Should I consider chiropractic care for my baby?

A lot of parents come to our clinic because they're interested in getting care for themselves, but often they are surprised to see that we also treat children, toddlers, and newborns. When they hear and see us caring for babies and newborns, and the most common question we hear is 'Why do babies need to get adjusted?'. Today, we decided to address this question as well as the other common questions that we get regarding pediatric chiropractic!

Why should I take my baby to a chiropractor?

The first year of life is one where there's a huge amount of brain development happening. As babies see, touch, taste, hear, and smell the world around them, they start forming connections in their brain and progressively laying down the foundation for future knowledge and skills. In order for this to happen optimally, their nervous system needs to be receptive, responsive and adaptive to the new internal and external environment.

Chiropractic is a complementary and alternative medicine whose aim is to support your child's development by aiding the functioning of their nervous system through gentle and precise chiropractic treatment. Our conviction is that healthy kids become healthy adults and that through early chiropractic care we are able to help set them up for success down the road.

What are some signs or symptoms that suggest that my baby could benefit from chiropractic care?

Some signs to keep an eye out for that could suggest that your baby could benefit from chiropractic adjustments include:

• Difficulty with breastfeeding on one side

• Head is often rotated or leaning to the same side

• Excessive fussiness or irritability

• Constant arching of the back and head

• Sleep issues

• Difficulty with bowel movements

While we don't claim to treat specific conditions, by supporting a baby's nervous system functioning we've had parents report improvement in symptoms such as:

• Constipation

• Colic/reflux

• Spit up

• Fussiness

• Chronic illness/immune system

• Ear infections

• Meeting milestones

Because the nervous system directly innervates all the tissues, organs and systems in your body, when your baby's nervous system is able to function properly (without one hand tied behind its back), it's no wonder we see struggling babies thrive. Even babies who are perfectly healthy or don't have a lot of issues going on benefit from chiropractic care because we're able to support their nervous system through their development and help set them up for success in the future.

Can I take my baby to any chiropractor?

Education in the chiropractic profession requires that all chiropractic students go through set hours of education in treating the pediatric population. Nonetheless, you really want to make sure that the chiropractic office that you're considering treats a lot of babies and kids and that they have additional training in pediatric chiropractic care. Your baby will receive the best care possible and chances are that the clinic itself will have special accommodations geared towards you and your baby (for example changing tables, a nursing room, diapers, toys, pediatric pillows, and staff that is friendly and can assist in keeping an eye on older siblings while you focus on your baby's visit).

In order to find a pediatric clinic, you can research different websites or social media before hand. You can also call the office directly and ask if they specialize in pediatrics or if they've had training with pediatric associations, such as the ICPA (International Chiropractic Pediatric Association). If not, ask them if they know of any pediatric chiropractors in the area. Similarly, you can reach out to your pediatrician or other medical professional/health care professionals to see if they know of any pediatric chiropractors in your area.

What does a chiropractic adjustment on a baby look like?

There's a couple of different techniques or ways to adjusting babies and young kids, but the main thing to understand is that babies are not tiny adults. This means that their adjustments are not a gentler copy of adult spinal manipulation, in fact in our office it looks nothing like the way we adjust adults -or even young children for that matter. A baby's body and the way that their neurology responds to an adjustment is different, and so it requires a different approach.

In our office, adjustments on babies are always gentle and specific. We use very light pressure, about the same that you use to check a tomato for ripeness, in order to correct spinal misalignments. We rely on observing baby's positional preference, muscle tone, palpation, and other methods to assess baby's spine. We also make sure that baby's parents are close so that both parties feel comfortable and parents feel included in the process.

How many adjustments does my baby need?

Fortunately, babies don't have years of degeneration or a history of significant injuries like big falls or motor vehicle accidents. This means that their nervous system tends to respond quicker to the correction of misalignments, and parents often report an improvement in mood, sleep, digestion and others quicker compared to teenagers or other adults.

That being said, our goal is not only to correct interruption in their nervous system communication, but to maintain optimal communication between their brain and the rest of their body. Because of this we recommend maintenance care, where they periodically get checked for misalignments and correct shifts as they occur. This is especially important as they start learning how to crawl and walk because at that point they will be falling and getting bumps numerous times per day. Regular check ups allow us to catch these small and gradual shifts in their bones as they occur. Our goal is to prevent them from becoming teenagers or young adults with neck pain, headaches, back pain, or other significant issues.

Have any other questions regarding chiropractic care for your little one? Feel free to reach out to us or your local pediatric chiropractor!

Posture Matters: Why Having Good Posture is Important and How Chiropractic Can Help

The world and society we live in has become overwhelmingly sedentary. We sit for our jobs. We sit while we drive and travel. When we constantly sit, we frequently enter poor habits of poor posture and body positioning. This poor posture weighs on the body and can interfere with good body mechanics resulting in pain and reduced range of motion. This has a daily effect on our lives, but we don't often pay attention to it. So what is posture, why does it matter, and what can you do to better your health?

What is Posture and Alignment, and Why is it Important?

Posture is defined simply as the position in which one holds their body while sitting or standing. People can form habits with their body, leaning into the natural positions of the body or forming alternate habits, these positions can be good or bad for the body. Having good posture can reduce muscle tension, help with increased energy, and even help boost confidence. Good posture will allow the functions of the body to engage and act without external stress. Having bad posture can wear on the body and contribute to pain.

So what do we mean by good posture? We are referring to the positioning of the musculoskeletal system. Good posture will be a posture that aligns with the natural position of the body and the biomechanics of the skeleton. The spine has four main curves in it: the neck and low back, the cervical and lumbar areas of the spine, have natural curves forward, the mid-back and pelvis, the thoracic and sacral curves of the spine, have natural curves backward. Good posture will maintain these natural curves of the body in what we consider a neutral spine. Good posture will also keep the head upright, the chest straight, the shoulders and hips even, and the body in an overall rested and upright position.

This good posture keeps the ribcage open and even, thus reducing stress on the spine providing the structure for the ribcage. An open and neutral ribcage will reduce stress on the heart, lungs, digestive organs, and other internal systems within.

Good posture will also help keep muscle imbalances low, as the muscles will not be over-strained or over-tightened, but will be able to be in a neutral resting position.

Overall Health Benefits

The health benefits of keeping a good posture are numerous. Good posture has been shown to help with pain relief for neck and lower back pain, as maintaining proper posture keeps the body in a healthy position, reducing strain on the muscles and bones of the spine, which can relieve and prevent issues of joint pain, prevent muscle strain, and reduce stress on the nervous system which is housed in the spine.

Better posture has also been associated with reducing headaches, particularly cervicogenic headaches, by reducing stress and tension in the muscles of the neck, relieving neck pain, and stopping these types of headaches at their root cause.

The healthy alignment of the posture of the thoracic spine and rib cage can also result in higher lung capacity because the lungs are able to work and expand and contract to their full ability. If you've ever noticed that you can take a deeper breath when you stand straight, it is because standing upright allows the ribcage to be as wide as possible.

Good posture can also help with increasing energy levels, better form while exercising (thus reducing the possibility of injury), and increased confidence.

The Consequences of Poor Posture

So what does poor posture look like and how can it affect the body? Poor posture is that which runs contrary to the natural alignment of the musculoskeletal system. A forward head posture, also known as excessive curvature of the cervical spine, can place excessive strain on the back muscles and neck muscles providing support, which can lead to pain and joint restrictions in the neck and shoulders.

Often when we sit we end up looking down at phones or computers, hunching our shoulders forward and increasing the curve of our mid-back. This posture imbalance reduces the capacity of the ribcage and alters the physical appearance of the body by causing a "hunchback" look. This position can over time cause shoulder pain, mid-back pain, and stiffness.

All of this poor posture also places great strain on the spinal cord housed within the spine, which places stress and pressure on the nervous system, which can prevent it from functioning at it's optimal level.

The Importance of Posture and Alignment: How Chiropractic Care Can Help

So now that we know the importance of good posture, how can we improve posture and keep proper alignment of the spine? The first step is to acknowledge that there is a problem to begin with. Notice how you hold your body when you sit on the couch, drive your car, sit at your desk, walk, etc. Notice how you are holding your body. Are you pushing your head forward? Are you sitting cross-legged? Are you holding one arm or one hip higher than the other? Are you curving your body forward and looking down?

Once you understand what your body's current habit is, it becomes easier to work to understand and maintain good posture. Try rearranging your desk to have better ergonomics, helping keep your neck upright, and raising your computer screen so you are looking straight ahead instead of down. Keep your feet flat on the floor, and keep your forearms parallel to the floor.

Often when we have been living in bad posture for so long, we need help correcting the structure first. This is where chiropractic adjustments are invaluable. Spinal adjustments by a licensed chiropractor will find areas where proper spinal alignment has been strained by bad habits and will work to correct the structural imbalances in the range of motion of the joints of the body. Chiropractic care focuses on helping correct the alignment of the spinal bones. This good alignment will also help reduce stress on the nervous system by relieving pressure on the spinal nerves themselves. This improved alignment helps restore good communication throughout the nervous system which can also not just help reduce pain but can reduce stress and help your body be better able to relax, rest, and grow.

Chiropractic adjustment combined with posture alterations in your day-to-day life can greatly help not just improve your posture but help improve the overall health and well-being of your whole body. See if chiropractic care can help you and your posture and schedule an appointment today.

The Importance of Rest

The world that we live in in so fast-paced, people run themselves ragged trying to finish all the tasks they need to do. People have a hundred things on their plates and only 24 hours in the day to accomplish them. Hustle culture glamorizes pushing hard, not sleeping, and prioritizing accomplishment, and sacrificing anything to reach your goals. Too often sleep and rest are the things that are sacrificed. We often treat sleep like a commodity that we can exchange for working to get a project done and get ahead. But the importance of rest cannot be understated. No matter how much we need to do, we cannot do them well if we do not allow our bodies heal and rest. Our bodies are wonderfully complex machines that do not work the way they are supposed to if they do not get the time to rest and recharge.

Why is Rest Important?

Often when we say the word "rest" people think of sleep. Sleep is a very important aspect of health. Everyone can attest to how good it feels to get a good night's sleep.

Sleep helps restore your body's energy, repair damaged tissues and muscles, and triggers the release of hormones that help with growth and appetite. But the quality of sleep matters. Higher sleep quality is associated with the amount of time that one spends in REM sleep, or rapid eye movement sleep. That phase of the sleep cycle is the most restorative. Getting at least 2 hours of REM sleep is associated with feeling refreshed, reduced stress, and helps improve mood, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, increase sexual desire, and other health benefits. However, poor sleep, or sleep deprivation can contribute to a host of health problems including increased risk of heart disease, grogginess, digestive issues, and a chronic lack of energy. The brain is unable to focus as well as it should, and the body cannot recover strength as well as it should. The benefits of good quality sleep cannot be understated.

Basic rest, even periods of quiet wakefulness which are the times when you are having restful activity or lying with your eyes closed for a few minutes, can improve mental abilities. Insufficient sleep is never good, so ensuring that you get enough quality sleep is vital. But that timing is different depending on what phase of life. The National heart, Lug, and Blood Institute recommend that preschool aged children tend to need between 11-12 hours, school aged children are recommended 10 hours, 9-10 hours for teens and 7-8 hours are recommended for adults to ensure enough sleep and adequate rest.

Sleep and Functioning

There are several ways we know that sleep specifically is important for the body to function properly. Driving tired is considered equally dangerous to driving drunk. Multiple studies have shown that sleep deprived drivers have less reaction time, are less vigilant, and have reduced hand eye coordination and ability to multitask. One study conducted by the AAA foundation for Traffic Safety found that sleeping less than 6-7 hours a knight doubled a person's risk of being involved in a crash, while sleeping less than 5 hours doubled that risk again. Most researchers agree that after 20 straight hours of being awake, the impairment of sleep deprivation becomes equal to the legal limit of drinking and driving.

Another study shows that even a little bit of rest can make a difference. A study conducted on people who work long hours found that working a 30-hour shift with 20-minute naps every six hours doubled the performance of those rested workers compared to those who did not get any sleep. Even if those people couldn't truly fall asleep in that 20 minute nap, even the act of closing their eyes and resting improved their work performance.

What do we mean by rest?

When we say rest, however, we don't just mean sleep. Yes, getting quality sleep is very important to keeping your body happy and healthy. However, when we say rest, we mean rest of both the mind and body. Rest and relaxation go hand in hand. Research has shown that having time to relax helps benefit mental and physical health. And relaxation can show up in many ways. Research has shown that enjoyable leisure activities be they creative activities such as hobbies, sports, socializing, or spending time in nature have all been shown to increase measures of health and well being.

Recreation time outside has been specifically seen to be beneficial. Studies have shown that as little as 10 min of sitting or walking in nature significantly and positively impacted defined psychological and physiological markers of mental well-being for college-aged individuals.

Rest reduces stress. So all rest, including sleep, is very important to your body.

How can Chiropractic help with Rest?

Chiropractic care of the body and nervous system helps the whole body function better. Adjustments help activate the parasympathetic side of the nervous system, the part of the nervous system that regulates rest and digestion. Studies have shown that higher parasympathetic nervous system activity is associated with higher levels of immune system and antiviral activity, which helps the body fight disease and illness better.

Chiropractic care can also help with mental health issues by addressing the physical aspects of disorders such as anxiety and depression. Spikes of high blood pressure are associated with anxiety, but studies have shown that Chiropractic care betters to the nervous system's ability to regulate and lower blood pressure. When the blood pressure is better regulated this contributes to better rest which in turn improves the functioning of the immune system, reduces the risk of heart disease, and overall helps daily life be healthier and happier.

Chiropractic care is known to help with regular aches and pains like back pain and neck pain. When the body is not in pain and it has gotten enough rest, mental health improves too. Chiropractic care helps the body function better, and can help relieve issues like chronic pain and fatigue. When the body is not in pain, sleep quality improves, and when the nervous system is functioning without interference and the parasympathetic nervous system is activated, it boosts the body's ability to regulate its sleep schedule and improve sleep quality, thus increasing the body's rest. Chiropractic care over the long term also helps reduce symptoms of long term stress, and help with overall health and wellness.

Contact us today to see if Chiropractic care can help you rest easy.

Can Chiropractic help with Sinus Problems?

Can Chiropractic help with Sinus Problems?

Cold and flu season, pollen blooming, rapidly changing temperatures, all of these can drive our sinuses haywire. These clogged nasal passages can lead to sinus pressure, sinus pain, sinus headaches, and even if it goes too far, sinus infections. Sometimes it feels like there is no solution but to wait it out or take decongestants. People can even have chronic sinus issues that do not ever clear up.

What is happening in our Sinuses?

Sinuses are the hollow spaces inside of your skull that help balance pressure and drain mucus from your nose. There are multiple sinuses, but the ones we think about when we talk about sinus pressure are the one behind your forehead called the frontal sinus, and the ones behind your cheekbones called the maxillary sinuses. These sinuses make a thin mucus through our mucus membranes that drains out of the channels at the back of the nose to help keep the nose free and clean of bacteria. They also serve to warm and humidify the air you breathe to keep your lungs healthy.

When fighting off a cold, allergies, or other causes of sinus pressure such as exposure to cigarette smoke, the tissue lining of the sinus cavities become inflamed and block the normal drainage of the mucus, increasing the pressure, clogging the passage, and sometimes even causing swelling in the face. This inflammation and build up is what contributes to chronic sinus problems. When this inflammation does not reduce over time but is constantly present, this can become chronic sinusitis. The immune system will attempt to help fight off a sinus infection, but the thick mucus will impede sinus drainage and continue to build up increased pressure and can even contribute to other side effects like a sore throat or a cough.

How do we treat sinus issues?

While many people will turn to nasal sprays, allergy medication, or common cold medicine, these interventions usually only address the mucus level itself, instead of dealing with the root cause of the inflammation.

Can Chiropractic Care help?

Yes it can! Chiropractic care helps work on relieving pressure on the spinal cord which in turn helps the nervous system communicate and control the immune system better. This relief of pressure will help your body better regulate its immune response which can in turn help with sinus infections. On a physical level as well, chiropractic adjustments of the neck or even of the facial bones themselves can help restore balanced pressure and proper drainage in the head and frontal sinuses providing relief of pain.

Call today and see how Chiropractic care can help you get through the cold and flu season successfully!

Benefits of Pediatric Chiropractic Care: Improving Your Child's Health and Well-Being

Benefits of Pediatric Chiropractic Care: Improving Your Child's Health and Well-Being

Pediatric chiropractic care is becoming increasingly popular among parents seeking non-invasive and drug-free healthcare options for their children. Chiropractic care focuses on the relationship between the spine and nervous system and how misalignments in the spine can affect overall health. In children, misalignments can occur due to birth trauma, falls, sports injuries, or poor posture.

At our clinic, we believe that pediatric chiropractic care can have numerous benefits for children of all ages. By correcting spinal misalignments, chiropractic adjustments can improve nervous system function, which can lead to improved immune function, better sleep, and improved digestion. Additionally, chiropractic care can help with common childhood issues such as ear infections, colic, and asthma.

While some may be hesitant to seek chiropractic care for their children, it is important to note that chiropractors who specialize in pediatric care undergo extensive training and are well-equipped to work with children of all ages. We believe that pediatric chiropractic care can be a safe and effective option for parents looking to support their child's overall health and well-being.

Understanding Pediatric Chiropractic Care

Pediatric chiropractic care is a form of healthcare that focuses on the spine and nervous system of children. Chiropractors who specialize in pediatric care use gentle and safe techniques to help children achieve optimal health and wellness.

At our clinic, we believe that pediatric chiropractic care can provide numerous benefits for children, including:

• Improved sleep

• Reduced colic and digestive issues

• Enhanced immune system function

• Better posture and balance

• Reduced ear infections

• Improved behavior and focus

During a pediatric chiropractic visit, we will perform a thorough examination of your child to identify any areas of misalignment or dysfunction in the spine and nervous system. We will then use gentle techniques to restore proper alignment and function, which can help improve your child's overall health and wellness.

Our goal is to provide safe and effective care for your child, and we will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your child's unique needs. We also believe in educating parents about the benefits of pediatric chiropractic care, so you can make informed decisions about your child's healthcare.

Overall, pediatric chiropractic care can be a safe and effective way to help your child achieve optimal health and wellness. If you're interested in learning more about how chiropractic care can benefit your child, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with us today.

Key Benefits of Pediatric Chiropractic Care

Pediatric chiropractic care is a safe and effective way to promote healthy development in children. It involves gentle adjustments to the spine and joints to improve the functioning of the nervous system. Here are some key benefits of pediatric chiropractic care:

Promotes Healthy Development

Pediatric chiropractic care can help infants and children to develop properly. By gently adjusting the spine and joints, chiropractors can help to relieve tension and improve mobility. This can help to promote healthy development of the musculoskeletal system, which is essential for proper movement and posture.

Boosts Immune System

Pediatric chiropractic care can also help to boost the immune system. By improving the functioning of the nervous system, chiropractors can help to enhance the body's natural ability to fight off infections and illnesses. This can help to reduce the risk of common childhood illnesses, such as colds and flu.

Improves Sleep Patterns

Pediatric chiropractic care can also help to improve sleep patterns in children. By relieving tension and promoting relaxation, chiropractors can help children to fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer. This can help to improve overall health and well-being, as well as reduce the risk of behavioral problems and learning difficulties.

Enhances Neurological Development

Pediatric chiropractic care can also help to enhance neurological development in children. By improving the functioning of the nervous system, chiropractors can help to promote healthy brain development and improve cognitive function. This can help to improve learning, memory, and overall academic performance.

In conclusion, pediatric chiropractic care can provide a range of benefits for children. By promoting healthy development, boosting the immune system, improving sleep patterns, and enhancing neurological development, chiropractors can help children to achieve optimal health and well-being.

Safety and Effectiveness of Pediatric Chiropractic Care

Pediatric chiropractic care is a safe and effective way to promote the health and well-being of children. As chiropractors, we are highly trained professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. We use gentle, non-invasive techniques to help children achieve optimal health.

Research has shown that pediatric chiropractic care is safe and effective. A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic care was associated with significant improvements in children with asthma, ear infections, and colic. Another study published in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health found that chiropractic care was effective in treating children with a variety of conditions, including ADHD, bedwetting, and scoliosis.

Chiropractors are trained to work with children of all ages, from infants to teenagers. We use gentle, non-invasive techniques that are safe and effective for children. These techniques include spinal adjustments, massage, and stretching exercises.

Pediatric chiropractic care is also effective in preventing future health problems. By promoting proper spinal alignment and posture, chiropractic care can help prevent injuries and improve overall health and well-being. Chiropractic care can also help children develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime, such as proper posture and exercise.

In conclusion, pediatric chiropractic care is a safe and effective way to promote the health and well-being of children. As chiropractors, we are highly trained professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. We use gentle, non-invasive techniques to help children achieve optimal health.

Choosing a Pediatric Chiropractor

When it comes to choosing a pediatric chiropractor, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that you find the right fit for your child. Here are some tips to help guide your search:

1. Look for a licensed chiropractor

First and foremost, make sure that the chiropractor you choose is licensed and in good standing with their state board. This will ensure that they have met the necessary educational and training requirements to practice chiropractic care.

2. Consider their experience with children

Pediatric chiropractic care requires a different approach than adult care, so it's important to find a chiropractor who has experience working with children. Look for a practitioner who specializes in pediatric care or who has a significant amount of experience treating children.

3. Ask for referrals

Word of mouth can be a powerful tool when it comes to finding a pediatric chiropractor. Ask friends, family members, or your child's pediatrician for recommendations. You can also search online for reviews and testimonials from other parents.

4. Schedule a consultation

Before committing to a chiropractor, schedule a consultation to get a better sense of their approach and whether it would be a good fit for your child. During the consultation, ask about their experience working with children, their treatment approach, and any potential risks or side effects.

5. Trust your instincts

Ultimately, the most important factor in choosing a pediatric chiropractor is your gut feeling. If something doesn't feel right or you don't feel comfortable with the practitioner, it's okay to keep looking until you find someone who feels like the right fit for your child.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pediatric chiropractic care can be a beneficial addition to a child's healthcare routine. While it may not be suitable for every child, it can help with a variety of issues such as colic, ear infections, and even ADHD.

Through gentle adjustments, chiropractors can help improve the alignment of a child's spine, which can lead to improved nervous system function and overall health. Additionally, chiropractors can provide parents with education and resources on how to improve their child's posture and spinal health at home.

It's important to note that chiropractic care should not be used as a replacement for traditional medical care. Rather, it should be used as a complementary therapy to support a child's overall health and well-being.

If you're considering pediatric chiropractic care for your child, it's important to do your research and find a qualified and experienced chiropractor who specializes in working with children. By working together with your child's healthcare team, you can help ensure that your child receives the best possible care.

Can Chiropractic help with Spinal Stenosis

What is Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is defined as a narrowing of the spinal canal. The spinal canal, also known as the spinal column, is the protective sheath around the spinal cord. The spinal cord is the bundle of nerves that comes out of the base of the brain stem and runs down the center of the entire spine with nerves that branch off of it all the way down and send signals from the brain to the entire rest of the body. The spinal cord itself is inside the protective canal, floating in cerebral spinal fluid which provides insulation and protection. When that canal has abnormal pressure placed on it, it can impact the ability of the nervous system to communicate through the spinal cord by squeezing the nerves, hindering signaling, or by applying stretching tension on the spinal cord, which can also impact the communication of the nervous system, and even cause damage.

Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis

This squeezing pressure on the spinal cord and the nerve roots within the spine can occur in the neck and lower back, and depending on the area, different symptoms can arise, although some people with spinal stenosis have no noticeable symptoms. Symptoms can occur, and these can include pain, numbness, and muscle weakness. In the cervical spine symptoms can include neck pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms or hands. With lumbar spinal stenosis sometimes low back pain can be felt, but pain can also occur in one or both legs. Sometimes people will feel weakness or numbness in their leg or foot as well which can lead to problems with walking and balance. More severe symptoms of lumbar stenosis can also include feeling problems with the bowel or bladder. This can often be worsened after standing for a long period of time, or after walking. Often, in the lower extremities, people will find that the symptoms improve when bending forward or sitting.

What Causes Spinal Stenosis?

There are many possible causes of spinal stenosis. With age and wear and tear on the body, sometimes people can develop degenerative disc disease which can cause arthritic changes in the spine. Arthritic changes will usually present as extra bone growth on the spine, known as bone spurs. These do not necessarily grow out of the spine, but can grow into the spine and push into the spinal canal and develop spinal stenosis.

A herniated disc can also cause spinal stenosis. The supportive spinal discs in between the spinal vertebra, called intervertebral discs, are basically a doughnut of cartilage surrounding a jelly center called the nucleus pulposus. Those discs provide shock absorption for the spine. If that disc is damaged from spinal injuries, particularly compression, that jelly center can squish out and push into the spinal canal, and spinal stenosis occurs.

But one of the most common causes of spinal stenosis is injury. Car accidents and other traumas such as a fall or blow to the spine can cause spinal bones to break, or can cause swelling of the tissues surrounding the spine causing narrowing and putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots.

What can help treat spinal stenosis patients?

Often, spinal stenosis patients will be seeking pain relief, so common treatment for spinal stenosis will involve some form of medication to help relieve pain. Sometimes steroid shots can help reduce the inflammation around the affected nerve roots. However, this does not treat the cause of the pain. Some providers will prescribe physical therapy to help build up endurance and strength and help improve flexibility in the spine. In severe cases, some providers may even recommend spinal surgery to help create more space within the spinal canal.

But one of the most effective, and least invasive treatment for spinal stenosis is chiropractic care.

How does Chiropractic treatment help spinal stenosis?

Chiropractic treatment for spinal stenosis, instead of focusing on the pain caused by the stenosis, focuses on relieving the pressure placed on the nerve roots by bettering the alignment of the spine. Chiropractic adjustments help relieve pressure on the spinal nerves by restoring proper alignment of the spine and not letting it sit in poor posture. Chiropractors can utilize multiple techniques to work on relieving pressure on the spine, including flexion distraction manipulation, torque release technique, and others. Furthermore, this adjustment often also helps improve flexibility and range of motion in the spine, relieving pain, which often helps the patient feel more enabled in their life to be active and mobile without fear of pain or further injury.

Call today and see how Chiropractic treatment can help you!

Prenatal Chiropractic Care in Glenwood Springs, CO | Your Complete Guide – 2022

The vast majority of pregnant women experience some pain in the pelvic and lower back regions during their pregnancy. According to one study, approximately half of all pregnant women develop back pain before giving birth to their babies.

Unfortunately, a group of these patients develops debilitating pain that forces them to stay at home or get admitted to the hospital.

You might be thinking: “Can’t they just take some painkillers?”

Well, it is not that simple. You see, pregnancy and pharmacological drugs do not mix. This makes chiropractic care a very attractive choice to relieve pains and discomforts while providing other health benefits. In this post, we will cover everything you need to know about the benefits of chiropractic care in helping pregnant women. We will also touch on an interesting technique that helps with the breech position known as Webster’s technique.

The benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy

Pregnancy is a continuous process of hormonal fluctuations and physical changes that place a toll on your posture and cause pain.

Additionally, the size of your baby is constantly increasing, which gradually shifts your center of gravity. This will have some negative consequences on your muscles and pelvis.

To relieve these aches, our experts will use various techniques that take into consideration your anatomy and initial complaints.

Doing this will alleviate the need to take any medications that could potentially place your baby in jeopardy.

According to one large study, scientists found that ¾ of pregnant women who try chiropractic care experience significant pain relief.

Furthermore, working on adjusting your center of gravity will help you feel energized and at ease during the rest of your journey.

After getting familiar with the generalities, let us dig deeper into the benefits of seeking the help of a Pregnancy Chiropractor in Glenwood Springs, CO:

1.      Pregnancy Chiropractic Care Relieves Pain

Your prenatal chiropractor in Glenwood Springs will ensure that your spine is aligned, then work on your muscles, joints, and ligaments to increase their stability.

After a few sessions, you will notice a drastic change in your symptoms, as well as the ability to perform day-to-day activities.

Besides relieving your pain, chiropractic care will also lower the risk of any musculoskeletal injuries, which is super important for pregnant women.

2.      Prenatal Chiropractic Care Reduces Nausea 

One of the cardinal signs of being pregnant is the constant feeling of nausea. Fortunately, the physical manipulation of your autonomic nervous system will temper down this reaction and help you feel better.

If your nausea becomes insupportable despite chiropractic care and medications, make sure to mention that to your doctor on your next prenatal care visit.

3.      Helps with repositioning the baby (i.e., Webster’s technique)

As you may know, if your baby is presenting in a breech position, vaginal delivery is not an option. In this case, your doctor will recommend a C-section, especially if the breech is only discovered during your delivery day.

Fortunately, there is a method known as Webster’s technique, which stabilizes the sacrum and modifies fetal positioning. To perform this technique, you need to consult with a chiropractor with special certification. However, you do not have to look far since all of our chiropractors are Webster technique certified.

4.      Reduces the duration of labor

According to studies, women who receive chiropractic care during their pregnancy will have shorter labor durations. The exact numbers lay between a 25% to a 31% shorter duration.

Experts believe this is the result of the improved alignment of the pelvic organs, decreasing the intrauterine pressure and allowing the baby to get through the birth canal more easily.

5.      Improves postpartum outcome

While this benefit may be a bit beyond the scope of this article, postpartum bleeding and pain are common complications that often reflect the quality of prenatal care.

Seeing a chiropractor before delivering your baby will smooth out labor and lower the risk of complications. Moreover, many new moms complain of backaches and neck pain when they breastfeed their children. In this case, chiropractic care can help you even after your baby is born.

The safety of chiropractic care during pregnancy

It is natural to express some concerns about any practice when you are pregnant. The good news is that chiropractic care does not involve any invasive procedures or medications that harm the baby. Therefore, it is completely safe for pregnant women.

Think of this practice as physical therapy that’s designed to relax your muscles and improve your health.

With all of that said, there are some contraindications to chiropractic care during pregnancy, including:

·       Active vaginal bleeding

·       Ectopic pregnancy

·       Placental dysfunctions (e.g., placenta previa, placenta abruption)

Fortunately, our chiropractors, at Trailhead Family Chiropractic, are certified in prenatal care, as well as some advanced techniques related to pregnancy (e.g., Webster’s technique).

Our experts will use adjustable tables to accommodate the larger abdominal circumference.

If you are still concerned about prenatal chiropractic in Glenwood Springs, you can always speak with your primary care physician or OB-GYN for tailored medical advice.

Takeaway message

Getting the help of a prenatal chiropractor in Glenwood Springs is a fantastic therapeutic approach for pregnant women. It is a safe practice that carries little to no side effects, making it an appealing choice for all people, including pregnant women.

We hope that this article helped you appreciate the role of chiropractic care in helping pregnant women and how we can use its technique to correct the breech position.