Archive for PAIN

Don’t Let ARTHRITIS Slow You Down!

Posted in Uncategorized with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 9, 2014 by chiropracticdouglasville

Arthritis is one of the most common disorders seen in today’s society and can decrease quality of life and function. Some arthritis is a result of old age, while others result from an improperly functioning nervous and immune system. If left uncorrected, arthritis can cause increasingly painful and debilitating movement as the disease progresses. Although there are many great natural or pharmaceutical options to treat the symptoms brought on by arthritis, improving the structure of the body can actually get to the underlying cause.

Arthritis can be broken down into two basic categories: inflammatory and degenerative. Inflammatory arthritis includes Rheumatoid Arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, Lupus, and others. These conditions are caused by an autoimmune reaction in the body that causes inflammation in joints of the hands and feet and may eventually spread to the knees, hips and neck. Degenerative arthritis, on the other hand, is abnormal gradual wearing down of the cartilage within the joint usually from structural abnormalities and repetitive trauma such as work related activity, sports, or from major trauma such as falls and auto accidents. Degenerative arthritis usually affects the large weight bearing joints such as the spine, knees, hips, and ankles but, can also affect smaller joints as well. Degenerative arthritis also produces inflammation but because of wear and tear.

 What are your treatment options?

Traditional doctors have been successful prescribing medicine to treat the symptoms of arthritis and control pain. Although traditional treatment is not correcting the underlying cause of arthritis, it does ease the suffering for a short period of time. As the arthritis progressively gets

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severe enough, surgery may be warranted.

A structural chiropractor, on the other hand, will use safe, effective, and non-invasive methods to manage arthritis. Structural chiropractors are trained to identify and correct primary conditions such as structural abnormalities within the spine that cause secondary conditions like arthritis. A properly functioning spine and nervous system will increase mobility within the joints, decrease the stress placed on them, and restore function to the nervous system.  A properly functioning nervous system has been shown to increase immune system function, which can aid in inflammatory arthritis. In inflammatory arthritis, the body is actually fighting itself because of poor communication between the cells. Since the nervous system is responsible for communication between all the cells of the body, it is it is important to maintain a healthy spine to ensure optimal immunity.

Structural chiropractors can also help degenerative arthritis as well. Degenerative arthritis causes a painful lack of motion in the affected joints, as well as inflammation and neurological interference. The spine is commonly affected by degenerative arthritis and can cause dysfunction within the nerves coming from the spinal cord, itself. A structural chiropractor can help by increasing mobility within these joints and at the same time restoring function to the nervous system so that the rest of the body can function at an optimal level.

 

 

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BACK-PACK TO SCHOOL

Posted in Uncategorized with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on August 6, 2013 by chiropracticdouglasville

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The summer is almost over, and although that may be a relief to some of you parents, the kids don’t see it that way! One of the most important aspects of the Back To School season is the BACK PACK! Carrying these packs puts abnormal pressure on the body and damages the spine, and in turn, the nervous systems of our children. Choosing the right backpack may be one of the most important school supplies a parent can purchase for their child in regards to their health and safety. Is your child’s backpack a good fit?

 

Every September, more than 20 million students go back to school carrying backpacks that are too heavy and pose a serious risk to the wearer’s well being. According to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), young children today suffer from back pain much earlier than previous generations, and poorly fitted, overly heavy backpacks are key factors. Along with back pain, improper backpack use can result in headaches, poor posture and various other health problems.

Here are some necessary Backpack Safety Tips

Choose It Right — Select a backpack that has wide cushioned straps, which will distribute the weight evenly on the shoulders. In addition, a backpack with a waist strap can help stabilize the load because it does not allow the backpack to flop around.

Pack It Right — The weight of a loade

d backpack should not exceed 15 percent of the body weight of the wearer, particularly in small children. Wearers should pack the heaviest objects first, so they are carried lower and closer to the body. Students should pack only essential items in their backpack and, if necessary, make frequent stops at their lockers to exchange books.

 They can also lighten the load by carrying heavy textbooks under their arms rather than in backpacks.

Lift It Right — Before attempting to lift it, check the weight of the backpack. Then, face the backpack, bend at the knees and lift with the legs, not with the back. Always use two hands and slip on one strap at a time.

Wear It Right — Use both shoulder straps, making sure they are snug but not too tight. If the backpack touches the back above the collar line, the straps are too tight.. Also make sure the pack is worn properly using 

both straps synched up fairly tight so the

 bag is not sagging down to their low back. The bo

ttom of the bag should not go below the child’s waist.  If the pack has a waist strap, be sure to use it

Warning Signs for Parents

Parents should look for the following warning signs that indicate a child’s backpack may be causing a problem:

  • The child cannot take off or put on the backp

    ack without struggling.

  • The child has to lean forward to carry the backpack.

  • The child is experiencing numbness or 

    weakness in the arms and/or legs.

  • The child has one shoulder that is higher than the other.

Though a popular style now, parents should di

scourage the use of messenger-style bags, 

which are slung over one shoulder. Messenger-style bags put additional pressure on one shoulder, which can cause misalignment of the spine.

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Prevention is the Best Medicine

It’s important for parents to look for the warning signs that backpacks are being worn or used inappropriately. Early interve

ntion can prevent serious injuries, the types of injuries which may result in long-term health problems, especially among young children whose bodies are still developing and growing. If parents notice any of the warning signs listed above, they should immediately speak to or visit a Structural Chiropractor. Here at Planet Chiroprac

tic, we are concerned with maintaining the optimal structure and natural curves of the spine because optimal spinal structure leads to optimal function of the human body.

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