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Why Truck Drivers Need Chiropractic

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Truck driving is a physically demanding job that places tremendous stress on the body. The long hours, repetitive motions, and constant vibrations from driving can lead to pain, reduced flexibility, and mobility issues in many areas, including the back, neck, hips, shoulders, and legs. Over time, these conditions can negatively impact truck drivers’ ability to perform their job and even affect their quality of life during downtime.

The Physical Toll of Truck Driving

Truck drivers spend extensive hours behind the wheel, often in static and awkward postures that strain muscles and joints. Additionally, tasks such as securing cargo, loading and unloading, and maneuvering large vehicles require repetitive movements and heavy lifting. Driving conditions, including road vibrations, uneven terrain, and extended sitting, add further strain on the body. Team drivers may experience added stress as they sleep on a moving vehicle, leading to impact trauma, especially around the shoulders, from constant vibrations and jolts.

While drivers face these physical demands daily, they often have limited opportunities to stretch and exercise, compounding the risk of structural problems like back, hip, knee, and shoulder pain. Medication, often prescribed for such pains, may have side effects that can impair driving performance and safety, making non-drug options essential.

Chiropractic Care: A Solution for Truck Drivers

Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive, drug-free option to manage pain, correct posture, and address structural imbalances that truck drivers commonly experience. Regular chiropractic visits can help truck drivers prevent injuries and manage emerging issues before they become chronic. Chiropractic care can also aid in aligning the spine, relieving tension, and improving mobility and flexibility, which are essential for drivers who spend most of their time in a seated position.

During an initial visit, chiropractors assess a driver’s specific needs, lifestyle, and movement patterns to create a tailored plan that may include exercises for stretching and mobility. Some exercises can be done on the road or in the truck, helping to minimize the cumulative effects of driving.

With more truck stops now offering chiropractic and other medical services, drivers have increased access to care while on the road. Despite the convenience of these services, it’s crucial for drivers to maintain a regular chiropractor back home to ensure ongoing wellness and prevent issues from worsening. Chiropractic care not only helps truck drivers manage pain but also keeps them healthier and more comfortable, allowing them to stay focused, safe, and productive on the road.

To learn more about our clinic click here.

Cause of Low Back Pain?

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What’s The Cause of Low Back Pain?

Low back pain is the number one reason people worldwide visit their doctor and miss work. If you’ve dealt with it in the past (or maybe even right now), you know back pain can change your life in an instant. Not being able to enjoy hobbies, difficulty in your ability to work, and a sneaking suspicion that you may never get “back to normal” are all normal when you’re experiencing a bout of back pain. What is the cause of low back pain and why do so many people struggle with back pain?

Why it Matters:

In many cases, your daily habits are a big contributor to your back pain. Repetitive stress, nagging injuries, a diet filled with inflammatory foods, and a lack of daily exercise and movement can contribute to an increased likelihood of back pain. Here are the three most common causes of back pain.

  • Sprain/Strain Injury: Repetitive stress can create inflammation and lead to sprain/strain injuries.
  • Spinal Disc Issues: Disc bulges and herniations can cause back pain that travels by pressing on your spinal nerves.
  • Arthritis: As you get older, your body will go through degenerative changes, but if your spinal joints get inflamed, you may notice pain associated with arthritis.

For over 80% of us, back pain will be something we deal with at some point in our lives. And while it may feel like you’ll never get back to your old self, chances are you will. An overwhelming majority of people recover from back pain naturally or with a little additional help from a chiropractor. Even if you recover by taking it easy for a few days, it’s still a smart decision to visit a chiropractor to discover the specific steps you can take to reduce your chances of experiencing back pain in the future.

How to Move Your Way to Back Pain Relief

Movement is one of the best ways to recover from back pain. Science has shown us that medications and rest are a few of the least effective ways to find relief. Your body is designed to move, and often it’s a lack of daily movement (or chronic postural changes) that cause low back pain to begin in the first place.

Discovering the right movements and exercises can help you recover more quickly and prevent future back pain episodes.

Why it Matters:

Your body has three types of movements: Segmental, regional, and whole body. Segmental motion occurs between the individual joints of your body. Regional movement occurs in a body region such as your neck, mid-back, or low back. And whole-body movement is typically what we think of as exercise. All three types are essential and work together to keep your spine and musculoskeletal system healthy and functioning at its best.

  • Segmental Movement: Moving the individual joints of your body is what chiropractors are specifically trained to do. Proper segmental movement can help reduce pain, improve your range of motion, and influence your central nervous system.
  • Regional Movement: Dynamic stretching with regional range of motion exercises can reduce low back stiffness.
  • Whole Body Exercise: Daily whole-body exercise can help your brain and body feel better as well as improve your rest and recovery at night.

The foundation of all movement is segmental. If your joints aren’t moving correctly, then you’ll never be able to optimize your regional or whole-body movement. Moving may be the last thing you want to do if you’re struggling with back pain. But top research organizations have proven that proper movement and exercise are two of the best ways to find relief from back pain. If you’ve dealt with back pain, call us today. Our team will be happy to provide you with a complete movement assessment and personalized movement and exercise plan to help you get (and stay) well for years to come.

Is My Leg Pain Coming from My Back?

It may seem weird to think that leg, calf, or foot pain can often be traced back to a low back problem. But if you’ve had pain in your leg or foot, a pinched nerve in your low back may be creating your issue. Pain that travels along a spinal nerve is called radicular pain, and it’s one of the most common types of pain that occurs as a result of spinal nerve compression.

Why it Matters:

Your spinal nerves can be pinched or compressed by bone, disc, or ligament. Facet hypertrophy or bone spurs sometimes grow large enough to pinch your spinal nerves. Disc herniations or bulges can invade the space of your nerves and cause narrowing of the canals. And ligament hypertrophy can happen with age and injuries and ultimately cause your nerves to get squeezed. Whether your pain is coming from bone, disc, or ligament, it’s important to know that all have a great chance of recovery without the need for drugs or surgery.

  • Bone Spurs – bone spurs or osteophytes form due to joint damage associated with osteoarthritis.
  • Disc Herniations – disc bulges, herniations, or tears can cause inflammation and pressure on your spinal nerves.
  • Ligament Hypertrophy – ligamentum flavum hypertrophy or overgrowth happens due to biomechanical stress and aging.

Leg pain that begins in your low back can start with an injury or for what seems like no reason at all. Either way, your body is telling you to Pay Attention Inside Now! Every day our practice helps people regain their quality of life from compressed nerves. Reducing inflammation, establishing proper motion to your joints, and taking proactive steps to reduce the likelihood of the pain coming back are all part of our care plans. If you’ve felt leg pain- give us a call today.

Why Medications Aren’t Recommended for Low Back Pain

A staggering 100,000 people each year are hospitalized due to NSAIDs. Just because these medications can be purchased over the counter doesn’t mean that they don’t have risks and dangers. Leading healthcare organizations have taken note and now recommend that movement-based care options, such as chiropractic, are explored for most low back issues before any medications. The added benefit is that most people who explore chiropractic care take far fewer medications than those who don’t. Why?

Because it works.

Why it Matters:

Over the past twenty years, we’ve seen the effects of low back pain change our healthcare landscape forever. The numbers of people with low back pain have remained the same even as we’ve lost millions to the opioid epidemic and hundreds of thousands more due to complications from NSAIDs. The good news is that major healthcare organizations have updated their guidelines, and the care that chiropractors deliver ranks at the top of nearly every list.

  • Over 100,000 people are hospitalized each year from NSAID related complications.
  • Each day, over 100 people pass away due to Opioid overdoses.
  • Leading healthcare organizations now recommend the care delivered by chiropractors as the best first-line treatment for low back pain.

Medications are designed to mask the pain, not fix the problem. Receiving a complete and comprehensive evaluation is the first step towards finding relief. After discovering the cause of your pain, we can work together to craft a care plan that will help you reach your health goals. If you know someone struggling with low back pain, call us today or check out our office @ ocwc.ca.

Science Sources:

Mayo Clinic. Back Pain Symptoms and Causes. 2023.

Harvard Health Publishing. 5 Steps to a Pain-Free Back. 2016. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Radiculopathy. 2023.Noninvasive Treatments for Low Back Pain. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2017.

The 4 Stages of Degenerative Disc Disease

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Degenerative disc disease is a condition marked by the gradual deterioration of the spinal discs, leading to pain and discomfort. While disc degeneration is a natural part of aging, not everyone experiences pain or severe symptoms. Chiropractic care can be an effective, non-invasive approach to managing this condition, offering relief at any stage of its progression.

The 4 Stages of Degenerative Disc Disease

The spine consists of vertebrae cushioned by discs that provide flexibility and support. Over time, or due to injury, these discs can deteriorate, leading to friction, nerve compression, and pain. Below are the four stages of degenerative disc disease, each with its own symptoms and challenges.

Stage 1

In the early stage, individuals may not experience noticeable symptoms. However, subtle changes such as a loss of the natural curvature of the spine can indicate the start of disc degeneration. Even without pain, extra pressure on the spine accelerates wear on the joints, nerves, and vertebrae.

Stage 2

By stage two, disc thinning and bone deformities like bone spurs become more apparent. As the spine’s curvature shifts further, the spinal canal narrows, leading to pain and discomfort that are often noticeable at this stage.

Stage 3

Stage three is marked by pronounced changes in spinal posture and increased pain. Mobility is typically limited, and nerve damage may occur as scar tissue forms. The discs continue to thin, which can worsen bone deformation and lead to chronic pain.

Stage 4

The final stage is the most advanced and is generally irreversible. The discs are extremely thin or may have disappeared altogether. The spine loses most of its flexibility, and pain can be significant. Nerve damage can be severe, and, in some cases, the bones may start to fuse together.

How Chiropractic Can Help with Degenerative Disc Disease

Chiropractic care offers a gentle, non-invasive approach to treating degenerative disc disease. By addressing spinal alignment and relieving pressure on the nerves, chiropractic treatments can help slow the progression of the disease and alleviate pain, even in advanced stages.

Chiropractic Adjustments

Regular adjustments help restore proper alignment, reducing stress on the spine and potentially slowing the disc degradation process. This treatment can provide significant relief and prevent further complications.

Spinal Decompression

Spinal decompression therapy creates space between vertebrae, promoting blood flow and healing. This technique is particularly beneficial when combined with chiropractic adjustments, as it addresses both alignment and decompression.

Take Action Against Degenerative Disc Disease

The sooner you seek treatment for degenerative disc disease, the better your chances for managing symptoms and preventing further progression. To learn more about our clinic click here. Contact our chiropractic team today @ 780-455-2112 to start your journey to a healthier, pain-free life.

Text Neck Killing Your Posture

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The Hidden Weight of Your Head: How Texting Can Harm Your Neck and Posture

The average human head weighs around 10 pounds—a substantial weight when supported by your neck, especially in forward-angled positions like looking down at your phone. This posture can lead to what’s now known as “Text Neck,” a condition increasingly seen across all age groups.

How Your Phone Impacts Your Posture

Our bodies are designed to support the head’s weight when we maintain an upright posture. However, every inch your head tilts forward doubles the pressure on your spine, putting an extra 10 to 20 pounds of strain on your neck. With people spending hours daily on their phones, this pressure compounds, stressing the muscles and tissues in your neck. This strain can lead to discomfort and even long-term pain if ignored.

According to the Washington Post, bending your head down to look at your phone is like holding your finger back as far as it can go for an hour each day. Over time, this stress can lead to serious complications.

Potential Injuries from Text Neck

The strain caused by Text Neck can lead to a range of mild to severe injuries, including:

  • Sore muscles
  • Inflamed tissues
  • Pinched nerves
  • Herniated discs
  • Loss of the natural curve of the neck

These injuries may cause ongoing pain and discomfort and can lead to additional health issues, including chronic neck and back pain.

Preventing Text Neck

While giving up smartphone use isn’t practical, here are steps you can take to protect yourself:

  • Use Your Eyes, Not Your Neck: Instead of tilting your head, practice using your eyes to look down. While this may not work in every situation, it can significantly reduce strain on your neck.
  • Strengthen Your Neck & Shoulder Muscles: Doing exercises to strengthen these muscles can provide better support for your head, reducing stress on the neck.
  • Mind Your Head Position: Awareness is key. Practice holding your head upright while using your phone, and try to catch yourself whenever you deviate from good posture.

Relief for Neck Pain

If you’re experiencing neck pain due to Text Neck or other injuries, chiropractic care can help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and find relief!

Car Accidents in Edmonton: Everything You Need to Know

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Whiplash: The Symptoms You Need to Know

Whiplash is an injury that occurs when your body is suddenly forced backward and forward. It’s the most common injury that happens during car accidents in Edmonton, and it’s one of the leading causes of chronic neck and back pain. While a little fender bender may not seem like a big deal, new research has shown that even small accidents can result in significant injuries.

The violent forces that occur during an auto accident can cause damage to your spinal discs, ligaments, tendons, and bones-even at “low” speeds. Most of these injuries happen because your head is whipped backward and forward very quickly. This rapid back and forth motion frequently results in ligament tearing and spinal disc injuries. Symptoms such as neck pain, back pain, headaches, confusion, and even depression indicate that you’ve suffered a whiplash injury. Because of a spike in adrenaline at the time of the accident, you may not immediately notice any immediate pain. For many people, these symptoms may take hours or even a few days to develop after the initial shock of the car accident wears off.

  • Whiplash is an acceleration-deceleration injury that can affect your ligaments, spinal discs, muscles, and facet joints.
  • There is often a period of little to no pain before the symptoms become worse.
  • Symptoms of whiplash include neck or back pain, headache, radiating pain, confusion, and difficulty sleeping.

It’s smart to get a complete evaluation after car accidents in Edmonton to minimize your risk of long-term pain. Getting the right care at the right time can make a big difference in your ability to heal quickly and avoid long-term chronic pain. Remember, even small accidents can cause injuries, so if you’ve been involved in an auto accident, be sure to reach out to our office as soon as possible so we can help you get on the relief road. How Long Does Whiplash Last?

Symptoms of whiplash include neck pain, back pain, headaches, dizziness, or confusion—none of these sound like a good time. So if you’ve been involved in a car accident, you may be wondering how long these symptoms are going to last. The good news is that with a proper evaluation and early treatment, you have a high likelihood of getting well within a matter of weeks.

Why it Matters:

One of the most common injuries associated with whiplash is ligament tearing. Ligaments are short, tough bands of connective tissue that hold together the bones in your neck and joints of your body. If these liga- ments are torn, it can cause neck pain. The average time it takes a ligament to heal is about six weeks with the proper care and treatment. If you notice symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or memory issues, you may have suffered a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). A majority of people with a mild TBI recover within three months.

  • Whiplash injuries frequently cause tearing of the ligaments that support proper spinal motion and stability.
  • The acute inflammatory phase of injury last up to 72 hours, the repair phase takes up to 6 weeks, and the remodeling phase of healing can last up to a year.
  • A non healed ligament injury can result in osteoarthritis.

After car accidents in Edmonton, the most important step you can take is to receive a full evaluation. Only after a complete evaluation will you be able to know what type of injuries you’ve sustained, and most importantly- how to get well. You would be surprised at how many people shrug off a “small” accident and push their symptoms aside. While that may save you a little time today, it’s likely to result in much more pain down the road.

Shoulder Pain After a Car Accident: What does it mean?

You may be surprised to learn that shoulder injuries are some of the most common challenges after a car accident, in addition to whiplash. If you are the driver and have your hands on the wheels at the time of the crash, the sudden force created by the accident can lead to a torn rotator cuff. Your shoulder is one of the most complex parts of your body and is made up of a collection of bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles.

Why it Matters:

The rotator cuff is a ball and socket joint made up of three bones: your arm bone (the humerus), your shoul- der blade (the scapula), and your collarbone (the clavicle). The supporting muscles, ligaments, and tendons are designed to help you lift and rotate your arm. Your shoulder is one of the most dynamic and unstable joints in your body. It’s hard to ignore a torn rotator cuff because…it hurts! Signs of a tear include shoulder pain when lifting your arm, weakness, pain when lying down, or a limited range of motion.

  • Shoulder impingement has been estimated to occur in up to 10% of people involved in car accidents.
  • The shoulder is one of the most complex, dynamic, and unstable joints in the body, with a complex network of bones, ligaments, and muscles.
  • The risk of neck or shoulder pain seven years after a collision was three times higher for patients with initial whiplash injuries than those without.

Ignoring a shoulder injury after car accidents in Edmonton is not a good idea. Your shoulder is designed to move, and if you try to “let it heal” by not moving it, then you’re putting yourself at risk for a frozen shoulder. Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is when your shoulder develops adhesions due to lack of movement. This can result in severe pain that takes months to heal. If you have shoulder pain after an accident, time is of the essence! Our team is here and can provide a complete evaluation and treatment plan for you to get moving safely and heal quickly.

Finding Relief After a Car Accident in Edmonton

Screech. Bam. Uh-oh. You’ve been involved in a car accident. Your day has been thrown upside down, and a million thoughts are racing through your head. If you don’t feel immediate pain, you may be tempted to think you don’t have a problem. But waiting too long to seek care has been shown to increase the chances that you’ll need more aggressive interventions. Taking the right action steps as quickly as possible after a car accident can make a huge difference in your overall health and healing. With the stress of an accident, calling the insurance company, getting a car repaired, etc., it’s not uncommon for people to make the mistake of putting their health and wellbeing last on the to-do list.

Why it Matters:

The problem is that the longer you wait to get evaluated and receive care, the higher your likelihood becomes of needing more aggressive medical care. Without a proper diagnosis and treatment, your body may begin to “heal” with more scar tissue than necessary. You may also try to live “around” your injuries, which can cause additional stress and compensation on other parts of your body and lead to additional injuries. Research has shown that active care involving range of motion, mobilizing exercises, and strengthening can effectively reduce pain. To give yourself the best chance to find relief without the

need for drugs or surgery, we recommend three simple steps. The three steps to finding relief after car accidents in Edmonton:

  1. Get an evaluation: A full evaluation can provide you with an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
  2. Begin receiving care: After reducing inflammation, movement-based techniques are often recommended to help you regain your quality of life.
  3. Stay consistent: Getting well is a process. Stay consistent with your care to heal as quickly as possible.

Next Steps:

There’s no way around it- auto accidents aren’t fun. But with the right healthcare team, most people can get back to their full life and activities without the need for drugs or surgery. The key is to follow the three steps of evaluation, care, and consistency. While it seems simple, following the three steps will give you the best chance to get well quickly and stay well for years to come.

Looking for care following a car accident. Check out ocwc.ca for more info on our clinic.

Science Sources:

The Association Between a Motor Vehicle Collision and Future Neck Pain. Eur Spine J. 2010. Whiplash. WebMD. 2021.

The Treatment of Neck Pain and Whiplash-Associated Disorders. JMPT. 2016. The Impact of Musculoskeletal Injuries Sustained in Traffic Crashes. BMC. 2018.

Say Goodbye to Your Stiff Neck: Simple Solutions That Work

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The Bottom Line

Around 20% of people experience neck discomfort daily

That nagging, stiff neck?

It’s often a sign that your daily habits are taking a toll on your muscles and joints.

Between working at a desk, scrolling on phones, and binge-watching shows, most of us spend hours in positions that strain our necks.

When your neck muscles don’t get the support they need, the extra stress shifts to your spine—altering movement, increasing tension, and, over time, leading to persistent pain.

The symptoms can vary widely.


Why it Matters

A stiff neck doesn’t just appear out of nowhere—it’s often the result of muscle fatigue and joint restrictions caused by prolonged poor posture.

That added strain can make it harder for your neck to move freely, leading to discomfort when you turn your head or even just wake up in the morning.

So, if you’re wondering how to find stiff neck relief, try these three simple strategies.

3 Simple Strategies to Relieve a Stiff Neck


1) Stretch and strengthen daily.

Gentle range-of-motion exercises help keep your neck flexible and strong, reducing stiffness.

2) Upgrade your pillow.

A supportive pillow that fits your sleeping style can help maintain a neutral spine position overnight.

3) Prioritize movement.

Chiropractic adjustments can improve neck mobility and ensure your spinal joints are functioning as they should.


Next Steps

Small, consistent changes can make a world of difference when it comes to finding lasting relief from neck stiffness—and we’re here to help!

Our team focuses on more than just adjustments.

We provide tailored exercises and lifestyle recommendations to help you keep moving and feeling great between visits.

If neck pain has been slowing you down and you’re looking for natural neck pain solutions in Edmonton schedule an appointment today.

You’ll be glad you did!


Science Sources:

How to Get Rid of a Stiff Neck. Cleveland Clinic. 2021.
The Epidemiology of Neck Pain. Physiopedia. 2025.

How Prolonged Sitting Destroys Your Health & How To Fix It

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A recent study conducted by an associate research scientist at Columbia has found that prolonged sitting destroys your health. Sitting for long periods is associated with early death – upsetting news for the millions of Americans who spend extensive time sitting as they work and as they relax after work. Even regular exercise failed to significantly reduce the risks associated with prolonged sitting.

Fortunately, there are things you can do to minimize the time you spend sitting. Experts recommend taking a movement break every 30 minutes to protect your health.

The Study

The study used hip-mounted accelerometers to measure how much time study participants – nearly 8,000 individuals – spent in sedentary positions. Over four years researchers tracked participants and recorded the number of deaths among participants. The study found that increased sedentary time lead to an increased risk of death from any cause. The risk of death went up regardless of how old the participants were or how often they exercised.

The study found that participants who sat less than 30 minutes had a 55% lower risk of death in comparison to participants who sat for longer periods of time.

Why Does Sitting Destroy Your Health?

Finding out that sitting for extended periods so greatly increases your risk of death is startling for many people. The next question is, “Why?” Unfortunately, the exact reasons are far from clear. The study was not meant to uncover the reasons why, so there is limited information to explain what occurs in the body to increase the risk of death. It will take further studies to provide an answer.

Ways to Protect Your Health

Although the exact reasons why sitting increases the risk of mortality are not yet clear, the recommendation to take a break from sitting every 30 minutes does offer an actionable step to protect your health. There are several other ways you can limit your sitting, including:

Standing Desks

There are a number of different desks designed to be used from a standing position, including stationary standing desks and sit to stand desks – both manually operated and motorized. Standing desks allow you to work exactly as you would at a sitting desk, only while standing. They take some getting used to, but most people who try them out find that they are an easy way to minimize time spent sitting.

When you purchase a standing or sit to stand desk, it may take some time to build up your stamina to use the desk for extended periods of time. Try standing for short periods, then sitting, then standing again to avoid excessive fatigue.

Activity Apps

A number of apps are available to help you track your activity and make gradual lifestyle adjustments to increase your activity levels. Apple’s Health app includes an Activity monitor and coach that collects data from your iPhone, Apple Watch and third-party apps to let you know how much you are moving, and to remind you to move more. You can set reminders on your app to tell you to move – such as every 30 minutes – as a way to ensure you avoid sitting for prolonged periods of time.

Timers

The simplest way to avoid sitting for more than 30 minutes is to set a timer on your phone, or use a separate timer, to go off after 30 minutes of sitting. Once the timer goes off, engage in brisk walking or some other activity to get your heart rate up for five minutes. Then you can go back to sitting – after you set your timer again.

Helping You Stay as Healthy as Possible

Our chiropractic team is dedicated to helping you enjoy a long and healthy life. Please contact us to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive exam and targeted health advice from an experienced chiropractor. To learn more about our clinic and chiropractors click here.

What Chiropractic Patients Want to Know About TMJ Disorders

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Asking questions is the best way to learn, of course, and chiropractic patients often ask questions about some of the health issues they face. Some chiropractic patients are curious about back problems, for example, because chiropractors are well known for being extremely knowledgeable when it comes to spine health and the musculoskeletal system. A few chiropractic patients want to know about TMJ disorders.

Chiropractic Patients Most Frequently Asked Questions about TMJ Disorders

What is a TMJ disorder?

A TMJ disorder affects the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is the joint where the jawbone connects to the head, just in front of the ear. The bones and muscles of the TMJ allow the jaw to move up and down, and side to side, enabling a person to talk, chew and yawn.

TMJ disorders (TMDs) can cause pain in the jaw joint and in the muscles that control the movement of the jaw.

How common are TMJ problems?

About 12 percent of the population experiences symptoms of TMJ at any given time, according to the TMJ Association.

What causes TMJ disorders?

There are several known causes of TMJ disorders, including:

  • Trauma to the jaw or temporomandibular joint
  • Infections
  • Dental procedures, especially those that require the mouth be open for a long time
  • Insertion of a breathing tube prior to surgery
  • Arthritis
  • Misalignments of the jaw

Grinding teeth, known as bruxism, may cause TMJ disorders but not everyone who grinds their teeth develops a TMD.

Medical professionals may not be able to determine the underlying cause of TMJ disorders in many cases but chiropractors can treat TMJ disorders even if the cause cannot be determined.

What are the symptoms of TMJ disorder?

Many people with TMD describe their symptoms as a dull, aching pain that comes and goes in their jaw joint and in nearby areas. Some people with TMJ disorders do not experience pain, but have trouble moving their jaws.

Other common symptoms of TMJ disorders include:

  • Pain or stiffness in the jaw muscles
  • Chronic headaches
  • Neck, shoulder pain
  • Clicking, popping or grating of the jaw joint when the individual opens or closes his or her mouth
  • Limited movement of the jaw
  • “Locking” of the jaw
  • Tinnitus, which includes ear pain, fullness, pressure and ringing in the ears
  • Dizziness, vision problems
  • A bite that feels “off” when the person closes his or her mouth

What is the treatment for TMJ disorders?

The best way to treat TMJ disorders is to eat soft foods, ice the affected area with ice packs to ease pain and try to avoid extreme jaw movements, such as chewing gum or yawning.

Can a chiropractor treat TMJ disorders?

Yes, chiropractic safely and effective treats TMJ disorders. A chiropractor will perform a full evaluation of the patient’s temporomandibular joint and surrounding bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments to assess the full scope of the TMJ problem and determine its underlying causes. The chiropractor can then suggest a range of treatment that can include stretches and exercises that alleviate pain and melt stiffness in the jaw joint. The chiropractor can also detect and address any misalignments that may be contributing to TMJ pain.

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

Bulging Disc vs. Herniated Disc: What’s the Difference? Can Chiropractic Help?

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Discs are the cushioning in your spine that act as shock absorbers and prevent vertebrae from rubbing together. Discs consist of cartilage. The outer layer is tough cartilage, while the interior of discs is softer. Your vertebral discs wear out over time. Injuries can cause a disc to bulge or become herniated. The cartilage can become stiff and dehydrated, giving you less cushion and shrinking the space between your vertebrae. If the space between vertebrae narrows, you might experience pain, stiffness or poor range of motion in the area.

When You Have a Bulging Disc

A bulging disc occurs when the outer layer of your disc becomes compressed, and the disc becomes more flattened. The whole structure doesn’t have to be impacted, but the bulge tends to be fairly even throughout the disc. While damage can occur if you have a bulging disc, decompression strategies to open up the area with chiropractic care can reduce pain and inflammation in the area.

Understanding a Herniated Disc

Herniated discs are different from a bulging disc. When you have a herniated disc, there is damage to the tough outer layer of cartilage and the inner layer is protruding out from the tear. Your doctor might also call a herniated disc a ruptured or slipped disc. It means you have damage to the outer layer of your disc, and you are more likely to experience pain. Herniated discs tend to reach nerve endings more readily than bulging discs, resulting in nerve pain that can be difficult to treat.

Chiropractic Assessments For Disc Problems

Chiropractic care looks at the overall function of your spine to determine what can be done about areas that are out of alignment. You can find pain relief by working with a chiropractor, but it’s important to work with your chiropractor on a consistent basis. Chiropractic treatment begins with a careful assessment of what is going on in your spine to cause pain, stiffness or inflammation.  Your chiropractor will want to look at any imaging that has been done on your spine to see what your discs look like. Once problem areas are identified, your chiropractor creates a treatment plan to address these areas.

Treatment for Bulging and Herniated Discs

If you are in pain , chiropractic treatment can ease some pressure on your disc. Decompression strategies such as stretching and traction are used to open up the space between your vertebrae. You will be taught strengthening exercises to keep your spine in alignment. You might find relief after one appointment, but it is important to keep seeking care from your chiropractor when you are trying to get help for a bulging or herniated disc.

Chiropractic care is a safe, holistic way to treat pain, stiffness and swelling. If you have been told that surgery is your only option, it’s time to seek the services of a chiropractor first. You might discover that you can decrease your pain and begin moving about easier again. Some people are able to prolong their need for surgery, while others avoid surgery completely.’

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!

Lower Back Pain chiropractic benefits

How Chiropractic Can Improve Your Sleep

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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.