Key Reasons Why to See A Chiropractor

http://www.bridgechiropractic.com/ If you’re turning to alternative care and therapeutic treatments to manage your health, seeing a chiropractor offers many advantages. Chiropractic care’s goal is to improve spinal health in order to reduce pain, encourage the muscles and joints to perform in an optimal state and promote overall health.

A professional chiropractic examination is the first step in learning about why you are experiencing discomfort, pain, or poor health. The chiropractor will examine your spinal column with various tools and x-rays to determine if any spinal bones are not aligned properly. Spinal misalignments are the leading cause of pain and imbalances in the nervous system, and are known as ‘vertebral subluxations’. Vertebral subluxations are often the reason behind back pain, carpal tunnel, allergies, and even headaches.

Whether you’re suffering from knee pain, back pain, or even arthritis, here are the key reasons why you should pursue chiropractic care:

Chiropractic Care to Reduce Back Pain and Sciata

The most common reason people pursue chiropractic care is because of back pain; both lower and upper back pain can be attributed to spinal misalignments, and sciata is the most common. Sciata consists of pain, weakness, and even numbness in the lower back and legs. The chiropractor can work with you to improve posture, build up core muscle strength, and improve spinal health overall.

Chiropractic Care to Reduce Allergies and Headaches?

Vertebral subluxations often lead to allergies and headaches which are connected to the nervous system. When your nervous system is out of balance its cause may be spinal misalignments affecting the signals sent to various parts of the body. Headaches, migraines, and other common ailments are often linked to spinal bones that need adjustments.

Chiropractic Care to Eliminate Fatigue

Fatigue and stress are a problem for many people, and a professional chiropractic examination can determine why your nervous system is out of balance. Good spinal health often results in reduced stress levels and increased energy.

Chiropractic Care to Reduce Joint Pain

Knee pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shoulder pain, neck pain, and arthritis are all joint problems readily addressed by a chiropractor. These are also linked to spinal misalignments and regular adjustments can help reduce pain and inflammation of these important joints.

Chiropractic Care to Reduce Fibromyalgia Symptoms

Millions of people suffer from fibromyalgia, a disorder that leads to chronic pain, neuropsychiatric problems, excessive fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction. Many of the symptoms of fibromyalgia can be treated with chiropractic care and treatment often consists of regular adjustments and massage therapy.

Vertebral subluxations are the leading cause of nervous system imbalances and pain in the body and can only be identified by a professional chiropractic examination. Pursuing chiropractic care to improve overall health can be a valuable way to reduce pain and many common ailments. Ongoing adjustments can help restore your body to an optimal state of health.

Source: chiropractorguide.com

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Neck and Jaw Pain Relief the Natural Way

http://www.bridgechiropractic.com/ Neck pain is bad enough; throw in jaw pain and it’s like adding insult to injury! Neck and jaw pain frequently appear together because the muscles from the neck run up into the lower jaw. Tightness in either area affects the other, so your jaw pain can literally become a pain in the neck. Find out how millions have found natural relief for both their jaw and neck pain.

Other Jaw and Neck Pain Causes

Actually, most jaw pain doesn’t stem from temporomandibular joint problems; other causes of neck and jaw pain include:

Misaligned neck joint(s)

Disc bulging or degeneration in the neck

Bone spurs in the neck

Stress

Stress, whether emotional, physical or chemical, can cause the muscles of the neck to tighten involuntarily. This tension may be localized in the neck, or it may affect other connecting muscles, like those in the shoulders, back or jaw.

Chiropractic is the leading alternative health field in the world, thanks to its natural approach in working with the body’s inherent healing capabilities. Highly educated, specially trained chiropractic doctors are skilled in addressing the underlying causes of symptoms, rather than looking only at the symptoms. When the cause of your neck and jaw pain is corrected, the symptoms are relieved – often permanently.

It’s up to you: You can live with the pain in your neck and jaw, or you can take action today to relieve it once and for all by calling your Vancouver, WA Chiropractor. Make the call!

FYI

Most jaw pain is muscle-related and exacerbated by stress. For some people, the temporomandibular joint itself may be compromised, resulting in a locked jaw, clicking sounds in the joint, difficulty chewing, earaches and dizziness

Source: choosenatural.com

 

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Can Chiropractic Treatment Eliminate Balance Problems?

http://www.bridgechiropractic.com/ Managing and preserving body position while remaining still or mobile is the principal function of good balance. Good balance helps a person to walk without wobbling, arise from a sitting position without slipping, and to climb stairs without stumbling.

 

Approximately 9 percent of adults, age 65 and older, report having difficulties with balance. Good balance is vital in aiding an older person to stay independent, and perform daily chores and activities. Dizziness, “wooziness,” and problems with balance are encountered by a large majority individuals as they age.

The label, vertigo, applies to the feeling that a number of people have that they, themselves, or their environment is spinning. About 40 percent of Americans will experience dizziness that is severe enough to go seek out a health professional. And, among older adults, falls are the leading cause of serious injury and deaths.

 

Balance and Inner Ear Problems

Three types of balance disorders that are most familiar are benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, labyrinthitis, and Meniere’s disease, but there are a variety of other kinds of balance disorders. Of these three, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is the most widespread. Its symptoms encompass a brief, intense experience of vertigo with a change in head position, when rolling over to the left or right in bed or when getting out of bed, or when looking up for an object on a high shelf. This problem is more disposed in people 60 and older, but it can also occur in younger individuals.

 

The reasons for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo are varied. It may be produced by an inner ear infection, head injury, or simply aging. Whereas it can be linked to other disease processes, frequently a simple Epleys procedure can fix the problem. Your Vancouver, WA Chiropractor has many years of experience in this procedure.

 

Labyrinthitis is an infection or agitation of the inner ear that produces dizziness and loss of balance. It affects adults of any age and the cause is currently undiscovered.

 

Ménière’s disease is a balance disorder that creates vertigo, hearing loss that comes and goes, tinnitus (ringing or roaring in the ears), and a “full feeling” in the ear.

 

Age is not the only reason these conditions take place, but older individuals are more likely to encounter balance disorders. Depending on the cause of the balance disorder, care will vary. Sometimes, there’s a simple answer to balance disorders, such as simple exercises for vestibular rehab. A chiropractor is well-educated in assessing and treating a number of balance problems. Consult a health care professional, such as your Vancouver, WA Chiropractor, if you have encountered, or are currently experiencing, dizziness, vertigo, or other challenges with balance.

 

Not every balance disorders are created by complications in the inner ear. Some may involve other regions of the body like the brain or heart. Head injury, stroke, certain medicines, circulation problems, upper respiratory infections and other viral infections, stress, fatigue, smoking, alcohol use,  high or low blood pressure, and heart disease are all influences that, along with aging and ear infection, may produce balance disorders.

 

Balance disorders produced by high blood pressure can generally be managed by less sodium intake, sustaining a healthy weight, and exercise. To assist in making the symptoms of dizziness less intense, frequently eating low-salt or salt-free foods, and staying away from caffeine and alcohol, will help.

Balance disorders are significant. It is the number one cause of falls and fall-related injuries in older people. It is essential to have a suspected balance disorder accessed and treated as soon as possible.

 

If you can answer “yes” to any of the following questions, you should discuss the symptom(s) with your chiropractor:

• Do you have the feeling of being “unsteady?”

• Does the room seem to spin around you?

• Is there ever a time when you feel as if you are moving when you know you are standing still?

• Do you lose your balance and/or fall?

• Do you feel as if you are falling?

• Does your vision ever become “blurred?”

• Do you ever feel disoriented, or lose a sense of time, place or identify?

 

Don’t wait until it’s too late! Call our Vancouver, WA Chiropractic office today.

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Get Natural Relief from Migraine Headaches

http://www.bridgechiropractic.com/ Migraine symptoms are those pounding, throbbing, stabs of pain that make loud noises unbearable and bright sunshine excruciating. Learn how more and more people are getting migraine relief from their migraine symptoms by using an all-natural approach that avoids drugs and their side effects.

Migraine Headache Management

For migraine headache sufferers, which are three times more likely to be female than male, the traditional migraine treatment options have been somewhat limited:

• Learn to live with it
• Bed rest in a dark room
• Over-the-counter drugs
• Migraine medications

While convenient, drugs numb your entire body to stop you from feeling the symptoms of a migraine. Side effects are common, such as kidney problems, liver damage or worse. Not to mention that migraine medications don’t address the underlying cause of your migraines.

Want a natural solution? Read on!

Underlying Cause of Migraine Headaches

Migraine headaches can be triggered from something we eat, such as chocolate, preservatives such as sulfites or flavor enhancers such as monosodium glutamate (MSG). And while rare, migraines can also be warning signs of various diseases.

Yet, many overlook one of the most common cause of migraines and many other types of headaches. Imagine a migraine solution that is safe, natural, enjoys a high success rate and has zero side effects.

Migraines From Structural Causes

A common cause of migraine headaches is from the moving bones of your neck. If spinal bones in the neck aren’t supporting your head properly, you might notice that you can’t fully rotate your head in one direction or the other. Or it’s uncomfortable to turn all the way to the right or the left. A malpositioned bone here, even if only slightly out of place, can affect nearby nerves, muscles and even the blood supply to your head. The result? Migraine headaches, cluster headaches and tension headaches. But there’s a simple solution.

Choose Natural Before Resorting to Drugs

These days, chiropractors are so successful with migraines, relief is practically routine. If you’ve tried chiropractic in the past, consider this. And if the idea of consulting a chiropractor for headaches is new to you, learn more.

Chiropractic is the world’s largest, most popular, alternative health care discipline. Chiropractic care is delivered by highly educated professionals who are licensed in every state, recognized by the federal government and most insurance companies.

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How is Bridge Chiropractic In Vancouver WA Different?

http://www.bridgechiropractic.com/ 360-574-5944 What makes Bridge Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Vancouver WA different than other chiropractic clinics?

vancouver-wa-chiropractor-how-different.mov Watch on Posterous

Vancouver WA Chiropractor Dr. Paul Reed's practice focuses on the areas of chiropractic treatments (lower back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, spine pain, sciatic nerve pain )and family wellness. His passion is to share the powerful effects of chiropractic care and wellness.

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Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Herniated Disc Pain

http://www.bridgechiropractic.​com/ 360-574-5944 Chiropractic care is often considered a form of alternative medicine. However, it has been proven time and time again to help individuals with pain that physicians sometimes fail to remedy. It has also been proven to be an effective alternative to surgery in some cases. Herniated disc pain is one of the many types of pain that chiropractors can often help patients manage when all other types of medicine have failed.

 

Herniated disc pain is created by compression or bulging of specific lumbar discs. This compression causes pressure, and sometimes even pinching on the nerves that run through the spinal cord. The compression or bulging can also cause irritation of the nerve. This creates the pain that individuals with herniated discs often experience.

While many methods offered by doctors can produce temporary relief, it very rarely provides any long-term relief. This is because the pain management techniques only focus on relieving the symptoms that are associated with herniated disc pain. Chiropractic care of a herniated disc focuses on lessening the cause of the herniated disc pain. While this method may take a little longer in regards to symptom relief, it is definitely more long term.

Chiropractic care for a herniated disc involves realigning the spine. Initially, treatment includes ice and a distraction technique. This technique is completely painless but it focuses on reducing the pressure and swelling within the lumbar disc. By reducing the swelling and pressure, there is less protruding material that can irritate, pinch, or compress the nerves in the spine. This helps to reduce the pain often associated with a herniated disc.

After the pain starts to subside, realignment begins. The realignment helps to restore the spine’s natural joint function. By doing this, natural movement is slowly restored and irritation and swelling subsides. The treatment success does vary from one patient to the next. However, most patients who undergo chiropractic care for herniated disc pain will see positive results.

Source: campanehealthcenter.com

 

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Are You Suffering From Restless Leg Syndrome?

http://www.bridgechiropractic.​com/ 360-574-5944 One of the most troublesome causes of poor quality sleep and/or not enough sleep is Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS). Restless Leg Syndrome is a controversial condition in which even the medical community disagrees on its diagnosis, causes and treatments.

Here’s what we know: If you have the urge to move your legs at night, which MAY include seldom painful, but always very annoying sensation in one or both legs such as tingling or pins & needles, you MAY be suffering from RLS.

Part of the problem for RLS sufferers is that there is no test for RLS.  Traditional medical treatments currently involve neurological medications and/or muscle relaxants with varying degrees of success.

Here is some information on more natural approaches:

Iron: Low iron stores in the brain will contribute to RLS symptoms so have a blood test for anemia and/or make sure your diet contains sufficient iron.

Caffeine and Tobacco: A diet low in caffeine is necessary during times when the RLS potential is worse. This means avoiding coffee, tea, certain sodas and chocolate. Caffeine can increase jitteriness and worsen your RLS symptoms. Tobacco in cigars, cigarettes and even Nicotine gum can also exacerbate the symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome.

Alcohol: Another recommendation sometimes heard is to stay away from alcohol and even sugar substitutes.

Foods: Eating several small meals and avoiding high sugar food may reduce symptoms. High protein foods like peanut butter are better than high sugar foods.  Also try eating more whole grains, nuts, seeds, fish, fresh fruits and vegetables instead of processed foods especially those containing white flour and sugar.

Chiropractic Care: Many chiropractors believe that a part of Restless Legs Syndrome includes having pelvic instability, often with lower back subluxations.  Exercise is very important to strengthen the pelvis, lumbo-sacral area and take pressure of the discs. A regular program of walking can be successful. Additionally, leg stretches at the beginning and end of each day which address the hamstring muscles can often provide relief.

Assessment of your musculoskeletal health is a great first step.  Contact our clinic if you are not sleeping well or if you suspect RLS.

Source: restlesslegtips.com

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How Chiropractic Therapy Can Help Diabetics

http://www.bridgechiropractic.​com/ 360-574-5944 Chiropractic treatments are designed to fix subluxations in the spine that may be contributing to nervous system imbalances. Various types of adjustments are performed on major joints and muscles in the body, and along the spinal column; most provide immediate results.

In a situation where a person has diabetes, the nerve imbalances may be the chief contributor to the blood sugar imbalances and metabolic problems.

A case study published in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research in December 2006 shows that blood and urine sugar levels were improved significantly after the patient received chiropractic care.  Chiropractic adjustments may be an important part of a treatment plan for diabetics because the adjustments may improve the relationship between the nervous system, brain and organs, thereby stabilizing blood sugar levels.

Blood sugar level imbalances can occur for a variety of reasons, including the types of food eaten, overall health, and metabolic efficiency. Problems with the metabolism may be linked to nervous system problems, stress and other factors, which is why chiropractic care may be the missing link for many people suffering from diabetes.

Other Benefits of Chiropractic Treatments

Many people who are diagnosed with diabetes are required to make significant lifestyle and dietary changes so that their condition improves naturally over time. These changes are designed to reduce excess stress on the body, improve the metabolism and restore healthy metabolic functioning. Adding chiropractic therapy to the treatment plan may help many diabetics achieve a state of better health and improve well-being.

In addition to restoring healthy blood sugar levels and functioning of the nervous system, chiropractic treatments may be an effective way to improve health overall.  Countless studies have been published about the benefits of chiropractic treatment on the body and mind, and in the case of diabetes, simply reducing stress and improving health overall may help to reduce the effects of the condition.

Some of the key benefits of regular chiropractic treatments and adjustments include:

• Improved posture
• Better sleep
• Improved blood circulation
• Elimination or reduction of back and neck pain
• Reduced risk of joint and muscle problems

Even though this type of treatment plan specifically for diabetics is still undergoing investigation, people who prefer an alternative approach to health and wellness may find this to be a valuable and effective treatment option.

Source: locateadoc.com

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Natural Carpal Tunnel Pain Relief

http://www.bridgechiropractic.com/ 360-574-5944  Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms generally begin with tingling or numbness in the palm of the hand or fingers and often quickly escalate to include a burning sensation, shooting pains in the arm and weakness in the hand that can cause you to drop things and be unable to do your job.  As if the pain wasn’t enough, the inability to click a mouse, hold your fork or pick up your child makes life frustrating and depressing.  Like other carpal tunnel sufferers, you’ve probably tried everything from rearranging your workstation to anti-inflammatory medications to immobilizing the joint with carpal tunnel braces or carpal tunnel exercises with no results except increased frustration.  You may even know people who have had carpal tunnel release surgery(CTR) – over 200,000 people in the U.S. have the surgery every year, most of them women – and you know that most of them experience a return of symptoms with a few years of surgery.  But now more and more people are getting better relief from carpal tunnel symptoms with an all-natural approach that doesn’t include surgery or drugs… or their side effects.  Learn how!

The Big Picture

Your wrist and the band surrounding it contain many tiny bones, and if one or more of these bones becomes misaligned, it can irritate the tissues, causing the swelling that exerts pressure on the median nerve.  What’s more, a misalignment further up the arm, in the neck or even in the upper spine can be the initial “culprit”, creating a domino effect of misalignments down the arm, compromising function all the way into the wrist and hand, resulting in the painful burning sensation and weakness associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.  The problem is complex, but the solution is simple!

Carpal Tunnel Treatments

Depending on the severity of the carpal tunnel symptoms, treatment often includes one or more of the following:

• Over-the-counter drugs
• Prescription medications
• Exercises
• Splints or braces
• Surgery

 Unfortunately, none of these carpal tunnel treatments addresses the underlying cause of carpal tunnel syndrome, and none of them provides permanent relief from the pain and disability it causes.  In fact, even after a “successful” surgery, many patients experience a return of their symptoms within two years – simply because the surgery treats only the symptoms, not the underlying cause of the problem. 

Fortunately, there is a safe, all-natural solution that alleviates the painful symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome while correcting the underlying problem.

 

Natural Healing

Rather than using drugs or surgery to treat symptoms, chiropractic works with the body’s own natural healing abilities to restore optimal health and function.  Carpal tunnel relief may seem outside the scope of chiropractic, but it’s actually right up a chiropractor’s alley! Get Carpal Tunnel Relief - NOW!

 

Source: choosenatural.com

 

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A program of strengthening can improve your fitness level

http://www.bridgechiropractic.com/ 360-574-5944  Exercise is a vital part of improving and maintaining normal, comfortable back function. It is important to exercise regularly so you can maintain your fitness level. Regular exercise is important to prevent back pain and injury. A program of strengthening, stretching and aerobic exercises will improve your overall fitness level. Research has shown that people who are physically fit are more resistant to back injuries and pain, and recover quicker when they do have injuries, than those who are less physically fit. In addition, consider maintaining an average weight for your height.

The following exercises are recommended for people who currently are not experiencing back pain. Modifications to this exercise regimen are necessary if you have back pain. Do not continue to perform an exercise which produces pain. Seek the advice of a doctor or physical therapist.

What exercises help maintain a healthy back?

Exercises for a healthy back can be divided into three basic groups:

1.     Strengthening: repeated muscle contractions until the muscle becomes tired.

2.     Stretching or Flexibility: slow, sustained lengthening of the muscle.

3.     Aerobic: steady exercise using large muscle groups.

All of these exercises should be performed slowly and comfortably to avoid injury. When performing strengthening and flexibility exercises, remember to breathe naturally and without holding your breath; exhale during exertion and inhale during relaxation.

Strengthening exercises

Strengthening exercises help increase muscle tone and improve the quality of muscles. Muscle strength and endurance provide energy and a feeling of wellness to help you perform daily, routine activities. Adequate strength of abdominal and back muscles helps stabilize the spine, allows proper spinal movement and makes it easier to maintain correct posture. Strong hip and leg muscles are important to perform proper lifting techniques and body mechanics. Here are some good strengthening exercises:

• Curl Ups-Upper Abdominal: While lying down with arms at your sides and knees bent, tilt your pelvis to flatten your back. Raise your shoulders and head until your shoulder blades clear the floor. Hold for 5-10 seconds, and repeat 10 times.
• 

• Oblique Trunk Raises: Lie on the floor with your back flat. Raise your head and bring shoulder toward opposite hip, reaching with your hands, as shown. Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat 10 times, and then switch to the other side and repeat 10 times.
• 

• Prone Trunk Raises: Lie face down with arms beside your body. Tighten your buttocks and lift your head and shoulders straight up from the floor as high as you can comfortably go. Hold for 5-10 seconds. Repeat 10 times.
• 

• Prone Alternate Arm/Leg Lift: Lie on the floor, face down with a towel roll under your forehead, stretch arms outward over your head. Place a pillow under your pelvis and abdomen. Keep your right knee straight, and lift your leg 1-2 inches above the floor, along with the left arm, as shown. Hold for 5 seconds. Alternate with the other knee and arm. Repeat 10 times, each side.
• 

Stretching/flexibility exercises

Flexibility is the ability to move your arms and legs through their full range of motion. Stretching will help improve your flexibility. Adequate flexibility of tissues around the spine and pelvis allows full, normal spinal movement, prevents abnormal force on the joints and decreases the possibility of injury. Stretching also prepares muscles for activity; stretching should be done before and after each vigorous workout to prevent muscle strain and soreness and to help avoid injuries. When performing flexibility exercises, stretch as far as you can and hold the stretch. Each stretching exercise should be performed slowly, with no sudden jerking or bouncing. Bouncing can injure or strain a muscle or joint. Here are some good stretching exercises:

• Lying Down Hamstring Stretch: Lying down with knees bent, raise one leg, and supporting the back of thigh with your hands, attempt to straighten the knee until a comfortable stretch is felt in back of the thigh. Hold for 20-30 seconds, and repeat 2-3 times. Repeat with other leg.

• Double Knee to Chest Stretch: Lie on the floor with your back relaxed and straight. Pull both knees toward your chest until you feel a stretch in your lower back, do not bounce. Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat 5 times.

• Standing Backward Bend: Stand straight with your hands on your waist. Bend backward, arching your back as far as you comfortably can while keeping your balance. Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat 5 times.

• Quadriceps Stretch: Resting one hand on an object for balance, bend one leg, bringing your foot up behind your thigh, as shown. Grab the top of your foot and pull the foot toward your buttock until a stretch is felt in front of the thigh. Hold for 20-30 seconds. Repeat 2-3 times for each leg.

Aerobic exercises

Aerobic exercise provides cardiovascular conditioning; it strengthens the heart and lungs and improves the body's ability to use oxygen. Some other benefits of aerobic exercise includes increased energy levels, improved mood, better sleep habits and decreased blood pressure. Aerobic exercise also burns calories and improves your metabolism, helping with weight loss. Some examples of aerobic exercise include:

Jogging = Cycling = Skating = Rowing = Swimming = Walking = Dancing

In general, to achieve maximum benefits, you should gradually work up to an aerobic session lasting 20 to 60 minutes, 3 or 4 times a week. Please check with your doctor or physical therapist before starting any aerobic program. Your exercise routine should consist of a 5-minute warm-up (including stretching exercises) before the aerobic activity and 5 to 10 minutes of a cool down (stretching and slower activity) after the activity. Here are some precautions with aerobic exercise:

• Jumping rope puts too much pressure on the discs and should be avoided.
• Running can be done as long as it doesn't increase lower back pain.
• When walking or running, wear supportive, well-cushioned shoes and walk or run on a level surface.

What about pain during exercise?

Do not ignore pain. If you feel increased pain or pain spreading to the legs, do not continue the activity. If you continue to perform the activity while you are in pain, you may cause unnecessary stress or damage to your joints. Seek the advice of a doctor or physical therapist. Fear of pain can cause unnecessary inactivity, so it is important to learn to "read" your body and know when you need to stop or modify an activity.

Source: mayfieldclinic.com

Bridge Chiropractic

Dr. Reed

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Why, as a student, Chiropractic can give you an edge

http://www.bridgechiropractic.com/ 360-574-5944  Studies show that chronic stress physiology can lead to chronic changes in cognition.  Cells in the hippocampus (the part of our brain that retains facts and responsible for focus and concentration) actually shrink!

Interestingly research also shows that chiropractic adjustments have the same positive effect that exercise has on the brain (namely increasing the size of hippocampal cells).

The model is simple,

1. A healthy brain needs constant proprioceptive input and stimulation from all joints of the body (especially the spine).
2. When the spine and its articulating joints lose normal motion or position (we call this a subluxation), proprioceptive input is reduced and the brain stimulates stress centres- makes you stupid and less focused.
3. Chiropractic adjustments restore normal motion and position thereby improving proprioception to the brain and nerve function to the body.
4. Brain experiences less stress and more cognitive ability- you stay smart, sharp and stress-free.

How’s that for a sure-fire way to stay on top of your grades and experience health and wellness at the same time.

So how do you know when you need a spine and nerve system check-up?  Here are some sure fire student signs and symptoms.

1.  You have a hard time focusing and concentrating for more than 10-15 mins at a time.
2.  You constantly fidget or change position when you study.
3.  You can’t get comfortable at all studying.
4.  You are sore from your studying position either during or after your studying period.
5.  You are experiencing anxiety or nervousness and can’t put a finger on it.
6.  You are experiencing pain and discomfort in neck and shoulders or mid-back or lower back areas.
7.   You are having headaches.

If any of these apply, call our office.  We will thoroughly examine and assess you for subluxations and help get you back on top of your game

Source:  entertogetwell.ca

Bridge Chiropractic

Dr. Reed

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The Life Of A Mother - How To Reduce Your Daily Pain

http://www.bridgechiropractic. com/ 360-574-5944

Sandy Smith woke up to the annoying and familiar sound of the alarm clock. It was another day and the beginning of another hectic week. She rolled from her stomach onto her back and unburied herself from beneath the old, down-filled, pillows. Sandy reached over and pressed the snooze button in an attempt to steal five more minutes of peace. As Sandy stretched, she felt the pain, a stiff ache that had unfortunately loomed over her body every morning for quite some time.

Once out of bed, Sandy leaned over and tried to concentrate on making the perfect hospital corners. She slightly lifted the large, squishy mattress, and tucked the corners just right, trying to ignore her stiff muscles and joints. She shuffled into the bathroom and brought her toothbrush to her mouth. Hunched over the sink, trying to avoid the tired reflection staring back at her, Sandy brushed her teeth. Her motions were slow this morning,

and she had no time to concern herself with a little pain.

"Here they come," Sandy thought to herself as she heard the pitter-patter of four little feet running down the hallway. The kids were awake, eager to begin the day. Sandy threw on a skirt and sweater, pulling her brown high heels out from the back of the closet.

"Ow," Sandy exclaimed. The pain in her back sent a sharp signal to her brain that the day was not going to run smoothly. She clomped down the hall to retrieve the hairbrush stuck in her daughter's long hair, and her feet found Barbie. Her heels had little traction and she grabbed the banister for support.

Realizing she was late, Sandy bent over to scoop up her 2-year-old. Her back seemed to yell at her, and she suddenly realized her toddler was becoming heavier every day.

After cereal and burnt toast, Sandy marched her girls to the bus stop and waved good-bye as she turned toward her car, angry with herself for sleeping those five extra minutes. She would have to face Monday morning gridlock and suddenly felt the beginning of a headache that would stay with her all day.

"I love Mondays," Sandy said to herself as she sat in traffic. She reached for her cell phone, cradling it between her neck and head. Her conference call would need to be conducted in the car, and her headache only worsened.

Thirty minutes later, Sandy pulled into her parking place. She sprang from her car, heaved her over-stuffed leather bag over her shoulder, and scurried through the office doors.

MONDAY MADNESS

Sandy's Monday morning was filled with telephone calls and last minute deadlines. She tried to type and talk at the same time, constantly crossing and re-crossing the left leg over the right. She began breathing erratically when she realized her deadline would not be met. The lunch hour was approaching, and it suddenly occurred to Sandy that she had not taken a break all morning. Her computer screen appeared blurry and her wrists were stiff.

The remainder of Sandy's day was much of the same, and she could not wait to take off her shoes. After skipping lunch and sitting through meetings, Sandy drug herself to her car, threw her bag in the back seat and started the stressful trek home. That night, after the kid’s devoured dinner, Sandy longed for a long hot shower. The girls were in the bathtub, and she winced as she reached over to carefully lift her toddler onto the floor. By this time, her neck and joints screamed in pain and Sandy wanted nothing more than to climb into bed.

It was eleven at night and Sandy was finally lying down. Her bed and pillows did not seem comfortable, and she felt for only an instant that her neck needed a little more support. She drifted off to sleep out of sheer exhaustion.

A NEW DAY

Does Sandy remind you of anyone? The more stressful our lives become, the less we focus on the "moment." When we aren't conscious of how we sleep, breathe, stand, lift, bend or sit, our bodies can take a beating that results in lingering pain. We often avoid the early signs of discomfort we feel in our back, shoulders or neck until we are unable to ignore the pain. By reading the tips below, you can learn to make even the busiest days pain free.

§ When you wake in the morning, start the day with a couple of stretches. Stand up and stretch your arms above your head. Do the "hug your best friend." Wrap your arms around your body, and turn as far as you can to the left, then to the right.

§ When performing everyday routines such as brushing your teeth, remember your posture. Do not hunch over the sink; stand up straight.

§ Don't bend from the waist when you lift a child. Squat with your back straight. Keep the child close to you and use your arms and legs to lift.

§ Hold the telephone with your hand or use the speakerphone. Cradling the phone between your head and shoulder can lock up the spinal joints in the neck and upper back, eventually causing pain.

§ While in the office, make sure your chair fits correctly. There should be two inches between the front edge of your seat and the back of your knees. The chair should tilt back so you are able to rest while reading from a computer screen.

§ Many people suffer from tension headaches. Adequate lighting and document holders by your computer can help reduce the risk of a headache. Materials placed on a desk cause you to constantly raise and lower your neck while you're typing at your keyboard.

§ Do not wear high heels. The weight of the foot is not evenly distributed, which not only causes sore feet, but also added spinal stress.

§ Do not carry a heavy bag with its strap over your shoulder, unless you place the strap over your head on the side opposite the bag. Wearing a shoulder strap over one shoulder unevenly places the weight of the bag on one side of the body, potentially causing shoulder and back pain. Or better yet, carry a bag with a handle rather than a strap.

§ Do not consistently cross the same knee over the other. This habit can eventually cause misalignment of the spine.

§ Even if you remain sitting for the majority of your workday, you deserve a break. Get up from your desk and move around, stretching arms and legs as much as possible to avoid postural and spinal stress. Try to practice deep and even breathing to keep yourself calm and keep adequate oxygen flowing through your system.

§ Bath time can be fun for the kids but stressful on any parent. Make certain to bend from the waist and not the back when bathing your children. Use your legs when you lift your child.

§ It is important to get a good night's rest. Choose a comfortable mattress and pillow that adequately support the weight of your head and body.

Source: amerchiro.org

Bridge Chiropractic

Dr. Reed

chiropractor, chiropractic, vancouver wa chiropractor, vancouver wa chiropractic, back pain, health, spine

March Madness Party!!!

http://www.bridgechiropractic.com/ 360-574-594   MARCH MADNESS PARTY!!! Wednesday, March 16th, 7-10pm at Bridge Chiropractic. 13712 NE 20th Ave, Vancouver, WA
Come Hang Out & Watch The Game with Pro Basketball Player Dan Dickau!   Free Exam & Free X-rays, Kids Basketball Games, Raffles, Snacks, Food & Drink!

Bring A Guest Or Refer A Patient And Be Entered Into The Raffle

Raffle Prizes include:

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Vancouver Chiropractor can relieve a child's growing pains

http://www.bridgechiropractic.com/ 360-574-5944  According to the pediatric community, a significant number of children are inflicted with growing pains. In rare cases, pain can become severe and symptoms such as swelling, fatigue, loss in weight and limping may arise.

Tackling Growing Pains with the Chiropractic Approach

On September 2006, Research update from the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) reviewed a case study of a 3-year-old boy who underwent chiropractic care. The young boy was suffering from leg and lower back pain. In addition, he experienced headaches and bed wetting.

A chiropractic examination revealed the presence of subluxations and the boy was subsequently adjusted. After the first adjustment, the patient did not complain of leg pain for 3 days, and by the last visit, the child had, and remained symptom-free for almost 3 weeks. The author's conclusion of this study was, "This case report provides supporting evidence of the effectiveness of chiropractic care in children with growing pains."

If your child is suffering from growing pains, don’t hesitate to bring your child to any of our clinics for an examination.

Source: chiropractic-first.org

Bridge Chiropractic

Dr. Reed

chiropractor, chiropractic, vancouver wa chiropractor, vancouver wa chiropractic, back pain, health, spine