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Benefits of Chiropractic Care for ALL Ages

May 12, 2022

Chiropractic Benefits from Infancy to Seniorhood Making regular appointments to see a chiropractor could be a family affair! That’s because, no matter the age demographic, chiropractic care addresses various health ailments and offers preventative treatment using safe and natural methods. Grandma, grandpa, mother, father, sister, baby brother. Everyone in the family has the opportunity to experience healing, relief, and improved health by making a chiropractic clinic their first stop. Babies and Toddlers Babies and toddlers get to know their pediatricians very well in the first three years of their life. No debating: those visits are important! However, adding a chiropractor to the mix might go further in helping to relieve the aches and pains that come with being a baby—even newborns—or a tiny child. Chiropractors often treat their youngest of patients for the following common conditions: colic or excessive crying reflux difficulty breastfeeding due to head position or impaired sucking/swallowing asthma digestive issues ear infections difficulty sleeping balance issues trouble breathing delayed developmental milestones, such as crawling or standing Doctors of chiropractic employ gentle, safe, and effective adjustments on these small bodies, contributing to proper alignment and a high-functioning nervous system. A happier baby means happier parents! Children and Adolescents Children (ages 4-9) and adolescents (ages 10-19) are unique patients in that their bodies are constantly changing. They get those dreaded “growing pains.” Also, many suffer injuries from participating in athletics, sitting in class with poor posture for several hours, and carrying heavy backpacks. Chiropractic can help treat injuries and chronic pain in youth. In fact, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association, on average, 11 percent of chiropractic patients are children and adolescents. Parents have sought chiropractic care for their children with the following symptoms and conditions: growing pains digestive issues asthma and other common breathing issues headaches and migraines scoliosis irregular sleeping patterns bedwetting and/or constipation persistent colds, sore throat, and low immunity recurrent ear infections and sinus issues behavior disorders, such as ADD, ADHD, and autism complaints of continual or recurring neck or back pain limited head or neck mobility recovery from an injury In addition to potentially resolving the above issues, spinal adjustments may boost their growth and development, improving their quality of life in the present and future. Yes, chiropractic care is safe for kids. Research supports that there are no specific risks associated with chiropractic adjustments for children. Furthermore, doctors at Strelcheck Chiropractic Clinic also make every effort to offer their young patients a painless experience. Adults Adults still have a lot of life in their bodies, especially considering this stage begins as young as 20 years old. Many adults, however, have experienced more wear and tear than the average child or teen; the sooner they address any pains or discomfort, the better their chances of satisfying their desired level of activity. The goal is sustainability. Adults ages 35-45 make up the largest age demographic of chiropractic patients. This group needs the chiropractor for traditional reasons, such as spinal misalignments caused by injury and/or traumatic events. Additionally, they are beginning to experience acute aches and pains more frequently. In some cases, a problem they have been ignoring finally needs attention. Here are some of the many symptoms and conditions a chiropractor can treat: chronic headaches back and neck pain sciatica allergies trouble sleeping digestive issues joint pain stress pregnancy   Adults who see a chiropractor also report an improved immune system and faster recovery from illness and injury. Adults are more likely than younger patients to seek chiropractic care for proactive reasons. Even if they currently are not experiencing pain, they realize that preventative health plays a role in keeping them moving with comfort for years to come. Seniors Seniorhood begins as young as 55. Perhaps a patient who has reached this age in life has not always made his or her health and wellness a priority. Life has been too busy! Now is the time to make the time. Seniors wake up one day to stiff muscles and joints in their back, neck, knees, and more. Those who visit the chiropractor for the first time at this later stage in life to help wish they had picked up the phone sooner. Many senior patients have expressed that their regular chiropractic appointments have resulted in the following benefits: arthritis relief increased flexibility/mobility/range of motion increased strength improved balance/coordination pain relief throughout the body higher levels of energy   Additionally, spinal manipulation therapy has been known to help address the following conditions common among older adults: dizziness, depression, constipation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, pneumonia, and urinary incontinence. All in all, seniors who add chiropractic care to their health and wellness regime to treat or prevent pain and discomfort may improve their quality of life. Care for the Whole Family Chiropractors address their patients as a whole, helping them to manage pain by using natural techniques that avoid the need for highly addictive painkillers. Each age offers its own challenges when it comes to keeping the body healthy. Strelcheck Chiropractic Clinic can help the entire family—from child to grandparent—work through those individual challenges. Make an appointment today for everyone. Call 815-459-3860.

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Only a Chiropractor Can Correct Vertebral Subluxation

October 25, 2021

Only a chiropractor can correct vertebral subluxation Vertebral subluxation occurs when misaligned vertebrae interfere with normal spinal nerve flow. Caused by physical trauma, both small and large, sufferers experience a variety of symptoms and effects. Those effects include increased risk of illness and disease. Vertebral subluxation is among the most common reasons why patients visit a chiropractor, who is uniquely qualified to address the condition. Causes of vertebral subluxation Vertebral subluxation sets in when the spine experiences an impact. Traumatic events include: Car accidents Falls Improper lifting Jolts Continuous repetitive movements Sustained postures Improper exercise Additionally, chiropractors have discovered that a poor diet, drug side effects, and emotional stress all might contribute to misalignment of the spine. As with many health conditions, the sooner vertebral subluxation is detected and treated, the quicker the recovery and smaller the impact on your body and health. Vertebral subluxation impacts your health The body can be a self-healing engine when it is functioning properly. However, natural immunity takes a hit when bones of the spine are compressing on spinal nerves. This is because of a disruption in communication between the nerves and the brain. Keeping your spinal column free from vertebral subluxations helps boost your natural immunity against colds, the flu, and sinus problems. If your body is working properly, your resistance to germs, dust, temperature changes, and other stresses is high. Also, by relieving stress on the nervous system, your body works more efficiently and helps ensure that the skull bones “breathe,” permitting the body fluids to drain without interference. Detection and correction If you are experiencing symptoms such as neck pain, back pain, or headaches, make an appointment with Strelcheck Chiropractic Clinic for a spinal examination. If vertebral subluxation is detected, a chiropractor will correct the misalignment using spinal adjustments. In fact, this method of treatment is what makes doctors of chiropractic distinctive compared to other healthcare professionals. In addition to spinal adjustments, chiropractors often recommend other non-invasive healing methods, such as specific exercise and nutrition regimens, to treat vertebral subluxation. Ultimately, the goal is to restore the body to its natural state of optimal health. Sources: https://www.sherman.edu/the-science-of-vertebral-subluxation/ https://www.gonstead-nm.com/chiropractic/what-s-ailing-you/subluxation https://www.kypaininstitute.com/vertebral-subluxation

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Chiropractic: The Greatest Value in Healthcare

August 31, 2021

Save Money at the Chiropractor With healthcare costs rising in the country, patients seeking the greatest return on investment to address their neck, back and extremity pain can turn to chiropractors. This is because chiropractors treat the cause of the pain, which results in a more sustainable, less costly solution compared to visiting a medical physician. Most initial exam costs are approximately $100-$120 and treatments are $50-$75. Average treatment plans depending on diagnoses, severity, age, arthritis, etc. can range from 4-12 visits. Harvard Medical School reports that low back pain costs up to $200 billion a year in the United States, including costs of care and missed work. In fact, back pain accounts for more than 264 million lost work days in one year, or two work days for every full-time worker in the country, according to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA). Low back pain also is a leading cause of disability worldwide. The 31 million Americans experiencing back pain right now would benefit with the help of a chiropractor. So would their wallets. A Cost-Effective Approach to Managing Spine Pain Studies suggest that patients who visit a chiropractor will save healthcare dollars short and long term. The ACA cites 30 studies on the matter, each which “consistently shows that patients with low back and neck pain who are treated by chiropractors have lower or at least similar costs than those seeking care from other providers.” One study from 2012 tracked more than 12,000 patients with low back and neck pain who sought complementary and integrative health care (CIH) such as chiropractic, acupuncture, massage, and herbalism. When compared to non-users, spine care costs were $526 lower and total health care costs were $298 lower. Another example is a 2015 systematic review comparing the costs of chiropractic care to other interventions for spine pain in the United States, published by the National Library of Medicine. The review of 25 eligible studies concluded that “health care costs may be somewhat lower when spine pain is managed with chiropractic care in the U.S.” The review also suggests the reasons why chiropractors are a more cost-effective approach to managing spine pain: lower fees for office visits lower referral rates to spine-invasive specialists or surgeons and scope of practice limitations related to high-cost medications, injections, and surgery. Chiropractors pride themselves on “Natural Care.” Instead, they use non-invasive leverage techniques and, if needed, physical therapy to restore proper joint function. This type of care most often saves patients from highly addictive opioids, steroids and invasive hospitalizing surgeries. Chiropractic Methods Work The federal Agency for Health Care Research and Quality recommends that low back pain sufferers choose the most conservative professional care first, such as spinal manipulation. Both Harvard Health Publishing and ACA cite a 2018 study published in JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) Network Open in support of the effectiveness of chiropractic care. The study of 750 active-duty military personnel who complained of back pain shows that “chiropractic care combined with usual medical care for low back pain provides greater pain relief and a greater reduction in disability than medical care alone.” According to the study, after six weeks of treatment, those assigned to receive chiropractic care: reported less pain intensity experienced less disability and more improvement in function reported higher satisfaction with their treatment needed less pain medicine Paying for Chiropractic Care Insurance coverage for chiropractic care is common. Strelcheck Chiropractic Clinic, for example, is a provider for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois PPO, CIGNA, AETNA, and United Healthcare, and they process Medicare and Veterans Administration programs. Strelcheck also offers several payment options to patients without insurance coverage or with limited coverage. “We try to eliminate any financial barriers to people so they can get pain free, stress free,” Dr. Strelcheck says. Strelcheck Chiropractic Clinic was established in 1958 and is an experienced, advanced technique, second generation, non-frill Clinic. Its doctors are Palmer College graduates that practice a gentle but effective style of care. “We are here to serve the public, not take advantage of them,” Dr. Strelcheck says.  

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Improve Your Quality of Life

July 1, 2021

Older Adults: Improve Your Quality of Life Chiropractic care contributes to improved quality of life for older adults. As evidence, simply compare the list of common medical conditions among those in their mid-60s and beyond to the list of the benefits of routine visits to a chiropractor. They look a lot alike. For instance, the World Health Organization reports that common health conditions among seniors include neck and back pain, osteoarthritis, and depression. Others include vertigo and cancer. Meanwhile, the chiropractic community across the web touts their ability to combat those exact same sources of chronic and acute pain, some of which result in immobility and loss of strength due to lack of physical activity. For older adults looking to enhance their quality of life, all it takes is trust in the local spinal alignment specialist to not only treat but also prevent pain and discomfort throughout the body. What is Quality of Life? Quality of life is an abstract concept; it means something different to everyone depending on his or her experiences, dreams, and age. In an effort to peg a definition of “quality of life” among older adults, consider the U.S. News and World Report article detailing how retirees ages 65 and older spend their time. According to the report, retirees spend approximately two and a half hours a day on home improvements, such as housework, gardening, and food preparation. They spend nearly one hour every day shopping, 45 minutes socializing, and 30 minutes volunteering. Retirees also exercise about 22 minutes a day. Other activities include relaxing, watching television, and bathing and dressing. Similarly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that among adults aged 65 years and older, “walking and gardening or yard work are, by far, the most popular physical activities.” Not to mention playing with grandchildren. These activities require bending over, balancing, standing for periods of time, and raising arms overhead to pull on a shirt. Though seemingly simple movements, for older adults they are not necessarily pain-free. Meanwhile, the CDC expresses the importance of regular physical activity among older adults. So, how do older adults both conquer the pain and stay active and healthy to maintain a high quality of life? This is where natural healthcare provided by a chiropractor can help. Common Medical Conditions Among Older Adults Chiropractors believe many older adults can live a normal life without being overly protective of their bodies if they commit to treating and preventing pain that comes with age. They can achieve this with the help of regular visits to the chiropractor. In fact, an estimated 14% of patients treated by U.S. chiropractors are 65 and older, according to a study on PubMed Central, a journal archive of the U.S. National Institutes of Health’s National Library of Medicine. While the most common reason they seek treatment is to address musculoskeletal pain, chiropractors employ an intervention called spinal manipulative therapy to address symptoms of a range of conditions, including: Lower back pain Upper back pain Neck pain Knee pain Dizziness Depression Constipation Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Parkinson’s disease Multiple sclerosis Pneumonia Urinary incontinence Osteoarthritis Although chiropractors are most commonly known for their expertise in spinal manipulative therapy, they also are uniquely qualified to address the patient as a whole. For instance, more than 90% of chiropractors report providing nutritional advice and recommend nutritional supplements, according to the PubMed Central report. Most also recommend therapeutic exercises and advise patients to engage in physical activity. Chiropractors are concerned about the big picture of their patients’ health and wellbeing. Improving Quality of Life with Chiropractic Care When older adults place trust in a chiropractor, they can work together to create an individualized, safe plan to help them meet their quality of life expectations. Here are some of the benefits of regular chiropractic care: Mobility restoration through improved flexibility, join alignment, and alleviation of tight muscles. Improved muscle strength and range of motion through strengthening exercises to target weak muscles. Long-term pain relief, including pain associated with osteoarthritis and general inflammation. Lower risk of injury, including fractures. Improved balance, reducing risk of falls. Higher levels of energy due to improved sleep quality and mood. Additional years of free, independent living. In fact, a study by Dr. Ian Coulter found that older adults who receive chiropractic care are much less likely to move to a nursing home (5% of those who had chiropractic care vs. 48% of those who did not) and experienced fewer hospital stays (lifegivingchiro.com). Older adults who choose a chiropractor, like Strelcheck Chiropractic Clinic, appreciate the impact of this alternative and natural approach to treating and preventing pain that often comes with aging. Even though they may only seek to treat one particular area of their body, the results are felt everywhere and improve overall quality of life.

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10 North Virginia St
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
(Corner Rte. 14 & Crystal Lake Ave.)

Phone: 815-459-3860

Email : info@strelcheckchiro.com

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