Newry & Banbridge Chiropractic Blog
Providing tips for the treatment of back and neck pain
Bottom Line:
We love our kids and always encourage them to be their very best. Well, if your children get adjusted, science now says your kids are getting physically stronger. When it comes to kids and sports, stronger often means better…
Have you ever had a nagging neck pain that slowed you down and kept you from doing the things you love? You’re not alone. Millions of people every year suffer from neck and arm pain caused by a disc herniation. Sometimes the pain is caused by an injury, other times you just seem to wake up one day with numbness or tingling.
The good news is, you don’t have to rely on medications, injections, or surgeries to get back your quality of life. New scientific research has shown patients experience HUGE improvements with natural health care, such as Chiropractic, and the more you know, the smarter you can be with your healthcare choices.
Our bodies are designed to heal, but sometimes they need a little help. Medications and injections tend to mask the problem and often have a lot of dangerous side effects.
Well, you should be happy to know that Chiropractic adjustments not only help provide fantastic pain relief, but they also help correct the underlying problem so you can find long-term relief.
• After 2 weeks of receiving Chiropractic care, over 55% of patients experienced relief from their neck pain.
• At the 3 month mark, over 75% of patients reported experiencing significant relief.
Sitting at a desk, awkward sleeping positions, and just plain getting older can all contribute to neck pain and disc problems. Maintaining an active lifestyle by eating right, exercising, and getting periodic Chiropractic care can help your body fend off these degenerative processes. Ask the doctor today about how they maintain a healthy lifestyle using Chiropractic care. Learning how to stay happy and healthy; that’s what we call a smart decision!
Disc bulging (and herniations) are a natural part of the aging process. Yes, that’s right. As gravity pulls you down, you continue to age, and injuries catch up to you – your body starts to wear down, and degenerative processes begin. As a matter of fact, degeneration of the spine often begins before you are even 30 years old!
If you have had an MRI of your spine, you may have hit the floor when looking at the report. It can be scary when you see multiple levels of your spine have disc bulges, degenerative changes, and herniations. Well, don’t worry – just because various levels of your spine are not perfect, it doesn’t mean that they’re all causing pain, and research shows us that you are in the right place!
The truth is, you can have disc bulges and herniations that don’t cause pain. Our job is to perform a careful examination and determine which, if any, of your discs, are causing pain, numbness, or weakness. If you’re suffering from a disc bulge or herniation that is causing pain, adjustments may be just what the doctor ordered.
• Over 90% of patients with disc herniations reported being better or much better following Chiropractic care.
• Within the first two weeks of receiving adjustments, over 55% of patients reported significant improvement.
Sharing is one of the best ways to show you care for your friends and family. Take this research and share it with a friend or family member who recently had an MRI of their spine. They may be scared and unsure of what to do next. However, once they are able to understand their condition, and that conservative care is their best option, they will be able to make a smart decision about their health!
Bottom Line:
Did you know that the primary side effect of headache medications is, well…headaches! Yes, many prescriptions that are taken for headaches tend to contribute to headaches. Talk about a vicious cycle – but, headache sufferers may not need to take these medications to find relief. New research indicates that Chiropractic care can significantly decrease the frequency of tension headaches.
Why it Matters:
Headaches are a pain. Literally and figuratively. Too many people (maybe even you or someone you know) have had to take time off work, or even miss an important social event, due to a headache. In short – they dramatically decrease your quality of life! Well, medications are no longer the only answer to relieving your headaches. Gentle, effective Chiropractic care has been shown to reduce muscle tension, improve posture, and improve the quality of life for people suffering from headaches starting on the first visit!
– The primary side effect of medications commonly taken for headaches is more headaches.
– Chiropractic care can address the cause of your headaches with adjustments, postural correction, and nutritional support.
– Research supports Chiropractic as one of the most safe and effective natural solutions for tension and migraine headaches.
Next Steps:
We all know someone that has had to leave early or take time out from work due to headaches. Take this copy of Research That Matters and share it with them. You would be surprised how many people don’t know that Chiropractic care may help them get their life back and reduce their headaches.
Science Source:
Evidence-Based Guidelines for the Chiropractic Treatment of Adults with Headache. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. Volume 34, Number 5. 2011
Efficacy of Manual and Manipulative Therapy in the Perception of Pain and Cervical Motion in Patients with a Tension-Type Headache: A Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine (2014) 13, 4-13
Bottom Line:
Are you connected to your phone and computer around the clock? Think about it – many of us aren’t more than an arm’s length from our phone at any time (even when we’re sleeping). It’s part of living in a connected world, but all of that time on the phone cruising Amazon and Buzzfeed takes a toll. It can place a lot of tension on the supporting muscles of our neck and start to cause headaches. It’s called “tech neck”, and it’s one of the most common causes of headaches and neck pain.
Why it Matters:
Messaging on WhatsApp, updating Instagram, and commenting on your friend’s Facebook page is fun. However, the hours per day we spend on our phones and computers can be a significant contributor to tension headaches. Thankfully, you don’t need to through away your phone to start solving the problem. Visiting a Chiropractor has been shown to decrease both the frequency and severity of tension headaches. Chiropractors are the best natural healthcare option for people suffering from headaches.
– “Tech neck” is the term used to describe the symptoms of headaches, neck pain, and poor posture as a result of using your phone, tablet, and computer.
– Chiropractors can decrease the pain and reverse the effects of “tech neck” through adjustments and postural exercises.
– Pro-actively addressing “tech neck” may help to prevent it from causing pain in the future.
Next Steps:
Share this research with your friend who has the most followers on Instagram. If they are spending a lot of time engaged online and taking awesome pictures, then they are very likely suffering from tension headaches as a result of their posture when using their phone. Take a picture of this paper right now, post it to Instagram, and tag them! They will be happy you did.
Science Source:
Evidence-Based Guidelines for the Chiropractic Treatment of Adults with Headache. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. Volume 34, Number 5. 2011
Efficacy of Manual and Manipulative Therapy in the Perception of Pain and Cervical Motion in Patients with a Tension-Type Headache: A Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine (2014) 13, 4-13
Bottom Line:
Headaches make it difficult to concentrate and communicate, leaving you ready to curl up on the couch and pull a blanket over your head. Some people suffer from headaches multiple times per week! As you can imagine, this can leave you feeling tired, irritable, and sometimes even depressed. But did you know that new research has shown a new path to find relief? Researchers have discovered Chiropractic care can provide over a 50% reduction in pain by the first follow-up.
Why it Matters:
Over 75% of adults suffer from headaches, many with migraines. What can they do? Take medication every day? Take a few days off from their active lifestyles? Well, with Chiropractic care, they won’t need to. Adjustments can decrease the frequency AND severity of headaches. By reducing the overall pain level, frequency, and severity, you can get back to your regular activities quickly and regain your quality of life.
– Millions of people suffer from headaches every day.
– Adjustments have been shown to safely reduce the pain level, frequency, and duration of tension-type headaches.
– Researchers have found Chiropractic adjustments can provide over 50% relief by the first follow-up!
Next Steps:
We all know people who continually suffer from migraine headaches. Take this paper and give it to a friend or co-worker who you know has struggled with migraine headaches. Many people don’t understand that the best treatment for their headaches may be in a Chiropractor’s office instead of at the bottom of a bottle of pills. This paper may change their life!
Science Source:
Evidence-Based Guidelines for the Chiropractic Treatment of Adults with Headache. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. Volume 34, Number 5. 2011
Efficacy of Manual and Manipulative Therapy in the Perception of Pain and Cervical Motion in Patients with a Tension-Type Headache: A Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine (2014) 13, 4-13
Bottom Line:
Midwives, doulas, and OB-GYN’s can all be important during pregnancy. Each has a unique role to play, whether that’s support, education, or even delivery. Your prenatal team is there to make sure you have a safe and memorable birth experience, and when it comes to relieving pregnancy-related back pain, there is no better choice than a Chiropractor.
Why it Matters:
Chiropractors around the world work hand in hand with midwives, doulas, and OB-GYNs. For a Chiropractor, their role is to help an expecting mum stay active, pain-free, and as comfortable as possible both before and after her delivery.
– Over 90% of women will experience low back and pelvic pain during pregnancy.
– Women receiving Chiropractic care during pregnancy report an improved quality of life and less pain.
– Chiropractic and obstetric care together result in greater pain reduction than obstetric care alone.
Next Steps:
Take this handout and share it with your OB-GYN, midwife, or doula. Let them know you have a Chiropractor on your prenatal care team! Show them that research supports the use of Chiropractic care during pregnancy. This is the “evidence” they may need to know it’s a smart decision.
Science Source:
A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing a Multimodal Intervention and Standard Obstetrics Care for Low Back and Pelvic Pain in Pregnancy. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2012 Oct 2
Chiropractic Treatment of a Pregnant Patient with Lumbar Radiculopathy
Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 2007. 6. 153-158
Bottom Line:
Did you know, 90% of women who receive Chiropractic care during pregnancy wish they could stay pregnant for another six months!? Ok, ok, that was a joke – but it’s no joke that research supports Chiropractic care as one of the most safe and effective options for assisting with pregnancy-related low back pain.
Why it Matters:
Even with all the changes that occur in a woman’s body during pregnancy, what doesn’t change is her daily responsibilities. Staying active and pain-free is essential for most women, especially knowing they can’t put the brakes on their lives just because they’re pregnant.
– Over 50% of women report back pain during pregnancy.
– Researchers have found Chiropractic care reduces low back pain in pregnant women by over 60%.
– These researchers also found those women receiving Chiropractic care reported significantly less trouble sleeping.
Next Steps:
Share it with a friend who is looking to start a family. You might be surprised how many women feel like there are no good options for dealing with the aches and pains associated with their pregnancies. Now thanks to you, they will now know Chiropractic is not only an option, it’s their best choice!
Science Source:
A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing a Multimodal Intervention and Standard Obstetrics Care for Low Back and Pelvic Pain in Pregnancy. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2012 Oct 23.
Chiropractic Spinal Manipulation for Low Back Pain of Pregnancy: A Retrospective Case Series
J Midwifery Womens Health. 2006 Jan-Feb; 51(1):e7-10.
Bottom Line:
Going through 3 trimesters and nearly 9 full months of carrying a baby is a long, long, long time. Even just a few months can seem like an eternity if you’re a mum dealing with pregnancy-related low back pain. We’ve got great news for you – it doesn’t need to be that way! Chiropractic care has helped millions of expecting mothers feel better than ever, before, during and after their pregnancies.
Why it Matters:
Between the extra weight, fatigue, and pain, pregnancy can be tough on a woman’s body. However, Chiropractic care can dramatically improve an expecting mom’s quality of life. The best part? Chiropractic is effective AND safe!
– Drastic hormone changes occur during pregnancy that affect a woman’s musculoskeletal system.
– The hormone relaxin loosens the ligaments of her pelvis and spine.
– The instability and loosening of these ligaments can cause her back and sciatica pain.
Next Steps:
You probably have friends who are pregnant right now or thinking of getting pregnant soon. Let them know they have a Chiropractor close by who can help them let the good times roll!
Science Source:
A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing a Multimodal Intervention and Standard Obstetrics Care for Low Back and Pelvic Pain in Pregnancy. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2012 Oct 23.
Bottom Line:
Pregnancy is a special time in every couple’s life. Having a baby is an emotional rollercoaster. Joy, happiness, anticipation, and excitement are all part of the process, but the process of how an expecting mom’s body changes over the course of her pregnancy is a different story. For over 90% of women, these changes result in low back pain, and over half of women with back pain during pregnancy will continue to have back pain after pregnancy.
Why it Matters:
Chiropractic care has been shown to be one of the safest and most effective ways to help relieve pregnancy related back pain both during and after pregnancy. Having a Chiropractor on your prenatal care team will help you stay active and maintain a high quality of life throughout your pregnancy.
– Extra weight in the abdominal area places stress on the joints in the low back.
– This stress on the low back (or hyperlordosis) can lead to pregnancy-related low back pain (PRLBP).
– A recent study shows Chiropractic care both reduces pain and improves the quality of life PRLBP sufferers.
Next Steps:
Share this with a friend who is expecting. You might be surprised how many women don’t know how much better their pregnancy experience could be with Chiropractic care…
Science Source:
A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing a Multimodal Intervention and Standard Obstetrics Care for Low Back and Pelvic Pain in Pregnancy. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 2012 Oct 23.