The Importance of Your Cervical Curve

These days many people like to use a mouthwash and there is a huge range of options to choose from.

The key to choosing the right one for your needs is being clear about what you are using it for.

Many people opt for mouthwash because they want to have fresh breath.

But many mouthwashes contain alcohol which can cause the mouth to dry. It’s best to minimize the chances of suffering from dry mouth as it can increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Therefore if you want fresh breath, a breath spray or drops may meet your needs better.

Another reason for using mouthwash is when you’ve been told you have a gum disease such as gingivitis. In this case, you’ll need to choose a mouthwash that contains ingredients known to kill the bacteria that cause gingivitis.

If you like to use a mouthwash that improves your oral health, use one that contains fluoride.

Read the directions of your mouthwash and make sure you spit it out.

Don’t assume that the most expensive mouthwashes are best. Think carefully about your needs and check the ingredients.

Your dentist will be able to advise you on the best choice of mouthwash.

Just Breathe (Your Way to Better Core Strength!)

Are you a shallow breather? Turns out, most of us are.

Shallow breathing can greatly impact your respiratory muscles, create tension in the body, undermine your posture and compromise core stability. It’s important to practice deep-breathing exercises frequently to retrain the body. There are also plenty of core-specific exercises and other breathing techniques you can look into as well.

Let’s take a look at a simple one.

How-To: Core Strengthening Breathing Exercise

This easy breathing exercise can help strengthen the muscles in your abdomen and lower back—a great addition to any stretching routine!

1. To get started, lie down comfortably, feet flat with your knees bent. Make sure your lower back is flat on the floor and not arched.
Place your palms against your lower abdomen and inhale deeply, relaxing as you do so.
2. As you exhale, contract your muscles, sucking in your stomach like you’re pulling your belly button towards the spine.
3. Continue alternating between inhaling and exhaling, feeling the muscles tense and relax in your abdomen, pelvis and lower back.

What is Stress Doing to Your Body?

We all know what stress is—we experience it every day in ways both big and small. As it turns out, a little bit of stress is actually good for you… but what about when you get overloaded? Too much stress can throw the body into chaos—mentally, physically and emotionally.

Here’s a quick, whole-body look at how stress can affect you—in ways you never knew!

Stress and Your Body

Brain/Head: Anxiety and depression, irritability, low energy, insomnia, headaches and migraines

Jaw:
Clenching, teeth grinding, TMJ/TMD symptoms

Shoulders and Neck:
Muscle tension and tightness, aches and pains

Heart:
Increased heart rate, high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack and hypertension.

Lungs:
Frequent sickness and infections, trouble breathing

Stomach:
Upset stomach, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, heartburn, loss of appetite

Having trouble managing physical and emotional symptoms of stress? Sit down with your chiropractor to chat about possible treatment options and lifestyle changes.
Remember—they’re here to support you!

Camp with Health in Mind

Heading to the great outdoors this summer? Bring along these great health and well-being camping tips from Franklin Chiropractic & Accident Clinics, Inc. for those beautiful nights spent cozied up next to a campfire.

Bring along healthy snacks. It’s easy to grab bags of chips and other salty snacks to bring with you—but these will only dehydrate your campers. Nuts and dried fruit are great for a quick bite and a boost of energy while hiking or in between meals. Bananas and apples are also great camping foods because they don’t need to be refrigerated.

Keep hydrated. As always, it’s so important to stay hydrated—especially when you’re spending a few days or more outdoors. Each person should be getting 64 ounces of H2O a day, which is roughly a half gallon a person. If you’re hiking in a few miles or more, consider buying a water filter specifically made for hiking and ensure there will be a clean water source available to you.

Put on the right backpack. This tip is especially important if you’ll be hiking to your camping spot or heading out for a day trip. Make sure that your bag has padded straps and keep them tightened comfortably so your pack isn’t pulling on your back and shoulders. You can also look for a backpack with a waist strap—this helps distribute the weight of the contents in your bag.

Choose the right shoes. This is important no matter where you are. Wearing shoes with socks or hiking sandals instead of flimsy sandals helps prevent injury to your foot and provides extra comfort if you’ll be hiking. Be sure to pack at least two pairs of socks and if they get wet, dry them completely before putting them back on.

Sleep with a pad. There are specially designed camping pads made to go underneath your sleeping bag. This comfort-providing gear will help support your spine and ensure a better night’s rest, especially since most people aren’t used to sleeping on hard surfaces.

Be aware of wildlife. Seeing wildlife on a camping trip can be quite thrilling. Depending where you are in the United States, you may encounter all different kinds of animals. Check with the park or forest preserve in which you’re traveling for specific safety tips or answers to wildlife related questions.

Make a first aid kit. While no one expects to have an injury, you never know what can happen. Purchase or build your own first aid kit so you’re properly prepared. The Red Cross recommends including items like compress dressings, gauze pads, bandages, cloth tape, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic wipes, aspirin, instant cold compress, hydrocortisone, roller bandages and a first aid instruction book.

Check the weather. While the weatherman isn’t always right, it’s important to check the forecast for your trip. If rain is a possibility bring the necessary items like raincoats, a tent fly and a tarp. Also, in many places the temps can drop at night, so bring along warmer clothing for your evenings under the stars.

Should I Use Heat or Ice for Pain?

Did you get hurt during your workout? It’s time to grab the heating pad… or the ice pack… or both—who even knows! There’s a lot of confusion when it comes to using heat or cold to help treat common exercise injuries like strains, sprains, pulled muscles, shin splits, knee injuries and tenderness. Let’s put an end to it once and for all! Here’s your temperature care breakdown, so you know when it’s time to sing a song of fire or one of ice.

Ice, Ice, Baby

As a general rule, always choose ice for injuries and inflammation. Cold restricts blood flow and reduces inflammation and swelling. Whenever there’s bleeding in underlying tissue—think sprains, strains or bruising—ice treatment is the way to go. You can use cold therapy in two ways: immediate or rehabilitation.

Immediate treatment: helps prevent the injured area from becoming stiff by reducing tissue fluid.

Rehabilitation: aims to restore normal function to an affected area by reducing pain and spasms, which in turn allows for better movement.

If you have bad circulation, then cold therapy probably isn’t for you. If you apply ice for too long (or directly!) then skin, tissue or nerve damage becomes a possibility. Folks with cardiovascular disease should always consult with their doctor before using cold therapy.

Turn Up the Heat

Usually, heat is the best method for relaxing—whereas ice restricts blood vessels, heat opens them, increasing blood flow to an affected area. This is perfect for most aches and pains, and it’s also really great for repairing damaged tissue since increased blood flow stimulates healing. Minor stiffness and tension can usually be relieved with about 15-20 minutes of heat therapy.

Do not feel the burn! When using heat therapy, you want to keep a nice, even warmth. If you have swelling or bruising, heat isn’t the right call. Never use it near open wounds, and for people with heart disease or hypertension, always ask your doctor before using this treatment.

The Ultimate Treatment

When it comes to injuries caused by physical activity, cold and heat are super beneficial, but they’re not long-term solutions. A healthy musculoskeletal system is critical to overall health and healing, affecting how the entire body functions. Regular adjustments of the spine help return the body to a normal state, reducing tension and pain by utilizing the body’s natural healing process. Choosing chiropractic as the first line of defense once injured decreases the likelihood of surgery and further injury!

3 Quick and Easy Exercises to Help You Avoid Low Back Pain

Did you know that low back pain is one of the most common reasons for missed work?

Luckily, there are three quick and easy core strengthening exercises you can do to avoid that debilitating low back pain.

Forward Knee Plank: The knee plank helps strengthen your low back. It also helps build foundational strength for more complex plank exercises that are found in the forward plank.

Bird Dog: Despite the strange name, this exercise works by engaging your posterior chain. Strengthening this muscle group can help improve your posture and may also help alleviate pain in both the upper and lower back.

Forward Plank: The last core exercise is a more complex version of the forward knee plank. The forward plank helps strengthen the main support muscle for your lower back.

Remember to perform all these exercises as advised by your chiropractor.

The Verte-Breakdown: Your Lumbar Spine

The Importance of Your Lumbar Spine

The lumbar spine is the lowest region of your spine! It’s comprised of five vertebrae in the lower abdomen and hips, and is built for power and stability, bearing the weight of the entire torso and giving the hips and legs the ability to flex and move. It is a strong coat of armor, protecting the base of your spinal cord so it can do its job without interference.

When Your Lumbar Spine is Misaligned

Most people think of the spine in regards to posture, movement and stability, and while those are all important functions, it’s got another crucial role to play—protecting the spinal cord. Messages from the brain travel down the spinal cord, branch out into the nerves and are transmitted to the rest of the body. This is how your organs know how to function and heal.
However, when there’s a misalignment in the vertebrae of the spine, also known as a subluxation, this process is disrupted. And unfortunately, these misalignments can happen at any time; an accident, daily habits and behaviors, nutritional intake, stress and even toxins and chemicals can move your vertebrae out of place.
This puts pressure on the spinal nerves and effectively cuts off communication within the nervous system. When left unchecked, these misalignments can affect the body in unexpected ways. Take a look at each vertebra and how it connects with different organs and areas in the body. And most importantly, identify any possible symptoms that could arise from a subluxation in that vertebra!

Lower Back

Lumbar Spine

Vertebrae	Parts of the Body	Possible Symptoms
L1	Large intestines and inguinal rings	Constipation, colitis, dysentery, diarrhea and ruptures or hernias
L2	Appendix, abdomen and upper leg	Cramps, difficulty breathing and minor varicose veins
L3	Sex organs, uterus, bladder and knees	Bladder troubles, painful or irregular periods, miscarriages, bed wetting, impotency and knee pain
L4	Prostate gland, low back muscles and sciatic nerve	Sciatica, lumbago, difficult or painful urination and back aches or pain
L5	Lower legs, ankles and feet	Circulation problems, weak legs, ankles and arches, cold feet and leg cramps

How to Minimize Concussions in Young Athletes

Shake, rattle and roll. It’s not what you want your brain to do, but that’s what happens inside the skull of someone who experiences a concussion. 
 
Young athletes who engage in a ton of physical activity, like contact sports, are not immune to concussions. At times, certain collisions in sports can shake the brain inside the skull, possibly causing it injury. When the brain is jarred within the skull due to outward trauma, like falls or blows to the head, it is known as a concussion. Symptoms can be mild or severe, and can include disruptions in sleep, mood, cognition and physical issues (like headaches or problems with balance).
Fortunately, a young child can learn to take precautions that will help him/her diminish the chances of a concussion. Of course, they’ll need the support of an adult like you! There’s no guarantee your favorite quarterback will avoid a head-first tackle, but being knowledgeable about the ramifications is a step toward minimizing the chances of a concussion.

Get proactive. Take your young football star or basketball MVP to a general physician and chiropractic physician for a preseason physical. It’s a great way to get the conversation going about physical health and the possibility of head injuries. The better your child can identify the symptoms of a concussion either in himself/herself or recognize them in a teammate, the greater the chances it will be reported and treated quickly.

Stick together. David Marshall, the medical director of the Sports Medicine Program at Children’s Healthcare in Atlanta, suggests his young patients practice the buddy system: have your child ask his teammate when he experiences a blow, if he sees stars or feels light-headed. Then let someone know. Marshall says more kids, parents, teachers, administrators and coaches are becoming aware of concussions experienced by young athletes. Early detection, care and rehabilitation are extremely important.


Play fair. Talk to your kids’ and their coaches about proper sportsmanship. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests “coaches should strive to reduce the number of impacts to players’ heads, and should offer instruction in proper tackling techniques.” The AAP also recommends neck strengthening to help reduce injuries.

Suit up. Wearing proper gear is important, especially in tackle sports like football. While helmets do not prevent concussions from occurring, they can help protect your child from a serious head injury.
The benefits that come with children playing sports cannot be discounted. From participating in the spirit of competition to enjoying positive recreation, parents realize sports are central to any athletic child’s curriculum. Taking the right precautions, discussing the facts with your athletes, getting educated and being aware in the moment are elements that will help protect your child in the face of heading the ball in soccer, a head-first tackle in football or a baseball home-plate collision. Cheer on!

Why You Should Consider Homemade Baby Food

Many things have been changing in the baby world: Cloth diapers, baby-wearing, attachment parenting and homemade baby food have recently become all the rage. As advocates of organic, whole foods and natural diets, we love the idea of making your own baby food. 
 

The Truth about Commercial Baby Food

Most adults were once fed out of cute little jars with a grinning, toothless baby on the label. But what our moms didn’t know is that many of these commercial baby food companies add in a ton of water, sugar, salt and corn syrup—which depletes the nutrients. Even worse are the added thickening agents like flours and chemically modified starches.

A study published by the Center for Science in the Public Interest reported that in many cases your child is only getting 20 to 30 percent of the nutrients found in the fresh, whole version of the fruit or vegetable. For example, Gerber’s Bananas with Tapioca provides only 28 percent of the riboflavin, vitamin B6 and potassium per ounce than that of its natural counterpart.

Processed Baby Food & Allergies

Reuters Health just revealed a study out of the United Kingdom that correlated fresh, unprocessed baby foods with a decreased risk of food allergies. By analyzing the food diaries maintained by the parents of 1,140 infants, researchers found that the babies without food allergies were mainly fed fruits, vegetables, poultry and fish.

Considering that 1 in every 13 children in the United States has a food allergy, this is a huge finding. In 2008, the CDC reported an 18 percent increase in food allergy amongst Americans from 1997 to 2007. Could all the processed foods Americans ingest be directly related to the increasing rate of food allergies?

How to Safely Make Baby Food

Homemade food for your little bundle of joy may be much easier than you think. There are many whole foods out there that can easily be mashed up on the spot for a great meal. Try bananas, avocado, squash or sweet potato. You can also use a blender or small grinder to chop or puree veggies like cooked peas or carrots, greens, asparagus or broccoli and fruits like mangoes, pears, peaches or apricots.
Foodsafety.gov reminds parents to never feed your child raw, unpasteurized milk, honey, home-canned food or outdated canned food. Some other tips include:

• Wash your hands and all equipment thoroughly
• Wash all fruits and vegetables
• To avoid cross-contamination, use separate cutting boards for produce and meats
• Be sure to cook all meats thoroughly
• Don’t store prepared meat, poultry or fish in the fridge for more than 24 hours; 48 hours for fruits and veggies
• Frozen food must reach an internal temperature of 165 °F before serving
• Do not defrost baby foods in water or leave them at room temperature to thaw

Remember, choosing organic means you’re avoiding loads of pesticides. Also, please follow your pediatrician’s recommendations for introducing foods to your child.

Over 40? 7 Exercises to Boost Your Youth

Exercise your body as you age—and experience numerous health benefits! You’ll reduce your likelihood of age-related diseases, including heart disease, arthritis, high blood pressure and diabetes . Staying active can be low-cost and even free—but it’s invaluable to your overall health.
Here are seven low-impact workouts you can do to keep your body nimble, strong and vibrant:

Yoga—an ancient art founded in India around the sixth century BCE

As a gentle form of exercise, yoga helps you manage stress, boost your energy levels and aids in a good night’s rest. Yoga doesn’t have to be intimidating—there are many simple yoga poses you can explore to increase your flexibility and keep you in peak shape.

Stand-up Paddleboarding—an offshoot of surfing!

Being on a board in the water is just pleasant. You can vary your workout from light and relaxing to more vigorous, based on your individual fitness level. You’re in the driver seat—uh, we mean—on the board paddling.

Strength Training—it’s not just for Arnold

You can ease into strength training by starting out with lighter weights, from one to five pounds, gradually increasing your muscle mass and strength so you can incorporate a more dynamic workout later on—if you choose. Experts say muscle mass naturally diminishes as we age. So building strength is important, especially after 40.

Pilates—Joseph Pilates overcame childhood frailty to become a gymnast and skier!

Pilates is a full-body workout that gives anyone increased flexibility and strength. It’s ideal for those over 40 because it limits stress on the muscles and is a far cry from the “no pain, no gain” theory.

Tai Chi—originally a martial art

Tai chi is on the opposite end of extreme—and that’s the draw for those over 40. Tai chi has been proclaimed to be a gentle form of exercise with proven benefits, like stress relief, reduced blood pressure, improved mental focus and increased balance. Experts recommend starting tai chi workouts with an experienced trainer.

Corrective Training—it’s not boot camp!

This is a great form of exercise for joint pain, posture development or muscle imbalances. The exercise is practiced widely by personal trainers. Movements include squats, lunges, pushing and pulling, rotation and bends.

Cardio—it’s also great for your heart!

We can’t leave out cardio, one of the most widely-practiced, enjoyable activities performed by adults over 40 already. Cardio workouts include running, cycling, swimming, hiking and walking.
As you grow wiser, it’s important you reach for the ceiling in challenging yoga poses, for the dumbbells to promote strength or for your hiking boots to build cardiovascular endurance. Physical activity, at least 3-5 times a week helps develop an alert mind and a strong body that is less prone to injury, especially in adults over 40. Grab a water bottle for your weekend workout!

Chiropractic: Turning A Time Card Into Time Well Spent

There’s a group of people we interact closely with as much, or more, than our families. Statistically, we spend more time with our work family than we do with our loved ones. Supervisors, fellow employees and colleagues all make up the working relationships that are such a large part of who we are.

Even punching a time card in a small office, we’re typically exposed to more threats to our health than we are with the spouse and 2.2 children waiting for us at home. And we’re exposed to just as many stressors.

There are many things we can do to improve our health and work relationships, but did you ever think about your spine being one of them? The spine is your body’s command center, your first line of defense against everything. An aligned spine, one that is allowing your nervous system to communicate freely, gives you the ability to respond positively to life’s unknown events.

It comes as no surprise that health care costs have skyrocketed over the years while the quality of care received has remained the same in many cases. For companies, this cost is even greater with loss of work due to sickness and injuries -- and rising health insurance premiums to boot. Many of these injuries and illnesses are preventable. Employers are looking for ways to improve performance, decrease cost and provide an enjoyable, healthier work environment. Feeling better, functioning better, playing better, communicating better and ultimately working better often results in a greater bottom line. A greater bottom line to your company may also mean more money in your pocket as well. Not a bad exchange.

Health Benefits

Doctors of chiropractic focus on helping their patients achieve a properly functioning spine and nervous system. When spinal joints are functioning properly, you can perform better which may give rise to the following critical benefits:

• A happier workplace environment - Chiropractic has been shown to be effective in the reduction or elimination of pain, as well as muscle tension and stress-related conditions.
• Increased performance - Chiropractic improves joint mobility, physical performance and overall function. Imagine making decisions with a clearer head.
• Fewer sick days - Chiropractic care has been shown to produce reparative and preventative benefits. Wouldn’t it be great spending your allotted personal time off at the beach instead of the doctor’s office?
• More efficient and increased productivity - Chiropractic care often results in increased daily activity and productivity.

These advantages are like gold for an employer, but also for you and your work colleagues. Imagine everyone feeling and performing at their optimal level.
The spine has an excellent musculoskeletal memory. Just like your teeth, it is recommended that you take care to provide it with proper care from a young age. Maintaining proper range of motion in the spine is paramount to controlling pain, promoting an active lifestyle and enabling you to enjoy a higher quality of life. And enjoying work more.

How Chiropractic Can Help

When one or more joints become restricted in the spine, it causes a lack of motion that, in turn, can cause an interruption of the nerve communication from the brain to the body. This interruption can affect the cells, tissues and organs of the body many times inhibiting your performance. Licensed doctors of chiropractic (such as those at The Joint Chiropractic), referred to as DCs, apply a gentle, targeted movement to the restricted joints to improve motion of the body’s spinal column and extremities, thereby enhancing nerve function. This highly controlled procedure is known as a chiropractic adjustment.

As you can see, visiting a chiropractor is more than just having your back “cracked” or “popped.” Having a spine that is free from nerve interference is your first line of defense to whatever life may throw at you. In addition, a properly functioning spine may result in better decisions, better health, better experiences, better memories and better moments of laughter and joy. If work is important to you, then these things will be important to you as well.

If an improved work environment and quality of life sounds like something you want, then make chiropractic a part of your wellness lifestyle and have your spine checked for joint dysfunctions. Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest, drug-free, non-invasive forms of health care available. Whether suffering from pain or not, keeping your body functioning at its peak may be one of the best investments you will ever make if for no other reason than you’re more productive. More and more people are experiencing the benefits of routine chiropractic care. They are learning that chiropractic makes a much better vitamin than it does an aspirin; unlike medicine that masks a problem, chiropractic aims to fix the root cause of the problem. Discover how millions of Americans have not only found relief from pain, but also a pathway to wellness and a healthier, more active lifestyle by making chiropractic part of their healthy habit regimen.

Quell the Swell: 5 Foods That Fight Inflammation

Do you feel like you’ve tried everything but still experience back pain? If so, maybe it’s time to look more closely at the food you’re eating. A lot of people don’t realize that a majority of their diet contains inflammatory foods such as sodium, gluten, trans fats and aspartame. To help reduce arthritis, joint and back pain, it is recommended you eat an anti-inflammatory diet containing nuts, veggies, meats, and healthy fats (similar to the Paleo diet). Here are five other foods to help decrease inflammation.

Oranges

Oranges are filled with Vitamin C, which not only kicks a head cold to the curb, but helps fight arthritis pain. It prevents cells from experiencing a surplus of inflammation and oxidative stress, which aids in reducing joint pain. You don’t just have to stick to oranges though. Other fruits and vegetables such as bell peppers, grapefruits, raspberries, strawberries, cabbage, and sweet potatoes also contain loads of Vitamin C.

Green Tea

Green tea has been used in medicine for centuries, but a recent study shows that it could be beneficial for people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Green tea helps absorb antioxidants and fights compounds that harm healthy cells. Like Vitamin C, green tea contains anti-inflammatory properties, which reduces joint pain and irritation.

Fish

Most fish, including salmon, contain a large amount of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are known to reduce inflammation. You can also get omega-3s through walnuts or flaxseeds, but your body only absorbs a small percentage of it. It’s better to get your intake from fish than from fish oil supplements.

Purple Grapes

Purple grapes (that’s right—red wine), and purple and red food in general, contain an antioxidant called proanthocyanidins. This antioxidant helps decrease inflammation by restricting enzymes and unstable molecules that damage cells. You can also find it in blackberries, cranberries, cherries, cinnamon, and even nuts like hazelnuts, pecans and almonds.

Ginger

Ginger contains gingerols, which is an anti-inflammatory compound. It has been shown to reduce inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. The best part about ginger is that it is easy to implement into your diet. You can use a juicer to add ginger to any drink (add it to orange juice for extra anti-inflammatory power). You can also make your own ginger tea, or add it to your salad dressing.
Although making your diet anti-inflammatory is beneficial, there are other ways you can try to relieve joint and back pain. Going to a chiropractor can be a convenient and easy way to reduce pain and improve joint mobility along the way.

11 Chiropractic Facts That'll Amaze You

The number of those benefiting from chiropractic care continues to rise as more and more people discover the importance of good spinal health. If you’re a patient of chiropractic, you probably know a lot about what the therapy can do for you—but what about the profession itself? Here are some chiropractic fun facts you definitely didn’t see coming.

1. The term “chiropractic” is a combination of two Grecian words: cheir which means hand, and praktos which means done. “Done by Hand”... fitting, right?
2. The first chiropractic adjustment was given in 1895 by Daniel David Palmer (the father of Chiropractic!) who helped a janitor, Harvey Lillard, regain his hearing after a back accident he suffered 17 years prior.
3. Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) go through a minimum of 4,200 hours of classroom, lab and clinical internships during their 4-year doctoral graduate school program. Perspective: If you combine all that time, that’s 175 days straight. Oof.
4. It is estimated that Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) treat over 35 million Americans (adults and children) annually.
5. There are about 95,000 doctors of chiropractic in active practice across the globe, and about 10,000 students are currently enrolled in chiropractic education programs in the United States alone.
6. 32 National Football League teams utilize chiropractic! All 32 teams have their own chiropractor to boost performance, maintain wellness and treat musculoskeletal strain and injury.
7. Unbeknownst to quite a few, infants can benefit greatly from chiropractic care. It makes sense—birth can be pretty hard on a little body! The adjustment is adapted to suit their needs and is perfectly safe.
8. Each day, over one million adjustments take place across the globe. That’s a whole lot of relief!
9. Chiropractic is recognized and regulated by law in over 40 countries! And in the United States, D.Cs are licensed in all 50 of them!
10. An injured worker is 28 times less likely to have spinal surgery if the first point of contact is a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC), rather than a surgeon.
11. Treatment for low back pain (a common symptom treated by chiropractic care) initiated by a DC costs up to 20 percent less than when started by a MD.

Can Chiropractic Adjustments Lower High Blood Pressure?

One-third of the adult population, around 70 million Americans, have high blood pressure (hypertension). In addition, 1 in 3 Americans has prehypertension, which means higher than normal blood pressure numbers. Even more alarming: 1 in 5 adults with high blood pressure do not know they have it, because typically there are no associated symptoms.
Thankfully, chiropractic offers a drug-free approach to treating high blood pressure. Read on to learn more.

Understanding Blood Pressure and Hypertension

Each time the heart beats, it's pumping blood into the arteries of the body. Blood pressure is the force of the blood as it pushes against the walls of the arteries. The two numbers in a blood pressure reading are systolic, the top number that measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats, and diastolic, which is the bottom number measuring the pressure in the arteries between beats.
Normal levels are 120/80 and lower, prehypertension levels are 120-139/80-89, hypertension stage 1 is 140-159/90-99, hypertension stage 2 is 160/100 or higher, and hypertension crisis (emergency care needed) is 180/110 or higher.

The Risks of Hypertension

This common condition is more dangerous and fatal than many people realize. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists high blood pressure as the primary or contributing cause of more than 360,000 American deaths in 2013. That's nearly 1,000 deaths each day.
The CDC also states that with high blood pressure, there's a great risk of other dangerous conditions:

• First heart attack: 70 percent of adults who have a first heart attack have high blood pressure
• First stroke: 80 percent of adults who have their first stroke have high blood pressure
• Chronic heart failure: 70 percent of adults with chronic heart failure have high blood pressure
• Kidney failure: High blood pressure is the second leading cause of kidney failure 

 

Treatment of High Blood Pressure

Fortunately, high blood pressure is simple to diagnosis and there are many methods of treatment. Regularly, doctors prescribe medication to control hypertension, but blood pressure often can be lowered using natural, non-pharmaceutical methods. Lifestyle changes play a big role in blood pressure; losing weight, exercising regularly, eating well, reducing excess sodium, limiting alcohol, quitting smoking, cutting back on caffeine and reducing stress all positively contribute to healthy blood pressure levels.

Chiropractic Adjustments and Lowered Blood Pressure

In March of 2007, the Journal of Human Hypertension published a study that demonstrated a significant decrease in blood pressure following a chiropractic adjustment to the Atlas vertebra (located at the base of the skull). This study involved 50 individuals with high blood pressure; the improvement in blood pressure levels continued into the eighth week following the adjustment—potentially longer, as the study only assessed the patients following the adjustment and at a follow-up visit eight weeks later.

Make an appointment to talk to a chiropractic doctor about chiropractic and high blood pressure.

5 Natural Ways to Ditch Joint Pain

Our bodies carry us through this world—they help us achieve, touch and experience all aspects of being alive. But what happens when you can’t move… when it hurts? Time with family, social life, hobbies, work and even sleep can suffer. It’s so hard to enjoy your days when they’re full of pain or when your own body limits what you’re able to do. This is especially true for those dealing with chronic joint pain and arthritis. Depending on the individual, it can be mild to extremely painful, occasional to chronic and it can even limit mobility. It can happen anywhere there’s a joint—affecting the cartilage, bone, ligaments, tendons or muscles—and sometimes in multiple places at once.
We know it’s hard, but we want to help—naturally! Here’s how you can start feeling better right now.

1 Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Inflammation makes your joints more susceptible to pain and injury, and it can also slow down the healing process. When a joint is inflamed, it limits your range of motion, overall strength and flexibility. Since food fuels the body, and can be some of the best medicine around, consider adopting an anti-inflammatory diet that may help with pain relief.

Inflammatory

• Refined sugars and grains
• Processed meat and red meat
• Alcohol and soda
• Packaged foods
• Margarine, shortening, lard

Anti-Inflammatory

• Green, leafy vegetables
• Wild-caught salmon
• Bone broth
• Healthy fats like organic, unrefined coconut oil
• Probiotic foods (yogurt)
• Fermented foods

2. Epsom Salt Soaks

Epsom salt is an old classic for good reason! Taking a nice relaxing bath may offer a lot of relief by itself, but adding Epsom salt can help lower inflammation, reduce muscle spasms and relax tense, sore muscles. It’s high in magnesium and sulfates and easily absorbed into the skin! Add two cups of salt to your warm bath (not hot!), and soak for at least twenty minutes. If you’d like, you can also turn it into a warm compress—just dilute your salt in some warm water, soak a towel in it to absorb the liquid and apply directly to the skin.

3. Ice Therapy

For inflammation and joint discomfort or pain, ice therapy is a great form of pain relief! Cold restricts blood flow and reduces inflammation and swelling. Whenever there’s bleeding in underlying tissue—think sprains, strains or bruising—ice may help! But keep in mind, too much cold can hurt you. Don’t put bags of ice or packs directly on the skin, because that could risk skin, tissue or nerve damage. Instead, wrap it in a soft towel and set it on the area in question. And remember—no longer than 20 minutes a session! Note that if you have bad circulation, then cold therapy probably isn’t for you. People with cardiovascular disease should always consult with their doctor before using cold therapy.

4. Essential Oils

Many people find success using essential oils topically when they’ve got sore or achy joints. Depending on what kind of pain it is, there are a variety of options to choose from. Here are only a few!

• Peppermint Oil: Cooling and anti-inflammatory
• Lavender Oil: Relief from pain and swelling
• Sandalwood: Tension relief

But wait! Here’s a little bit of essential oil best practice. Most oils must be diluted with a carrier oil, like coconut or almond. There are some oils you can apply “neat” (directly on the skin), however, do your research first and test a small part of your skin to ensure you don’t have a reaction. Also, the essential oil industry is incredibly unregulated; be sure to purchase from a well-known brand that sells certified therapeutic grade oils.

5. Collagen

Isn’t that a skincare thing? It’s so much more! Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and works to connect tissue. It’s found predominantly in our bones, muscles, skin and tendons. Increased levels of collagen have been shown to help those with rheumatoid arthritis, reducing joint pain and degeneration.
There are numerous ways to get the collagen your body needs, but the best way is by incorporating it back into your diet. Here are some all-natural foods that either contain collagen or boost its production:

• Bone Broth: A huge source of natural collagen—mainlines into the cells.
• Leafy Greens: Protect against free radicals that break down collagen.
• Red Veggies: Boost collagen levels and protects against sun damage.
• Fish: Helps protect the fatty membrane around skin cells.
• Citrus Fruits: Aid production of collagen.
• Beans: Help retain collagen by boosting the body’s ability to produce hyaluronic acid.
• Garlic: Rebuilds collagen fibers that have been damaged.

Fixing the Root Problem

It's important to note that everything listed here can and should help reduce the severity and frequency of your joint and arthritis pain BUT it won't fix the root cause of the problem. To truly get to the cause, we have to look a little deeper—the spine.
They key to reducing joint pain long term is to adjust the spine where vertebrae may be out of alignment, thus causing the nerves to be pinched. A chiropractor utilizes the chiropractic adjustment to manipulate the spine back into optimal alignment—taking pressure off the nerves and allowing the body to function at its best.

Adjustments

Chiropractic adjustments have been shown to be a safe and effective alternative treatment for pain and injury.

Chiropractors perform 95 percent of all adjustments in the world to correct the subluxations, or misalignments, of the vertebrae in the spine. Chiropractic adjustments are performed by applying gentle, yet firm pressure to a bone. The goal of any adjustment is to restore the bone to its natural, or original, position. The important thing to remember is the act the adjustment frees-not forces-a vertebrae to allow it to find its natural position. This is accomplished by the body's innate intelligence.

Chiropractic adjustments are performed to treat a wide variety of conditions, including (but not limited to):

• Arthritis
• Bursitis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive strain disorders
• Chronic muscle pain and stiffness
• Headaches
• Most musculoskeletal and sports-related injuries
• Nerve disorders
• Pain and stiffness in the back, chest, abdomen, neck, hips and shoulders, as well as extremities such as arms, legs, and feet
• Sciatica pain
• Scoliosis
• Tendonitis
• Whiplash and other traumatic injuries

Adjustments can be performed while sitting, standing, or lying down. Some adjustments involve special instruments or tables.

Some common adjustment techniques include:

• Instrument adjustments, which involve a spring-loaded device.
• Lumbar roll, in which the chiropractor applies a firm, yet quick thrust to a misaligned vertebra while the patient lies on his or her side.
• Motion palpation, a hand technique the chiropractor uses to determine if your vertebrae are properly aligned.
• Release work, in which the chiropractor uses gentle pressure with the fingers to separate the vertebrae.
• Table adjustments, which entail lying on a specially designed table that drops when pressure is applied to a specific area. The dropping motion allows more gentle adjustments than some manual adjustments do.
• Toggle drop, which entails firm pressure applied on a specific area of the spine by using crossed hands.

Chiropractors take many factors-including size, weight, and muscle structure-into consideration when deciding on which adjustment to make. Sometimes, ice, electrical stimulation, or massage therapy (including traction massage) are used prior to a spinal manipulation in order to relax the muscles.

In some cases, it may necessary to perform an adjustment while you are sedated. Spinal manipulation under anesthesia, which is considered a very safe procedure, is usually reserved for patients with conditions such as chronic neck, back, and joint pain, muscle spasm, shortened muscles, and fibrous adhesions.

Another form of adjustment called craniosacral therapy, or "CST," involves exerting very mild pressure to the body's craniosacral system, which is comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. This includes the cranium-which is composed of the skull, face and mouth, and the "sacrum," or tailbone. CST has been shown to provide relief from chronic neck and back pain, scoliosis, brain and spinal cord injuries, migraines, chronic fatigue, nervous system disorders, jaw joint problems, and stress disorders. (Such conditions as aneurysm and intracranial hemorrhage prohibit this kind of therapy.)

Adjustments almost always do not involve any pain or discomfort. The important thing for a patient to keep in mind is to remain relaxed, because stiffening up may impede the adjustment process. Popping sounds are sometimes heard during adjustments; these are usually pockets of air being released behind a joint or other bony structure.

Adjustments can leave you with a greater sense of well-being, calm, and most importantly, on the road to a life without pain. Following an adjustment, some patients experience mild aching or soreness in their spinal joints or muscles, which can usually be relieved by an ice or heat pack.

Adjustments have been shown to:

• Increase blood flow
• Increase pain tolerance levels
• Increase range of motion
• Increase the body's secretion of "good" chemicals such as melatonin and endorphins
• Reduce blood pressure
• Reduce tension and muscle pressure