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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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7 Ways Chiropractic Improves Heart Health

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.

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Improve Your Quality of Life

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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Tips for preventing heart-related illness.

Summer heat waves can be dangerous.  A very high body temperature can damage the brain and other vital organs.  Some health conditions can make it harder for the body to stay cool in hot weather.  This includes old age, obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, poor circulation, sunburn, drug and alcohol use.  To protect your health when temperatures are very high: GET PLENTY TO DRINK Sweat removes needed salt and minerals from the body.  When it is hot drink more water, juice and sports drinks.  Avoid drinks with caffeine (tea, coffee and cola) and alcohol.  Be sure to eat regularly. STAY COOL INDOORS The best way to beat the heat is to stay in an air conditioned area.  If you do not have air conditioning, go to a shopping mall or a public building for a few hours.  A cool shower or bath is also a good way to cool off. WEAR LIGHT CLOTHING AND SUNSCREEN Wear as little clothing as possible when you are at home.  Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.  In the hot sun, a wide-brimmed hat will keep the head cool.  If you will be in direct sun, use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher and follow package directions.  Reapply every 2 hours while in the sun. SCHEDULE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES CAREFULLY Try to be less active during the hottest part of the day, which is late afternoon.  If you must be out in the heat, plan your activities so that you are outdoors either before noon or in the evening.  While outdoors, rest often in a shady area.  Never leave kids or pets in a parked car. PACE YOURSELF If you are not use to working or exercising in hot weather, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually.  Take frequent regularly scheduled breaks.  If activity in the heat makes your heart pound or leaves you gasping for breath, stop the activity immediately and get into a cool or shady area and rest.  This is especially important if you become lightheaded, confused, weak or feel faint. USE A BUDDY SYSTEM During a heat wave, check on your friends and family and have someone do the same for you.  If you know someone who is elderly and has a health condition, check on them twice a day during the hear wave.  Watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. High temperatures can cause serious health problems.  Know the  symptoms of heat-related illness and be ready to help. Warning: If your doctor limits the amount of fluid you drink, or if you take water pills, ask him or her how much you should drink when the weather is hot.  If you are on a low-salt diet, talk to your doctor before drinking sports beverages.

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