Headaches and Migraines

Migraines are the third most common disease in the world, currently ranked 7th as the most disabling disease. 

Anything from bright screens, loud music or lack of food and water can all be triggers for one of these uncomfortable aches. They are so common that most people just accept them as a part of their life and pop a painkiller so that they can carry on with their day, rather than trying to find and address the cause.

 Just because they are common does not mean they are normal. 

Frequent or not, head or neck pain caused by migraines and tension headaches are not something to live with and endure. No one should feel miserable and irritable, desperately trying to find something to make them go away. Many headaches are caused by damaged structures around the neck like joints, ligaments, muscles and cervical discs, all of which have complex nerve endings. Our highly qualified and experienced chiropractors are trained to find, examine and correct the musculoskeletal problems that lead to headaches. They have several specific techniques which can help improve the function of the neck and make headaches and pain killers a thing of the past.

If you like to discuss your headaches in further detail. Contact Dr. Elton Clemence at the clinic at www.family1stchiro.ca or call us at 403-347-3261 for consultation and to set up a time to have your spine and nervous system checked.

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 thanks you!

How well did you sleep through 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 you’re 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 life, say, 75 years, that’s 25 years asleep, or 9,125 days. This clearly is a reason why your mattress plays 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, if you are 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 mattress are better when compared to soft mattresses. Studies show that the quality of sleep can improve by 55% and back pain decrease by 48%.

          3 – Adjustable beds, according to an individual preference, can be 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 compression forces on your joints. However, mattresses that are 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 Dr in  Red Deer, Ab. Cal us today to book an appointment 403-347-3261 or visit us at www.family1stchiro.ca

Arthritis and joint pain - how chiropractic can help

350 million people worldwide are affected by arthritis. Painful inflammation and stiffness of the joints are common side effects. Arthritis can affects both young and elderly people. The most common form, osteoarthritis also known as degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis is usually caused by repetitive joint trauma and more common in the elderly. Other forms such as Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis are a form of an autoimmune disease found in the younger population ranging from 30-60yrs of age.

How can you manage arthritis?

Weight bearing exercise can help reduce the pain and stiffness of arthritis because it maintains mobility and keeps muscles strong enough to support joints. A balanced diet and a healthy weight are also vital, as well as is learning proper biomechanics. Helps patients avoid putting too much pressure on them. And when used alongside conventional medicines, complementary therapies such as chiropractic can be enormously beneficial in relieving the pain of arthritis. Whatever type of arthritis you're dealing with, you might well be relying on pain relief medication to function from day to day. But long-term non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs) are worth noting. Studies show side effects can range from Kidney damage, Liver damage and heart disease.

Chiropractic: holistic pain relief

With regular Chiropractic treatment, you can take the edge off your pain, and increase mobility making life more manageability. Increased joint mobility, enables patients to enjoy their favourite activities with less restriction. In fact, according to William Lauretti, DC, professor at New York Chiropractic College, chiropractic patients with arthritis often improve without the need for pain medications.

One study, conducted in 2013 and published in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, the official journal of the Osteoarthritis Research Society International, actually found that 12 chiropractic treatments in combination with a patient education program were more effective for hip osteoarthritis than a daily stretching program or patient education alone. And in 2010, a British analysis of nearly 100 studies found that chiropractic manipulation was helpful for a variety of conditions, including knee osteoarthritis.

How does chiropractic work to ease arthritis?

If the structure of a joint is not right, it’s unable to work as it is supposed to. This is where chiropractic shines by maximizing the function of an arthritic joint. The resulting in decreased pain and better ability to cope in everyday activities.

At Family First, your chiropractor will take a detailed medical history, including a physical examination of every joint and X-rays if necessary. In this way, we will develop a treatment approach that is specific to your issues, always taking the time and care to listen to your concerns and how your arthritis is affecting your life.

Other treatment protocols such as ultrasound or muscle stim. In addition to chiropractic care can also be used to manage joint inflammation and mobility.

The help of a personalized treatment plan that includes lifestyle changes, you can find freedom from pain and retain more mobility and independence. Elderly people can perform their daily activity, younger people can stay active at work, meet the physical demands of looking after young children, and of course have the energy and ability to enjoy their hobbies.

If you have any questions feel free to email Dr. Elton Clemence at the clinic at www.family1stchiro.ca or call us at 403-347-3261 for consultation and to set up a time to have your spine and nervous system checked.

Tips for Better Digestion

Digestion is the process were our food is broken down so it can be absorbed into the bloodstream and carried to cells throughout the body to providing nourishment and energy. If your digestive system is not functioning at its best, this could lead to a suppressed immune system. Improving digestion is one of the most important steps you can take in improving your health.

Integrate these tips into your day-to-day activity to help improve your digestive function.

Stay Hydrated.  Drinking enough water keeps your intestines smooth and flexible and helps keep the food you eat moving through your intestines.

Get Your Magnesium.   Improved digestion. Muscles within the digestive tract, including the intestinal wall, are relaxed by magnesium, which improves digestion, as well as counterbalances stomach acid and advances stools through the intestines. General relaxation.

Take Probiotics.  Taking probiotics have been found to play a positive role in digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function, weight loss, detoxification and prevention of urinary tract infections.

Increase Fiber Intake.  Eating fiber-rich foods helps move the contents of the large intestine along more quickly and helps to soften the stool by absorbing water.

Get Moving.  The sedentary modern lifestyle puts a kink in the digestive process and makes normal digestion more difficult. Regular exercise helps keep foods moving through your digestive system, reducing constipation and helping you maintain a healthy weight.

Reduce Stress.  Stress can cause your digestive system to shut down due to the “flight or fight” response. This increases the incidence of constipation. Stress can also lead to increased heart burn

Take Your Time.  Eat in a relaxed environment and focus on eating. Slow down and focus on chewing your food. Notice the flavours of each bite and be mindful of what and how much you are consuming. Slowing down allows your body to register when you have eaten all that you need and helps to avoid overeating.

Remove Food Sensitivities.  Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Crohn’s disease have been linked to IgG food reactions. Research has shown that elimination of IgG reactive foods can alleviate IBS symptoms.

Talk to your healthcare professional about other lifestyle changes and testing options available to you to help prevent and alleviate your digestive issues.

If you have any questions feel free to email Dr. Elton Clemence at the clinic at www.family1stchiro.ca or call us at 403-347-3261 for consultation and to set up a time to have your spine and nervous system checked.

Fighting the Winter Blues

With the days being shorter and the air outside is a lot colder. Staying indoors, and only doing things that brings us comfort is tempting. Like sitting on our phones or binging our favorite TV series. However, while comfortable and warm these activities are. They leave us sedentary, and not as active as we are in the summer. This affects the balance of chemicals produced in the body that impacts how we feel. Particularly pain and pleasure. These are our endorphins taking affect.

Endorphins are our natural pain and stress fighters. They interact with your brain responsible for our emotional responses and sensitivity to pain. Since Endorphins are also responsible for our feelings of pleasure they are linked to our reward system involved in eating, drinking, sexual activity, and maternal behaviour. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to help boost the level of endorphins in your body. One of those things is exercise.

Exercise encourages the body to produce more endorphins. For example, sometimes runners experience a “runner’s high”, or a level of vitality after a workout. These are the Endorphins kicking in. The same experience can be had for anyone after an extended period of physical exercise. Working your body physically can give you more energy throughout the day, allowing you to sleep better at night and feel more relaxed. It also helps the brain repair and recover, reduces inflammation in the body, and helps you feel calm and have an overall sense of well-being.

You can replicate these positive sensations by taking steps to add a bit more exercise into your day. Any activity leaving you out of breath for bouts of 10 minutes or more throughout the week can help you fend off the winter blues.

Regular meditation, yoga, and tai-chi helps to decrease stress hormones and increase endorphins as well. So you Yogies can that Endorphin boost too.  Not only that, simple pleasures such as love, laughter, sunshine, and chocolate all increase endorphins as well.

Take care of yourself this winter Red Deer, and remember that there are lots of ways to make the short dark winter days brighter.

Dr. Elton Clemence

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

Why Pilates is One of the Best Exercise Out There

Have you ever looked at the timetable of classes at the gym and wondered what on earth it all means? It feels like there are about a million different forms of exercise to choose from. Entire gyms are dedicated to Crossfit, countless running groups, team sports you have never even heard of, classes with names you only vaguely recognise. So much to offer choosing can feel pretty overwhelming, and difficult to figure out which one is right for you. In addition, choosing an exercise regime that can make a difference to your health, and will actually be enjoyable. Pilates is the class that everybody has heard of, but few understand what it actually is and what the benefits are.

Let us enlighten you; Pilates is a gentle, low-impact, full-body workout which focuses on control, breathing, and concentration to work the muscles. Regular gym routine can develop habits with poorly-formed reps with too-heavy weights only adds stress and damage to your body, whereas Pilates reduces physical and mental stress without compromising on results. It is also one of the most accessible classes out there; you will easily find sessions at a range of levels, from beginner right up to advanced, so don’t let nervousness about your novice status put you off! There are so many additional health benefits to Pilates that you will kick yourself for chickening out—who doesn’t want to improve their balance, tone their muscles, feel relaxed, and lose weight all at once?!

Pilates is especially great for those who work desk-based jobs or who spend a long time each day in a sedentary position—if you are one of these people you are very likely to have poor posture, which Pilates is designed to correct. It achieves this through moves which elongate the body and enhance lower back, shoulder, and abdominal muscles, whilst teaching good alignment through gentle stretches. Focusing on strengthening your core and the muscles around your spine in this way leaves the body capable of naturally maintaining a healthy, upright posture, which in turn reduces neck and back pain. Supporting your spine with good posture is key to allowing your body to function at its optimum level.

It is also one of the kindest workouts for your joints and posture, reduces stress, and releases endorphins (happy hormones!), all whilst giving your body a robust and effective workout. The additional benefits of healthy posture and improved general wellbeing makes Pilates dream of an exercise, so next time you’re looking over the abyss list of classes trying to decide what to book yourself in for, give Pilates a chance.

For more information on choosing an exercise routine, speak to your chiropractor.

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

Loving Your Own Body Image

Society emphasizes the journey to pursue unattainable body image standards, beauty, and
perfection. Numerous individuals struggle with coming to terms with accepting and
loving their own bodies. After all, it can seem like an unconquerable challenge to find
self-peace in your own skin.

Mainstream media’s constant messages that describe a consumer lacking in the type of
beauty that their products can perhaps achieve. However, instead of listening to the false
ideals, read these tips to find your path to self-love.

Talk back to Media
Don’t be silent after hearing or viewing an advertisement or program that lowers your
sense of security. The media is not a reflection of reality, so remember to remind yourself
that these qualities that are making you uncomfortable only require your permission to do
so.

De-emphasize Numbers
Remember that eating habits and exercise habits are far more important than calories or
BMI. Try not to spend too much time on the scale, and remember to value your
motivation in leading a healthy lifestyle instead of stressing over numbers. Your weight
can fluctuate daily, so don’t let a number dictate the happiness of your day. You’re
allowed to feel good about yourself, no matter what a machine tells you.

Stop Comparing
Your physiology is unique, and everybody has different abilities and needs. Focus on the
things that your body can do well, and the aspects of your body that you admire and
appreciate, and don’t use someone else’s body as a reference point.

Move and Enjoy Your Body
Enjoying and moving your body makes you feel relaxed, strong, and energized. Take part
in activities that you enjoy or would like to try out, instead of feeling forced to go to the
gym.

Finally, spend time with people who have a healthy relationship with their bodies,
exercise, and food. Their attitudes could be contagious and have a positive influence on
your own relationships to these issues.

Dr. Elton Clemence

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

Tips for Choosing the Right Backpack for Your Kids

Backpacks have an important role in impacting in the growing and developing bodies of children. Due to the amount of time our kids have them on. Saying this, heavy or poorly fitted backpack can affect a child’s musculoskeletal health—both today and in the future. It’s time to review a few guiding principles to prepare your child for school, keeping their health in mind.

It’s too common to see children trotting along to school, back hunched forward to balance a heavy or over-sized bag. Unfortunately, carrying such heavy loads long-term can cause problems to a child’s musculoskeletal system, and result in back pain—among other things. For example, children may condition their bodies to lean forward, arch their backs, and lean to one side. Prolonged repetitive strain on their spine or Creep can settle in the spine. Muscle then become fatigued and strained. This type of physical stress can also alter a child’s posture and gait.

So how can these health consequences be prevented? It’s simple—help your child choose the correct backpack which will fit their body and is adjustable as they grow.

Follow these helpful tips:

1.      The backpack should be between 10 to 15 percent of the body weight of the child.

2.      Distribute the weight of the bag evenly across the back. The more spread out the load. The less strain there is on their developing body.

3.      Make sure the child wears both shoulder straps. Wearing a backpack over just one shoulder can cause leaning to one side, which over a prolonged time could curve the spine over time.

4.      Adjust shoulder straps so the backpack fits closely to the upper part of the body. The further a backpack is away from the body, the more difficult it is to achieve proper balance and the body has to over compensate.

5.      The backpack should never hang more than four inches below the waistline.

6.      A backpack with individualized compartments helps in positioning its contents most effectively.

7.      Bigger is definitely not necessarily better. The more room there is in a backpack, the more your child will carry and the heavier the backpack will likely be.

8.      Finally, the shoulder straps should be adjustable so the backpack can be fitted to your child’s body.

For more information on choosing the correct backpack, speak to your chiropractor.

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

Importance of Your Cervical Curve

How many times have you been told to sit up straight? It turns out your parents were right. Sitting up straight is good advice indeed. Hunching your shoulders and keeping your head down while working, studying, or texting isn’t just bad for posture, it can actually reduce the healthy curve in your cervical spine. Here is some information you need to get in the loop about why the body has, and needs this important curve.

What is the Cervical Curve?

The cervical curve is the length of your neck, and contains the first seven vertebrae of your spine. It begins directly below your skull at the atlas vertebrae and ends above the thoracic spine. A healthy cervical curve resembles a wide, backward “C” shape and studies show the ideal cervical curve is approximately 42 degrees when standing upright.

Cervical Curvature Starts with Tummy Time

Infants are born with spines curved like the letter “C” and this makes sense when you think about how babies are positioned in utero. At a few months old, the cervical curve starts to form due to that important “tummy time”—the period when infants begin holding their heads up while lying on their stomachs and crawling. This leads to the development of the lumbar curve. Lumbar curve further develops as infants start to walk. These two critical curves slightly resemble an “S” shape in healthy adult spines.

How Do Cervical Curves Reduce?

Cervical spine can lose its curvature due to both major and minor traumas to the body. Physical stresses like car accidents, slips, falls and sports injuries can reduce spinal curvatures. Micro traumas, such as sitting with poor posture for prolonged period of time. Poor sleeping habits. Such as sleeping on your stomach or using unsupportive pillows or too many pillows put our spines in a compromised position.”

What You Can Do 

Get checked by a doctor of chiropractic for cervical curve loss and its severity, or osteoarthritis. Your chiropractor will create a customized plan for correcting, reversing or preventing the continued degeneration. Like a crooked tooth Cervical curve reduction is due to structural changes. Where muscles, ligaments has shortened or lengthened, and adhesions formed. In addition, every inch of forward head posture, the weight of the head on the spine increases by an additional 10 pounds. Research also indicates that continuous forward head posture leads to long-term muscle strain, disc herniation, arthritis and pinched nerves.

Dr. Elton Clemence is a Chiropractor at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness, located in Red Deer, AB 142 Erickson Drive, www.family1stchiro.ca

Forward Heads Increase Head Weight

Neck pain can be a recurring condition that can frustrating to most patients. The simple anatomical answer is because holding your head up is like trying to balance a bowling ball on the end of a pool cue. This presents a challenges for the neck.    

Most common answers from patients experiencing neck pain: Poor sleeping positions, poor desk posture, using mobile phones/ipads, gardening, previous motor vehicle accidents, and over head decorating.

Bottom line is that we humans have very large heads that was designed to protect our very large brains. Head position is to be held high to scan the horizon looking for food and danger. In today’s world we are now sitting far too much either at a desk, driving or texting throughout the day. This causes significant imbalances in the muscles that were designed to help hold our heads up above our shoulders. Over time this continuous strain on vertebral anatomy causing postural weakness and permanent forward head carriage.

Furthermore, for every inch the head moves forward on the shoulders. The weight of the head increases by at least ten 10lbs. So for instance, if a patient’s head weighs 10lbs, and is 3 inches forward past the shoulders. This would increase head weight to 40lbs causing abnormal leverage on the cervical spine, putting extra pressure on muscles and joints of the neck.

Due to our daily activities the body will shift the head forward away from a stiff, tender and jammed joints in the neck. Over time the cervical spine can be reduced or straightened. Causing structural changes and degeneration. Regular checkups, Chiropractic adjustments and specific neck exercises can stop this process from happening.

For more information on forward head carriage, or to schedule an appointment, please contact Family First Chiropractic and Wellness.

Dr. Elton Clemence is a Chiropractor at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness, located In Red Deer, AB 142 Erickson Dr ,www.family1stchiro.ca 403-347-3261 to book an appointment.

CranioSacral Therapy and Women

CranioSacral Therapy and Women

One of the greatest benefits of CranioSacral therapy is its effectiveness in dealing with the many natural cycles, conditions and related complications that we women go through as we journey through life.

Conditions such as:

·         Puberty.

·         Attempting to get pregnant.

·         Pregnancy.

·         Pregnancy and birth complications.

·         Infant and toddler care and nurturing.

·         Menopause.

·         Conditions attached to later in life.

It is also in the area of Women's Health that conventional medicine and complementary health approaches are often found working side-by-side.

It is interesting to note that I notice the following:

• The majority of people who make health decisions in the households tend to be the women (booking children, husbands for treatments).
• While women are very happy to put enormous time and energy into looking after others (their unborn children when pregnant, baby infants, toddlers, children, Husbands/partners) - they seem to put themselves last in line when it comes to good old preventative and early treatment of many ailments!

I feel it is important for women to learn to take better care of themselves.

Working with CranioSacral Therapy myself over the last number of years has helped me to get more in touch with my own natural health rhythm - and I have found that while many of my female clients may have come for a specific ailment - over time they start to listen more to their own body and learn just what it needs to get back to health and stay there for the long term.

Jeannette Raskin practices at Family First Chiropractic, 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer, Alberta.  403-347-3261. www.family1stchiro.ca.

Saline Nasal Wash

Saline Nasal Wash

With cold and flu season upon us already this is something that is really helpful and quite easy to do.
The practice of saline nasal wash or lavage (called Neti in the yoga tradition) is a time honored folk remedy for a variety of respiratory complaints, as well is a simple and effective tool for maintaining nasal health. The technique is simple, and if practiced correctly, provides gentle and immediate relief of nasal congestion.

The keys to comfortable nasal lavage are concentration and temperature. The solution should have the same salt concentration as your tears (0.9%) and be warmed to normal body temperature or a bit warmer. If the salt concentration is too low or too high, the experience can be very unpleasant (like getting water up your nose when you are swimming). Water that is too cool will cause the nasal membranes to swell, defeating the purpose of the wash. Water that is too hot will burn the sensitive nasal mucosa.

The solution should be prepared with water and a pure, non-iodized salt. Canning and pickling salt is pure (99.95% NaCl), cheap, and readily available (you can buy it at any supermarket that carries canning supplies). Kosher salt is an acceptable alternative, as well as sea salt.
The amount of salt you need to add will depend upon both the volume of water you use and the texture of the salt you select (the coarser the grind, the more you need). 

1 scant teaspoon canning and pickling salt
2 cups filtered water

Pour about 1/2 cup of this solution into a Neti pot or squeeze bottle. (A Neti pot is a small ceramic vessel, shaped like an Aladdin's lamp that is specifically designed for nasal lavage. Neti pots are available in some health food stores and yoga supply shops.  Bending over a sink, hold the spout to one nostril, tilt your head and pour the solution through so it flows out the other nostril. After rinsing, gently blow the loosened mucus out and repeat as needed. If you prefer, the same solution can be used in a spray bottle.

It may be very difficult to get past the initial revulsion and fear of choking, but once tried it can be both comfortable and soothing.

Jeannette Raskin practices at Family First Chiropractic, 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer, Alberta.  403-347-3261. www.family1stchiro.ca. 

Repetitive Strain Injuries

Repetitive Strain Injuries

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) most commonly known as damage to nerves, tendons, tendon sheaths, muscles, joints of the wrists, forearm, elbow, shoulder and neck. Repetitive Strain Injuries can be confusing in that patients don’t understand the symptoms related and the causes or even more importantly how can it be treated.

Causes of RSI

Repetitive Strain Injuries occur through overuse, poor posture and/or poor technique particularly while using the hands. Repeated awkward or forceful tasks for sustained periods of time are major factors causing RSI. Workers do not make the connection between their aches and pains developing in the work place or in the field. Repeated vibrations, forceful impacts or compressions for periods of time cause microscopic tears in the tendons and muscles. Over time the sheaths around the tendons start to chafe causing tendons to become inflamed. Inflammation of the sheath compresses against adjacent nerves, which compromises the nerves nearby.  

Symptoms of RSI

Symptoms of RSI can range from discomfort to excruciating pain. Symptoms occur in the fingers, palm, wrist, forearm, shoulders, and neck. Pain in one area of the body may radiate to other connecting parts. General symptoms include:

-Aching or shooting pain (May be strongest at night).
-Tingling and burning sensations.
-Clumsiness of hands (loss of ability to grasp items, impaired thumb and finger dexterity).
-Swelling of hand and wrist.
-Hands feel cold.
-Wasting of Muscles at the base of the thumb.
- Stiffness or restricted movement.

Common Types of Repetitive Strain Injuries

Tenosynovitis
Rapid, repetitive, and repeated twisting movement of the forearms and hands. Patients that do a lot of keyboard work, and/or using tools such as pliers can tenosynovitis. Tenosynovitis and tendonitis sound similar. The difference is that tendonitis is inflammation of the tendons. While Tenosynovitis is inflammation of the tendon sheaths usually in the hand or wrist.
DeQuarvain’s Syndrome

This is a type of tenosynovitis that is known as “trigger thumb” or “Washerwoman’s Sprain”. It also affects the sheath common to the two tendons of the thumb just above the wrist. This repetitive strain injury is caused by repeated trigger-like movement involving the wrist.

Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
Carpel tunnel is tingling, numbness and/or weakness in your hand due to pressure on the median nerve in your wrist. Carpel tunnel is the small space in your wrist that the median nerve and several tendons runs from you forearm into your hand.  The median nerve controls movement and feeling in your thumb and first three fingers. This area becomes compromised when there is repetitive finger movement, pinching and squeezing of fingertips, excessive use of the index finger, hand exertions with bending and twisting of the wrist, and overly tight grip for long periods of time.

Chiropractic for RSI
Chiropractic is an effective treatment option for RSI. Our Chiropractic physicians will conduct an interview, review medical history, and perform a thorough examination. If diagnosed with RSI, the Chiropractor will set up a treatment plan specific to your situation, and needs. So if you suffer from pain in fingers, hand, wrist, forearm, shoulder, neck, or back seek a chiropractic physician. The sooner you do, the better you will feel.

Dr. Elton Clemence practices at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness at 142 Erickson Drive. www.family1stchiro.ca


Call 403-347-3261 for a consultation today

Chiropractic and Muscle Spasm

Chiropractic and Muscle Spasm

Remember that time you bent down to pick up a pencil/pen, and your back twisted out of place. Instant pain as muscles went into spasm. The pain can be so intense that you can barely move. 

Could something as simple as picking up a pencil/pen cause such pain?

The answer is that it isn’t what you did. It’s what you didn’t do. The everyday act of bending down to pick up an object did not cause this chain of events to occur. These overextended muscles were already strained. Due to repetitive movements during our everyday activities and habits like swinging a hammer, heavy lifting or poor posture from sitting in front of a computer all day. Can cause muscles to become strained, stiff and go into spasm. They go into spasm is to protect the joint involved from further harm.

Usually muscles have become strained over a period of time. Then all it takes is a sudden movement like reaching down for a pencil and the already strained muscle goes into spasm. Muscle spasm or cramping is an involuntary, sudden, severe muscle contraction. This contraction can cut off blood supply which can cause even more pain and cause the muscle to contract even further. Spasms can last from a few seconds or can immobilize a patient on the floor for hours because the muscle won’t relax with movement. It all depends on the cause of the spasm.

If it is due to fatigue, dehydration or an electrolyte deficiency. Spasms can last seconds to several minutes. If it is caused by a protective mechanism to avoid further nerve irritation. Pain and Spasms can last for days or even weeks depending on the amount of joint irritation or disc involvement. Warning signs consist of stiffness and tenderness. Patients have reported feeling the need to stretch or rub muscles regularly due to stiffness and tenderness. There is usually an underlying cause to these symptoms that should be dealt with before escalating.

The good news is that Chiropractic care can treat most types of cramping and muscle spasms. Chiropractic can also help in prevent Muscle spasms from occurring in the first place. Proper nerve innervation is essential for proper muscle function. Regular Chiropractic adjustments locate and correct areas of the spine where there is nerve dysfunction.

In addition to Chiropractic care try the following that will aid in the healing process.

-Massage therapy assist in alleviating pain.

-Increase your intake of magnesium, calcium and water.

-Apply an ice/heat combo that will help with inflammation and increase blood supply.

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

Back pack Safety

Back pack Safety

This is taken from the Alberta College of Chiropractors website http://www.albertachiro.com/site/public_service_programs

Kids and backpacks just seem to go together. Whether sending them off to school, to a sporting event or for a sleepover with a friend, chances are they are be bringing a backpack. But carrying a heavy load unevenly or improperly can result in poor posture and even distort the spinal column, causing muscle strain, headaches, neck and arm pain, and even nerve damage. At out clinic we see many children with mid back pain, lowback pain, headaches, and even scoliosis aggravated by carrying an overfull back pack.

More than 50 per cent of young people experience at least one episode of low back pain by their teenage years. Alberta’s chiropractors offer the following tips to ensure your child’s pack doesn’t become a pain in the back:

Pick it Right

·         Choose a bag made of lightweight material, such as vinyl or canvas.

·         Pick a bag that has two wide, adjustable and padded shoulder straps, along with a hip or waist strap, a padded back and plenty of pockets.

·         Ensure the bag is proportionate to body size and no larger than needed. The top of the pack should not extend higher than the top of the shoulder, and the bottom should not fall below the top of the hipbone.

·         Explore other options like bags with wheels and a pull handle for easy rolling.

Pack it Light

·         The total weight of the pack should not exceed 10 to 15 per cent of the wearer’s body weight (depending on age).

·         Make sure the backpack contains only what is needed for the day or activity.

·         Spread the weight throughout the pack.

·         Pack the heaviest items close to the body.

Wear it Right

·         Both shoulder straps should always be used and adjusted so the pack fits snugly against the body. You should be able to slide a hand between the backpack and the wearer’s back.

·         The pack should sit two inches above the waist.

·         Never allow your child to sling a backpack over only one shoulder.

·         The waist strap reduces the strain on the back and transfers some of the load to the hips.

Dr. Joelle Johnson is a member of the ACAC and focuses on children’s health issues in her office Family First Chiropractic and Wellness, 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer, T4R 2C3 403-347-3261
www.family1stchiro.ca