Eating certain foods helps strengthen your bones and keeps inflammation away from your joints. This fact is a big part of “Nutrition for Chiropractic Patients.” Our blog will show you how to eat well for a healthy spine.

It will also tell you why good food helps chiropractic care work better.

Ready? Let’s learn together!

The Role of Nutrition in Spinal Health

Nutrition plays a crucial role in spinal health by providing essential nutrients for bone strength and supporting joint flexibility with anti-inflammatory foods. A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, lean protein, and healthy fats can contribute to the spine’s overall health.

Essential nutrients for bone strength

Eating the right foods helps keep our bones strong. This is very important for spinal health. Here are some key nutrients we should all include in our diets:

1. Calcium

• Our bones need calcium to stay strong.
• Found in milk, cheese, and green leafy vegetables.

2. Vitamin D

• Helps our body use calcium.
• Comes from sunlight, fish, and fortified foods.

3. Magnesium

• Works with calcium to support bone health.
• Found in nuts, seeds, and whole grains.

4. Phosphorus

• Helps make our bones hard.
• Present in meat, dairy, and fish.

5. Vitamin K

• Important for bone formation.
• Green leafy vegetables are a good source.

6. Protein

• Makes up part of the bone structure.
• Lean meat, poultry, and beans provide protein.

7. Omega-3 fatty acids

• Reduce inflammation that can harm bones.
• Fish like salmon are rich in omega-3s.

Eating these foods can help your spine stay healthy and support your chiropractic care.

Anti-inflammatory foods for joint support

Eating the right foods can help your joints feel better. Anti-inflammatory foods are key for joint support.

• Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These fats reduce inflammation.
• Turmeric contains curcumin. Curcumin fights inflammation.
• Spinach has plenty of antioxidants. These protect your joints.
• Almonds are full of vitamin E. Vitamin E reduces pain in your joints.
• Ginger can cut back on swelling and pain.
• Blueberries have flavonoids. Flavonoids ease joint discomfort.
• Olive oil acts like a natural anti-inflammatory drug.
• Cherries are packed with anthocyanins. Anthocyanins keep joints healthy.
• Sweet potatoes provide vitamin C and beta-carotene. Both fight inflammation.
• Walnuts are another good source of omega-3s, helping with joint stiffness.

These foods support your spinal health by keeping inflammation down.

How Nutrition Enhances Chiropractic Care

Nutrition plays a crucial role in enhancing chiropractic care by improving recovery and healing processes. It also enhances the effectiveness of adjustments, optimizing the benefits of chiropractic treatments for spinal health.

Improved recovery and healing

Eating right helps your body heal faster after chiropractic care. Foods rich in vitamins and minerals support the spine’s health. This means your back gets better quicker. Good nutrition also makes sure the body has what it needs to mend tissues.

So, when you eat well, you help your adjustments last longer and work better.

Your diet can play a big part in how fast you recover from pain or injury. Including anti-inflammatory foods can reduce swelling and help ease pain more quickly. For example, eating fish with omega-3 fats or fruits like berries aids healing.

This approach to food ensures that every chiropractic visit brings you closer to feeling great again.

Enhanced effectiveness of adjustments

Proper nutrition not only aids in faster recovery but also enhances the effectiveness of chiropractic adjustments.

Nutritional Strategies for Pain Management

Spinal pain can be managed through specific nutritional strategies, such as integrating foods that have anti-inflammatory properties and including supplements to support muscle and nerve health.

By adopting a balanced diet focused on reducing inflammation and incorporating dietary supplements, individuals can actively contribute to pain management for their spinal health.

Foods to reduce inflammation and pain

Eating the right foods can help reduce inflammation and pain in your body. Here are some key foods that you should include in your diet:

• Blueberries: Packed with antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation.
• Fatty fish: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Turmeric: Contains curcumin, a compound that has been shown to reduce inflammation.
• Leafy greens: Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are high in vitamin K, which can help reduce inflammation.
• Nuts: Almonds and walnuts contain healthy fats that may help reduce inflammation.

These foods can be part of a balanced diet that supports your long-term relief from pain.

Supplements for muscle and nerve health

To keep your muscles and nerves healthy, consider adding these supplements to your routine:

1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil, flaxseed oil, and walnuts, omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation, promoting nerve function and muscle recovery.
2. Vitamin D: Adequate levels of vitamin D are essential for maintaining strong muscles and healthy nerves. You can get it from sunlight or supplements.
3. Magnesium: This mineral helps relax muscles and plays a vital role in nerve function. Consuming magnesium-rich foods like spinach, almonds, and dark chocolate can aid in muscle relaxation.
4. B Vitamins: B vitamins such as B12 and B6 support nerve health and help prevent nerve damage. They can be obtained from sources like poultry, fish, eggs, and leafy greens.
5. Turmeric: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric can benefit both muscles and nerves by reducing inflammation and supporting overall tissue health.
6. Coenzyme Q10: This antioxidant supports muscle function and energy production within cells. It’s naturally found in small amounts in various foods but is also available as a supplement.

Be sure to incorporate these supplements into your diet for optimal muscle and nerve health alongside chiropractic care to achieve long-term relief from pain.

Conclusion

In conclusion, keep in mind the essential connection between nutrition and chiropractic care for a healthy spine. By prioritizing a balanced diet with nutrients that strengthen bones and choosing anti-inflammatory foods, you’re nourishing your body to support spinal health.

Embrace these practical approaches for managing pain through food choices and supplements, enhancing the impact of chiropractic adjustments in promoting recovery and healing. Consider integrating these straightforward yet impactful suggestions into your daily routine to pave the path toward long-term relief from pain and overall well-being.

Take control of your spinal health by implementing small changes that can have a noteworthy effect, leading you toward a healthier life.

The post Fuel Your Spine for Better Health! first appeared on Chiropractor Broken Arrow.

Chiropractors say that spinal adjustments can help ease pain. They move your spine to make it work better and hurt less. This blog will show how these adjustments work, why they help, and what kind of issues they can fix.

Ready to feel better? Keep reading!

Key Takeaways

• Spinal adjustments can help with back pain, neck discomfort, and headaches by moving the spine to reduce nerve pressure.
• Chiropractors use hands or tools for these adjustments. They aim to make you move better and feel less pain.
• This care also improves how well you can move and your overall health without needing drugs.
• It’s good for long-term relief from chronic pain issues.
• Spinal adjustments in Broken Arrow offer a way to live with less pain and more movement.

What Are Spinal Adjustments?

Spinal adjustments involve applying controlled force to the spine, aiming to correct its alignment and motion. The goal is to alleviate pain, improve function, and support the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

These techniques can be performed manually by hand or using specialized tools called instruments for precise adjustments on specific areas of the spine.

Definition and purpose

Spinal adjustments are a way to fix problems in your spine. Chiropractors do them to help people move better and feel less pain. They focus on fixing spinal motion and helping the body move as it should.

This type of care works well for lower back pain, neck pain, and headaches.

The main goal is to make life more comfortable for people with these types of pains. By adjusting the spine, chiropractors can take away pressure from nerves. This lets the body heal itself.

Spinal adjustments are key in chiropractic care for managing chronic pain and improving movement in daily life.

Manual vs. instrument-assisted techniques

Choosing between manual and instrument-assisted techniques for spinal adjustments? Both have their places in providing effective pain relief. Let’s break it down with a simple comparison.

Manual Techniques

• Chiropractors use their hands to apply pressure and manipulate the spine.
•  Includes high-velocity low amplitude (HVLA) thrusts to adjust the spine.
• Often involves direct and immediate feedback on the adjustment’s effect.
• Suitable for a wide range of conditions, including chronic back pain and neck pain.
• Can lead to instant relief and improved mobility for many patients.

Instrument-Assisted Techniques

• Tools like the Activator, a small handheld device, deliver precise adjustments.
• Methods such as the COX Flexion-Distraction technique use specialized tables for treatment.
• Allows for more specific and gentle adjustments, ideal for sensitive patients.
• Specialized techniques like NUCCA focus on precise alignment of the neck and head.
• Some patients find it less intimidating and more comfortable than manual adjustments.

Each technique, from HVLA thrusts to the Activator method, serves its purpose. Whether it’s manual adjustments freeing up your back or the gentle touch of an instrument aiding your recovery, the goal remains the same. Enhanced well-being and a life free from pain. Ready to explore how these adjustments could relieve your pain?

How Spinal Adjustments Provide Pain Relief

Spinal adjustments help by realigning the spine and relieving pressure on nerves. This can reduce chronic back pain, neck pain, and headaches.

Restoring spinal alignment

Restoring spinal alignment helps fix the spine’s position. Chiropractors press on certain spots of your spine using either their hands or tools. This can help relieve the pain and stiffness in your back to begin the healing journey.

Correcting vertebral subluxations through chiropractic adjustments relieves pain and improves function.

This treatment lowers pressure on nerves and lets your body heal itself. This service is paid for by Medicare, demonstrating its trust in this method for managing back issues.

Reducing pressure on nerves

After restoring spinal alignment, a chiropractic adjustment can reduce pressure on nerves. This is important because when the spine is out of alignment, it can put pressure on the nerves, leading to pain and discomfort.

By making precise adjustments, chiropractors can alleviate this pressure and help the body function properly. These adjustments provide natural relief without invasive procedures or medications.

Chiropractic care focuses on reducing nerve irritability responsible for causing inflammation, muscle spasm, pain, and other symptoms related to musculoskeletal problems. Manipulating the spine releases joint cavitation – commonly referred to as “cracking your back” – which reduces pressure in the joints and provides palliative relief from nerve irritation.

Conditions Treated by Spinal Adjustments

Spinal adjustments can help manage chronic back pain, neck pain, and headaches. It’s also beneficial for improving overall mobility and flexibility.

Chronic back pain

Chronic back pain is a common problem for many people. Spinal adjustments could help relieve this pain. Research indicates its effectiveness in reducing lower back pain. If you’ve had chronic back issues without improvement, reconsider your treatment plan and consult a professional healthcare provider.

Neck pain

Let’s talk about neck pain. Many people struggle with this discomfort every day. It can make simple tasks, like turning your head or looking up, a real challenge.

Neck pain often links to problems with the spine and muscles in the area. Conditions such as muscle strains, worn joints, nerve compression, injuries, and diseases can all cause neck pain.

Chiropractic care offers techniques like spinal adjustments to address these issues at their root. By aligning the spine and reducing pressure on nerves through manual or instrument-assisted methods, chiropractors aim to bring relief from persistent neck pain.

By seeking help for your neck pain early on – that’s before it becomes chronic – you can prevent more severe issues down the line.

Headaches and migraines

Headaches and migraines can be effectively managed through spinal adjustments. This chiropractic technique helps by reducing pressure on nerves and restoring spinal alignment, which in turn alleviates pain.

Research suggests that this approach is beneficial for specific types of pain, including headaches. Patients seeking relief from chronic tension headaches or migraines may find this non-invasive treatment valuable with its potential to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.

By targeting the root cause of the issue rather than just treating symptoms, spinal adjustments offer a holistic approach to managing head pain.

Incorporating spinal manipulative therapy into your pain management plan can lead to long-term benefits. It’s essential to consult with a qualified practitioner familiar with these techniques who will customize treatments for your individual needs, ensuring you receive comprehensive care tailored specifically for your condition.

Benefits of Spinal Adjustments

Spinal adjustments can boost mobility and flexibility. They also contribute to overall well-being.

Improved mobility and flexibility

Spinal adjustments can aid in improving your ability to move and increase flexibility. These adjustments aim to improve the motion of your spine and overall body movement. Techniques used by chiropractors may include soft-tissue therapy and exercises customized to enhance mobility and flexibility, thereby supporting long-term relief from pain.

By addressing these factors, spinal adjustments play a vital role in enhancing your day-to-day comfort and well-being.

Enhanced overall well-being

Spinal adjustments can enhance your overall well-being by improving mobility and reducing pain. These adjustments help restore spinal alignment, which eases pressure on nerves and reduces inflammation.

By addressing chronic back pain, neck pain, and headaches, they provide a non-invasive alternative to prescription medications. You’ll experience improved flexibility and reduced discomfort, leading to better long-term health.

The outcome is life with less pain and more movement—a positive change for both your physical health and quality of life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, spinal adjustments can effectively relieve pain by restoring spinal alignment and reducing pressure on nerves. These adjustments present practical and efficient methods for managing chronic back pain, neck pain, and headaches.

They offer improved mobility and flexibility while enhancing overall well-being. Individuals seeking long-term relief from pain can benefit from chiropractic care.

Keep in mind, post-treatment soreness may occur after a chiropractic adjustment but is generally short-lived. Engage with direct questions or calls to action that encourage the reader to consider how they can apply what they’ve learned here.

FAQs

1. What is spinal adjustment and how does it provide pain relief?

Spinal adjustment, also known as chiropractic manipulation or manual therapy, involves the manipulation of the spine by trained practitioners like chiropractors and physical therapists to reduce musculoskeletal pain. It’s an effective method for lower back pain management and can relieve neck pain too.

2. How do chiropractic techniques like toggle drop, release work, diversified technique help in managing chronic pain?

Chiropractic techniques such as toggle drop, release work and diversified technique are specific types of spinal manipulative therapy which target joint cavitation or vertebral joints to decrease nerve irritability causing chronic pain. They’re proven methods for inflammation reduction leading to effective pain relief.

3. Can anyone undergo a spinal adjustment treatment?

Most people can benefit from spinal adjustments including those with acute back pain or slipped discs caused by musculoskeletal problems like herniated disk or sprained joints. However, certain conditions like high blood pressure or being pregnant may require special considerations before undergoing any form of manual medicine including this one.

4. Are there any side effects associated with spinal adjustments?

While most patients experience significant relief from low-back and leg pains after a session of chiropractic care, some might encounter minor discomfort in the areas treated due to changes in their range of motion post-treatment.

5. Is there scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of spinal adjustments?

Yes! Studies conducted by organizations such as the American Chiropractic Association and the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Skin Diseases have shown that manual therapies significantly improve conditions related to low back pains compared to other alternative medicines.

6. Besides relieving body pains what other benefits can I get from regular chiropractic treatments?

Regular sessions with your local  practitioner not only offer you efficient solutions for your musculoskeletal issues but also improves overall integrative health through better posture alignment reducing future risks related to these conditions.

The post Spinal Adjustments: Effective Pain Relief first appeared on Chiropractor Broken Arrow.

How Does Sleep Help Your Back?

Good rest lessens the likelihood of muscle aches and a host of other problems. It lets your body regenerate many important functions that play a role in pain relief. Here are just a few:

• Allows the spine to decompress and recover from the demands of your day
• Produces beneficial hormones and chemicals to reduce inflammation
• Restores connections in the brain that improve nervous system function

The Cycle of Poor Sleep and Back Pain

Patients often complain that they wake up with lower back pain. Back pain interferes with falling and staying asleep, preventing the restorative benefits of a full night of sleep. Being sleep-deprived makes the pain worse. When you’re tossing and turning, it’s hard to find a comfortable position, and you’re even more aware of pain.

People may turn to pain medication, which unfortunately works against them by disrupting sleep.

Lack of sleep leads to a variety of problems that can increase pain, including:

• Reducing levels of growth hormone that heal the body
• Increasing sensitivity to pain
• Raising levels of inflammation
• Worsening depression
• Feeling more stress, which tightens muscles and increases pain

Tips for a Good Night’s Rest

Practice good posture during sleep. Your spine needs good posture to remain in proper alignment, avoid muscle strain and promote nighttime healing. How do you achieve good posture in bed? Here are some suggestions:

• Use a good-quality mattress that’s not too hard or soft. Test mattresses carefully when shopping. Replace your mattress at least every 10 years.
• Sleep on your side or back rather than on your stomach. Stomach sleeping places extra strain on your spine. To reduce pressure on the spine, put a pillow under your knees (for back sleeping) or between knees (for side sleeping).

Set a regular bedtime. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep. Avoid the stimulating blue light from electronics before bed.

Stretch your muscles gently before bed.

Avoid stress. Relaxation techniques and meditation are helpful.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Avoid processed foods, sugar, alcohol, and of course, caffeine before bed. Daily exercise improves flexibility to help you avoid muscle stiffness in bed.

Chiropractic Care and Better Sleep

Chiropractic adjustments align the spine and promote better circulation, mobility, strength, and flexibility. This brings about the healing of joints, muscles, and tissues that relieves pain.

Your chiropractor’s care helps to alleviate your back pain naturally, without drugs or invasive procedures. Good sleep habits help to maintain your spine’s proper alignment.

Remember that it pays to take care of your spine every day…including during that 1/3 of your life you spend under the covers.

Schedule Your Free Consultation at our Broken Arrow Office

We’re here to help you at Eastern Oklahoma Chiropractic.  Give us a call at 918-940-4630.

The post How Sleep Affects Your Spine–and Vice Versa first appeared on Chiropractor Broken Arrow.

Getting regular health care for your spine is the most important thing you can do to heal and prevent further damage that causes pain. At Eastern Oklahoma Chiropractic, we are dedicated to helping you get back the control over your health that allows you to live pain-free and pursue your goals.

How Does Your Spine’s Health Affect Your Overall Health?

When your spine is out of alignment, your joints and muscles tighten up and move out of their proper position. This can cause further misalignment, and then a cascade of worsening symptoms that include pain, numbness, headaches, fatigue, and even feelings of depression. When you’re in pain, you move differently, and this can affect other areas of your body if you don’t get treatment to nip the problem in the bud.

Like your car, your spine needs regular maintenance to run smoothly. Studies have shown that regular chiropractic care is a vital part of taking care of your health. Chiropractic treatments improve the function and longevity of your spine and the quality of your movement.

Regular Chiropractic Care Protects the Long-term Health of Your Spine

Getting regular chiropractic checkups and treatments throughout life keeps your spine in alignment, allowing full range of motion and helping to prevent degeneration of joints.

When your spine is at its most healthy, all parts of your body function better. A 2018 study found that patients who had regular chiropractic care every week or on a monthly basis had less pain and lower risk for disability after several months of care than patients who didn’t get this treatment.

Prevention and Healing at the Same Time, Through Chiropractic Care  

A health care plan that covers only treating illness wouldn’t give you all the coverage you need. True health care also involves prevention. You need to be proactive in maintaining your body so that you can prevent many diseases and injuries from happening in the first place.

Planning regular chiropractic care for your whole family means you’re covering both healing treatment and prevention so that you can stay as healthy and pain-free as possible throughout life.

Schedule Your Free Consultation at Eastern Oklahoma Chiropractic

We want to help you be proactive in taking control of your health. Call our Broken Arrow office at (918) 940-4630 today.

The post Chiropractic Care: Being Proactive for Your Best Spinal Health first appeared on Chiropractor Broken Arrow.

Research shows the health of a spinal joint directly connects to the organ’s alignment and mobility. Decreased spinal joint mobility accelerates the degenerative process and diminishes the joint’s strength and functional capability. The biggest challenge of spinal joint degeneration comes from the permanency attached to the process. Spinal joint degeneration cannot be reversed and continues to worsen if not addressed appropriately. Chiropractors stop the degenerative process by improving alignment and mobility in specific joints through Chiropractic adjustments.

A study completed in 2010 helped to confirm the damaging effects of hypo (decreased) mobility in the spine. When spinal joints lost appropriate mobility for at least eight weeks, scar tissue adhesions formed within the joint. Joint scar tissue adhesions make up the early stage of degeneration. Chiropractic adjustments reduce adhesion formation in an offending joint by inducing motion into the spinal segment. An absence of joint movement produces long-lasting adhesion formation which eventually turns into one of the most prevalent and degenerative conditions known as osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis of the spine torments large numbers of people with one of the most significant causes of persistent pain and disability in the world today. Osteoarthritis has become so common that many assume degeneration simple exists as part of the normal aging process. The plague of osteoarthritis advances quickly and often deforms and disables spinal function. Up to fifty percent of individuals experience arthritic back pain at some point in their lives. Back pain represents a common plague on health, yet limited information and solutions await people suffering from the development of lumbar spine degeneration. The projected number of older adults with arthritis or other chronic musculoskeletal joint symptoms is expected to nearly double from 21.4 million in 2005 to 41.1 million by 2030 in the U.S.

The progression of persistent pain and disability due to osteoarthritis also appear to dramatically increase in the coming years. The most commonly accepted solution in the current health care model involves the use of dangerous opioids. Conventional allopathic medicine carries little information or solutions to help reduce the progression of this disease process. Chiropractic represents one of the only true solutions which address the cause of the problem. Focusing on the maintenance of the mechanical workings of the spine serves as the most effective approach to preventing degenerative wear and tear of the human spine. Normalizing car axle alignment produces a great metaphor to describe the value of Chiropractic adjustments for improving the degenerative process. People certainly take an avid interest in ensuring their vehicle’s performance and value do not unnecessarily deteriorate. A person’s spine and long-term health deserve so much more than a replaceable vehicle. Chiropractic works.

The post Spinal Health and Car Alignment: Reduced Degeneration Occurs Through Spinal Adjustments first appeared on Chiropractor Broken Arrow.

Are we really growing horns??

The research evaluated x-ray findings of 1200 subjects ranging from ages 18 to 86 years old. Evaluators call the small bump on the back of the skull an External Occipital Protuberance (EOP). A ligament and muscle attach to the EOP. Researchers found that an extra small bony growth was found at higher incidence in younger adults who had greater degrees of forward head posture. The small horn-like growth appeared to be caused by increased amounts of stress on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in that area due to forward head posture. As stress loads increase in ligaments, muscles, and tendons for long periods of time, bony deposits form within the body as a protection mechanism.

An increasingly sedentary lifestyle accompanies massive amounts of time spent looking forward and down at devices. An adaptive process takes place within the body to alleviate the added weight and pressure being placed on the back of the head and neck. An incredible amount of strain prompts bone to infiltrate the tendon as muscles at the back of the skull work to prevent the head from falling down to the chest.

The effects of forward head posture

Weight added to the spine dramatically increases when forward head flexion increases at varying intervals. A 0° interval produces a measurable head weight on the neck of 10 to 12 pounds. A 15° interval of forward head posture increases weight on the neck by 27 pounds. A 30° interval increases weight on the neck by 40 pounds. A 45° interval increases the weight on the neck by 49 pounds. A 60° interval increases the weight on the neck by 60 pounds.

The extra stress from forward head posture on the neck and skull produce significant effects. Commentary focuses on the shocking presence of the bone spur but the protrusion registers as the smallest of concerns. The process involved in the bone spur formation indicates a danger and concern far greater than anything superficial. Improper head and neck configuration signify abnormalities in the nervous system and dangerous long-term outcomes for a person’s overall health, function, and performance.

These bone spur formations take a long time to develop. Individuals who suffer from EOP spurs began applying stress and strain to the head and neck area during the early stages of childhood. The length of time needed to form a bone spur suggests that sustained improvement in posture and head positioning prevent accompanying effects and allows for correction and healing. Chiropractic care plays a vital role in helping reduce stress and abnormal spinal positioning which promote disease, discomfort, and long-term health concerns. Research continues to alert people to the dangers of overusing technological devices as they pertain to deteriorating effects on the head, neck, and spine. Chiropractic helps relieve the damaging effects of forward head posture while providing education and care plans for the sustained health and function of the neck, spine, and nervous system.
Report

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The annual arrival of fall accompanies children returning to school. Many families choose this time to reestablish and recommit to basic daily routines. Bedtimes, wake-up times, and activity schedules produce a set of norms for families and children. Detailed attention to health also requires a routine in order to flourish, including basic spinal screening for scoliosis.

Changes to the Routine

Summertime tends to have its own set of norms and routines ranging from nutrition to quantities and qualities of sleep patterns. A return to school produces the perfect time to invest in some healthy habits for every member of the family. Parents tend to stay cognizant of getting annual physicals and dental checkups on the calendar. However, spinal hygiene may very well be the most important health concern of all. A basic scoliosis screening by a school nurse represents a tiny fraction of investment into a physical area deserving of so much more attention. Studies prove that a direct link exists between spinal asymmetries and whole-body health. A return to school accompanies new activities, new backpacks, and new periods of seated learning.  This presents a long list of reasons to ensure that every child’s spinal health empowers them to have a great year full of abundant health.

What is the importance of the spine?

The purpose of the spine goes well beyond the structure. Research explains that when a spinal vertebra moves incorrectly or becomes misaligned, a cascade of pathways triggers adversely in the spinal cord and nervous system. The alteration in the spine and nerve pathways, known as vertebral subluxation, predisposes a child or adult to several organic health problems as well as the progressive condition called scoliosis. Scoliosis identifies as a condition where the spine becomes increasingly curved and deformed. Scoliosis comes in all degrees but can be very progressive in young children.

A 2000 study showed that even subtle changes to the health of the spine puts stress on the nervous system and sets the stage for scoliotic curves to form. The biggest factor in preventing or treating scoliosis comes from early detection. Scoliosis progresses with an absence of symptoms. Much like high blood pressure and cavities, the presentation of symptoms comes long after a detrimental condition exists.

Understanding the development of scoliosis empowers parents with the purpose

Chiropractic care provides an opportunity to proactively attend to a young person’s overall health in both the spine and organs. Spinal health plays a tremendous role in longevity and quality living and tends to be frequently overlooked by medical professionals until a severe condition like scoliosis begins showing symptoms. The return to school serves as an annual reminder to get children back into healthy routines and norms. Regular spinal checkups sit atop the pyramid of a proactive healthy routine. Children, infants, and adults all receive an active benefit to long term health through preventative care provided by proactive maintenance of the body. Chiropractic care positively impacts health, growth, and long-term quality of life. Make Chiropractic part of the back to school routine.

The post Back to School, Bedtimes, Schedules, and Health…. Chiropractic Offers Big Advantages first appeared on Chiropractor Broken Arrow.

Corrective Chiropractic care improves movement in the spine, alignment of vertebra, and function of the central nervous system. The process helps the spine becomes stronger and more able to cope with stress. Brand new research reveals the consequences of abnormal spinal alignment on the health and integrity of the spine. Alteration of spinal curvature and alignment increases the amount and degree of spinal degeneration and presence of disc herniation.

What is a Disc Herniation?

A disc herniation defines as a protrusion of the nucleus pulposus or anulus fibrosus of the disk, which may impinge on nerve roots. A simpler definition states that disc herniation takes place when a small tear occurs to the disc and a jelly-like material partially squeezes out. Sometimes the protrusion will impinge a nerve root and cause significant pain. Many herniations develop like cavities in teeth. Little to no pain and discomfort present until the advanced stages of existence. Disc herniations always lead to instability in the spinal segment and further the degenerative process if the alignment and function remain uncorrected. Chiropractic care improves and reduces disc herniations by increasing motion and alignment of the spinal curvature.

The Importance of Chiropractic

Spinal alignment plays an important role in the health and longevity of the spine and intervertebral discs. A spinal disc consists of cartilage and water and serves as protection and padding between two spinal vertebrae. Proper spinal alignment makes the spine stronger and more durable, capable of withstanding pressure and stress. The neck curvature, also known as the cervical lordosis, also serves a vital role. The neck curve proves essential for maintaining balance and motor function and helps maintain the stability of the spine. The neck curve cushions the vertebra by allowing appropriate room for each disc to move without stress. The essential load-bearing function makes the neck curvature a predominant area for disc degeneration and herniations.

What causes a decreased spinal curve?

Abnormal neck curvature represents an early manifestation of degenerative changes in the spine. Lifestyles of the younger demographic have become increasingly sedentary while adding stress and pressure on the spine and neck curvature due to repetitive and poor postural habits. Increased use of texting, smartphones, tablets, and computer work has added significant weight-bearing stress to the alignment, movement, and function of the spine.

What does the research show?

Research shows a specific correlation between loss of cervical curvature and increased spinal degeneration and subsequent disc herniations. A decreased degree of disc herniations took place in those with improved or normal neck curvatures. A cervical spine with no curve essentially faces double the risk of disc herniations. One of the primary goals of corrective Chiropractic care focuses on improving the movement of the vertebra, alignment and curvature of the spine, and function of the nervous system. Chiropractic care reduces the degenerative process and decreases the risk of disc herniations. Every child and adult benefits from regular spinal check-ups that ensure proper alignment and function.
Decreased

The post Disc Herniation Risk Doubles with a Decreased Spinal Curve first appeared on Chiropractor Broken Arrow.

Many unwanted symptoms people experience exhibit a direct and indirect connection to the spine. Current medical research provides a thorough explanation for how a Chiropractic adjustment influences many aspects of human health and performance. The process begins with the brain. An intimate connection exists between the health of the spine and the function of the brain. Spinal mobility and alignment contribute to the function of nerve signals into and out of the brain. The brain directs all function of the body and altered spinal health leads to a change in brain function. The overall impact radiates throughout the body.

Doctors debated the connection between the spine, nervous system, and body function back in the early stages of Chiropractic care in the 1920s. A medical doctor named Henry Winsor heard that Chiropractic patients were experiencing significant health benefits with problems seemingly unrelated to the spine. Dr. Winsor investigated and found that many Chiropractic patients experienced benefits beyond improved treatment for back or neck pain. Concerned and skeptical with what he was hearing, Dr. Winsor set out to disprove the theory in which a Chiropractic adjustment could affect any area of the body outside of the spine. He conducted his own research.

Dr. Winsor dissected the spines of cadavers with the intent to prove no correlation between the health of the spine and organ disease. He received permission and access to dissect and analyze the spines of 50 human cadavers. Not only did Dr. Winsor find a link between the health of the spine and the function of organs, he noted a direct correlation between diseased organs and the alignment of their spine in specific areas.  He found links between a curvature of the spine in the area of the nervous system which controlled that specifically diseased organ. Diseased organs drew conclusive connection to misalignments in the spine which would have altered function in the nervous system supplying communication to that organ. These findings were revolutionary in understanding why so many patients experienced health benefits and improved health in specific organs after beginning Chiropractic care. A 100% correlation occurred between the abnormal alignment and condition of a specific area of the spine and the nervous system which supplied the corresponding organ.

The same doctor which set out to debunk the truth about Chiropractic and its influence on organ function proved the opposite conclusion. Chiropractic helps family members of all ages experience greater function and a higher quality of life without the use of drugs or surgery. This study continues to play an important role in helping explain the necessity of Chiropractic care for all family members. Better health involves Chiropractic care.

The post Research Reveals Shocking Findings of the Spine by Medical Doctor : Why Chiropractic Matters… first appeared on Chiropractor Broken Arrow.

Billions of people use cell phones daily all over the world. The majority of cell phone usage occurs with the spine and neck in a flexed position of poor posture. Extended use of a cell phone with the head in forward flexion creates a variety of unwanted health challenges. Those numbers continue to rise at unprecedented rates. As a result, doctors created terminology for new conditions and diagnoses specific to this growing epidemic. Proper care for the spine and neck prove essential to overall health. Strategies exist to counteract the stressors attributed to text neck and computer posture.

Cell phone usage continues to increase globally.

A study performed in 2014 evaluated the effects of forward head posture due to the stresses of cell phones and other technology devices. The findings showed that computer screens, tablets, and cell phone use create forward head posture.  Over time, this adds significant stress to the spine which leads to early degeneration. Loss of the natural curve in the neck leads to incrementally increased stresses on the cervical (neck) spine. The study determined that increased stress may lead to early wear, tear, and degeneration.  As a result, the stress leads to an increased potential need for future surgeries.

Poor posture defined.

Poor posture invariably occurs with the head in a tilted forward position and the shoulders drooping forward in a rounded position. The average person spends 2 to 4 hours a day with their head tilted forward for reading and texting on phones and other electronic devices. This amounts to 7001400 hours of excess of abnormal cervical spine stress per year. Research shows the average high school student spends more time on their phone accounting for an extra 5000 hours of poor posture per year.

Proper posture defined.

Good upper spine and body posture begins with the ears aligned with the shoulders and the scapula retracted. With proper alignment, spinal stress diminishes. Good posture creates less wear and tear on the spine and discs while creating an environment that translates into other health benefits. Elevated levels of testosterone, increases in serotonin, and decreased levels of cortisol represent a few additional health benefits attributed to better posture. Poor posture contributes to reductions in each of those categories. Regular Chiropractic adjustments combine with good posture habits to help reduce the stressors of text neck and computer posture. Three specific action steps help minimize the risk of spine and onerous system stress due to phone and computer usage. Take the necessary action steps to avoid the long-term outcomes of this worldwide epidemic while still enjoying the benefits that technology affords.

3 Action Steps to Minimize the Risks of Neck and Spine Abnormalities Due to Text Neck

1) Stay on track with a Chiropractic Adjustment Plan – adjustments reduce wear and tear in the joints and discs, lower tension in muscles, and improve the function of the nervous system.

2) Utilize Good Posture Habits and tools to support spinal curves and posture.

3) Drink More Water – forces routine movement and trips to the bathroom every 60-90 minutes.

The post Wear and Tear from Texting Leads to Spinal Degeneration… Take steps to avoid the dangers of “Text Neck” and Computer Posture first appeared on Chiropractor Broken Arrow.