Scared of Acupuncuture Needles?

Acupuncture, an ancient healing art originating from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has gained significant popularity in recent years for its holistic approach to health and wellness. However, for individuals who are scared of needles, the mere thought of acupuncture can evoke feelings of anxiety and fear. Despite this apprehension, it’s essential to understand that acupuncture offers a plethora of benefits that can outweigh the fear of needles. Let’s explore how acupuncture can be a valuable therapy even for those with needle phobia.

Scared of Needles Hurting

First and foremost, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the needles used in acupuncture are incredibly thin, about the diameter of a human hair. Unlike the hypodermic needles used for injections or blood draws, acupuncture needles are designed to be virtually painless when inserted correctly. Many people who are initially fearful of needles find that the sensation of acupuncture is far less uncomfortable than they anticipated.

One of the primary benefits of acupuncture is its ability to promote relaxation and stress relief. Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body, known as acupoints, which correspond to channels of energy flow. This stimulation helps to rebalance the body’s energy, or qi, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation. For individuals dealing with anxiety or stress, acupuncture can offer a natural and effective way to unwind and restore balance to both the body and mind.

Furthermore, acupuncture has been shown to alleviate a wide range of physical ailments and conditions. From chronic pain and headaches to digestive issues and insomnia, acupuncture can provide relief for numerous health concerns. By targeting specific acupoints related to the individual’s symptoms, acupuncture can help to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and stimulate the body’s natural healing processes.

Overcoming being Scared of Needles

For individuals with needle phobia, it’s essential to communicate openly with an acupuncturist about your concerns. A skilled practitioner will take the time to address your fears and ensure that you feel comfortable and supported throughout the treatment process. Many acupuncturists are trained in techniques to help ease anxiety, such as gentle insertion methods and providing a calming environment.

In addition to its physical benefits, acupuncture can also have profound effects on mental and emotional well-being. Research has shown that acupuncture can help to regulate neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine, which play a key role in mood regulation. By promoting a healthy balance of these neurotransmitters, acupuncture can help to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, improving overall mental health and emotional resilience.

Benefits of Acupuncture

Another advantage of acupuncture is its minimal side effects compared to conventional medications or treatments. While pharmaceutical drugs often come with a laundry list of potential side effects, acupuncture is a safe and natural therapy with minimal risk. This makes it an attractive option for individuals who may be wary of the potential risks associated with medications or invasive procedures.

Moreover, acupuncture is a highly customizable treatment that can be tailored to suit each individual’s unique needs. Whether you’re seeking relief from a specific health issue or simply looking to maintain overall wellness, an experienced acupuncturist can create a treatment plan that addresses your concerns and goals.

While the fear of needles may initially deter some individuals from trying acupuncture, the potential benefits of this ancient healing art are vast. From pain relief and stress reduction to improved mental and emotional well-being, acupuncture offers a holistic approach to health that can benefit people of all ages and backgrounds. 

By working with a skilled and compassionate acupuncturist, even those with needle phobia can experience the transformative effects of acupuncture and embark on a journey towards greater health and vitality.

To learn more about our clinic click here. To book an appointment, give us a call @ 780-455-2112.

5 Benefits of Graston Technique

Graston technique is a soft tissue mobilization technique that has been used for many years in physical therapy, chiropractic therapy, and sports rehabilitation. This technique involves the use of specialized tools to engage with the muscle and soft tissue to treat a range of conditions from chronic pain to post-surgical recovery. Here are five benefits that you can expect to experience when you undergo Graston technique therapy. 

1. Pain Relief with Graston Technique: 

This is one of the most effective methods for reducing acute or chronic pain, especially musculoskeletal pain. Whether you’ve developed overuse injuries, such as carpal tunnel or tendinitis, or have acute muscle strains or sprains, Graston technique can help. The positive force created by the instrument during the therapy breaks down scar tissue, reduces adhesions, and stimulates the body’s natural healing process, thereby reducing pain in the long run. 

2. Improved Range of Motion with Graston Technique: 

Another significant benefit of this technique is the improvement in range of motion. When you’re injured, or you have a chronic condition, you may find it difficult to move your joints freely. This is because joint mobility is limited by scar tissue and adhesions that form around joint capsules. Graston technique helps to break down these barriers, allowing your joints to move more freely, and with less pain. By improving joint mobility, you can return to your normal daily activities more easily. 

3. Faster Healing with Graston Technique: 

In addition to reducing pain and improving joint mobility, Graston technique also helps you to heal faster. The unique mechanical force used in this technique targets deeper muscle layers, enhancing blood flow and oxygen delivery to affected tissues. This boost in circulation accelerates the healing process by promoting the regeneration of tissues and cellular growth. 

4. Improved Athletic Performance:

This technique can help athletes improve their performance. This technique reduces inflammation and scar tissue that result from physical activity, which can otherwise affect the muscles’ long-term health. By undergoing Graston therapy, athletes can recover quicker and improve their overall performance. 

5. Versatile Therapy: 

Finally, Graston technique is an incredibly versatile therapy method that can be used to treat a wide range of conditions. It can be used to treat issues such as plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, knee pain, back pain, and other musculoskeletal disorders. 

Whether you’re an athlete with tendonitis or an office worker with neck or back pain, this technique can help identify any underlying structural or functional issues and provide effective treatments to address them.

Graston technique is a gentle, non-invasive, and effective soft tissue mobilization technique that can provide numerous benefits for those who have chronic or acute muscle and joint problems. It can help relieve pain, improve joint mobility, and accelerate natural healing. Graston therapy can also improve the overall function of your body, which can positively impact your daily life activities and athletic performance. Give us a call today @ 780-455-2112 to get started. Check out our office @ ocwc.ca. 

Manual Osteopathy for Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is a widespread issue that affects millions of individuals around the world. It can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, leading to physical discomfort, emotional distress, and limitations in daily activities. While there are several approaches to managing chronic pain. Manual osteopathy is gaining recognition for its potential in providing relief from long-term discomfort. In this blog, we will explore the numerous benefits of manual osteopathy in relieving chronic pain and improving overall well-being.

What is Manual Osteopathy

Manual osteopathy is a form of alternative medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders through hands-on techniques. It takes a holistic approach to pain management, addressing the underlying causes of chronic pain rather than simply treating the symptoms. The gentle manipulation and stretching techniques employed by manual osteopaths target the root causes of pain, aiming to restore the body’s natural balance and reduce discomfort.

Benefits of Manual Osteopathy

One of the significant benefits of manual osteopathy for chronic pain relief is its ability to provide personalized treatment. A manual osteopath takes the time to understand the patient’s medical history, lifestyle, and specific pain concerns, allowing for a customized treatment plan that addresses their unique needs. This personalized approach enables targeted and effective pain management, catering to the individual’s specific chronic pain issues.

Furthermore, manual osteopathy focuses on non-invasive techniques to alleviate chronic pain. Unlike some conventional medical treatments that may rely on medication or surgical procedures, manual osteopathy offers a natural and gentle approach to managing chronic pain. With its emphasis on using the body’s natural healing mechanisms, manual osteopathy provides a safe and holistic option for individuals seeking long-term relief from chronic pain.

In addition to its non-invasive nature, manual osteopathy can help enhance an individual’s overall well-being by improving their range of motion and flexibility. Chronic pain often leads to stiffness and limited mobility, impacting an individual’s ability to engage in daily activities. Manual osteopathy’s gentle manipulation and stretching techniques can help release muscular tension, improve flexibility, and promote better movement, thereby reducing the physical limitations caused by chronic pain.

Moreover, manual osteopathy’s whole-body approach to chronic pain management takes into account the interconnected nature of the body. By considering the impact of musculoskeletal imbalances, lifestyle, and environmental factors, manual osteopaths address the root causes of chronic pain, offering a comprehensive approach to managing discomfort.

What’s Next

Manual osteopathy offers numerous benefits for individuals suffering from chronic pain. Its personalized, non-invasive, and holistic approach provides a valuable alternative for long-term pain management.

If you are living with chronic pain and seeking a natural and effective method to alleviate your discomfort, consider consulting with a qualified manual osteopath to experience the benefits of this highly successful form of treatment. To book an appointment, give us a call @ 780-455-2112 to get started. To learn more click here.

Why Wearables Matter When Trying to Optimize Your Health & Wellness

Wearables like the Apple Watch offer so much potential for optimizing your health and wellness. And they just keep getting better and better. Not only can they help you track your exercises and diet, now they actually keep track of data that is extremely useful for hospitals and other medical care providers.

Reasons Wearables are Useful Tools for Health and Wellness

1. They remind you to consider your health.

After a trip to the doctor or seeing some weight gain, you may find yourself thinking about how you need to get your act together. But it usually only takes a few days for you to forget about those concerns – you can quickly fall back into your regular patterns. Wearables help keep your goals in front of you. Once you tell them what you want to accomplish, like taking a certain number of steps a day, they help you track your progress and encourage you to keep doing your best.

2. They can monitor important data about your health.

Different devices have different capabilities, but it is likely that as technology progresses more and more devices will become capable of monitoring any number of functions. For diabetics, there are sensors that can be inserted under the skin to constantly measure blood glucose levels. Apple recently announced that its watch will be capable of functioning like an electrocardiogram (ECG) which can monitor your heartbeat. Not only did they make the device capable of serving as an ECG, but they also gained clearance from the FDA so that they could detect A-fib or atrial fibrillation. That means it can help detect the signs of things like heart failure and blood clots.

Apple’s decision to get FDA clearance means that your Apple watch could be used by healthcare providers to check on your heart every time you came in for a check-up – or if you were unfortunate enough to arrive at the hospital in an emergency situation.

Wearables can also monitor your sleep, your breathing and even things like your running pace and VO2 max if you are training.

3. People already use them and like them.

A major challenge with health and wellness initiatives is that it is often very difficult to get people to participate. The longer you want them to participate – like trying to keep them healthy over a lifetime – the less likely they are to want to engage. But wearables do not suffer from this kind of problem. People love them and are going to use them anyway.

Since people are already strapping wearables on their wrists, and doing so with enthusiasm, it becomes a lot easier to encourage them to use their devices for health and wellness reasons. If you go into your doctor or chiropractor for a wellness exam and they tell you to add an app to your device for tracking and improving your health, you are more likely to do it than you would with many other recommendations.

4. Employers are jumping on board and providing incentives.

Many employers are excited by the potential of wearables to improve employee health which in turn leads to less sick days and lost productivity. That is why some are going so far as to pay for wearables or at least partially reimburse employees if they buy a wearable and engage in a health and wellness program. So you could potentially get help buying a wearable from your employer, making it even simpler to monitor and improve your health.

If you are not sure whether your employer has a program for wearable reimbursement, it never hurts to ask. You may be surprised at what you discover.

DETOXIFICATION WITH MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE

Manual Lymphatic drainage is a therapeutic technique that not only promotes relaxation but also has powerful detoxification effects on the body. This specialized hands-on technique focuses on stimulating the lymphatic system, which plays a vital role in eliminating toxins and waste from our bodies.

Detoxification System

The lymphatic system is responsible for carrying waste, toxins, and excess fluids away from the tissues and toward the bloodstream for elimination. However, unlike the circulatory system, the lymphatic system does not have a pump (like the heart) to move lymph fluid throughout the body. The flow of lymphatic fluid relies on muscle contractions, breathing, and external stimuli such as massage to keep it moving efficiently.

During a manual lymphatic drainage session, a trained therapist uses gentle, rhythmic strokes and light pressure to stimulate the lymphatic vessels and encourage the proper flow and drainage of lymph fluid. This stimulation helps to remove stagnant lymphatic fluid, allowing fresh, oxygenated fluid to enter the tissues. By doing so, manual lymphatic drainage aids in the elimination of toxins and waste, leading to a deep detoxification effect on the body.

Key detoxification benefits of manual lymphatic drainage:

1. Removal of toxins:

The gentle movements and pressure applied during manual lymphatic drainage stimulate the lymphatic vessels, promoting the effective removal of toxins and waste products from the tissues. This can help cleanse the body on a cellular level and support overall detoxification.

2. Improved digestion:

Manual lymphatic drainage can improve digestion by stimulating the lymphatic system, which plays a role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. By promoting healthy lymphatic flow, this hands on technique can help optimize digestion and reduce symptoms like bloating and constipation.

3. Reduced fluid retention:

Fluid retention, often characterized by swelling and puffiness in various parts of the body, can be a sign of a congested lymphatic system. Manual lymphatic drainage helps to eliminate excess fluid by improving lymphatic circulation and reducing fluid buildup in tissues.

4. Enhanced immune function:

The lymphatic system is a crucial component of our immune system, responsible for filtering and eliminating pathogens, toxins, and abnormal cells. By stimulating lymphatic flow, manual lymphatic drainage can strengthen the immune response and support the body’s natural detoxification processes.

5. Overall rejuvenation:

In addition to its detoxification effects, manual lymphatic drainage promotes relaxation and stress reduction. By reducing stress, the body is better equipped to detoxify and regenerate, improving overall vitality and well-being.

It’s important to note that while manual lymphatic drainage can be highly effective in promoting detoxification, it may not be suitable for everyone.

Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, congestive heart failure, renal disease, or active infections, should consult with a healthcare professional before undergoing lymphatic drainage massage.

Manual lymphatic drainag offers significant detoxification benefits by stimulating the lymphatic system and promoting the elimination of toxins and waste from the body. By improving lymphatic flow, this specialized hands on technique supports overall wellness, improves digestion, reduces fluid retention, boosts the immune system, and enhances our body’s natural detoxification processes. Incorporating manual lymphatic drainage into your wellness routine can be a valuable tool for achieving and maintaining optimal health.

To learn more about manual lymphatic drainage in our office click here. To book an appointment click here or call 780-455-2112

Lower Back Pain chiropractic benefits

How Chiropractic Can Improve Your Sleep

Most people know that a chiropractor can help with musculoskeletal problems, such as backaches and slipped discs, but many people do not realize that chiropractic can do much more. In fact, chiropractic can even improve your sleep.

Getting enough quality sleep each night is good for your health. Not getting enough sleep can increase your risk of developing obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other serious conditions, according to Harvard Medical School.

But what if you allow yourself plenty of time but still have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep?

Chiropractic can help you sleep. In fact, one-third of people who undergo chiropractic adjustment report sleeping better immediately, according to the National Sleep Foundation.

3 Ways Chiropractic Might Improve Your Sleep

1. Pain relief

Pain can prevent you from getting a decent night’s sleep, especially if you have chronic pain that lasts for three or more months. In fact, one study shows that 20 percent of people with chronic pain experience at least one symptom of insomnia, compared with only 7.4 percent of people without chronic pain. Chiropractic can alleviate pain associated with backaches, headaches, whiplash, migraines and more to help you get the sleep you need.

Chiropractic can also help you sleep by providing a drug-free approach to pain relief. Many prescription pain relievers, such as those containing morphine, oxycodone and opioids, can make you drowsy throughout the day. Daytime drowsiness might cause you to take naps throughout the day, which can interfere with your ability to sleep at night. The drug-free approach of chiropractic allows you to stay alert all day and sleep well at night.

Extensive research presented by the National Institutes of Health shows that chiropractic is as effective as other treatments, such as drugs, at relieving pain. Perhaps the best part of chiropractic is that the research shows that the pain relief lasts up to 18 months of treatment – which means you can remain pain-free without using drugs for a year and a half.

2. Relieves muscle tension and stress

Stress can prevent you from falling asleep or sleeping well. Stress can also cause uncomfortable muscle tension that interferes with sleep. The National Sleep Foundation lists muscle tension as one of the three signs that you are under too much stress to sleep. Tension and poor sleep can be a vicious cycle, as tension can cause poor sleep and poor sleep can cause tension.

Chiropractic often includes massage to melt away painful muscle spasms. These therapeutic massages are relaxing, which helps you unwind enough to fall asleep. Chiropractic also stimulates blood flow, which helps bring oxygen to your brain and other parts of your body.

Your chiropractor may also be able to suggest gentle exercises, stretches and relaxation techniques to help you relax tense muscles and quiet your stressed-out mind.

3. Suggested sleeping positions

Your chiropractor may offer suggestions on sleeping positions and other ideas about how you can sleep better. Your chiropractor may discourage you from sleeping on your stomach if you are having back pain, for example, or be able to recommend a particular pillow or mattress to help you sleep better at night.

For more information on how chiropractic can improve your sleep, talk with your chiropractor.  Check out our website @ ocwc.ca to learn more about our office. You may start sleeping better as soon as your first visit.

How to Take Care of Your Posture While Working From Home

More people are working from home than ever before. While there are definitely some advantages that come from such an arrangement, there are also some challenges. One of those challenges is maintaining good posture. Your workplace likely had a variety of measures in place to encourage good posture and reduce strain at your desk – but most people don’t have the same resources at home.

Here are a few ways you can help your posture and your overall health while working from home.

Working from Home? Simple Ways to Protect Your Posture

1. Stretching

There are numerous muscles and soft tissues supporting the spine – and your entire skeletal system, for that matter. Those muscles can become tight and tense as you spend time at your desk. If they become tight enough, they can pull your spine out of alignment and leave you feeling worse for wear. Fortunately, you can do some occasional stretches to help relieve some of the tension.

A quick search online will show you numerous stretches, but a few you can consider include:

  • Child’s Pose. Begin on hands and knees. Push your hips back over your calves and stretch your arms out in front of your body. Relax your head on the ground and take five to ten deep breaths.
  • Standing Forward Fold. Stand with feet hip-width apart. Bend your knees and exhale as you fold forward at the hips. Bend your elbows and grasp each elbow with a hand. Pull your shoulders up to lengthen your neck. Relax here and breathe deeply five to ten times.

2. Use a standup desk.

If you have one available or can construct one, a standup desk can do a lot to help you maintain good posture. Standing is not only good for your overall health, but it also makes it easier to keep your spine aligned. You already know how to stand straight, which is generally an improvement over the slouch that tends to develop at your desk.

If you don’t have access to a standing desk, at least get up every half hour or so and walk around for a few minutes. The walking and standing will help to reset your spinal alignment.

3. Eat a healthy diet.

It may seem weird to focus on your diet when considering postural correction, but you’d be surprised just how much of an impact your diet has on your spinal health. Proper nutrition – including plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins – is necessary to rebuild your joints as they wear down each day through use. It helps increase circulation as well. Your back will be healthier if you eat a nutritious diet.

4. Stay hydrated.

Here is another tip you might not have been expecting. Sufficient hydration is necessary to get nutrition to your discs and to keep them hydrated. They need to be hydrated to provide the cushioning necessary to protect your spine and keep you mobile. You can get hydration from most liquids, but your best bet is still water. Try to drink water regularly throughout the day to stay hydrated. You may find it easier to get your water in if you purchase a reusable water bottle and keep it with you as you go about your day to day tasks.

Contact Us to Learn More About Posture and Spinal Health

You deserve a healthy spine. We are here to help you get what you deserve. To learn more about our office check out our website here.  Call 780-455-2112 to contact our us to learn more about how we can help you with postural issues and other joint issues through chiropractic care. We look forward to hearing from you!

Lymphatic Drainage Therapy

Lymphatic Drainage Therapy is a specialized hand on technique that focuses on stimulating the lymphatic system. This system plays a vital role in maintaining our overall health and well-being by eliminating toxins, waste, and excess fluid from our bodies. 

Here we will learn what Lymphatic Drainage Therapy is, discuss its numerous benefits, and who should consider seeking this specialized hands on technique. 

How Does Lymphatic Drainage Therapy Work

Lymphatic Drainage Therapy is a gentle, rhythmic manual technique that involves specific hand movements to encourage the flow of lymphatic fluid throughout the body. The lymphatic system is a complex network of vessels and nodes that runs parallel to our circulatory system. Its primary function is to help remove toxins, bacteria, viruses, and other waste from our tissues into the bloodstream, where they are then eliminated from the body. 

During a Lymphatic Drainage Therapy session, a trained therapist applies light pressure and rhythmic strokes using their hands or specialized tools. The gentle movements aim to stimulate the lymphatic vessels and encourage the proper flow and drainage of the lymph fluid. This can have a profound effect on our overall health by boosting our immune system, promoting detoxification, and reducing fluid retention. 

Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Therapy: 

1. Detoxification: 

By stimulating the lymphatic system, Lymphatic Drainage Therapy helps facilitate the removal of toxins and waste products from the body. This can result in improved digestion, reduced water retention, and enhanced overall detoxification. 

2. Boosting the immune system: 

The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in our body’s defense mechanism by filtering harmful substances. By enhancing lymphatic flow, this manual technique can strengthen our immune response, making us more resilient to diseases and infections. 

3. Reducing inflammation:

Lymphatic Drainage Therapy can effectively reduce swelling and inflammation, making it an excellent therapeutic option for those dealing with conditions such as lymphedema, post-surgery swelling, or chronic pain. 

4. Relaxation and stress relief: 

The gentle strokes and rhythmic movements during Lymphatic Drainage Therapy sessions promote a deep sense of relaxation. This can help reduce stress, anxiety, and promote better sleep, leading to an improved overall well-being. 

5. Enhancing skin health: 

The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin by providing nutrients and oxygen to the tissues. By improving lymphatic flow, this massage technique can help nourish the skin, reduce puffiness, and improve the complexion. 

Now that we understand the many benefits of lymphatic drainage massage let’s explore who offers this specialized therapy. 

Who Benefits From Lymphatic Drainage Therapy

1. Individuals with Lymphatic Conditions: 

People who have been diagnosed with lymphatic conditions, such as lymphedema or chronic edema, can greatly benefit from Lymphatic Drainage Therapy. It helps reduce swelling, improves lymphatic flow, and promotes better management of these conditions. 

2. Those Recovering from Surgery or Injury: 

For individuals recovering from surgery or injury, Lymphatic Drainage Therapy can aid in reducing post-operative swelling, inflammation, and bruising. It supports the body’s natural healing process and may accelerate recovery. 

3. Individuals with Chronic Illness: 

Those who have chronic conditions, such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, or autoimmune diseases, may find relief through Lymphatic Drainage Therapy. It can help reduce pain, inflammation, and support overall well-being. 

4. Individuals with a Weakened Immune System: 

People with a weakened immune system due to illness or medical treatment may benefit from Lymphatic Drainage Therapy. It can stimulate lymphatic flow, promote detoxification, bolster the immune response, and improve overall health. 

5. Athletes and Fitness Enthusiasts: 

Lymphatic Drainage Therapy can be beneficial for individuals involved in sport or fitness activities. It aids in muscle recovery, reduces post-workout soreness, improves circulation, and helps prevent injuries by supporting the body’s natural healing processes. 

6. Individuals with Chronic Stress or Anxiety: 

Lymphatic Drainage Therapy offers relaxation and stress reduction benefits. It can help individuals dealing with chronic stress, anxiety, or sleep disorders by promoting relaxation, improving sleep quality, and reducing symptoms associated with stress. 

7. Individuals Seeking Detoxification:

For those interested in detoxifying their bodies, Lymphatic Drainage Therapy is an effective option. It promotes lymphatic flow, aids in the elimination of toxins, and supports overall detoxification processes. 

8. Overall Wellness and Self-Care: 

Even if you don’t have a specific condition, Lymphatic Drainage Therapy can still offer numerous benefits for overall wellness. It helps promote relaxation, reduce stress, enhance the immune system, and support optimal health.

What’s Next 

From promoting detoxification and immune system support to reducing inflammation and enhancing relaxation, this gentle massage therapy can positively impact our overall health and well-being. It’s important to note that certain medical conditions may require consultation with a healthcare professional before undergoing Lymphatic Drainage Therapy. 

Additionally, it is vital to seek a qualified and experienced therapist who specializes in lymphatic drainage techniques for the best results. To deliver Lymphatic Drainage Therapy (MLD) massage, practitioners typically undergo specialized training to gain a thorough understanding of the lymphatic system and the specific techniques involved.

Oliver Chiropractic Wellness Clinic is proud to offer this service. Cheryl C, RMT offers a wide variety of techniques to help improve and maintain your health and functioning. Lymphatic Drainage Therapy is one of the ways Cheryl helps you be your best. If you have a friend or family member who needs this information, please forward this article to them. 

To book an appointment in our office  call 780-455-2112 to get started.

High-Intensity Interval Training

How Chiropractic Keeps Spinal Joints Healthy

Healthy joints have obvious benefits, including aiding in movement, keeping you flexible and allowing you to stay active. The health of some of your joints is readily apparent—you only have to bend your knees, ankles, elbows or wrists to see how they are functioning at any given moment. But there are some joints in your body that are even more important, although you may not be as aware of them. The joints in your spine, where each vertebra connects to another, are vital to the normal, healthy function of your body. Without healthy spinal joints, you can expect pain and loss of mobility, among other unpleasant symptoms.

Fortunately, keeping your spinal joints healthy is made much easier with regular chiropractic care. Periodic visits to your chiropractor will help you keep your spine operating as well as it possibly can, year in and year out!

Ways that Chiropractic Aids Spinal Joint Health

1. Increasing circulation.

Stiffness in the spine can be caused by a variety of issues, including trauma and degenerative disc disease. While chiropractic cannot prevent the wear and tear that life often brings, it can do a lot to heal that damage. One way that adjustments aid in healing is by increasing circulation to your spinal discs and surrounding tissues. Increased circulation brings in healthy nutrients and removes undesirable material, making it possible for your spine to heal more thoroughly than without good circulation.

2. Reducing or eliminating pain.

Back pain can make living a normal life difficult if not impossible. Depending on the frequency and severity of the pain, you may find yourself unable to do many of the things you once enjoyed. Even if you do not lose mobility, back pain can distract and upset you every time it shows up.

The pain in your back can most likely be alleviated through chiropractic care. By returning your spine to proper alignment, your chiropractor can ease pressure on the nerves in your back and encourage muscles and other soft tissue to release. Over time spinal adjustments can greatly reduce or even eliminate back pain, which will help you stay active and improve the health of your spinal joints.

3. Increasing mobility.

Pain in your spine and/or neck is usually accompanied by a loss of mobility. Your muscles may seize up in an effort to protect your spine, which can make it impossible to move normally. Even if you are not suffering from muscle spasms, consistent back and neck pain can make you hesitant to move in ways that will trigger pain. Over time, the lack of movement can cause the body to stiffen and weaken. The longer this goes on, the less likely you are to get the physical activity you need to keep your joints mobile and your body strong.

Chiropractic adjustments are capable of breaking up the stiffness that holds you back. By returning your spine to proper alignment, circulation is increased, pain is decreased, muscles release and mobility returns. It can take time to get back to the way you want to be, but it is time well spent.

Joint Health Requires Consistency

The best way to keep your spinal joints healthy over the long-term is to make regular visits to your chiropractor while also maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen. Every individual is different, which is why it is important to get customized treatment from your chiropractor. By establishing a relationship with your chiropractor, you can ensure that you are always on the right track for spinal joint health.

Check out our website @ www.ocwc.ca. Or contact us today @ 780-952-2312 to schedule an appointment with our team.