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.

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Spinal issues follow a similar pattern. Research examining spinal health in young adults found that pathological changes in the cervical spine were just as common in people with symptoms as in those without. This underscores the importance of proactive chiropractic care to detect and address underlying issues early, preventing more serious complications and reducing reliance on symptom-masking drugs.

In the group with no current or previous back or neck pain, the findings noted:

• Disc Protrusion – present in 87% of subjects

• Disc Degeneration – present in 73% of subjects

• Disc Annular Tear – present in 63% of subjects

• Disc Herniation – present in 0% of subjects

In the group with recurrent or persistent neck and/or shoulder pain, the findings noted:

• Disc Protrusion – present in 69% of subjects

• Disc Degeneration – present in 56% of subjects

• Disc Annular Tear – present in 50% of subjects

• Disc Herniation – present in 25% of subjects

The research acknowledged the underlying damage which often occurs with no symptoms present. So much of physical health involves proactive prevention plan. People understand that consistent check-ups and teeth cleaning at the dentist, health physicals with the family physician, and stress tests with a cardiologist remain logical methods of maintaining prolonged health. People also pursue regular cancer screenings to ensure early detection of any adverse conditions before signs and symptoms occur. The same philosophy applies to regular spinal check-ups and adjustments with a Chiropractor. The benefits of a Chiropractic adjustment go well beyond pain relief, impacting overall organ health and function in addition to spinal care. The presence of pain represents advanced stages of spinal concern. The most impactful benefits of Chiropractic care belong to those who experience proactive care to maintain optimal nervous system function.

Chiropractic adjustments improve the function of the entire body through better alignment and mobility in the spine. The spine intimately connects to the brain and central nervous system. Improving the health of the spine and function of the nervous system begins with the onset of a Chiropractic wellness plan. Adjustments benefit the human body with or without the presence of pain, but proactive prevention plan allows the body to maintain maximum performance in advance of many deteriorating conditions. Wellness Chiropractic care focuses on improving and maintaining the health of the spine, nervous system, and the entire body through regular checkups and adjustments. Many Chiropractic patients choose wellness care guided by an understanding that proactive health care empowers people to know their body exists in a state of maximized well-being. Wellness care ensures better mobility, alignment, function, and strength for all ages. People deserve a better model of health care than waiting until the body begins to break down through pain and symptoms of advanced degenerative conditions. Chiropractic provides advanced healthcare for all generations.

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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 head and neck design allow for flexion and regular forward leaning. The challenge and consequences begin to occur when they maintain flexed or forward head posture positions for long, consistent periods of time. Cell phones, computers, desk jobs, and more sedentary living contribute to the growing number of people suffering from forward head posture.  Chronic abuse leads to  syndromes and other detrimental health consequences.

Our activities have changed

The average person spends 2 to 4 hours a day with their head tilted forward for reading and texting on their smart phones. This amounts to 700-1400 hours of excess, abnormal cervical spine stress per year. 86% of American workers sit all day at their job in addition to time spent sitting on the couch after work watching television, reading, playing games or surfing the internet. Sedentary seating adds up to approximately 13 hours per day for the average person.

Sitting is the new smoking

Sitting for long periods of time takes a toll on the body. Head posture in comparison to the neck and shoulders influences so many other aspects of health and performance. Forward head flexion for long periods of time negatively impacts whole body function. A study published in 2017 showed that forward head posture caused changes in the lungs, respiratory function, and neck muscles due to the strain placed on delicate structures in the head and neck. Significant correlations were found between forward head posture, lung volume, forced expiration, and neck muscle balance. As forward head deviation got worse, the lung and neck muscle findings and measurements also got worse. Authors concluded that forward head posture lowered respiratory functions and concluded with the need for maintenance of correct head posture to prevent restrictions and long-term health degeneration.

Improvement is possible!!

Chiropractic care represents one of the most utilized healthcare interventions to help patients improve their posture, head position, and spinal health. Three proactive tips to improve posture, reduce the risk of forward head flexion, and improve overall health and well-being include:

1. Pursue regular Chiropractic care.

2. Utilize proper sitting ergonomics to ensure technology and office tasks be done with the head and neck at eye level.

3. Take regular breaks every hour to keep the spine and body moving.

Chiropractors take pride in educating their patients on the dangers of prolonged sitting and forward head syndrome while providing unique care which minimizes the risk of poor spinal and postural health. The best health care plan involves a proactive approach to prevent disease and damage which hinders the body’s function and performance. Choose Chiropractic.

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Over 80% of people experience low back pain at some point in their life. Total costs relating to low back pain estimate at greater than $100 billion annually. Two-thirds of that $100 billion comes from decreased wages and productivity in the workplace. Back pain disrupts life, work, and overall performance. Chiropractic care can reduce medical cost overall.

How prevalent is back pain?

25% of the U.S. population between the ages of 18 to 44 experience back pain. 20% of Americans in that same demographic also experience headaches on a regular basis. The direct costs tied to back and neck pain escalated over the previous twenty years. Back problems account for tens of billions in lost wages every year. These statistics speak to the importance of Chiropractic for every working American.

Back pain results in missed work

A medical study conducted in 2011 evaluated the effectiveness of three different solutions intended to help patients suffering with low back pain in the workplace. The study tracked 894 cases and evaluated the long-term effectiveness of each solution. Chiropractors, medical doctors, and physical therapists represented three different care providers tasked with relieving low back pain. Each practitioner provided their unique care based on specific patient findings and needs. The results determined that Chiropractic patients accrued less expensive medical services and a shorter initial period of disability than cases treated by the other providers. Chiropractic patients also experienced fewer surgeries and used fewer opiate drugs.

The findings support Chiropractic care as costing less while producing greater results. An additional outcome showed that even when a Chiropractic patient experienced a relapse of back pain, the occurrence took place an average of 29 days later than subjects treated by a physical therapist or medical doctor.

Chiropractic for the win!!

Study results clearly dictate that Chiropractic represents the first and best option for anyone with low back pain. Patients who begin Chiropractic care for low back pain usually experience improvement in overall health and function. The reasoning traces to the spines intimate connection with the brain and central nervous system. An adjustment influences countless aspects of health and performance from blood pressure to organ function. Chiropractic began changing lives for the better nearly 125 years ago. People of all ages share testimonies which speak to the power of regular Chiropractic adjustments. Better heart function, improved immunity, enhanced breathing and digestion, and miraculous changes in reproductive health represent a few of the many areas of restoration empowered by Chiropractic. On the job or at home with the family, Chiropractic works.

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Research shows that a loss of neck curvature increases the likelihood of a disc herniation. A study also showed that appropriate correction and restoration to the neck curve produced lower rates and degrees of disc problems. Chiropractic care offers the least invasive and most effective way to increase neck mobility, alignment, and restoration of good neck curvature.

Forward head posture represents one of the most significant reasons for a decrease in proper neck curvature

Sitting, texting, repetitive computer work, sedentary lifestyles, motor vehicle accidents, and other physical traumas serve as the primary culprits of forward head posture. Each of these conditions reduce neck curve, leaving the spine weaker and more vulnerable to stress. The trauma also increases pressure on the pads (discs) between each vertebra.

Discs operate similar to shocks on a car

They absorb the pressure of daily wear and tear. Discs are made of cartilage, water, and a gel-like substance in the center for added protection. As alignment of the spine becomes altered, the gel-like nucleus in the middle of the disc becomes slightly displaced. This forces pressure on the side of the disc and stresses the cartilage. Consistent adversity produces tears in the cartilage and forces the gel-like substance to slightly protrude or bulge through the side of the disc resulting in a disc herniation. Herniations come in a variety of sizes. Smaller herniations tend to be referred to as more of a bulge than a herniation. Yet every herniation leaves the spine weakened and extremely vulnerable to stress and pressure.

Reduced neck curve equals increased disc herniations

New research shows that altered spinal alignment, particularly reduced neck curvature, decreases disc height and increases rates of disc herniations. The generative process often occurs with no pain. Chiropractors and other spine specialists use expert testing and technology to check for disc space abnormalities or other problems before pain arrives. A proactive approach proves vital to long term functionality. Spinal alignment plays a vital role in the health, durability, and longevity of the spine. Chiropractors promote the importance of spinal correction and restoration without drugs or surgery.

Chiropractic to the rescue!!

Chiropractors comprise the only natural health providers who focus specifically on detecting and correcting spinal movement, alignment, and nervous system function. Regular chiropractic care helps improve spinal alignment and ensures better curvature, resulting in greater strength, durability, increased disc space, and less risk of disc bulges and herniations. The long-term benefit cannot be measured. Every person deserves a healthy spine and future.

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Any process which involves adjusting the health and function of the body takes time. Losing weight, healing bones, and gaining muscle represent a few examples of sustained changes to the human organism that improve the body but take time to resolve. People occasionally become frustrated with a perceived lack of results in these areas despite awareness that the process takes time. The topic of pain relief escalates peoples’ impatience even more. Consumers ingest prescription medications and potent pharmaceuticals that numb the body to discomfort and pain in an instant. These pain killers shut down the brain’s pathway for pain and people tend to associate the numbness with healing. These methods of treating discomfort do not actually heal the body or bring about long-term resolution. People need to change their expectations for genuine healing and recovery and change the medical model that associates numbness with health.

Chiropractors represent one of many forms of natural health care practitioner which educate, treat, and communicate plans and procedures to help millions of people recover, heal, and experience a pain free life full of function and performance. One of the hardest lessons to communicate with patients revolves around fully understanding appropriate expectations regarding healing time. Treating the actual cause of pain and discomfort involves taking the time to genuinely repair and heal the body. The process takes time.

A study published in 2016 detailed the importance of time when utilizing a natural form of health care like Chiropractic. The research compared two groups of people. One group received adjustments and the other did not. Patients were evaluated after four weeks and again after twelve weeks. The primary measurements assessed included quality of life, reaction time, and positional sense of specific joints. The scientists wanted to know if the group that got adjusted increased their sense of awareness in specific areas and joints of their body. These measurements determined if Chiropractic adjustments facilitated a decrease in risks of falls and balance related issues. All aspects of measurements (quality of life, reaction time, joint position) improved significantly in the group which received regular Chiropractic adjustments.

The study reinforces endless research that proves the efficacy of Chiropractic adjustments in the treatment and healing of body structure, organs, and a number of other conditions. The issue most people contend with involves the fact that the process of healing and recovery take time. Isolated treatments and pill consumption do not provide the body with time needed to genuinely resolve an unwanted issue. Chiropractic adjustments improve the ability of the brain to receive and send messages to all parts of the body. Yet the body requires time to adjust, rebuild, and resolve. The aforementioned study showed that four weeks of Chiropractic care provided slight improvements to the measurable areas in the variable group. Week twelve recorded significant improvements in all measurable areas. Genuine healing takes time. Chiropractic care provides the most effective form of long-term care and healing for an endless list of painful and uncomfortable conditions, but restoration takes time.

Maximized healing involves knowledge and a commitment to healing. The benefits of Chiropractic extend far beyond pain relief when adjustments unlock the powerful capabilities of the human body. Chiropractic provides long term restoration; the healing is just a matter of time.

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What causes joint degeneration?

Joint degeneration originates through a number of causes.  The most predominant cause of degenerative joint problems occurs from hypo-mobility. This term simply means that a joint has lost its full range of motion. Decreased mobility begins when a joint moves slightly out of alignment from its usual position. Many instances stem from physical trauma or injury. Range of motion must be restored within an appropriate time frame or the specific joint will begin experiencing irreversible degeneration.

What is a subluxation?

A subluxation refers to an alteration in the alignment and mobility of a spinal vertebra.  The severity is enough to interfere with the function of the central nervous system. The primary job of a Chiropractor involves evaluating and correcting spinal subluxations.  This act ensures the health of a properly functioning nervous system. In fact, part of that process involves maintaining the mobility and alignment of all the joints in the spinal column. The intimate connection between spinal joints and the nervous system mean that the function and health of the entire body directly correlates with the alignment and mobility of each spinal joint.  So as you can see, spinal alignment is crucial to overall health.

What is connection between joint alignment and degeneration?

Decades ago. doctors and researchers disagreed when discussing the amount of time needed for an improperly moving joint to begin experiencing effects of irreversible damage. However, the debate settled when x-ray findings showed that irreversible damage occurred after only two weeks of joint immobilization. That 1987 study from the Journal of Clinical Biomechanics maintains relevance today. It continues to be a foundational framework for why spinal maintenance and Chiropractic care remains essential to lower the risk of unnecessary spinal degeneration due to subluxation. Regular Chiropractic checkups and adjustments help provide mobility and stability to the spine.  As a result, you prevent degeneration from occurring. Regular spine and nervous system care provide a proactive approach to maintaining a quality of life.  The beauty is we do not wait for the presence of pain to call attention to a potentially irreversible situation.

Preventing spinal degeneration compares to proactive approach people use to prevent obesity, high blood pressure, or tooth decay.

The first stages of spinal degeneration do not occur with pain, just like the first stages of a cavity go largely unnoticed without any signs or symptoms. Some professionals estimate that approximately 40% of 20-year old men and women already experience some stage of joint degeneration without any knowledge of their advancing condition. The most beneficial long-term health care plans involve regular Chiropractic checkups and adjustments to ensure longevity and a greater quality of life without the need for medical interventions. A better future for the whole family begins with Chiropractic.

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New York Times published an article explaining that dozens of teams continue research designed to create an implantable device with potential to change the function of the nervous system. The story details the process of creating a device that uses electricity to send impulses throughout the body to exert influence over many functions. The electrical impulses intend to serve as treatment in place of drug therapy.

GlaxoSmithKline, one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies, hired dozens of teams to design the prototype.

The device will serve like a pacemaker and monitor specific hormones and electrical activity from the body’s organs. Precise electrical impulses will seek to change the function of organs and areas of concern.  Current technology and science advocates for less use of pharmaceutical drugs and more attention to the central nervous system. Science labeled this new wave of research medicine as bio-electronic medicine. Experts believe that science will eventually create an on/off switch for specific genes thought to be beneficial and detrimental to health.

This new information and research on the nervous system shines an interesting light on the importance of caring for the spine.  Spinal health is important because it house the spinal cord, the electrical conduit for all function in the body. The body already possesses the ability to heal the body through the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system. Chiropractic adjustments remove interference from the nervous system to ensure better communication from the brain.

No scientific development compares to the perfection and precision occurring every second in the body’s brain and nervous system.

No human needs to consciously remind the body to breath, pump blood, fight off foreign invaders, or digest food. This is because, the body naturally pursues optimal health and function. People make choices that support the body’s pre-programmed desire for health. Proper eating, sleeping, and exercise habits comprise a few daily maintenance decisions made daily by millions. An occasionally overlooked detriment to health manifests in the form of nervous system interference. Disruption in spinal cord alters normal organ and hormone balance.

Interference comes in many shapes, sizes, and areas of the body. In fact, research shows that altered vertebral movement and alignment in the spine triggers a chain reaction of adverse events within the body. The spine’s intimate relationship with the autonomic nervous system means that misaligned spinal segments create resultant consequences throughout the body.

Research from 2017 detailed the significantly positive impact in which Chiropractic adjustments make on the brain, nervous system function, and whole-body health. Researchers used a PET scan to measure brain and nervous system activity before and after a Chiropractic adjustment. Every aspect of brain function improved in the subjects who were adjusted.

Evidence-based research proves a link between Chiropractic adjustments and function.

Chiropractic led to improved sleep, better digestion, changes in fertility, stronger immunity, better breathing, improved attention span and concentration, and so much more. Chiropractic does not pursue the treatment of symptoms and conditions.  Rather, spinal adjustments serve as the world’s foremost method of preventative health care. Adjustments remove interference from the brain and nervous system and allow the body to function at optimal capacity. The body contains such magnificent potential for healing that science continues to invest millions of dollars in pursuit of mimicking capability which already exists within the body when the body maintains a high functioning command center. It just further proves, the best health care available begins with Chiropractic.

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Research shows that abnormal postural and spinal alignment increase the risk and progression of spinal degeneration. A study from 2017 showed that asymmetrical distribution of loads on the spine caused greater rates of joint and disc degeneration. Chiropractic adjustments improve the alignment and movement of the spine while decreasing the risk and progression of spinal joint and disc degeneration.

Adjustments improve the alignment and movement of the spine. The spine’s intimate connection with the central nervous system allows each adjustment to improve the brain’s ability to receive and send appropriate messages to all organs, cells, and tissues. Not only do people of all ages experience pain relief, greater mobility, and the prevention of spinal joint degeneration, in addition many achieve increased levels of health and wellness by getting adjusted on a regular basis.

Low back pain will affect more than eighty percent of people at some point in their lives. More than fifty percent of adults over the age of 55 have disc degeneration. Many of these people experienced no signs or symptoms of pain or discomfort until well after advanced degeneration compromised their overall health. These numbers stress the importance of implementing Chiropractic adjustments as part of any health care plan.

Chiropractic promotes overall wellness within the body and serves every member of the family, not just those who are experiencing pain and discomfort. Research continues to show the positive influence that one single session of Chiropractic exhibits on brain function. Improving spinal mobility, maximizing the health of all organs, and lowering the risk of spinal degeneration represent just a few of the health benefits which come from regular nervous system care.

Doctors and healthcare practitioners across the globe continue to endorse and recommend Chiropractic to their patients in 2018. Fully understanding and promoting true health care means recognizing the value of pain and drug free options which promote overall wellness and natural healing within the body. Overwhelming research and scientific evidence prove that Chiropractic produces exceptional results in every family’s pursuit of optimal health.

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