What are Allergies?

Allergies are caused by allergens which are elements of the environment that cause the body to have an immune response. When a person has an allergy attack, or experiences mild allergies throughout the year, they are experiencing an immune response to an outside allergen. This immune response is damaging, and can cause irritation, runny nose, itching, sneezing, and even difficulty breathing.

How Can a Chiropractor Help With Allergies and Sinus Issues?

Because allergies comes from an immune response, the idea behind naturally treating allergies is to treat the immune system itself. In a person with allergies, the immune system is not properly functioning. It has become hypersensitive and is attacking without a proper target. Generally the immune system responds to invasions by foreign bodies like microorganisms. While pollen isn’t a microorganism, it is a common allergen, so clearly the immune system is going haywire.

As with other issues, such as dealing with stress or lack of restful sleep, chiropractors work with the body’s nervous system that serves as the control and organizational center for the rest of the body. The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord, while the rest of the body has smaller peripheral nerve systems. Chiropractors often work directly with the spine, stimulating and adjusting it to open the vertebrae and stimulate the nerves.

The idea behind this nerve stimulation is that when the nervous system is working at optimal levels, it is better able to regulate the other areas of the body that it is responsible for. One of these areas is the immune system. A properly working nervous system is able to enhance the quality and effectiveness of itself. In turn, the immune system can function more effective and efficiently. This means less hypersensitivity, and fewer negative reactions to environmental allergens. Additionally, opening up the vertebrae that contain nerves that send signals to the lungs helps to open up the lungs, thus allowing for easier breathing.

This same concept is applied to those who experience asthma since asthmatics suffer from inflammation of the bronchi in the lungs. Chiropractic care can assist in not only stimulating the lungs, but by stimulating a health immune system and immune response, it can prevent, or decrease the prevalence of asthmatic inflammation.

Chiropractic care isn’t meant to heal a person of allergies, but it is meant to provide an option that isn’t centered around the use of medication. This frees up the body to work on maintaining homeostasis, instead of processing allergy medications. It also makes the body more easily able to attain and maintain homeostasis.

Similarly, an ancient Greek healer by the name of Herodotus became famous during his lifetime for healing his disease-ridden patients using adjustments to the spinal cord. He also implemented exercises to assist in this goal. This is clearly a beginning to the concept that spinal adjustments work to clear the body, repair neural communication, and remove blockages in energy communication between the various nerve centers of the body.

Closer to home, in the United States, chiropractic care began gaining popularity around the end of the nineteenth century, and as the twentieth century hit, doctors of chiropractic became legally recognized in each of the fifty states of the U.S. In 1895 Chiropractics became a legitimate form of health care. Prior to this date, chiropractic care was only considered a form of alternative therapy that had no medical validity. These days we know that chiropractics are indeed helpful in everything from stress relief to rehabilitation and behavioral training.

One doctor of chiropractic of note is Canadian-born Daniel David Palmer, who is responsible for discovering precise spinal adjustments. Palmer credited his forefathers of chiropractics with working with the spine, but his claim to fame was in repairing displaced vertebrae through spinal adjustments. Although Daniel David Palmer made great strides for chiropractic care, the medical community was still cynical of chiropractics and its benefits. They were so critical that Palmer was jailed and fined for practicing medicine without a license. Sadly, Palmer wasn’t the only one to be treated this way. Around the time of Palmer’s work, thousands of individuals interested in, and practicing, chiropractics were arrested and thrown in jail for the same reason. This would be the beginning of the long battle to have chiropractics accepted. This charge was initially led by Palmer’s son B.J who teamed up with a legal team and the Universal Chiropractors’ Association. At this point, the terminology used in chiropractics changed and terms like “analyzed,” and “adjusted” were adopted, instead of using medical terminology like “treat.”

Research conducted throughout the world, and throughout time, has made chiropractic care the wide field it is today. Every year new techniques have come into play to make chiropractic care more safe and effective for those undergoing adjustments. Yet through all of this, chiropractors remain true to their no medication, non-invasive way of healing.

Despite it’s long and tumultuous history, chiropractic care has undergone few changes in terms of the basic facets it operates around. While the exact measures used during adjustments has evolved and been perfected, the concept of healing by using one’s own body has stayed the same.    

Fatigue is a warning signal within the body. Experiencing fatigue is an indicator that something is wrong. This may be a lifestyle or health related. Unfortunately, we’re not always so in tune with our bodies as to notice that our fatigue level is unusually high, or that it isn’t normal to be so fatigued all the time. When you’re repeatedly fatigued, day in and day out, it’s time to evaluate what in your life may be causing it.

What a Chiropractor Can Do For Fatigue

Chiropractors are well-trained in balancing the body and optimizing the body’s natural systems so that they work properly, efficiently, and in harmony with all the other systems. Even minor adjustments can make a major difference in improving a person’s quality of life.

The first step to a proper adjustment is determining possible reasons why you may be feeling so fatigued. Chiropractors have a number of techniques up their sleeves to deal with specific health needs.

A Better Night’s Sleep Through Chiropractic Care

Research has found that chiropractic care has been found to create a better, more restful sleep in adults and children. As we all know, a night of interrupted sleep, snoring, or sleep apnea can lead to a day full of exhaustion. Chiropractic adjustments to the lumbar, spine, skull, subluxation, and mid-thorax, were found to alleviate these issues, thus allowing for more restful, meaningful sleep. After several weeks of chiropractic treatment, it was found that those who formerly snored no longer did, and they woke up feeling more refreshed and energized. Even the busiest of persons can benefit from a simple once a week or biweekly visit in order to increase the effectiveness of their sleep.

Increasing Nerve Energy

One common cause for fatigue is an imbalance or impairment in the flow of nerve energy. In the normal human body, energy flows in a cycle from the brain to the spinal cord and then to the tissues of the body before flowing back to the brain. However, this normal energy flow can be interrupted and thrown off by an unbalanced spine. This is where a chiropractor comes into play. A chiropractor can work to realign the spine into proper position, thus opening up the energy pathway to flow through the body in a proper and efficient cycle, enhancing the amount of energy a person has each day. Allowing the spine to remain unbalanced can lead to both emotional fatigue, as well as physical fatigue.

Coping with Chronic Fatigue

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a disease in which the individual suffering constantly feels tired and worn out, despite a good night’s rest, naps during the day, or a day of relaxation.

Research is still being conducted on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, but it is thought to be caused by a common virus called Epstein-Barr. Epstein-Barr is the same virus that is responsible for causing mono (or mononucleosis), and most American adults are carriers of the virus. Some estimates put carriers at around 90% of all Americans. The crazy thing about Epstein-Barr is that many infected individuals will go their entire lives without ever experiencing a single symptom from the virus. Others may suffer from mono, and go on to have Chronic Fatigue, and still others may only experience one disease or the other. While there is little that medicine can do to treat Epstein-Barr, the good news is that promise has been shown in the area of chiropractics for treating the fatigue that is associated with Chronic Fatigue caused by the Epstein-Barr virus.

For one, a chiropractor can relieve the body of neurological stress and stressors that can exacerbate the problem by further tiring the body, and tying up valuable resources that would otherwise be used to fight off the virus. Additionally, a chiropractor can recommend nutritional supplements and stress reduction techniques to maximize the effects of the adjustments and the body’s ability to heal and return to optimal levels.

Fatigue Due to Mental Illness or Emotional Stress

If your fatigue is coming from a mental issue, such as depression, a chiropractor can help with that too. Depression is both a psychological and biological disorder. It is believed that depression is a result of an imbalance of hormones in the brain. Because chiropractics works specifically with the nerve system, and the brain is a part of the central nervous system, it has the ability to assist in treating the symptoms of depression. This is done by stimulating the central nervous system, equalizing and balancing it, allowing for it to function at optimal levels. When the central nervous system is working at optimal levels, the hormones of the central nervous system can be managed more efficiently, thus balancing out the imbalances that may be present.

Lower Back Stretch #1
This stretch can be done before you even get out of bed. It works the lower back and helps to prevent lower back injuries and treats back pain that is associated with the lower back region.

To do this stretch, lay flat on your back with your legs extended out and your toes pointing upward. Slowly bring your right knee up to your chest and hold it in place with your hands. Next, slowly bring the left knee up to your chest and hold both knees in place. Slowly pull the knees closer and closer to the chest and hold for 20 seconds or so. Then, relax them.

Neck Stretch
Although this stretch is called the neck stretch, it works well to diminish back pain. Remember that the spinal cord runs up the neck, and back pain can be associated with this upper region as well. Stretching the neck can prevent neck injuries, but it can also prevent upper back injuries and assist in alleviating upper back pain.

To do this stretch, sit on your buttocks with your legs lightly crossed. If you cannot cross your legs, you can sit in the butterfly position as well. From this position, take your right hand and put it on the opposite (left) side of your head. From there, clamp your hand a bit and pull your head toward the right shoulder. Be sure not to raise your shoulder to meet your head, but instead bring the head down to the shoulder. Hold this position for 10 to 15 seconds before allowing for your head to return to the upright position. Once you’re finished with the right side, do the opposite side.

Spinal Twist
The spinal twist is a good overall back stretch, and can be done right after finishing the neck stretch. To do this stretch, stay seated, but this time bend the knees and place the left leg over the right so that the left knee is pointing upward and the right is on the ground pointing outward. From there, take your right arm and place it on the outer side of the left knee. Then, place the opposite hand flat on the floor and use this hand to push as you slowly twist your body to the left. Twist the entire body, including the head, shoulders, and mid-section. Hold the stretched position for 10 seconds or so, release, and repeat on the opposite side.

Pelvic Tilt
The pelvic tilt is a very common stretch, and it’s great for addressing lower back pain. To do this stretch, lie on your back with your arms and hands at your side. Your hands should be palms down on the floor. Bend the legs at the knees so that your knees are facing upward. Slowly tighten the muscles of your abdomen, pushing the small of your back downward to touch the ground. The goal is to get the small of your back flat. Hold this position for 5 to 10 seconds and release. Repeat this about 10 times.

Piriformis Muscle Stretch
The Piriformis muscle stretch works on the piriformis muscle in the back and leg. To begin this stretch, lie flat on your back. Next place the left leg all the way over the right until the knee is touching or close to touching the ground on the right side. This will cause your buttocks and hips to tilt and slightly come off the ground. From this position, pull the knee up to the chest as much as possible. Hold this position for 30 to 35 seconds and release, returning to the lying flat position. Repeat this 5 times before switching sides.

Leg Raises
Leg raises are common, and very easy stretches that you can do to help strengthen and relieve pain in the front portion of the hips. This area is medically known as the hip flexors, and is a common source of pain. Stretching it properly and often can help to reduce pain, and reduce the frequency that pain occurs.

To do a leg raise, lie flat on your back on a slightly padded surface. Yoga mats or similar mats are recommended to protect the spine. Position your arms and hands at your sides. Choose which leg to start with, and bend the resting leg, placing your foot flat on the ground. To start the stretch, raise the still extended leg, keeping your toes pointed upward. Raise the leg until you reach a 45 degree angle, or as close to it as you can get. Leave this leg lifted and extended for two seconds before lowering it once again. Do 10 to 15 repetitions on each leg. If you have hip pain on only one side, this stretch can be used on just the one side. However, doing the exercise on both will help to work the hip and prevent future pain.

Hip Rotation
The hip rotation is a stretch that is meant to assist in regaining and improving the range of motion in one or both sides of the hip. Like the leg raise, the hip rotation starts with you lying flat on the ground with your arms and hands resting at your sides. Choose the side you’d like to work with first and bend that leg, placing your foot flat on the ground. The opposite leg (on the side you are not currently stretching) should be flat on the ground with your toes pointing upward. Once you are in the appropriate position, move the bent knee slowly, rotating it out away from your body. Bring it as far out as possible, but do not bring it out any further than is physically comfortably. Once it is as far out as you can go, hold the stretch for five seconds or so and then release. Repeat in 10 to 15 repetitions per side.

Hip Flexion
Like the hip rotation, the hip flexion works to improve the range of motion in the hips, and helps to relieve pain due to stiffness. To start this stretch, lie flat on your back with both legs extended out and toes pointing upward. To begin the stretch, choose the side you’d like to stretch and take the next steps with that side. Bend the leg at the knee, and pull the knee up to your chest as far as possible without experiencing any pain. If you experience pain, stop pulling the knee in and let it rest where there is no pain. Once in the optimal position, hold the pose for five to ten seconds and then release and repeat.

Gluteal Squeezes
Gluteal squeezes are a great exercise for the muscles in the inner thigh, as well as in the hip. These are important as they will build strength in order to reduce any pain associated with weakness. Before beginning this stretch, grab a towel and roll it into a nice tight cylinder. To complete a gluteal squeeze, lie with your back on the floor and your legs bent at the knees with your feet positioned flat on the floor. Your arms and legs should be lying flat by your sides. Take the towel you rolled earlier and place it between your two bent knees. Squeeze your knees together, thus tightening your inner thigh muscles and buttocks. Hold the squeeze for three to five seconds and then relax your legs. Repeat this action for 10 to 15 repetitions.

Hip Abduction
This last hip stretch works on increasing overall hip flexibility, and increases the ability to move the hip in directions further from the body. This increases the overall range of motion, and decreases pain associated with bringing the hips away from the body’s center. Lie flat on your back, legs stretched out, and your toes pointing upwards. Choose the side you’d like to stretch, and extend that leg out to the side (away from your body), keeping the leg straight while doing so. Hold this extended position for 5 seconds and then bring it back in and repeat.

Fortify Your Immune System

Your best defense against the cold, flu, and the frustrating winter sore throat is maintaining a strong immune system. Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables is one of the best ways to fortify your immune system. Fruits and vegetables vibrant in color are rich in essential vitamins and can provide stellar support. Another excellent immune support booster is milk. Milk is rich in vitamins A and B12, as well as protein and fats that work with the body to strengthen it’s natural defenses, not to mention muscles. A milk rich in vitamin D is also great for supplementing mood boosting vitamin D that we tend to lack during the winter due to the decreased sunlight exposure and shorter daylight hours.

Bolster Your Cleanliness and Hygiene

This sounds like dumb advice because we all know that washing our hands is important. However, during the winter seasons when we’re nearly 80% more likely to get sick, frequent hand washing is essential. It isn’t enough to simply wash your hands after using the restroom or eating. Wash your hands throughout the day to prevent the spread of any germs you may have picked up throughout the day. In addition to keeping your hands clean, keep your home and work space as clean as possible. Wash commonly touched areas like door handles, cabinets, faucets, fridge and freezer doors, computer keyboards, etc.

Bolstering your hygiene also means changing your habits from sneezing into your hands to sneezing into your sleeve. This greatly prevents the spread of germs as you’re not getting those germs onto your hands and then leaving them on every surface you touch, including your friends and family. If you blow your nose – using a tissue or not – wash your hands afterward. Keep a box of tissues handy so you’re not using the same old tissue and infecting your hands over and over again.

Another big one is changing your toothbrush. Many of us forget that our toothbrushes are hotbeds for germs, and using the same toothbrush, especially before and after a bout with the cold or flu. Keep an extra brush or two handy for just such an occasion. The same goes for having a simple mouth sore as the germs living on the brush can re-infect you, or even spread to other brushes that yours may be touching when stored.

The Importance of Light

We briefly touched upon the importance of vitamin D to our bodies during the winter, and sunlight generally provides this However, winter is notorious for depriving us of the essential sunlight we need for ample vitamin D levels. Additionally, the drab, dark weather can be a downer all on it’s own. Depression, even seasonal in nature, can cause serious mood swings that take a toll on both our bodies and minds. Depression also weakens the immune system, making the body more susceptible to illness. So, getting outside and enjoying every sunny day possible is extremely important. If you live in an area where damp, dark weather occurs more often than not, invest in a light therapy method for you and the family. Just 15 to 20 minutes of exposure to special UV light boxes can greatly bolster mood, help to life depression, and give the body some of that valuable vitamin D that our bodies so crave during the winter months.

Lower Stress Levels

While stress is a normal part of life, excessive stress can actually take a very negative toll on the body. High levels of stress kills brain cells and lowers the body’s immune system, thus making you more susceptible to illness, as well as more absent minded and more likely to make poor decisions. Be sure to take time out of each week to just relax. See a movie, read a book, or take a leisurely walk; anything to lower stress levels a bit and ground yourself.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is a safe and drug-free approach that facilitates the healing process in the body. This makes it effective in treating different kinds of pain in the body. It also promotes a lifestyle of wellness and health – implying that it has special focus on assisting those experiencing weight problems. The main advantage of chiropractic help weight loss programs over other remedies is that it will help you lose weight not only for a short time, but for a prolonged period of time. Once you achieve the desired weight, the chiropractor will help you maintain it for a lifetime.

How it Works – Weight Loss Strategies Used

Chiropractors tackle the patient’s weight problems in a holistic way. They first conduct a thorough examination to establish the exact origin of a problem in the body. After obtaining these results, they determine the type of treatment to administer to the patient. Later, they come up with both a diet plan and proper physical exercises that suits the needs of the patient. Remember that when each of these plans is designed, they are personalized as per the needs of the individual patient. Below are some of the strategies used by chiropractors:

The Evaluation of your Nutritional needs and Current Lifestyle

The chiropractor will help you evaluate your nutritional needs along with your present lifestyle. The evaluation of your personal needs is the foremost step towards achieving lasting success in weight loss. In some cases, they may recommend herbal supplements to help you meet your nutritional needs. In addition to this, the chiropractor will offer you advice and encouragement.

Spinal Manipulation

Spinal manipulation has been proven to be effective in the management of weight loss. When it is performed on patients, it enhances their flexibility and also eases lots of pressure off their spinal cords. Most importantly, aligning of the spine goes a long way in helping the body absorb essential nutrients that would be needed in the weight loss process.

Massage

Massage has a similar effect to spinal manipulation. It has been seen to be useful in promoting emotional clarity, reducing stress and bringing about a positive effect on your general state of health and well-being.

Post Chiropractic Period

Since the process may be tough and the patient will have to put in a lot of effort and determination, the chiropractor will always be by your side to ensure that you stick to the plan until the end.

Lastly, it is important to note that all chiropractors perform similar roles. Some specialize in spine alignment alone. Your goal ought to be finding one that places focus on full body wellness. This includes spinal manipulation, physical therapy, nutrition counseling and massage.

No one likes to feel the pinch, twist or stabbing pain that most people feel when they decide to see a chiropractic doctor. But in many cases people seek out relief from a professional thinking that this will squash the problem. Chiropractics can only do so much; the rest is up to you! If you have a diet rich in unhealthy fats, high calories or processed foods, most likely you’re going to suffer some major problems and pain. Get involved with yourself and treat yourself well. Eating foods that reduce inflammation are a great way to see relief right away!

Foods that help with inflammation:

• Dark leafy greens – Kyle, Spinach, Broccoli
• Deep colored Barriers – Blueberries

It’s important to rid your entire diet of fast foods and processed foods because they have no beneficial effect on your body. Whole grains, yogurt, dark leafy greens and deep colored fruits can ease inflammation which is a huge part of your pain. The goal is to reduce inflammation and provide you with a sustainable diet that will make you healthy and ease your over all pain. Don’t be mistaken by the thought that a chiropractic doctor can fix your debilitating disorder without some sort of commitment from you! Eating an all organic diet can lessen inflammation, increase energy and provide you with a sustainable solution!

If your chiropractic doctor requests that you change up your diet, listen, the point is they want to you on the road to a better and healthier you!

Chiropractors treat these types of injuries by using specific chiropractic adjustments. After requesting a thorough case history, and administering an examination, a Chiropractor will recommend the necessary care that will help to restore motion and position to your spine. The chance of developing inflammation and scar tissue can be reduced if treated early.

Types of Car Injuries

Whiplash
Whiplash is a term used to describe neck pain due to an injury to the tissues of your neck (muscles, tendons, and ligaments). It is caused by a quick motion or force applied to your neck that causes your neck to move beyond its normal range of motion.

Motor vehicle accidents are a common cause of whiplash. Did you know that the intensity of the neck injury may not relate to the intensity of the neck injury? A speed of fifteen miles per hour can produce the energy to cause whiplash in the occupants of the car (with or without seat belts).

Sprains and Strains
Ligaments are attached to bone on each side of the joint. A sprain occurs if the ligament is stretched or torn.

Strains occur when the muscle is torn or stretched. One of the most common causes is the overuse or stretching of the muscles. Damage can occur in the following three areas:

• A tear can occur where the muscle and tendon meet
• The tendon might tear completely or partially
• The muscle itself can tear

Shoulder and Neck Pain
The neck and shoulder area contains bones, nerves, veins, arteries, and muscles, as well as ligaments and other supporting structures. Pain in the neck and shoulder area can be caused by many conditions.

Serious conditions can include a heart attack or other major trauma. Other causes that are not so serious include simple strains or contusions. Most shoulder and neck pain is caused from injuries to muscles and ligaments.

Numbness

Parasthesia (numbness and tingling in the legs and arms) can include symptoms such as burning, pain, or prickling along the skin. These symptoms might indicate malfunction of the sensory nerves, which could be caused by traumas caused by car accidents or head injuries. An examination is required to determine if an injury is the cause of these symptoms.

Dizziness & Vertigo

Dizziness is a symptom that can be mildly annoying or it can be caused by something that is more serious. After an auto accident, people might experience this as a symptom of an injury sustained from the accident.

Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain related to car accidents is one of the most prevalent types of chronic back pain. A car accident can create enough force to shatter bone and tear apart soft tissue. Even a small fender bender can be the cause of significant lower back pain.

A licensed Chiropractor specializing in car accident injuries can treat and alleviate lower back pain.

Seatbelt Injury

In car accidents, seatbelts can cause misalignment in the ribs and vertebrae, which can cause pinched nerves that are connected to the affected areas, resulting in pain and discomfort. Consult an experienced Chiropractor for a post-accident examination.

Why should you visit a Chiropractor after a Car Accident?

A Chiropractor will gather the appropriate medical history, and perform an examination to diagnose the reason for the pain you are experiencing after you have been in a car accident.

To check for possible fractures, your Chiropractor may ask you to have an X-ray or MRI if you haven’t already had one done. A treatment plan might consist of chiropractic adjustments and physiotherapy (ice, massage, and muscle stimulation) followed by an adjustment and a rehabilitation program to restore strength and endurance.

Referred hip pain travels along a nerve that comes from the back. The painful sensation is felt in a location where the nerve travels (or ends), not from the point where the nerve is being pinched.

Pain in the hip joint can also originate from swelling due to an injury, such as a sprain, strain, or fracture. Infection, arthritis, or malignance can also result in hip joint pain. One cause of referred hip pain can be a pinched nerve in the back. Treatment for this type of hip pain can be alleviating the pinched nerve in the back.

True hip pain that originates from the hip joint can be caused by an acute (car accident injury) or chronic (arthritis) condition.

There are two objectives for treating acute hip pain:

1) Control and reduce any swelling

2) Restore mobility and functionality of the hip joint and leg

Ultimately, the goal of treatment from a chiropractor is to determine the cause of the hip joint pain, relieve or completely eliminate the cause, and rehabilitate the affected hip joint. A chiropractor can help determine the cause of your hip pain, whether it is coming from a pinched nerve in your spine, or from the hip joint itself.

An acute hip injury can be difficult to treat since the hip joint resides a few inches below the skin. Ice should be applied for short periods of time (less than twenty minutes). By elevating the affected hip you can alleviate hip pain and swelling. You can do this by lying on the opposite side of the hip injury.

How can a chiropractor help?

When treating chronic hip pain, a chiropractor will record the history of the pain, administer an examination, and diagnose the problem. Your chiropractor will then recommend a treatment program to treat the hip pain. You may also be provided with an outline of goals and recommended changes in lifestyle to reduce the chances of re-injury, as well as a plan to manage your current condition.

Other treatments might include:

- Adjustment procedures to the hip joint

- Diathermy treatment (deep heating of tissues is accomplished by the use of high-frequency electrical current).

- Massage therapy to improve hip joint mobility

Your chiropractor might also recommend:

- Stretching and exercising to prevent against re-injury

- Nutritional supplements (such as calcium)

- Routine bone density checks

Both acute and chronic hip pain can benefit from chiropractic care, along with regular exercise, stretching, good nutrition, and nutritional supplements. Your chiropractor will work with you to create a treatment program that will help you improve mobility, reduce pain, and minimize hip joint irritation.