Preparing for Your First Visit to the Chiropractor

If your back and neck are sore and aching, you are in need of a consult by a chiropractor. With a proper adjustment and chiropractic manipulation, you can receive the much-needed relief that you desire. You may be wondering what the first appointment will consist of.

It is perfectly normal to be nervous on your first visit. However, there is nothing to fear. Your first visit will probably go something like this:

1.       You will first be asked to fill out a patient history, so that they can get a comprehensive picture of your pain. Be sure to describe where and when your pain originated, and if there is anything which makes the pain better or worse.

2.       You will next undergo a physical examination by your chiropractor, during which they will probably observe your range of motion, your muscle tone and strength, and your posture. This is a simple process, and will not be painful at all.

3.       They will develop a treatment plan for you. This may include regular visits for adjustments, massage, ice and heat compresses, traction, electrical muscle stimulation, and even physical therapy, depending on the severity and origin of your condition.

The first visit is the perfect time to ask any questions you may have. Be as honest as possible about your pain, and the activities in which you participate.

Seeking care and treatment from your chiropractor can make a positive difference in your health, and your quality of life. Schedule your first appointment today!

What Happens When We Crack Our Necks, and is it Bad?

Many people crack their necks on a daily basis, if not an hourly one. The feeling of the popping sensation quickly becomes addictive, and your neck can begin to feel stiff if you do not crack it consistently. When you crack your neck, it releases fluid or gas within the joints surrounding the area.

The immediate production of a temporary vacuum which is filled by gas, causes the cracking sound to occur. It can release a tiny burst of endorphins, which makes you feel temporarily better. This causes you to want to create the sensation over and over again, until it becomes a habit. Soon you may be going through the motion without even noticing it. To break this habit, try some of these tips:

1.       When you feel the urge to crack, try stretching the muscles gently instead. Stretch your neck slightly forward and to the side, as if you are looking down at your hip.

2.       Try cutting back slowly, such as popping the neck only every other time you feel the urge. Continue to reduce the frequency as often as you can.

3.       Try practicing a form of exercise frequently, such as yoga, which stretches and strengthens the muscles in the body in a healthy way.

4.       Cracking the area too often can cause overstretching and instability to occur. Some doctors even think it causes joint damage, which can cause headaches and osteoarthritis.

Begin today to try to break this bad habit. It may take some time, but if you are determined, you can do it!

Getting Your Pinched Nerve Under Control

If you have a pinched nerve in your back or neck, you know how real the pain can feel. It can making going about your daily activities excruciating, at times. It is usually the case of some kind of physical strain, or injury. Taking care of it right away will help you to be able to return to your usual pace.

Knowing how to take care of it can be a little confusing. The first thing you can do is go see your chiropractor. They can give you an adjustment, and help to relieve some of the discomfort you are feeling. In addition to this, you can:

1.       Relax as much as possible—stress can make things worse.

2.       Take an anti-inflammatory painkiller, as directed.

3.       Try relaxing in a hot bath or shower.

4.       Put an ice pack, or a heating pad on the area for a few minutes at a time.

5.       Try visiting a licensed massage therapist to manipulate the area.

Doing all of these things can help you to find relief, especially if you need to go to work. Make sure that you are not lying on your stomach while you are sleeping, as this can contribute to any spasms you are feeling.

If your pain does not go away in a day or two, be sure to talk to your chiropractor right away about what you can do for treatment.

Using Yoga to Help Alleviate Back and Spine Pain

While exercising is very important to the health of your back, depending on the activity you are participating in, it can sometimes make you feel a little more sore shortly after. This is especially true of exercise activities that are more high impact, such as running, sports, etc.

However, there is a form of strength training and stretching that can bring you immediate relief, without that sore feeling afterward: yoga. This ancient practice is a great way to relax, strengthen your core, and get the pain relief that you need. In addition to this, it can:

1.       Help you to relax and meditate

2.       Keep you conscious of your breath, and help you to breathe more deeply

3.       Build the strength and stability that your body needs

4.       Increase your flexibility, which can help to loosen tight, sore muscles

5.       Help you to sleep more peacefully and soundly at night

Yoga can be done in hour-long sessions, or even just a quick twenty-minute workout if you do not have much time in your schedule. You can choose to participate in a class, which can be a fun, live experience. However, if you feel a little more shy as you are starting out, you can try working out with a yoga DVD in the comfort of your home.

Whichever way you choose to try it, make sure that you take it slow, and listen to the limitations of your body. You should be pushing yourself, but not to the point of pain. The more frequently you practice it, the more relief you may find in your back, neck, and shoulders.

Dealing with Chronic Migraine Pain

If you have ever had a migraine, you know exactly how excruciatingly painful it can be. Some people have even described it to feel like pieces of loose glass shaking around inside their skulls. While there are certainly many medications which are available to help, often many of them come with negative side effects. In addition, they are only treating the symptoms, not the root of what is causing this chronic pain for you.

To try to take this pain out of your life, you need to try to get to the source of it. There are many different causes of migraine headaches, depending on the individual. Some of these causes include but are not limited to:

      1.       Certain foods, such as avocados, aged cheese, chocolate, raisins, and food containing aspartame

      2.       An imbalance in your body’s hormones

      3.       Neck or back problems, including misalignment of the spine

      4.       Poor sleeping habits

      5.       Smoking

      6.       Bright lights or strong smells

If you think any of these things may be triggering your pain, try eliminating them, or improving the situation as much as you can. Try them one at a time, so you know exactly which one is the culprit.

You may want to consider seeking the help of a licensed chiropractor to help align your spine. They are the experts when it comes to muscular pain, and they can help alleviate your symptoms, as well as the cause of your pain in many cases.