Many people believe that feeling pain means there is tissue damage, but this is often not the case. Pain is your body’s alarm system. And like most alarm systems, it is not 100% accurate.
Read moreHealthy Fascia
When we think about pain we understandably frame it within the structures we’re most familiar with: bones, joints, and muscles. But in recent years we’ve learned more about another body structure: fascia!
Read moreChronic Pain
Often when we see people in the office at Equilibrium, they are in pain. The spectrum of pain is wide and diverse. Though each person’s perception of pain is unique, pain, and especially chronic pain, is a widespread problem that has become more obvious with the opioid epidemic, sparking more research into the root causes of pain and how to effectively treat it.
Read moreAcupuncture for Cancer Survivors
In the largest study on acupuncture and cancer patients to date, researchers found that two types of acupuncture significantly reduced survivors’ chronic pain. This 3-year clinical trial looked at electroacupuncture and auricular acupuncture compared to “traditional care” which included pain medications including opioids and over-the-counter drugs. With the opioid crisis gaining widespread attention in recent years, it’s easy to understand why patients want an alternative solution to the various side effects of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.
Read moreChiropractic and Low Back Care
The Agency for Health Care Research and Quality recommended spinal manipulation as the only safe and effective drugless form of initial professional treatment for acute low back problems in adults after an extensive study of all available forms of care for low back problems.
Read moreTechnology Can Be a Pain in the Neck (Literally)
Tech Neck is a syndrome caused by overuse of the head, neck, and shoulders sitting and looking in a forward and down position. Find out how to counteract and defend against this postural deviation.
Read moreDo you suffer from chronic headaches? Chiropractic can help!
If you suffer from chronic headaches, you are not alone. Chiropractic treatments can help keep you medicine- and headache-free for the long-term.
Read moreOctober is National Chiropractic Health Month!
The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and chiropractors nationwide are promoting the benefits of movement to overall health as well as the prevention of back pain during National Chiropractic Health Month (NCHM) in October. This year’s theme, “Move 4 Life,” encourages people to move more now so they will be able to move better later and avoid chronic and painful conditions associated with sedentary lifestyles.
The ACA offers additional information on how to get and stay moving:
Good nutrition, ergonomic workspaces and proper lifting and movement techniques can go a long way in helping people to strengthen their spines and avoid disabling injuries and chronic back pain, which often prevent regular physical activity.
Consider weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, which help maintain bone density over a lifetime and keep our skeletal bones healthy and strong.
When busy schedules are the obstacle, a re-examination of personal priorities is sometimes necessary to restore balance in life; make time for healthy habits such as physical activity.
Back pain is one of the most common conditions for which prescription opioids are prescribed. It was once believed that pain medication and bed rest were the best course of action for low back pain, but research today supports first trying non-drug options for pain management, while remaining as active as possible, before moving on to other options.
Doctors of chiropractic practice a hands-on, drug-free approach to health care and pain relief that includes patient examination, diagnosis and treatment. In addition to their expertise in spinal manipulation, chiropractors have broad diagnostic skills and are trained to recommend therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises, and to provide nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counseling.
Acupuncture Benefits Beyond Pain Relief
Acupuncture has been prevalent in the news recently as an effective treatment for opioid addiction. This Forbes article explains how acupuncture not only relieves stress but it is reported to increase the levels of various chemicals in the central nervous system such as enkephalin, epinephrine, endorphin, serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine.
But did you know that acupuncture has far more benefits than pain relief and that associated with addiction?
Photo: Aubrie LeGault
Sure, you all come see Melissa for your acute and chronic aches and pains but did you know that her treatments can also help alleviate insomnia, depression and anxiety, stimulate hormones to increase fertility, relieve menopause, reduce morning sickness and help with labor induction, and boost your immunity during flu season??
More reasons to give it a try can be found in this article by Mind, Body, Green and on our acupuncture FAQs page.
What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a type of integrative health care profession focused on the diagnosis and treatment of neurological and musculoskeletal disorders mainly of the spine and extremities. However, chiropractic care does focus on the body as a whole. It is a non-invasive approach to healing, typically without the use of pharmaceuticals.
A chiropractic adjustment, also called a manipulation, is one of the most common procedures completed by a doctor of chiropractic. The purpose of the chiropractic adjustment is to manually apply a gentle force into joints that have become restricted in their movement, restoring joint mobility due to tissue injury. This may be caused by a single traumatic event, such as lifting a heavy object. It may also be cause by sustained postures such as sitting or standing for long periods of time or by repetitive stresses such as computer work or repetitive lifting. Joints and surrounding tissues can undergo physical and chemical changes that can cause inflammation, pain, and decreased function for people. Manipulation or a chiropractic adjustment of the affected joints and tissues restores mobility, decreases pain and inflammation, which allows tissues to heal.
What To Expect From Your First Appointment
All of our practitioners are thorough. They ask questions about your prior, family, and current health history. The practitioner will then spend time going over your paperwork with you to make sure they have a clear understanding of your health care concerns. They will proceed with an exam and/or assessment of the areas of concern. With your permission, they will complete the appropriate treatment, which may include therapeutic exercises and/or nutritional advice.
Call us to schedule your chiropractic appointment.