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.

CranioSacral Therapy and Caesarean Section

CranioSacral Therapy and Caesarean Section

Ensure your health following a C-section or other birth intervention

Every winter with my children’s’ birthdays I am reminded how my birth plans were changed by things that were not in my control. All my children were born by C-section and have benefited greatly from CranioSacral Therapy.

Caesarean Sections (or C-sections) are becoming more numerous every year among my clients.
You may have planned and hoped for a natural vaginal delivery but what happens if complications arise during birth? These complications during labour may result in your baby being delivered by:

·         Caesarean-section (C-section).

·         With the help of vacuum pump or suction.

·         With the help of forceps.

Interventions such as these, when necessary, often save lives. In my experience with Craniosacral Therapy - it helps to eliminate, or minimise, complications that arise as a result of these types of deliveries.

With CranioSacral Therapy, I work on the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect a person's brain and spinal cord, extending from the bones of the skull (which make up the cranium) down to the tailbone area (or sacrum).

The role of this system in the development and performance of the brain and spinal cord is so vital that an imbalance or dysfunction in it can cause sensory, motor and/or neurological disabilities.

A CranioSacral Therapist uses a touch generally no heavier than the weight of a nickel. Skilled practitioners can monitor this rhythm at key body points to pinpoint the source of an obstruction or stress. Once a source has been determined, they can assist the natural movement of the fluid and related soft tissue to help the body self-correct.

I have noticed that most babies (and moms too!) often need assistance following the effects of a difficult labour. One of the reasons for this is that in the ideal birth situation, nature has designed a baby's skull to be compressed as it travels through the birth canal during a vaginal birth.

Babies born by C-section miss out on this vital compression (which helps balance the cranial bones) through the birth canal. Babies born with the use of forceps or vacuum often experience undue stress on the head and face and strain patterns can often develop in their bodies. The euphoria of your baby's safe arrival can mask the stress that your baby has experienced. But soon problems can arise.

You may notice your baby has problems with:

·         Sleeping.

·         Feeding.

·         Breastfeeding.

·         Excess crying.

·         Constipation and straining while going to the toilet.

·         Flat spots or bulges on the head.

·         Ear infection.

·         Uneven ear or eye positions.

·         Infant colic.

·         Prefers feeding on one of their sides.

·         Prefers lying on one side rather than another.

With Craniosacral Therapy I use specific, gentle touch techniques to assess, resolve and eliminate the restrictions that cause these problems. The light pressure creates deep change - releasing restrictions in the baby's tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. This intervention encourages the infant's body toward a natural alignment.

During the treatment the baby often naturally needs to cuddle, feed or cry as balance is restored and emotion is released in the body. Moms and Dads often feel a sense of relaxation as the baby's CranioSacral system returns to optimum function.

I have found that treatment with CranioSacral therapy benefits all babies following birth - but it is highly recommended for babies who have had birth complications - including Caesarean Sections.

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

Christmas and Chiropractic

 Christmas and Chiropractic

It’s that special time of year again – the Christmas season! The month of December is busy with holidays, family and church gatherings, shopping, winter sports, leisurely activities and so much more. In order to enjoy the holiday season, there are several things that you can do to make it even more enjoyable.

Shopping – Some presents can be large, heavy and awkward to carry. Use proper lifting techniques such as lifting from your legs to avoid a back injury. Be careful while walking through icy parking lots on your way to your car.

Winter sports – Skating and tobogganing are great forms of winter activities that are fun and good for you. Ensure that you are wearing a helmet to protect your head in the event of a fall while skating or falling off your sled. Whiplash effects can happen in these sports from even a minor fall so be sure to get adjusted soon after.

Family gatherings – Overeating and too much consumption of alcohol can happen easily. Be sure that you are consuming plenty of water to stay hydrated. Try not to eat too much during the holidays to avoid weight gain.

For some people, depression or anxiety may occur during the Christmas holidays. Be sure to take time for yourself to relieve your stress to avoid subluxation of your spine.

Ensure that you have proper rest during the holiday season. Functions and family gatherings including travel may cause stress on your body and spine so ensure that you have adequate sleep during this time.

Get adjusted. See your chiropractor to get realigned this Christmas season.

Merry Christmas to you and your family from all of us at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness here in Red Deer! www.family1stchiro.ca 403-347-3261

Tips for Long Flights

Tips for Long Flights

Sitting for prolonged periods of time while traveling on a long airplane flight can put extra stress on the spine and nervous system causing pain and discomfort. Here are a few tips to prevent and alleviate that discomfort on you next flight to that vacation destination.

• 1.      Choose an Aisle Seat – This will allow you to get up easily during the flight to stand up and walk up and down the aisle to keep your blood flowing and muscles loose.
• 2.      Stay Hydrated – Drink plenty of water before and during the flight to prevent muscle spasms and headaches.
• 3.      Pack Light – Prevent injury by avoiding lifting heavy bags at the airport or during your travels after the flights.
• 4.      Bring Pillows – Bring a neck pillow along to support the neck during the flight and a small pillow to put behind your back to support the lower back.
• 5.      Remove your shoes – Kick your shoes off to allow your body to be more comfortable during the flight.
• 6.      Get Adjusted – Before a flight, ensure that you get adjusted to allow your body to have optimal spinal positioning. After flying, get adjusted as your body has been stressed from long periods of sitting in and upright position and the neck tilting from one side or to the other.

Dr. Joelle Johnson is located at 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer T4R2C3 www.family1stchiro.ca

403-347-3261 to book your appointment. 

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

How Many CranioSacral Therapy Sessions Do I Need?

How Many CranioSacral Therapy Sessions Do I Need?

This is a question most people are wondering, even if they do not ask it, as they consider the time and financial commitment required by them to work on their condition through CranioSacral Therapy. 

So, firstly, the most important step is to come in for an initial appointment. From that point it becomes evident how many sessions are likely depending on your condition and how well you respond to the treatment.

Some people may need just two sessions to relieve the main symptoms of their conditions whereas others may need four or five sessions inside a month followed by maintenance sessions for some time afterwards. I often find that the therapy works very effectively when given intensively over a short time.  For example, one session a week for a few weeks in a row.

One of the things that I am very conscious of is to not generate a level of dependence on myself, the therapist. As result I am always happy when the client decides that they have got what they needed from the therapy for the present and rebook when they feel they need another session - or indeed, they are happy to move on. As the sessions progress, the client is always in the "driver’s seat". I like to teach clients to listen to their bodies and let that guide them.

Oftentimes, clients may need to see another practitioner such as a chiropractor or acupuncturist to assist them in their journey to optimum health. These sessions often happen in parallel with the CranioSacral treatments. This is a client's individual choice and unfolds as treatments progress.

I have found over the years that, in general, the longer the injury or symptoms have been with the person the longer it takes to help them alleviate them. So, a newborn baby with birth trauma; if treated right away, will not take as long to heal as someone suffering from migraines or chronic pain for years. 

But after saying that I can never be sure, I have treated people with years of headaches that have disappeared after three treatments. The main thing to remember is that each person has individual circumstances and will be treated accordingly.

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

Text Neck

Text Neck

The act of holding your head flexed and forward while looking down at your handheld device and/or laptop screen places your cervical spine in a tenuous position.  Our neck normally has a forward lordotic curve. This curve is straightened with prolonged forward head posture. Over long periods of time, maintaining this head-forward posture can lead to muscle strain, disc injury, nerve impingement and arthritic changes of the neck. This increases the potential for developing ongoing neck and shoulder pain, headaches, and pain radiating down the arms.

For every one inch of forward head posture away from neutral the weight of your head increases by 100% or 10lbs. The more your neck has gone forward, the more weight it has to carry. This disorder is associated with chronic headaches, shoulder and neck pain. Medical research has also uncovered evidence of related early onset arthritis and even decrease lung capacity. Try this for yourself. Have your head over your shoulders, take a deep breath. Put your head forward and try that same deep breath. It was harder to take the deep breath with the head forward wasn’t it!

The original term was "text neck"—the new term “tech neck” highlights the fact that it's not just texting anymore—almost all the time we spend looking at any screen has the potential for damaging the neck.

Exercises can help improve your posture, strengthen your neck and create better habits for everyday life. To avoid developing degenerative neck changes due to posture, here are several simple steps you can start today.

Set time limits. Limit the amount of time and frequency that you use your device. If you have to use it for an extended period of time, take breaks. Develop a habit of taking a three-minute break for every 15-20 minutes you use your device. Change your posture and move around.

Set automatic reminders. Utilize an automatic alarm with your smart device reminding you to take a time out

Use a tablet holder. Purchase a holder to elevate your device to significantly reduce the amount of neck flexion and forward positioning. Try to keep the device as close to eye-level as possible.

Sit in a chair with a headrest. Switch to a chair with a headrest, and make sure to keep the back of your head in contact with the headrest while using your tablet, phone or laptop. Keeping the back of your head flush against the headrest will ensure that you're not looking down with your neck flexed forward.

Use pain as a warning. If you're experiencing pain in your neck, between the shoulder blades, numbness or tingling in the arms, or frequent headaches there may be a more serious issue going on. Pay attention to these warning signs and act quickly to make changes to reduce or eliminate any head-forward posture that is straining your neck.

Chiropractic treatment is the best option for these issues. If you are having symptoms or just want to check if you or your children have this problem, book an appointment.

As a general rule, the sooner you seek treatment the more likely it is that you'll have success in treating the problem.

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

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

CranioSacral Therapy and Our Children

CranioSacral Therapy and Our Children

Now that the kids are back to school and we are getting back into a routine some of us need to think about our children’s health issues and how we can help them make the most out of their school year.  CranioSacral Therapy, like most other formal and complementary treatments is never successful in 100% of cases. 

However, the following gives some idea of the degree of success in certain situations:

·         Dr. John Upledger's research has found that 50 – 60% of hyperactive child problems originate in the CranioSacral system and can be treated successfully with CST.

·         Learning disabilities and dyslexia – again 50-60% of problems can be effectively treated with CST if the problem is caused by a malfunction of the CranioSacral system.

·         Autism. Three years of intensive research with autistic children in the late 1970’s revealed significant reduction in self-destructive behavior and improvement in displays of affection and social interaction. These improvements, however, usually deteriorated in 3-6 months after the CranioSacral Therapy treatment discontinued.

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