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Veterans get Free Spinal Wellness Consultations during Red, White & Extraordinary Wellness Week at Chiro One Wellness Centers

In July of 2008, Chiro One Wellness Centers launched their ‘Operation Share the Wellness’ program, reaching out to veterans with free Chiropractic care. One of the promotions that was developed during Operation Share the Wellness was ‘Red, White & Extraordinary Wellness Week’ that was held during the week of Memorial Day. Chiro One is honored to once again offer this program to veterans. Both my father and my brother served in the military and it is a great honor to work for a company that supports veterans. Check out the details below about ‘Red, White & Extraordinary Wellness Week’ and be sure to share with your friends and family who are serving, or who have served their country. Red, White & Extraordinary Wellness Week is all about honoring them!
- April Neill, Director of Public Relations Chiro One Wellness Centers

Memorial Day Program offers wellness consultations to military personnel

In the spirit of service, Chiro One Wellness Centers is hosting ‘Red, White & Extraordinary Wellness Week’ during the week of Memorial Day at all Chiro One Wellness Centers’ locations in Chicagoland, Kentucky and Texas.

During this event, Chiro One is offering complimentary wellness consultations* to all veterans and active duty military personnel from Tuesday, May 29th – Thursday, May 31st at a Chiro One near you. Wellness Consultations can include a Chiropractic Doctor’s Consultation, Focused Exam (CPT:99201), Digital Orthotic Foot Scan, 2 Spinal X-Rays in area of complaint (if medically necessary), and Complimentary Insurance Verification. (a $395 Value.

*Some restrictions apply.*Offer applies to new patients only. *Offer does not include personal injury or workman’s compensation cases. *Medicare, Medicaid and Tricare recipients are excluded from this offer by law. *Based on initial exam finding additional services may be recommended. *Government issued identification and health insurance cards will need to be presented at time of initial visit. (*Kentucky Residents – You have the right to rescind, within seventy-two (72) hours, any obligation for services performed in addition to this free or discounted service).

Chiro One is honored to host Red, White & Extraordinary Wellness Week to recognize and honor our veterans and active duty military personnel who give their all in service of our country. Chiro One will commemorate this event with a special Daily Inspirational reading honoring our nation’s heroes. To read this inspirational message, follow Chiro One Wellness Centers on Monday, May 28th on Facebook.

Event Information: ‘Red, White & Extraordinary Wellness Week’
Complimentary Wellness Evaluations for all veterans and active duty military personnel
When: Tuesday, May 29th – Thursday, May 31st, 2012
Hours: 7:30 am – 9:30 am & 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Where: All Chiro One Wellness Centers in Chicagoland, Kentucky & Texas

Reservations are recommended. To make an appointment at a Chiro One near you, call toll-free at 877.724.4761. For location information or for directions, click here.

“We are proud to provide “Red, White & Extraordinary Wellness Week” to the greatest military force and soldiers in the world,” states Chiro One’s Chief Marketing Officer, Brett Penager. “Chiro One Wellness Centers is committed to our vision that ‘every human being discovers their full potential’ and feels a deep sense of pride and honor to support our Troops that are serving in the armed forces. We are acutely aware of the stress and pressure that they experience defending our Nation and want to do our part to make sure they are offered the opportunity to discover extraordinary wellness through Chiropractic care.”

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7 Habits of Healthy Women

Often times, women aren’t on their own list of priorities. After taking care of everyone else, they tend to put themselves last on the list, and often have very little left to give. May is National Women’s Health Month and it’s the perfect time to put yourself at the top of your “to-do” list by taking charge of your health!

Take charge now with the following 7 healthy habits:

  1. Reduce your caloric intake. Experts recommend cutting your daily food intake by 20%. One trick for slashing portions: Instead of putting big platters of food at the center of the table, fill each plate at the counter.
  2. Pile on the plants. Not only are plant-based diets rich in antioxidants and other good-for-you nutrients, they’re also better for your waistline. You can chow down for a fraction of the calories. Another great tip: think of meat as a condiment rather than the main event, and sub in more beans, nuts, and legumes.
  3. Learn to love the foods that love you back! A diet of berries and broccoli or spinach and soy might seem utterly foreign-but taste buds can be retrained. Women (ok, men too) love fat, salt, and sugar because that’s what we’re used to. But studies show that if you eat more wholesome foods, you can learn to prefer them. An easy way to start: Search for hidden sugars, which is found in many packaged foods. Once you get rid of the hidden sugars, you’ll start to prefer less-sweet foods.
  4. Sit down-and slow down. It might be too much to prepare a home cooked meal every night. But we can sit at a table to eat takeout with our familes instead of scarfing it on the go. Savor each bite and stretch your meals out for 20 whole minutes. You’ll end up eating less and enjoying family time more.
  5. Get up and Get Moving! The women who live the longest don’t think of exercise as a chore. Instead, they incorporate movement into their everyday lives. Take a 30 minute walk after dinner. Pull your own weeds instead of paying the kid next door; make extra trips carrying laundry up and down the stairs.
  6. Be Social. Strong social and family bonds are vital to staying healthy. Besides spending quality time at home with family, surround yourself with health conscious friends-research shows that good health habits are contagious. Be sure to get involved in your community, too, whether it’s at your children’s school, a gardening group, or a volunteer organization. These connections can add years to your life.
  7. Learn to De-Stress. Even the healthiest women get stressed out sometimes. What they all have, however, are daily strategies to combat stress. Learn to take it easy; meditate, try yoga or go for a jog, make a dinner date with friends-and don’t worry about your inability to be “super-woman.” It’s okay to let the dishes sit in the sink for a bit while you take care of you! Another great way to reduce stress is with chiropractic. Chiropractic care allows the body to operate at its full potential, therefore substantially decreasing the amount of physical stress the body is exposed to. Doctors of Chiropractic are experts in spinal adjustment and other manual therapies that can also relieve the aches and pains caused by stress. They can also provide nutrition counseling, exercise recommendations, ergonomic tips and other advice to promote healthy living. No matter what stress-relief methods you choose, make it a habit to use them—especially if you feel too stressed out to do it. As someone once said, the time to relax is when you don’t have time for it. And, remember, it’s OK to enjoy the occasional double latte. What matters is a cumulative lifestyle pattern of enjoying healthy foods, staying connected to others, and keeping yourself moving.

During the month of May, Chiro One Wellness Centers is hosting “Brighter, Stronger You: Women’s Health Month,” offering complimentary wellness evaluations for women  at all Chiro One Wellness Centers’ locations in Chicagoland, Kentucky & Texas.  Click here to book your appointment now. Enter Promo Code “Brighter You.” Some restrictions apply. For more information, visit Chiro One Wellness Centers.

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Local Chiropractic Group offers free wellness evaluations to women in May.

Chiro One Wellness Centers kick off “Brighter, Stronger You: Women’s Health Month’ in May 

As part of National Women’s Health Awareness Month, Chiro One Wellness Centers is hosting a special promotion in May. Chiro One’s, ‘Brighter, Stronger You: Women’s Health Month’ campaign will be held at all Chiro One offices in Chicagoland and is an excellent opportunity for women to discover more about women’s health issues and the importance of a healthy spine and nervous system. Chiro One’s 2012 ‘Brighter, Stronger You: Women’s Health Month’ campaign has been developed to educate women about the devastating effects of subluxations and the importance of maintaining a healthy spine and nervous system to achieve optimum health. A subluxation is a misaligned vertebrae that puts pressure on the nervous system that is connected to specific areas, organs and functions of your body. Subluxations can be a precursor to many symptoms such as migraines, back pain, pms, headaches and many other women’s health complaints.

During the month of May, Chiro One is offering complimentary wellness evaluations* for women including a doctor’s consultation, focused exam (CPT:99201), digital orthotic foot scan, 2 spinal x-rays in area of complaint (if medically necessary), and complimentary insurance verification (a total value of $395) from May 1st – May 31st at a Chiro One Wellness Center near you.
Supported by their vision, “that every human being discovers their full potential,” Chiro One invites women to find out more about how they can benefit from the opportunity to experience incredible health through an optimally functioning spine and nervous system. Stop in or call 877-724-4761 to make a reservation for a free spinal health exam at any Chiro One Wellness Center during the month of May.

Event Information: ‘Brighter, Stronger You: Women’s Health Month’ When: Tuesday, May 1st thru Thursday, May 31st, 2012 Where: All Chiro One Wellness Centers’ locations Some restrictions apply. For more information or to make an appointment at a Chiro One near you, call (877) 724-4761. Walk-ins welcome.

Women’s Health & Wellness Workshop Do you want to be a brighter, stronger version of yourself? The month of May is all about taking care of you! Find out about common women’s health issues and learn how to fight back against heart disease and cope with pms, menopause, pregnancy issues and more when you attend Chiro One’s ‘Women’s Wellness Workshop’ held at select Chiro One centers in May. Visit http://www.ChiroOne.net/Events for local listings of dates and times. Reservations are welcome. Event is open to the public.

Book your appointment now at (877) 724-4761 or online. Enter Promo Code: Brighter You. To locate a Chiro One near you, visit http://www.ChiroOne.net. Chiro One Wellness Centers has offices in Addison, Bloomingdale, Burr Ridge, Chicago, Crystal Lake, Des Plaines, Evanston, Flossmoor, Forest Park, Glenview, Homer Glen, Huntley, Joliet, Lansing, Libertyville, McHenry, Mokena, Naperville, New Lenox, North Aurora, Northbrook, Oak Brook, Oak Forest, Oak Lawn, Olympia Fields, Orland Hills, Oswego, Plainfield, Palos Heights, Romeoville, Round Lake Beach, Schaumburg, South Barrington, South Elgin, St. Charles, Vernon Hills, Waukegan, West Chicago, Wheaton, Wheeling, Woodridge, Woodstock and Yorkville in Illinois; and in Ashland, Frankfort, Georgetown, Lexington, Nicholasville, Richmond & Winchester in Kentucky; and in Arlington, Colleyville, Dallas, Flower Mound, Las Colinas, and Plano in Texas.

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Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Fertility Issues

Making the decision to start a family is exciting. You’re now ready to have a baby…and after months and months of trying, you’re having trouble conceiving. If you’re not one of the lucky ones who conceive within a couple of months, you may find yourself among millions of fertility challenged couples. And whether you’ve been trying for months or for a decade, you might want to improve your odds of conception with a method that is quick, painless, inexpensive, and non-invasive. Believe it or not, a visit to the chiropractor may help you conceive.

Your body is an amazing creation that can accomplish numerous, miraculous tasks, including creating new life. These miraculous tasks are accomplished under the direction of the nervous system. The nervous system is the master communication system of the entire body.

In many cases, fertility issues may be associated with improper nervous system function, poor nutrition, high stress and poor lifestyle habits. Chiropractors are nervous system specialists and reducing interference in the nervous system is their primary goal. Keeping the spine properly aligned, clearing the nervous system of excessive interference, and counseling patients in nutrition, exercise and changes to lifestyle, make the chiropractor one of your best options to help your body function in harmony with the way it was designed.

How would Nerve Dysfunction or Vertebral Subluxations influence fertility?Think of your brain as a computer. It coordinates, via your nervous system, both organ and cell function. Nerve messages can be impaired by spinal subluxations which occur when there are misalignments of one or more vertebrae. This results in altered joint motion and nerve irritation which lessens organ function and general health. In essence, the body moves further and further away from homeostatic balance which challenges clear coordination of the body’s central intelligence.

The nerve messages that initiate and sustain reproduction (or any vital function) may in turn be compromised. It is both the severity of the subluxation and the length of time it has been left uncorrected that dictates the decline in body function.

Parental health prior to conception is one of the many factors to influence a successful reproductive outcome. Restoring and balancing the function of the reproductive organs through the removal of vertebral subluxations, which may have been compromising the nerve messages that initiate and sustain reproduction, and allowing an individual body to recreate its ‘body order’, may help to optimize a woman’s ability to conceive.

While chiropractors adjust the spine to remove nerve interference, it is your individual body that recreates ‘body order’. As chiropractors, we take no credit for the magnificent design or intelligence of the human body.

A study on infertility and Chiropractic
One study published in (JVSR), Journal of Vertebral Sublux­ation Research, on the effec­tiveness of chiropractic for infertility followed 15 women, who ranged in age from 22 – 64. They were adjusted using a variety of techniques to remove nerve interference that might have affected their ability to conceive.

The results with Chiropractic:
Impressive to say the least – 14 of the 15 subjects became pregnant within 2 – 20 months of starting chiropractic care. The 64 year-old woman, obviously, was the only one who did not conceive. Other case studies on infertile women have similar results.

Also note that chiropractic care can be used in conjunction with other accepted approaches to resolving infertility concerns and can greatly improve the chances of successful medical procedures such as IVF.

If you or someone you know would like more information about how chiropractic care can benefit women with fertility issues, call Chiro One Wellness Centers TODAY at (877) 724-4761.

As part of National Women’s Health Awareness Month, Chiro One Wellness Centers is hosting a special promotion in May. Chiro One’s, ‘Brighter, Stronger You: Women’s Health Month’ campaign will be held at all Chiro One offices in Chicagoland, Kentucky and Texas and is an excellent opportunity for women to discover more about women’s health issues and the importance of a healthy spine and nervous system. Book your appointment today at ChiroOne.net/Events and enter Promo Code “Brighter You”.

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New study says colicky babies benefit from chiropractic care.

My daughter was a colicky baby and I remember the sleepless nights and the frustration that I felt not knowing what to do to comfort her. She’s 17 now and college-bound, however, I wish I knew then what I know now; chiropractic care can help colicky babies!!!!! Check out the news report below highlighting a recent study done at the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic in the United Kingdom that was conducted to determine if chiropractic care can benefit colicky infants.  -April Neill, Director of Public Relations Chiro One Wellness Centers

Colicky babies benefit from chiropractic care says new study.

A study was conducted late last year by doctors at the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic in the United Kingdom to determine if chiropractic care had any benefit for colicky infants. Colic is generally defined as persistent crying, not likely to be soothed by a caring parent, mainly occurring the in the late afternoon and evening in infants who are well fed and healthy.

“Colic is a condition with no known treatment protocols that have proven to be entirely effective,” said Chassell-based chiropractor Dr. Jinny Sirard, D.C. “This study represents an interesting approach that parents with colicky babies may want to try.”

Researchers established criteria for inclusion in the study: Infants less than eight weeks old who cried more than three hours for at least four of the previous seven days. The study group was eventually set at 43 children.

“Two methods of chiropractic care were used, both very gentle, non-invasive procedures,” said Dr. Sirard. “Spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) was used on 22 of the infants, and occipito-sacral decompression (OSD) on the other 21, all selected at random for each particular care methodology.”

By the seventh day of the short-term trial study, crying was significantly reduced by about two hours per day in both groups. By the 14th day of the trial, that reduction in crying was even more pronounced. Four weeks after the completion of the study, colic had disappeared in 82 percent of the infants undergoing the SMT and 67 percent of the infants undergoing the OSD care.

“A properly functioning nervous system is just as important in infants as it is in adults,” said Dr. Sirard, who makes a point of encouraging all her adult patients to bring in their children to get checked out, and whose office features computerized infrared spinal thermography, a technology used to measure nervous system function. “Stress on the nervous system, known as vertebral subluxation, can have a detrimental effect on overall health in both children and adults.”

Dr. Sirard added that studies like these give insight into potential new was to approach age-old problems of health with a natural approach, but was quick to remark that such studies are just a first step toward further understanding health issues like colic.

Source: The Daily Mining Gazette

For more information about how chiropractic care can benefit babies, call Chiro One Wellness Centers at (877) 724-4761.

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Chiropractor Shares Healthy Fashion Tips for Saving Your Back

High Heels: Haute or Hazardous?

High heels can make you look fabulous and with the spring season in full swing, you may be pulling out your favorite pair. But looking your best might not always be the best thing for you.

Today’s society is extremely fashion and style conscious. Unfortunately, clothing designers and stylists aim to please by creating unique looks that might not always be practical or even comfortable. The look of the season shows runway models in high platform heels and tight skirts or pants. Models have perfected the runway “walk,” but the popular looks and accessories are frequently impractical and could create leg, back, and spine or neck problems.

“Women generally wear high heels to complement an outfit, not for comfort, but some might not realize that these shoes can cause serious discomfort in the feet and can also exacerbate back pain,” says Dr. Katie Weessies, Chiropractic Director of Chiro One Wellness Centers of Streeterville.  ”High heels alter the balanced position of a person’s body. When a woman wears high heels, a new dynamic equilibrium occurs.”

Another unhealthy fashion statement is the use of heavy handbags. Women tend to carry too many items in one bag and are often not aware of the potential health risks associated with toting an excessive amount of “stuff.” “Carrying a bag with detectable weight—more than 10 percent of your body weight—can cause improper balance,” says Weessies.  “When hiked over one shoulder, it interferes with the natural movement of the upper and lower body.”

In today’s society, it might be important to you to look fashionable, but it is more important to choose clothes, shoes and bags that are comfortable and that suit your style.

By following these simple steps, it is possible to look and feel your best!

• Choose comfortable shoes. If you must wear high heels, bring a pair of flat shoes along with you to change into should you become uncomfortable. If the shoe is uncomfortable while standing, chances are it will not be any more comfortable while walking. The wrong shoe can affect the body’s center of gravity.

• Choose supportive shoes. Designer spikes or non-supportive loafers may look nice but do not allow for easy, symmetrical walking.

• Take Frequent Breaks. While sitting, whether or not you are wearing heels, it’s important to take frequent stretch breaks to alleviate atrophy of the hamstring muscles.

• Avoid excessive wear of tight pants or clothing. If you prefer tighter clothes, choose styles that allow you to perform daily tasks with ease.

• Select a briefcase or purse with a wide adjustable strap. Ideally, the strap should be long enough to place over the head. This evenly distributes the bulk of the weight across the body.

• When carrying a bag, or briefcase, switch sides frequently to avoid placing the burden of the weight on one side of your body.

• Take the time to empty unnecessary items from your bag.

• Place all necessary items—wallets/cell phones—in front pockets of bag. Stretching to reach for your wallet can result in a pulled neck or back.

“Designers and stylists tend to be more concerned about the way something looks rather than the way it feels. Listen to your body,” says Weessies. One of the most important aspects of being in style and looking your best is to maintain healthy judgment. By following simple suggestions being fashionable can be comfortable.

Chiropractic Care Can Help…

The abnormal weight bearing and stressful posture induced by high heels and heavy handbags can strain both the lower back and the neck – not to mention the feet, ankles or knees. If you continue to experience pain and discomfort, visit your doctor of chiropractic. To make an appointment at your local Chiro One center, call 877-724-4761 today!

Dr. Katie Weessies, D.C. serves as Chiropractic Director of Chiro One Wellness Center of Streeterville 455 N. Cityfront Plaza, Ste. 2040. Weessies is accepting new patients and can be reached at (312) 262-6201.

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Chiropractic helps Sharon Hodges overcome back pain and pms

Meet Sharon Hodges

“Chiropractic is helping me a lot with my back pain. It has also helped me with my PMS. I used to take 800 mg of Ibuprofen every 3 hours for two days before my period just to function. Now I don’t need ibuprofen at all and I’m pain-free.”

My name is Sharon Hodges. I was afraid that I was falling apart when I came to Chiro One. I had been in a lot of back pain for 25 years or better and was told by my MD years ago that I had damaged by back and would need future surgery. I was a postal worker and hurt my back from years of carrying too much weight but didn’t want to get surgery.

At its worst, I was in a lot of pain and couldn’t always get out of bed in the morning without assistance. I’d literally have to roll on my side to get out of bed or get help. I had never seen a chiropractor before and wanted to give it a try. My insurance didn’t cover it, but I tried it any way. I had tried physical therapy in the past and although I think it helped a little, it didn’t make a big difference. I used to store Ibuprofen in my purse, my car and on all three floors of my house so that I could find it right away if I was in pain.

Now that I’ve been under care at Chiro One of Flossmoor, I no longer need the Ibuprofen. Inside the first month, the back pain stopped and I could sleep on my back for the first time.

I used to have really bad back pain ten days before my period and had to take 800 mg of Ibuprofen every three hours just to function two days before, but now I don’t have any pain at all. I actually got my period last month and didn’t even know that it was due. I had no pain, no bloating and no cramps. I couldn’t wait to tell Dr. Matt!

I feel down the stairs this past February and didn’t even think of going to an ER. I was coming to see Dr. Jeremy the next day and he was very helpful and took x-rays of my foot. I’ve been under care since October of 2009 and I’ve felt great ever since. After experiencing pain for 30 years, I’m really happy to have found Chiro One.

I’m down to one visit per week, and I miss being here. I feel like they really care about me and they ask me to let them know how it’s going. I love coming to this place!

Do you or someone you know suffer from PMS or Back Pain? Call 877-724-4761 to schedule an appointment with Chiro One Wellness Centers TODAY!

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Chiropractic Tips for overcoming Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

May is National Women’s Health Month and it’s a great time to talk about women’s health issues.  We’re going to start with Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) because we know so many of you can relate!

Just say no to PMS
Millions of women are affected each and every month from symptoms of PMS – premenstrual syndrome – and other related menstrual health issues. Unfortunately, many women believe it’s normal to live with the pain, bloating, nausea, and headaches that can accompany PMS. The stress, discomfort, and inability to function comfortably do not have to be accepted as a natural part of life. There are several ways to treat these symptoms, one of which is through a preventative wellness based approach using Chiropractic care.

Spinal nerves affect all parts of the body, including those responsible for the menstrual cycle and menopause. Women who are affected by PMS may have subluxations or dysfunction in the nerves of the lower back or lumbar spine. The lumbar nerves support the uterus and ovaries and when those nerves are irritated, the pain and discomfort are felt in the female reproductive organs.

Doctors of chiropractic help maintain a healthy relationship between nerves and the female reproductive organs by opening the nerve supply from the spine. Chiropractors correct the vertebral subluxations that can lead to reduced function and symptoms of PMS. Some of the problems experienced during PMS and menopause can even be eliminated with regular visits to a chiropractor.

For years, women have been using over-the-counter medication to alleviate the symptoms and ease the pain endured during PMS and menopause. Receiving chiropractic spinal adjustments can decrease these symptoms using a healthy, natural, and holistic approach.

Here are a few helpful tips on how you can reduce the symptoms of PMS

• Research has proven that you can reduce up to almost half of all symptoms (including mood swings, depression, and menstrual cramps) of PMS by simply consuming 1200 mg of calcium daily.

• One of the best ways to reduce PMS is through regular exercise. Not only does exercise reduce, or sometimes eliminate premenstrual syndrome, it also is an excellent way to reduce stress and lower your risk of diseases including heart disease and cancer.

• Women who experience premenstrual breast tenderness can reduce or eliminate this symptom by taking 600 IU of Vitamin E daily.

• Dietary changes that may help reduce the symptoms of PMS include following a low-fat vegetarian diet, and/ or reducing your intake of refined sugar, salt, red meat, alcohol, and caffeine.

• Women who crave sugar during the days they experience premenstrual symptoms often find relief by supplementing their diet with 300 to 500 mg of magnesium. Magnesium also may help reduce breast tenderness.

• Alternative treatments that may be helpful include taking about 1500 mg of Primrose oil daily, or using natural progesterone cream (amount varies by product).

Remember, a healthy spine and nervous system are essential for the health of not only the female reproductive system, but for overall health and wellness. It is vital that women have routine spinal check-ups from a doctor of chiropractic.

During the month of May, Chiro One Wellness Centers is offering complimentary wellness exams to women during their ‘Brighter, Stronger You’ promotion. With 75 offices in Chicagoland, Kentucky and Texas, Chiro One invites women to call to make a reservation in May for a free spinal health assessment. Stop suffering and call (877) 724-4761 to schedule an appointment at Chiro One Wellness Centers today!

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Dr. Fabrizio Mancini discusses benefits of Chiropractic on The Doctors

Dr. Fabrizio Mancini discusses the benefits of Chiropractic, overcoming back pain and his new book, ‘The Power of Self-Healing: Unlock Your Natural Healing Potential in 21 Days’ on The Doctors on April 23rd, 2012. Way to go, Fab!!!

For more information about overcoming back pain and discovering your full health potential, Call Chiro One Wellness Centers Today at (877) 724-4761.

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Beating Back Pain with Chiropractic

These days, a large portion of the population suffers with some form of back pain. While conventional doctors are quick to recommend prescriptions to relieve pain and operations to repair damage, it’s important to note that there are actually natural and less invasive ways of dealing with back pain.
Back pain is among the most common medical problems. Millions of Americans deal with it daily and eighty percent of people suffer from back pain at some point in their lives. Back pain is the second most common reason for visits to the doctor’s office, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Most cases of back pain are mechanical or non-organic—not caused by serious conditions, such as inflammatory arthritis, infection, fracture, or cancer and the question remains; what can you do to beat back pain?

What Causes Back Pain? The back is a complicated structure of bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles. You can sprain ligaments, strain muscles, rupture disks, and irritate joints, all of which can lead to back pain. While sports injuries or accidents can cause back pain, sometimes the simplest of movements—for example, picking up a pencil from the floor— can have painful results. In addition, arthritis, poor posture, obesity, and psychological stress can cause or complicate back pain. Back pain can also directly result from disease of the internal organs, such as kidney stones, kidney infections, blood clots, or bone loss.

Back injuries are a part of everyday life, and the spine is quite good at dealing with these often “pulled” muscles. These very minor injuries usually heal within 1 or 2 days. Some pain, however, continues. What makes it last longer is not entirely understood, but researchers suspect that the reasons may include stress, mood changes, and the fear of further injury that may prevent patients from being active. In addition, sometimes a painful injury or disease changes the way the pain signals are sent through the body, and, even after the problem has gone away or is inactive, the pain signals still reach the brain. It is as if the pain develops a memory that keeps being replayed.

Will Back Pain Go Away on Its Own? Until recently, researchers believed that back pain would heal on its own. We have learned, however, that this is not true. Emerging research has shown that when back pain is not treated, it may go away temporarily, but will most likely return and when it is ignored, back pain generally does not go away on its own, but continues to affect people for long periods after it first begins.

What Can I Do to Prevent Long-Term Back Pain? If your back pain is not resolving quickly, visit your doctor of chiropractic. Your pain will often result from mechanical problems that your doctor of chiropractic can address. Many chiropractic patients with relatively long-lasting or recurring back pain feel improvement shortly after starting chiropractic treatment and the relief is often greater after a month of chiropractic treatment than after seeing a family physician.

Chiropractic care has been a blessing to millions of people suffering from back pain, saving many sufferers from unnecessary drugs and surgery.

What Should I Tell My Doctor of Chiropractic? Before any treatment session, tell your doctor of chiropractic if you experience any of the following:

• Pain goes down your leg below your knee.

• Your leg, foot, groin, or rectal area feels numb.

• You have fever, nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, weakness, or sweating.

• You lose bowel control.

• Your pain is caused by an injury.

• Your pain is so intense you can’t move around.

• Your pain doesn’t seem to be getting better quickly.

Tips to Prevent Back Pain

  • Maintain a healthy diet and weight.
  • Exercise regularly. An inactive lifestyle contributes to lower-back pain.
  • Avoid prolonged inactivity or bed rest.
  • Warm up or stretch before exercising or other physical activities, such as gardening.
  • Maintain proper posture.
  • Push, rather than pull, when you must move heavy objects.
  • Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes.
  • If you must sit for long periods, take frequent breaks and stretch.
  • Sleep on a mattress of medium firmness to minimize any curve in your spine.  Lift with your knees, keep the object close to your body, and do not twist when lifting.
  • Quit smoking. Smoking impairs blood flow, resulting in oxygen and nutrient deprivation to spinal tissues.
  • Work with your doctor of chiropractic to ensure that your computer workstation is ergonomically correct.

Source: American Chiropractic Association

Do you suffer from back pain? Call Chiro One Wellness Centers Today at (877) 724-4761 to make an appointment at an office near you.