August 2020 - Oliver Chiropractic Wellness Clinic

4 Stretches Back Pain Suffers Can Do At Home

If you are like most people, at some point in your life you will experience back pain – if you haven’t already. The American Chiropractic Association estimates that around 80% of the population suffers from back pain, has suffered from back pain, or at some point in the future will suffer from back pain. That puts you in pretty good company.

It also means that you have a better than average chance of falling into that 80% so the smart thing to do is take steps not to prevent it. One powerful preventative measure against back pain is stretching. Try these four stretches to help your back pain.

Forward Bend

Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and your knees soft (not locked). Take a deep breath and as you exhale, bend forward at the waist, hands out as if you are reaching for the floor. When you feel a little stretching in your hamstrings (the backs of your legs), stop and hold that position for two or three breaths. If you can’t reach the floor, that is OK, don’t force it. If you need extra stability, you can use a chair to hold on to for balance. Repeat this movement seven to ten times.

Cat and Camel

This stretch is typically done on the floor, but if you don’t think you can safely get back up, you can stand and hold on to a chair. On the floor, get on your hands and knees with your back straight. If using a chair, stand with your feet shoulder width apart and your knees soft. Bend slowly and place your palms in the seat of the chair so that your back is parallel to the floor. Keep it straight.

Begin by arching your back up as high as you can. Hold for two or three breaths. Return to the starting position, then let it sway down toward the floor and hold for two or three breaths. Return to the starting position. Do this five to seven times.

Back Extension

Lie on your stomach on the floor or bed with your hands palm down near your face. Slowly push up with your arms, keeping your head level with your shoulders, until you are on your elbows. Hold for three or four breaths.

If you can push all the way up so that you are on your hands, that will give you a deeper stretch. You can also hold it for a little longer. Just remember to keep the movements slow and gentle to avoid injury.

If you are not able to safely get on the floor, you can stand with your feet several inches from a wall. Place both of your hands on the wall and bring your upper body toward them, letting your pelvis naturally follow. Gently push against the wall with your hands, pushing your upper body away from the wall. You can also do this with a chair if you need extra support. Repeat five to seven times.

Hip Flex and Stretch

Get on your hands and knees on the floor or bed. Slowly move your body back so that your bottom is over your heels. Keep your hips straight as you extend your arms in front of you. Drop your head between your arms and hold the stretch for three to five breaths.

If you can’t get on your hands and knees, sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor in front of you, hip width apart. Extend your arms in front of you and reach forward. Lean forward slightly until you feel the stretch.

You can also place your hands on your knees for support while you sit in a chair and bend at the waist, slowly rounding out your back over your thighs. Hold the stretch for three to five breaths then return to your upright position. Do this seven to ten times.

Before you begin any new exercise or stretching regimen, talk to your doctor or chiropractor to make sure you aren’t doing something that could exacerbate your problem. For the most part, stretching is very therapeutic and beneficial, but some injuries and conditions can be made worse.

It is well worth taking the extra time to talk with your doctor and perhaps even show him or her the movements. This will also allow them to correct any form problems you may have or recommend any modifications that will help you get the most out of your stretches.

Visit www.ocwc.ca for more health and wellness tips and information! Thanks for reading.

Walking vs Running: Which is Better for Low Back Pain Sufferers?

If you are one of the seven out of 10 Americans who has back pain, you are probably looking for relief. What you probably aren’t looking for are injections or pills with harmful side effects. Your doctor may have told you that exercise is a great way to naturally relieve pain, but you aren’t sure where to start or even what exercise is best.

Running and walking are both good exercises, but they aren’t for everyone. Some back pain patients can run with no problem while others have significant trouble. So, which is better for back pain sufferers? The answer might surprise you.

Benefits of running

When it comes to health benefits, running and walking don’t differ much. Both help to decrease your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension as well as decrease your cholesterol.

Running also has the added benefit of increasing the bone that connects the femur head to the shaft, essentially strengthening the hips and helping to prevent hip fractures. Both running and walking burn calories, facilitate weight loss, and can help to make you healthier. However, one activity is a lot harder on the back so if you have chronic back pain there are some things you should know.

How running affects the back

Running puts repetitive impact and stress on the back. If you have a problem with your lower back, running can exacerbate it or lead to additional issues like sciatica.

You can experience back muscle spasms, muscular strain, and other centralized lower back pain. If you have disc problems the high impact nature of running can make put a lot of stress on your spine and make your disc problems worse.

How walking benefits back pain sufferers

Walking is a much lower impact activity than running. Although some back problems can be made worse by walking, that is fairly rare.

Most back pain is relieved with walking and you can enjoy other great benefits as well. By adopting a regular walking routine you will strengthen your hips, legs, ankles, and feet as well as your core.

This helps to provide better stability for your spine. It also helps to increase circulation in the spinal structures, draining toxins, and pumping nutrients into the surrounding soft tissues.

Pain often restricts mobility. Walking helps to improve range of motion and flexibility. You will find that your posture improves as well as your mood. A stronger body and increased flexibility help to prevent injury.

Walking at least three times a week for at least 15 minutes is great for overall wellness and a strong body. Combine it with a healthy diet and stress relief techniques and you will look, feel, and move better – and your pain will be easier to manage.

Make walking work

When you start your walking program, don’t push too hard too fast. Go at your own pace and start slow. If you have a higher fitness level you may want to try speed walking. After a five-minute warm up, walk as fast as you can for about 8 minutes then slow to a moderate pace for two minutes to cool down.

You can also engage your core muscles by using several techniques. Walk on an incline or using walking poles are excellent for strengthening the core. Pulling your abdominals in toward your spine while you walk is also a great move.

Running is good for your health, but it isn’t for everyone. Walking is a far better choice for most patients with lower back pain. You may even find that your pain is alleviated altogether so get out there and get moving.

Visit www.ocwc.ca for more health and wellness information and tips!

How Chiropractic Can Help Patellofemoral Tracking Syndrome

August 17, 2020/0 Comments/in Chiropractic, Chiropractic Blog /by Kent Ferguson

When the weather warms, melting the snow and ice as it ushers in the newness of spring, people are drawn outdoors and increased activity soon follows. Runners top the list, training for upcoming marathons and races, or to just get faster and increase endurance.

While there are some runners who won’t let anything stop them, be it rain, sleet, or snow, most will not venture outside or engage in more rigorous training until the environment is more pleasant. This increased activity, though, can increase a person’s risk of injury, especially if they have been mostly inactive during the winter months. The most prevalent injury is runner’s knee, an umbrella term used to describe a variety of knee injuries including patellofemoral tracking syndrome.

What is Patellar Tracking Disorder?

When the patella, or kneecap, does not remain in place as the leg straightens or bends, it is called patellofemoral tracking syndrome. Many people believe that the kneecap only moves up and down, but that is not accurate. Actually, the kneecap is very mobile, rotating and tilting so that there are a variety of contact points between the femur and patella. The most common way that this disorder presents is the kneecap extends too far to the outside of the leg. Less common is when the kneecap shifts to the inside. The result is pain (sometimes severe) and limited mobility.

Understanding the syndrome means understanding the mechanics of the knee joint. The thighbone (femur) and lower leg (tibia and fibula) are joined by the knee, a large, complex hinge. A groove runs along the front of the joint, where the thighbone ends. The patella sits in the groove and is held in place by a network on the sides by ligaments and at the top and bottom by tendons. The underside of the kneecap is a layer of cartilage that allows it to move easily, or glide, along the groove. When there is a problem with any of the parts that make up the knee it can lead to patellofemoral tracking syndrome.

Causes of Patellofemoral Tracking Syndrome

While overuse of the knee is the blanket term that describes the cause of patellofemoral tracking syndrome, it is actually the result of a combination of several problems. These can include:

Leg ligaments, tendons, or muscles that are too loose or too tight
Structural problems with the knee bones
Weak thigh muscles
Continuous stress put on the knee, such as activities that use a twisting motion to the knee
Repetitive, high stress activities like running
Repeated activities like squatting, knee bending, or jumping
Improper alignment of the knee bones
Trauma to the knee that forces the kneecap off track, usually to the outside area of the leg

People who are most likely to develop the syndrome are those who experience any of these problems in addition to playing sports or running. Obesity or being overweight, when combined with the above problems can also put a person at risk for the syndrome.

Chiropractic for Patellofemoral Tracking Syndrome

Many people have experienced relief from the pain of patellofemoral tracking syndrome by using chiropractic care. Chiropractic for patellofemoral tracking syndrome is a medication free, non-invasive treatment that quickly and effectively treats the pain and helps to restore mobility. This is usually done by bringing the body back into alignment and performing specific manipulations depending on the unique needs of the patient. Treatment may involve the foot, ankle, spine, and hip in addition to the knee.

The patient may also be advised to make certain dietary adjustments, take special, targeted supplements, and do specific exercises in addition to the chiropractic treatments. Stretching is often recommended and Kinesio taping is also a common therapy to aid healing. Chiropractic will not only return the body to its natural balance and alignment, it will also get it to a state where it is able to begin healing itself.

Give us a call @(780)455-2112 to schedule your assessment! Visit www.ocwc.ca to learn more.

What Is Cervicalgia & Can Chiropractic Help?

August 10, 2020/0 Comments/in Chiropractic, Chiropractic Blog /by Kent Ferguson

Have you ever had a pain in the neck? And your kids or significant other don’t count. If you’ve ever had a stiff, sore neck then you’ve more than likely experienced cervicalgia. You’re not alone. The American Osteopathic Association estimates that more than 25% of Americans have experienced or chronically experience neck pain. In fact, neck pain is one of the primary causes of chronic pain, ranking number three behind knee pain (number two) and back pain (number one). Chronic pain affects around 65% of people in the United States, ranging in age from 18 to 34. They either have experienced it firsthand or care for someone who has recently experienced it. That number increases as the population ages.

It is also worth noting that most doctors prescribe pain medications but more than 33% of patients with chronic pain won’t take them because they are afraid of becoming addicted.

What is Cervicalgia?

Cervicalgia is a blanket term used to describe neck pain. It can range from a simple “crick in the neck” to severe pain that prevents you from turning your head.

Knowing the term for the pain, though, does not help when it comes to treatment because treatment lies in the cause of the pain. It can become quite complex because there are so many causes for the pain. Sometimes the cause itself must be eliminated before the treatments for the pain can be effective.

What are the Causes of Cervicalgia?

The causes of cervicalgia are vast and varied. A patient who sits at their desk for too long or sleeps in a poor position can develop neck pain.

Injuries such as sports injuries and whiplash fall at the more severe end of the spectrum. Even simple gravity can be a culprit.

The human head can weigh as much as 10 pounds, sometimes even more and the neck is tasked with keeping it upright. Just the action of fighting gravity and keeping the head erect for long periods of time (like all day) can cause the neck muscles to become strained and fatigued. This can also cause neck injuries to heal slower because the neck is almost constantly in use and under consistent stress.

How is Cervicalgia Treated?

Treatment for cervicalgia depends on both the symptoms and the cause. If you have been injured, you should seek medical attention immediately to assess the severity of the injury.

You can apply ice to help reduce inflammation and swelling, but do not delay a medical evaluation. Some neck injuries can be serious, causing very serious conditions including paralysis.

After assessment, your doctor may prescribe medication such as anti-inflammatories and stronger painkillers. A cervical collar may also be recommended since it allows the neck to rest which will promote healing.

If the pain is caused by other reasons such as stress, poor posture, or sleeping on the wrong pillow (in other words, you have a crick in your neck), you can use an over the counter anti-inflammatory medication and using a heating pad will help. Massage is also effective.

However, prevention is the best cure. When you know what is causing your cervicalgia, you can take steps to prevent it. Chiropractic can help both in preventing cervicalgia and in treating it.

Chiropractic for Cervicalgia

Chiropractic treatment can help relieve the pain from cervicalgia for many of the causes, including injury, stress, and misalignment. Depending on the cause, the chiropractor will use specific techniques to treat the root of the problem.

They will bring the body back into alignment which also helps to prevent the pain of cervicalgia. The most attractive aspect is that it allows for pain management without the use of any medications.

When you get regular chiropractic care, you can actually reduce your chances of experiencing pain in your neck and back. That is why so many people are choosing chiropractic care for their neck and back pain instead of turning to traditional medicine – because it works.

Give us a call at (780)455-2112 to schedule your chiropractic assessment with one of our wellness doctors! Visit www.ocwc.ca to learn more about our clinic.

How Magnesium Helps Soothe Sore Muscles

August 3, 2020/0 Comments/in Chiropractic, Chiropractic Blog /by Kent Ferguson

Everyone has stiff, sore muscles now and then. From overdoing it at the gym to sleeping in an awkward position, there are many reasons you might feel some muscular aches and pains. Some medical conditions or illnesses can also cause soreness. Several studies have found a remarkable, effective, inexpensive cure that is natural and safe – magnesium.

Pain – It’s all in your Head

Well, it’s in your brain, anyway. A chemical in the brain, NMDA, is responsible for pain. When this brain chemical is overly stimulated, the body experiences pain. The way the brain processes pain in an individual determines how that person will experience it and manage it.

There are very few medications that deal directly with NMDA, balancing it and decreasing its production. However, the side effects of these drugs are usually significant and undesirable. Magnesium has been found to calm production of NMDA without causing the side effects or toxicity. What’s more, magnesium is very inexpensive. It is far cheaper than pharmaceuticals at just pennies a dose. One drawback is that the FDA has not yet put its stamp of approval on the mineral that is often called the “gateway to health.”

Clinical Studies find Magnesium is an Effective way to Relieve Pain

A study published in The Journal of Physiology in October 2010, explores the effectiveness of magnesium in decreasing nerve pain. The study, conducted on rats, found a strong link between magnesium deficiency and pain. In fact, that authors of the study suggest that pain is increased, or the sensitivity to pain is increased, due to magnesium deficiency.

As people are moving away from fresh foods, processed foods are becoming more prevalent. While processed foods offer easy, quick preparation and gratification, the trade-off has been a significant decrease in nutrition, leaving most people magnesium deficient. However, adding a magnesium supplement that provides 250 to 500 mg of the mineral will not only eliminate the deficiency, but decrease the pain as well. This usually happens surprisingly quickly – after only a few weeks you will notice a definite difference.

Other Benefits of Magnesium

Magnesium has a wide range of uses and benefits for the entire body. It has long been used to treat indigestion as well as constipation when taken by mouth. For heartburn and indigestion, magnesium hydroxide has been noted as the fastest acting. It is also given to pregnant women to treat high blood pressure (pre-eclampsia and eclampsia). When given as a shot or by IV, magnesium helps lower blood pressure during pregnancy. It is also the treatment of choice for eclampsia because it reduces the risk of seizures that accompany the condition.

Magnesium, given intravenously, is effective in treating torsades de pointes, a type of irregular heartbeat. Additionally, it is believed to help these other conditions:

Angina
Asthma
Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat)
Cerebral Palsy
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Cluster Headaches
Colon and Rectal Cancer
Cystic Fibrosis
Diabetes
Fibromyalgia
High Cholesterol
Osteoporosis
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Various types of pain including nerve damage associated with certain cancers, pain after surgery, pain after hysterectomy, and chest pain.

A healthy diet, regular exercise, and reducing the stress in your life will also help with your pain management. When your body is properly nourished it functions at a more optimal level, meaning not just less pain, but better management of it. Exercise causes your brain to produce endorphins which not only minimize pain, but also boost your mood.

Stress can make you more sensitive to pain, causing you to feel it more and experience it on a more intense level. It decreases your ability to tolerate pain and manage it. Even learning relaxation techniques and breathing exercises can help you better manage stress that you may not be able to eliminate completely. Adding magnesium to your diet can help improve your overall well being as well as decrease your pain.

Visit www.ocwc.ca to learn more about our clinic!