Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Is Chiropratic Safe?


There’s a reason people who have seen chiropractors swear by them and continue to go back: because chiropractic care is just as safe as it is effective.
Your spine is an extremely important feature of your anatomy. Aside from obvious reasons, it’s also the home to your central nervous system and, thus, is surrounded by nerves. On top of that, you have large and important muscle groups all around it, as well.
Chiropractors are trained specialists who spend their entire careers learning about this one vital part of the body - your spine.

Chiropractic has been shown to be one of the safest treatment approaches in healthcare today. No intervention is free from risks but chiropractic has a very safe track record.
Minor side effects (such as temporary soreness similar to that which can be experienced after a workout) after spine manipulation can happen but that the risk of a serious adverse event was ‘low to very low’.


Some reports have associated upper high-velocity neck manipulation with a certain rare kind of stroke, or vertebral artery dissection. However, evidence suggests that this type of arterial injury often takes place spontaneously in patients who have pre-existing arterial disease. These dissections have been associated with everyday activities such as turning the head while driving, swimming, or having a shampoo in a hair salon. Patients with this condition may experience neck pain and headache that leads them to seek professional care—often at the office of a doctor of chiropractic or family physician—but that care is not the cause of the injury. Studies have found that “there was no evidence that visiting a Chiropractor put people at greater risk than visiting a primary care physician.” 

The best evidence indicates that the incidence of artery injuries associated with high-velocity upper neck manipulation is extremely rare—about 1 per 5.85 million. To put this in perspective, the odds of being struck by lightning in any one year is 1 in 700,000. Therefore, having a significant side effect from a chiropractic treatment is much less likely than getting struck by lightning!
Risks associated with some of the most common treatments for musculoskeletal pain—over-the-counter or prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and prescription painkillers—are significantly greater than those of chiropractic manipulation.
 According to the American Journal of Gastroenterology, people taking NSAIDS are three times more likely than those who do not to develop serious adverse gastrointestinal problems such as hemorrhage (bleeding) and perforation. That risk rises to more than five times among people age 60 and older.
Moreover, the number of prescriptions for powerful drugs such as oxycodone and hydrocodone have tripled in the past 12 years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that abuse of these commonly prescribed painkillers are among the leading causes of accidental death in the United States. Overdoses of opioid painkillers are responsible for some 15,000 deaths per year; that’s more than the number of deaths from cocaine and heroin combined.
When you look at the data, Chiropractic is an extremely safe health care option and an important part of your overall health. Book an appointment to start feeling your best.
 Dr. Stephen Kelly is a Chiropractor at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness, located In Red Deer, AB
 
www.family1stchiro.ca   Call 403-347-3261 to book an appointment.

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Is it time for a New Mattress?


The value of a good night sleep goes far beyond the price of a new mattress. Here are some things to consider when purchasing a mattress. Your back will thank you!

How well did you sleep last night or throughout the week?
Quality of sleep has definite impact on quality of life, interactions socially or with family, and most importantly your general mood. Sleep deprivation is not only lack of sleep. It is also the quality of sleep throughout the night. Waking up every couple of hours effects the quality of sleep. At the work place Sleep deprivation can lead to decreased productivity, increased sick days, and increased risk of injury due to poor response time and accuracy.
Back pain can also be attributed to a poor night’s sleep. British Chiropractic Association (BCA) study in 2011 reported that 41% woman and 36% men claimed that back pain contributed to their back lack of sleep. If your consistently woken up with neck and/or back pain? You want to examine the quality of your mattress. The average night's sleep is eight hours (one third of a day), one sleeps for one third of one's life. If you live, say, 75 years, that's 25 years asleep, or 9,125 days. This clearly is a reason why your mattress play such an important role in maintaining your musculoskeletal (MSK) health. Here are some Tid Bits when purchasing a new mattress.

1       Beds tend to deteriorate after Ten years. So waking up with a sore neck or back on repeated occasions, and mattress is over Ten years old. Consider buying a new mattress.
2       Chronic low back pain. Medium-Firm mattresses are better when compared to soft mattresses. Studies show that the quality of sleep can improve by 55% and back pain decreased by 48%.
3       Adjustable bed according to an individual preference is associated with quality of sleep.
4       Mattresses that promote skin warming may improve the quality of sleep by reducing early morning awakening and enhancing a deeper sleep.
5       Soft mattresses decrease excessive compressive forces on your joints. However, mattresses that are more firm help maintain proper posture.
Keep in mind that each individual has a different body type. Saying this, take the time to try out the bed before buying and see if it’s right for you.



Make sure you explore all the options and do the research to meet your specific needs. A good night’s sleep will ensure you can continue your daily activities and quality of life. Consider these tips before your purchase of your next mattress. Your back depends on it.

Dr. Elton Clemence D.C.

Dr. Elton Clemence practices at Family First Chiropractic located at 142 Erickson drive in Red Deer. Call us today to book an appointment (403)347-3261 or visit us at www.family1stchiro.ca

Tuesday, May 08, 2018

Massage Therapy & Pain Management


The purpose of massage therapy is to target the source of the body’s pain via eliminating tense muscles, increasing flexibility, and providing relaxation to the affected muscles as well as the body as a whole. Massage also promotes circulation to the affected or injured muscles, which increases nutrients and oxygen to the damaged tissues. In turn, this increased activity to the affected sites reduces stiffness and edema (swelling) in the muscles and joints, as well as increases flexibility to help reduce pain. 

Moreover, this form of therapy also releases endorphins (pain-killing hormones), which boost the dopamine and serotonin levels in the body. These hormones assist the body in many ways–physically as well as emotionally. Case in point, they promote healing, pain management, and feelings of euphoria, as well as help to calm the nerves.




Guy Lacoursiere, RMT practices at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness, located at 142 Erickson Drive. Call 403-347-3261 to book an appointment or visit us online.

Tuesday, May 01, 2018

Yoga and Wellness


What is Yoga? Yoga is a way of life, an integrated system of education for the body, mind and inner spirit. This art of right living was perfected and practiced  in India  thousands of years ago but, since yoga deals with universal truths, its teachings are as valid today as they were in ancient times.
Yoga can be practiced by anyone regardless of age,gender, or physical ability. It will enhance your studies and reduce stress, and help you to enjoy your free time. If you do suffer from any specific medical condition it is best to check with your doctors before taking up asana practice.

Asana benefits:
Physical benefits focuses on increasing and maintaining flexibility of the spine, toning and rejuvenating the nervous system. The gentle stretching, twisting and bending movements bring flexibility to the other joints and muscles of the body, as well as massaging the glands and organs. Circulaion is also improved, ensuring a rich supply of nutrients and oxygen  to all the cells of the body.
Mental benefits: steady postures free the mind from disturbances caused by physical movement, promoting steadiness of mind, balanced emotions, and an improved outlook on life.
Pranic benefits: Asana work in much the same ways as acupuncture or shiatsu, but the yogic system of pranic balancing is more subtle. To gain the benefit, you must practice asana regular over a period of time, but once you  feel the benefits, they will last longer. The different poses put pressure on vaious points, purifing and strenthening the nadis.
Massage available at Family First Chiropractic, located at 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer. Call 403-347-3261 to book today!