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. Discomfort 

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.
More and more parents have been bringing their children to see the chiropractor for multiple reasons. Word of mouth of many success stories is travelling fast. 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. Most treatment with infants and small children is with a gentle adjusting technique called the Activator.

8. INJURIES DUE TO CAR ACCIDENTS.

We have many patients who have been helped after being injured in car accidents. Chiropractic helps restore proper spinal/ extremity range of motion and function. This usually 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 to 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 on 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 favourites!

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

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

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