2021 - Page 3 of 4 - Oliver Chiropractic Wellness Clinic

Why Construction Workers Need Chiropractic

Every day construction workers lift, stoop, bend, reach, push, pull, twist, and climb. It’s no wonder that 25% of construction worker injuries are to the back. An estimated 1 in every 100 construction workers misses work because of a back injury with an average of seven missed work days. Many just power through the pain which isn’t healthy and can lead to further injury and pain. Repeated back injury and failure to take care of the back by taking proactive steps to prevent injury, can lead to permanent damage, even disability. That can end a construction worker’s career.

Chiropractic care can help keep the spine healthy so construction workers can stay on the job and be pain free. Regular treatment can offset the stress that is put on the body each day in this rigorous, physically demanding profession. There are several benefits that a construction worker can gain from seeing a chiropractor on a regular basis.

It helps to maintain mobility

When muscles are stiff and sore, it is natural to try to avoid moving too much. When a person has pulled muscles or they have muscle strain, their first instinct is to protect that area. This can lead to stiffness and lack of mobility, especially if the pain is in the back. A painful lower back can make it difficult to move your legs, bend, or even move about normally. Chiropractic helps to relieve the pain and reduce the stiffness so that mobility is restored.

Range of motion is improved

Stiffness can lead to a limited range of motion. If the spine is out of alignment, it can decrease flexibility and significantly limit the joint’s range of motion, whether it’s the back, shoulders, legs, or neck. Chiropractic brings the spine into the correct alignment which improves range of motion.

Chiropractic helps to relieve back pain

Studies show that chiropractic is very effective in relieving back pain. It can significantly decrease the pain, but in most cases it completely alleviates it.

In one study, 73% of the participants reported an improvement in their back pain. This means fewer missed days of work and much more productive on the job. This is one of the most common reasons that people seek chiropractic care, but it isn’t the only reason. It can help with so much more.

Corrects muscle imbalance

Workers who perform repetitive motions can experience muscular imbalance. This means that some muscles are tight (the ones being used) and others are not being worked as hard. It can cause pain in the area of the muscle as well as in other parts of the body.

A chiropractor can perform a technique called myofascial release to loosen the tight muscles. At the same time, they will recommend exercises for the muscles that don’t get worked as often so that the body can come back into balance. Muscular imbalance can also cause spinal misalignment so the chiropractor will also do an adjustment to bring the whole body back into balance.

Helps the body heal from injuries

Construction injuries are fairly common on a worksite. Most are fairly minor and tend to be ignored by the person until they are in so much pain they can’t function properly. Back strain is a common ailment among construction workers and it can put someone out of commission for a week or more.

Chiropractic care helps the body heal faster and more efficiently by focusing on the whole body instead of just the part that hurts. The patient receives the treatments at the chiropractor’s office then goes home with advice on lifestyle changes, supplements, and exercises to facilitate and speed healing.

For anyone in the construction industry, especially if their position is physically demanding, regular chiropractic care just makes sense. It keeps the spine healthy and the body moving as it should. It is a simple, natural, effective way to help the body function correctly – because pain is not normal.

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

Why More Professional Athletic Teams Are Using Chiropractors

There has been an increasing number of professional athletes and athletic teams in recent years that have chosen to use chiropractors to treat their injuries, help manage their pain, and help keep them at the top of their game in terms of performance and stamina. Top athletes like Jordan Spieth, Phil Mickelson, Vernon Davis, and Aaron Rodgers recognize that value in good chiropractic care and have incorporated it into their overall health and wellness programs.

One of the biggest draws is chiropractic’s whole-body approach to health care. A chiropractor will not just treat the symptoms of a problem (such as pain), he or she will work to uncover the cause of the problem and recommend lifestyle changes that will help the athlete not only eliminate their pain, but resolve the issue causing the pain, and take steps to help prevent the problem from recurring.

The NFL Chooses Chiropractic

The National Football League (NFL) has long kept chiropractic care as a standard treatment for its players. In fact, the Professional Football Chiropractic Association estimates that the average team chiropractor for the NFL will perform anywhere from 30 to 50 chiropractic adjustments or treatments a week during the football season.

When you consider that the NFL teams employ around 35 chiropractors, that adds up to about 27,000 adjustments in that short 16-week span. But it’s worth it to keep the players in tip top shape and many continue chiropractic care even after they retire.

The PGA Chooses Chiropractic

Many top golfers in the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA), such as Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Phil Mickelson see chiropractic care not only as a necessary element in their wellness routines, but also as a playing a vital role in their success.

Many use it to enhance their athletic performance, help prevent injuries, help heal from injuries, manage pain, and improve their overall health. Some golfers, like Masters Tournament winner Jordan Spieth, have a chiropractor who travels with him on a full-time basis and provides treatments several times a day.

Olympic Teams and Chiropractic

At the Olympics, the best of the best compete – and put their bodies through a lot of stress and punishment in the process. Most Olympic teams have two chiropractors who travel with them in an official capacity.

After practice or competition, they will get treatments to keep their bodies in optimal performance level. If any of the athletes sustain injuries, the chiropractors can help to manage pain and help heal the injury. Studies show that most injuries that are treated with chiropractic care heal faster and more complete.

The MLB, NBA, and NHL Choose Chiropractic

Most of the teams in the NHL, NBA, and MLB either have a chiropractor they refer to that is outside or their organization or they have one on staff. This means that not only are chiropractors treating athletes, they are treating some of the best athletes in the world.

These people make a living based on how well their bodies perform so it stands to reason they would not turn to just any type of treatment or trend. They choose to reap the benefits of the tried and true chiropractic care.

Chiropractic for Athletes

Athletes know the many benefits that they can get from regular chiropractic care. Some of the top include:

It is drug free and non-invasive.
It is very effective in pain management.
It can reverse the punishment that the body undergoes while participating in sports.
It can help prevent injury.
It is very effective in treating most sports injuries.
It helps to enhance athletic performance

If you play sports, even if you just enjoy a game of touch football on the weekends, you just might benefit from chiropractic care. If it’s good enough for the pros, it’s good enough for you!

Visit www.ocwc.ca to learn more about our clinic. Call (780)455-2112 to schedule your assessment!

Why We Get Shorter As We Age

March 8, 2021/0 Comments/in Chiropractic, Chiropractic Blog /by Kent Ferguson

If you are in your 40s, and you measured your height, chances are you would not be the same height that you were in, say, high school. It’s true. As we get older, we tend to shrink. A French study in 2010, measures more than 8,000 women who were over the age of 60. They then asked each woman to estimate her own height. Nearly all of the women in the study overestimated their height. Some overestimated by as much as 2 inches. This is not wishful thinking on the women’s part; they were recalling their tallest height. Shrinking in stature is a normal part of the aging process, but there are ways you can stop it – or at least slow it down.

What Causes People to Shrink?

There are several reasons why a person may lose some height as they age:

A condition like osteoporosis can cause loss of bone density, leading to a compression fracture which is essentially a collapse of the vertebrae
Flattening of the feet. As we age our arches flatten out and this can take inches off our height
Dehydration of the discs that lie between each vertebra. The dehydration can cause the discs to com press.
A stooped posture caused by loss of muscle in the core or abdomen

Getting Shorter by the Numbers

It is estimated that the average person will lose about ¼ to ½ inch every decade after they turn 40 (although some estimates say 30 and others say 50). Women are also more prone to height loss than men. The Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) found that between 30 and 70 years of age, women lost, on the average, 2 inches while men lost around 1 inch of height. By the age of 80, women had lost a little more than 3 inches while men lost 2. However, with all of the varying factors, some people will lose more and others will lose less – and some don’t shrink an inch.

Health Implications of Height Loss

It is important to know that height loss can be an indicator of a problem. Probably the most concerning of the conditions is skeletal problems, such as a compression fracture.

Such a condition can be debilitating, causing back pain and mobility problems. Muscle loss can also cause pain, as can compressed discs. It is important to stay on top of it, get ahead of any potential problems.

Height loss can also be a symptoms of other problems that are physiological or metabolic in nature. It can also indicate inadequate nutrition or poor health. In short, if you experience height loss, it may be in your best interest to pay attention and talk to your doctor.

Combating the Shrinkage

While genetics does play a large part in certain conditions that can cause you to lose height, there are some things you can do that may help. If you are still below the threshold age, start now to take care of yourself, get the proper nutrition, exercise, get enough sleep, and drink plenty of water. The better foundation that you build when you are young, the better off you will be as you age.

Older people may be able to slow the shrinkage by eating a healthy diet that is rich in calcium, doing weight bearing exercises, staying hydrated, and avoiding unhealthy practices such as drinking alcohol and smoking. Study after study shows that exercise works, so that should be a priority. Hydration is also key. In the end, the better you take care of your body when you are young, the better care it will take of you when you are older.

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

How Chiropractic Can Help Keep You Moving On The Assembly Line

March 1, 2021/0 Comments/in Chiropractic, Chiropractic Blog /by Kent Ferguson

Assembly lines have long been the standard for factory workers. Henry Ford got the ball rolling in December 1, 1913 when he created the very first assembly line to mass produce a car. Workers stood for hours, doing the same tasks over and over. Although Ford took steps to reduce at least some of the damage, many factory workers still went home with aching backs and feet, migraines, fallen arches, and repetitive motion injuries.

Now, more than a hundred year later, some things have changed. According to the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 1,834,000 assembly line and fabrication jobs in 2014. Technology is better and some tasks can be automated making some people’s jobs easier – and, unfortunately, eliminating some as well.

Despite the great strides in technology, there are still some things that haven’t changed all that much. The working conditions in many factories are often still not as healthy as they could be. Many workers are still required to stand for long periods of time and perform repetitive motions for hours without a break. This can lead to injuries, pain, and certain conditions that can cause immobility, inflexibility, and even disability. The good news is, chiropractic can help.

Working in a Standing Position Can Be Bad For Your Health

Many assembly line jobs require that the worker stand for long periods of time. While standing is a natural posture for humans and, by itself does not pose any real harm or health problem, working in a standing position every day isn’t good for you. It can lead to muscle fatigue, stiff shoulders and neck, swelling of the legs and feet, low back pain, varicose veins, fallen arches, and sore feet – just to name a few.

Another problem with standing for extended or frequent periods of time without any breaks (such a s walking or stretching) can cause the joints in the feet, knees, hips, and spine to become locked or immobilized temporarily. If the behavior continues, it can cause degenerative damage, leading to rheumatic diseases because the ligaments and tendons become damaged.

Chiropractic can Help Assembly Line Workers

Chiropractic care can help keep bodies flexible and help with range of motion. It is a very effective, non-invasive treatment for pain and can help with joint and muscular problems as well. Regular chiropractic treatments can help you better manage your body’s response to your work environment. It can also undo many of the ill effects that that type of work can cause.

You can enjoy more pain free days without invasive surgeries or medications that leave you groggy, nauseous, or worse. When you sit down with your chiropractor, he or she will talk to you about your medical history as well as your current lifestyle. After a complete evaluation, you will be given a plan of action that may include lifestyle changes, dietary changes, and recommended supplements in addition to spinal manipulation. Chiropractic is all about whole body wellness and that is what will help you perform better on your job and recover faster afterwards.

Call (780)455-2112 to schedule your assessment today!

Why More People Are Choosing Chiropractic

February 22, 2021/0 Comments/in Chiropractic, Chiropractic Blog /by Kent Ferguson

Chiropractic care is enjoying an upsurge in popularity as more people are veering away from invasive procedures and pharmaceuticals in favor of more natural treatment options for their pain. A recent Gallup poll for Palmer Chiropractic College confirms this. Of the people surveyed:

More than 35.5 million people said they sought chiropractic care within the 12 month (the Gallup survey was conducted from February 8, 2016 through March 11, 2016).
95% said chiropractic was effective in treating their condition.
89% said they would recommend chiropractic to friends and family.
97% said that they would likely see a chiropractor for neck or back pain.
88% said that chiropractic care is a good value for the money.

Non-Drug Treatments for Back Pain should be Sought First

In April 2017, the American College of Physicians published their updated guidelines for managing and treating low back pain. They recommended seeking non-drug treatments, which include the application of heat, exercise, stress reduction, and spinal manipulation, before turning to medications. The purpose is to steer patients away from unnecessary medicating and toward healthier, more natural options as a first line of defense in managing low back pain.

Another study published in2017 in the Journal of the American Medical Association supported spinal manipulation as a preferred first treatment option over pharmaceuticals for patients with acute low back pain. While these recommendations are primarily in response to the opioid epidemic, it is also in response to the numerous studies that show chiropractic care is safe and effective for back pain management.

Chiropractic is a Healthier, Safer Option

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that opioid abuse and overdose has reach epidemic proportions. An estimated 91 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose. This includes opioids obtained by a prescription from a doctor.

Popular pain medications like oxycodone and hydrocodone have seen steadily increasing abuse, overdose, and death rates over the past two decades. In fact, deaths caused by overdose of these drugs as well as methadone and others, have quadrupled since 1999.

These medications are highly addictive and have many unpleasant and even dangerous side effects. While most states are taking aggressive steps to curb the over-prescribing of these medications, patients are still finding ways around the prescribing guidelines and restrictions. This is a compelling reason for patients to seek natural, non-medicinal pain relief options first – and for their doctors to recommend them.

More People are Turning to Natural Remedies

Many patients are simply getting fed up with invasive treatments and numerous pills. They are now turning to remedies that are more natural. One benefit of chiropractic and other natural remedies is that they rarely treats only the symptom.

Instead, it addresses the root of the problem to treat the cause. This approach has many benefits beyond being medication free and non-invasive. When the cause of the condition or problem is corrected, it can eliminate other troubling symptoms as well.

Chiropractic is a Healthier, Whole Body Option

A patient who sees their chiropractor for low back pain may find that after a few treatments, their headaches, constipation, and digestive issues are also resolved. This is because chiropractic treats the body as a whole, unlike traditional medicine that tends to treat it in parts.

Everything is connected in the body. A problem in one area could easily cause problems in other areas. By correcting the root of the problem, the patient receives more rounded healthcare.

Where traditional medicine will often opt to prescribe a pain pill for lower back pain, chiropractic care looks for the cause of the back pain and treats the pain symptom from the cause. The chiropractor may advise lifestyle changes, changes in diet, and even recommend supplements. With chronic health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity increasing at an alarming rate, chiropractic care offers a solution that treats the body as a whole in a more natural, safer way.

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

Why Senior Citizens Need Chiropractic

February 15, 2021/1 Comment/in Chiropractic, Chiropractic Blog /by Kent Ferguson

Chiropractic care is a safe, natural treatment for people of all ages and senior citizens can definitely benefit from it. It is far more preferable than many other options including pharmaceuticals with their unpleasant and even harmful side effects, and surgery. Several studies have even shown that regular chiropractic treatment benefits geriatric patients and can even help keep them out of long-term care facilities and nursing homes. In short, seniors who get chiropractic on a regular basis are healthier and also enjoy these great benefits.

Reduced Risk of Degeneration of the Joints (Including the Spine)

When the spine is not aligned it can cause wear and friction on the joints, resulting in damage. Regular spinal alignment keeps the spine in the correct position so that the body is balanced. It reduces the risk of spinal degeneration as well as certain types of arthritis by decreasing the amount of stress on the spine and bringing it into a more normal, natural alignment.

Improved Range of Motion

As a person gets older, their range of motion decreases. This is especially true of people who are sedentary or who have sustained an injury that kept them confined to a bed or wheelchair for a long time.

Helping improve a person’s range of motion is one of the best benefits of chiropractic. While there are certain levels and each person has a goal for how much range of motion they want, a chiropractor can help them get as close to those goals as possible.

Better Coordination and Balance

Most of the coordination and balance problems that seniors experience come from degenerative changes or injuries that affect the cervical spine. The back side of the cervical spine joints houses mechanoreceptors, structures that are responsible for providing the brain with vital information that regulates coordination and balance. When that area is compromised their function is hindered. By stimulating the mechanoreceptors, a chiropractor can help restore or improve the condition.

Decreased Risk of Falls

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in the United States, every second of every day some older adult falls. Among Americans who are age 65 and older, there are 850,000 bone fractures each year and falls are the cause for 90% of them. A chiropractor can stimulate the mechanoreceptors which reside in the cervical spine, normalizing them and helping to restore the patient’s balance and coordination.

Stronger Immune System and Better Health

When the spine is properly aligned, the body is better able to function as it should. This includes the digestive system, respiratory system, and even the heart. Neural impulses can be transmitted and received more efficiently and effectively.

This strengthens the immune system making the patient less susceptible to illness and disease. Regular care can provide better health and wellness while improving the patient’s quality of life.

More Effective Pain Management

Chiropractic has been proven time and again to be one of the safest, most effective methods for treating pain, particularly those that involve the spine. Chiropractic helps to correct the problem that is causing the pain and helps treat the soft tissue structures that are around the area. Where pain medicine, muscle relaxants, and anti-inflammatory medication are little more than band-aids that treat the symptoms while ignoring the cause, chiropractic gets to the root of the problem and begins treatment there.

In addition to spinal adjustments, the chiropractor will typically recommend stretching and special exercises as well as lifestyle changes and diet modifications. Elder patients benefit from the whole body, holistic approach to health care that is at the heart of chiropractic. The result is better health and better quality of life.

Visit www.ocwc.ca to learn more about our wellness chiropractic doctors. Call (780)455-2112 to book an appointment!

How Chiropractic Can Help Prevent Migraine Headaches

February 8, 2021/0 Comments/in Chiropractic, Chiropractic Blog /by Kent Ferguson

Migraines affects an estimated 38 million people, including children, in the United States alone. Worldwide, that total jumps to 1 billion. In fact, migraine ranks number three among prevalent illnesses in the world and number six among disabling illnesses. More than 90% of people who suffer from migraines are not able to function normally or work during an attack.

A migraine attack is often debilitating and extremely painful. It is also very difficult to stop once it starts. The best treatment for migraines is preventing them from every occurring. There are several methods that work for some people, but chiropractic is a popular preventative measure that many people have found to help them be migraine free.

Migraine Symptoms

A severe headache is the first thing people think of regarding migraines, but there are other symptoms which include:

Pain located on one or both sides of the head
Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
Blurred vision or other visual disturbances
Pain that is pulsing or throbbing
Lightheaded and possibly fainting
Hypersensitivity to smell, taste, or touch
Loss of motor function or in more severe cases, partial paralysis (such as with hemiplegic migraine)

Some migraineurs experience auras prior to an attack, usually around 20 to 60 minutes. This can give the patient time to take certain measures to stop the attack or minimize it. However, it is still a good course of action to incorporate certain activities into your lifestyle that can prevent migraines.

Causes of Migraines

Doctors don’t know the exact causes of migraines, but research does indicate that there are certain triggers that can initiate an attack. Some of the more common migraine triggers include:

Foods – Processed foods, salty foods, aged cheeses, and chocolate.
Beverages – Coffee and other caffeinated drinks as well as alcohol (particularly wine)
Hormonal changes – Occurs mainly in women, usually during menopause, menstruation, and pregnancy.
Food additives – Monosodium glutamate (MSG) and aspartame as well as certain dyes.
Stress – Environmental, tress at home or work, or illness that puts stress on the body.
Sleep problems – Getting too much sleep or not getting enough sleep.
Sensory stimuli – Sun glare and bright lights, strong smells like secondhand smoke and perfume, and certain tactile stimulation.
Medication – Vasodilators (nitroglycerin) and oral contraceptives.
Physical exertion – Intense exercise or other physical exertion.
Jet lag
Weather changes
Skipping meals
Change in barometric pressure

Some research also shows a possible serotonin component. During a migraine attack, serotonin levels drop. Serotonin is integral to regulating pain in the nervous system.

Migraine Treatments

Migraine treatments are classified as either abortive or preventative. Abortive medications primarily treat symptoms, usually pain relief. They are taken once a migraine attack has already begun and are designed to stop it. Preventative medications are usually taken daily to reduce the frequency of migraines and the severity of attacks. Most of these medications can only be obtained by prescription – and many of those have unpleasant side effects.

A migraine specialist can recommend medications as well as other treatments including acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic, acupressure, herbal remedies and lifestyle changes. Adequate sleep, relaxation exercises, and dietary changes may also help.

Chiropractic for Migraines

A chiropractor will use a variety of techniques when treating migraines. Spinal manipulation of one of the most common, usually focusing on the cervical spine. By bringing the body into balance, it can relieve the pain and prevent future migraines. They may also recommend vitamin, mineral, and herbal supplements as well as lifestyle changes which usually involved eliminating triggers.

One migraine study found that 72% of sufferers benefited from chiropractic treatment with either noticeable or substantial improvement. This is proof that chiropractic is an effective treatment for relieving pain and preventing migraines.

Migraines are no fun! Call (780)455-2112 to schedule your appointment today.

Why Chiropractic Is A Better Choice Over Drugs & Surgery

February 1, 2021/0 Comments/in Chiropractic, Chiropractic Blog /by Kent Ferguson

Say you have neck or back pain. How will you treat it? Many people will go to a medical doctor who will look at the symptoms, such as pain, and treat it with prescription or over the counter medications. In some cases, they may recommend surgery to manage the pain or correct the problem.

However, an increasing number of people are foregoing the medical doctor and opting for chiropractic care for pain management – and often with very good results. So, what is it about chiropractic that people feel makes it a better choice than drugs or surgery for their pain or mobility issues? There is more to the answer than you may realize.

Drug Therapy

When it comes to certain types of pain, particularly neck pain, medication is not the best way to manage it. Studies show that patients who opted to undergo chiropractic treatments and exercise regularly were more than twice as likely to significantly reduce their pain or even eliminate it completely than those who choose to take medication.

Aside from efficacy though, many medications have unpleasant and even dangerous side effects. Even over the counter medications can cause problems.

For instance, acetaminophen has been linked to serious health issues like pancreatitis and impaired liver function. NSAIDs like ibuprofen can upset the stomach and can cause rebound headaches in migraine patients (studies show that chiropractic is extremely effective in preventing migraines).

Prescription drugs can be highly addictive and lead to overdose. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has declared opioid addiction and overdose in the United States to be an epidemic. They have set forth guidelines for doctors who prescribe opioids for chronic pain, but the epidemic continues.

Surgery

Any treatment that can help a patient avoid an invasive surgery is an optimal alternative and chiropractic care provides that. One study shows that patients who saw a medical doctor as their first treatment option when dealing with back pain were more likely to have surgery than patients who say a chiropractor first.

Almost 43% of the medical patients eventually underwent surgery while only 1.5% of chiropractic patients had surgery. This means that if you are a medical patient trying to resolve your back pain you are 28 times more likely to eventually have surgery for it than you would if you went to a chiropractor.

Aside from the obvious invasiveness of the procedure as well as recovery time and probable physical therapy that would be required as part of your after care, there are many other downsides. The time and money required for the surgery, pre-surgery appointments, post-surgery appoints, recovery, and therapy can be significant.

However, a major concern in hospital settings is the risk of C-diff (clostridium difficile). C-diff are bacteria that can cause C. diff colitis, an inflammation of the colon or large intestine that can make you very sick. It can be passed from person to person but can also occur in people who take antibiotics – which are often given when a person undergoes surgery.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care gets to the cause of the problem instead of treating the symptoms like most medical doctors. The whole-body approach also empowers patients to make lifestyle adjustments that aid in their care and healing. It allows them to take ownership of their own health and pain management so that they feel more in control.

Chiropractors take a natural, holistic approach to pain management by bringing the body back into alignment if necessary and recommending exercises. They may also recommend other activities to help patients regain their normal range of motion and flexibility . This can relieve not only the pain symptoms, but often correcting the problem that is causing the pain.

Call (780)455-2112 to schedule your chiropractic assessment with one of our wellness chiropractic doctors! Visit www.ocwc.ca to learn more about our clinic and practitioners.

Why Being Thankful Benefits Your Health

January 25, 2021/0 Comments/in Chiropractic, Chiropractic Blog /by Kent Ferguson

Can being grateful actually make you healthier? Several studies say yes. In fact, there is a great deal of evidence that shows being thankful benefits your health both physically and mentally. Researchers have found that an attitude of gratitude helps you have a stronger immune system, a healthier heart, more energy, and a happier outlook on life.

The Science of Being Thankful

When you are grateful, just like any other emotion, it affects your outlook. Gratitude is particularly powerful when used as a way of viewing the word, of interpreting and perceiving your life. There are other positive emotions that come attached to gratitude and these work in the body to provide powerful physical health benefits.

According to research, the simple act of thinking about the things you are grateful for, causes the parasympathetic nervous system, the part that promotes calm and peaceful feelings, to be triggered. This can cause chemical reactions such as increasing oxytocin (the hormone that helps with bonding in relationships and increases good feelings) while decreasing cortisol (the stress hormone that can cause a variety of health issues).

Studies on Gratefulness

Several studies have been done over the past few years exploring the connection between gratitude and health. One study published in the European Scientific Journal in June 2017, drew a direct line between gratitude and coping with PTSD. It found that the more gratitude increases in a person the less psychological distress decreases. A research report published in June 2017, found that gratitude could be a viable means for helping ease fibromyalgia symptoms. In

November 2016, the American Heart Association published information on a study that was conducted on heart patients who had asymptomatic heart failure. The researchers measured evaluated their levels of gratitude and found that the patients who were more grateful slept better, experienced less anxiety, and had decreased depression. These people also had healther hearts and lower levels of inflammation. The lower levels of inflammation as well as a more positive outlook also help patients better manage pain.

7 Tips for Being more Grateful

Even if gratitude does not come naturally to you, it is possible to learn it. It can become a habit that can be cultivated and incorporated into everyday life. Try these tips for developing gratefulness in your life.

1. Think about being grateful. The more you think about it, the more you will find that you are grateful.

2. Avoid comparing up. There will always be someone who has more than you do or is more advantaged. Seeking them out and ruminating on what you don’t have or don’t have enough of is a recipe for discontent, anger, and frustration.

3. Keep a gratitude journal and write down the things you are thankful for. This will not only serve as a reminder, it will also help to develop the habit of being grateful.

4. If you don’t think you have anything to be grateful for, find just one thing and focus on that. Gradually add things you are grateful for and you will find them.

5. Change your perspective. When something doesn’t go your way, look for the positives in it. This can be internal or external. How did you grow? What did you gain?

6. Change your thinking. Choose positive language and banish negative language from your vocabulary. Don’t allow negativity to color your life experiences. Choose to be happy and maintain a positive outlook.

7. Say it out loud. Use your voice and tell people that you are grateful. Tell them you appreciate them, that you are grateful for things. Let yourself hear your positive words of gratitude so that it can take hold in you and become a part of who you are.

Being thankful makes you a healthier, happier person, so take some time to find several things that you’re grateful for (or a lot!). You’ll love the benefits.

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

3 Stretches Chiropractic Patients Can Do For Neck Pain

January 18, 2021/0 Comments/in Chiropractic, Chiropractic Blog /by Kent Ferguson

Stretching is often an outstanding complement to chiropractic care. Blood flow to the muscles is increased and it helps lower the risk of injury and improves physical performance. More importantly, stretching is good for the joints, helping them function through their full range of motion.

Additionally, some studies show that muscles work and move more effectively when they are stretched regularly. These benefits of stretching make it a great practice to incorporate into your daily routine, especially between chiropractic treatments.

The muscles all along the spine respond well to stretching. However, sometimes it is difficult to manipulate specific muscle groups and get an effective stretch.

The cervical spine is a prime example. Although the neck turns in so many ways, finding positions that provide an effective stretch are surprisingly difficult.

These three stretches effectively work the muscles through the neck and shoulders, and are simple enough to do at home whether you are between chiropractic appointments or if you wake up with a crick in your neck.

Before You Stretch

If you are under a chiropractor’s care, you should check with him or her before you start a stretching program. This is especially important if you have a neck injury or have a spinal condition that causes deterioration or pain.

When you begin stretching, you may feel a little discomfort, but it is important to note that it should never cause pain or worsen it. If this occurs, or if it just doesn’t feel “right,” you should stop immediately and call your chiropractor.

Neck and Trap Stretch

If standing: Stand up straight with your pelvis slightly tucked (not swayback), feet shoulder’s width apart, knees soft.

If sitting: Sit up straight with your feet flat on the floor.

1. Drop your shoulders and roll them slightly back. Let your arms hang down.

2. Reach behind your back and, with your left hand, grasp your right wrist. If you can’t reach to grasp your wrist, grab your fingers. If you can’t reach your fingers, sit in a straight back chair and put your right arm as far behind you as you can and slide your right hand under your right buttock to provide stability.

3. If clasping your hands behind you, gently pull your arm behind you to the left. If unable to reach behind you, drop your right shoulder.

4. At the same time, tilt your head to the left, bringing your ear to your shoulder but don’t raise your left shoulder. You will feel the stretch all along the right muscles of the neck.

5. Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds.

6. Do the same movement for the left side.

7. Repeat the full move 3 to 5 times.

Gentle Neck Extension

If standing: Stand up straight with your pelvis slightly tucked (not swayback), feet shoulder’s width apart, knees soft, hands relaxed and at your sides.

If sitting: Sit up straight with your feet flat on the floor, hands relaxed and at your sides.

If lying down: Lie flat on the floor. If necessary, put a pillow under your knees to take pressure off of the lower back. Stretch your arms down by your side.

1. Push your shoulders down towards your feet.

2. Tuck your chin to your chest but don’t let your shoulders lift.

3. Slowly raise your chin, feeling the stretch along the front of your neck. Hold the position for 20 to 30 seconds.

4. Return your head to its normal, upright position for 30 seconds. Repeat the entire movement 5 to 7 times.

Stretch for Traps