Ken Whidden

4 Ways Chiropractic Helps Improve Your Overall Health & Wellness

February 22, 2017 by drken Leave a Comment

Chiropractic has been increasing in popularity over the last few years as the medical community is recognizing its value for treating many conditions as well as improving overall health and wellness. There was a time when chiropractic was used to treat back pain, but studies are showing that it can be used to effectively treat a wide variety of health issues. This is due, at least in part, to chiropractic’s whole body approach to health care. It is much, much more than just spinal adjustments.

Better Neck and Back Health

This is the most obvious and prevalent benefit of chiropractic care – what most people think of when they think about chiropractic care – but its merit goes deeper than may first meet the eye. The traditional spinal alignment is very beneficial for treating pain and improving mobility.

When the spine is aligned the neck and back is healthier which leads to a decrease in tension, better posture, reduced pain, and the central nervous system functions far more efficiently. When the central nervous system is working the way it should, overall health is improved and the body as a whole functions better.

Stronger Immune System

Regular chiropractic treatments have been linked to a stronger immune system. When the spine is in proper alignment, the central nervous system is able to function much more efficiently and effectively. This means that the body is better able to receive messages from the brain.

When the spine is out of alignment, the messages that that are sent and received by the central nervous system can’t complete their path like they should, leaving the organs and other parts of the body not operating as it should. This translates to a better functioning immune system, which means that you may find that you are sick as lot less often.

More Effective Pain Management

Another benefit of a properly functioning central nervous system is better pain management. Chiropractic is an effective treatment for migraines, injuries, fibromyalgia, and pain caused by other conditions.

When the spine is out of alignment it can affect various nerves and conditions like sciatica may occur. Bringing the spine into alignment can relieve the compression of nerves, alleviating pain.

Chiropractic is regularly used to treat sports related injuries for pro athletes to weekend warriors – and everyone in between. Even more, there are many studies that show chiropractic is an effective form of pain management.

Improved Activity Level

A lesser known or recognized benefit of chiropractic that improves your overall health is its ability to improve your activity level. Pain management definitely plays a part in this, but regular treatments also help improve mobility and flexibility. This, in turn, helps to reduce your risk of injury, allowing you to be more active.

When you are more mobile you are better able to stay active which means it is easier to get the exercise that you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This is particularly important for older people. As we age, we tend to lose our mobility and flexibility. By starting chiropractic care early, it helps stave off some of those effects of aging. However, even elderly patients have noticed a marked improvement in just a few treatments.

Chiropractic care is a very good way to give your overall health and wellness a great boost. When you make it a part of your regular routine, you are much more likely to enjoy fewer sick days, less pain, the ability to be more active, and a healthier neck and spine. The whole body approach means you will be exposed to not only spinal adjustments, but also recommendations on diet, supplements, exercise, and lifestyle changes that can definitely change your life.

How Chiropractic Helps Those That Suffer from Sciatica

February 15, 2017 by drken Leave a Comment

Sciatica is a common back ailment that affects approximately 1 in 10 adults in the United States. It is most prevalent in people between the ages of 25 and 45. Sciatica is characterized by a shooting pain that originates in the lower back and travels down through the hip, buttock and back of leg. The pain can be so severe that it inhibits mobility and can prevent people from working, taking care of their home, or just enjoying their life. Traditionally, doctors have treated the condition with medications and some invasive therapies, but chiropractic treatments have been found to be extremely effective in alleviating the pain and curing the condition.

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a condition that affects the lower back, specifically pain that travels along the sciatic nerve path. This path originates in the lower back and extends down each side of the hip, buttocks, and down the leg to the feet. Usually, only one side is affected during a case of sciatica.

Sciatica commonly occurs when there is a spinal condition, such as a bone spur on the spine, a herniated disk, or when a condition like spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spine) compresses the nerve. The result is inflammation, numbness, pain, and stiffness in the leg that is affected.

While sciatica pain can be severe, the majority of the time the condition is resolved in a matter of weeks without surgical intervention. Some doctors may suggest surgery if the patient experiences extreme weakness in the leg or has problems with their bowel or bladder. Most of the time doctors will prescribe medication to treat the pain and relax the muscles that surround the sciatic path in an effort to provide the patient with some relief.

How Chiropractic Treatments Help Sciatica

Chiropractic has been shown to be very effective in treating sciatica by helping the body heal itself. It is non-invasive and does not use medications, making it an optimal choice for many patients. There are various treatments that a chiropractor may use or recommend. They may be used alone or in conjunction with other therapies.

Adjustments. Spinal manipulation, or adjustments, is the core of chiropractic treatment. It helps to realign the spine, freeing restricted movement and helps bring the body back into its proper alignment so that it functions better and more effectively. It also helps to reduce the pain that is associated with nerve inflammation, particularly that associated with sciatica.

Ultrasound. A very mild heat that is created by sound waves at a frequency that is beyond human hearing providing deep tissue penetration. This therapy stimulates circulation and aids in reducing muscle spasms, stiffness, swelling, pain, and cramping.

Ice or Cold Therapy. This therapy helps to reduce and control the pain of sciatica, as well as reduce inflammation.

TENS. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is a therapy that employs a TENS unit, a small battery powered, portable box that stimulates the muscles. It uses electrical currents at variable intensities to help control pain and reduce the occurrence of muscle spasms. Some chiropractors and physical therapists use larger versions of this device in their offices, but many use the portable units because they are more convenient.

A chiropractor may incorporate exercises and nutritional recommendations into their treatment for sciatica. This often depends on the patient’s individual needs, the severity of the condition, and their lifestyle and habits. A variety of chiropractic techniques may also be used to treat sciatica. Since each patient is different, the chiropractor will talk with the patient to better understand what they do on a day-to-day basis and what may be causing the sciatic pain to occur. From there they will treat the problem from the patient’s perspective, seeking the best, most effective approach.

If you or a loved one is suffering from this condition, please give Emerald Coast Chiropractic a call at 850-654-1850. Our Doctor of Chiropractic is here to help!

4 Ways Chiropractic Can Help Those That Suffer From Fibromyalgia

February 15, 2017 by drken Leave a Comment

Fibromyalgia is one of the most common chronic pain conditions in the United States. It is believed to affect one in fifty people in the U.S. alone, according to the American College of Rheumatology.

This condition is very problematic because it is extremely difficult to diagnose. It is also difficult to treat because it tends to be a chronic condition. Many doctors use pain medication that treats the symptoms, but there is evidence that shows chiropractic treatment as a very effective way to treat fibromyalgia, minimize the pain, and even control.

What is Fibromyalgia?

Doctors don’t really know what fibromyalgia is or what causes it, but researchers believe that that the condition affects the way that the brain processes pain, causing it to be amplified and spread throughout the body. Symptoms of fibromyalgia include pain, excessive sleeping, mood swings, fatigue, memory loss, fuzziness, and depression. It seems to be more prevalent in women than in men.

The condition may develop suddenly after severe psychological stress or physical trauma such as infection or surgery. However, it may also develop gradually with no known triggers. Often people who suffer from fibromyalgia also have irritable bowel syndrome, tension headaches, anxiety, temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and depression.

4 ways that Chiropractors can Help Fibromyalgia Patients

There are four primary ways that a chiropractor can help patients with fibromyalgia. Chiropractic focuses on whole body wellness and has been shown to be very effective in treating the condition.

Chiropractic Adjustments. This chiropractic technique helps to realign your body and re-establish the connection between the nervous system and nerves throughout the body. It essentially resets the nervous system so that the brain can process pain more accurately. In fibromyalgia the pain is believed to be caused by the central nervous system receiving faulty or inaccurate pain signals and the result is pain felt throughout the body.

Physical Therapy. This is an important part of treatment that your chiropractor will recommend. Fibromyalgia can cause severe muscular pain and patient stop moving or exercising because it simply hurts too much. When the patient stops moving they lose muscle tone which actually exacerbates the effects of the condition.

Lifestyle Adjustment Recommendations. The chiropractor may also make recommendations regarding lifestyle adjustments. This can include incorporating exercise into the patient’s daily routine or finding ways to control the pain without medication. A patient who spends most of their day sitting behind a desk may be advised to take periodic walks. The recommendations will depend on the patient’s everyday activities and lifestyle.

Nutritional Recommendations. Nutrition plays a large part in every aspect of the body. It can cure conditions and help alleviate symptoms. The chiropractor will often make recommendations of the best diet pills for men 2019, they are experts regarding changes to the diet and supplements. It helps both the psychological aspects of the condition as well as they psychological ones. This type of treatment is often recommended in conjunction with chiropractic treatments as part of a whole body wellness approach.

Chiropractic treatments have been shown to be very successful in treating fibromyalgia patients, particularly in alleviating pain. Patients report a significant decrease in neck, back, and leg pain after just one visit. Because it provides immediate relief without medication, chiropractic is regarded as one of the best treatments for the condition. When the spine is properly aligned the entire body functions more efficiently and effectively.

One of the most attractive benefits of chiropractic treatments is that it treats pain and mobility issues without the use of medications. In the case of fibromyalgia, because so little is actually known about it, chiropractic is an optimal treatment method because it does work but it does not put an additional burden on the body by introducing medications. Give Emerald Coast Chiropractic a call at 850-654-1850 to see if we can help you attain a better quality of life.

3 Ways Chiropractic Can Help Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

February 8, 2017 by drken Leave a Comment

Many people think of chiropractic as a treatment for neck and back problems, but in truth it is a whole body wellness practice and the neck and back are just one aspect. One application that is garnering a great deal of attention is the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Chiropractic is an effective, non-invasive treatment for CTS, relieving the pain and promoting healing without the use of medications. There are three ways the chiropractic has been proven to be effective in the treatment of CTS.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a repetitive stress injury, a condition that affects the hands and wrists. The most common symptoms include tingling, numbness, and weakness in the middle finger, index finger, and thumb as well as pain in the wrist or hand that gets worse at night.

It is typically found in hairdressers, typists, mechanics, cashiers, and other people who perform repetitive hand motions for long periods of time and it is estimated that about 3 percent of adults in the United States will deal with CTS at some time in their lives.

About 50 percent of workplace injuries in the United States are attributed to CTS (source: https://hgdlawfirm.com/practice_area/trucking-and-motor-vehicle-collisions/). There was a time when it was believed to affect women more than men, but research has shown that a person’s occupation plays a large part in how it is contracted and gender only plays a small role – if any at all.

The carpal tunnel is a band of fibrous tissue that lies on the front side of the wrist. It holds the blood vessels, nerves, and tendons that are necessary for the hand to move and work as it should. When that carpal tunnel becomes inflamed, damaged, or pressure on that area compresses the arteries and nerves, CTS develops. It usually starts slowly and the symptoms gradually worsen as the condition progresses.

How Chiropractic helps Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

There are three primary ways that chiropractors treat CTS. These three common treatments have been shown to be very effective in treating the pain and the condition as a whole.

Adjustments of the upper spine, arm, and wrist – When the spine is not in alignment, it could exacerbate carpal tunnel syndrome. A chiropractor will use spinal manipulation to realign the spine to its correct position. These manipulations, or adjustments, are often performed by hand, but at times he or she may use special devices or a special table made specifically for chiropractic treatments. In addition to the spine, the chiropractor may make adjustments to other areas of the body such as the arm and wrist.

Ultrasound therapy – This is another type of therapy employed by chiropractors. It uses low energy sound or high energy sound – both outside the range of a human’s ability to hear. The device that is used emits these sound waves that are extremely focused and penetrate the body’s tissue at a very deep level. These sound waves can be very effective in reducing inflammation, alleviating pain, and relaxing muscles. It may be used as a stand-alone treatment or with chiropractic treatments.

Wrist Supports – The purpose of wrist supports is to keep the wrist properly aligned with the rest of the arm to reduce pressure and compression. It is often used as a preventative measure against carpal tunnel. The chiropractor may choose this option if the patient does repetitive work that may cause the condition. This is often combined with regular chiropractic treatments such as spinal alignment and is used to prevent conditions such as CTS from developing.

Another very common disease of the hands that can be mistaken for arthritis is Dupuytren’s Disease. This disease affects the connective tissue under your palms called the fascia. The fascia fibers start to thicken and contract, causing knots that can pull your fingers inwards. Dupuytrens can cause major discomfort, movement restrictions, and even pain in some cases. It’s important to get yourself checked up by a professional physician so they can distinguish your case and properly give Dupuytrens treatment if ever.

When treating carpal tunnel, the chiropractor may also suggest specific exercises as well as a dietary program to promote overall wellness. This is intended to keep the patient from experiencing carpal tunnel as well as other conditions.

How Chiropractic Helps Those That Suffer from Allergies

February 8, 2017 by drken Leave a Comment

As winter gives way to spring, seasonal allergies can really get you down. Whether you get a few sniffles and some sneezing or you are down for the count with every terrible allergy symptom known to man, it can make spring pretty unbearable.

There is no shortage of allergy medications on the market, but they come with their own issues. The majority of them cause drowsiness and other unpleasant side effects, leaving you barely able to function. Those that are made from a “non drowsy” formula sound great, but if you have certain health conditions, like high blood pressure, you are out of luck – and stuck either taking the ones that make you sleep sucking it up and dealing with your allergies sans medication.

That’s no way to live.

What are Allergies?

When your immune produces histamines in response to an allergen that you encounter the physiological reaction that you experience is broadly referred to as allergies or hay fever. The allergens may be simple substances that normally do not affect people, but when your body is out of balance, it can cause a variety of problems. Most people prevent allergies with sufficient use of an intimate skin lightening cream, for prevention is better than cure.

Symptoms of allergies include:

Runny nose
Stuffy nose
Headache
Sneezing
Itchy eyes
Coughing or scratchy throat
Skin rash or hives
Swelling
Diarrhea
Nausea
Fatigue

Anaphylaxis, severe, life threatening allergies can include swelling of the airways, tongue, and throat, inability to breathe due to blocked airway, and other dangerous symptoms.

The allergens can be something you come in contact with, like poison ivy, something you breathe in, like mold or dust, or it can be something you ingest, like strawberries or peanuts. In some cases rashes can start to form throughout the body, and in others it will be limited to the place that came into contact with the allergen. In these cases you might want to consider applying some hemp topical relief cream with menthol for some quick relief. Different people will have different allergies, but those who are allergic to the same things may not have the same reaction. Often a doctor or allergist will diagnose your allergies.

Chiropractic Care for Allergies

Chiropractic treatments have been found to be very effective for relieving allergy symptoms and even stopping allergies at their source. It reduces the severity of allergy symptoms as well as the frequency of occurrence. It does not work like allergy medications which have an anti-histamine effect and only work as a short term fix for your allergy symptoms.

Chiropractic treatments help your body become more balanced so that it is better equipped for combating allergies at the source. When your spine is not aligned it can impact your nervous system leading to a variety of problems – including allergies. Your immune system can be affected, causing it to malfunction.

A chiropractor can help relieve the stress on your nervous system by aligning your spine. This takes the pressure off of nerves, allowing your immune system to function at a more optimal level. This makes it easier for your body to ward off infections while recognizing allergens as harmless.

When your immune system encounters allergens it doesn’t overreact to them. Instead, the reaction is much more subdued, or even nonexistent. Chiropractic has also been found to help asthma patients breathe easier. Asthma symptoms are diminished.

Chiropractic care is more than just spinal manipulation, though. It promotes whole body wellness. Patients are taught exercise, stress relief, and nutrition so that the entire system is treated. The whole body treatment plan for chiropractic patients will help you be allergy free in a short time.

It is important to follow your chiropractic plan thoroughly and consistently. Get plenty of rest and take time to de-stress. The more you can relax and take care of yourself, the healthier you will be overall. Chiropractic care can help so many health conditions; it can actually make you healthier. If you are struggling with allergies, give chiropractic care a try – you just might be surprised.