CranioSacral Therapy and Stress

The Christmas season is often a very stressful time of year for everyone.  With all the late nights, overindulging, and running around getting ready we often do not have or make enough time for ourselves.  CranioSacral therapy is a wonderful idea to help yourself distress in the middle or even after all the stress of the holidays. 

When most people think about CranioSacral therapy they think about helping headaches, chronic pain, or birth trauma.  But it can be used for so much more.  Often we just need time to relax and take some time for ourselves.  The bonus with CranioSacral therapy is that not only does it relax us but it also helps our body to heal itself as well.  CranioSacral therapy gets our parasympathetic system working.  Most of us spend most of our time in our sympathetic system (or fight and flight system).  This makes our body work that much more every day and stresses our whole body.  One or two CranioSacral treatments can help get your body work more effectively and at the same time relieve much of your stress.  We all deserve to take some time for ourselves.  Our bodies will thank us for it.    

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

How does Craniosacral compliment other Medical Interventions?

Most Medical and Healthcare practitioners see CranioSacral Therapy as a gentle and non-invasive Complementary Therapy - it is considered as suitable for the co-treatment of a number of conditions.

Many medical professionals criteria for recommending  therapies is that if it is doing no harm, makes you feel good and does not cost too much then go ahead.

To answer the question more directly, I often receive new clients in the following situations:

·         They have been through formal medical channels.
Often in the case of back pain, stress related illness etc. clients feel they have exhausted all that formal medicine has to offer. This is ideal from my point of view as a full medical history has been built up and the individual's condition has been pre-checked by a medical practitioner.

·         The client wishes to complement formal medical treatment with another therapy.
Many of my pregnant clients and moms with infants and children are receiving formal medical care for their conditions and related complications. They typically continue with this care as they attend CranioSacral Therapy to further relieve symptoms or to reach the parts that they feel formal medical interventions cannot reach.

In summary, in my experience the answer is yes - CranioSacral Therapy can be used alongside formal medical interventions. 

As always, first check with your Healthcare practitioner.

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 develop 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

Supportive/ Maintenance Treatment Works!

A paper presented at the European Chiropractors' Union (ECU) convention earlier this year underscores the advantages of regular chiropractic care. The authors, looked at how chiropractic maintenance care (MC) could prevent new episodes of nonspecific low back pain or minimize its impact. The purpose of their study was to "investigate the effect of MC as compared to symptomatic treatment on reducing recurrent and persistent LBP."

The multi-center, randomized clinical trial was conducted in Sweden, with patients provided with either treatment at regular intervals, regardless of symptoms (MC), or symptomatic treatment whereby patients were treated only when consulting for pain. The MC group was provided with chiropractic care at one- to three-month intervals.

This is an altogether familiar scenario, in that most patients only go for chiropractic care when they are in pain or when something is bothering them. Unfortunately, by the time a patient recognizes their pain, the problem may have been there for some time and damage has been done.  If only they would visit their chiropractor periodically, regardless of symptoms, a point study results make glaringly clear:

"The MC group consisted of 163 subjects who reported 19.3 fewer days with bothersome LBP over the 12 month follow-up compared to the 154 subjects in the control group. The MC group had an average of 7 visits during the study, compared to 5 visits in the control group."

Let's Do the Math

So, here's the math for the average patient. Two extra visits to your chiropractor each year will result in almost 20 extra days without back pain. For me, that works out to about $4 per pain-free day ... I'll take it!

While monthly chiropractic care can be very beneficial, it is clear that most people should be seeing their doctor of chiropractic at least every two months or so. We all need to understand a little regular scheduling could significantly improve our quality of life. Imagine how many days of pain could be eliminated if everyone enjoyed chiropractic at least every two months.

For my whole career I have emphasized regular treatments and not chase pain. Don’t wait for small problems to become big ones. The old adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is supported by these types of studies.

To schedule your first appointment or a maintenance treatment, please contact Family First Chiropractic and Wellness.

Dr. Stephen Kelly is a Chiropractor at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness with over 15 years of experience, located In Red Deer, AB 142 Erickson Dr., www.family1stchiro.ca

403-347-3261 to book an appointment. 

Craniosacral Therapy and Mouth Work

I have been practicing CranioSacral therapy since 2002 and it has helped me and many of my clients.  When most people talk about this therapy they talk about headaches, birth trauma, or chronic pain.  CranioSacral therapy helps all these things.  But I would like to share my experience with CranioSacral therapy and mouth work.  It has changed me.

I should start with a little history.  Now, I did not have any serious mouth or jaw problems growing up that I can remember.  My biggest problem with my jaw was probably stress clenching.  I know that is not a scientific word but I am sure many people know what I am talking about.  As my stress would increase so would my jaw tension.  When I started taking CranioSacral therapy and receiving treatments is when I noticed a significant difference.  After my first mouth work treatment that I received I could not believe the difference.  My mouth felt bigger and much more relaxed.  I started raving about this to my clients and trying the techniques out on them.  From chronic headache sufferers to clients with braces, the results have been amazing.

Another benefit of mouth work, for me at least, has been the ability to speak more freely.  When we have increased tension in and around our mouths it may unknowingly inhibit our ability to speak.  When even some of our tension is released that allows us to speak.

Mouth work in CranioSacral Therapy is something I practice on most of my clients, especially the infants.  I often see children with birth trauma, tongue ties, etc. and I find that mouth work is essential for them to get the results that they need.  While treating infants I am constantly reassuring, explaining and sometimes even showing the parents how much pressure I am using on their children. 

When practicing CranioSacral therapy in the mouth it just as gentle as when you work outside the mouth.  Sometimes even more gentle.  The practitioner uses gloves and can better access some of the bones of the mouth, the teeth, and even some of the muscles.

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

Once you go chiro..

One of the most misunderstood beliefs about chiropractic is that once you start, you have to keep going back forever.  It's true, many Chiropractic clients choose to continue care on a regular wellness care after experiencing great results, but they do so simply because preventative maintenance makes sense - the body functions better without nerve interference.

Here are some other things that you don't have to maintain/prevent for the rest of your Life, but also make good sense... brushing your teeth, going to the gym, taking your vitamins, eating your veggies, changing the oil in your car or saving for retirement.  Somewhere along the road, you discovered on your own accord that these activities ADD to your Life as opposed to subtract from it, and it's the same for clients who choose to get adjusted for maintenance purposes.

No one can make you do something you don't want to.  Just like regular car tune ups or staying physically fit, the choice to keep your spine and nervous system free from damaging stress for the rest of your life is totally your decision... as are the benefits if you do and the consequences if you don't.

 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.

Natural Ways to Help Prevent and Treat Post Partum Depression and Anxiety PPD/PPA

Many women have a history of depression or anxiety, women with a predisposition may have a higher chance of having postpartum depression or anxiety as a new mother. Over 80% of new mothers do not tell their healthcare provider they have postpartum depression PPD signs or post partum anxiety PPA. Many women feel shamed or they are weak if they have signs of PPD/PPA. Living up to societal expectation is hard on new mothers who question and stress over every single decision.

29.1% of women have a major depressive episode in the first year of the baby’s life.

That is almost a third of new mothers! Which means you know a new mother who may be suffering in silence.

We are not designed to mother alone, we need a village to raise a child.

Mothers that may have a birth that is less than ideal or planned will have increased stress and question the internal ‘should’. Questions mothers often beat themselves up for are possibly; ‘I should have gotten a doula’, ‘I should have done more research’, ‘I should have avoided a c-section’, ‘I should have asked for help’, ‘I should have done more’- you see the terrible cycle of ‘should’.

Most women in our society lack a social circle, which is causing PPD/PPA to be on the rise and overall in our society anxiety/depression is increasing exponentially. We expect new mothers to give birth easily, nurse and breast feed without struggle, loose the baby weight, take care of the baby, keep a clean home, make all foods from scratch, do laundry, return to regular daily activities and in some cases return to work within the first 8 weeks!

These societal expectations are ridiculous and internal and external expectations cause mothers to feel they are not adequate.

Things that can increase the chances of PPD/PPA are:

·         Food allergies, intolerances-dairy, gluten, eggs

·         Leaky gut

·         Environmental factors

·         Inflammation from food/diet sources such as sugar, dairy, processed foods

·         Poor microbiome – gut flora which links back to the leaky gut!

·         Lack of social supports- close family and extended family living close or not helping or supporting the new mother

·         Thyroid or Adrenal issues- autoimmune, increased or decreased levels

·         Lack of sunlight- this happens more in Alberta from September to April

·         Lack of community

·         Lack of time in nature

·         Low iron levels

·         Lack of regular sleep patterns

Many new mothers have a gap in care after birth, typically healthcare providers see mother for 6 weeks post partum then release them from care.

Most women with PPD/PPA go undiagnosed and some may seek help at 6 months postpartum or more.

The providers most likely to see mothers in the 6 week to 6 months + period will often be the providers giving the baby pediatric care. It is up to the provider to check in with new mothers and to watch her closely in the baby visits asking questions and checking in with her and family members on how she is feeling and looking for signs of PPD/PPA.

 One sign can be a decrease in milk supply of struggling with milk supply, this can be linked to abnormal thyroid levels, some sources state up to 60% of thyroid issues are missed prenatally.

In my practice I have seen many new mothers struggling and not knowing what to do, where to get help and having the feelings of being ‘crazy’ as society tells them that ‘its just baby blues’ ‘it will pass’ ‘all new mothers feel this way’.

Many mothers do not know how to reach out, what they need or want.

New mothers need to ask for help but do not know how!

What you can do is help her write a list of chores, food allergies, preferences, grocery lists, or whatever help the mother may need or want after the baby comes. This should continue for 3 months post partum, not just in the first 2 weeks. If there are multiple children this is needed MUCH more. Women need more help with the 2,3,4^th etc children – do not think ‘she knows what she’s doing she has had a baby before’.

Doing a phone food ‘train’ is a wonderful way to help new mothers. Check out www.mealtrain.com for a great way to set up meals for the family. Try to

If you are to do this you MUST have clear rules such as:

·         No visiting or staying for a ‘quick visit’

·         No expecting the new mom to ‘entertain’

·         You can only stay for mom to shower and bathe then you must leave

·         You must do one chore on the prewritten chore list

·         Leave the food at the door, ring the bell and leave

Supplements and treatments to take during pregnancy to help reduce the chances of PPD/PPA

·         Methylfolate 800 mcg per

·         Prenatal vitamin

·         B12 1200mcg per day

·         Essential fatty acids -EFA

·         Vitamin D3 2000 IU per day – must take with a fat to absorb

·         Good quality protein in the diet

·         Good fats in the diet such as avocado or coconut oil

·         Prenatal Yoga

·         Probiotics

·         Exercise

·         Ginger and turmeric- Golden milk is great

Things to do postpartum to treat and prevent PPA and PPD

·         Prenatal vitamins- continue to take them after baby arrives

·         Use a lightbox for 20-30 minutes in the morning

·         Yoga-postnatal or Mom and Baby yoga classes

·         CBT – seek care with a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist –Alberta Mental Health http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/services/page15072.aspx

·         Elimination of inflammatory foods from the diet

·         Increased good quality protein

·         Look at the thyroid hormones and ask for blood work

·         B Complex

·         Vitamin D3 2000 IU perday

·         Magnesium

·         Iron if your bloodwork is low

·         Placenta encapsulation- this will help with low iron

·         B12

·         Omega 3 EFA

·         Methylfolate 800 mcg /day

·         SAM- E – 400 mg per day or if needed 800 mg /day *do not take if diagnosed with Bipolar or post partum psychosis*

·         Probiotics with Lactobacillus and Bifidus

·         Exercise

·         Restorative yoga

·         Sleep when baby sleeps – sleep banking!!

·         St Johns Wort

·         Lavender extracts

·         Motherwort – this herb is called Heart of a Lion and supports the female hormones

·         Rhodiola is an adaptogen herb which helps with lack of sleep and concentration *do not use if diagnosed with bipolar depression*

·         Siberian ginseng ½ teaspoon – helps to increase breast milk production

·         Macca root

·         Organ meats

·         Lysine

·         Warming spices such as Ginger and Tumeric again the Golden milk is fantastic!

For more information check our  website www.family1stchiro.ca, facebook,  blogs, Instagram and Twitter or call our clinic at 403-347-3261 for Dr. Joelle Johnson to assist you or to book an appointment.Family First Chiropractic and Wellness, 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer, T4R2C3. 

Who does CranioSacral benefit?

Who is CranioSacral Therapy for?

People may come for CranioSacral Therapy because they have acute physical problems like headaches or bad backs, or long-standing problems both physical and emotional. Others come for ongoing support in their busy lives and for help to meet life’s challenges.

Because it is so gentle and non-invasive, CranioSacral Therapy is suitable for everyone from newborns to the elderly. Mothers and babies often come for problems associated with difficult or traumatic births. Letting go of tension and fear held in the body enables both to settle into calmness.

CranioSacral Therapy supports your body’s innate ability to balance, restore and heal itself, as well as helping to reduce stress and build your underlying energy. The practitioner senses tensions in the body and helps them to release in a supported and comfortable way. During or after a session you may feel calm and energized, with increased clarity of mind and a feeling of well being.

CranioSacral Therapy and Children

I often hear from parents that they would like for their child to receive CranioSacral therapy but are not sure how that is possible.  Adaptability by the therapist is probably the most important thing when treating children.  There are many ways in which I adapt my techniques to effectively treat children. 

Most importantly the child needs to be comfortable.  Often that is in their parents arms or with them close by.  They can be lying down, in a chair or I have even spent half an hour following toddlers around the room.  Toys, books, etc, are also great distractions that can aid the practitioner in getting effective work done.  When working on children I often shorten the treatment to half an hour.  For most children that provides enough time to get an effective treatment and not to over stimulate the system.

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

Pregnancy Pain? We can help!

Pregnant? In pain? Baby in the wrong position?We can help you!

Have you been told that you have told that pain is part of being pregnant?

Chiropractic spinal and pelvic adjustments will reduce or resolve pregnancy discomforts such as symphysis pubis pain (SPD), groin pain, back pain, hip pain, bursitis due to pregnancy, sciatica, pelvic girdle pain (PGP), mid back pain, carpal tunnel pain of pregnancy and heartburn.

Why be told that pain is part of pregnancy?

Chiropractic care can alleviate common pregnancy pain and decrease your labour time significantly.

Experienced prenatal chiropractic care aids with optimal fetal positioning by helping the pelvis and uterus to be symmetrical and balanced. Adjustments will help the baby to fit the pelvis to engage properly to help stimulate cervical ripening. Adjustments also make the pelvis more flexible so that pelvic joints move more easily in labor, the sacrum can become fixated and this can cause slowing or stalling in labor.

‘Dr. Jeanne Ohm sends this description of Chiropractic techniques for optimal fetal positioning and easier birthing: A chiropractic adjustment called the Webster technique is a specific sacral adjustment to help facilitate the mother’s pelvic alignment and nerve system function. This in turn balances pelvic muscles and ligaments, reduces torsion to the uterus. This may offer a greater potential for optimal fetal positioning. Originally used for breech presentations and then posterior presentations, current research is revealing the benefits of receiving the Webster technique throughout pregnancy for the prevention of dystocia. The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association offers chiropractors advanced classes on care in pregnancy, including the Webster technique. Providers certified in this technique are listed on the ICPA website here: www.icpa4kids.org.

Dr. Carol Phillips, DC, recommends addressing the skeletal system through adjustments, but equally addressing the fascia (with myofascial release) and the cranial rhythm (with gentle craniosacral therapy). ‘ Taken from spinningbabies website www.spinningbabies.com

‘The Gardner Bagnell Technique for Breech Presentation was designed with the breech baby in mind, but has also been used very effectively for transverse, oblique and posterior presentations as well. It is a chiropractic technique that focuses on the alignment of the spine and pelvis of the mother to be.Most recently,  a very specific order of adjusting has been uncovered that has catapulted the success rate even higher.  When this precise order or adjusting is followed, the results are unbelievable.  This technique focuses on subluxation removal, alignment of the pelvis and releasing ligamentous spasms. However, it is unlike the other techniques that are currently being taught. This technique has a different primary focus and protocol than the other techniques. ‘ Taken from Pregnancy chiropractic  www.pregnancychiropractic.com

Dr. Joelle Johnson has been certified in the Webster techniques since 1999 and is a longtime member of the ICPA. She was certified in the Gardner Technique in 2009. Dr. Johnson  has a focused practice on prenatal, postnatal and pediatric care at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer. T4R 2C3

www.family1stchiro.ca

403-347-3261

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Things to do in Red Deer

Looking for some fun events with low cost and a short drive for your Red Deer staycation this summer? 

Here are a few ideas for you. Brought to you by Dr. Joelle Johnson and staff at Family First Chiropractic and wellness 142 Erickson Drive Red Deer

T4R3B3 403-347-3261 www.family1stchiro.ca

THINGS TO DO IN RED DEER

SUMMER

Old MacDonald Farm- http://www.olmacdonalds.com/index.html

Discovery Wildlife Park- http://www.discoverywildlifepark.com/

FB- https://www.facebook.com/discoverywildlifepark/

Ellis Bird Farm- http://www.ellisbirdfarm.ca/
FB- https://www.facebook.com/EllisBirdFarm/

Bird Sanctuary- http://www.waskasoopark.ca/gaetz-lake.html

Wibit Aquasplash at Sylvan Lake  

http://www.familyfuncanada.com/calgary/wibit-sylvan-lake/

Kin Kanyon- http://www.ehcanadatravel.com/alberta/red-deer/parks-trails/2177-kin-kanyon.html
FB- https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kin-Kanyon/152039361531352

3 Mile Bend- http://www.reddeer.ca/recreation-and-culture/parks-and-trails/parks/three-mile-bend-recreation-area---off-leash-park/
FB- https://www.facebook.com/pages/3-Mile-Bend/128953600489617

Tennis- http://www.reddeertennis.com/
FB- http://www.reddeertennis.com/

Farmers Market- http://downtownreddeer.com/about/downtown-market/
FB- http://downtownreddeer.com/about/downtown-market/

Downtown Splash Park- http://www.reddeer.ca/recreation-and-culture/outdoor-facilities/blue-grass-sod-farm-central-spray-and-play/

FB- https://www.facebook.com/pages/Blue-Grass-Sod-Farm-Spray-and-Play-Central-Park/304701203008081

Bard on Bower- http://visitreddeer.com/event/bard-bower-2/
FB- https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bard-On-Bower/480589041968568

Discovery Canyon- http://www.reddeer.ca/recreation-and-culture/parks-and-trails/parks/discovery-canyon/
FB- https://www.facebook.com/pages/Discovery-Canyon/158156380915589

Sunnybrooke Farm- http://www.sunnybrookfarmmuseum.ca/
FB- https://www.facebook.com/sunnybrookfarmAB/

Shake the Lake- http://shakethelake.ca/
FB- https://www.facebook.com/shakethelake/

Gull Lake- http://www.albertaparks.ca/aspen-beach/information-facilities/
FB- https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aspen-Beach-Provincial-Park/105787369453613

Kerrywood Nature Centre- http://www.waskasoopark.ca/Kerry-Wood-Nature-Center.html
FB- https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kerry-Wood-Nature-Centre/115224355208249

Berry picking at the Jungle Farm- http://www.thejunglefarm.com/
FB- https://www.facebook.com/thejunglefarm/

Kraay Family Farms-  https://www.kraayfamilyfarm.com/
FB- https://www.facebook.com/kraayfamilyfarm

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 Pregnancy

Pregnancy complications are part and parcel of your pregnancy. Most women get through their pregnancies very healthily - they manage their nutrition, exercise and overall healthcare both by themselves and with the help of healthcare professionals. CranioSacral Therapy offers women a very gentle and effective way of complementing the natural work that their body is doing as well as complementing the work of Obstetricians, local Doctors and Midwives.

When we look at pregnancy week by week, there are many natural conditions that come and go as you progress through your pregnancy. Conditions such as early nausea through to lower-back pain can all occur during a healthy pregnancy.

An area that is found especially later in the pregnancy is discomfort in the legs or sciatica. I have found that the majority of clients experience relief from these symptoms for weeks at a time following a CranioSacral Therapy treatment. Probably one of the areas of most discomfort in Pregnancy is back pain - both of the middle and upper back - during the early stages of pregnancy, and lower back during the later stages. The discomfort of back pain during pregnancy can be effectively relieved by CranioSacral Therapy sessions.

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