Need For Chiropractor Care

Written by Teri Patterson, July 21 2010

Before every post I like to offer my first hand experience or thoughts so that this isn't just a blog of scientific articles from medical professionals.  I do like my facts but I also like personal experience.

I have been to chiropractors on and off for 20 years, mainly for my neck, back & hip injuries/problems.  Lately my main problem is my neck & upper shoulder muscles.  On a recent x-Ray, my neck muscles are so "thick" that they are opaque on the x-rays...not easy to workout each day when you can't relax your neck.  So last week I was back to my favorite doc...Dr. Strain here in Rapid City. 

http://www.strainchiropractic.com/

I highly recommend anyone to see her for just about any ailment! She determines the source of your pain & works with you to find a course of action.  With her background in sports (and P90X survivor!) she specializes in athletic problems & accupuncture. 

When I injured my upper arm from P90X's YogaX, she knew right away what had happened.  I had Biceps Tendonitus..and had suffered for about 5 weeks before I saw her (my Minn. upbringing of "living with the pain").  She had to massage & then push the upper tendons back up and over the upper arm bone...I just remember her saying, "..you're not going to like what I have to do next."  But a few seconds later, I could lift my arm & the "hot" pain was gone.  I continued doing my P90X workouts, minus the Yoga...and it took me a full 5 months but she explained what was the cause & with modifications in my workouts, lots of ice, and Aleve I recovered.

Chiropractor care, if done properly is essential if you are serious about your fitness routine.  Along with massage, chiropractic care takes care of your internal health.

Chiropractic Adjustments: The Added Health Benefits

Author: Dr. Stacey Burke D.C. -Posted: Jul 20, 2010

The continued rise in the usage of chiropractic care has been ongoing. Studies continue to demonstrate the numbers rising and the increase of people using chiropractic health care. In one issue of American Journal of Public Health, a study was published entitled "Use of Chiropractic Services from 1895 through 1991 in the United States and Canada". The conclusion of this study was that the number of visits to chiropractors has more than doubled in the past 20 years. Many recommend this particular treatment method due to the non-invasive approach and its insistence on awakening the body's natural ability to heal and become healthier, stronger and more resilient.

The Healing Benefits Of Chiropractic


Most people in their everyday lives have things happen that effect their bodies. Dysfunction in their musculoskeletal system can benefit from chiropractic care. From pain relief, injury rehabilitation, optimal athletic performance, aging and improved immune function. These are all some the benefits a person may undergo when they have misaligned spine, back, or neck. For people who need to be physically active for their work, sport and daily responsibilities, the presence of such dysfunction disables them from performing well. This is due to the fact that any form of movement on the traumatized area of the body can result in stress and possibly more damage causing more pain and discomfort.



Regardless of the cause of your initial pain and problems, among the many benefits research shows you may enjoy as a result of chiropractic care are as follows:

• better movement and improved circulation
• lower levels of lactic acid
• higher oxygenation and better nutrient delivery to cells
• increased flexibility
• improved comfort and decrease or elimination of pain
• Faster recovery time
• Reduced muscle spasm
• Prevention of future injury and improved immune function
• More relaxed feeling

The Overall Approach

If you want to enhance the benefits of chiropractic care, it is best to combine your efforts with an overall approach to your health and wellbeing. Health is not merely the absence of pain and symptoms. If you have ever had a cavity, you know that by the time the pain shows up, the damage to your tooth is already there. The healthier you are, and the healthier you become the greater the potential benefits of your chiropractic care. Minimise dis-ease and maximise your health. The relief from any pressure or source of discomfort and irritation will allow your body to attain maximum mobility and better performance.

Some general recommendations to develop a routine and get the maximum health benefits are the following:

• Keep your body properly hydrated.
• Follow a healthy nutritional plan, including lots of raw organic foods and leafy greens.
• Do some stretching exercises or develop a healthy exercise routine.
Maximize your oxygen intake through some forms of aerobic and anaerobic exercise.

Additional Benefits of Chiropractic Care

There is still a small percentage of the population who have misconceptions about the benefits of chiropractic care. However, research continues to be done, changing these perceptions and gradually more of the scientific community are showing greater interest in the healing potential that chiropractic may represent. One of the misconceptions being that it is not a valid form of treatment and is used only for mild cases of back pain, headaches, and the like. However, chiropractic adjustments are being researched to investigate the benefits even to those suffering from extreme cases of spinal or vertebral misalignment and other health problems.

Many chiropractors have patients who have benefited beyond musculoskeletal problems, these include:

• Women may have improved comfort during pregnancy and labour
• Minimize the risk of scoliosis in an infant and improve their postural development.
• Improved immune function and resilience possibly preventing asthma, ear infection, bedwetting, among other things.
• More energy, productivity and physical stamina in adults
• For senior individuals, they attain better balance, improved sleeping and prevent injury from falls.

Some of the results and benefits reported from patients who have undergone chiropractic care include the following:

• Improved immune and nervous system function
• Greater vitality
• Improved breathing and exercising
• Improved digestion and bowel function
• Improved vision
• Improved overall health.

Study and research continues as we look at the cause of health and the benefits of chiropractic care!

Following chiropractic adjustments, your body may start to improve movement and alignment of the spine and spinal structures. In many cases, a patient will immediately experience relief for a problem soon after undergoing chiropractic care. Restoring and building health from the inside is one of the advantages of opting for chiropractic care over surgical or medical procedures that often require a long recovery period. In other cases if the damage or misalignment is more severe, a person may be sore and still achy after care. Some people may take longer to heal and demonstrate improvement, they may also need to make other lifestyle improvements to maximise their health and wellbeing along with improved pain free movement.

If you approach your health from the perspective of a way of life, and give your body and mind the essentials for maximising your health, the benefits of chiropractic care may be a key ingredient.

Our goal is to support you and your family improving and maintaining optimum health and wellbeing. Be sure to check out "Chiropractic Exposed!" A Free 11 Day Mini course ALL About Chiropractic!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/wellness-articles/chiropractic-adjustments-the-added-health-benefits-2863273.html

About the Author

Stacey Burke is a Doctor of Chiropractic and co-founder of West Coast Family Chiropractic in Hillarys, Perth West Australia. Dr. Burke graduated from Logan College of Chiropractic in 1996. He is married and has two sons and daughter. Dr. Burke is a six time Ironman Triathlon Finisher and enjoys cycling, running and ice hockey. His purpose at the Hillarys Chiropractic office is to help families , and the community restore and maintain their health through natural chiropractic methods, community outreach, and education.

What is Adrenal Fatigue?

MY EXPERIENCE WITH ADRENAL FATIGUE:

Before the information about what the Adrenals do and what happens when they are "tired" this is a quick little story about my experience.  I'm reading an interesting book right now, "The 7 Principles of Fat Burning" by Dr. Berg.  Found here: http://www.drberg.com/shop/

I have struggles with thyroid and adrenal issues for several years but it seemed like I couldn't find a medical professional that offered explanations of what is going on internally and how to change your diet and workouts to strengthened your hormones.  I've just started this book so I'll keep posting my thoughts but a very interesting point about working out when you have Adrenal issues such as Adrenal Exhaustion or even Adrenal Fatigue.  Dr. Berg explains that the Adrenals are tired...they don't need additional stress so your workout routine should be longer but less stressful on the body. You should be doing an exercise that isn't as "taxing" on your body (inside and out), and working out for a longer period of time.  Walking, slow swimming, or easy weights..anything that keeps your heartrate around 130 for about an hour.

As a Fitness Instructor I'm used to teaching many classes a week plus my normal workouts.  I remember when I started gaining weight.  Not just a little weight, but alot of weight.  I was gaining 2-3lbs a week.  That is alot of weight when you are teaching 5-11 classes per week plus working a physical job.  I do remember that when I taught more yoga and weight training, the weight gained "slowed"...but when I had to teach more kickboxing classes I ballooned up each week.  So I believe in the idea that sometimes our bodies need longer periods of slower exercise and especially when stress is already present in your life and draining your Adrenals.

So that's my thought about Adrenals today.  Of course there's much more to all of this then what I can write about in a couple of paragraphs but it's a step.  So if you are working out like crazy and eating lettuce all day, plus burning the candle at both ends, you may have some Adrenal problems.

-Teri Patterson, Founder of Body Systems
Learn more about Beachbody workout programs and let me personally coach you! at http://www.beachbodycoach.com/bodysystems 

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Adrenal Fatigue Symptoms

Author: Vienna Miller

Adrenal Fatigue occurs when your adrenal glands - 2 small glands that sit on top of your kidneys - become overworked and depleted. Your adrenal glands are responsible for handling the stresses of your daily life, whether that be physical stress, emotional stress, or psychological stress.

When your adrenal glands become overworked, they cannot keep up with the stresses of your everyday life. You then start to manifest the symptoms of adrenal fatigue.

Note that just because you have one or two of the symptoms of adrenal insufficiency does not mean that you have adrenal fatigue. However if you find you have the majority of these symptoms then you may want to investigate further.

You'll want to learn some of the common causes of adrenal fatigue to see if you can identify with any of these causes in your own life. You'll also want to see your doctor for a full medical workup and diagnosis of adrenal fatigue.

Here are the key symptoms of adrenal fatigue:

You're Tired For No Explainable Reason
People with adrenal fatigue experience extreme physical exhaustion and they don't have an explanation as to why (such as a strenuous workout). This isn't just everyday tiredness it is extreme exhaustion.

You Gain Weight Easily - Especially Around the Middle
People with adrenal fatigue often notice they gain weight very easily. They especially notice the extra weight around the middle - and it's very hard to lose it.

You Have Difficulty Rising In The Morning
Those with adrenal fatigue often find they feel tired when getting up in the morning - even with a full night's sleep. They often need stimulants like caffeine and sugar to 'get going' both in the morning and throughout the day.

You're More Susceptible To Flus and Colds
If you have adrenal fatigue, you may notice that you seem to be catching every flu and cold that comes within 10 feet of you. You'll also notice that it seems harder for your body to bounce back from illness.

You Often Feel Overwhelmed and Run Down
People with adrenal insufficiency often feel run down and overwhelmed with the tasks they have to accomplish. They may feel as if they can't keep up and do it all. (This can lead to other symptoms like depression and social withdrawal)

You May Crave Salty or Sweet Snacks
This may include high protein snacks like meat or cheese. Some people with adrenal fatigue can have an increased craving for salt. You might also notice an intense craving for sweets and fast carbs like donuts, chocolate bars, pastries, ice cream etc.

You Feel Better In A Less Stressful Environment
Many people with adrenal insufficiency feel better when on vacation. Their symptoms may even clear up entirely but then return when they go back to their normal lives.

You Are Troubled By 'Brain Fog' or Inability to Concentrate
This may include things like the inability to remember certain details, appointments, etc. This may also include a feeling of confusion or difficulty concentrating.

Increased PMS For Women
Women with adrenal disorder may find their periods become heavier and/or irregular. They may also notice increased PMS mood swings and/or food cravings.

Those are several key symptoms of adrenal fatigue. Other symptoms include:

Lightheadedness/Low Blood Pressure
Tendency to Tremble When Under Pressure
Reduced Sex Drive
Heart Palpitations
Nervousness/Raw Nerves
Poor Digestion
Feel Most Energetic in the Evening
Extremely Senstive To Cold

If you can identify with the majority of these adrenal fatigue symptoms you may want to read about the causes of adrenal fatigue to see if you can identify with any of them in your own personal life. You'll also want to see your doctor for more tests and a complete diagnosis.

Adrenal fatigue can be overcome and you can feel better. Listen to your body, cut back on stress and treat yourself well.



About the Author
Vienna Miller is a contributing writer to Adrenal Fatigue - helping you learn more about adrenal fatigue.

For more articles on adrenal fatigue see:
http://www.adrenalfatigue.homestead.com/

Introducing TurboFire

If P90X & TurboJam had a love child, it would be the new TurboFire Workout Program from Beachbody.