I just realized that some of the people who read my blog don't even know my chiropractic story. And since it's the perfect way to start off the new year, I'll do just that. Hopefully this doesn't bore anyone.
When I started looking into colleges to attend back at the beginning of high school, I recall looking into colleges that had a well respected biology department. In didn't know why at the time, but I kind of always wanted to do something in the medical field. In fact, as a kid, I remember playing quite a bit with a doctor's kit.
Then I got hurt in soccer practice my junior year of high school. A teammate (who probably weighed 2X what I did) and I collided and I honestly thought I had broken a couple of ribs. My mom decided to take me to the chiropractor she had been seeing mainly for some low back issues. They took x-rays. Of course, no broken ribs. He then went on to describe that I had some subluxations in my spine and ribcage that were causing these issues. We did a couple of treatments and I was without pain after just 2 or 3 treatments. What was even better, was that I realized I wasn't getting my "normal" 2-3 headaches per week.
The doctor and I got to talking more about chiropractic and why it's such an essential profession and what chiropractic school would be like. He also informed me that chiropractic uses the body's natural healing ability and that's why we don't need to use drugs or surgery. I decided that it sounded like a pretty good fit and started looking into colleges that offered pre-chiropractic majors (by the way, there's no such thing as a pre-chiropractic major, Biology major does more than fine).
While in college I took a lot of Chemistry along with Biology and began learning about medical drugs and surgery. From hearing how foreign these treatment options are to our bodies and learning all of the negative side affects of many of them, I definitely knew that becoming a chiropractor was the perfect fit for me. And ever since then, it was a lot of hard work and studying and now I finally get to see chiropractic in action everyday that I work. It truly is amazing.
What I now know after being in practice, is that the reason I wanted to do something in the medical field is because I wanted to help people get and stay well. And there is no better profession than chiropractic to do that. The fact that chiropractic enhances the body's innate ability to heal itself without intrusive means actually gives more validity and proof to the effectiveness of chiropractic when you actually study the anatomy and physiology of the human being.
So it's all because I got hurt playing soccer. I think it was worth it.
If anyone feels inclined to share their story of how they were introduced to chiropractic, you are more than welcome to comment.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Resolve your New Year's Resolution Disappointments
New Year's Resolutions have been going on for ages. They've also been broken for ages. If you've struggled with making New Year's Resolutions and breaking them in the first week or sticking with them for two months then falling off, you don't need to be so hard on yourself for not doing what you planned. That just adds extra stress and more pressure to get it right next year.
If you want to get started on keeping your New Year's Resolution this year and incorporating that into your everyday life, you need to start small.
Begin with something that seems easily attainable for you. Even if it almost seems like a joke because it's so easy, start with it. When you are able to stick with one simple resolution, it makes it that much easier to make and keep bigger resolutions.
So, if you've struggled with breaking your New Year's resolutions in the past, try making your 2011 resolution something as simple as going to bed at the same time each night. Before you know it, it will be second nature to go to bed at the same time each night. Then next year you can up the ante a little bit. OR, you can even do a Mid Year's Resolution to add on top of your easily attainable New Year's Resolution.
When you succeed at even something that may seem trivial or just plain simple, you're going to feel better about yourself and you can pat yourself on the back for doing something better for you and your body. And when you feel better about yourself, you're not only going to be a happier person, you're going to be a healthier person as well.
10 More Easy New Year's Resolution Ideas:
1 - Eat one fresh fruit or vegetable wth each meal
2 - Don't go grocery shopping when hungry
3 - Park further from the door
4 - Switch to organic butter
5 - Go to bed thinking about what you're thankful for
6 - Start a family game night once a week
7 - Read a book each month
8 - Drink 8 eight ounce glasses of water per day
9 - Start taking Vitamin D supplements
10 - Go for a 30 minute walk outside 3 times per week
If you want to get started on keeping your New Year's Resolution this year and incorporating that into your everyday life, you need to start small.
Begin with something that seems easily attainable for you. Even if it almost seems like a joke because it's so easy, start with it. When you are able to stick with one simple resolution, it makes it that much easier to make and keep bigger resolutions.
So, if you've struggled with breaking your New Year's resolutions in the past, try making your 2011 resolution something as simple as going to bed at the same time each night. Before you know it, it will be second nature to go to bed at the same time each night. Then next year you can up the ante a little bit. OR, you can even do a Mid Year's Resolution to add on top of your easily attainable New Year's Resolution.
When you succeed at even something that may seem trivial or just plain simple, you're going to feel better about yourself and you can pat yourself on the back for doing something better for you and your body. And when you feel better about yourself, you're not only going to be a happier person, you're going to be a healthier person as well.
10 More Easy New Year's Resolution Ideas:
1 - Eat one fresh fruit or vegetable wth each meal
2 - Don't go grocery shopping when hungry
3 - Park further from the door
4 - Switch to organic butter
5 - Go to bed thinking about what you're thankful for
6 - Start a family game night once a week
7 - Read a book each month
8 - Drink 8 eight ounce glasses of water per day
9 - Start taking Vitamin D supplements
10 - Go for a 30 minute walk outside 3 times per week
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
What Happened to the Flu Season?
Is it just me or does it seem like there's no flu season this year. Especially when you compare all of the hype that was going on last year with the "Swine Flu" H1N1, it seems like the media forgot about it this year. The truth is, there is always a flu season. But, that doesn't mean that we need to get all worked up about it.
What happens every year during the winter months is that people are more prone to getting sick with the changes in weather, increase in stress, and other factors. When people are more prone to getting sick, more people will get sick. That's why people get the sniffles, sneezes, and coughs right around the busy holiday season. This doesn't mean that we need to rush off to the nearest pharmacy or grocery store to get the latest flu vaccine. (The fact of the matter is that there are dozens of flu strains out there and the flu vaccine typically vaccinates against 3, so chances are, if you were going to get the flu, you'll probably still get it anyway.) The good news is that your body can fight off the flu better than a vaccine can anyway.
When you are able to de-stress, eat healthy, and practice proper hygiene, you won't need to get the flu vaccine, or any vaccine for that matter. You see, you're body is a pretty smart machine. Your body wants to be healthy and when you give it the natural, correct means, it will tend to stay healthy. So what you can do to help your body fight off the flu or any other microbe, is to eat well, think well, and move well.
These 3 things will keep your body in tip-top microbe fighting shape. If you need more advice on how to do the 3 things, look through the previous bogposts, there's plenty of information there. Also, you innately know how to do all three things, just try listening to your body and being aware of what it's telling you.
Merry Christmas!
What happens every year during the winter months is that people are more prone to getting sick with the changes in weather, increase in stress, and other factors. When people are more prone to getting sick, more people will get sick. That's why people get the sniffles, sneezes, and coughs right around the busy holiday season. This doesn't mean that we need to rush off to the nearest pharmacy or grocery store to get the latest flu vaccine. (The fact of the matter is that there are dozens of flu strains out there and the flu vaccine typically vaccinates against 3, so chances are, if you were going to get the flu, you'll probably still get it anyway.) The good news is that your body can fight off the flu better than a vaccine can anyway.
When you are able to de-stress, eat healthy, and practice proper hygiene, you won't need to get the flu vaccine, or any vaccine for that matter. You see, you're body is a pretty smart machine. Your body wants to be healthy and when you give it the natural, correct means, it will tend to stay healthy. So what you can do to help your body fight off the flu or any other microbe, is to eat well, think well, and move well.
These 3 things will keep your body in tip-top microbe fighting shape. If you need more advice on how to do the 3 things, look through the previous bogposts, there's plenty of information there. Also, you innately know how to do all three things, just try listening to your body and being aware of what it's telling you.
Merry Christmas!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
One Quick & Easy way to Improve Posture
Over the past year of being in practice, I've come to the realization that most back and neck problems can be traced back to one issue, poor posture. Now, I know that I was NOT the steward of good posture back in the day and today it's difficult to stay on top of always having good posture. However, I do know a few ways to help keep people lined up and sitting straight.
With the exponential increase of sedentary jobs and an overall sedentary lifestyle, people are coming in to see the chiropractor for poor posture related issues. The fact is, it's just plain difficult to keep perfect posture for 8+ hours a day while sitting at your desk. However, if you keep an eye on it throughout the day, it will be second nature over time to sit up straight and tall. In fact, it should become more comfortable to have good posture.
Now I said that there is one very good way to ensure that you have better posture. However, it doesn't always work for everyone. With that said, if you visit The "Back" Page on Cascade Chiro's website, you will find a couple of other good pointers to follow. Alright, so if you are going to do one thing to help with your posture at all times do this:
Pull your shoulders back like you are trying to make your shoulder blades touch while pulling your head back over your shoulders.
If you do this one easy thing whenever you notice that your posture is lacking, you should notice that your overall posture improves as well. Try it. It's pretty difficult to slump or curl your lowback when you're doing it.
So the next time that you find yourself with rounded shoulders, slumping, or a hunchback, just try this easy exercise and hold it as long as you can. Over time, you should notice that it gets a lot easier and you'll start to feel better as well.
With the exponential increase of sedentary jobs and an overall sedentary lifestyle, people are coming in to see the chiropractor for poor posture related issues. The fact is, it's just plain difficult to keep perfect posture for 8+ hours a day while sitting at your desk. However, if you keep an eye on it throughout the day, it will be second nature over time to sit up straight and tall. In fact, it should become more comfortable to have good posture.
Now I said that there is one very good way to ensure that you have better posture. However, it doesn't always work for everyone. With that said, if you visit The "Back" Page on Cascade Chiro's website, you will find a couple of other good pointers to follow. Alright, so if you are going to do one thing to help with your posture at all times do this:
Pull your shoulders back like you are trying to make your shoulder blades touch while pulling your head back over your shoulders.
If you do this one easy thing whenever you notice that your posture is lacking, you should notice that your overall posture improves as well. Try it. It's pretty difficult to slump or curl your lowback when you're doing it.
So the next time that you find yourself with rounded shoulders, slumping, or a hunchback, just try this easy exercise and hold it as long as you can. Over time, you should notice that it gets a lot easier and you'll start to feel better as well.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
What is a "Subluxation" Anyway?
If you've been to the chiropractor in the past, hopefully you've heard the word Subluxation and hopefully the chiropractor has at least breifly explained to you what a Subluxation is. If not, I'll fill you in.
There's actually been A LOT of debate within the chiropractic world about what a Subluxation is and how to define it. In fact, there are some chiropractors out there who don't even use the word Subluxation because they can't explain it or they don't want to use the term. I am not one of those chiropractors. Personally, I treat patients who have Subluxations by doing a chiropractic adjustment (NOT manipulation - that's a whole other can of worms). I do this because that is what Chiropractic was founded upon way back in 1895. To me, the whole premise of Chiropractic is based upon the Subluxation and, to do away with the term Subluxation is to do away with what Chiropractic was founded upon. OK, enough philosophy for now.
What is a Subluxation?
Technically, the word subluxation literally means "less than a dislocation". When you're looking at a joint, there are 2 bone surfaces touching. When the surfaces are touching as they were meant to be, you have full function and capability. When you have a dislocation, the surfaces are not touching whatsoever. When you have a Subluxation, or less than a dislocation, the joint surfaces are still touching, but not like they are meant to be touching. When this happens, you can get problems.
When it happens in the spine, the vertebrae can get stuck and cause pain, swelling, muscle tightness, loss of function, and other issues not only in that area, but if that causes the nerve in that area to become irritated, all of those symptoms can occur anywhere along the path that the nerve is going. That's why you can have a subluxation in your neck that causes tingling in your fingertips, or a subluxation in your midback that causes heartburn, or one in your low back that causes bed wetting. When the subluxed bone causes an irritation to the nervous system, that is when I refer to the problem as a Vertebral Subluxation Complex (VSC). The VSC is just a way of defining what happens when a subluxation causes problems to the nervous system. Now, there's a whole lot more physiology and biochemistry that goes into it, but those are the basics.
If anyone is still confused about what a Subluxation is or why chiropractors adjust subluxations, just comment and I would be happy to expound. Like I said, it's kind of an iffy topic within the chiropractic world, but I believe it doesn't need to be.
Happy Birthday to my brother Josh!
There's actually been A LOT of debate within the chiropractic world about what a Subluxation is and how to define it. In fact, there are some chiropractors out there who don't even use the word Subluxation because they can't explain it or they don't want to use the term. I am not one of those chiropractors. Personally, I treat patients who have Subluxations by doing a chiropractic adjustment (NOT manipulation - that's a whole other can of worms). I do this because that is what Chiropractic was founded upon way back in 1895. To me, the whole premise of Chiropractic is based upon the Subluxation and, to do away with the term Subluxation is to do away with what Chiropractic was founded upon. OK, enough philosophy for now.
What is a Subluxation?
Technically, the word subluxation literally means "less than a dislocation". When you're looking at a joint, there are 2 bone surfaces touching. When the surfaces are touching as they were meant to be, you have full function and capability. When you have a dislocation, the surfaces are not touching whatsoever. When you have a Subluxation, or less than a dislocation, the joint surfaces are still touching, but not like they are meant to be touching. When this happens, you can get problems.
When it happens in the spine, the vertebrae can get stuck and cause pain, swelling, muscle tightness, loss of function, and other issues not only in that area, but if that causes the nerve in that area to become irritated, all of those symptoms can occur anywhere along the path that the nerve is going. That's why you can have a subluxation in your neck that causes tingling in your fingertips, or a subluxation in your midback that causes heartburn, or one in your low back that causes bed wetting. When the subluxed bone causes an irritation to the nervous system, that is when I refer to the problem as a Vertebral Subluxation Complex (VSC). The VSC is just a way of defining what happens when a subluxation causes problems to the nervous system. Now, there's a whole lot more physiology and biochemistry that goes into it, but those are the basics.
If anyone is still confused about what a Subluxation is or why chiropractors adjust subluxations, just comment and I would be happy to expound. Like I said, it's kind of an iffy topic within the chiropractic world, but I believe it doesn't need to be.
Happy Birthday to my brother Josh!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Healthy Holiday Travels
I know I will be one of the millions of Americans traveling during the holiday season. I also know that, unless you're in first class, airplane seats are not very comfortable and car seats are one size fits most. That means that on long trips, these seating situations aren't the best on your spine. Even a relatively short flight or drive can cause irritation to your spine, especially with the overly sedentary lifestyle that most Americans lead. That being said, there are a few things that you can do while traveling this holiday season to help keep your spine and the rest of your body in tip top shape.
#1 - Get proper support. Most cars and airplane seats have little to no lumbar support. Even rolling up a blanket and putting in behind the small of your back will help you sit up straighter and take pressure off of your spine.
#2 - Stay hydrated. Water keeps your cells, nerves, immune system, and the rest of your body running at full capacity. By staying hydrated, you will be staying healthy and increasing your energy levels for a trip. It's especially essential with the drier winter air.
#3 - Bring a healthy snack (if possible). Instead of stopping by a gas station for some potato chips, pack some homemade trail mix, granola bars, or dried fruit to snack on. Not only is it healthier for you, but it will keep your energy levels higher for a longer period of time than that processed stuff in bag.
#4 - Avoid staying in one position. When you are stagnant and not moving around, that's when you get cramps, aches, pains, and other issues. Get up and move around, stretch out, and take in some fresh air as much as possible. If you're in a rush and can't make any pit stops, try slightly switching the angle of your seat every now and then.
#5 - Share the load. Don't be afraid to ask for help when lugging around all of the luggage and presents. It's a lot easier to ask for help instead of dealing with pain while you're supposed to be on vacation.
#6 - If possible, split driving responsibilities. When you're the only one driving on a long road trip, it takes a large toll on your body as a whole. If you're able to share driving duties, you will be giving your body and brain a much needed break so that you can recouperate for when it's your turn to drive again.
Have a Happy and Healthy Holidays!
#1 - Get proper support. Most cars and airplane seats have little to no lumbar support. Even rolling up a blanket and putting in behind the small of your back will help you sit up straighter and take pressure off of your spine.
#2 - Stay hydrated. Water keeps your cells, nerves, immune system, and the rest of your body running at full capacity. By staying hydrated, you will be staying healthy and increasing your energy levels for a trip. It's especially essential with the drier winter air.
#3 - Bring a healthy snack (if possible). Instead of stopping by a gas station for some potato chips, pack some homemade trail mix, granola bars, or dried fruit to snack on. Not only is it healthier for you, but it will keep your energy levels higher for a longer period of time than that processed stuff in bag.
#4 - Avoid staying in one position. When you are stagnant and not moving around, that's when you get cramps, aches, pains, and other issues. Get up and move around, stretch out, and take in some fresh air as much as possible. If you're in a rush and can't make any pit stops, try slightly switching the angle of your seat every now and then.
#5 - Share the load. Don't be afraid to ask for help when lugging around all of the luggage and presents. It's a lot easier to ask for help instead of dealing with pain while you're supposed to be on vacation.
#6 - If possible, split driving responsibilities. When you're the only one driving on a long road trip, it takes a large toll on your body as a whole. If you're able to share driving duties, you will be giving your body and brain a much needed break so that you can recouperate for when it's your turn to drive again.
Have a Happy and Healthy Holidays!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
MVAs NOT to be taken Lightly
With the recent snow/ice storm that we had earlier this week, I figured that there were quite a few fender benders in the area. So, what better time to talk a little bit about the necessity of at least getting a chiropractic examination after a motor vehicle accident (MVA). Being the culprit of a couple accidents and not getting any chiropractic care afterward, I know first hand the essentiality of seeking care even after a minor incident.
The reason that you should at least get a chiropractic exam after a motor vehicle accident is simple, the accident can do moderate to severe damage to your spinal column even if it was considered a minor accident. Anytime that you get rear-ended, t-boned, or anything else, your head and neck are by far the MOST vulnerable part of your body. They aren't restrained by a seat belt and therefore it's essentially easy to get a whiplash injury after a minor accident.
The reason that whiplash injuries need to be taken seriously is because they not only cause headaches and neck pain, they can actually damage the spinal cord itself. When you get a whiplash, your head lurches forward and then backward again. When this happens, you weaken and even slightly tear the muscles and ligaments attaching to your spine. When this happens, you can actually stretch your spinal cord. Now, you may not feel symptoms right away, but down the road a couple days, months, or even years, you could get chronic headaches, neck pain, numbness and tingling in your arms or even legs, loss of function of areas of your body, weakness, arthritis, and many other serious issues.
This is why is is of utmost importance to at least get a chiropractic consultation and exam after even minor MVAs.
In the meantime, if you need to do some sort of self medication at home, ICE will be your best friend. AVOID HEAT AT ALL COSTS. By putting heat on a strained and swollen area, you will only make the problem worse. It's just like if you were to sprain your ankle. You will never see an athletic trainer put heat on a sprained ankle. It's always ice.
So be careful on the roads especially with all of the holiday traveling coming up and if you do get in even a minor fender bender, at least get a chiropractor to take a look. You'll only be doing yourself and your spine some good.
The reason that you should at least get a chiropractic exam after a motor vehicle accident is simple, the accident can do moderate to severe damage to your spinal column even if it was considered a minor accident. Anytime that you get rear-ended, t-boned, or anything else, your head and neck are by far the MOST vulnerable part of your body. They aren't restrained by a seat belt and therefore it's essentially easy to get a whiplash injury after a minor accident.
The reason that whiplash injuries need to be taken seriously is because they not only cause headaches and neck pain, they can actually damage the spinal cord itself. When you get a whiplash, your head lurches forward and then backward again. When this happens, you weaken and even slightly tear the muscles and ligaments attaching to your spine. When this happens, you can actually stretch your spinal cord. Now, you may not feel symptoms right away, but down the road a couple days, months, or even years, you could get chronic headaches, neck pain, numbness and tingling in your arms or even legs, loss of function of areas of your body, weakness, arthritis, and many other serious issues.
This is why is is of utmost importance to at least get a chiropractic consultation and exam after even minor MVAs.
In the meantime, if you need to do some sort of self medication at home, ICE will be your best friend. AVOID HEAT AT ALL COSTS. By putting heat on a strained and swollen area, you will only make the problem worse. It's just like if you were to sprain your ankle. You will never see an athletic trainer put heat on a sprained ankle. It's always ice.
So be careful on the roads especially with all of the holiday traveling coming up and if you do get in even a minor fender bender, at least get a chiropractor to take a look. You'll only be doing yourself and your spine some good.
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