What are cranial adjustments? Isn’t the skull just one bone?

Cranial adjustments are a form of chiropractic treatment used to treat misalignments within the skull or face as these misalignments can lead to a wealth of health problems when not treated.

The skull is composed of thirteen separate bones that fit together like a puzzle, but they are not fixed or fused. Instead, these bones are held together with connective soft tissue and blood vessels. Though the amount of movement between the bones is small, they can become misaligned through trauma or injury. These misalignments can interfere with the central nervous system or blood supply to the brain resulting in an onset of health problems.

Chiropractors use light force either with their hands or an adjusting instrument to unlock or release the misalignments, removing the pressure on the brain and neurological system as a whole.

What happens during cranial misalignment?

These misalignments can interfere with the cerebral spinal fluid that naturally flows throughout the brain helping to control the body. The symptoms or effects of cranial misalignments vary depending on the parts of the brain that are misaligned. For example, the mandible or maxilla being misaligned can result in jaw pain, sinus problems, tender gums and teeth, oral health complications, and even problems with balance. Misalignments that occur during childbirth or early childhood may result in cognitive disorders, speech impairment, and learning difficulties. Other common symptoms include chronic headaches or migraines, vision problems, auditory problems, nausea, emotional problems, and behavior problems.

Is it painful?

No. Many patients report that they are very relaxed during cranial adjustments and feel no pain, but some say they experience a feeling of light-headedness or fatigue afterward. However, it is very safe. This is even true for children and can be very important for them if they do suffer from misalignments as cranial bones need to expand and contract while the brain grows during childhood. If the cranial bones do not return to their normal alignment, this can lead to health and developmental issues.

Who can benefit from cranial adjustments?

Anyone who has suffered trauma to the head should be examined for misalignments. Cranial adjustments are not just for the young or elderly.

We would like to stress that our treatment for cranial adjustments is to correct the misalignments, not to absolve the specific conditions that may result in or be symptoms of cranial misalignments.

For more information on cranial adjustments and how you can benefit from treatment, please contact The New Health Chiropractic Center today.

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In the US, when something is fundamentally important, we call it “the backbone.”

So, why is it that we, through this figure of speech, compare anything that’s truly essential to a “backbone”? Simple––it’s because the spine is one of the most important parts of human anatomy. The backbone is, quite literally, “the backbone” of our body!

The spine fulfills numerous roles in the body. It is so important that scientists even divide all of the Earth’s species into two categories of whether or not they have a spine—vertebrates and invertebrates.

It only makes sense that the remedies to most health problems need to include the spine. A properly aligned spine and neck will help to alleviate and prevent many health issues. By working on the spine, chiropractors can fix so much more than back pain. Here are just a few examples:

Blood Pressure

Who enjoys taking medication and suffering from all its side effects? The nausea, dizziness, fatigue, etc, that come with these drugs––all just because we need to take a pill to help solve a health problem?

A study published in the Human Journal of Hypertension indicates that chiropractic treatment of the Atlas vertebra (a bone on the top of your spine) could help to reduce blood pressure as effectively as some medications. We’re not saying that you should stop taking your medicine right away, but this study indicates that proper care of your spine could help to fix problems as effectively as medications. Plus, chiropractic treatment spares you many of the negative side effects that come with prescriptions.

Headaches

Headaches and migraines are some of the top ailments that chiropractors treat, other than back pain, of course. Most people spend their days sitting in a fixed position (at a desk, on the couch, etc), which causes neck tension and joint irritation—the primary cause of most headaches in today’s society. Proper spinal alignment performed by a chiropractor helps to relieve that tension and solves your issues at the source instead of simply masking the pain (as with ibuprofen or other pain medications).

Pain Management

If you’ve read up to this point, it shouldn’t surprise you to find that most pain in the body is related to your spine. When your spine is properly aligned, it reduces pain throughout your entire body, not just backaches. Proper spinal alignment has also been shown to reduce inflammation, which is a major cause of chronic muscle and joint pain (inflammation is also linked to cancer and heart disease).

So, Why Does The Spine Matter So Much?

Almost everything in our bodies is based on our spines. Our skeletal system branches out from it, and our muscles are rooted in it. The spine even provides a home for the nervous system, which controls nearly every function in your body.

That is why chiropractic treatment helps with so many different health issues. Chiropractic care has helped with everything from joint pain to digestion, to ear infections, to epilepsy.

As an added bonus, these treatments often solve the problem at the source, while medications usually focus only on the symptoms. Chiropractic methods are also much lower risk than many other treatments.

Visit us here at The New Health Chiropractic Center today to receive low-risk, drug-free treatment which will provide relief to whatever pain is ailing you.

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Digestion problems

The trouble with your digestive tract could be due to a lot of things. Common digestive problems include irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s Disease, ulcers, constipation, Celiac Disease, nausea, indigestion, and more. Issues within the gastrointestinal tract can range from mild to severe and life-threatening with varying treatment options. All of these irritations can occur anywhere within the large or small intestines, and some conditions may be chronic, while others are occasional flare-ups. Although medication can provide relief of symptoms, it may not always treat the underlying cause.

Chiropractic treatment

Chiropractors look for the root cause of your health problems by analyzing your spine. Your spine protects your spinal cord and spinal nerves, which control every function within your body, including the digestive system. Nerves in the thoracic and lumbar regions play an essential role in digestion, so when the nervous system is under stress or misalignment is present in your spine, your body may not function properly.

Pain in the stomach may originate elsewhere within your body, and finding the source is not always easy. However, chiropractors are trained to trace connections, and by understanding the relationships of your body’s systems and how they function, it allows them to alleviate the pain and discomfort. Chiropractic care can realign your spine and provide the attached muscles and nerves relief, allowing your body to return to optimum function and your digestive issues to subside.

Care will begin with a thorough physical examination and discussion with the patient about medication history and lifestyle. Sometimes overuse of alcohol, lack of exercise, chronic poor posture, diet, or even water intake can be the source of a problem. If an out-of-place vertebra is a problem, your chiropractor will provide adjustment to restore proper function and mobility to the spine.

Your chiropractor may also recommend lifestyle changes such as an increase in water consumption or improvement in diet. Dehydration can be a problem that affects the human body in a variety of ways, and the digestive tract is no different as it requires plenty of water to move food through it. A healthy diet is vital for many diagnoses and is especially true for digestive issues. Try improving your diet with less processed foods and more whole grains, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables.

For more information on how chiropractic care can help you with your digestive system, please contact The New Health Chiropractic Center today to schedule a consultation or for more information.

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Though chiropractors are not sleep scientists, we do know a few things about how to help you sleep soundly. Chiropractic adjustments not only restore your body’s functionality but help to keep you in good health and at optimal performance.

A chiropractor will not only realign your spine and joints to help alleviate any pain or discomfort, but they can also offer advice on how to achieve a full night’s rest. Sleeping positions, mattresses, pillows, and evening habits all play an important role in getting your body settled in for the night.

Sleep Positions

Many people don’t realize that how you fall asleep and what positions you might find yourself in during the night can affect your quality of sleep. Certain positions can put pressure and strain on parts of your body making you feel restless at night and stiff in the morning.

The fetal position is one of the most popular sleep positions and is recommended by chiropractors. It is great for those with lower back problems and is the choice position for expecting mothers. Roll onto your side and place a pillow under your head and neck to keep your spine in a neutral position. A pillow between your knees will remove pressure in your lower back.

Another recommended sleep position is on the side. It can reduce snoring, and heartburn, and improve digestion, however, this position may require more pillows. Place a pillow between your knees to take the strain off your hips and lower spine. If there are gaps between your body and the mattress, add pillows for support. Hugging large pillows will support your shoulders and your arms.

Those who sleep on their back are also known to sleep peacefully as body weight is distributed evenly and pressure on the body is minimized. A pillow underneath the knees will add support and reduce strain as you sleep. Keep your neck and head in alignment with a good pillow.

Mattresses and Pillow

If you have a stiff mattress or one that is too soft, you may have some sleepless nights. Softer mattresses can sag and allow the spine to shift creating strain, while a firm mattress can make your body ache with pressure applied to your joints. Search for mattresses, mattress toppers, and pillows that will support your body. Good pillows should keep your head and neck in place while sleeping. This may mean picking out a firmer pillow than you are used to, but after a few nights, you will notice a significant improvement.

Healthy Habits

Pay attention to your evening routine as you get ready to turn in for the night. Allow your body and mind time to wind down. Avoid using electronic devices 30 minutes before going to bed. This will help your mind relax.

Consider adding simple stretches and relaxation methods before climbing into bed to release any tension or energy in the body. This will allow you to feel relaxed and ready to sleep.

If you are looking for ways to improve your quality of sleep, talk to us and find out how we can help you achieve a better night’s rest. For more information on how chiropractic care can help you get that much-needed rest, contact The New Health Chiropractic Center today.

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Sciatica is a drag. You don’t want to keep taking painkillers to dull the pain but, sometimes, it feels like there’s no choice. Luckily, there are some options for naturally relieving sciatica pain without resorting to over-the-counter medication.

Yoga

One of the best ways to naturally relieve sciatica (and all kinds of muscular pain) is by improving your core strength, spine flexibility, and hip mobility. It sounds like a lot, but there is one type of exercise you can do for just 15-20 minutes a day that hits all three goals: yoga.

It’s a great free option (there are hundreds of good quality yoga instructional videos on YouTube and you can do it from the comfort of your home for a few minutes before bed. Make sure to start out easy, though, as it is possible to hurt yourself if you overdo it too quickly—no handstands on day one!

Elevate Your Knees When Sleeping

One cause of sciatica is compression in your lower back which irritates the sciatic nerve. An easy remedy for this, while you sleep, is to elevate your knees. This puts the pressure off your lumbar, which decompresses your lower spine and gives your sciatica nerves some relief.

Tonight when you go to sleep, lie on your back and put pillows under your knees until you feel the tension releasing in your lumbar. Be careful not to lift your knees excessively high or they might go numb. Make sure they are just high enough for you to be comfortable and relaxed.

Bath Before Bed

We all lead busy lives, but sometimes a little quiet time in the bath is literally just what the doctor ordered. Having a warm soak before bed adds some heat to your back muscles, thus releasing tension. Heat submersion also naturally releases endorphins in your body that fight off pain.

If you don’t have time for a bath, other methods of heat therapy work, like applying a hot water bottle or heat pad to the lower back.

Call and Let Us Help

If you want to stop letting sciatica control your mood and lifestyle, give us a call at The New Health Chiropractic Center and learn more about how we can help you get relief from your symptoms.

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Fortunately, chiropractic care can help you beat common winter ailments in your body to help prevent illness and injury, or to help you overcome the aches and pains that often come with the season.

Chiropractic Care in the Winter

Chiropractic care can help you overcome the perils of winter, including aches and pains, slips and falls or sports injuries, and even illnesses from colds and flu.

Fight Aches and Pains

Cold weather can cause the elastic tissue in your joints to stiffen up and become achy. Stiffness is a special problem if you have arthritis, which often flares up when you first start moving in the morning. A sedentary lifestyle can also cause stiff joints; cold temperatures and inclement weather can often delay exercise and increase sedentary behavior. Achy joints might also discourage you from exercising.

Chiropractic care can help you overcome aches and pains associated with cold weather, including stiffness and discomfort associated with arthritis, to help you stay active throughout the season.

Aide Recovery from Winter Sports Injuries, Slips and Falls

Skiing, skating, and other winter sports are fun, but they can be dangerous. Common winter sports injuries include spinal injuries, knee problems, ankle sprains, and more. Sledding is the most common cause of sports injuries during winter, but skiing, ice skating, hockey, and snowboarding can also cause sports injuries. The ice and snow of winter make slips and falls more likely. Emergency departments treat more than 2.8 million older people for fall injuries each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Injuries from slips and falls can be serious, causing broken bones and other injuries. In many cases, slipping and falling causes sprains strains and muscle aches.

Chiropractic care for sports injuries, slips, and falls include stretching for increased flexibility, chiropractic adjustments to address joint tightness, and muscle work to break up scar tissue.

Improve Posture

Chiropractic care can help you improve your posture, which helps you keep your balance as you walk on slippery surfaces.

Immune System Support

A strong immune system protects your body from contagious illnesses, such as colds and flu. Adults usually get two to three colds each year, according to the CDC, and children can catch even more because they have weaker immune systems.

Spinal adjustments can cause beneficial changes in the nervous system. Research shows that there is a strong connection between the nervous system and the immune system and that chiropractic care that includes spinal adjustments can help improve the overall health of an individual.

Boost Your Mood

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that tends to worsen in the darker days of winter. Research shows that chiropractic care can lessen anxiety and other symptoms of depression by decreasing pain, melting muscle tension, improving mental clarity, and providing a boost in physical energy.

Beat your winter ailments this year with chiropractic care! Spinal adjustments, massages, posture screenings, and muscle training can help you avoid injuries and illnesses during the cold season.

Schedule an appointment with The New Health Chiropractic Center today!

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Diagnosing Whiplash

Though common, whiplash is sometimes difficult to diagnose given that there are a number of other causes for a whiplash-like symptom, including stingers and pinched nerves. Oftentimes, a person who has been in a traumatic accident may experience problems such as these in addition to whiplash.

During your initial visit, we will work with you in order to accurately and thoroughly diagnose the cause of the symptoms you are experiencing. This includes evaluating your spine as a whole and looking for areas where movement is restricted. They may use touch to locate areas of tenderness as well as observe your walk and posture in order to take note of your spinal alignment.

In addition to a physical examination, we may also order an x-ray or an MRI of your spine. Most often, these procedures are meant to identify any spinal issues that may have existed before your trauma that could compound your symptoms.

After a thorough examination of the injured area and your spine as a whole, a diagnosis will be made and treatment may begin.

Treating Whiplash

The treatment plan for whiplash varies depending on the severity of the injury as well as any other issues that may be compounding it. Most often, a chiropractor treating a whiplash injury will start by reducing the inflammation in the muscles in your neck. This is done using a variety of techniques such as stretches, ice packs, massages, and ultrasounds, and the goal is to reduce any pain and stiffness you may be experiencing.

After the inflammation and pain in your neck muscles have been reduced, your chiropractor will perform gentle spinal manipulation procedures in order to restore your full range of motion in your neck. Depending on the severity of your injury, these procedures may take a number of forms. In every case, though, the goal is to restore a complete range of motion and eliminate any pain and stiffness.

In most cases, patients who are suffering from whiplash can expect a full recovery if the right measures are taken.

Conclusion

Whiplash is a painful condition that sometimes won’t go away on its own. If you are suffering from prolonged neck stiffness and pain or any other symptoms resulting from trauma to your neck, we hope that you will contact The New Health Chiropractic Center today to schedule an appointment. The New Health Chiropractic Center is ready to get you on the road to recovery.

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The Balance Between Bone and Muscle

When an injury occurs and bone or connective tissue is forced out of place or damaged, it causes the soft tissues that surround it to become inflamed and subsequently alter its natural position. The delicate balance between the bone and the soft tissues is disrupted. If both aren’t addressed, the area will begin to heal abnormally resulting in chronic pain and discomfort. A chiropractic adjustment from us addresses both abnormalities. Not only does it allow the bone to move back to its original position, it releases the muscle, allowing it to relax and support the skeletal structure as it normally would. While a single adjustment may work to correct a mild abnormality, you may need several adjustments to restore proper balance and maintain it during the healing process.

Restore Physical Balance and Improve Your Health

Chiropractic adjustments from us are effective at restoring more than just structural balance to the body. When muscles hold inflammation, toxins and contaminants begin to build up within the body. Chronic conditions that affect the joints, like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome can begin to weaken the body if not addressed effectively. A chiropractic adjustment allows the inflammation to gradually dissipate, restoring blood flow to the area and flushing away toxins and contaminants. As the toxins are flushed away, fresh oxygen and nutrients are brought in to take their place. The tissues now have what they need to begin the healing process.

Balance within the body affects many things. It affects both form and function. When the form is out of balance, the function of the body suffers and vice versa. Through the use of a nutritionally sound diet, regular exercise, and adequate amounts of rest, you can maintain this positive balance. Chiropractic adjustments and other treatment methods like massage therapy and physical therapy can be used as part of an effective treatment plan to help restore balance and maintain good health.

Chiropractic care works to improve balance throughout the entire body. It works by adjusting both Chiropractic care of the bones as well as the soft tissues, allowing them to return to their natural position without pain or discomfort. By releasing the muscles that hold the bone out of position, the adjustment creates a shift within the musculoskeletal system that is both restorative and balancing. With continued treatment from us, the body will stay in balance for longer periods of time encouraging healing and reducing your pain and discomfort. To set up an appointment, contact The New Health Chiropractic Center today!

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Exercise Fundamentals

Develop an exercise regimen that suits your interests and abilities. Start slowly and move forward gradually. If a person has limited mobility and areas of pain, trying to walk 5 miles or do 50 sit-ups on the first day will be ineffective. Remember the 4 parts of a workout:

• Warm-up: Start with about 5 to 8 minutes of light aerobic exercises in your comfort zone, giving your body time to increase blood supply to the muscles so that they have greater flexibility.
• Stretching and Extending: Take some time to stretch your muscles. For those with a history of pain or under chiropractic care, talk specifically with the doctor about beneficial exercises and those that should be avoided. Stretching after your warm-up reduces the chance of injury.
• Aerobic Activity: Plan on reaching a goal of at least 20 minutes of exercise during this session, three times a week. When starting out, set the number lower–maybe 5 to 10 minutes of continuous exercise–and be sure not to cross any pain thresholds. Slow down if you feel tired or discomfort. Add a little time each week. The goal is to improve the frequency, duration, and intensity of your exercise over a period of time.
• Cool-down: Bring the intensity down rather than coming to a complete stop. Perform simple stretches after doing your aerobic session. If you notice any aches that persist, tell your chiropractor.

Finding the Right Balance and Staying on the Plan

Successful exercise plans require commitment. Start simple and increase your capacity to do longer aerobic sessions. If possible, find an exercise partner who can offer support. Build exercise sessions into your calendar so that other they become a part of your schedule. Even someone with a very busy routine should have the ability to schedule some stretches or lighter aerobic time. Take the stairs if you are able.

By parking a little farther away, you reward yourself with a few extra minutes of exercise.

Start with shorter sessions and track your activities. If you keep an exercise log, focus on positive accomplishments. Make it more than a place to record your weight. Have your workout clothes or the gym bag waiting in the car or by the door so they can motivate you.

Remember that your chiropractor is part of your support team. Before starting a new routine, schedule an appointment to discuss the best way to move forward. Be sure to get in touch with your chiropractor if you notice any pain or soreness.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact The New Health Chiropractic Center today.

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Getting adjusted by your local chiropractor is one way to help you heal your body when suffering from lower back, shoulder, or neck pain without drugs or surgery. The primary purpose of chiropractic care is to identify spinal subluxations, which are misalignments causing nerve stress, and reduce or correct them.

How Do Chiropractors Diagnose Your Condition?

You will first undergo the initial new patient examination, which involves your medical history and physical examination. Chiropractors will also use technologies such as spinal thermal scanning and electromyography. X-rays are also commonly used to check and reveal;

• The internal structure and alignment of the spine
• Underlying disease processes and disorders of the spine such as spinal deterioration or abnormal spinal development
• Arthritis of the spine
• Bone spurs
• Disc disorders
• Tumors and spinal curvature

These analyses will help to determine your specific condition and the need for chiropractic care. Depending on the diagnosis, your doctor will choose the best technique to treat your condition.

The word chiropractic derives from the Greek word ‘performed by hand.’ Chiropractors use a gentle and painless procedure known as a spinal adjustment to correct the cause of many health problems.

When Should I See a Chiropractor?

You may want to see a chiropractor if you want to live a more health-conscious life or if your job requires you to sit for extended periods. If you have the following symptoms, you may also need to see a chiropractor:

• Muscle and joint pain and stiffness
• Chronic back pain
• Neck pain
• Numbness and tingling sensations
• Soles of your shoes wear out differently
• Rib pain
• Limited range of motion
• Arm or leg pain
• Whiplash
• Headaches (migraine and chronic)
• Recent work and sports injury

What Is a Chiropractic Adjustment?

A chiropractic adjustment is an art of using a specific low force in a precise direction, applied to a subluxated joint, meaning it is “locked up” or not moving correctly. This natural and safe procedure aims to correct structural alignment and eliminate interference in the nervous system, improving spinal function, reducing pain, and improving health and wellness. Gentle spinal adjustments also boost your body’s immunity.

Examinations before Chiropractic adjustments are vital to avoid certain severe conditions like spondylolisthesis, a spinal condition that causes the vertebrae to slip out of place onto the vertebra below it. Gentle adjustments are administered painlessly and within your comfort zone.

Even though it may seem as if the chiropractor is adjusting people using similar techniques, every patient is adjusted differently within the same technique. Based on your needs, the chiropractor identifies which of your joints is subluxated, judges the direction to adjust, and chooses the appropriate point of joint contact. The chiropractor will then perform the adjustment by thrusting in a specific vector, force, and speed. Adjustments vary depending on joint restriction, skeletal maturity, and body type. Adjustments are executed based on the needs of the spine and diagnosis.

What Is a Subluxation?

Subluxations are problem areas of your spine that affect your entire nervous system. It occurs when a spinal vertebra is out of position compared to other vertebrae, possibly resulting in functional loss. This irritates or puts pressure on the nerves, interfering with the communication between your brain and body. It may involve your muscles, discs, ligaments, tendons, and other body parts as well.

What Causes Subluxations?

Spinal problems can be caused by everyday stresses and strains like lifting, gardening, housework, or sleeping on the couch. It can also be caused by auto accidents, falls, and sports activities. Subluxation in children occurs during birth, learning to walk, play, and other childhood activities.

What Are the Signs of Subluxations?

The most common symptoms are headache, back pain, neck stiffness, and shoulder, arm, or leg pains. Other signs are numbness in your hands and feet, fatigue, or nervousness.

What Causes the Popping Sound During an Adjustment?

A chiropractic adjustment does not affect the bones of either side of a joint. The popping noises produced are caused by gas released from the joint and are painless and harmless.

Which Manipulation Techniques Do Chiropractors Use?

Chiropractors may use the following manipulation techniques for various purposes such as:

Cox Distraction Manipulation for The Lumbosacral Spine
This is a technique used to relieve spinal pain as fast as possible. The method is performed on the Cox Table, specifically designed for the technique to be carried out.

The Drop Table Technique
This technique is also known as the Thompson technique and commonly treats lower back pain. It is suitable for adjusting pelvic and sacroiliac joints. The table can drop by tiny increments as pressure is applied in a thrusting motion to adjust the spine while keeping you comfortable.

Manual Adjusting (Diversified) Technique
This technique corrects misaligned spinal segments in the back or neck. It is the most common form of manipulation technique. Manual adjustment usually results in popping sounds associated with a chiropractic adjustment.

The Activator Technique
This treats lower back pain, headaches, and neck pain. The technique involves using a small hand-held spring-loaded adjusting instrument that allows your chiropractor to treat affected areas with quick, low-force impulses.

Gonstead Adjustment Method
This common hands-on technique involves rigorously analyzing the spinal region and realigning the spine. This alleviates pain, inflammation, and mobility in the affected areas. It is performed while sitting up or lying down. The Gonstead method treats chronic neck and back pain and pelvic or hip misalignments.

Can I Have a Say in My Chiropractic Adjustment?

Yes, you can. Chiropractic care is patient-centered, and your preferences should be taken into consideration. Chiropractors determine the areas that need to be adjusted. They take into account how you prefer to be adjusted to meet your needs for the best results.

For more information please contact The New Health Chiropractic Center.

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