How Chiropractic Helps Alleviate Back Pain In Pregnant Woman

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Pregnancy is an exciting time. As you prepare for your baby to arrive you may get caught up in the excitement. At first you may not notice the twinges of pain now and then as your body goes through the incredible changes of pregnancy. However, the further along you get, the harder it is to ignore that nagging lower back pain. That pain can make you tired and make it hard to take care of the things you need to handle to get ready for the big day. Chiropractic can help relieve that pain and increase your mobility. It can make all the difference and help ensure that this very special time is pain free.

What causes lower back pain in pregnancy?

It is believed that between 50 and 70 percent of pregnant women get lower back pain. There are several reasons why a woman may experience back pain. As the woman’s girth increases, her weight is thrust toward the front. This can pull her spine forward, putting additional stress on the spine. The more weight she gains, the more her center of gravity is thrust forward and the more her spine is pulled out of alignment.

Hormones can also play a significant part in the pain. One of the many changes that occur in a pregnant woman’s body is an increase in the production of a hormone called Relaxin. The job of this hormone is to “relax” the ligaments or soften them. This allows the pelvis to spread so that the baby can be born. However, while the body is making these positive and necessary preparations, it can also allow bones to shift or move in directions that they shouldn’t. The result is an impingement or compression on the nerves exiting the spinal canal, causing the tissues in the area to become irritated and inflamed.

Another effect of the increased production of relaxin is that it can lead to intrauterine constraint. This condition causes the pelvic bones to become misaligned which obstructs the baby’s natural movement in utero while it develops. This can keep the baby from moving into the birthing position with the head down. As the bones move out of their natural place, it can stress, pull, and twist the attached ligaments. The baby doesn’t have as much space as it should so it can’t move like a normal fetus can. This can also cause breech births. Stress, poor posture, and overexertion can also cause pregnancy back pain.

Why is pregnancy low back pain so difficult to treat and what treatments are available?

Medications given to the mother will cross over the placenta delivering a dose of the medication to the baby. Because of this, pain medications are generally off limits for pregnant women. In order to protect the baby, natural pain control is preferred. This makes chiropractic a preferred treatment for pregnancy low back pain. The chiropractor may perform a spinal subluxation to bring the spine back into alignment and the body back onto balance.

He or she may also make some recommendations to help the woman manage her pain on her own, including improving her posture, stretching, and special exercises. Other recommendations may include:

  • Not wearing high heels. They put strain on the back when a woman isn’t pregnant. On a pregnant body, the strain is even worse.
  • Avoid bending over to pick up things, but instead, squat – or ask for help.
  • Sleeping on the left side and use pillows under the belly to support it as well as a pillow between her legs.
  • Rest, lots of rest and elevating her feet.

Regular chiropractic care and following the doctor’s instructions can help greatly decrease low back pain for the mom to be so that she can better enjoy the excitement and joy of her pregnancy. Chiropractors in our office have helped many women fell comfortable during their pregancies. You can check out our clinic @ www.ocwc.ca. To book an appointment, give us a call @ 780-455-2112 to get started.

Walking

3 Health Benefits Walking Provides To Your Spine

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You hear a lot of people talk about the benefits of walking, but may not know how it applies to you. If you have back pain, walking regularly can be exceptionally helpful by providing the spine with added support and increased blood flow. These three spinal health benefits of walking should be enough to convince you.

Walking Aids in Rehydrating Your Spinal Discs

Gravity is not your friend. Well, not when it comes to your back. From the time you get out of bed until you lay down again at the end of the day, the pressure of gravity compresses your spine. When your spine is compressed that means your spinal discs are too. These fluid filled discs provide cushion for your vertebrae, but the constant compression that occurs throughout the day due to normal activity squeezes out the fluid out of them.

Dehydrated discs can cause back pain and structural problems. That is why restful sleep and staying hydrated are extremely important for spinal health.

Walking is also important because it increases circulation throughout your body, including your spine. This increased blood flow helps to rehydrate your discs which improves your spinal health. It also helps keep your spine younger, staving off the effects of the aging process.

Walking Relieves Back Pain and Reduces Stress to the Spine

Walking provides a great low impact aerobic workout. It increases blood flow which helps improve mobility, flexibility, and range of motion. When you incorporate stretching, you can reap even more of the benefits of a healthy spine.

The human body is made to move. When you don’t move or are sedentary, your muscles become stiff and inflexible. Moving prevents that, but even if you are experiencing some stiffness walking, stretching, and movement can help you regain that flexibility.

You will also find that walking regularly also helps with stress relief. Lower back pain is a very common stress symptom but walking combats it effects by encouraging the release of dopamine.

When you are stressed, your pain sensitivity is increased. You feel pain more acutely and it is more difficult to manage. By reducing your stress level, you also make your pain more manageable but at the same time, minimize lower back pain.

Walking Improves Posture

When you don’t use your muscles, they become weak and inflexible – and are not able to do their intended job. The muscles of the back are designed to provide support to the spine. When they are not used they can atrophy and weaken, resulting in stooped or other improper posture.

Poor posture causes back pain by putting more pressure on the spine. This can lead to pain, soreness, tension, and headaches. Without the necessary support, it can also lead to misalignment of the spine which can cause a number of problems.

Walking strengthens the supporting muscle groups so that your back muscles get stronger. Your spine gets the structural support that it needs. As your back muscles get stronger your body will naturally begin to adopt a correct posture. The benefits of good posture include improved organ function, reduced pain, less fatigue, and easier breathing.

Walking is good for your whole body as well as your mind. When you walk to reduce back pain you are also doing great things for your body. If you have any questions about proper form or how to achieve better, healthier posture, your chiropractor can help you. The spine is such an important part of the body; it does so much. Do your best to protect it and keep it in good health. In return, it will keep you moving for a long, long time.

How the Shoes You Wear Can Wreck Your Spine

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If you’ve been experiencing lower back pain and can’t seem to pinpoint the cause, try looking down – at your feet. What kind of shoes are you wearing? Your shoes can have a tremendous effect on your spine, causing back pain. While this is traditionally considered to be a “female issue,” some men’s shoe styles are unsafe as well. Take a look at the most common culprits and find out how you can be safely shod.

The Truth About High Heels

Wearing high heels puts your body in a position that is very similar to walking on a ramp. It causes your calf muscles to stay in a constantly flexed position and increases fatigue throughout the lower body. What’s worse, though, is that high heels cause your entire posture to change, they:

  • Thrust your chest forward
  • Push your lower back forward
  • Tilt your pelvis up so the spine and hips are out of alignment
  • Put excessive pressure on the knees
  • Tendons get thicker and calf muscles get shorter
  • Shift your weight to the balls of your feet with increased downward force pressure
  • Extended regular wear can actually cause your anatomy to change

Wearing high heels for even a few hours can cause lower back pain. Wearing them on a regular basis can have a detrimental effect on your body. This does not even take into account the increased risk of falls and twisted ankles.

Why Flip Flops are a Flop

Flip flops are a popular summer shoe. They are easy to slip on and take off, they’re cool, and fairly comfortable. Most even stand up to getting wet without damage. However, you may be sacrificing your safety and spine health for choosing these easy to wear shoes.

The biggest problem is, they do not offer any ankle or foot support – none at all. The cushioning is minimal at best and they aren’t really secure on your foot. All of this leaves you vulnerable to trips and falls – a leading cause of injury and death in the United States. It also leaves you vulnerable to back pain and spinal injury.

There are several problems with wearing flip flops, especially on a regular basis:

  • You have to unnaturally shorten your stride
  • You have to curl or pinch your toes to keep your shoes on while you walk
  • Your foot contacts the ground in an unnatural way that causes your leg to rotate slightly

All of these things put pressure on your spine, causing unusual strain on your hips, knees, feet, and lower back. It can cause muscular pain and strain, but it can also cause a misalignment of your spine.

So, are Flat Shoes Better?

When compared to high heels, flat shoes are much better, especially when it comes to posture. Flats keep your spine pretty straight and your calf muscles are relaxed. They also help to distribute your body weight more evenly through your whole foot as opposed to pushing it to the balls of the feet. However, not all flat shoes are created equal. For instance, flip flops are flat, but we know that they are bad for your body, so be careful when choosing your flat footwear.

10 Tips for Spine Friendly Shoes

Keep these tips in mind when looking for back friendly shoes:

  1. Throughout the course of the day your foot naturally expands. Go shoe shopping in the afternoon to get a more accurate fit.
  2. Get your feet measured every time you buy shoes.
  3. Always try on new shoes, walk around in them and stand.
  4. When determining length and width, do it while standing.
  5. Look for shoes that provide foot support and have an arch support.
  6. Don’t get shoes that are too wide or too narrow – or too long or short.
  7. Look at both size and width. Going up a half a size may not necessarily mean a shoe is wide enough if the shoes you are trying on pinch.
  8. Speaking of size, let it be a guide, not a rule. Gauge your shoe size by your comfort, not a number.
  9. Feel the insides of the shoes, along the heel and down to the toe to make sure that there are not seams, tags, or anything else that will affect your comfort or rub your foot.
  10. Check the shoe for sturdiness and soundness. Is the sole thick? Does the sole adhere well to the shoe (no gaps or loose spots)? Is the shoe made from durable, quality material?

Shoes are not accessories, they are tools that help protect much more than just your feet. Wear them well.

For more health and wellness information visit www.ocwc.ca

3 Tips That’ll Save Your Back While Gardening

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Gardening is a favorite warm weather activity for many people. Unfortunately, it can often send them straight to the chiropractor with back pain and stiffness. If you enjoy your garden but your back doesn’t, take heart. An estimated 80% of the population has experienced back pain or will experience it at some point in their lifetime. It is common, but it doesn’t have to keep you from doing the things you enjoy. There are some fairly simple things you can do to make it easier and less painful.

Stretching is a good way to prevent back pain for nearly any activity. The more limber you are and the more warmed up your muscles are, the more comfortable you will be while you are gardening and afterwards.

Stretches for gardeners aren’t all that different from stretches for other activities. You need to address your hamstrings, triceps, and of course your back. Then you will be ready to get in the dirt and do what you love.

Use Back Friendly Tools and Gardening Methods

It may feel wonderful to get close to the dirt as you dig, breathing in its earthiness, feeling at one with nature, but your back likely does not hold the same appreciation. You can mix it up a little, but allow at least part of your gardening time to the use of tools that are “back friendly.”

Long handled and telescopic tools allow you to do your garden work without overworking your back. This is also great for people who don’t have full range of motion in their backs or who have trouble getting up and down.

Another back saver is a raised container garden. This will put your garden within easy reach, saving you from trying to get on the ground or, worse, feeling like you have to forego a garden because you can’t get around like you once did.

You can set the containers at whatever height you choose and include benches and seats for more comfortable gardening. If you do get on the ground, knee pads or a mat can help reduce some of the stress and prevent some pain.

Change Your Position Frequently

It’s easy to get in the zone and lose track of time, only for your body to remind you when you try to move and are met with painful stiffness. Carry a small timer with you and set it so that you are reminded every 30 minutes to stop, walk around, and stretch a little. This not only prevents pain and stiffness, it also helps with your circulation and blood flow, even digestion.

You can also vary your garden tasks so that you don’t over-tax a single muscle group. You may weed for a while, then move to your potting bench for a while or pruning trees or shrubs. It isn’t good to stay in one position for too long no matter what you are doing. A physical activity like gardening, though, requires more movement.

Take Care when Bending, Reaching, and Lifting

Gardening involves a lot of reaching, bending, and lifting. When you don’t do it correctly you would wind up with a sore back – or worse.

To lift: Don’t bend at your waist. Squat, grasp the object with both hands while pulling it close to your body. Straighten your legs slowly, letting those muscles to the work of lifting. You may also use a dolly, wheelbarrow, or wagon to move heavy items around and minimize the need to lift them.

Push: Pushing doesn’t strain the back as much as pulling does. Push your seeder, wheelbarrow, and lawnmower and try to avoid pulling as much as possible.

Reaching: Be careful when you reach, especially if you are reaching to lift. Even something that doesn’t weigh much can throw off your balance or cause you to twist your back. Try to minimize lifting while reaching as much as possible.

Bending: Keep your knees soft when you bend and try bending from the waist. If you are doing a task that requires bending, take frequent breaks where you can stand upright. If you bend to lift, make sure you use proper lifting techniques.

Gardening can be wonderful for mind, body, and spirit. It can also be painful if you don’t take the necessary precautions. When you go out to tend your plants, remember these back-saving gardening tips. Your back will thank you.

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

Why Construction Workers Need Chiropractic

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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

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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

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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

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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.

Other Assembly Line Related Health Problems

Barring traumatic injury due to an accident, working in a factory environment can cause problems with mobility, pain, and flexibility. The nature of the job places certain demands on the human body that can lead to certain types of injuries and health conditions, which include:

  • Repetitive motion injury – When a worker performs the same task that involves the same movements over and over, it can lead to certain types of injuries. Carpal tunnel is common repetitive motion injury.
  • Overexertion – Lifting, pulling, even standing can take a toll on the body, especially when it is done without adequate breaks. The person can get muscle fatigue, pulled muscles, and pulled tendons.
  • Body movement injuries – When the worker is constantly reaching, twisting, crawling, and bending, it can cause problems with the muscles and joints.

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

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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!