sports chiropractor near me

Chiropractor Near Me: Chiro and Pro Baseball

Chiropractic Care and Professional Baseball: The Philadelphia Phillies and Dr. Michael Tancredi

When it comes to helping elite athletes prevent and recover from injuries-as well as achieve peak performance-chiropractic care can offer many advantages. That’s why large numbers of professional and college sports teams throughout the U.S. have turned to chiropractors over the past decade. The Philadelphia Phillies is one such team, and Dr. Michael Tancredi is one such chiropractor. As a Doctor of Chiropractic, a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician, an Active Release Technique Instructor and Practitioner, and a certified athletic trainer, Dr. Tancredi clearly understands the valuable role that chiropractic care can play in keeping teams healthy and performing at their best. Our chiropractor near you explains more.

By almost any measure, Dr. Tancredi has had a long and successful career in sports medicine. He has worked extensively with the Philadelphia Eagles, Philadelphia Phillies, and Villanova University. While Dr. Tancredi has accomplished a great deal in his professional life (and he continues to work with patients through his practice in Broomall, Pennsylvania), he is perhaps best known as the chiropractor who went all the way to the 2008 World Series as a consultant with the Philadelphia Phillies. From 2008 through 2010, he was a chiropractor and Active Release Technique provider for the team.

Cole Hamels, a member of the 2008 Phillies team, has been very vocal about the difference chiropractic care has made for him. “Being introduced to chiropractic care has definitely helped my game. When you add it with a lot of the physical therapy exercises and the in-game exercises, I think it just prevents a lot of injury. I went through a lot of injury in my career, and the first time I actually was introduced to chiropractic care, it pretty much kept me on the field. It’s something that helps me feel much better when I’m on the field and off the field.”
As a pitcher, Hamels is particularly aware of the complex biomechanics involved in throwing a baseball, and recognizes how the larger muscle groups-not just the shoulder and elbow-must work together to perform well. “Your body starts from the ground up, and in order to pitch, you have to use everything. You have to have a good back in order to get the good torque. Most of your power comes from your core.”
It’s a challenge staying healthy through a 162-game regular season, and players at the elite major-league level do what they can to avoid injuries. Hamels recalls how chiropractic care became popular among his teammates and coaches. “It’s another way to help us get out on the field… We’ve seen more and more players start to go in to get adjustments, to get the ART. And I think that’s good for our whole team because you want them to be able to go out on the field every day because we’re very good at what we do, but you’re not going to help the team out when you’re not playing.”

In a brief interview published in ACA Today, Dr. Tancredi described his own experience with the Phillies and explained why chiropractic care is such a good fit for professional baseball. “It was a dream job and a dream season. The whole sports medicine staff was phenomenal. They were all really open to the benefits of chiropractic care. Athletes at this level rarely have an acute injury. However, a little hamstring pull can turn into a major problem when they have no time off. Baseball’s schedule is grueling in that the players are on the field 28 out of 30 days a month, so we have to do what we can to help them heal while keeping in mind the long-term consequences. Chiropractic has cut the injury rate; the players love it, the athletic trainers see how effective it is and the orthopedic surgeon is totally open to my suggestions-it’s a win-win situation.”

Whether you’re playing professionally or at an amateur level, baseball puts unique demands on the body’s musculoskeletal system, from asymmetrical movements (throwing and hitting) and extreme acceleration and deceleration to sudden impacts. Take it from the Phillies and Dr. Michael Tancredi, chiropractic care can help players stay healthy and perform at their best.

If you are looking for sports chiropractors in Wilmington NC near you, please call or visit our office today. We’ll be happy to explain our approach and answer any questions. Remember-we’re here to help!

 

 

 

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Chiropractors in Wilmington NC: Musculoskeletal Milestone

One of the primary concerns for parents with a newborn is ensuring that the baby grows and develops normally. This is extremely important, since growth in the first year has a significant impact on the overall health and well-being of a child in later years. For parents, this means paying attention to musculoskeletal milestones in addition to weight and length. Our chiropractors in Wilmington NC explain more.

According to the Mayo Clinic’s Infant and Toddler Health Center, “From birth to age 6 months, a baby may grow 1/2 to 1 inch (about 1.5 to 2.5 centimeters) a month and gain 5 to 7 ounces (about 140 to 200 grams) a week. Expect your baby to double his or her birth weight by about age 5 months.

From ages 6 to 12 months, a baby may grow 3/8 inch (about 1 centimeter) a month and gain 3 to 5 ounces (about 85 to 140 grams) a week. Expect your baby to triple his or her birth weight by about age 1 year.”

The musculoskeletal system represents the physical foundation for the baby’s growth and development. Most adults have 206 bones, but babies begin life with around 300 bones and cartilage elements, which fuse together as the baby develops. A baby’s cranium actually originates as several separate pieces, which allows the baby’s head to change shape as the bones slide over each other. Called molding, this process allows a baby to pass through the narrow birth canal to be born.

Known as the anterior and posterior (i.e., front and back) fontanelles, the two soft spots on the baby’s head are the gaps between the plates. According to the National Institutes of Health, “The fontanelle in the back of the head (posterior fontanelle) usually closes by the time an infant is 1 to 2 months old. The fontanelle at the top of the head (anterior fontanelle) usually closes between 7 to 19 months.”

A baby’s bones begin as cartilage, developing in the womb. After birth, the baby has some bones, but many are still cartilage at that point. As the baby grows, a process called ossification occurs, which hardens the cartilage into bone, which is joined by a nutrient artery to help it develop further. At six weeks, bone starts to develop as tightly wound chains of collagen, a protein. The minerals in the blood, along with the protein structure, start solidifying into the astonishingly resilient living material that is bone. The intricate joint mechanisms that lend the skeleton its elasticity and range of motion continue to mature long after birth.

 

For most parents, there are five musculoskeletal milestones that are particularly exciting, and it’s common for healthcare professionals who work with infants to ask about them:

  • Lifting and supporting his or her head (sometimes called “head control”). Most infants can lift their heads slightly when they’re about a month old and hold it up when they’re placed in a sitting position at around four months. By 6 months, head control is usually steady.
  • Rolling over. Some babies might be able to flip from belly to back around the 4-month mark, but most are able to master this maneuver at about 5 or 6 months. The back-top-front flip usually takes longer, though, because more neck and arm strength is needed.
  • Remaining upright in a sitting position. Babies achieve this milestone at anywhere from 4 to 7 months. Most can sit well for several minutes without help by the time they’re 8 months old.
  • This typically happens sometime between the ages of 7 and 10 months. Some babies will also use other approaches to start getting mobile—bottom-sliding, belly-crawling and rolling are all common!
  • First steps usually happen between 9 and 12 months and many babies are walking well by 14 or 15 months. However, it’s not unusual for a baby to start walking when they’re 16 of 17 months old.

 

As you’re watching for these milestones, it’s important to keep in mind that babies develop at different rates. In order for these processes to occur, proper nutrition and—yes—physical activity is essential. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, “A healthy musculoskeletal system—consisting of bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles—is essential to a child’s growth and development. Decisions made regarding children’s diet and levels of physical activity will not only affect them now, but also as they grow into adults.”

Chiropractic physicians are experts in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal problems in patients of all ages. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s musculoskeletal development, please call or visit our office.

If you are looking for chiropractors in Wilmington NC, please call or visit our office today. We’ll be happy to explain our approach and answer any questions. Remember-we’re here to help!

 

 

 

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Chiropractors in Leland NC: Muscle Atrophy

What is Muscle Atrophy and What Can You Do to Prevent It? Our chiropractors in Leland NC explain more.

As the old cliché goes, “Use it or lose it”. This is a very, very simplistic way to explain muscle atrophy. Plainly put, muscle atrophy is the partial or complete loss or “wasting” of muscle tissue. This phenomenon can occur in two different ways: neurogenic atrophy and disuse atrophy. Neurogenic atrophy relates to disease or injury that affects the nerve attached to the muscle. Neurogenic atrophy often comes on rather swiftly and is the more severe of the two types. Disuse atrophy-the second type-is the result of a little or no physical activity. In short, muscles will diminish when they are not used. This is a substantial worry for people who are bedridden or confined to a wheelchair. Read on to learn more about these two types of muscle atrophy and what you can do to prevent them. Our chiropractors in Leland NC explain more.

* Neurogenic muscle atrophy can be caused by a number of injuries and diseases. When a nerve attached to a muscle is damaged, its signal is disrupted and it cannot reach the brain, the peripheral nerves, or the spinal cord-which leads to an inability to use the muscle correctly. Nerve damage from an injury, such as compression, can also cause reduced blood flow to the nerve, resulting in the muscle atrophying. HealthGrades.com describes several potential causes, including neuromuscular diseases such as spinal cord atrophy, multiple sclerosis (MS, a disease that affects the brain and spinal cord causing weakness, coordination, balance difficulties, and other problems), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease, a severe neuromuscular disease that causes muscle weakness and disability), and Guillain-Barre syndrome (an autoimmune nerve disorder). Diabetic neuropathy, nerve damage associated with diabetes, may also lead to atrophy of the muscles.

* Disuse muscle atrophy is caused by a sedentary lifestyle-that is, one that involves little or no physical exercise. The less the muscles are used, the more likely it is that they will atrophy. Unfortunately, this can also cause heart problems-after all, the heart is a muscle too, and it can break down if it is not regularly exercised. According to HealthGrades.com, “Other common causes of disuse atrophy include medical conditions that decrease mobility, such as rheumatoid arthritis (a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation) or osteoarthritis (the thinning and weakening of the bones), and injuries such as broken bones…The aging process often leads to slow but progressive muscle atrophy.”

Sometimes muscle atrophy can be an indication of severe malnutrition or alcohol-related muscle disease. Damage to nerves due to an injury of the spinal cord, long-term corticosteroid therapy, muscular dystrophy, osteoarthritis, polio, rheumatoid arthritis, or even burns can also result in muscle atrophy.
Prevention of muscle atrophy involves two separate but complementary approaches to keeping your muscles healthy: eating a nutritious diet and exercising safely and regularly.

In terms of nutrition, eating a healthy, balanced diet that has sufficient protein is the first step. Depending on your specific requirements, a nutritionist or other healthcare professional may also recommend supplements that support muscle growth and development, such as creatine, whey and/or glutamine. Researchers at Colorado State University have also found that a low-sugar diet may also be quite effective. “When insulin levels are chronically high, your body’s cells attempt to limit its effects by decreasing their numbers of insulin receptors, a condition known as insulin resistance. In advanced cases, insulin resistance results in a swing to the opposite extreme, whereby cells become starved for amino acids and glucose and, as a result, muscle protein break downs. To keep your insulin levels on an even keel, avoid processed carbohydrates and opt for whole grains. Also, choose fresh fruits over dried or canned.”

Chiropractors in Leland NC Recommend Daily Exercise 

As for exercise, most people will benefit from low-impact physical activities like walking and swimming. Others may safely increase the size and strength of their muscles through simple body-weight exercises that also build coordination and balance. If you’re currently suffering from any type of medical condition or haven’t been physically active for an extended period of time, it’s always a good idea to consult your doctor before starting a new fitness regimen. He or she will be able to evaluate your health and recommend an appropriate fitness program for you.

If you are looking for chiropractors in Leland NC, please call or visit our office today. We’ll be happy to explain our approach and answer any questions. Remember-we’re here to help!

 

 

 

Back Pain Shallotte NC: Preventative Care

An ounce of prevention is probably worth a lot more than a pound of cure when it comes to our own health and the health of our families. Fortunately, the core concepts of prevention aren’t difficult to grasp and can be incorporated into many areas of your life simply by being more thoughtful and disciplined about your environment and lifestyle. Doing a few basic things differently (perhaps including diet, exercise, sleep and stress management) may be the best way to ensure your overall health and well-being. Our back pain specialist in Shallotte NC explains more.

Over time, public health officials in the U.S. and other countries around the world have come to a similar conclusion. The National Prevention Strategy is a broad plan that is intended to keep American men and women healthy throughout every stage of life. Designed by the National Prevention, Health Promotion, and Public Health Council along with the assistance of numerous experts and advisors, this preventive plan is built on the recognition that good health isn’t just about getting good medical care when you’re sick, but from not getting sick in the first place. This is where our day-to-day lifestyle choices come into play.
The current Affordable Care Act requires public and private insurers and certain health care entities and organizations to follow this Strategy to help keep individuals of all ages healthy and fit. Instead of a health care system focused exclusively on treating those who are already sick and injured, this plan helps shift that dynamic to one that concentrates on prevention and maintaining wellness.
Why Prevention is Important

If you increase your focus on prevention, you will ultimately increase your health, quality of life and save some money in medical costs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of all American adults have a chronic illness, and 70% of deaths in the U.S. are due to chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and many cancers. The most shocking part of this news is that chronic conditions are largely preventable.
By putting more effort into preventing illness and disease before they happen, policy makers hope to create healthier, more productive lives and reduce the often-exorbitant costs of healthcare. When you feel good, you are more productive at work and don’t take as many sick days. And failing health can cause disability with age, which can take away your independence.

But prevention doesn’t end with following a healthy diet and exercise regime. Getting regular chiropractic care can also help you maintain a healthy back and spine, ensuring you will stay pain-free and more active for a long time to come!
Planning for Improved Spinal Health and Overall Wellness

Many people seek chiropractic care when they have an injury or are experiencing pain or discomfort. This is because they know that chiropractic treatment can provide effective relief of many musculoskeletal symptoms by decreasing muscle tension, alleviating pressure on nerves, reducing inflammation and restoring movement in the joints. But regular treatments also help to correct underlying problems and maintain the alignment of your spine even when you’re not experiencing specific symptoms. If you’re interested in maintaining-or even improving-your overall health and wellness, chiropractic care can be an important part of your own personal prevention strategy.

 

If you or someone you care about is suffering from back pain in Shallotte NC, please call or visit our office today. We’ll be happy to explain our approach and answer any questions. Remember-we’re here to help!

 

 

 

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Chiropractor Wilmington NC: Aging and Posture

As with changes in skin and hair, changes in posture are common with aging. Your bones give your body structure and support, joints attach your bones and allow movement and muscles give you the strength to move your body. Your brain coordinates these and many other body parts that are affected by aging. Over time, older adults might notice changes in the way they, stand, sit or move because of weakness or hindered movement. Our Chiropractor Wilmington NC explains more about aging and posture.

What does aging do to your posture?

Older women are especially at risk for a loss of bone density (osteopenia and osteoporosis) due to the inability of the bones to retain enough calcium and other vital nutrients. Gel-like disk that lose fluid over time cushion the bones in the spine. Additionally, the core muscles that help support your frame correctly can weaken, making it more likely that your posture will deteriorate and that your spine will lose it proper curve. These factors can combine to cause a variety of conditions associated with old age, including an abnormal forward rounding of the back called “kyphosis”.
Joints in the body lose their flexibility and lubrication as you age. The cartilage that acts as a pad between your bones wears out and can create a painful rubbing of bone on bone. Minerals may also deposit along your joints as you age, restricting their movement. Both of these factors can contribute to shoulder sagging and hip stiffness.
When you’re young, your muscle mass is at its greatest, and your body is pert and strong. As early as your 30s, the amount of muscle you have begins to decrease. Without the strength and support of adequate muscle mass, you are sure to slump and slouch.

How to prevent poor posture as you age
Exercise is one of the best ways to slow or prevent problems with posture. Getting regular exercise from an early age and continuing your regimen can go far in maintaining your muscle strength, flexibility and balance. Luckily, even beginning an exercise program later in life can help you see some gains in strength and help restore movement in your joints.

Mom always told me to sit up straight
While mom was right that good posture-sitting or standing-is important, good posture alone won’t preserve your spinal health. Sitting or standing up straight is not enough to realign your body. Bad posture is caused by actual changes in your anatomy that can make getting into a proper posture difficult or impossible for many people. This is where chiropractic care can make a difference. Chiropractors seek to fix the root of the problem, which usually involves the spine, by making gradual and permanent adjustments over time that will help you in your quest to regain proper posture.
So what can I do to correct my posture?

Poor posture is not inevitable with age. Additionally, people suffering from postural problems and its side effects can find relief. In addition to helping make spinal adjustments that will help improve your posture, a well-trained and experienced chiropractor can analyze your condition and help you create an action plan for getting you stronger and more active. An appropriate balance of exercises and stretching, in addition to regular chiropractic care in Wilmington NC can really make a difference!

 

If you or someone you care about is wondering whether a chiropractor Wilmington NC might be the right choice, please call or visit our office today. We’ll be happy to explain our approach and answer any questions. Remember-we’re here to help!

 

 

 

Chiropractor Shallotte NC: Golf Injuries

PGA golfers Tiger Woods and Padraig Harrington have relied on chiropractic care for years to stay healthy and to improve their performance over the course of their professional careers. Fred Funk and Suzann Pettersen have too. So have a great many others. So there’s really little doubt that elite golfers (and their coaches and trainers) recognize the value of chiropractic care. But what about the weekend warrior? Can chiropractic care help the average golfer play better, longer and with fewer injuries?
If you’re a golfer, you might already know first-hand that your musculoskeletal health plays a huge role in your enjoyment of the sport as well as your performance. Our chiropractor Shallotte NC explains more,

One of the most important things to understand is that the biomechanics of your golf swing can affect your health (back, hips, neck, elbows, etc.) and vice-versa-that your health can affect your swing.  It’s really a feedback loop that can have either a positive or negative effect on your game over time.

Many professionals around the broader golf community-from instructors and trainers to healthcare providers who specialize in sports medicine-are becoming increasingly interested in this feedback loop.  The Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) is one very good example:
“…TPI has analyzed how physical limitations in a player’s body can adversely affect the golf swing and potentially lead to injury.”

“TPI’s mission is to educate golfers and industry professionals on the body/swing connection…”
Let’s talk health first.

The very nature of golf and the biomechanics associated with swinging a club make chiropractic care a great fit for golfers. Golfing can involve considerable strain on the spine as a result of the need to generate club head speed. This requires good swing mechanics-posture, balance and timing. Poor swing mechanics have the potential to create exaggerated or flattened spinal curves that can seriously affect performance. In fact, Tom Ward, PGA Golf Instructor, says, “Over 50% of all golfers will experience some sort of pain due to poor posture and the problems that arise from loss of proper curves in the spine.”

By helping to improve your spine’s stability and range of motion, chiropractic care can help prevent injuries and enhance swing performance. An individualized treatment plan including chiropractic adjustments combined with structured stretching and exercise programs may make a significant difference in how well you golf and how much you enjoy it-as well as in how long you’re able to play the game.
Now what about performance?

Recent research suggests that chiropractic care can indeed lead to improved golf performance. A recent study published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine demonstrated that the combination of chiropractic care and stretching are associated with greater improvements in golfers’ swings when compared to stretching alone.

Two groups of golfers participated in the study. One group received a program of stretching only, and the second received both stretching and spinal manipulation. The stretching program was the same for both groups, and both groups had similar average ages, handicaps, and initial swings. All 43 participants initially performed three full swing maneuvers, and the average distances were recorded. Over a 4-week period, all participants hit 3 balls before and after treatment.

After 4 weeks, the stretching only group showed no improvement in swing performance.  However the stretching and manipulation group did improve their swing performance and there was greater driving distance right after treatment each week. So it appears that yes, chiropractic care can help not only top golfers such as Woods and Harrington, but it can help you improve your golf game too.

A good golf swing is the result of a complex combination of balance, flexibility and strength.  And doing it repeatedly over the course of 18 holes (or even more in tournament play) takes a high degree of conditioning as well. If you’re serious about golf, chiropractic care can help you play better, play longer and avoid injuries while you’re doing it!

Call or visit our office today to learn more!

Remember-we are here to help! We encourage you to call or visit our office today! Our chiropractor Shallotte NC can help your golf injuries.

 

 

 

Chiropractor Wilmington NC: Water Benefits

You’ve probably heard that many Americans don’t drink as much water as they should-that we live in a “dehydration nation” and that even our sensation of thirst has become muted over time as a result. You’ve also probably heard the conventional advice about drinking 8 glasses of water every day. Interestingly, it’s very difficult to find strong scientific backing for either of these two ideas. BUT… does that mean that many of us wouldn’t benefit from drinking more water? NO! Our chiropractor in Wilmington  NC explains why drinking is beneficial.

While we can turn to a wide variety of thirst quenchers at home, at work or on the go, nothing can beat the original and the best-water. At least in part, this is because water gives us the hydration we need without a lot of other stuff we don’t-extra calories, caffeine, artificial sweeteners and so on.
Our Special Relationship with Water
Our bodies are made up of 43-75% water. The wide range in percentages comes from measuring different populations ranging from newborns (~75%) to obese people (~45%), with normal adult hydration at about 57%-60%. Here are a just a few ways that water is essential to our health and well-being:
* We can survive a month without food, but we’d die after a week without water. The body is able to absorb many nutrients and salts better thanks to water’s ability to transport these nutrients (as well as oxygen) to our body’s cells and organs.  Detoxifying is also vitally important to our health, since it cleans our bodies of impurities. The best way to excrete these impurities is through our urine and sweat-both of which depend on our water intake.

* Upping your water intake may help to reduce the risk of kidney stones. The kidneys filter waste products from the blood, which are then expelled by the body via urination. However, if the concentration of salt in our urine is high (because we have either too much salt in the system or too little water), kidney stones ma form. By drinking more water, this concentration of salts is reduced.

* We are at risk of sunstroke if our bodies become dehydrated. When we sweat, this cools our body down. If dehydrated, the body cannot sweat and overheats, which can damage the body’s internal organs.

* If you suffer from high blood pressure, maybe it’s your water intake that is the problem. When our lose more than the optimal amount of liquid, our blood vessels constrict, which can cause our blood pressure to increase. If blood pressure is increased by a deficiency in water, this may also increase the risk of heart disease. Because the constricted blood vessels cause an increase in blood pressure, the heart works harder to compensate for the reduced volume of blood. Lower blood pressure and greater consumption of water help lower stress on the heart.
* Drinking more water can help you stay younger looking longer. Drinking a lot of water helps keep the skin clean and fresh-looking by removing impurities through sweating. Water also helps to keep the skin hydrated, which means younger looking skin with less sagging and fewer wrinkles.

* Drinking water also cuts hunger pangs and acts as a good filler. Water has zero calories, so consider trading in your sugary drinks and juices to help control your weight.

But Change is Hard, You Say?
If increasing your water intake seems like a chore, why not add lemon or mint to your bottle to give it a little flavor? Eat more fruits rich in water such as watermelon, and try to drink water more regularly over the course of the day.  Having a glass of water or water bottle near you during the day has been shown to increase water consumption without effort.
Good health is a combination of many lifestyle factors (including your nutrition, exercise and sleep habits) as well as your healthcare. If you have questions about this article or about your overall health and well-being, call or visit our office today! You’ll be glad you did!

Remember-we are here to help! Chiropractic care should be as routine as drinking water. We encourage you to call or visit our office today! Our chiropractor Wilmington NC can help you!

 

 

 

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Chiropractor Leland NC: Allergy Relief

When most people sneeze a few times or start feeling a little congested, the first thing that goes through their minds is usually “Oh great! A cold…” Depending on the time of year, though, other people have a very different thought-“Oh great! It’s allergy season again…” If you’re one of these “other” people, your second thought might be to reach into the medicine cabinet for an antihistamine pill. But did you know that a chiropractor could help you overcome your allergy problems without resorting to medications that can make you drowsy or cause other side-effects? Our chiropractor Leland NC explains more

Most people associate chiropractic physicians with back and neck issues, and it is certainly true that chiropractors can help with these types of musculoskeletal problems. However, they can also help the body achieve optimum health by ensuring the spine is correctly aligned.

Chiropractor Leland NC

A study from the University of California found that signals from the nervous system may influence the function of the immune system. While our immune system is there to fight against disease, and helps to keep the body performing at its peak, it also works to dispel foreign contaminants that enter the body. When we sneeze because of an allergy, it’s because our body detects the presence of a foreign object in the system, such as dust, mites, pollen, etc. and it produces chemicals to neutralize and expel the allergens. These chemicals are known as histamines. In the case of allergies, the immune system overreacts to the presence of the allergens in the body. A chiropractor may help by removing the nerve interference from compressions in the spine. As a result, the immune system is able to function optimally once more.

Most traditional treatments for allergies, such as antihistamines, only suppress or manage the symptoms and don’t address the underlying cause. In addition, the safety of anti-allergy medication is also under debate-particularly when used over long periods of time or combined with other drugs. One study conducted in lab rats with brand name anti-allergy medication found that cancerous tumors in the rats grew much father with the intake of antihistamines.
In contrast, a chiropractor treats patients by using spinal manipulation to release the stresses on the nervous system, which allows the immune system to work more effectively and-as a consequence-reduces allergies. This is yet another way that chiropractic care can promote optimal health and help improve your quality of life.

Remember-we are here to help! If you suffer from allergies or have concerns about your health more generally, we encourage you to call or visit our office today! Our chiropractor Leland NC can help you!

 

 

 

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Chiropractor Wilmington NC: Spinal Manipulation

Spinal manipulation-sometimes referred to as “adjustment”-is a special type of manual therapy that forms the foundation of chiropractic care. Chiropractors use adjustments to correct dislocations and misalignments of the bones of the spine (vertebrae) called “subluxations”. The word “subluxation” has its origins in the Latin words “luxare” (to dislocate) and “sub” (mild). Depending on their location and severity, subluxations may put pressure on or irritate nerves and blood vessels in the spine, causing musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. Our chiropractor Wilmington NC explains more.

Spinal manipulation involves the use of a certain amount of controlled force that is applied in a specific direction to a joint that is not moving properly. Adjustments are usually done manually by the doctor but may also be accomplished using a variety of specialized instruments designed for this purpose. Chiropractic adjustments help return your vertebrae to their natural position. The goal is to relieve pain, restore normal function and encourage the healing of injured tissues.

Chiropractor Wilmington NC

Before carrying out an adjustment, your chiropractor will thoroughly evaluate your condition by discussing your personal health history with you, performing a physical examination and-if necessary-using a variety of diagnostic tools (such as imaging or laboratory tests). During the adjustment procedure itself, you may be lying down on a specially designed chiropractic table, sitting or standing-whichever is most appropriate for your situation.

There are over 96 individual chiropractic maneuvers your doctor may choose from for your adjustment. He or she will decide which ones to use based on a variety of factors, including the area of the spine being adjusted and the amount of force that will be required. For this reason, the position of both the patient and the chiropractor are taken into account when selecting the most appropriate combination of spinal manipulation techniques for your condition.

Adjustments may be used to treat back pain, neck pain, or pain in other areas of the body such as hips, shoulders, arms and legs. The procedure rarely causes pain. However, there may occasionally be some discomfort for patients who are new to chiropractic care or who have suffered a recent trauma in the area being adjusted. The sound may also surprises some new patients. The popping and cracking noises (called “cavitation”) that occur during adjustments are the result of gas bubbles being released from within the joints. The phenomenon is similar to the one that occurs when people crack their knuckles and is quite normal.
In many cases, spinal manipulation is all that is needed to treat certain types of musculoskeletal disorders (lower back pain, for example). However, chiropractic physicians often combine adjustments with other types of treatment, such as massage and cold laser therapy, to help their patients recover as quickly and completely as possible.

If you or someone you care about is wondering whether a chiropractor Wilmington NC might be the right choice, please call or visit our office today. We’ll be happy to explain our approach and answer any questions. Remember-we’re here to help!

 

 

 

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Chiropractor Leland NC: Stretching

Short on Time During Your Workout? Don’t Skip the Stretching!

Why is stretching the part of our workout regimen that so many of us tend to skip? We might tell ourselves it’s because we’re sort on time, that we’re impatient or that (deep down) we believe stretching is really pointless. But however we rationalize it, skipping the stretching is a BAD idea! Our chiropractor Leland NC explains more.

It’s probably obvious that our joints were designed to be able to move in various directions with a certain degree of freedom. But as our bodies age, we become stiffer and lose the flexibility we had when we were young. In fact, chances are (unless you happen to be a dancer or gymnast), that process will start even before you reach your 20th birthday. However, it’s never too late to regain some of that youthful flexibility by becoming more serious about stretching. Combined with strength training, proper stretching can help prolong our mobility and independence-allowing us to perform basic day-to-day tasks well into our senior years. Reaching that high shelf, bending to pick up a dropped object, and accessing that hidden switch behind an awkward kitchen cabinet are all great examples.
One reason it’s really important to stretch before working out is that we are likely to use muscles and connective tissues that are normally inactive. Without flexibility, the risk of getting hurt goes up. However, stretching can help prevent (or even treat) some common types of musculoskeletal injuries if it’s done correctly. Plus, it can feel good! Stretching can be a great way to start the day or to wind down after work.

Preparing the body for exercise by warming up the muscles (increasing blood flow) and stretching is easy and need not take up much of your time. Simply begin moving the various muscle groups in a deliberate way, with slow stretches of the joints towards the end of their range of motion. As you do this, you should notice a gentle “pulling” sensation and hold the position for up to half a minute. Then stretch the alternate side or move on to other muscle groups. Not only does stretching prevent injury, but it also improves the mechanical efficiency of your body. Stretching prior to exercise means muscles and joints are able to move through their full range of motion with less effort when exercising , improving performance.

Other benefits of stretching include improved circulation, less pain and faster recoveries following workouts, and better posture. If you find yourself arriving home stiff and achy from sitting at a desk all day and then commuting-try stretching. You might find that you’ll feel better almost instantly!
Remember-good health is the result of lots of little day-to-day things, including your nutrition, exercise and sleep habits, as well as your healthcare choices. As chiropractic physicians, we’re experts in diagnosing and treating disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. We’re also experts in prevention and performance. If you’re interested in any of these things, we encourage you to call or visit our office today and schedule an appointment with our chiropractor Leland NC!