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Benefits of Chiropractic Care for ALL Ages

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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Eat (Some) Sugar Over the Holidays!

Eat (Some) Sugar Over the Holidays! We give you permission to eat sugar over the holidays. Seriously! After all, passing up the cookie platter or the vanilla- and chocolate-layered Christmas cake is unrealistic for many of us, especially on special occasions. However, we do have one condition: Don’t eat too much added sugar. From a chiropractic perspective, it’s simply not good for your mental and physical health. How much sugar is too much sugar? Recommendations vary among health organizations when it comes to added sugar intake. However, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025, published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture, recommends limiting calories from added sugars to no more than 10 percent each day. For someone who consumes 2,000 calories a day, that’s a maximum of about 12 teaspoons worth, or 200 calories. Common sources of added sugar include soft drinks, fruit drinks, flavored yogurts, cereals, cookies, cakes, candy, and most processed foods. However, that list is not exhaustive. Sugar’s Impact on Your Health Consuming too much added sugar has the potential to negatively affect the body and mind’s normal functioning. Joint pain, digestive issues, and depression are among the conditions we chiropractors treat that may arise due in part to sugar intake. Sugar and Joint Pain Joint pain is often the result of inflammation. Eating too many sweets can contribute to inflammation, worsening joint pain. Additionally, some studies suggest added sugar, particularly from sodas and desserts, can increase the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. This is especially true in women. Cutting back on sugar alone might not resolve your joint pain 100 percent, but our qualified staff have additional methods for helping you reduce inflammation. Sugar and the Digestive System Unsurprisingly, your digestive system takes a hit when too much added sugar is consumed. Here are a few discomforts you may experience: Stomach pain Cramping Diarrhea Exacerbated gastrointestinal symptoms among patients with irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis Gallbladder disorders, including gallstones Acid reflux/heartburn Constipation Sugar intake also contributes toward obesity. With obesity comes a host of other health problems. No matter the gut issues you are experiencing, we can help you pinpoint the probable source and treat your pain. Depression and Irritability Regularly consuming added sugar beyond the 12-teaspoon recommendation may increase your likelihood of developing depression. Research shows this is true among both men and women. At the very least, although a candy bar can provide a temporary jolt in energy, your mood can quickly shift to one of irritability once the sugar high wears off. Enjoy Your Holiday! Chances are, your holiday dessert options will not include a fruit tray, offering you natural sugar options for satisfying your sweet cravings. That’s OK! Enjoy a slice of cherry pie with a dollop of whipped cream. Simply keep in mind the bigger picture: On most days, many of us could improve our physical and mental health simply by being more cognizant of our added sugar intake.   Sources: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/too-much-sugar#TOC_TITLE_HDR_5 https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/features/how-sugar-affects-your-body https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/potential-signs-youre-eating-too-much-sugar/ https://www.healthline.com/health/gerd/sugar-and-acid-reflux#is-it-safe https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317196

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Get Relief from Your Hiatal Hernia

Get Relief from Your Hiatal Hernia The heartburn and acid reflux you are suffering might simply be that: heartburn and acid reflux. Or, those symptoms might be signs of a condition called hiatal hernia (stomach hernia). A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach bulges through a small opening in your diaphragm. This hole is called the hiatus. Only the esophagus, or the body’s “food tube,” is supposed to enter that space. Definitely not the stomach! Although hiatal hernia is common and many people mistake their discomfort for lesser ailments, some hiatal hernia can lead to surgery. Symptoms of a Hiatal Hernia Because a hiatal hernia is a disruption of a properly functioning digestive process, it probably comes as no surprise that many of the symptoms stem from discomfort in the gut. Our patients with hiatal hernia report experiencing: Heartburn Regurgitation of food or liquids into the mouth Bloating Burping Backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus (acid reflux) Difficulty swallowing Bad taste in your mouth Chest or abdominal pain Feeling unusually full soon after you eat Shortness of breath Upset stomach and vomiting Causes of a Hiatal Hernia Hiatal hernia occurs most frequently in people who are obese and/or age 50 and older. The bulge may be the result of certain activities, among them: Changes in your diaphragm as you age Injury to the area Being born with an unusually large hiatus A rise in pressure surrounding your belly muscles from Pregnancy Coughing Vomiting Straining during a bowel movement Exercising or lifting heavy objects Treating a Hiatal Hernia at the Chiropractor Because a hiatal hernia is a condition related to both the esophagus/stomach as well as a muscular issue with the diaphragm, a chiropractor is an appropriate medical professional to call for help! Chiropractors are trained in both the digestive and musculoskeletal systems and are therefore qualified to identify, diagnose, and treat the problem with success. When it comes to a hiatal hernia, chiropractors solve the underlying issue by applying specific, gentle manipulation techniques to ease the hernia back into place. Their methods often lead to immediate relief. They also recommend self-care measures to prevent hiatal hernia or relieve its symptoms. For instance, they might recommend regular exercise and changes to your diet to maintain a healthy weight and avoid heartburn. Whether your gut discomfort is the result of a hiatal hernia or another digestive system condition, call Strelcheck Chiropractic Clinic. We will take care of you!   Sources: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hiatal-hernia/symptoms-causes/syc-20373379 https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/hiatal-hernia

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Healthy Spine, Healthy Gut

August is Gastroparesis Awareness Month and a good reminder to make digestive health a priority. Gastroparesis is a disorder in which the stomach takes too long to empty food. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, malnutrition, and feeling easily full. Although gastroparesis is rare, gastrointestinal health problems are common. In fact, 60-70 million people in the U.S. are affected by digestive diseases, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Some of the more prevalent digestive-related diseases and symptoms include Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Chronic Constipation Abdominal Pain Crohn’s Disease Irritable Bowel Syndrome These often lead to ambulatory care, hospitalization and millions of dollars in prescriptions nationally. No matter what type of gastrointestinal issue you are battling, regular chiropractic care may improve your digestive health. Reduce Flare-ups and Chronic Suffering Gastrointestinal conditions have many causes, such as a food allergy or disease. Gastroparesis, for example, may be caused by diabetes or postsurgical complications. Muscle tension in your abdomen resulting from stress or other reasons can also contribute to digestive problems. Even if the cause of symptoms is unclear, a chiropractor can help. This is because the digestive and nervous systems are connected. The misalignment of certain parts of the spine may interfere with nerve function, therefore preventing proper digestion. Spinal manipulation performed by a chiropractor corrects this problem, relieving pressure on your nerves, joints, and muscles and reducing inflammation. Enjoy meals. Maintain your energy level. Reduce your dependence on medications. Stop suffering. Trust a chiropractor to work with you on improving your digestive health.   Sources: http://www.atlanticchirofl.com/blog/172877-chiropractic-and-gut-health https://chiropractoratlanta.com/chiropractic-care-gastroparesis/ https://www.healthline.com/health/gastroparesis https://www.thejoint.com/texas/dallas/casa-linda-28074/how-chiropractic-care-can-ease-digestive-problems

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