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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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Only a Chiropractor Can Correct Vertebral Subluxation

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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6 Benefits of Chiropractic Care You Might Not Know

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

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