5 Common Chiropractic Adjustment Techniques

Common Techniques of Chiropractors

Get the best chiropractic change, from hands-on manipulation to instrument-assisted adjusting and the drop-table technique to ease aches and discomforts.
From the founding of the chiropractic occupation in 1895 to present day, the majority of chiropractic practitioners have actually carried out modifications, such as to control the spinal column, in an effort to alleviate patients' pain and enhance joint function.

How private specialists tackle laying on hands-- or do not when using instruments rather-- varies extensively. Robert Hayden, a representative for the American Chiropractic Association, says there are about 150 strategies referenced in chiropractic doctor literature. He notes that professionals usually use more than one to tailor treatment to their clients' requirements.

Usually thought about safe, specialists advise patients to always ask about threats, such as rare major issues like a herniated disc or compression of nerves, before concurring to undergo change.

" These are five of the most frequently experienced chiropractic adjustment methods in chiropractic workplaces," Hayden says:

1. Gonstead strategy

This hands-on strategy typically involves adjusting the low back or hips as the patient rests on his side. Chiropractic practitioners use it to straighten joints, decrease pain and tightness, and increase movement. "This adjusting method is essentially universal in chiropractic education and is taught to students early in their learning process," Hayden states.

2. Activator technique

A portable adjusting instrument provides a gentle impulse into the vertebral sectors of the spinal column, or the extremities. The force feels like a light thumping experience when utilized to treat whatever from low back discomfort to specific types of headaches, like migraines. "It is really comfortable to the client and an excellent option for elders," Hayden states.

3. Flexion interruption

Likewise called Cox Technic or decompression manipulation, it's used in majority of all chiropractic centers, and a method of choice when treating disc herniations, facet joint pain, scoliosis and other conditions, Hayden says. "Patients should expect to feel a gentle extending motion," he says of the method that requires a specially created adjusting table.

4. Thompson, or drop table, technique

This involves a specially adjusted table with cushioned platforms created to drop a fraction of an inch when the chiropractic doctor uses a quick thrust to make a modification. The subtle dropping motion, which clients feel as vibration, makes it extremely comfy for many patients, Hayden says. It can be used for the spine or extremities.

5. Diversified technique

Also utilized to adjust the spinal column and extremities, this feels comparable to the Gonstead strategy. It's considered the most commonly utilized technique involving extremely precise hands-on thrusts targeted at restoring proper motion and alignment to the spine.

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6 Unexpected Benefits of Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic Care Unexpected Benefits

If you believe chiropractic care is simply for your neck or your back, you need to think once again! Chiropractic treatment can benefit you in ways you may never expect. And while many people pop into their chiropractic practitioner's workplace for the very first time to eliminate pain in their back or neck, they keep returning even after the pain is gone due to the fact that of the remarkable advantages. Here are simply a few of the unforeseen benefits of Chiropractic care:

Chiropractic care can enhance your resistance.

A healthy body immune system must be able to eradicate many of the germs and infections that it comes into contact with, with just very little assistance from antibiotics or other drugs. Because the worried system controls the functions of cells, organs and tissues of the body, a misalignment can reduce the ability of the body immune system. Chiropractic care can straighten the spine, maximizing the body immune system to eliminate off intruders. Studies reveal that people who practice chiropractic upkeep have less colds than others.

Chiropractic adjustments can improve your digestion.

The nerves that go through the spinal column likewise manage your stomach and its functions. If the vertebrae in this area are poorly lined up, the nerves can begin signifying a requirement for more acid production, resulting in gas, heartburn, and acid reflux. A chiropractic change can help the nerves in the thoracic spine work correctly; completion outcome is regularly the removal of stomach problems.

Chiropractic treatment increases your energy.

It's able to do this in two methods: by lowering tension in the spine and by releasing the nerves to work more effectively. Sometimes we've ached and tense for so long that we do not even notice it. Discomfort becomes regular to us. As our bodies have problem with muscle aches and discomforts and an ineffective nerve system, we find ourselves feeling diminished and tired. Chiropractic changes remove all the pressure, releasing the body to run as it was developed to.

Chiropractic may be able to reduce your high blood pressure.

A research study performed by WebMD concluded that a chiropractic modification that particularly targets the nerves in the upper neck is as reliable as taking a double dosage of high blood pressure medications. This specific manipulation is described in chiropractic circles as the "Atlas modification," and is known to have stabilizing results on high blood pressure.

Chiropractic care can help you breathe better.

The lungs are similar to every other part of the body in that they rely on nerve function to take a trip unobstructed from the brain to the spiral cable. A misalignment in the thoracic and mid-cervical areas of the spinal column can cause lung abnormalities like asthma. Remedying subluxations can assist lower inflammation in the lungs and increase our capability to breathe effectively.

Chiropractic treatment can help in a much healthier pregnancy and may even have the ability to make delivery easier.

During pregnancy a woman's body goes through many substantial changes that affect the worried system's function. Ligaments in the pelvic area loosen to allow giving birth; at the exact same time, weight boost in a female's core can result in an instability that puts increased pressure on an expectant mom's spinal column. Regular chiropractic care throughout pregnancy can assist guarantee a much healthier mother and child, as infants born to mothers who visit their chiropractic doctors establish in a much healthier environment than those who do not.

As you can see, there are many other reasons to go to a chiropractor besides relief from neck and back pain. Chiropractic care is a safe, natural way to help the body learn how to heal itself. Chiropractic treatment isn't so much a method of repairing physical problems as it is a method of allowing your body to perform the healing it already understands how to do if it's offered the care and respect it requires.

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Your smartphone could be causing your neck pain

Do you ever ask yourself why your neck is so stiff, or why you have that nagging headache that doesn’t seem to want to go away? Neck pain is a common complaint for Canadians that can range from mildly inconvenient to completely debilitating. You’re probably aware that poor posture, hunching over a computer, or falling asleep on the sofa can cause your neck pain. But did you know your smartphone might be to blame?

How prolonged use can cause strain

According to a recent poll by Forum Research, more than a quarter of Canadians use a mobile device at least two hours a day.¹ Over the span of a week, that’s 14 hours spent texting, calling and swiping.

So what exactly is happening to your neck while you’re staring at your smartphone? It all has to do with the angle of your head. When you’re sitting or standing in a neutral position, looking forward, your head weighs between 10-12 lbs. As you begin to tilt your head forward 15 degrees, you put stress on your neck, increasing the pressure to 27 lbs. By the time you angle your head 60 degrees to stare at your smartphone, the pressure equates to a whopping 60 lbs. That’s a lot of strain on your neck and spine!

Tips to relieve pain

What can you do to protect your spine and relieve neck pain? We know you can’t completely disconnect from your smartphones – many of us use our devices for work, to stay connected with distant friends and family, and as a source of entertainment after a long day. But there are small changes you can make to reduce the strain over time.

Dr. Sean Lamasz, DC, recommends the following tips to manage “Text Neck:”²

1. Lift your phone up to eye level

“A simple way to help prevent neck pain associated with these devices is to avoid bending your neck forward,” advises Dr. Lamasz. “Looking at your phone while sitting at your desk? Lean on your elbows, bringing your phone to eye level, allowing you to keep your neck in its neutral position.”

2. Take a break

Dr. Lamasz suggests implementing the 20-20-20 rule. For every 20 minutes on your mobile device, take a 20-second break and look 20 feet ahead, which will neutralize your spine.

3. Stretch it out

If you’re looking for something you can do to instantly relieve neck pain, try these eight simple stretches:

SOURCE: www.drseanlamasz.com/blog/2019/2/14/text-neck

Your chiropractor can help

These stretches are often best practiced in combination with manual therapy. Your chiropractor will recommend a course of treatment specific to you which may include spinal adjustments, joint mobilization, muscle release techniques, muscle stimulation, therapeutic exercises, and lifestyle advice.

1Powers, Neil. “Half of Young Canadian Adults Spend Two or More Hours per Day on Their Cellphones.” Financial Post, 26 Feb. 2018, business.financialpost.com/telecom/half-of-young-canadian-adults-spend-two-or-more-hours-per-day-on-their-cellphones.

2Lamasz, Sean. “8 Easy Stretches to Manage ‘Text Neck.’” Dr. Sean Lamasz, Dr. Sean Lamasz, 14 Feb. 2019, www.drseanlamasz.com/blog/2019/2/14/text-neck.

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Avoiding Back Pain while Shoveling and stretches for when you are done.

Full Up Your Cup

If you are the type of person who gives until their cup is empty, this is the video for you. We want you to be able to give back to others, but first you need to invest in your health.

 

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What to Expect From Your First Chiropractic Visit

Originally published: April 2016

It is common to have questions and even trepidations before your first visit to any new healthcare provider. Luckily, chiropractors know that new patients may need extra time to discuss their questions or concerns. You can play a role in your own chiropractic care before your first visit. An effective way to be involved in your own healthcare is to learn about what you can expect from visit #1.

Duration of visit

Depending on the injury or condition for which you are being treated, initial visits can last from 45 to 60 minutes. Subsequent visits will likely be shorter, but the first visit aims to start building the therapeutic relationship, identifying the cause of the problem and discussing a proposed plan of management. As MSK experts, chiropractors are extensively trained to assess, diagnose, manage and prevent reoccurrence of MSK conditions while specifically addressing your needs and goals. Make sure you communicate your needs and goals to your chiropractor.

Health history

As mentioned, your first appointment includes a comprehensive assessment to help determine the cause of the problem and how to treat it. To do so, expect that the history-taking portion of the visit may include questions about the following areas of your health¹:

• Personal and family medical history
• Major illnesses you have experienced
• Surgeries or operations you have had
• Medications you are taking
• A description of your area(s) of concern
• A description of the general state of your health
• The steps you have taken to manage your condition
• Your diet and exercise
• Your sleeping habits
• Your daily activities
• Your work routine
• Your stress level
• Your home life

Typically, patients can expect a chiropractor to go through a more diagnostic process during the initial visit. However, this may be different from person to person depending on the nature of the injury and personal history.

Maximizing the benefits

Building a therapeutic relationship with a new practitioner can take some time, but investing in good communication at the outset can help you maximize the benefit of your chiropractic treatment. Your chiropractor will be happy to answer questions, address concerns and explain different options to you. This may include preventative strategies and changes in lifestyle practices.

After the appointment

You may feel some slight discomfort or fatigue after your visit, but it should resolve quickly. After your visit, if you have additional questions or concerns, simply contact the office or write them down to be discussed at a subsequent visit.

Source:

1BC Chiropractic Association – First Visit (https://www.bcchiro.com/chiropractors-and-you/your-first-chiropractic-visit/)

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High- and Low-Impact Activities for Everyone

It is no secret that at the Canadian Chiropractic Association (CCA) we often promote the benefits of regular physical activity as a way to stay healthy and happy. In fact, the CCA thinks it’s so important that we’ve created a free app: Straighten Up Canada! The app is currently available for download via Apple Store, Google Play and Blackberry World. Featuring easy-to-follow exercises, it helps to improve your posture and allows you to stay active during your day!

Investing time to do activities or sports that you enjoy is key to healthy aging and an active lifestyle. Being physically active is often a good way to prevent and manage musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries as well as helping maintain strength and mobility. Varying your routine between high- and low-impact activities is a great way to modify your workouts and challenge the body. We’ve outlined some great suggestions for both so you can get up and get moving!

High Impact

High-impact exercise is typically described as an (often aerobic) activity where both feet leave the ground at the same time¹. Often, high-impact activities may include exercise classes which involve jumping, leaping, or jogging in place. Doing high-impact exercise can put you at greater risk of injury if your body is not prepared, especially if you’re just starting out. Be cautious and adapt to a lower impact version of the activity if in doubt. Otherwise, before starting high-impact exercises make sure you have warmed-up.

Good examples of high-impact exercises are:

• Jumping jacks
• Jumping rope
• Running or jogging on a treadmill (or outdoors)
• Performing plyometric exercises

High-impact exercises tend to be more intense and expend more energy, so it’s important that if you’re doing high-impact exercises that you’re well-prepared. For some, high-impact exercises are not appropriate: they may increase the risk of injury, commonly to the ankles, knees, hips, and even the back. That being said, high-impact exercises can have a lot of great benefits too²:

• Improves bone density
• Increases an individual’s heart rate more quickly, thereby burning more calories
• Improves a person’s stability, balance, and coordination
• Strengthens the heart and lungs

Low Impact³

Low-impact exercise tends to be less jarring on the body and joints, and less intense overall. According to the American Council on Exercise, keeping at least one foot on the ground at all times also reduces your risk of musculoskeletal injury. Some examples include⁴:

• Working out on an elliptical machine
• Low-impact aerobics
• Using a rowing machine
• Home exercise
• Walking
• Dancing
• Cycling
• Swimming
• Nordic walking

It’s important to realize that low impact doesn’t mean low intensity (unless purposely designed to be so) because you can still get an intense workout keeping both feet on the ground. Low-impact exercises are great for beginners, people with arthritis or osteoporosis, older adults, individuals who are obese, pregnant women, and people with bone, joint, or connective tissue injuries.

Whichever form of physical activity you choose, make sure you do it safely. Talk to your chiropractor if you have any questions.

 

 

References

1Amy Gonsalves, “High Impact versus low impact.” Diabetes Outside blog. April 19, 2011. https://blog.diabetesoutside.com/?p=1060

2Paige Waehner, “High Impact Exercise—Is High Impact Exercise Right for You?” VeryWell.com. May 2, 2016. https://www.verywell.com/is-high-impact-exercise-right-for-you-1230821

3Nicole Nichols, “low impact vs. high impact exercise: Which is right for you?” SparkPeople.com. April 14, 2010. https://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=fitness_defined_lowimpact_and_highimpact_exercises

4NHS, “Easy exercises.” NHS Choices. Page last reviewed: 01/03/2016. https://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/fitness/Pages/Lowimpact.aspx

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4 Tips to Quit Smoking in the New Year

You may have heard the expression “New Year, new me”. The start of a New Year is an opportune time to reflect on our health and determine what steps we could take today to improve it for years to come. Quitting smoking remains one of the top resolutions people commit to every year. Yet, for many, making this important change to their lifestyle can prove challenging. Starting with the right mindset can be helpful.

It is well known that smoking can have serious impacts on your health, including your MSK health. If you’re thinking about quitting smoking in 2019, we have a few tips to help you.

Try these 4 tips to get started¹:

1. Get Ready
   

   Being in the right mindset is the first step. Start with getting organized so you are ready to succeed. Here are some pointers:

• Set a quit date.
• Change your environment where possible, and remove any triggers that may lead to a relapse.
• Reflect on your past attempts to quit. Think about what went well and what did not.
• Once you manage to stop, avoid temptations. Even one puff can be too much.

 

2. Seek Support

   Studies have shown that you have a better chance of being successful if you have help. You can get support in many ways:

• Tell your family, friends, and co-workers about wanting to quit and ask for their support. That could include not smoking around you or hiding cigarettes away from sight.
• Talk to your healthcare provider (e.g., chiropractor) about strategies to try.
• Investigate the opportunities for individual, group, or telephone counseling. Interestingly, counseling doubles your chances of success.
• Call your local health department for information about programs available in your area.
• Free telephone counseling is also available at 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

 

3. Change Your Routine

   Changing your routine is a great way to shift your attention from old habits towards developing new ones. Below are a few healthy habits you can try:

• Manage your stress. Take action to reduce your stress by introducing new coping strategies in your routine. These could include taking a warm bath, exercising, or reading.
• Plan something enjoyable to do every day.
• Drink plenty of water.

 

4. Be Prepared for a Challenge
   

   It is not uncommon for people to struggle when trying to quit smoking, and even start again after a certain period. Most relapses occur within the first 3 months after quitting. Don’t be discouraged. Remember, most people try several times before they finally quit. Certain situations can act as triggers, and should be noted. For example, presence of alcohol or other smokers, low mood or increased stress can augment your likelihood of relapse. Being aware of these can help you manage the situation and find strategies to avoid temptation.If you are having problems with any of these situations, seek support. For more information on quitting, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visit www.smokefree.gov

References:
1https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/quit_smoking/how_to_quit/you_can_quit/five_keys/
2Stead, L. F., Buitrago, D., Preciado, N., Sanchez, G., Hartmann-Boyce, J., & Lancaster, T. (2013). Physician advice for smoking cessation. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 5(5).Stead, L. F., & Lancaster, T. (2012). Combined pharmacotherapy and behavioural interventions for smoking cessation. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 10(10).
3Civljak, M., Stead, L. F., Hartmann-Boyce, J., Sheikh, A., & Car, J. (2013). Internet-based interventions for smoking cessation. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 7.

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When is back pain serious?

I had a new patient in here last week asking just this question, “When is back pain serious?” Back pain will affect most adults at some point in their lives. Since it can interfere with the activities you love so much, it’s helpful to know when back pain is serious and when it is not.

First question, how long has your back pain been there? Any back pain that has bothered you for more than a couple weeks probably isn’t going to improve on it’s own.

Secondly, does your back pain travel anywhere? Does it radiate down your arms or legs? This gives us very helpful clues diagnosing where the pain is coming from. If the pain has a neuritic quality and is radiating down the front of your thigh, there is a good chance it is coming from the L3-L4 disc, back of the thigh, we look at the L5-S1 disc. There can be lots of other explanations, so please use caution when trying to diagnose things on the internet. Leave that part to a chiropractor.

Has chiropractic care helped your back pain resolve? If someone is starting to see improvement over time, we can guess that will most likely continue. Most insurance companies require a trial of conservative care before they will pay for MRI’s. In my office, we tend to use a six week standard of care. If we aren’t getting significant results and your back pain isn’t starting to resolve within six weeks of complying fully to my treatment plan, I tend to worry if there is something more serious going on. In those scenarios, we refer for MRI’s or CT scans depending on what we are suspecting we will see.

The bottom line is that if back pain is interfering with you doing what you love, you need to see a chiropractor to resolve it. Chiropractic care is the #1 choice for resolving back pain. Chiropractors get the best results with back pain of any health professional around. If you would like our help improving your health and getting you back to doing what you love, please call our office today at 763-553-0387

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9 Tips to Stay Active during the Winter Months

When it gets cold outside, we tend to spend more time indoors doing sedentary activities and it can be difficult to stay active. It’s helpful to plan ahead and set some time aside in your schedule a few days a week to make sure you’re getting the activity you need.

To have health benefits from exercise, adults need a total of 2.5 hours of activity spread across the week, in bouts of ten minutes or more. These activities need to be moderate-to-vigorous intensity aerobic activities. Moderate-intensity physical activities include brisk walking or bike riding. Generally, you know your activity is moderate-intensity if you sweat a little and breathe harder than when you’re moving about day-to-day. Vigorous-intensity activities include jogging or cross-country skiing, and you’re likely to find yourself sweating and feeling out of breath.¹

Here are a few tips to help keep you motivated to stay active during the winter months²:

• Plan activities ahead. When activities are in your calendar, you’re less likely to forget them. Preparedness also helps set good habits.
• Find a fun local activity, like snow shoeing, skiing, skating, or cross-country skiing.
• Dress in layers. Insulate your body. When you can keep your body warm, it’s easier to continue being active outside.
• Use your daylight hours. It’s easier to stay outside while it’s still light out. It’s easy to miss out on activities when you start them too late in the day.
• Find indoor activities at your local community centre. This could be aerobics classes, badminton, basketball, or yoga classes.
• Climb stairs. Deliberately add more steps to your day. Consider going up and down a flight in your home, the mall, or an office building more than once over the course of your regular daily activities. As little as five minutes can make a huge difference for your health.
• Visit a library to find more motivation. There are plenty of free exercise DVDs you can borrow, including dance, step, aerobics, or Pilates. You can use the return date as a deadline to pick up another one!
• Sign up for a fun run. You can often find non-competitive “fun runs” in your community that are usually between 5 and 10 kilometers. You can invite friends and family to join in!
• Find an activity buddy. Find someone willing to commit to being active as often as you are, and set a plan. That could be planning to meet for morning walks or afternoon workouts. Having a friend keeps you accountable.

For help on setting activity goals based on your specific musculoskeletal needs, you can always ask your chiropractor about what activities are right for you.

Whatever your activity level is, remember to stay hydrated. It is easy to forget to drink water when it’s cold out, but your body needs just as much hydration in a snowstorm as it does in a heatwave.²

Most importantly, stay motivated. Revisit your goals (or look for tips to set new ones) to make sure you’re still on track. Plan ahead and make sure you can envision your goal as you look ahead towards the finish line.

Here’s to staying active in the new year!

 

References

1. Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines. 1st ed. CSEP; 2016. Available at: http://www.csep.ca/CMFIles/Guidelines/CSEP_PAGuidelines_adults_en.pdf. Accessed November 7, 2016.

2. Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. 11 ways to stay active in winter. 2009. Heartandstroke.ca. Available at: http://www.heartandstroke.com/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=ikIQLcMWJtE&b=4832209&ct=7596299. Accessed November 7, 2016.

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