Back pain can make life hard. A bulging disc may keep you from playing with your kids, working, or even sleeping well at night. Many people ask the same thing: Will a chiropractor help with a bulging disc? If this sounds like your daily struggle, you are not alone.

Can a chiropractor help with a bulging disc?

Chiropractors use special techniques to treat painful discs without surgery or drugs. These treatments can lower pain and help your body heal on its own. This blog will share five reasons why seeing a chiropractor could be just what you need for relief and better movement.

Keep reading if you want less pain and more freedom in your day!

How Chiropractic Care Helps with Bulging Discs

Chiropractic care can ease pressure on the spine. It also helps your body heal naturally, which is key for those with bulging discs.

Relieves pressure on the spine

Spinal adjustments work to relieve pressure on the spine, especially near bulging discs. Gentle movements from a chiropractor can help create space between vertebrae. Techniques such as Flexion-Distraction also stretch your spine in a safe way.

This can lower nerve compression and ease pain fast.

Sessions often last from 4 to 12 visits, depending on your needs. Dr. Travis Ring says.

“Helping people move without pain is what brings me joy every day.”

Many patients see better mobility after these treatments begin. Core strengthening exercises add extra support for your back so you stay strong and hurt less over time. Spinal care with this approach is noninvasive and gives long-term relief for many people with disc issues.

Promotes natural healing

Chiropractic care helps your body heal itself. Noninvasive treatments like spinal adjustments and decompression therapy work to ease the pressure off your nerves. This action lets more blood flow and good nutrients reach the area with a bulging disc, speeding up natural healing.

Flexion-Distraction gently stretches your spine, which gives discs room to repair and reduces swelling.

Gentle manipulations restore proper movement. They also correct alignment problems that put stress on the injured parts of your back. These methods do not rely on drugs or surgery. Instead, they target inflammation reduction and pain relief directly at the source—a safer choice for long-term health and comfort according to Dr. Ring’s approach in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

Chiropractic Techniques for Bulging Discs

Chiropractors use specific techniques to help with bulging discs. Spinal decompression therapy and flexion distraction can reduce pressure on the spine, easing pain and improving movement.

Spinal decompression therapy

Spinal decompression therapy uses safe methods to help with bulging discs. Techniques like Flexion-Distraction slowly stretch the spine and reduce pressure on affected discs. Gentle movements help bring spinal alignment back, which supports healing and relieves pain from disc herniation or nerve compression.

Most people need between 4 and 12 sessions over a few weeks for the best results.

Some people may feel a bit sore after the first adjustments as their body gets used to therapy. This is normal and often goes away soon. Spinal decompression works well with chiropractic care, physical therapy, or posture correction plans, too.

Next up is how the Flexion distraction technique helps even more with pain relief and better movement.

Long-term Benefits of Chiropractic Treatment

Chiropractic care can lead to less pain and better movement over time. You might find that your daily activities become easier and more enjoyable after treatment.

Reduced pain and improved mobility

Chiropractic treatment can really help with pain and movement. Many people with bulging discs find that their pain lessens after visits to a chiropractor. This is because non-invasive techniques can lower nerve pressure and reduce inflammation.

Flexion-Distraction techniques make space between the vertebrae, easing pressure on the disc.

Patients often notice improved mobility after consistent care; 4 to 12 sessions are needed for the best results. Some might feel a little soreness at first, but many report feeling much better in the long run.

Chiropractors focus on fixing the root causes of pain rather than just masking it. They offer hope for those wanting a non-surgical way to get back to moving freely again. Next up are some chiropractic techniques that can help with bulging discs.

Conclusion

Consider chiropractic care if you have a bulging disc. It helps reduce pain and improve movement. Techniques like spinal decompression work well for many people. This treatment is noninvasive, which makes it a good option for long-term relief. Your health matters. Taking the first step today can lead to a brighter tomorrow!

The post ​​Consider A Chiropractor If You Have A Bulging Disc 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.

With travel, though, often comes extra strain on backs and necks. We advise our patients at Eastern Oklahoma Chiropractic that good travel habits, along with keeping the spine in healthy alignment with regular chiropractic care, are the ticket to a pain-free trip.

How Travel Stresses Your Back and Neck

Experts estimate that up to 80% of people eventually suffer from back pain. Hours of travel spent sitting in cars, planes, and trains, plus handling heavy suitcases, make back pain even more likely. Prolonged sitting keeps your spine in a restricted posture. This places increased stress on spinal discs, muscles, and joints and causes leg swelling and joint stiffness.

Traveling is also stressful and tiring, putting you more at risk for muscle and joint strain.

Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do to prevent discomfort on your next trip.

Tips for Protecting Your Back While Traveling

Movement is your key to improving circulation to the spine and minimizing tension in your lower back and hips. 

Exercise in your seat. Car and plane passengers can perform gentle neck and leg stretch. A good one for the neck: tilt your ear toward your shoulder. Hold for 15-30 seconds. 

On car trips: 

Make frequent stops. Take a break at least every one to three hours so you can walk around.

Support your back. If your seat doesn’t have built-in lumbar support, bring a travel pillow or place a rolled-up towel behind your lower back. 

If you’re the driver: adjust the steering wheel to avoid leaning forward. Use cruise control, so your legs aren’t fixed in one position for the whole drive.

For airplane travel:

Pack light and use wheeled luggage. When lifting bags, bend at the knees and avoid twisting movements. 

Keep your body evenly balanced in the airport security line, with weight on both feet. Backpacks should remain on your back or on the floor, not on one shoulder.

Walk around the gate area. While waiting for your flight to be called, stay on your feet—don’t sit before you have to! 

Request an aisle seat to get up for a stroll every hour or two easily. 

Bring a neck pillow to avoid neck strain while napping.

Sit with good posture and feet flat on the floor. Don’t cross your legs–this can reduce blood flow to legs and cause stiffness in muscles.

Chiropractic Care Prepares You for Travel

A spine out of alignment is more vulnerable to injury caused by travel stresses on the body. Chiropractic adjustments manipulate your spine to improve mobility and stability.

Regular visits to your chiropractor for adjustments, rehabilitative exercises, massage therapy, and other treatments help you head into your journey with a strong spine.

Contact Eastern Oklahoma Chiropractic Today to Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation

Our friendly team in Broken Arrow is here to help. Give us a call at 918-940-4630. 

The post How to Keep Your Back in Good Shape While Traveling 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.

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.

The post Chiropractic Proven to Reduce Medical Cost, Disability, and Frequency of Missed Work first appeared on Chiropractor Broken Arrow.

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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Opioids act on receptors in the brain. Signals sent to opioid receptors block pain and lead to feelings of euphoria. Different types of opioids vary in form (i.e. powder, tar, pill, liquid), potency, duration of effects, manner of production, and potential for addiction.

How are they prescribed?

Fentanyl, morphine, and heroin represent the most popular form of opioids prescribed before 1999. These forms of opioids use required injection, thus limiting the availability and audience to which these dangerous drugs were subject through prescriptions. A new initiative developed in 2001 alleged to help doctors better treat pain. The Joint Commission rolled out a set of Pain Management Standards to help grow the idea of pain as a fifth vital sign. The plan required healthcare providers to ask every patient about their pain, due to the questionable perception that pain was being under-treated. Many questioned this new change and realized that a few pharmaceutical companies were connected to the shift.  Those companies put guidelines in a play to make money a part of the agenda.

The epidemic…

The U.S. experienced a surge in opioid prescriptions since 2001. A subsequent increase in overdoses and deaths tied to these painkillers also traces back to 2001. The deadly storm of opioid harm continues to ravage virtually every community in America. Opioid addiction comes in overt forms with drug abusers and as a hidden shame to the thousands silently controlled by their need for pain medications. The treatment of pain demands a revolutionary turnaround in order to minimize the devastation which these addictive opioid drugs created. Chiropractors play a major part in combating the deaths, addictions, and ugly implications of opioid narcotics.

Chiropractic provides a safe and alternative solution for pain sufferers

Chiropractic adjustments do not cure or treat pain. The purpose of a Chiropractic adjustment revolves around improving alignment and mobility in the spine. Better spinal movement and alignment improves function throughout the entire body through better central nervous system communication. The spine intimately connects to the brain and central nervous system. Altered alignment and movement of a spinal vertebra produces nervous system distress and interference in the autonomic nervous system.

Chiropractic adjustments relieve pain and improve function by restoring proper motion and alignment to the spine. This improvement helps reduce chronic and acute pain.  Chiropractors help patients achieve pain relief, better health, and greater well-being without the use of drugs or surgery. People no longer need to rely on unnecessary narcotics or invasive procedures. Chiropractic continues to play a vital role in caring for those in pain while maximizing performance for men, women, and children of all ages. A life free from pain and addiction starts with Chiropractic.

The post The Opioids Story Most People Have Not Heard About…. Chiropractic Provides Safe Solutions first appeared on Chiropractor Broken Arrow.

It is the end of summer and children returning to school represents a time for check-ups and annual measurements. Children usually take an annual trip to a physician for baseline monitoring of blood pressure, heart, and physical wellness. Older student-athletes undergo mandatory physicals to participate in athletics and activities.  They also receive guidance on nutrition, training, exercise, and sport-specific issues.

What about Chiropractic as the kids go back to school?

These annual exams represent the same reasons a parent would take their children to a Chiropractor for an evaluation. The health and wellness of the family begins with preventative measures. Prevention is designed to maintain health through proactive measures which actively prevent the onset of sickness, disease, and injury. The same parents who invest such care in pediatric and athletic exams often overlook the importance of spine and nervous system care. Preventative care plans begin with Chiropractic.

How does chiropractic help children and how does it pertain to back to school?

The spine intimately connects to the function of the brain and nervous system. Also it regulates the overall health of the body. A misaligned spine that does not move appropriately alters feedback in the central nervous system. This will set off a cascade of hormones that lead to or contribute to unwanted symptoms that present as sickness and disease. A compromised nervous system decreases function and performance in the brain and body.

Spine and postural health remain as important to health, function, and quality of life as good nutrition and exercise.

Research done by medical doctors and published in the reputable Spine medical journal revealed the influence of posture on overall body health and well-being. Studies evaluated spine and postural health using x-rays and plumb-line measurements along with other health measurements and recorded subjective data. Patients listed specific, unwelcome symptoms or ailments that went along with objective measurements of blood pressure, pulse, and respiration. Research authors found that every recorded aspect of health deteriorated as measurements of posture deviations (shifts in posture) got worse.

This study further details the importance of healthy posture, spinal alignment, and spinal movement. Abnormal posture or small shifts in the spine referred to as a subluxation, operate like cavities in the teeth. They slowly and painlessly form in the back and neck and take root before ever festering with symptoms that declare a problem exists. The intimate relationship between the spine and nervous system makes subluxations a critical component in altering mood, hormones, and function. Poor alignment results in loss of focus, inability to concentrate, less energy, and issues with immunity and digestion. This is because the central nervous system regulates organs and functions. Maintaining a healthy spine serves to only enhance the health and well-being of every member of the family.

Annual checkups to the physician and athletic staff represent routine landmarks on the path to a healthy year. Chiropractic care provides a key element that enhances the physical, mental, and emotional health potential of the entire family. The start of a new school year offers new possibilities and new beginnings. Chiropractic offers the beginning of a healthier future.

The post Back to School Spine & Nervous System Check-Up for the Entire Family first appeared on Chiropractor Broken Arrow.

The most commonly recommended drugs consumed by back pain sufferers consist of Tylenol (acetaminophen), NSAIDs, and opioids. These categories of drugs come with the risk of harm and adverse events.

Tylenol (Acetaminophen) Long thought to be safe and the most widely used non-opioid pain killer in the world, acetaminophen was recently reported to be associated with significant toxic effects including hepatic and renal disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, and an increased risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and high blood pressure (particularly at higher doses).

NSAIDs (Aspirin, Advil, Motrin, Celebrex, Aleve, etc.) Doctors most commonly prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for older adults with chronic non-cancer pain. NSAID drugs carry an increased risk of gastrointestinal reactions and a one hundred percent increased risk of heart failure. Patients using NSAIDs endure an increased risk of heart attack or stroke.

Opioids Adverse effects of opioid therapy include depression, sexual dysfunction, myocardial infarction, addiction, and increased risk of death due to overdose. The alarmingly high risk of adverse drug effects due to opioids continues to rapidly escalate. Opioid use and abuse created a worldwide epidemic due to the destruction and devastation inflicted on users and their families. The rate of death from opioids involved overdoses increased by 200% since 2000.

Better education and distribution of facts serves to benefit society on an individual basis. 59% of American adults who ingest prescription opioids suffer from back pain. Alternative solutions exist for back pain sufferers. A 2018 study determined that Chiropractic based solutions and strategies for back pain lowered the risk of adverse drug events by 51%. Chiropractic care provided healing and relief which allowed patients to use lower or less frequent doses of pain medications. Patients experienced reduced risks of NSAID drug-induced bleeding, opioid overdoses, and other adverse drug events.

Nearly 80% of adults reported that they prefer non-pharmacological care over the use of drugs for the treatment of pain. Too many people have witnessed or learned of the devastation inflicted by someone’s dependency on a drug regimen that never provides a permanent healing solution. A growing population of adults adamantly wants non-drug strategies for pain relief. Chiropractic continues to play an increased and important role in healthcare. Availability and increased utilization of Chiropractic promotes a reduction in both drug prescriptions and the risk of adverse drug reactions. An increased understanding of the scientifically proven benefits of Chiropractic care serves to benefit the health care options available to those wanting to trade a pharmaceutical solution for better healing and a brighter future.

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When I was in grad school, it was nothing for me to go on a long run in the morning and then hit the weights pretty heavily in the afternoon. Exercise is my Prozac and increasing the stress levels, just means I need more exercise to combat it.  Some years later, I have been forced to dial it back a bit and have also changed the type of workouts I perform.  When I was younger, it was all about aesthetics for me.  My main motivation for working out was to look good and feel good.  I exercised for image, but now I perform exercises for functional strength and stamina.

It was just over a year ago that I decided to listen to the advice of friends and join a CrossFit box.  I’ll be the first to say that early on (especially before I joined), I wasn’t a big fan of CrossFit because I had a tainted view of what it was.  I would even talk about it negatively with patients until I experienced it firsthand for myself.

As far as running is concerned, I love running. Not because it feels good on my body, but because its very nature calms my mind. When I developed an awful case of plantar fasciitis a few years ago, it was time to change that up. Obviously, I couldn’t run for awhile however, I fell in love with biking. I still run on occasion with my big dog trotting not too far behind but mainly I bike. My feet, knees and back feel better now and I find it a great stress reliever.  As you age, runners need to focus on strength building and rest days from running.

As for feeling better in the morning post exercise, we really need to stretch after our workouts. When you are younger, you can get away without stretching for a short time but take advantage of that too much when you are young and you develop really shortened muscles and a lot of stiffness that doesn’t have to be there. Does stretching always feel good? Absolutely not but you still need to do it. As far as how far to push yourself; if you can’t breathe there, you shouldn’t be there.

One last thing, don’t underestimate recovery days. I fully subscribe to the theory of “everyone needs to break a sweat every single day”. However, some of those days I do it by hitting up a big Three Rivers Park and going on a seven-mile walk. Though I would feel as if I cheated the workout gods when I was 23 by walking, now, that definitely counts as exercise.

The biggest thing you can do to keep your body limber, fit and injury-free is to change what you do every day. Using different muscles and joints in different directions is the key to spreading out the force and keeping your body healthy as you (we) age.

The post How Should My Exercise Routines Change as I Age? first appeared on Chiropractor Broken Arrow.