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.

How to Take Care of Your Posture While Working From Home

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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

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Improve Stomach Aches with Acupuncture

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Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine benefits can be far reaching. Improving digestive disorders in order to improve stomach aches is one of acupuncture and TCM’s many benfits. But how? How can your acupunturist improve stomach aches? Your acupuncturist understands your bodies many meridian points. Today we are going to focus on just one of those points, ST25- Stomach 25 (Tianshu).

Where is ST25- Stomach 25?

This acupuncture point is found on the abdomen, two finger breadths lateral (and directly in line) to the belly button. It is often nicknamed the “Pepto Bismol point” since it is said to be the single most important point for the treatment of the widest variety of intestinal disorders.

Importance of ST25- Stomach 25 (Tianshu)

This point is where “the Qi (or energy) of the large intestines gathers and concentrates on the anterior surface of the body.” In other words, by accessing this point or any acupoint, we can communicate with the organs and body’s processes. We use this point for stomach aches caused by bloating, nausea & vomiting, undigested food in the stool, poor appetite, abdominal pain, and even abdominal masses such as intestinal abscess or uterine masses.

When ST25- Stomach 25 is stimulated, the effects are so fast acting that often a few minutes after needle insertion patients report feeling changes in their digestive tract motility.

If you would like to talk more about how acupuncture can help you with these or similar concerns contact us at info@ocwc.ca or 780-455-2112. To learn more about our office check out our office @ ocwc.ca.
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3 Benefits Chiropractic Patients Enjoy

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It’s no secret that we’re a little biased when it comes to chiropractic care. We believe in it, we’ve seen how great it works, and our many happy patients are a great testimony to how well it works.

Still, there are some nay-sayers who believe that medical treatments are the only way to treat health care concerns and health conditions. While we do believe that medical treatments do indeed have their place, we also know for a fact that chiropractic offers far more benefits, provides faster results for many neuromusculoskeletal conditions. By providing a non pharmacological option for pain management, chiropractic care provides far reaching care that goes to the heart of the problem instead of just treating the symptoms.

If you’ve chosen to incorporate chiropractic care into your health plan, you’ve made a very wise decision. There are many benefits that chiropractic patients enjoy. Here are three great advantages that chiropractic care will provide – and they’re big ones.

1. Chiropractic treats the root of the problem while “the others” only treat the symptoms.

Modern medicine certainly has its place. It has helped many people. However, it tends to be rather short sighted when dealing with many neuromusculoskeletal conditions.

Chiropractic, on the other hand, seeks to find the root of the problem, to address the reason the patient is having the problem and correct it.

For instance, if a patient came in with back pain, a medical doctor may prescribe painkillers and invasive treatments. Their goal is to stop the pain.

However, a chiropractor will try to find out why the patient’s back is hurting and address the cause while treating the pain without medications or invasive procedures.

2. Chiropractic is completely natural and noninvasive, “the others” rely on drugs and surgery.

Chiropractic is entirely natural, using spinal adjustments and other techniques, combined with nutritional advice, lifestyle recommendations, and all-natural supplements.

“The others” are more reliant on medications that are often largely synthetic and have unpleasant, even dangerous side effects. Some medications are even addictive. Surgeries and other invasive procedures can leave you with difficulty in mobility and limited range of motion as you heal.

When you visit a chiropractor for your back pain, he or she will not only adjust your spine, they will also talk to you about your daily activities, habits, even how you sleep. They will make recommendations about things you can do to prevent the pain and strengthen your back. It may mean making some changes or doing some special exercises, but your treatment will be tailored specifically to you and your needs.

3. Chiropractic treats the body as a whole but “the others” only treat what’s hurting now.

Medical treatments tend to treat what’s hurting right now but rarely look beyond that to see how the whole body is affected. What’s more, they don’t tend to look at what is causing the problem, treating the body in parts.

This is unnatural and not the best way to combat pain and many neuromusculoskeletal conditions. It may work for a while, but eventually issues in the body will manifest in other areas as well.

For instance, a problem with the hip may manifest as knee pain. The doctor treats the knee but does not address the hip (which is the cause of the problem). Eventually, the hip worsens, and the back, knee and ankle become affected. The hips and other joints on the other side may also become affected as the body tries to compensate.

Chiropractic treats the body as a whole, not as parts. It finds the cause of the problem and addresses that while also treating the part that is in pain.

Chiropractic also looks at lifestyle, diet, habits, even relationships so see where you could have stressors or things that could be posing a risk to your health, making your neuromusculoskeletal condition worse or more difficult to treat.

To learn more about our office, visit our website @ ocwc.ca.
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What is NADA Protocol?

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What is NADA protocol? This month instead of one singular point we are highlighting a group of 5 ear acupoints.  This particular protocol is referred to as NADA, which stands for National Acupuncture Detox Association, named for the group that created it.

What is NADA used for?

NADA protocol is a group of 5 small needles placed in the ear which are excellent for treating stress, insomnia, depression, PTSD and can even be used for smoking cessation.

What points are stimulated?

The five points utilized are Shenmen, Sympathetic, Kidney, Liver and Lung.  The purpose of this point protocol is to down regulate the sympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for your fight or flight response.  When your nervous system is stuck in a chronic state of flight or flight, your mood, sleep and digestion can be negatively impacted.  NADA protocol point are essentially forcing the body out of the “fight or flight” phase and into the “rest/digest” phase.

Benefit of NADA Protocol

Shifting your nervous system from chronic sympathertic stress has its benefits.  NADA protocol helps to support increasing calmness, promotes better sleep, reduces agitation, relieves stress, and reduces cravings for nicotine as well as any other symptoms associated with these conditions.  If you would like to talk more about how acupuncture can help you with these or similar concerns contact us at info@ocwc.ca or 780-455-2112. To learn more about our office, check out our website @ ocwc.ca.
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How the Armed Forces Benefit From Chiropractic

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Members of the military put their bodies through tremendous stress every day, both physical and emotional. Add to that injuries that gamut from minor to serious trauma and you have a strong case for chronic pain. Often, this pain affects our veterans and soldiers on a daily basis, interfering with their normal activities and impacting their ability to perform their regular daily tasks. All too often, doctors will dismiss the pain as “something you just have to live with” and write prescriptions for narcotics that impair and incapacitate the patient. There are better ways to manage a good bit of the chronic pain that members of the military live with each day. We’ll explore one way, mainly chiropractic, in today’s article.

Chronic pain and members of the military

The regular demands of being a soldier, coupled with the stress that is prevalent, particularly among active duty military personnel, can create a perfect storm of sorts for chronic pain. When they are advised to tough it out or arrive at that option on their own, they usually do not get the medical attention they need. This can lead to exacerbation of the issue, compelling the soldier to seek treatment only when the pain is severe, or the condition is serious.

Single event trauma is all too common in this arena and plays a large part in the pain they experience, as does surgeries to correct injuries or trauma. However, the cumulative stress can have a detrimental effect on not just the condition and the pain, but the patient’s perception of the pain. In other words, it can cause them to experience the pain more acutely and have greater difficulty in managing it.

These issues are a part of the military and they aren’t likely to change. A chiropractor can help military personnel manage their pain, prevent injury, and regain flexibility and range of motion. It can be the solution that makes all the difference.

Using alternative treatments to combat an epidemic

Right now, opioid abuse has become an epidemic, yet doctors can rarely find viable alternatives that don’t have the dangerous and uncomfortable side effects – and that are not addictive. In truth, painkiller use is a growing problem with veterans and active military alike, mainly due to issues with substance abuse.

While their medications do relieve pain, the cost is just too great in many cases. Many people who take these pain pills report that they would live from pill to pill, their lives revolving around their next dose. That is why chiropractic is such an attractive option.

Chiropractic care for chronic pain

Chiropractic care is a highly effective way to manage chronic pain and help speed healing from injuries. It is safe, non-invasive, and does not require any medication.

The chiropractor will use specific spinal adjustments and other techniques to bring the body back into alignment. A balanced body heals faster and experiences less pain.

The patient may also receive recommendations regarding lifestyle changes and dietary advice from their chiropractor which can help speed up the results and bring them to a place of less pain or no pain much faster.

To learn more about our office, check out ocwc.ca.
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Improve Digestion with Acupuncture

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Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine benefits can be  far reaching. Improving digestive disorders in order to improve digestion is one of acupuncture and TCM’s many benfits. But how? How can your acupunturist improve digestion? Your acupuncturist understands your bodies many meridian points. Today we are going to focus on just one of those points, ST36 – Stomach 36.

ST36 – Stomach 36 (Zusanli) is one of the most multi-faceted points in the body and can be used in almost all point prescriptions! Its most foundational function is to promote overall health and longevity. It is very commonly used in patients who need to improve digestion or suffer from digestive disorders (IBS, Crohn’s disease, etc), nausea, vomiting, and GI discomfort. ST-36 S is also incredibly effective in boosting energy levels and reducing symptoms of fatigue, so it is very helpful when treating immune compromised patients.

Where is ST36 – Stomach 36 on your body? This point is located one hand breadth below the knee cap, on the lateral side of the leg, on finger breadth away from the shin bone. Since ST36 is located just below the knee, it is also a key point used in treating any sort of knee injury or pain.

If you would like to talk more about how acupuncture can help you improve digestion or digestive disoreder concerns contact us at info@ocwc.ca or 780-455-2112. We are always acception new patients! Visit our website @ www.ocwc.ca for more information.

How Safe Is Bottled Water?

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Drink more water. Stay hydrated. Water is good for you. These are the messages that we hear over and over as we pursue a healthy lifestyle, strive to lose weight, or overcome many chronic conditions. It seems that water is a vital part of life – and it’s accurate. The problem is, it seems every “expert” has a different opinion of just what is the best way to get this life sustaining substance. There are many different messages out there about what is the best water, the best source – what’s healthy and what isn’t. How do you cut through all the hype and get to the truth? The answer isn’t as cut and dry as you might think.

The importance of staying well hydrated.

Water is essential for our very survival. It keeps our organs functions properly, is a vital component of digestion, and it even helps us have a healthy spine. It helps to regulate body temperature and lubricates the joints. In fact, you may not realize it, but most of your body is composed of water:

  • Lungs – 83%
  • Kidneys and muscles – 79%
  • Heart and brain – 73%
  • Skin – 64%
  • Bones – 31%

The average adult female requires around 2.2 liters of water per day, while the average adult make requires around 3 liters. Most of this comes from drinking fluids, but some comes from food that is consumed. Dehydration is a serious condition and can cause serious damage to the body. Severe and prolonged (about 3 days) dehydration can be deadly.

The truth about bottled water.

There has been a lot of debate about bottled water in the past few years. At the center of the controversy are two main issues: much of the bottled water is said to be nothing more than tap water, and in the US alone, more than 60 million water bottles find their way to landfills every single day. Those are some pretty serious issues.

The truth is, studies show that almost half (around 40%) of bottled water is just tap water. So, what’s the big deal about tap water? It is largely known to contain chemicals that are not only toxic to humans, but many are also linked to certain cancers. Chlorine, arsenic, and fluoride are some of the more common chemicals found in tap water. Things aren’t looking good for tap water, but if so much bottled water is tap, then what can you do?

And then there’s those plastic bottles.

Before we explore the safer water options, it is worth taking a look at the plastic bottles that are used. The materials used to make water bottles are widely known to contain deadly, cancer causing carcinogens like Bisphenol A (BPA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and phthalates. Each of these pose significant risks to your health.

Even if you choose a bottle that is BPA free (like PET bottles) you could be exposing yourself to other hazardous substances. For instance, PET bottles are made of a soft plastic that is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to clean. This can leave some unsavory residue like food, saliva, and even fecal matter to contaminate your water. The more the bottles are reused, the greater the risk of these and other contaminants making their way into your water.

What is a safer, healthier alternative to bottled water?

Actually, tap water is the safer, healthier alternative to bottled water – but not straight out of the tap. All tap water should be run through a high-quality water filtration system before you use it. Without the filtration, you run the risk of consuming contaminants like harmful chemicals, bacteria, and even heavy metals. So, what should you do?

Ditch the plastic bottles and choose glass or stainless steel instead. Next, filter your tap water using a high-quality carbon filter. Store your water in a ceramic or glass container. Do not heat or cook food or water in anything made of plastic or Styrofoam. In fact, avoid drinking or eating from plastic altogether. If you must though, do not cut into the plastic while you are eating or drinking and do not expose the food or water to a microwave, high heat, or the sun.

Drink your water, but make sure you are doing it in the healthiest way possible – on tap and filtered!

Our office offers nutritional consulting services to help create better food and drink habits. Check us out @ www.ocwc.ca to learm more about our office!

Pericardium 7

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How does acupuncture work? It’s really quite fascinating.

Point Feature: PC7- Pericardium 7 (Daling)

This point is a dual action point in that it’s great for treating both mental and physical concerns. Firstly, it is the key point to treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The location of the needle is on the palmar side of the wrist directly at the wrist crease. When needling for carpal tunnel issues, you needle directly into the carpal sheath (towards the palm of the hand) which is the source of pain and inflammation in carpal tunnel syndrome. The relief with carpal tunnel is so significant that many patients who had previously been scheduled for surgery to cut the sheath have fully recovered after a series of acupuncture treatments! In terms of addressing mental health concerns with PC7, this point is used in combination with other points to calm the mind and reduce anxiety. It is especially helpful if you have palpitations and tightness in the chest triggered by stress/anxiety.

If you would like to talk more about how acupuncture can help you with these or similar concerns contact us at info@ocwc.ca or 780-455-2112