The great news is that after you give birth and lose the baby weight, your thighs will start to go back to their pre-pregnancy shape. New moms can certainly fit into their skinny jeans once again after pregnancy.

What Other Physical Changes Can I Expect During Pregnancy?

Besides your thighs getting bigger, you can expect several changes during your pregnancy. Most women experience the following:

• Enhanced sense of smell
• Back aches
• Nausea
• Thicker hair and nails
• Food aversions
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Changes in tastebuds
• Water retention
• Constipation
• Breast tenderness
• Widening of the hips
• Development of linea nigra (line from pubic hairline to belly button)

Fortunately, the symptoms and body changes start to disappear after pregnancy. Each woman is unique and experiences a different set of symptoms at varying levels of intensity. The more healthy a woman is at the beginning of the pregnancy, the more likely she will experience fewer symptoms and at mild intensity levels.

Digestive Changes During Pregnancy

It is likely for most pregnant women to experience digestive changes during pregnancy. The National Library of Medicine provides a list of digestive issues such as:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Heartburn
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Although pregnancy poses a challenge to the digestive system, clinical evaluation and therapy help women have the safest and most comfortable pregnancy. Women who experience unmanageable symptoms should immediately seek the help of a gastroenterologist.

Hair Becomes Thicker

Some women experience thickening of their hair after about 15 weeks of pregnancy. This is because the hair stays in the growing phase of its cycle for a longer period. It is not because each hair strand becomes thicker.

Hormones cause hair to fall out less frequently and grow faster. It even grows in areas such as the arms, face, chest, and belly. Additionally, the metabolic system becomes more active and provides more nutrients to hair follicles.

What Skin Changes Can I Expect During Pregnancy?

According to the American Pregnancy Association, pregnant women can expect to see a new facial glow, pink or red streaks on their stomachs, and other pigmentation changes.

A common occurrence is called the “Mask of Pregnancy,” which is also called chloasma or melasma. It is identified by a set of dark splotchy spots on the face. They are most common on the cheeks and forehead due to increased levels of pigmentation.

Changes to Body Shape

Pregnant women will undergo many transformations to their body shape during pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) provides a comprehensive list of changes both the women and fetus undergo at different stages.

The shape of a woman’s body changes in the following ways:

• Breast become larger
• Nipples are more pronounced with darker areolas
• Abdomen expands
• Navel may stick out
• Hips widen

Your Gums May Bleed

During pregnancy, some women may experience sore and swollen gums. This may cause the gums to bleed and is often due to plaque build-up. Pregnancy hormones can make gums vulnerable to plaque, which leads to inflammation. It is a condition referred to as pregnancy gingivitis.

The Cardiovascular System Works Harder

Researchers at Mayo Clinic report that blood volume during pregnancy increases by 30-50% to support the growing fetus. The heart has to pump a higher volume of blood which increases the heart rate per minute. At the time of labor and delivery, the heart works even harder until it stabilizes after birth.

Most Women Experience More Aches and Pains

It is common for women to experience more aches and pains in the back, groin area, abdomen, and thighs. This is due to the expansion of the uterus and the pressure produced by the baby’s head. In addition, the increase in weight combined with loosening joints causes aches and pains near the pelvic bone.

Simple Ways to Tone the Inner Thighs

To tone your inner thighs after pregnancy, you must start to decrease your body fat percentage along with strengthening your adductor muscles. You can start the following exercises during pregnancy, but you should not worry about decreasing your body fat until your body naturally transforms back to its original shape once you start breastfeeding.

Lateral Lunges

Lateral lunges are the best exercise for targeting the adductor muscles. You will require good balance or the support of a chair or wall. Start by standing with your feet hip-width apart. Take a wide step to the side with your knee bent while pushing your hips back. Bend your leg to a 90-degree angle in a two-second count. While contracting your core and keeping your spine straight, push your bent leg back to the starting position and repeat on the opposite side.

Curtsy Lunges

Start by bending your left knee and lowering your hips until your thigh is parallel to the floor. Keep your spine straight squaring off your hips and shoulders. Return to the start position and repeat on the opposite side.

Side Lying Adductions Lifts

Begin by lying down on your left side and placing your arm in a bent position to cradle your head. Gently lift your right leg and lower back down to meet the left leg. Repeat the exercise by switching sides.

Side Lying Ball Squeezes and Lift

Start by lying on your side with a medicine ball between your feet. Lift both legs slowly bringing the ball toward the ceiling and lower back to the starting position. Perform various repetitions and switch sides.

Sumo Goblet Squats

Hold a kettlebell in both hands in front of your chest with feet hip-width apart. Bend the hips and knees until the legs are parallel to the floor. Keep your back at a 45 to 90-degree angle to your hips. Return to the starting position by pushing through the heels and extending the knees.

Side Leg Raises

Begin with your hands resting on your hips. Lift one leg with the foot flexed while shifting your weight on the other foot. Slowly bring your leg back down to starting position and switch legs.

Hip Flexion Flexing

In this three-step exercise, you’ll sit on the floor supporting yourself with your arms extended behind you and palms on the floor. Keep one knee bent with the foot flat on the floor while the other leg is extended resting on the floor. Raise the extended leg until the thighs are parallel, pause, then bend the raised leg with your knee towards your chest and pause again. Extend the raised leg with thighs paralleled and pause one last time before lowering the leg back to the floor.

Hip Extensions

The goal of this exercise is to open the hip joint and can be done in a variety of ways. It occurs anytime your thigh moves away from your front pelvis such as when walking or kicking back. Exercises include quadruped hip extension, hip thrusts, standing cable hip extension, and others.

Knee Flexion

Stand with hands resting on a sturdy chair in front of you. Keep feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent. Bend one leg bringing your heel towards your buttocks until the calf is parallel to the floor. Lower the foot back down to the floor and perform desired repetitions before switching to the other leg.

Leg Lifts

Lay face up flat on the floor with palms flat on your side. Engage your core muscles and slowly lift both legs while the knees are locked and feet together. Pause at the top and slowly bring the legs back down to the floor in a controlled motion.

Squats

A basic squat starts with the spine erect, feet hip-width apart and knees slightly bent. Engage your core and buttocks and bend at the hips until the knees are bent to a 90-degree angle. Be sure not to let your knees go past your toes. Continue to look straight ahead and slowly straighten your legs back up to the starting position without locking your knees.

May I Do Squats During Pregnancy?

Yes, squats can help you keep your hips, glutes, pelvic floor muscles, and core strength. You must check with your doctor before starting an exercise routine and watch for any signs of overexertion. If you experience any pain or discomfort, you should speak to your doctor about continuing an appropriate exercise program.

Ballet Legs

Start by lying on your side with both legs stretched. Engage your core, keep the bottom leg stretched while lifting the upper leg with toes pointed. Raise your leg until it is perpendicular to the floor and slowly lower back down. Perform desired repetitions and switch sides.

How to Find Relief of Swollen Legs and Feet While Pregnant

There are several ways to relieve the uncomfortable feeling of swollen legs and feet during pregnancy. Implement nutritional habits that include increasing potassium intake, limiting caffeine, increasing water consumption, and staying away from junk foods that are high in sodium.

Elevate your feet when possible to help the blood circulate. You may also wear waist-high compression stockings to help blood flow. Stay at a cool comfortable temperature and avoid over-exertion.

When to Rest During Pregnancy

Although some medical conditions require strict bed rest during pregnancy, it is not recommended if you have no health risks. Moderate activity prevents blood clots, keeps your cardiovascular system strong, and helps maintain bone mass.

Be sure to sleep between 7-9 hours per day and take naps when you feel tired. During pregnancy, your body is working overtime, which means you must rest when you feel like you need to take a break from daily activities.

Soak Your Feet

Soaking your feet for at least 15 minutes each day will help keep your legs and feet free from swelling. You can add a cup of Epsom salt to your bathtub for a relaxing daily routine. If getting into the tub is too much, soaking your feet in a bucket is also beneficial.

Supportive Shoes Are a Good Investment During Pregnancy

Many stylish shoes provide the right support during pregnancy. The most recommended shoes by podiatrists are those that allow the feet to breathe while providing ergonomic support. There are flexible designs that slip on and don’t require you to bend down to put them on.

Seek the Help of a Podiatrist

A podiatrist can be a great part of your team while pregnant. Your feet will endure enormous stress during pregnancy, which is why it is so important for you to pay close attention to them. A podiatrist will assess any foot problems you may not be aware of as well as prescribe solutions to help keep your feet healthy.

Excessive Swelling Can Indicate a Serious Health Condition

It is normal for you to experience swelling during pregnancy. However, if you are experiencing excessive swelling of the feet, ankles, legs, or other body parts, it can indicate a serious case of edema and will require immediate medical attention. This condition is more common during the 3rd trimester.

How Much Weight Gain is Normal While Pregnant?

Normally, women gain between 25-35 pounds while pregnant. All women are unique and will experience pregnancy differently. Your baseline body mass index (BMI) will impact the amount of weight you gain. If you start your pregnancy at a healthy weight, you are estimated to gain 0.5-1 pound of weight per week.

Changes to Body Composition During Pregnancy and After Delivery

Since the body undergoes several changes to its composition, it is normal for women to continue to experience variations after giving birth. Body composition during and after pregnancy highly depends on the woman’s health status, activity level, nutritional habits, and medical conditions.

An increase in body fat mass is expected as the body has to support pregnancy and breastfeeding. Total body water and intrauterine growth are other factors that influence a change in body composition.

Body Fat Mass Gain

The International Journal of Obesity reports that body fat mass gain during pregnancy is affected by gestational insulin resistance. Research indicates that circulating adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein and lipolytic activity increase during pregnancy and cause fat mass gains.

Mommy Pooch After Pregnancy

After pregnancy, you can expect the abdominal muscles to leave a gap known as the mommy or baby pooch. To accommodate the growing fetus, the abdominal muscles stretch apart. To regain your pre-pregnancy waistline, you need patience and dedication.

FAQ

Why are my thighs getting bigger while pregnant?

Hormonal changes are the reason why your thighs grow. They become bigger to accumulate nutrients and provide the strength necessary to support the pregnancy weight.

Does thigh fat go away after pregnancy?

Yes, your thighs can return to their normal shape. Some women are predisposed to obesity, which makes it more difficult for their thighs to lose the fat accumulated during pregnancy.

How can I prevent my thighs from getting bigger during pregnancy?

It is a normal part of pregnancy for your thighs to grow. However, the more in shape you are before becoming pregnant, the more likely you are to stay fit during and after pregnancy. Following a nutritious diet and comprehensive exercise program will help you stay in shape during and after pregnancy.

Do your thighs get bigger during early pregnancy?

Your thighs can get bigger during early pregnancy, however, it is more likely to happen during the second and third trimesters.

Why hips increase during pregnancy?

Hips widen to accommodate the growing fetus and prepare the body for delivery. The pelvic bones open to help the hips widen and build the structure necessary for a healthy birth.

Do arms and legs get bigger during pregnancy?

Your arms and legs can get during pregnancy due to the overall fat mass increase. If you are overweight before getting pregnant, it is more likely for you to gain more fat during pregnancy.

The post Why Do Your Thighs Get Bigger During Pregnancy? appeared first on Healing Hands Chiropractic.

Bad Posture and Back Pain

When you aren’t maintaining good posture, various musculoskeletal structures are subjected to more labor and stress than they’re actually designed for. This is why people with poor posture who experience back pain often have stiffness and soreness at their necks, shoulders, and hips. 

The musculoskeletal system is a complex and perfectly organized arrangement of structures that work seamlessly together. When properly aligned and held the correct way, each structure works perfectly with all others. With poor posture, multiple functions can suffer, and multiple structures can sustain harm.

Common Bad Postures that Cause Back Pain

Sometimes bad posture is simply a failure to remain cognizant of your body and its position. In other instances, it may be the result of existing, developing, or even progressive conditions such as scoliosis or osteoporosis. Many times bad posture is caused by insufficient strength in the lower abdominal muscles. These core muscles support and oppose the spine. When they aren’t strong enough, the lower and middle back can be tasked with doing more work than they actually should.

Bad posture can look quite different from one person and activity to the next. However, there are five basic types of posture that a person can maintain. These are:

• Healthy posture 
• Kyphosis or maintaining excessive curvature of the thoracic spine (upper back)
• Hyperlordosis (swayback) in which the pelvis and hips are tilted sharply forward 
• Flat back or maintaining minimal curvature of the lower spine
• Forward head posture where the head is craned over the shoulders

The Results of Cell Phone Use on Your Spine

Most people are spending long hours hunched over computers, or with their necks craned over tablets, smart-phones, and other hand-held devices. The longer that you use your smartphone, the more severe the resulting signs of musculoskeletal distress will become. With poor posture, cell phone use has an incredibly detrimental impact on the spine and its alignment. Moreover, studies show that given the vast number of ways in which spinal alignment affects a person’s general health, prolonged cell phone use can have a negative impact on anything from your breathing to how the various organs in your body function.

Slouching in a Chair

Unless you’re upright at your work desk, powering your way through different tasks, sitting is probably considered a time for complete relaxation. People with tired, aching bodies often look forward to their favorite, comfortable chairs at the end of the day. As soon as they flop into them, nearly all of their muscles relax, and all thoughts of maintaining good posture abate.

Slouching in a chair, however, will often lead to back pain. Depending upon how you bend your body, and which muscles you under-work or over-work, slouching can also result in considerable discomfort at the hips. 

Two Types of Posture

Although posture is commonly associated with how we hold our bodies while sitting or standing, there are actually two primary types of posture. These are dynamic posture and static posture. When you’re essentially still or engaged in sedentary activities, you’re holding static posture. When you’re walking, running, dancing, bending, or engaging in lifting activities, this is your dynamic posture.

For both posture types, the key to avoiding injury and ensuring good balance, fluid movements, and minimal discomfort is making sure that your spine is properly positioned. There are three natural arcs or curves in your spine. These are found at the lower back, the mid-portion of your back, and your neck. Whether sitting still or moving, good posture will maintain these curvatures, rather than over-straightening or deepening them. 

Maintain Proper Sitting and Standing Positions

Good standing posture will help you breathe better. It can also give you a boost of confidence. Stand up straight and tall, pull your shoulders back to open your chest, and draw your abdomen in. Not only will you feel and breathe better by doing so, but you’ll also create an instantly slimmer-looking physique. You should generally keep your feet spaced about a shoulder’s width apart. Keep them firmly on the floor, lightly relax your needs, and let your arms and hands fall naturally down by your sides.

Sitting correctly is a bit more challenging given that your sitting posture is reliant upon both you and upon the type of chair that you’re using. Adjust your desk chair so that you can always sit with your feet placed firmly on the floor. Whether sitting in an armchair or working at your computer, don’t slouch. Look for chairs that offer adequate support at the lower lumbar spine, and always try to maintain an upright position while seated.

Try These Exercises to Improve Your Posture

The best move that you can make towards consistently good posture is simply becoming more aware of your body and exercising. Also, try not to spend your entire work day sitting without getting up and moving around. Taking breaks during long periods of sitting or standing will give you regular opportunities to assess and correct your posture.

• Correct bad posture: One of the easiest ways to assess and correct both your dynamic and static posture is by making sure that your head is positioned above your shoulders (rather than drooping in front of them), and that your shoulders are positioned in direct alignment with your hips. If these two points check out, all three of the natural spinal curves will invariably be maintained.
• Develop muscle strength: If poor posture can be attributed to insufficient core muscle strength, consider adding a few high planks to your normal workout routine. A high plank looks a lot like the top of a push-up where your hands are on the floor, your body is elongated, and you’re balanced on the tips of your toes. Holding this position will engage and strengthen your lower abdominal muscles so that they can provide additional support to your spine and your normal movements. 
• Try this stretching exercise: When your back feels too stiff and sore to hold a natural, healthy position, try stretching out in a child’s pose. This relaxing pose looks a lot like a prayerful position. Sit down on your shinbones with your inner thighs and knees touching. Then, bend your body over your knees and stretch your arms out in front of you. As you do this, make a concerted effort to keep your bottom pressed into your heels or as close to them as you can get it. This stretches and elongates the spine, and makes maintaining good posture a bit easier.

At Healing Hands Chiropractic, we’ve got many ways of alleviating posture-related pain. We also have postural correction services, and therapies for promoting improved posture for those with chronic and progressive conditions. Get in touch with us today to get an integrated, needs-specific plan for alleviating your back pain, and for restoring balance and alignment across your entire musculoskeletal system.

The post How Can Poor Posture Result in Back Pain?  appeared first on Healing Hands Chiropractic.

What is Coronavirus?

The coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, is actually a strain of a coronavirus. COVID-19 comes from a large family of coronaviruses that includes the common cold as well as more serious diseases. It is closely related to two other coronaviruses, SARS and MERS which made waves in the 2000s. 

What separates COVID-19 from others in its family is how quickly and easily it can spread. Its high contagion rate is the reason why serious measures were needed to try and further prevent the spread of the virus. Some cases, especially in younger people, can show little to no symptoms but still be highly transmissible. 

How Does It Spread?

COVID-19 spreads through respiratory droplets when someone with the virus coughs or sneezes. It is believed to also live on surfaces for up to two whole weeks depending on the material and how often the surface is cleaned. It can spread easily among people that are in close contact. 

As mentioned earlier, some patients have reported being asymptomatic. These means they are a carrier for a disease they don’t even know they have. This makes it much easier for the virus to spread from person to person. 

How Can You Avoid Catching Coronavirus?

The last thing we want to do is become sick or worse, transmit the disease to someone in the at-risk demographic. While local state, county, and city governments are taking measures to prevent the spread of this virus, there is more you can do to help. Here are ways you can avoid COVID-19:

Avoid Large Gatherings 

Certain areas have already implemented strict rules against large gatherings which can be punishable by fines or even arrest. Both the CDC and WHO highly recommended against any gatherings of over 10 people. The more people you are in contact with the more likely you are to either catch the virus or spread it if you unknowingly have it.  

Keep A Solid Distance

I’m sure you have already heard the phrase ‘social distancing’ ad nauseam but experts believe it’s one of the most effective ways to slow the spread. You should avoid close contact and keep 6 feet between you and others if at all possible. This is because experts believe close contact is the main way the virus spreads. 

Avoid Contact At All Cost

Handshakes, hugs, and other forms of contact are all ingrained within our culture. As difficult as it may be, it’s best to avoid any direct contact at this time. Experts even suggest against the elbow tap that has grown popular. Essentially, unless it’s absolutely necessary, just avoid touching other people. 

Stay Inside

Realistically, the best way to beat the virus is to not come in contact with it at all. Before leaving your house ask yourself “is this absolutely necessary for my day-to-day survival?” If the answer is no, it’s best to avoid the trip altogether. 

Wash Your Hands 

Hand soap can potentially protect you from the virus if you have touched surfaces where it lives. Experts recommend washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Sing the Happy Birthday song twice or the chorus to one of your favorite pop songs for a mental benchmark. 

Disinfect Often

Not only should you try to disinfect surfaces you interact with at least once a day, but you should be disinfecting almost anything and everything. Some experts even recommend disinfecting new groceries the second they enter your home. This virus can live on surfaces for prolonged periods of time and disinfecting can kill the virus if it’s made a home on one of your surfaces. 

Check For Symptoms 

It’s important to have an understanding of what the symptoms are of the disease so you can stay vigilant. It’s important to monitor not only your own health but the others around you as well. As unfair as it may seem, it’s best to avoid any type of in-person interaction with someone exhibiting symptoms. 

What Coronavirus Symptoms?

One of the best ways to stay prepared is to stay aware. Knowing the symptoms can help you avoid people who may have the virus or can help you take the necessary steps if you feel as though you may have contracted the virus. Here are some of the symptoms you may experience:

• Tiredness
• Body aches
• Dry Cough
• Fever
• Difficulty breathing

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact a doctor you trust ASAP. Certain symptoms such as shortness of breath may require immediate medical attention. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, try not to panic and keep in mind that 80% of people recover from the disease without ever needing special treatment. 

What If You Feel Symptoms?

If you feel symptoms, have been exposed to the virus or have tested positive for COVID-19, you now have a responsibility to try and protect the rest of your community. It’s best to take the proper measures immediately to ensure your health is being taken care of and you’re not spreading the disease. Here are some of the actions you need to take:

• Consult with a doctor and get tested if possible
• Avoid work, school, public areas or social gatherings
• Stay inside as much as possible
• Avoid ALL forms of public transportation
• If living with family, stay in a separate area in the house and use a separate bathroom if possible

Following these measures will go a long way in helping prevent the spread of this disease. It’s important to remember we’re all on the same team with this one and everyone will need to play their role so we can beat this. Give us a call to get more information on how we are keeping the virus at bay in our office.

Did you know Chiropractic care can help treat chronic back pain, sports injuries, and auto accidents?

Get in touch with Dr. Dee at Healing Hands Chiropractic today for an initial consultation!

The post How to Safeguard Yourself from the Coronavirus appeared first on Healing Hands Chiropractic.

Generally, it’s important that you know what’s making the body ache so as you can address it. This is where chiropractic for men comes in. It’s a holistic natural approach for all body discomforts. The treatment involves manual (by hand) adjustment of the spine and aching parts to bring about relief and restoration to body functions. The interesting part about all this is that no drugs are used and that the whole practice is non-invasive.

Today, chiropractors do more than treat an underlying musculoskeletal condition. They also diagnose these conditions and are able to offer preventive care against a majority of them. The whole idea of offering chiropractic is to enable your body to heal and defend itself. This is achievable by treating misalignments (subluxations). Now that you know what chiropractic is, it’s time you learn some of its benefits that you may have been missing on:

1. No to Hypertension

Back in 2007, a team of researchers led by top hypertension expert George Bakris did research on the role of chiropractic on high blood pressure. To their surprise, they found that one session of chiropractic adjustment has the same effect as two doses of hypertension medications. So, they concluded that chiropractic can help avoid the use of hypertension drugs and still be able to enjoy regulated blood pressure.

2. Strong Muscles

Men are all about muscles. Simply we are expected to be stronger than our opposite sex. This, however, cannot be said about every man out there. Chiropractic is there to make things right for all men, nonetheless. Through body adjustments, your muscles are properly aligned. The same can also be said about the bones. In the end, you are able to enjoy improved muscular energy and body strength.

3. Better Immunity

Generally, there must be communication between the body and the brain for it (the body) to defend itself. However, the medium used for communication is the spine. If there’s a misalignment on it, then the flow of communication between the two parts is affected and so is the immunity. Through chiropractic, the spine is cleared of any obstruction to ensure that the body is healed naturally.

4. Back Pain Relief

Back pain is one of the commonest and most serious physical conditions in men. Some are serious enough to interfere with posture and to cause disabilities. Luckily, the condition can be managed effectively with chiropractic. According to one study, men who go through several chiropractic sessions show drastic improvement against back pain. Whether it’s acute pain or chronic pain, chiropractic will help.

5. Faster Recovery

We’ve already mentioned how important the spine is in promoting healing. Generally, it helps you not just to recover from an injury or an infection but also do it quickly. Your immune system, in this case, becomes more adaptive and effective against the condition at hand. For this reason, it’s advisable to see a chiropractor after sustaining a sports or work injury.

6. Better Posture

Essentially, posture is controlled by the spine. If you have a problem with sitting or standing properly, it’s likely that your spine is misaligned. Since a chiropractor specializes in spinal alignment, the expert will adjust your spine effectively to eliminate subluxations. In the end, you are able to regain your posture. Additionally, a chiropractor will advise you on how to maintain your posture even at home.

7. Headache Relief

Men get headaches for different reasons. It may be due to stress, exhaustion, drug reactions or an underlying condition. Regardless, you need to treat it. According to research, you can do it safely with chiropractic without risking side effects associated with analgesics. The research shows that chiropractic adjustments are effective both against migraines and tension headaches.

8. Quality Sleep

Are you aware that your sleep is determined by your spine alignment? Well, if there are subluxations on the spine, your sleep quality is affected. You’ll experience periodic wakefulness because of discomforts felt on the spine. Fortunately, a chiropractor can make it all go away. By treating subluxations, your sleep quality is improved. This means you can start sleeping soundly for longer without waking up unnecessarily in the middle of the night.

9. Stress Management

Though stress can be good when you are in some high-performance demanding situations, it can be bad for your health. It’s known to cause heart disease, hypertension, mental exhaustion, and muscle wasting. So, you need to manage it and you can do it with regular chiropractic. By eliminating subluxations, balance is brought back to your nerves and you are able to enjoy stress relief in the long run.

10. Surgery Prevention

As already mentioned, chiropractic does not just treat but also prevents. According to a recent publication, chiropractic should be considered by patients who are planning to have surgery. By going for chiropractic adjustments, these patients can improve their chance of not only getting better but also of avoiding surgery entirely.

11. Joint Pain Relief

Joint pain is mostly associated with men with arthritis. However, it can also happen to anyone who suffers an injury to the joint. The cause notwithstanding, chiropractic adjustments will help. By adjusting your spine, you start to experience comfort and pain relief throughout the musculoskeletal system, joints included. This is because the entire musculoskeletal system is directly connected to the spine.

12. Healthier Lifestyle

A chiropractor is not just a therapeutic technician whose work is to realign your body. This expert is also a health advisor. You are able to benefit holistically in as far as your health is concerned. The expert is there to advise you on the following aspects of your health:

• Better workout routine
• Proper dieting
• Body rest
• Mental health

The whole health counseling idea is meant to help you make better decisions in the future pertaining to your general wellbeing.

Closing Thought:

For men, chiropractic is clearly beneficial. It’s able to treat and prevent conditions that most men struggle with on a daily basis. So, if you have been looking for a more direct, safe, and minimally invasive treatment for your body discomfort, then you should consider chiropractic. Just give a chiropractor a call now!

The post Benefits of Chiropractic for Men appeared first on Healing Hands Chiropractic.

So many people only associate chiropractic treatment with chronic pain management. However, the treatment does more. Provided that it’s something to do with the immune system, then a chiropractor will definitely help. But before we can go any further, let’s understand seasonal allergies first.

What Exactly Are Seasonal Allergies?

Seasonal allergies refer to the inability of your body’s defense to adapt to specific changes in the environment. In this case, the body becomes extra sensitive when you encounter the changes. The changes, what we call allergens, may be any of the following:

• Heat stress
• Pollen
• Weed
• Insect sting
• Dust
• Mold
• Pet Dander
• Specific foods

The Symptoms – How Do You Identify Them?

We’ve already mentioned a stuffy or running nose in the introduction. Other symptoms that may an indicator of seasonal allergies are:

• Frequent sneezing
• Itchy eyes
• Body swelling, especially on the face
• Headaches
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Skin Rashes

When these symptoms become severe in such a way that your life is interrupted, it’s wise to seek a treatment solution.

Why Do You Suffer From Seasonal Allergies?

You may be asking “how can my body react differently when we all get exposed to allergens at the same time?” Normally, you experience seasonal allergies when your immune system accidentally identifies an allergen as something harmful. So, it launches a response against it. Unfortunately, the response is exaggerated. It’s marked by the over secretion of a natural chemical known as histamine. Ordinarily, histamine is supposed to neutralize the effects of the allergen. This is to happen naturally. However, over secretion causes your blood vessels to dilate and the blood pressure to drop. The end results are some of the symptoms discussed above.

The problem with seasonal allergies is that the symptoms are hastened by specific climatic factors. They include:

• Mold allergies happen more when temperature and humidity are high.
• Pollen allergies are experienced mostly in the mornings.
• Wind influences the distribution of airborne allergens.
• Tree, pollen, and grass thrive when the days are warm and the nights are cold.

With these factors in mind, it may be hard to say that there is a specific ecological zone that’s free from airborne allergens.

What Are Your Treatment Options?

At the moment, there are four typical ways to address seasonal allergies. They are:

1. Antihistamines – When you visit a medical doctor because of seasonal allergies, you’ll be prescribed antihistamines. These prescriptions are meant to counter the effects of histamine oversecretion. The problem is that the medications only treat the symptoms, but do not address the root problem. So, you are likely to go back to the doctor each season you are attached with seasonal allergies.
2. Natural remedies – If you don’t want to take medications, then you can consider natural solutions. They are healthy. You basically don’t have to worry about side effects that are popular with antihistamines. Moreover, home remedies are readily available. The options include essential oils, local honey, vinegar, zinc, and vitamin C supplements.
3. Preventive approaches – While antihistamines and natural remedies may work in certain cases, they do not tackle the root problem. In addition, antihistamines may have serious side effects. So, sometimes it’s smart to invest in preventive approaches instead of the two treatment options. You just have to know what the source of the allergens is and find ways to get rid of it or avoid it. In this case, you may need to:

• Wash or replace old bedding which may be collecting the allergen.
• Wash mats and rugs to get rid of the collected allergens.
• Stay within regulated temperatures so as not to trigger an allergic response.

4. Chiropractic Treatment – Whether you are looking for a preventive or curative solution for seasonal allergies, you have a perfect option in chiropractic treatment. Since the issue is directly related to the immune system, a chiropractor will help you fix it. However, one session is never enough and so you’ll need to see the specialist on several occasions.

What Role Does a Chiropractor Play?

A chiropractor plays several roles in as far as seasonal allergies are concerned. They include:

1. Stress Relief

The main reason why your body reacts exaggeratedly to seasonal allergies is because of a defective immune system. Experts argue that your immune system may fail to fight an allergen (which is portrayed as a toxin) if it’s stressed by it. The effects are inflammatory responses like body itchiness and swelling. Research also shows that the adrenal gland which is responsible for secreting cortisol (the anti-inflammation hormone) becomes worn out by stress.

A chiropractor performs spinal adjustments (also known as spinal manipulation) on you to open the communication paths between the immune system and the brain. So, the adrenal gland is not affected in a negative way and cortisol secretion is regulated. Likewise, inflammatory responses by the immune system are controlled and so are seasonal allergies.

2. Immune Boost

There’s a close relationship between the immune system (the defense system) and the nervous system (the coordination system). Remember, the brain and the spinal cord forms an important part of the nervous system that we call the central nervous system (CNS). When the immune system is stressed by an allergen, so is the CNS.

Actually, the effects are manifested on the spine in the form of subluxations (misalignments). A chiropractor helps to fix the subluxation through different spinal adjustment techniques. In the end, communication between the two systems (the CNS and the immune system) is restored and you are able to fight the allergen naturally.

3. Dietary & Lifestyle Help

In addition to providing you technical support, a chiropractor will advise you on what changes you should make in relation to your diet and lifestyle. If the source of the allergen is food-related, you may be asked to avoid it. For example, you may be asked to skip celery or tomatoes if you are allergic to grass.

In terms of lifestyle changes, you may be advised to make the following adjustments:

• Maintain hygienic conditions at home, especially where you sleep.
• Adopt the right sleeping habits and patterns.
• Find ways to avoid the effects of heat stress and cold
• Do some exercises at home to keep your spine in good condition.

Closing Thought:

Seasonal allergies can be serious if not well addressed. By going for antihistamines and home remedies, you may be able to manage the symptoms. However, you may not succeed in getting rid of the problem. The root cause is best fixed by chiropractic treatment. You should consider it today.

The post Chiropractic Treatment for Seasonal Allergies appeared first on Healing Hands Chiropractic.

While prescription drugs are often effective against injuries, a majority of them are an addiction risk. Surgery, on the other hand, looks like a great alternative but may keep you in the sideline for a while. You don’t want to be benched when you should be helping your team win or making your country proud. So, what treatment should you go for that does not involve prescriptions or surgery? Well, there can only be one practical answer and it’s called chiropractic.

What’s Chiropractic?

Chiropractic refers to a hands-on healthcare practice that focuses on your muscles, bones (including the joints), and nerves. Any problem affecting any of these parts can be handled by an expert known as a chiropractor. The expert uses hands to manipulate your body, more so the spine, so as you can experience relief from different forms of discomfort. You also enjoy the restoration of nerve functions and energy boost.

In addition to providing spinal adjustments, a chiropractor can provide advice on fitness coaching, better nutrition, lifestyle adjustments, and soft tissue therapy. Generally, chiropractic is a licensed health field and so you should expect a certified health expert to attend to you. Moreover, research shows that it’s safe for athletes who are looking to perform at their prime.

What Role Does Chiropractic Play in an Athlete’s Life?

There are so many ways an athlete can benefit from chiropractic care. So, it’s a holistic approach that you need to perform at your prime. The whole idea is to do it without prescriptions or the need for surgery. Here are the general roles:

1. Pain Relief

So many injuries cause unmanageable pain on your joints and muscles. The pain is directly related to the nerves that are affected. Normally, they become misaligned and this is what results in pain. A chiropractor helps to realign them so as you can get maximum relief from pain. As a treatment solution, chiropractic can help against back pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, ankle pain, neck pain, and headache. Of course, chiropractic can be used alongside other natural ways of pain management.

2. Injury Prevention

Chiropractic does not just help you manage the pain that comes with sports injuries. It’s also an effective preventive approach. As a matter of fact, research shows that 90% of top international athletes regularly seek chiropractic help for injury prevention so as they can perform at their highest levels. This is quite common in the NFL and NBA.

Chiropractic may not protect you from injuries completely but will definitely reduce their chances. This is because a chiropractor is able to keep your musculoskeletal system in the right condition so as to prevent postural imbalances, body stiffness, among other issues that may risk an injury. However, it should be insisted that you should do chiropractic routinely for injury prevention.

3. Effective Training and Warming Up

So many athletic trainers consider chiropractic care as an important aspect of training. Therefore, they often refer their clients to chiropractors. With chiropractic care, you are able to train much better and survive the physical demands of working out. This is not all. The benefits extend to warming up. Since it’s customary to warm up before you can compete, you need to be in better shape. You should not suffer from muscle tightness, pain, or inflexibility. Chiropractic care can help you with this.

4. Better Hand-Eye Coordination

Are you aware that you can enhance your hand-eye coordination ability by 30%? According to studies, this is possible just after a couple of months of chiropractic care. Usually, a subluxation (spinal misalignment) impairs the nerves that facilitate communication between the body and the brain. This reduces your hand-eye coordination. A chiropractor is able to realign the spine to get rid of subluxations. This boosts your hand-eye coordination. In the end, you enjoy better reflexes and body balance.

5. Speed, Strength, and Flexibility

As an athlete, chiropractic can help you become faster, stronger, and more flexible. You need this to achieve optimum on-field performance. For example, by doing away with nerve restrictions, chiropractic helps you to enjoy a strong grip. Also, the adjustments make your muscles agile and this improves your jump height and running speed.

6. Enhanced Range of Motion (ROM)

When training, you are likely to put excess pressure on your body. This creates a big health problem for your spine. Its alignment may be compromised and you may end up with joint stiffness or ache. For this reason, your ROM becomes limited. In the end, this reduces your athleticism. Simply, you are not able to train and compete as you should. Luckily, chiropractic care changes the narrative. It helps to enhance your ROM so as you can enjoy better muscle flexibility, bone support, and mobility.

7. Speedy Recovery

By promoting pain relief, chiropractic helps you to move closer to your recovery. Several techniques are employed by a chiropractor to facilitate a speedy healing process. They include:

• Stretching exercises and massages – Meant to improve your ROM.
• Dry needling technique – Meant to release tension from your overwhelmed muscles.
• Electrical stimulation –Meant to excite your tired muscles and to release tension.
• Stainless steel devices – Meant to disintegrate tissue scars that form after an injury.

8. Stress Relief

Lastly, considering how demanding some sports are, you are likely to be overwhelmed by pressure. The pressure does not just affect your body but your mind too. When your mind is overwhelmed, stress comes in. In the end, you cannot concentrate and this leads to poor performance. A chiropractor will help you achieve mental calmness. By helping your body relax, your mind will calm down in the end. This boosts your concentration power while in the field.

Closing Thought:

It’s clear that chiropractic is both a defensive and curative health approach in the sports world. You need it as an athlete if you are looking to stay competitive for a long time. It’s proven to be safe and has been effective over the years. So, you should be hopeful of some amazing results when you visit Healing Hands Chiropractic, located in Murfreesboro, TN!

The post How Chiropractic Can Keep Athletes Performing at Their Prime appeared first on Healing Hands Chiropractic.

For one, local honey contains antibacterial molecules like glucose oxidase which are necessary for fighting pathogenic bacteria. This is important when it comes to promoting fast healing. Two, local honey is rich in antioxidants that are known to stimulate tissue regeneration. This comes into effect after you suffer tissue damage.

Three, local honey is naturally hygroscopic. What this means is that it helps your skin to stay moisturized and heal much faster. Last but not least, local honey is a vital source of energy. You need this energy for your body and brain. Having seen these amazing properties of local honey, it’s now time to see the roles that they play in your health and wellbeing.

1. Allergy Relief

Each new season, people suffer from varying forms of seasonal allergies. But you don’t have to worry about this if you have local honey with you. It’ll help to build up your natural immunity so as you can be able to fight seasonal allergens like pollen and weed. The symptoms will be suppressed significantly, though it takes time.

2. Lowers Blood Pressure

So many people with high blood pressure are susceptible to heart disease. This risk can be lowered by including local honey in your dieting. Studies show that honey contains amazing antioxidants which regulate your blood pressure. So, instead of it shooting up, it’s lowered to acceptable levels.

3. Regulate Cholesterol

Just like high blood pressure, bad cholesterol is a risk for heart disease. When it builds up around your arteries, it may lead to a stroke or a heart attack. The levels need to be reduced. According to research, you can discourage bad cholesterol while improving good cholesterol by taking local honey.

4. Treats Low Libido

Are you surprised by this benefit? Well, it’s normal to be. Researchers argue that you can actually improve your sex drive with regular consumption of local honey. It helps both men and women to be easily aroused in bed. Thus, it can be used as a natural remedy for treating low libido.

5. Improves Fertility

Local honey does not just improve sex drive but also helps to treat fertility issues. It’s known to improve sperm count and chances of fertilization. This happens when you consume it with unrefined goat milk. You’ll have to include this diet in your regular routine if you are looking to have the best results.

6. Scalp and Hair Care

According to a finding by the European Journal of Medical Research, local honey is effective in getting rid of dandruff from your head and to minimize scalp itchiness. In addition, it helps to prevent premature hair loss. However, you have to apply it on your scalp and hair on a weekly basis.

7. Skin Care

Honey plays two major roles on your skin. One, it’s a natural skin moisturizer. Basically, it helps to hydrate and soften your skin. To enjoy a smooth skin, you can either take local honey orally or apply it as an ointment. Two, it helps to reduce skin acne and eczema. To get rid of these conditions, you need to apply local honey topically.

8. Sleep Aid

Local honey helps you to sleep better and healthily in two ways. One, it restores glycogen reserves in the body. The glycogen reserve protects your brain from lacking energy and so you don’t have to wake up in the middle of the night because you can’t sleep. Two, taking local honey eventually promotes the secretion of melatonin, a known sleep restorer.

9. Weight Loss

According to a recent finding by the San Diego State University, local honey can be used to shed off some extra pounds. It has the power to boost your metabolism and so you tend to have more energy for working out. Additionally, local honey reduces triglyceride levels which are highly associated with weight gain.

10. Treat Wounds

Local honey has several properties which makes it a great treatment solution for wounds. For one, it possesses antimicrobial elements that help it get rid of bacteria around a wound. Two, the antioxidants present in it stimulate tissue proliferation and regeneration. Lastly, it moistens the treated area to encourage fast healing.

11. Suppresses Cough

Cough is a common condition, especially among children. The good news is that it can be suppressed naturally by taking local honey. You can use local honey as a cough syrup. Of course, you have to regulate the dosage since it’s very sweet and your kids may want more. A tablespoonful a day is okay.

12. Anti-Cancer Effects

Very few foods have anti-cancer properties. Local honey happens to be one of them. Research shows that it can be used to prevent the growth of cancerous tumors and to also slow down the proliferation of existing ones. This is because local honey contains powerful phenolic compounds like Ferulic Acid, Gallic-Acid, Caffeic acid, and Syringic Acid. These promote anti-cancer effects.

13. Energy Boost

Local honey contains about 80% natural sugar and the rest is water (18%) and nutrients (2%). The natural sugar is a source of energy for your brain. You need it to work out and to concentrate at work. No wonder local honey is referred to as the powerful fuel for your body and brain.

14. Treats Hangover

You probably swear that you’ll never go back into drinking each time you wake up with a devastating hangover. Only to forget the pledge after you are feeling better. You actually, don’t have to go through such anguish. Just take local honey after you have had one too many and it will help to detoxify you. It metabolizes alcohol faster and this reduces its bioavailability.

15. Improves Short-term Memory

A recent study by Reuters shows that menopausal women can have improved short-term memory if they take local honey frequently. However, the improvement isn’t that massive to argue that local honey alone can be used for memory boost. But still, a small improvement is better than no improvement.

Closing Thought:

With the above benefits in mind, it’s convincing that you need local honey in your life. It’s the perfect substitute for refined sugars when it comes to meal preparations and a great natural remedy when it comes to preventative and curative health. Whether you take it orally or apply it topically, the results are just incredible. It’s really worth your money.

The post 15 Benefits of Local Honey appeared first on Healing Hands Chiropractic.

Research shows that 5% of the headaches are caused by physical triggers. However, the remaining 95% of the cases do not have a specific trigger since a headache itself is the primary trigger. So, they are not associated with any other ailment besides a headache. A good example is migraines. Regardless of the type, studies show that headaches can be treated by chiropractic care. So that you may understand what the role that chiropractic treatments play in managing headaches, let’s briefly look at the headache types that are treated by the traditional practice.

Common Types of Headaches Treatable by Chiropractic Care

1. Migraines

Migraines, according to most people, are the most severe form of a headache. The unfortunate thing is that they are not just painful but they are also characterized by symptoms like light sensitivity, temporary loss of vision, and vomiting. In addition, these symptoms are recurrent. There is no apparent trigger for the condition as they can range from foods to sleep patterns. Seeking chiropractic care is key to addressing the real trigger of your migraines and overcoming the condition.

2. Cluster Headache

A cluster headache can be as severe as a migraine. Nonetheless, it doesn’t last as long as migraines and has the habit of recurring often. You are likely to experience one-sided pain alongside nasal congestion and tears. According to experts, a cluster headache is seasonal and may be mistaken for an allergy. The pain is usually associated with a misalignment of the cervical area and you need chiropractic care to correct it.

3. A Tension Headache

Some people confuse tension headaches with migraines. Unlike migraines, tension headaches are generally the least severe. The condition won’t inhibit you from continuing with your normal routine. You also don’t suffer an issue like vision loss as it’s the case of migraines. However, it’s characterized by symptoms like poor posture and sleep interference. You need chiropractic help to address these symptoms.

4. A Rebound Headache

Are you a painkiller addict? Then, it’s likely that the headaches that you experience most of the time are a rebound type. It occurs when you overuse OTC prescriptions such as Advil and Tylenol. The symptoms of this headache are similar to the withdrawal effects of alcohol. Chiropractic treatments will not only help you treat the condition but also to prevent it.

5. A Sinus Headache

This type of a headache is characterized by a running nose. In a severe case, the face may swell. So, it’s generally a rough experience. The funny thing though is that once the swelling subsides or the running nose stops, the headache fades. Even though a salt water spray or a decongestant may help, you need to talk to a chiropractor about the right adjustment. The expert will advise you on the ideal treatment depending on your headache.

Headaches and Chiropractic Treatments

Headaches are among the most popular conditions treated by chiropractic care. Studies show that 10% of patients who visit a chiropractor do it solely to treat headaches. 90% of them are likely to see a reduction in their headaches. Dr. Dee at Healing Hands Chiropractic may perform any of the following practices to help you treat a headache:

1. Perform a spinal manipulation technique on you: This is meant to try to improve your spinal function. The techniques will also target to alleviate the weight and stress that’s placed on your spinal system. They include:

• Spinal mobilization – The role of this technique is to reduce oxidative stress. The stress causes damage to your body by triggering a headache, among other concerns. Therefore, a chiropractor will try to relieve the stressed spine by gently manipulating it using hands.
• Maintenance care – This is meant to prevent a headache from recurring. In this case, a chiropractor will perform minor massages on the back of your head to help get rid of and prevent recurring headaches.
• Muscle rub – This involves using a traditional remedy like cayenne to rub your tensed muscles. Cayenne helps to promote circulation and in the long run, treats and prevents headaches.
• Essential oils massage – The chiropractor may also decide to use lavender oil, peppermint oil or any other essential oil to reduce your sensitivity to headaches. Using the oils, the expert will massage you gently on the head.

2. Provide posture and workout advice: The expert will suggest physical routines like yoga postures that you can do to improve your body positioning and to relax at home. The routines will help to relieve muscle tension.
3. Recommend a nutrition plan: The expert may suggest a change in diet, for example, a gluten-free diet, to help to prevent headaches.

Preventive Approaches

According to the American Chiropractic Association, there are a number of chiropractic practices that you can do to prevent headaches. They include:

• Learn to take a break when doing something that involves long hours of sitting or long hours of staring at a screen. Whether it’s reading over the internet or typing for long hours, learn to take pauses every 30 minutes. This will help to stretch your head and to position it into a comfortable position.
• Take at least 8 glasses of clean water a day to rehydrate your body. Since headaches are related to dehydration, you are able to counter the effects by drinking plenty of water.
• Engage in low-impact physical exercises such as aerobics and walking.
• Avoid clenching your teeth even when disappointed or angry as this stress your TMJ (temporomandibular joint). The Irritation of the joint easily translates to a headache.

Closing Thought:

There is no doubt that better chiropractic care is key to preventing and treating the most common headaches. Dr. Dee is well trained to help you get rid of the discomfort. They know the relationship between your spine and the head and so they are the ideal people to consider when either of the parts has an issue. If you been trying different treatments for headaches to no avail, it’s time you seek chiropractic help. Contact Healing Hands Chiropractic today!

The post Chiropractic Treatment for Headaches appeared first on Healing Hands Chiropractic.

Injuries, however, are not the only concern for athletes. Since athletes want to step up their performances whenever they get to the field, this has led to some of them relying on performance-enhancing substances. Unfortunately, a majority of these substances are illegal but sportspersons still take chances. The good news though is that they can boost their on-field performance without using any banned performance enhancers. Similarly, they can prevent injuries and recover from them without using any illegal prescription. The solution is in a hands-on technique called chiropractic care.

About Chiropractic Care

In this technique, Dr. Dee at Healing Hands Chiropractic, located in Murfressboro, TN, gently and methodically manipulates the spine and the injured parts so as to realign them. The aim is to clear subluxations(misalignments). There basically is no drug used or surgical procedure done. Unlike drugs which may bring about adverse reactions or the possibility of an addiction or the need for surgery which may bench you for months, you have a better chance of a safe and quick recovery with chiropractic care.

For so many years, chiropractic care has been a key consideration in the competitive sports sector. Actually, studies show that 90% of athletes in the world employ chiropractic cared to improve their on-field performance and to also prevent injuries. The primary aim of chiropractic care is pain relief but it can also achieve other objectives. Generally, here are the main goals of chiropractic care for athletes.

Injury Prevention

In a competitive sport, two things are key in winning; range of motion and flexibility. Apparently, these two factors are what causes injuries when your body can’t cope with the demands. Chiropractic care prepares your body for both factors so as to limit the chances of sustaining an injury when your body is asked to give more on the field. A spinal misalignment (what we are calling a subluxation) normally puts unnecessary stress on your whole body. This often increases the risk of suffering an injury as you compete. Chiropractic care helps to get rid of the extra burden that’s placed on your misaligned spine by clearing subluxations. This is how you are able to regain postural balance when competing and are able to do it without risking an injury.

Improved Training

A good number of athletes get injured while training. This is because they either stretch themselves too much or they carry weights that their body cannot sustain. So, joint problems are a key thing in the training grounds and the gyms. This, nonetheless, doesn’t have to be the case always since chiropractic care can help. It’s designed to help you train more effectively by boosting your joint adaptability and muscular strength. So, when you try to overstretch, your body is able to cope with the demand. This is one of the reasons who most athletes’ trainers turn to chiropractic care when they realize that their students are prone to injuries when training. Normally, a good sports chiropractor will examine your whole body – knees, shoulders, elbows, back, hips, and neck. This is meant to ensure that all is well when training and you are able to do it with agility and strength.

Enhanced On-Field Performance

Chiropractic care is crucial in improving your overall competitiveness in sports. A subluxation, however, has the power to interrupt the functioning of other systems. This is because they are all connected to the spine, directly or indirectly. This makes your level of performance to dwindle. With regular chiropractic care, the spine is adjusted accordingly so as to treat subluxations completely. This means that your spine is able to regain its effectiveness and so as the other affected systems.

In the long run, this translates to enhanced field performance. You become more agile, stronger, and faster. According to a study, chiropractic care improves the eye coordination ability of an athlete by 30% and general performance by 6.12% just within three months of therapy. The biggest beneficiaries based on the study are footballers, basketballers, and MLB players. Therefore, there is no doubt that you stand to step up your overall athleticism on the field.

Enhanced ROM (Range of Motion)

As an athlete in a competitive discipline, you are likely to put extra pressure on your body, more so the back when working out or competing. Such pressure can have a detrimental impact on your spine and this limits your range of motion. This is why you feel discomforts in form of stiff joints and muscle cramps. Regular chiropractic care is meant to improve your ROM. This means that your spine doesn’t have to suffer when stretching, running or jumping. You are able to do it without worrying about pain. According to a 2017 study, it’s pain that limits one’s range of motion and employing chiropractic care is key to achieving maximum pain relief. This means more ROM in the end.

Rapid Healing

By relieving you from possible pain and by fixing spinal misalignment, chiropractic care plays an important role in ensuring a speedy recovery process following an injury. So, you are guaranteed a shorter healing period. Some of the routines used by a chiropractor to facilitate this include:

• Combination of motion movement with massage therapy to bring about muscle relaxation.
• Muscle stimulation aimed at releasing muscle tension.
• Dry needling aimed at fighting muscle tension.
• Stainless steel technique aimed at disintegrating scar tissues.

As a sportsperson, there is nothing you’ll ever wish than to spend minimal time on the bench after sustaining an injury. This is not always the case with most therapies.

Bottomline

Generally, chiropractic care helps all types of athletes to become more competitive. Right from the training to the field, they are able to attain optimal success. No wonder athletes around the world are turning out in masses to seek chiropractic care! Whether you are a member of a professional sports team, a high school athlete, a trainer, or someone who just like keeping fit, Dr. Dee at Healing Hands Chiropractic can help you!

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To better understand this condition, here is a brief background on the structure of our vertebrae. The disc is a circle of cartilage that manages each shock that the vertebrae receive. That stack of bones in the vertebrae is cushioned by the disc as the body moves up and down or side to side. Without the discs, the spinal bones are simply incapable of bending. As these discs are made of gelatinous fibrous material, it is prone to wear and tear. When cracks or fissures occur in the disc, it causes the disc to slip out or be misaligned.

Discs are damaged when a person experiences discs dehydration, unusual stress on the discs or too much load. The efficient performance and height of discs depends largely on water. As a person ages, the natural ability of the discs to circulate and rehydrate diminishes. The discs then rely on the movement of the spine to draw water into the system. A set of dehydrated discs is very prone to cracks and tear which may eventually lead to misalignment.

When one suffers from back pain that goes down to your leg, daily activities become problematic and at times even intolerable. Herniated disk is one of the causes of back pain. It is also known as ruptured disk or slipped disk. The spine consists of bones that are cushioned by small pads that are oval in shape and they contain disks or cartilage. These disks include hard outer layer or annulus and soft inner layers or nucleus.

A small part of the nucleus comes out from a tear in the annulus in the spinal canal when herniated disk takes place. The result of a ruptured disk is pain, irritation in the nerve, weakness in the back, arm and leg and numbness as well. Conservative treatment works well with a disk herniation. Surgery is not a good option for herniated disk as it is not even necessary.

At times, you might have the problem of disk herniation and you might not even be aware about it. People who have no disk problem or any symptoms even can see spinal images of bulging disks. But there are cases when herniated disks can cause pain. Some of the symptoms of herniated disk are numbness and weakness in the lower back, neck, chest, shoulder, leg or arm, pain, leg pain or low back pain that gets worse when you sneeze, sit or cough and sciatica which is pain and tingling that originates from your buttock and goes down to your back till your leg.

Studies show that the more effective treatment and management of lower back herniated disc conditions is through chiropractic care. Still, most people at present still resort to surgery when they have back problems. It is almost “tribal knowledge” to resort to a medical doctor for bodily ailments. And not to degrade medical doctors, but chiropractic care produces miracle-level results when properly applied by a chiropractor.

Treatment of such condition may be done through chiropractic care. At Healing Hands Chiropractic, located in Murfreesboro, TN, Dr. Dee uses a low force technique and gentle program on the patient in an organized protocol of treatment. Contrary to common misconception that chiropractic treatment involves quick fixes, a chiropractor will have the patient undergo some tests like an X-ray or an MRI to see if chiropractic care is the appropriate treatment.

If after a series of treatments the patient is still not responding well to the program, the doctor will then recommend the patient for imaging studies or to spine specialist for further evaluation. This is quite a standard procedure practiced among chiropractors.

You should consult Healing Hands Chiropractic in case you suffer from severe back pain continuously for a week. Back pain usually gives you problem with your daily activities for a week or two. The pain and discomfort gets better in a time span of four to six weeks. If you try to take rest and still see no difference in the level of the pain in over three weeks, you should consult your chiropractor. In case the pain is heightened when you cough, sneeze or sit, then the problem might be disk herniation.

You should get help if your pain enhances and not decreases, if you feel numbness and weakness in your legs and if you lose control over your bowels. Many nerve roots get compressed in your spine due to herniated disks or spinal tumor. This compression is called cauda equine syndrome and is really bad. But if you go for chiropractic treatment at the right time, you can heal fast and get relief from the pain.

Chiropractic care is considered a conservative care for disc problems because it is non-intrusive, non-surgical and does not need any medicine. The efficacy of this practice in treating such conditions has been proven to be successful over the years. Due to its nature as a treatment, it would be logical as a first resort, rather than surgery or medication.

Several factors will help prevent disc injuries which include proper exercises, maintaining a proper body weight, and improving posture. Poor posture places bad stress on the disc, especially with extended periods of sitting or improper lifting.

Low back injuries are often associated with poor control of the core musculature which leads to re-injury. Specific exercises will improve this performance and improve quality of life. People who properly retrain the core musculature will see a decrease in future occurrences and reduction in low back pain.

As every individual has different levels of strength and injury, it is important to seek professional help when trying to rehabilitate core strength after low back injuries. Many people make the mistake of starting exercise programs that are too intense, and eventually lead to injuries instead of preventing them. Contact Healing Hands Chiropractic today to get started!

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