Learning Library Blog

7 Ways Chiropractic Improves Heart Health

February 26, 2022

Chiropractic Improves Heart Health Concerning matters of the heart, chiropractic sets itself apart from other medical practices through its unique knowledge of the joints and spine as well as natural, non-invasive therapies. As is true with many parts of the body, joint and spinal health can also impact heart health. It is not unusual for patients with a personal or family history of heart conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, to seek consultation from a doctor of chiropractic. In fact, studies continue to reinforce at least seven ways chiropractic care helps prevent or treat cardiovascular disease and other heart conditions: Improves nerve function of the heart Lowers blood pressure Keeps blood flowing Decreases blood markers of inflammation Improves heart rate variability Decreases chest pain Improves lung function Improves nerve function of the heart Chiropractic adjustments clean up the disturbances, or subluxations, creating communication blockades between the brain and the body. Subluxation may impact two particular nerves in the spine that affect the heart, the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves. Specifically, these nerves work to accelerate and decelerate the heart rate. With corrective chiropractic care, spinal misalignments, pressures, and restrictions relating to those nerves can be properly alleviated, therefore normalizing your cardiac rhythm and heart rate. Lowers blood pressure Correcting subluxation alleviates the heart in more ways than one. It also can lead to lower blood pressure, meaning that the heart is not working as hard to pump blood throughout the body. It also can decrease the risk of an enlarged heart. A heart that is enlarged has developed thick, stiff walls and cannot pump efficiently, which could ultimately lead to cardiac arrest. Keeps blood flowing A spine experiencing interruptions from events such as bulging discs might weaken blood flow throughout the body by up to 20 percent. Correcting misalignments provides the blood with the circulatory power it requires to reach the extremities, including the hands, arms, feet, and legs. Decreases blood markers of inflammation High levels of inflammation in the blood may indicate that there’s inflammation in the arteries of the heart. This could mean a higher risk of cardiovascular events, such as a heart attack. At least one study suggests that high levels of the blood markers interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) decreased after patients were treated with a series of spinal manipulations. This shows that chiropractic care may lead to lower levels of inflammation. Improves heart rate variability Heart rate variability (HRV) is simply a measure of the variation in time between each heartbeat. The level at which the heart rate fluctuates can indicate current or future health problems, including heart conditions. The more your heart rate bounces around, the healthier the heart. The results of at least one study suggests that chiropractic care can improve HRV. Decreases chest pain Chest pain does not always mean something is wrong with the heart. Oftentimes, a chiropractor can determine that a musculoskeletal issue is the culprit of the pain. Cartilage inflammation in the rib area, rib misalignment, or thoracic vertebrae subluxation are all causes of chest pain and shortness of breath that will respond to chiropractic care. Improves lung function Poor lung function has been linked to heart failure. Breathing mechanics that contribute to poor lung function among asthmatics and patients with emphysema or chronic bronchitis, for example, can be addressed with chiropractic care, according to at least one study. That is because spinal manipulation and soft-tissue therapy improve joint mobility of the chest wall. Improve heart health at Strelcheck Chiropractic Clinic Learn more about how chiropractic care can improve and prevent heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions. Contact our office at 815-459-3860.

Read More »

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

Read More »

6 Benefits of Chiropractic Care You Might Not Know

October 12, 2021

6 Benefits of Chiropractic Care You Might Not Know Ask a person what comes to mind when she thinks of a chiropractor, and it is highly likely she will respond with, “Someone who fixes my back.”  The truth is chiropractors offer many more health benefits than repairing an out-of-sorts back. In fact, Strelcheck Chiropractic Clinic treats at least 25 different conditions.  Even the most devoted of patients might not realize that their practitioner can solve more riddles than the one behind their back and neck pain. 1. Full Body Pain Relief Performing spinal adjustments, chiropractors restore the natural positioning and functioning of the vertebrae, thereby reducing pain. They are best known for their healing power when it comes to back and neck pain. However, a chiropractor’s skill with his most valued tool — his hands — can address far more than that. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Many patients suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome seek chiropractic care. By adjusting the bones within the arms, wrists, and hands, chiropractors can relieve the source of the pain and tingling: compression on the carpal nerves within the wrist. Headaches Believe it or not, more than 200 studies support chiropractic care as a natural, effective alternative to medication for treating headaches, including sinus, tension, and migraine headaches. In fact, headaches often are the result of back misalignment, which causes muscle tension and pain. Sciatica The sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body, runs from the lower spine, through the buttocks, and down into the thigh and lower leg. Sciatica refers to irritation along that path of the body caused by a damaged or pressured sciatic nerve. Sciatica sufferers might feel numbness, tingling, burning, or shooting pain from simple motions such as walking or sitting. Chiropractors provide leg treatment to relieve this pain. 2. Blood Pressure Control Nearly half of U.S. adults have hypertension, or high blood pressure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Studies support that chiropractic care is a natural, effective alternative to address this common health condition (patients with low blood pressure, too). Additionally, the effects of spinal adjustment persist for six months after the treatment.  Patients who seek chiropractic care also avoid negative side effects of high blood pressure medications, including fatigue, nausea, dizziness, anxiety, and weight loss.  3. Inflammation Reduction As experts in spinal engineering, chiropractors use their methods to reduce inflammation. Because inflammation is one of the lead causes of pain, joint issues, and tension, this is a benefit enjoyed by athletes and others who value staying active and healthy.  Regular visits to the chiropractor also helps patients avoid injury, speed the recovery process, and increase range of motion. 4. Immune System Protection A chiropractor knows that everything is connected when it comes to a properly functioning body. Misalignment of the spine may even disrupt a healthy nervous system, weakening the body’s immune system and its efforts to ward off viral and bacterial infections. A chiropractor can restore function to nerves to ensure cells are operating the way they ought to. 5. Stronger Digestive Health Again, everything is connected. A bad back might be damaging to your digestive health. Chiropractors address common digestive problems, such as constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and acid reflux, through spinal manipulation. However, many also double as your nutrition and fitness advisor, issuing expert exercise and dietary guidance to help you improve your digestive health. 6. Happier Version of You Pain and discomfort can lead to dissatisfaction with quality of life. Making your body a priority by visiting a chiropractor regularly also benefits the mind and soul. Patients have reported improved sleep quality, less stress, more energy, a calmer mind, and the ability to relax.  Experience all of the benefits a chiropractor has to offer. In addition to improving health and wellness, following the path of a chiropractor is a natural, less costly, and less invasive route to taking care of your mind, body, and soul. For a complete list of health and wellness benefits we offer at Strelcheck Chiropractic Clinic, please visit the Conditions Treated tab on our website or call us at 815-459-3860.  Sources https://lehighvalleychiropractic.com/headache/migraine-headache/chiropractic-and-migraines-what-the-research-shows/ https://vancouverbackpain.com/reasons-to-see-a-chiropractor/ https://www.piercechiropractic.net/blog/top-10-benefits-of-getting-a-chiropractic-adjustment https://www.mcgowansrc.com/blog/10-unexpected-benefits-of-chiropractic-care https://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/news/20070316/chiropractic-cuts-blood-pressure#1 https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/facts.htm https://www.healthsourcechiro.com/healthy-living/21-benefits-of-chiropractic-adjustments/#gref

Read More »

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.  

Read More »
Load More

Categories

Categories

Clinic Info

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

Phone: 815-459-3860

Email : info@strelcheckchiro.com

Latest Posts

palmer-collage-logo
il-chiropractic-society
sweat-inst
SOT-International-logo

© 2023 Strelcheck Chiropractic Clinic. All Rights Reserved.