Top 10 reasons to see a Chiropractor!

1.Back Pain- for relief and prevention.

Consumer Reports rated Chiropractic the #1 solution to lower back pain over medical care, medications, acupuncture and physical therapy. Numerous studies show how patients seeking chiropractic care for low back pain get relief faster and better results that last longer over time.

2. Neck Pain- relief and prevention.

Chiropractic’s history with neck pain is just as impressive as our results with lower back pain. Studies have found chiropractic patients recovered twice as fast as those receiving traditional medical care.

3. Pain, Tingling and/or Numbness in an Extremity.

Patients who are suffering with sciatica (in legs or feet), or a cervical radiculopathy (in arm or hand) usually seek medical intervention first due to the pain and discomfort. Chiropractic can remove the irritation/ pressure on the nerves affected, thereby addressing the cause instead of covering up the symptoms. In most cases, Chiropractic can delay or even eliminate the need for drugs or surgery.

4. Headaches/ Migraines- relief and prevention.

Headaches are a very common condition, but they are never “normal”. They are a sign that you have excessive stress on your central nervous system. Chiropractic has been shown to help with all sorts of headaches. From the classic migraines to tension type headaches. If headaches are plaguing you, Chiropractic is a logical place to start.

5. Reduce Pain

6. Improved Range of Motion and Peak Performance.

Many athletes see chiropractors on a regular basis. Professional athletes in every sport have endorsed chiropractic. Chiropractic helps the musculoskeletal system to perform better and reduce injuries and recover time. Athletes such as Tiger Woods, Jerry Rice, Evander Holyfield, Lance Armstrong and many others include Chiropractic as part of their lifestyle.

7. Healthier Children.

Mom and Dads have found relief in other ways through Chiropractic. More and more parents have been bringing their children to see the chiropractor for multiple reasons. . Infants/Children have spines just like adults and they need checked. Much easier to fix small problems in children before they become big adult problems.

8. Injuries due to car accidents

We have many patients who have been helped after being injured in car accidents. Chiropractic helps put everything back in place and takes care of the pain We direct bill all MVA claims and this can include massage therapy treatments.

9. Help with sleep.

Many people suffer from poor sleep quality due to pain/stress issues within the body. On top of causing sleep disruptions, it can also lead to some of the other symptoms we’ve discussed so far. We all know that a good night’s rest is one of the most important things we can give our body, to allow it o recharge while we sleep. Treating body pain with chiropractic therapy can help improve your quality of sleep, and thereby lead to a reduction in other symptoms.

10. Stress.

Let’s face it, in today’s fast paced world, life is hectic and most of us probably feel that we have too much going on. Stress is one of the most detrimental conditions to suffer from, because while it originates in the mind, it very often manifests physically in the body. Even if you don’t have pain, chiropractic treatments can help reduce stress in your body and soul. Think of it as a spa treatment- one that not only makes you feel good physically, but also makes you feel better emotionally.

 This next list is an oldie but one of my favorites!

We promise to not have these 10 on a visit with us!

 David Letterman's Top 10 Signs You've Gone to a Bad Chiropractor

10. When you walk, you make a wacky accordion sound.

9. Keeps saying, "A spine is like a box of chocolates."

8. Repeatedly asks, "You a cop? You sure you aint' no cop?"

7. Over and over, you hear crunching sounds followed by, "Uh-oh."

6. There's a two-drink minimum.

5. At end of session, lies down on the table and says, "My turn!"

4. He was nowhere near Woodstock and yet he's covered with mud.

3. Rushes in late to your appointment still wearing his Burger King uniform.

2. Hints that for an extra $50, he'll "straighten" something else.

1. You're fully clothed and he's naked.

Dr. Stephen Kelly D.C.

Dr. Kelly 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

What is that Popping or Cracking Sound?

 What is that Popping or Cracking Sound?

The popping or cracking sound that happens during a chiropractic adjustment is a very misunderstood component of Chiropractic. Often patients new and established say...”can you crack me Doc?” Now I know that this is sincere intention. However, this is far from the truth. The physical mechanism that causes the audible sound during an adjustment include:

•             Nitrogen and Carbon Dioxide bubbles releasing as the joint is pulled apart.
•             Rapid stretching of ligaments
•            Adhesions and scar tissue being broken during realignment.

Furthermore, the audible sound during a spinal adjustment happens in response to sudden change in pressure in the spinal joint. It’s similar to opening a Champaign bottle- the sudden pressure change along with the air bubbles coming together makes sound.  So when people share their experience with Chiropractic by saying they seen their Chiro and He/She “Cracked or Popped” their neck or back and now it feels better. 

Although this is good to get back pain relief the description can be misleading of what’s actually happening. People then get a skewed sense of what Chiropractic is. A better description of what’s occurring during a Chiropractic adjustment the treatment removes nerve stress, nerve pressure, and realigning spinal structure to restore optimal function leading to a healthier person.

Finally and most importantly the sound during a Chiropractic adjustment is Not bone on bone.  If it were bone rubbing on bone the spinal joint would have severe Arthritis causing joint deterioration and would be exceptionally painful. To reiterate the sound during an Chiropractic adjustment is the release of pressure, while realigning the spine. 

There are also some Chiropractic techniques that adjust the spine without an audible sound. If you have any questions or concerns feel free to discuss this with your Chiropractor.

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.

Why should I have CranioSacral Therapy?

Why should I have CranioSacral Therapy?

All of our lives are very busy.  We do not have a lot of time for others, much less ourselves. Here are some good reasons to find the time for ourselves to heal and to start to enjoy our life more.  

1. Some people come because they feel as though they aren’t coping and that life is very difficult. CranioSacral Therapy can often be a last resort after many years of struggle.

          2.      Some people come because they have long standing health issues which make it very difficult to cope.           CranioSacral Therapy can help relieve the emotional and physical side-effects of living with long term             illness or pain and can support the body in its natural movement towards health

3. Some people come because they have experienced traumatic events that they cannot move past. CranioSacral Therapy is a very safe, gentle and effective way of treating trauma and post-traumatic states.
4. Some people come because they are incredibly stressed and anxious and can’t seem to find any relief from a very busy mind. CranioSacral Therapy is especially good at encouraging a very deep sense of stillness allowing the mind slow down and rest. Many people say they sleep very well after a craniosacral treatment.
5. Some people come because they just need to be held and listened to. The most important thing a CranioSacral Therapist does is to simply be present for the client and hold the therapeutic space allowing the client’s process to unfold naturally.

Jeanette works at the clinic at 142 Erickson Drive Wednesday evenings and Saturdays. Give us a call to book your appointment (403)347-3261 or visit our website to learn more www.family1stchiro.ca