest.
• Wear the sock you normally wear when working out.
• Fit the shoe to the largest foot.
Running shoes should be regularly replaced as the shock absorbing capability will diminish gradually and may be inadequate after 350 – 550 miles. The upper part of the shoe may not show much wear, but the shock absorption may still be gone. If you are running 20 miles per week, you should be replacing your shoes between 4 and 8 months depending upon your shock absorption needs.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Headaches
10-15% of the population suffer with headaches. Headaches cause the sufferer debilitating symptoms that often results in them having time off work or not being able to carry out daily activities.
There are many different types of headache, but the most severe and most commonly treated are migraines and tension headaches.
Migraines
It is still not clear exactly what occurs in the body to cause a migraine. The main thought is that blood vessel in the head change diameter leading to a reduction in blood flow or that there is restriction to the upper neck vertebra resulting in nerve irritation and migraine symptoms.
Most migraine suffers experience their first attack in their early 20’s and women suffer three times more then men.
Common symptoms of migraine include unilateral, moderate to severe pain with other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, change in vision, sensory changes and light and sound sensitivity.
If you suffer from any of the above symptoms for the first time it is important that you seek medical advice as soon as possible.
Tension headaches
These are a result of stress causing tense muscles in the back of the neck. This can be due to emotional stress, work stress, anxiety and environmental factors.
Tension headaches create a dull pain on both sides of the head that can last for a long time. Tension headaches are often tolerated by the patient and they may suffer each day with pain.
Treatment
Chiropractic treatment is not like taking an aspirin, a temporary measure to mask the pain. If headaches are a persistent problem, a chiropractor will take a full case history and perform an appropriate examination to determine the source of pain. Once the information has been obtained they can then give a treatment plan specific to your needs.
Gentle Chiropractic mobilisation and manipulation of the neck, deep tissue work, muscle strengthening and stretching exercises are performed and self-help advice given to sufferers. Posture correction and nutritional advice can often help prevent the frequent return of headaches.
Unfortunately a lot of over the counter medication is only effective in reducing the pain of attacks and rarely reduces their frequency.
Self Help
• Make sure that you do not sleep on your front – this causes your neck and spine to twist
• Cut out ‘trigger’ foods one at a time until you find which ones are aggravating the problem. E.g. Chocolate, red wine, cheese, tomatoes, processed food, MSG
• Relax in a quiet environment
In the event of an attack
• Drink lots of water ( 2-3 glasses should suffice)
• Lie down and try to rest
10-15% of the population suffer with headaches. Headaches cause the sufferer debilitating symptoms that often results in them having time off work or not being able to carry out daily activities.
There are many different types of headache, but the most severe and most commonly treated are migraines and tension headaches.
Migraines
It is still not clear exactly what occurs in the body to cause a migraine. The main thought is that blood vessel in the head change diameter leading to a reduction in blood flow or that there is restriction to the upper neck vertebra resulting in nerve irritation and migraine symptoms.
Most migraine suffers experience their first attack in their early 20’s and women suffer three times more then men.
Common symptoms of migraine include unilateral, moderate to severe pain with other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, change in vision, sensory changes and light and sound sensitivity.
If you suffer from any of the above symptoms for the first time it is important that you seek medical advice as soon as possible.
Tension headaches
These are a result of stress causing tense muscles in the back of the neck. This can be due to emotional stress, work stress, anxiety and environmental factors.
Tension headaches create a dull pain on both sides of the head that can last for a long time. Tension headaches are often tolerated by the patient and they may suffer each day with pain.
Treatment
Chiropractic treatment is not like taking an aspirin, a temporary measure to mask the pain. If headaches are a persistent problem, a chiropractor will take a full case history and perform an appropriate examination to determine the source of pain. Once the information has been obtained they can then give a treatment plan specific to your needs.
Gentle Chiropractic mobilisation and manipulation of the neck, deep tissue work, muscle strengthening and stretching exercises are performed and self-help advice given to sufferers. Posture correction and nutritional advice can often help prevent the frequent return of headaches.
Unfortunately a lot of over the counter medication is only effective in reducing the pain of attacks and rarely reduces their frequency.
Self Help
• Make sure that you do not sleep on your front – this causes your neck and spine to twist
• Cut out ‘trigger’ foods one at a time until you find which ones are aggravating the problem. E.g. Chocolate, red wine, cheese, tomatoes, processed food, MSG
• Relax in a quiet environment
In the event of an attack
• Drink lots of water ( 2-3 glasses should suffice)
• Lie down and try to rest
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Gardening and Back Pain
Gardening for some of us is just a chore but for others it is our primary leisure activity and a source of much enjoyment. Whichever category you fall into it is essential to prepare your joints and muscles prior to descending on your garden.
The main reason people get back pain is because they underestimate the amount of muscle involvement required to perform gardening activities. With many of us, these muscles have not been used through the winter months and therefore are prone to injury and overuse. Digging, prolonged stretching and bending over while planting puts undue stress on the ligaments and joints in the lumbar spine, neck and extremities. When a joint is overused it will become inflamed and tender, triggering a protective muscle spasm leaving you with that horrible dull ache for several days after gardening.
If left untreated or exposed to repeated overuse, dysfunction within the joint may occur over time. This can potentially lead to irritation on spinal nerves resulting in referred pain into the extremities, with one example being Sciatica.
There are many ways to treat musculoskeletal pain. Chiropractic provides a non-surgical and drug-free treatment. It is a 100% natural approach to health care, as it is based on restoring function to our bodies on a skeletal, muscular and nervous system level.
Chiropractic Gardening Tips
1. Kneel on one knee rather then repeatedly bending from the hips
2. Try and vary the tasks into short bursts of different activity
3. If you suffer from knee problems use a cushion to kneel on or a gardening stool to sit on, this should avoid slouching
4. When digging, keep your back hollow and legs well apart. Use your legs rather then your back
5. Keep warm and covered up – this prevents muscles from becoming chilled
6. If you ache the next day, speak with your Chiropractor for further advice and treatment. They will advise you if you should use ice, heat or if further treatment is required
Gardening for some of us is just a chore but for others it is our primary leisure activity and a source of much enjoyment. Whichever category you fall into it is essential to prepare your joints and muscles prior to descending on your garden.
The main reason people get back pain is because they underestimate the amount of muscle involvement required to perform gardening activities. With many of us, these muscles have not been used through the winter months and therefore are prone to injury and overuse. Digging, prolonged stretching and bending over while planting puts undue stress on the ligaments and joints in the lumbar spine, neck and extremities. When a joint is overused it will become inflamed and tender, triggering a protective muscle spasm leaving you with that horrible dull ache for several days after gardening.
If left untreated or exposed to repeated overuse, dysfunction within the joint may occur over time. This can potentially lead to irritation on spinal nerves resulting in referred pain into the extremities, with one example being Sciatica.
There are many ways to treat musculoskeletal pain. Chiropractic provides a non-surgical and drug-free treatment. It is a 100% natural approach to health care, as it is based on restoring function to our bodies on a skeletal, muscular and nervous system level.
Chiropractic Gardening Tips
1. Kneel on one knee rather then repeatedly bending from the hips
2. Try and vary the tasks into short bursts of different activity
3. If you suffer from knee problems use a cushion to kneel on or a gardening stool to sit on, this should avoid slouching
4. When digging, keep your back hollow and legs well apart. Use your legs rather then your back
5. Keep warm and covered up – this prevents muscles from becoming chilled
6. If you ache the next day, speak with your Chiropractor for further advice and treatment. They will advise you if you should use ice, heat or if further treatment is required
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Pregnancy & Chiropractic
Chiropractic for a more comfortable pregnancy and labor
Pregnant women benefit greatly from Chiropractic care with benefits that can include the baby as well.
Pregnancy can be a time of joy and exciting anticipation, yet for some the experience is coloured by pain, discomfort and illness. This is often because pregnant women undergo many structural and hormonal changes that affect the spine, nerves, joints, ligaments, connective tissues, centre of gravity and stability. Your Chiropractor can ensure that the spine, pelvis and related structures are balanced, moving easily and free from dysfunction.
When free of vertebral dysfunction, the mother-to-be experiences pregnancy at a greater level of comfort, health and vitality and can better handle the rigor of childbirth.
Drugless Approach to Health
During pregnancy there are many medications that are unsafe to use. Chiropractic’s approach to pain is another reason why it is valued during pregnancy.
Pregnant Women Have Special Concerns
There are so many things pregnant women worry about: staying pregnant, carrying the baby to full term, morning sickness, the baby developing normally, backaches, leg pain and if their labor will be safe and (hopefully) easy.
Can Chiropractic care help ease their minds? Chiropractic care has been observed to help pregnant and birthing women for many years. Chiropractors have been performing spinal adjustments on pregnant women for over a hundred years and have noted that chiropractic spinal corrective care can help reduce pain associated with pregnancy.
Chiropractic Improves Baby’s Birth Position
Pre-natal Chiropractic techniques release stress on the pelvis and uterus, helping the unborn child to turn and position itself properly for a healthy birth presentation.
Pregnant women benefit greatly from Chiropractic care with benefits that can include the baby as well.
Pregnancy can be a time of joy and exciting anticipation, yet for some the experience is coloured by pain, discomfort and illness. This is often because pregnant women undergo many structural and hormonal changes that affect the spine, nerves, joints, ligaments, connective tissues, centre of gravity and stability. Your Chiropractor can ensure that the spine, pelvis and related structures are balanced, moving easily and free from dysfunction.
When free of vertebral dysfunction, the mother-to-be experiences pregnancy at a greater level of comfort, health and vitality and can better handle the rigor of childbirth.
Drugless Approach to Health
During pregnancy there are many medications that are unsafe to use. Chiropractic’s approach to pain is another reason why it is valued during pregnancy.
Pregnant Women Have Special Concerns
There are so many things pregnant women worry about: staying pregnant, carrying the baby to full term, morning sickness, the baby developing normally, backaches, leg pain and if their labor will be safe and (hopefully) easy.
Can Chiropractic care help ease their minds? Chiropractic care has been observed to help pregnant and birthing women for many years. Chiropractors have been performing spinal adjustments on pregnant women for over a hundred years and have noted that chiropractic spinal corrective care can help reduce pain associated with pregnancy.
Chiropractic Improves Baby’s Birth Position
Pre-natal Chiropractic techniques release stress on the pelvis and uterus, helping the unborn child to turn and position itself properly for a healthy birth presentation.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Spot the Early Signs of Postural Problems
• The head tilting to one side
• Forward Head Carriage
• Rounded Shoulders
• Stiffness and pain in the neck and between the Shoulder Blades
• Discomfort or fatigue sitting up straight for any length of time
• One Shoulder higher than the other or one hip higher than the other
• Uneven wear on your shoes
• The head tilting to one side
• Forward Head Carriage
• Rounded Shoulders
• Stiffness and pain in the neck and between the Shoulder Blades
• Discomfort or fatigue sitting up straight for any length of time
• One Shoulder higher than the other or one hip higher than the other
• Uneven wear on your shoes
Friday, November 6, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Sleep , Insomnia and Chiropractic
It’s really a pretty bizarre phenomenon: for about seven or eight hours a day all thinking and almost all motions stops, and you become oblivious to external reality, experiencing another reality of fleeting symbols and images- an existence mysterious , unknown, and (at times) frightening. Is it any wonder that in Greek Mythology Hypnus, the god of sleep is the brother of Thanatos, the god of death?
Sleep constitutes such a large part of our lives that it simply must be very important. And it is! The effects of its absence tells us so. Without satisfying sleep, proper physical and mental function is virtually impossible. Sleep regenerates us, heals us, balances us.
Insomnia
Are you having trouble sleeping nights? Waking up tired? Waking up in the middle of the night? You’ve got lots of company. A 1991 Gallup poll found that one person in four has insomnia occasionally and nine percent chronically and that problems with sleeping at night cause problems during the day(and vice-versa).
Dealing with Insomnia
Somnology, the study of sleep reveals that there are three types of insomnia: transient insomnia, which is caused by a temporarily stressful situation, or even a large meal; before bedtime and last a few nights; short-term insomnia, which may last for a few days to several week s as a result of a more severe and extended form of emotional stress; and chronic insomnia which usually arise from a more deep-seated physical or emotional problem. Chronic insomnia may be caused by alcohol or drug use; anxiety, fear, mania or depression; obsessions, compulsion; chronic pain.
Health Practices Known to Hasten Sleep
Go to be at the same time every night and get up at the same time every morning no matter what time you fall asleep – this trains your body-mind to accord to a regular rhythm.
Don’t lie in bed if you can’t sleep-you’ll only get frustrated and feel even more tense. Get up and watch TV or otherwise try to relax until you feel sleepy.
Avoid coffee, tea cola, and cocoa, all of which contain caffeine, six hours before bedtime.
Do not eat large meals or engage in heavy exercise before bedtime.
Don’t take naps.
Don’t try to catch up on sleep on weekends.
Use your bed only for sleep and sex – don’t bring your work to bed.
Get regular exercise to reduce body tension.
Try as best you can to avoid boredom. If you’re not really awake during the day, you can’t really be asleep during the night.
Sleep Medications
Frequently, of course, insomniacs resort to sleep medications. Because it is easy to develop tolerance to these drugs, it’s common for users to gradually increase the suggested dosage and continue taking the pills for longer and longer periods of time.
Presecription sleep medications include Dalmane, Doral, ProSom, Restoril, Valium, Xanax and Halcion. All of these drugs tend to leave people with a medication hangover and memory loss the following day. Halcion, the number one sleep medication (over seven million prescriptions in 1990), gas stirred controversy because of its side effects: it can make a person anxious, confused and excitable the next day and has been accused of bringing about violent behaviour. Halcion has been banned in Great Britain.
In over-the-counter (non-prescription) sleep medications, the sleep-inducing ingredient is usually antihistamine. The main side effect is dry mouth, although other side effects are common. It’s best to consult the Physicians Desk Reference(PDR) when taking any drug, whether prescribed or not! Finally, it is important to remember that sleeping pills do not correct the cause of sleeping problems. Rather than continuing merely to treat the symptom, an insomniac must explore the question why it is that he/she cannot sleep/
Herbal Remedies
Tehre are also effective herbal remedies, such as passion flower, wild oats, valerian, and skullcap. Nonmedical remedies include vitamins such as tryptophan (found in milk); warm (not hot) baths or bathing your feet in hot water to draw the blood from the head; relaxation therapy.
Relaxation Study
In a University of Alabama study, one group of insomniacs learned to use relation techniques to help them to got to sleep; a second group used sleeping pills. Although the group taking sleep pills fell asleep immediately, they continued to awaken during the night just as often as they did without the pills. After about two weeks of practicing relaxation techniques, the relaxation group learned to fall asleep immediately and stay asleep for longer periods.
At this point let us ask: What did Charles Dickens, Benjamin Franklin, Rudyard Kipling, Vincent Van Gogh, Edgar Allan Poe, and Cary Grant have in common? The answer is heavy snoring.
Heavy Snoring
Nine out of ten snorers are men, most of them over age 40. They tend to be overweight (which make for extra fat tissue in the airway) and/or to be smokers. Alcohol and sedatives are known to contribute to snoring (by slackening the throat and tongue muscles). High blood pressure too, is known to be a cause. Because some people snore only when sleeping on their backs, sleeping on the side sometimes helps reduce and even eliminate snoring, as can elevating the head.
Although there have been anecdotal instances of snoring ceasing after chiropractic care, no studies have as yet been performed. Where, in fact, snoring is being caused by lazy tongue or throat muscles, a healthy nerve supply to that area might well make a difference.
Sleep walking, Night Terror, and Bed Wetting
Characterized as parasomnia is a group of unusual sleep behaviours that are believed to be related. The most common are sleep walking(somnambulism); night terror (awakening frightened, screaming, and excited with no memory of the cause); and enuresis (urination during sleep). These disorders usually begin in early childhood and normally stop by adolescence. Clinical experience has shown chiropractic to be especially helpful in cases of parasomnia. Any of them may be associated with underlying emotional stress, and here psychological counselling can be helpful also.
The Chiropractic Approach
Nearly a hundred years of clinical case histories have shown chiropractic to be of great benefit for sleeping problems. In fact, “better sleep” is a report that new patients commonly give their chiropractor.
The brain and nervous system regulate the sleep-wake cycle, and by relieving the spine of nerve blockages, chiropractic helps insure a healthy nerve supply from the brain to the rest of the body. This natural, drugless approach to health care should be explored by anyone suffering from sleep problems of any kind.
It’s really a pretty bizarre phenomenon: for about seven or eight hours a day all thinking and almost all motions stops, and you become oblivious to external reality, experiencing another reality of fleeting symbols and images- an existence mysterious , unknown, and (at times) frightening. Is it any wonder that in Greek Mythology Hypnus, the god of sleep is the brother of Thanatos, the god of death?
Sleep constitutes such a large part of our lives that it simply must be very important. And it is! The effects of its absence tells us so. Without satisfying sleep, proper physical and mental function is virtually impossible. Sleep regenerates us, heals us, balances us.
Insomnia
Are you having trouble sleeping nights? Waking up tired? Waking up in the middle of the night? You’ve got lots of company. A 1991 Gallup poll found that one person in four has insomnia occasionally and nine percent chronically and that problems with sleeping at night cause problems during the day(and vice-versa).
Dealing with Insomnia
Somnology, the study of sleep reveals that there are three types of insomnia: transient insomnia, which is caused by a temporarily stressful situation, or even a large meal; before bedtime and last a few nights; short-term insomnia, which may last for a few days to several week s as a result of a more severe and extended form of emotional stress; and chronic insomnia which usually arise from a more deep-seated physical or emotional problem. Chronic insomnia may be caused by alcohol or drug use; anxiety, fear, mania or depression; obsessions, compulsion; chronic pain.
Health Practices Known to Hasten Sleep
Go to be at the same time every night and get up at the same time every morning no matter what time you fall asleep – this trains your body-mind to accord to a regular rhythm.
Don’t lie in bed if you can’t sleep-you’ll only get frustrated and feel even more tense. Get up and watch TV or otherwise try to relax until you feel sleepy.
Avoid coffee, tea cola, and cocoa, all of which contain caffeine, six hours before bedtime.
Do not eat large meals or engage in heavy exercise before bedtime.
Don’t take naps.
Don’t try to catch up on sleep on weekends.
Use your bed only for sleep and sex – don’t bring your work to bed.
Get regular exercise to reduce body tension.
Try as best you can to avoid boredom. If you’re not really awake during the day, you can’t really be asleep during the night.
Sleep Medications
Frequently, of course, insomniacs resort to sleep medications. Because it is easy to develop tolerance to these drugs, it’s common for users to gradually increase the suggested dosage and continue taking the pills for longer and longer periods of time.
Presecription sleep medications include Dalmane, Doral, ProSom, Restoril, Valium, Xanax and Halcion. All of these drugs tend to leave people with a medication hangover and memory loss the following day. Halcion, the number one sleep medication (over seven million prescriptions in 1990), gas stirred controversy because of its side effects: it can make a person anxious, confused and excitable the next day and has been accused of bringing about violent behaviour. Halcion has been banned in Great Britain.
In over-the-counter (non-prescription) sleep medications, the sleep-inducing ingredient is usually antihistamine. The main side effect is dry mouth, although other side effects are common. It’s best to consult the Physicians Desk Reference(PDR) when taking any drug, whether prescribed or not! Finally, it is important to remember that sleeping pills do not correct the cause of sleeping problems. Rather than continuing merely to treat the symptom, an insomniac must explore the question why it is that he/she cannot sleep/
Herbal Remedies
Tehre are also effective herbal remedies, such as passion flower, wild oats, valerian, and skullcap. Nonmedical remedies include vitamins such as tryptophan (found in milk); warm (not hot) baths or bathing your feet in hot water to draw the blood from the head; relaxation therapy.
Relaxation Study
In a University of Alabama study, one group of insomniacs learned to use relation techniques to help them to got to sleep; a second group used sleeping pills. Although the group taking sleep pills fell asleep immediately, they continued to awaken during the night just as often as they did without the pills. After about two weeks of practicing relaxation techniques, the relaxation group learned to fall asleep immediately and stay asleep for longer periods.
At this point let us ask: What did Charles Dickens, Benjamin Franklin, Rudyard Kipling, Vincent Van Gogh, Edgar Allan Poe, and Cary Grant have in common? The answer is heavy snoring.
Heavy Snoring
Nine out of ten snorers are men, most of them over age 40. They tend to be overweight (which make for extra fat tissue in the airway) and/or to be smokers. Alcohol and sedatives are known to contribute to snoring (by slackening the throat and tongue muscles). High blood pressure too, is known to be a cause. Because some people snore only when sleeping on their backs, sleeping on the side sometimes helps reduce and even eliminate snoring, as can elevating the head.
Although there have been anecdotal instances of snoring ceasing after chiropractic care, no studies have as yet been performed. Where, in fact, snoring is being caused by lazy tongue or throat muscles, a healthy nerve supply to that area might well make a difference.
Sleep walking, Night Terror, and Bed Wetting
Characterized as parasomnia is a group of unusual sleep behaviours that are believed to be related. The most common are sleep walking(somnambulism); night terror (awakening frightened, screaming, and excited with no memory of the cause); and enuresis (urination during sleep). These disorders usually begin in early childhood and normally stop by adolescence. Clinical experience has shown chiropractic to be especially helpful in cases of parasomnia. Any of them may be associated with underlying emotional stress, and here psychological counselling can be helpful also.
The Chiropractic Approach
Nearly a hundred years of clinical case histories have shown chiropractic to be of great benefit for sleeping problems. In fact, “better sleep” is a report that new patients commonly give their chiropractor.
The brain and nervous system regulate the sleep-wake cycle, and by relieving the spine of nerve blockages, chiropractic helps insure a healthy nerve supply from the brain to the rest of the body. This natural, drugless approach to health care should be explored by anyone suffering from sleep problems of any kind.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
The H1N1 Issue: Flu Pandemic, Fear Pandemic, or Both?
Let's start with the H1N1 flu virus itself.
The FACT is that the type of illness associated with this virus in over 99.9% of CASES is mild to moderate flu symptoms which include fever, nausea which can include vomiting, and of course general malaise. Not very pleasant to be sure but is this any different than the symptoms associated with the flu viruses that have been the source of the seasonal flu for the past 50 years? No. Although not every seasonal flu virus is associated with vomiting the truth is that vomiting is not considered serious. Seriously uncomfortable - yes, seriously risky in terms of death or severe complications - no.
In other words we need to know how many of the deaths ASSOCIATED with H1N1 are actually CAUSED by H1N1.
In Canada as of Oct 17, 2009 there had been a total of 1,604 hospitalizations, and 83 deaths associated with H1N1. So, out of a population of approximately 35 MILLION there were 83 deaths. This means the chance of death from H1N1 was 0.0002%.
To date these risks are similar in the United States and throughout the rest of the world.
It is not easy to get exact numbers on the number of deaths that are caused by underlying conditions or secondary bacterial infections but estimates are that these would represent at least 99% of all deaths associated with H1N1. So, if you do not have an underlying illness your chance of dying from H1N1 is 1% of 0.0002%. Not exactly worthy of widespread panic.
The chances of dying in a car accident, airplane accident, a fall, from complications of air pollution, from complications from industrial toxins or from medical treatment are EXPONENTIALLY GREATER. What is the difference? The media and the health authorities are not focusing your attention on these risks. You have more chance of dying in a car accident on your way to get an H1N1 vaccine than dying from H1N1.
So what should you do?
Be rational, put things in proper perspective and ask the right questions.
Be scientific and logical. Get the facts and apply them to your strategy.
Don't panic if you or a loved one gets the flu. Keep hydrated, stay home, eat intelligently and REST. If severe complications arise go to your medical doctor or a walk-in clinic.
Be preventative. Eating well, exercising, and staying relaxed are evidence-based ways to optimize your immune defenses, to minimize risk of both becoming ill and of complications, and to maximize your recovery should you become ill.
Take Vitamin D - this is absolutely one of the most evidence-based interventions available for reducing incidence and severity of seasonal cold and flu. The data is very very strong.
One thing to do to keep your immune system strong is get adjusted regularly by a Chiropractor
Let's start with the H1N1 flu virus itself.
The FACT is that the type of illness associated with this virus in over 99.9% of CASES is mild to moderate flu symptoms which include fever, nausea which can include vomiting, and of course general malaise. Not very pleasant to be sure but is this any different than the symptoms associated with the flu viruses that have been the source of the seasonal flu for the past 50 years? No. Although not every seasonal flu virus is associated with vomiting the truth is that vomiting is not considered serious. Seriously uncomfortable - yes, seriously risky in terms of death or severe complications - no.
In other words we need to know how many of the deaths ASSOCIATED with H1N1 are actually CAUSED by H1N1.
In Canada as of Oct 17, 2009 there had been a total of 1,604 hospitalizations, and 83 deaths associated with H1N1. So, out of a population of approximately 35 MILLION there were 83 deaths. This means the chance of death from H1N1 was 0.0002%.
To date these risks are similar in the United States and throughout the rest of the world.
It is not easy to get exact numbers on the number of deaths that are caused by underlying conditions or secondary bacterial infections but estimates are that these would represent at least 99% of all deaths associated with H1N1. So, if you do not have an underlying illness your chance of dying from H1N1 is 1% of 0.0002%. Not exactly worthy of widespread panic.
The chances of dying in a car accident, airplane accident, a fall, from complications of air pollution, from complications from industrial toxins or from medical treatment are EXPONENTIALLY GREATER. What is the difference? The media and the health authorities are not focusing your attention on these risks. You have more chance of dying in a car accident on your way to get an H1N1 vaccine than dying from H1N1.
So what should you do?
Be rational, put things in proper perspective and ask the right questions.
Be scientific and logical. Get the facts and apply them to your strategy.
Don't panic if you or a loved one gets the flu. Keep hydrated, stay home, eat intelligently and REST. If severe complications arise go to your medical doctor or a walk-in clinic.
Be preventative. Eating well, exercising, and staying relaxed are evidence-based ways to optimize your immune defenses, to minimize risk of both becoming ill and of complications, and to maximize your recovery should you become ill.
Take Vitamin D - this is absolutely one of the most evidence-based interventions available for reducing incidence and severity of seasonal cold and flu. The data is very very strong.
One thing to do to keep your immune system strong is get adjusted regularly by a Chiropractor
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
What is Good Posture?
Posture is the position in which you hold your body upright against gravity while standing, sitting or laying down. Good posture involves training the body to stand, walk, sit and lie in positions where the least strain is placed on supporting muscles and ligaments.
The benefits of Proper Posture:
Keeps bones and joints in the correct alignment so that muscles are being used properly.
Helps decrease the abnormal wearing of joint surfaces.
Decreases the stress on the ligaments holding the joints of the spine together.
Prevents fatigue because muscles are being used more efficiently, allowing the body to use less energy.
Prevents backache and muscular pain.
Contributes to a good appearance.
How Does Poor Posture Develop?
Common causes are uncorrected physical stresses from the Birth Process, Sports Injuries, Car accidents and far too much time spent slouching in front of a TV, playing on video games or working at a PC.
Will Poor Posture Lead To Arthritis?
Yes it will. Arthritis (spinal decay) can result from abnormal, chronic adaptation to incorrect body posture. It has been said that sitting down is to your spine what sugar is to your teeth i.e. its no good for your spine at all! The body deposits calcium on malfunctioning spinal joint surfaces in a bid to stabilize the joints which leads to bone spurs and eventually fusion of the joints.
If you or any of your family members show any of these signs then you need to have a Spinal Health Check to assess what may be causing the problem. These assessments maybe carried out by qualified Physiotherapists or Chiropractic.
Spot the Early Signs Postural Problems
· The head tilting to one side
· Forward Head Carriage
· Rounded Shoulders
· Stiffness and pain in the neck and between the Shoulder Blades
· Discomfort or fatigue sitting up straight for any length of time
· One Shoulder higher than the other or one hip higher than the other
· Uneven wear on your shoes
Posture is the position in which you hold your body upright against gravity while standing, sitting or laying down. Good posture involves training the body to stand, walk, sit and lie in positions where the least strain is placed on supporting muscles and ligaments.
The benefits of Proper Posture:
Keeps bones and joints in the correct alignment so that muscles are being used properly.
Helps decrease the abnormal wearing of joint surfaces.
Decreases the stress on the ligaments holding the joints of the spine together.
Prevents fatigue because muscles are being used more efficiently, allowing the body to use less energy.
Prevents backache and muscular pain.
Contributes to a good appearance.
How Does Poor Posture Develop?
Common causes are uncorrected physical stresses from the Birth Process, Sports Injuries, Car accidents and far too much time spent slouching in front of a TV, playing on video games or working at a PC.
Will Poor Posture Lead To Arthritis?
Yes it will. Arthritis (spinal decay) can result from abnormal, chronic adaptation to incorrect body posture. It has been said that sitting down is to your spine what sugar is to your teeth i.e. its no good for your spine at all! The body deposits calcium on malfunctioning spinal joint surfaces in a bid to stabilize the joints which leads to bone spurs and eventually fusion of the joints.
If you or any of your family members show any of these signs then you need to have a Spinal Health Check to assess what may be causing the problem. These assessments maybe carried out by qualified Physiotherapists or Chiropractic.
Spot the Early Signs Postural Problems
· The head tilting to one side
· Forward Head Carriage
· Rounded Shoulders
· Stiffness and pain in the neck and between the Shoulder Blades
· Discomfort or fatigue sitting up straight for any length of time
· One Shoulder higher than the other or one hip higher than the other
· Uneven wear on your shoes
Monday, November 2, 2009
10 Tips for A Healthy Back
10 Tips for A Healthy Back
Follow these simple guidelines to keep your back in good shape:
1. Standing… keeping one foot forward of the other, with knees slightly bent, takes the pressure off your low back.
2. Sitting… sitting with your knees slightly higher than your hips provides good low back support.
3. Reaching… stand on a stool to reach things that are above your shoulder level.
4. Moving Heavy Items… pushing is easier on your back than pulling. Use your arms and legs to start the push. If you must lift a heavy item, get someone to help you.
5. Lifting… kneel down on one knee with the other foot flat on the floor as near as possible to the item you are lifting. Lift with your legs, not your back, keeping the object close to your body at all times.
6. Carrying… two small objects (one in either hand) may be easier to handle than one large one. If you must carry one large object, keep it close to your body.
7. Sleeping… sleeping on your back puts 55 lbs. of pressure on your back. Putting a couple of pillows under your knees cuts the pressure in half. Lying on your side with a pillow between your knees also reduces the pressure.
8. Weight Control… additional weight puts a strain on your back. Keep within 10 lbs. of your ideal weight for a healthier back.
9. Quit Smoking… smokers are more prone to back pain than nonsmokers because nicotine restricts the flow of blood to the discs that cushion your vertebrae.
10. Minor Back Pain… treat minor back pain with anti-inflammatory and gentle stretching, followed by an ice pack.
Ring us now for a Chiropractic Assessment
Follow these simple guidelines to keep your back in good shape:
1. Standing… keeping one foot forward of the other, with knees slightly bent, takes the pressure off your low back.
2. Sitting… sitting with your knees slightly higher than your hips provides good low back support.
3. Reaching… stand on a stool to reach things that are above your shoulder level.
4. Moving Heavy Items… pushing is easier on your back than pulling. Use your arms and legs to start the push. If you must lift a heavy item, get someone to help you.
5. Lifting… kneel down on one knee with the other foot flat on the floor as near as possible to the item you are lifting. Lift with your legs, not your back, keeping the object close to your body at all times.
6. Carrying… two small objects (one in either hand) may be easier to handle than one large one. If you must carry one large object, keep it close to your body.
7. Sleeping… sleeping on your back puts 55 lbs. of pressure on your back. Putting a couple of pillows under your knees cuts the pressure in half. Lying on your side with a pillow between your knees also reduces the pressure.
8. Weight Control… additional weight puts a strain on your back. Keep within 10 lbs. of your ideal weight for a healthier back.
9. Quit Smoking… smokers are more prone to back pain than nonsmokers because nicotine restricts the flow of blood to the discs that cushion your vertebrae.
10. Minor Back Pain… treat minor back pain with anti-inflammatory and gentle stretching, followed by an ice pack.
Ring us now for a Chiropractic Assessment
Friday, October 30, 2009
How Does Poor Posture Effect Your Health?
The body is designed in such a way so that it works most efficiently when we are stood up straight and also sat up straight when we are seated. It is all centred around the nervous system and the scientific fact that your nerves control every aspect of your body. These nerve messages start off in your brain and run down the spinal cord to every organ and tissue via the spinal nerves. Any misalignments in the spinal bones causes nerve interference leading to ill health.
We have curves in our spine (in the neck, thoracic spine and lumbar spine) that need to be maintained in order for the vital messages to get from our brain to our bodies effectively. Poor posture is detrimental to your health because it causes misalignments of spinal bones (vertebrae) which cause nerve interference. This nerve pressure often manifests itself in the form of pain, numbness, weakness, inability to cope with stress and malfunctioning organs to name but a few.
Unfortunately stress is a problem we all have to deal with in modern life, although some of us handle it much better than others. There are 3 main types of stress: physical stress, chemical stress and emotional stress. Poor posture is definitely a physical stress along with things like previous car accidents, sports injuries and falls. Chemical stressors include poor nutrition, prescription drugs, alcohol, tobacco and pollution. Emotional stress could be stress at work or home which could manifest itself as fear, grief, anger or depression. We are better able to handle these stresses in life when the nerve interference is reduced which improves our posture and general well being.
Who should have a Spinal Health Check and when? Well, anyone who wants to improve nerve communication between the brain and the body. The earlier in life you have your spine checked, the more likely you are to avoid health problems in the future http://www.icpa4kids.org. We believe prevention is better than cure. Do you? Remember that nobody is too old and nobody is too young to benefit from having a nervous system that functions at its best.
The body is designed in such a way so that it works most efficiently when we are stood up straight and also sat up straight when we are seated. It is all centred around the nervous system and the scientific fact that your nerves control every aspect of your body. These nerve messages start off in your brain and run down the spinal cord to every organ and tissue via the spinal nerves. Any misalignments in the spinal bones causes nerve interference leading to ill health.
We have curves in our spine (in the neck, thoracic spine and lumbar spine) that need to be maintained in order for the vital messages to get from our brain to our bodies effectively. Poor posture is detrimental to your health because it causes misalignments of spinal bones (vertebrae) which cause nerve interference. This nerve pressure often manifests itself in the form of pain, numbness, weakness, inability to cope with stress and malfunctioning organs to name but a few.
Unfortunately stress is a problem we all have to deal with in modern life, although some of us handle it much better than others. There are 3 main types of stress: physical stress, chemical stress and emotional stress. Poor posture is definitely a physical stress along with things like previous car accidents, sports injuries and falls. Chemical stressors include poor nutrition, prescription drugs, alcohol, tobacco and pollution. Emotional stress could be stress at work or home which could manifest itself as fear, grief, anger or depression. We are better able to handle these stresses in life when the nerve interference is reduced which improves our posture and general well being.
Who should have a Spinal Health Check and when? Well, anyone who wants to improve nerve communication between the brain and the body. The earlier in life you have your spine checked, the more likely you are to avoid health problems in the future http://www.icpa4kids.org. We believe prevention is better than cure. Do you? Remember that nobody is too old and nobody is too young to benefit from having a nervous system that functions at its best.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Running Injuries
Two types of injuries are commonly sustained by runners: Acute trauma and Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI’s). There are a few simple things you can do to prevent either of these happening to you: Regular stretching, good quality trainers with good shock absorption, avoid over training and also to regularly utilise Chiropractic care.
The minute a person starts to experience symptoms of an injury i.e. pain, is usually when they believe the problem began, but in actual fact the problem was developing way before the symptoms ever showed up because symptoms are the last phase of dysfunction as oppose to the first. So if you want to train consistently well for many years to come it is very wise to get checked now while you are asymptomatic (have no symptoms) so you can remain fit and healthy.
Strains and sprains can be caused by running on uneven ground and can initially be treated by remembering ‘R.I.C.E’: Rest, Ice, Compression and elevation. To significantly reduce the recovery time and get back to training as soon as possible it’s important to get checked out and treated by a Chiropractor straight away.
Overview of Common Injuries
Plantar Fasciitis
This is caused by stretching or tearing of the connective tissue on the bottom of the foot where the tissue attaches to the heel and causes pain in a specific area on the bottom of the foot near the heel and sometimes radiates towards the ball of the foot.
Bursitis or Tendonitis
Irritation to the bursa (a fluid filled sac that sit under a tendon) or tendons from injury or repetitive strain type dysfunction. This results in pain, stiffness and eventually swelling when the condition worsens. This often affects the ankles, knee’s and hips.
Achilles Tendonitis
This tendon connects the ankle to the calf muscle group and is a common injury when occurs because many people ignore and run through pain they experience in the Achilles Tendon. Don’t run through the pain, these symptoms are your bodies way of telling you something is wrong, so seek help!
Shin Splints
This is very often a result of poor posture, poor quality shoes, fallen arches, fatigue, and insufficient warm up technique. Shin splints cause pain or discomfort on the front, the inside and / or the outside surface of the shin. Good shoes with shock absorbing features and regular calf stretches will help to prevent this injury occurring.
Ankle Sprains
This is common when running on uneven ground e.g cross country or trail running. This should be treated immediately with R.I.C.E. with the ice pack being applied for 10-15 minutes per hour until the swelling reduces after which it is advised to seek help from a professional.
Illiotibial Band Syndrome
Iliotibial band syndrome is due to inflammation of the iliotibial band, a thick band of fibrous tissue that runs down the outside of the leg. The iliotibial band begins at the hip and extends to the outer side of the shin bone (tibia) just below the knee joint. People who suddenly increase their level of activity, such as runners who increase their mileage, often develop iliotibial band syndrome. Others who are prone to ITBS include individuals with mechanical problems of their gait such as people who overpronate or have leg length discrepancies and these people should consult a Chiropractor for an assessment.
Chiropractic is all about preventing injuries occurring in the first place. So if you feel absolutely fine that’s great, Chiropractic care will help you stay that way and continue to train injury free for many years to come.
For more info go to Fitzwilliam Health Clinic
Saturday, October 24, 2009
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Welcome to Fitzwilliam Health Clinic's Blog. If you are a patient here then please feel free to post your comments about your experience with us. Thanks.
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