What makes your head ache?

When the blood vessels, membranes, and cranial nerves in the brain and skull become irritated, stretched, compressed, inflamed or infected, headaches can result.

Spinal misalignments called vertebral subluxations cause muscle imbalances, joint irritation, inflammation, and early degeneration.

Spinal subluxations alter the healthy mechanical and neurological functions in the body. Subluxations weaken all organ systems, leading to sickness, pain, and a lesser quality of life.

Doctors of Chiropractic correct spinal subluxations to restore proper motion and function within the body.

Subluxations in the cervical spine can lead to dysfunction of the joints and muscles in the neck, leading to tension and alteration of healthy blood and nerve flow to the brain and surrounding tissues.

Many people find relief from headaches and migraines when healthy joint movement and function is restored with chiropractic spinal adjustments.

Every part of your body works better with a spine that is moving properly. Instead of relying on medications (with side effects!) help your body heal from the inside-out.

Consider Chiropractic first!

Disclaimer: Chiropractic care supports overall health and healing, but is not a cure or treatment for headaches.

I love it when people I care for comment about how good they feel after being adjusted, how they feel “lighter”, “high” “grounded”, “energized” and “calmer”.  Often I watch their faces light up and their bodies relax right in the office.

What causes it? The simple answer, and what I tell the kids in my practice – your power is turned on!  The neurological answer is this: there is a part of your brain, the limbic system, that plays an important role in your moods and sense of wellbeing.  There are receptors for the cells in this system throughout your spinal cord, and when you have a spinal subluxation they are blocked.  The adjustment corrects the subluxation, removes pressure on your spinal cord and lets the receptors in the specific segments signal your brain properly…yes, you should feel happy and well most of the time!

There’s a reason why so many people choose to make spinal care part of their lifestyle! Chiropractic helps your body function the way it was designed to.

Every school year starts the same for me.  While dropping my sons off at school in the morning I watch all the kids strut their stuff with their new gear, and I am reminded how backpacks can affect children’s spine and posture!

I routinely check the backpack of all the children in the practice every September, and conduct clinics and posture check-ups in the schools.

Here are my top tips to keep in mind for your children:

1) Choose a pack that FITS them! With the straps adjusted so that it sits on their shoulders, the bottom of the pack should rest either in their mid-lower back or just above their hips. A pack that is too small can strain the upper back. A pack that is too large will strain their shoulders, cause them to lean forward, and pull their centre of gravity down (which can make them more likely to lose their balance). Packs that are too large also make it easier to overfill them!

2) The total weight children should be carrying in their backpacks is roughly 10% of their body weight. Teens in grades 9-12 can carry up to 15%.  Weigh your child, and then weigh them with their pack on. Modify what they carry as needed, and remind them to remove the pack when possible if standing for prolonged periods of time.

3) Remind your children to use both straps and adjust them so that the pack fits snugly. With a proper fit you should be able to slide your hand between the backpack and your back. Using the waist strap helps reduce the strain on their back and transfers some of the load to their hips.

Why is this important? Because the majority of spinal problems we see in adults orginate in childhood! Prevent your child from developing poor posture and poor health by adding a Chiropractor to the team of health professionals who care for them. 

Every part of your body works better with a spine that is moving properly.  

Problems in the legs, knees and feet can often start in the spine. Challenges with walking, running, climbing, jumping or general mobility can be resolved with Chiropractic care – from kids through to seniors!

Spinal misalignments called vertebral subluxations cause muscle imbalances, joint irritation, inflammation, and early degeneration.  Spinal subluxations alter the healthy mechanical and neurological functions in the body. Subluxations weaken all organ systems, leading to sickness, pain,  and a lesser quality of life. Doctors of Chiropractic correct spinal subluxations to restore proper motion and function within the body.

Subluxations in the hips and lumbar spine can lead to leg pain, numbness & tingling in the legs or feet, and muscle weakness. They can also contribute to pain and dysfunction in the knees, ankles, and feet. 

Instead of relying on medications (with side effects!) help your body heal from the inside-out. Consider Chiropractic first!

Chiropractic strengthens your body in so many ways, but could there be anything more powerful than being able to strengthen your brain?

In a recent study, 30 subjects received 4 weeks of chiropractic adjustments compared to 10 control subjects. The brain activity was measured by a computer generated and scored test called Microcog. This program tested attention control, memory, calculation, and general brain functioning. 

All 30 subjects demonstrated significant improvements in all areas of brain function while the control group displayed no changes.

Restoring healthy joint function does more than relieve your back pain, neck pain, headaches, joint pain, or whatever symptom brings people initially into the practice.  It’s the same reason people consistently tell me how once getting adjusted their digestion is better, their breathing improves, they are sleeping better, and feeling calmer.

Consistent chiropractic care supports your health because it restores the connection between the vital intelligence that runs your entire body – the one between your brain and the rest of your body!

When this internal power is turned on your body will function and feel the way it was designed to.

It’s that simple.

Chiropractic is the largest and most established profession within the new wellness industry.

Not just for the sick, wounded and stressed, Chiropractic care can help you thrive physically and mentally.

If you still haven’t had a spinal assessment, it’s time.

If you have tried Chiropractic but haven’t found a Doctor who is right for you, keep looking.

If you’d like more information about our approach, get in touch. We’d love to show you how you can regain your health and transform your body.

Summer is my favorite season. My sons and I enjoy the time outdoors and the variety of warm weather activities – like many of you too! Some tips to keep in mind to protect your family this summer…

Enjoy the Sun!

Natural sunlight is essential for good health. Time in the sun is a question of balance.  Daily moderate exposure enables the body to produce vitamin D and make melanin (our body’s natural sunscreen).  Overexposure causes damage to the skin, accelerates aging, suppresses the immune system, and can lead to cancers.  Children are much more sensitive than adults so take precautions…and be mindful of the toxic chemicals in many sunscreens that can be worse for the body than sun exposure!  Choose natural products when using them, but even easier is to use hats, and cover the skin with clothing when possible.  Seek out the shade and balance time out in the sun with breaks and indoor play as well.  This also helps prevent heat exhaustion and dehydration.

Bites and Stings 

Although they should always be treated immediately,  stings from a bee or wasp are not usually dangerous unless the victim suffers from an allergy.  Apply a paste of baking soda and water to a bee sting to relieve pain; make a compress from a pad of cotton soaked in lemon juice and apply to a wasp sting. *Multiple stings, or stings to the eyes, ears or mouth should be treated in the hospital.*

Mosquitos

Prevent insect bites by diluting a few drops of essential oils of eucalyptus or citronella in half a mug of water, gently apply to exposed areas avoiding the eyes and mouth.  Cider vinegar can be used the same way.  Arnica (homeopathic) is useful for any bites that cause swelling, bruising or pain.  Witch hazel is also quite effective.

Cuts & Bruises 

If there is extensive bleeding, or any other unusual symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath, or a head of injury, head to the hospital for emergency treatment. A clean cloth soaked in witch hazel is good for bruises as is a cold compress and some TLC!  Arnica cream is also useful for soreness.

First Aid Remedies:

These are the basic items in my first aid kit! Keep the following on hand in your car, purse or within easy reach for most emergencies…

Arnica 30c homeopathic remedy– for bumps, bruises, blows, cuts, broken skin, burns, scalds, nosebleeds, stings, sprains, fractures, muscular aches and pains, (or in fact virtually any injury to the body)

Aconite 30c homeopathic remedy –for fear, anxiety, restlessness, sudden illness, intense pain, shock.  Give it to any child who has been hurt or traumatized in any way.

Chamomilla 30c homeopathic remedy – for teething, insomnia, earaches, digestive troubles, anytime you need to relax!

Band-aids, gauze, wet-wipes.

Bach Rescue Remedy – a flower remedy designed for shock and trauma.  Very relaxing and soothing.

Calendula cream – great salve for cuts, stings, burns, scrapes and scratches, any skin irritation.

Tea tree oil, Eucalyptus oil – essential oils known for their antibacterial and anti-septic properties. Must be diluted or mixed with a natural oil or salve before being applied to the skin.