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

Pillows- what kind of cervical pillow do you need?

Many patients ask us what type of pillow do we recommend for sleeping.

Optimally a back sleeping is best with the cervical or neck curve supported. The second best position for sleep is side lying with the neck in a neutral position and a pillow between the knees to keep the spine in a neutral position. The least optimal sleeping position is on the stomach, this position hyperextends the low back causing sacroiliac and back pain as well as causing rotational stress on the neck and upper back which may cause neck pain and headaches.

There are many great options for cervical /neck pillows for sleeping, and at our office, we recommend the Normalizer pillows. These pillows have two curves on either side, the smaller is for back sleeping, and the thicker side is for side sleeping. The thicker side should be the depth of the shoulder tip to the ear, keeping the neck in a neutral side position.

I will often recommend our petite normalizer pillow for women who have a smaller neck structure than males. Children who are at puberty need to use the petite pillow in this rapid growth time to support the cervical spine. Younger children need a proper support pillow as well, and the adult curve is not the correct height and may cause flexion and thus neck issues, always use the appropriate pillow for the age and body composition of the person. If you have any questions on if the pillow is the correct one for your child ask the doctor at our clinic and we will be happy to help fit you for the right pillow.

Dr. Joelle Johnson practices at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness 142 Erickson drive, Red Deer 403-347-3261 www.family1stchiro.ca

Chiropractic Care and Headaches

Being able to think clearly and calmly allows us to make decisions, process emotions, and carry on with our day-to-day lives. That clarity can be easily destroyed with a headaches. Many people have occasional headaches, but frequent headaches that affect your ability to sleep or get on with your day can be disabling.

Different Types of Headaches

Common types of headaches are tension, migraine, and cervicogenic headaches.

Tension-type headaches commonly present as band-like tension around the head, whereas migraine headaches usually result in pain on one side of the head and are commonly accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound.

With cervicogenic headaches, the neck is the source of the problem but the pain is perceived in one or more areas of the head and/or face. The causes of headaches are not always well understood but a family history of headaches, neck stiffness, and stress are common factors.

How can chiropractors help with headaches?

Chiropractors can assess, diagnose, and manage headaches. Current evidence suggests that chiropractic care, including manual therapy, can be effective in treating cervicogenic and tension headaches.¹ Studies have also shown that chiropractic care can help decrease the intensity and frequency of migraines.¹ Treatment options may include:

1.      Manual therapy (specific adjustments)

2.      Soft tissue therapy

3.      Modalities including electrical stimulation, acupuncture, and ultrasound

4.      Rehabilitation (Stretches and Exercises)

5.      Lifestyle changes and education (Ergonomic changes at work, at computer)

6.      Referral and co-management

It’s important to take headaches seriously. Consider consulting a chiropractor if you often have headaches, if you frequently take a pain reliever for your headaches, if your headache pattern changes, or if your headaches are getting worse. Seek prompt attention if your headache is sudden and severe, follows a head injury, or is accompanied by fever, stiff neck, weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking.

Chiropractic can provide fast, effective relief of neck pain and headaches. If you or loved ones suffer from headaches, call to start the healing process with Chiropractic.

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

Osteoporosis- the silent thief

What is Osteoporosis
Our bones are living tissue that are continuously being broken done and replaced. Osteoblasts builds bone and Osteoclasts break down bone. Osteoporosis happens when the building of new bone can’t keep up with the removal of old bone tissue. The causes extreme bone loss. Bones become severely weak and brittle. Simple bending or twisting motion with patients with osteoporosis could cause bones to completely fracture. Even coughing could cause stress fractures amongst these patients. Highest risk areas are hip, wrist and spine. Also weight bearing bones such as the pelvis, femur and lumbar vertebrae are mainly affected by Osteoporosis.
Facts and Statistics
Fractures from osteoporosis are more common than heart attack, stroke and breast cancer combined. 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men will suffer from an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime. Over 80% of fractures over the age of 50 are caused by osteoporosis and amongst these patients they were never offered proper screening or treatment post fracture. Each year osteoporosis causes 70-90% of 30,000 hip fractures in Canada. Each hip fracture costs the $21,285 in the first year of hospitalization and $44,156 if the patient is institutionalized. According to Osteoporosis Canada the overall cost in 2010 to our health care system while treating osteoporosis and fractures in Canada is a staggering $2.3 billion. This includes acute care costs, prescription drugs and out care costs. The cost is expected to rise to $3.9 billion as of 2012. Due to the proportion of Canadians were assumed to be living in long term facilities because of osteoporosis.
High risk Areas
Highest risk for fractures due to osteoporosis are hips, wrists and spine. Just as importantly weight bearing bones such as the pelvis, femur and lumbar vertebrae are also at risk with osteoporosis.
Men versus Woman
Women and men alike begin to lose bone in their mid 30’s. However, woman as they approach menopause lose bone at a greater rate, from 2 to 3 percent per year, this is due to the lack of estrogen during perimenopause and menopause as woman approach the age of 40.
Symptoms of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is often called the “silent thief” because over time become porous without any symptoms. Patients will not know that they have osteoporosis until bones become so weak and brittle. That simple stress on the body such as bending over or even simply coughing can cause a complete fracture. In addition, fractured vertebral body could cause the vertebrae to collapse. Collapsed vertebrae may initially cause low back pain, loss of height or spinal deformities such as stooped posture. Loss of 2cm (3/4”) as measured by healthcare provider or 6 cm (2 ½”) overall from when patient was younger may also indicate spinal fracture.
Testing
Since they are few symptoms alerting patients that they are developing osteoporosis, Bone Mineral Density (BMD) are used as safe, painless and accurate way to measure density of bones. BMD tests can tell a patient if they have osteoporosis or not and how likely they will develop this disease in the future. This important information can help a patient make decisions to prevent falls or further bone loss.
Prevention
Osteoporosis is the most commonly developed because of lack of exercise. Weight bearing exercises like walking with wrist and/or ankle weights is a safe way to avoid and treat the disease. Performing balance exercises to improve balance and coordination and walking with walking poles, can help prevent falls and fractures. Nutrition is another, adequate amount of calcium, and vitamin D is needed to maintain bone health. For those over 50, Canada food guide recommends 3 servings of milk and alternatives (2 servings for adults)-yogurt, cheese, puddings and calcium fortified beverages. If your lactose intolerant or prefer avoiding dairy, try soy, almond and rice beverages. When adding supplements, the recommended dose for patients between the age of 19 to 50 is 1000mg, 50+ 1200mg this includes for pregnant or lactating woman is 1000mg. An important nutrient that protects patients against falls and fractures is vitamin D. It helps build stronger bones by increasing the absorption of calcium and improves muscle function. This will help balance and coordination to prevent falls. Osteoporosis Canada recommends routine vitamin D supplementation for Canadian adults year round. Adults between the 19-50 years of age,
including pregnant or breast feeding women, require 400-1000 IU daily. Those over 50 or younger adults that are at a high risk whether with osteoporosis, multiple fractures or a condition that affect vitamin D absorption. Should intake 800-2000 IU daily. If taking over 2000 IU of vitamin D daily should be done under medical supervision. Combination of weight bearing exercises and proper nutrition will benefit your body and keep your bones healthy.
At Family First Chiropractic and Wellness Dr. Elton Clemence, D.C can help patients with Osteoporosis. We use non-surgical and hands, nutrition advice and exercise plans when treating Osteoporosis and it related injuries. For more information on Osteoporosis, 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.

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

CranioSacral Therapy

CranioSacral Therapy

CranioSacral Therapy is based on the theories of William Sutherland, D.O., an osteopath from the early 1900s. It was further developed by another osteopathic physician John E. Upledger following extensive scientific studies from 1975 to 1983 at Michigan State University, where he served as a clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics. He later founded the Upledger Institute, the national center for CranioSacral Therapy. It is a form of holistic healthcare.

CST is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system - comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.

Using a soft touch, generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.

CranioSacral is named for the cerebrospinal fluid that flows up and down the spinal cord from the cranium (head) to the sacrum (tailbone). As it slowly flows, it creates a rhythm throughout your body. The therapist assists this rhythm to self-correct dysfunctions in your body. Where there is a dysfunction, the rhythm is “stuck” and you feel pain, immobility, tension, etc. This can occur anywhere in the body. The cause is usually the result of a recent or past physical or emotional trauma. The therapist uses a very gentle, non-invasive light touch to locate the “stuck” areas and to assist the return of the healthy rhythm to these areas. As this occurs, there is a deep feeling of relaxation, more freedom of movement, and less pain. It is very quiet and passive. You remain fully clothed for this therapy. This is a very relaxing technique because it works with the fluid that nourishes all the nerves in your spinal cord.

By complementing the body's natural healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction, including:

• Migraine Headaches
• Chronic Neck and Back Pain
• Motor-Coordination Impairments
• Colic
• Autism
• Central Nervous System Disorders
• Orthopedic Problems
• Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries
• Scoliosis
• Infantile Disorders
• Learning Disabilities
• Chronic Fatigue
• Emotional Difficulties
• Stress and Tension-Related Problems
• Fibromyalgia and other Connective-Tissue Disorders
• Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ)
• Neurovascular or Immune Disorders      
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Post-Surgical Dysfunction

1. 

Text Neck

Overuse of Smartphone’s can cause slipped discs

By: Dr. Stephen Kelly

With smartphone’s gaining popularity among South Koreans since 2010, an escalating number of youngsters, mostly in their twenties, are beginning to suffer the consequences.

According to the Korean National Health Insurance Corporation, the number of patients with cervical disc herniation (or slipped disc) has increased from 573,912 in 2007 to 784,121 in 2011. Out of 100,000 patients, 7.6 percent of them are in their twenties.

Most people look down when using their mobile devices. This posture adds a strain to the neck and causes cervical disc herniation. Whilst a human head weighs approximately 10 pounds (4.5kg), staring at a phone with your head tilted forward will feel more akin to a 20-30 pound (9kg to 13.6kg) load. A significant problem for the discs in your neck!

This study was done in Korea but this is a nearly worldwide problem. Chiropractic intervention can help “text neck” by realigning vertebrae and proving proper stretching/ rehabilitation exercises.

Cervical disc herniation isn't the only problem exacerbated by over use of Smartphone’s. Youngsters also spend less time exercising which has resulted in an increase in obesity and diabetes.

If you are one of those who like to spend hours chatting or gaming on your smartphone, this latest report from Korea should motivate you to take some time to rest in between and do some light neck stretches. After all, a slipped disc is no joking matter as it requires frequent medical, chiropractic and/or physical therapy. In some cases, it may even require surgical attention.

If you or a loved one frequently uses a smartphone, get checked by a chiropractor. It can help prevent/ relieve neck pain, headaches and potentially prevent a disc herniation.

Dr. Stephen Kelly.www.family1stchiropractic.ca.  Family First Chiropractic. 403-347-3261.  142 Erickson Drive. Red Deer, Alberta

 

Roller Coasters and Chiropractic

Roller Coasters and Chiropractic

Roller Coasters and amusement parks are great fun for the whole family. However, have you ever gotten off a roller coaster and felt dizzy , had neck or back  pain and feel nauseated? I am sure that almost everybody has at some point in the lives. The neck trauma caused by roller coasters and other rides at the fair or theme park can cause a subluxation of the vertebrae causing these symptoms, often called whiplash.This forward-backwards motion of the neck can cause soft tissue injury to the neck muscles and ligaments. A simple, gentle adjustment to the neck may be all that is needed to eliminate the dizziness and nausea. Similarly, falls taken by kids or motor vehicle accidents can cause dizziness, neck pain or nausea. Proper assessment and treatment by your chiropractor can get you back to feeling great.

Call us at Family First Chiropractic & Wellness at 403-347-3261 to book your appointment.

We are located at 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer, T4R 2C3

www.family1stchiro.ca

Are you sleep Deprived

Are you sleep deprived?

More and more research is pointing to lack of sleep as one of the reasons for the onset of several diseases. That sleep is rejuvenating, is a well known fact. There is nothing like a perfect night’s sleep, to kick start another day’s work.

We all know what happens when sufficient sleep is not available

• Tendency to commit mistakes
• Increased feeling of irritation
• Friction between husband and wife
• Ill-natured towards the children
• Feeling of drowsiness
• Decreased reaction times
• Increased risk for accidents while driving
• Poor decision making capacity
• Decreased performance levels
• Finding fault with others
• Picking unnecessary and unwanted quarrels
• Decreased immune function
• Impaired memory
• Weight increase and obesity
• Acquiring hypertension and diabetes

Reasons for lack of sleep
Insomnia is a term associated with the condition of disturbed sleep. While there are several causes for disturbances in sleep pattern, some of them are man-made. For example, some people have a tendency to stay up late at night. On top of that, you have to wake up early for the next day schedule. This means that you will be sleep deprived. Some other reasons for lack of sleep are:

• Restless legs syndrome
• Sleep apnea
• Depression
• Polyuria associated with diabetes
• Hormonal changes as in menopause
• Disturbances in circadian rhythm as in jet lag
• Eating just before going to bed
• Exercising just before bed time
• Intake of caffeine before bed time (Drinking coffee)
• Sleeping in the presence of bright light

It is generally agreed that people need to sleep between seven and eight hours every day. The maximum amount of time spent in deep sleep is called the core sleep. This is the time when you are not aware of your surroundings. The period of core sleep varies from individual to individual, but is essential for normal health. The sleepiness gradually wears off as the period of core sleep is crossed. Generally, it is good if you wake up at least thirty minutes after the core sleep. Studies have shown that too little sleep or too much sleep can be deleterious to health(2,4). Research has shown that either of these two habits can lead to increase in abdominal fat(4) . This can also increase the risk for acquiring cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Optimum sleep is invigorating. Too little sleep or too much sleep is debilitating.

Producing ideal conditions for sleep

A tired body produces good sleep. On the other hand, too tired a body can produce only disturbed sleep. If you eat just before going to bed, your level of sleep will not be satisfactory. Good bed room environment produces good sleep. But, we pay little attention to such matters. Even the height of the pillow can influence the way we sleep. Night lamps play an important role in sleep. Too bright a light can be disturbing. Recent research also shows that sleeping in the presence of light can lead to weight gain because of disturbances in melatonin secretion. Reading a book is the best sleeping pill one can come across. The most important thing is to have a clear mind. After all, the sleep center is located in the brain. Family feuds before bed time or carrying worries from the workplace to the bed, is not going to help the cause of good sleep. The best policy is to forget the past and to look forward to a rosier tomorrow. Sleep will automatically embrace you.

Brought to you by Family First Chiropractic and Wellness, 142 Erickson Drive, 403-347-3261 www.family1stchiro.ca
References:

1. Brain Basics: Understanding Sleep:National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brain_basics/understanding_sleep.htm. Last updated:May 21, 2007 Accessed on: Feb 23, 2011

2.Gottlieb DJ, Redline S, Nieto FJ et al.Association of usual sleep duration with hypertension: the Sleep Heart Health Study.Sleep. 2006 Aug 1;29(8):1009-14.

3. Gottlieb DJ, Punjabi NM, Newman AB. et al.Association of sleep time with diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance.Arch Intern Med. 2005 Apr 25;165(8):863-7.

4.Chaput JP, Després JP, Bouchard C et al.The association between sleep duration and weight gain in adults: a 6-year prospective study from the Quebec Family Study.Sleep. 2008 Apr 1;31(4):517-23.

Gardening Tips to Stay Healthy

Spring time in Alberta is a great times to get out and plant flowers, vegetables and fruits in your yard and garden. It is a great experience to get out of the house and enjoy new life, the sunshine and God’s creation. It improves your mood as well as giving you exercise while enjoying the birds chirping and kids playing outside with each other.

Before bending down and kneeling to remove debris and till the soil, here are a few tips to help keep your day enjoyable:

Stretch – Some simple stretching of your legs, back, arms, shoulders and wrists will help to avoid injury or severe muscle stiffness later. Some muscle soreness is normal as you probably have not used all the same muscle groups for other activities during the winter. This will generally subside in a couple of days as your body gets used to this new activity.

Take your time – Going too fast too soon increases the risk of injury so enjoy your time outdoors and pace yourself. Take a few days if you have a large garden or yard. Alternate your tasks between kneeling, standing, digging and planting.

 Use the Right Equipment – Use a wheelbarrow to transport smaller loads of dirt or planters. Use a kneeling pad to protect your knees. Use ergonomic tools while working the soil.

Visit your Chiropractor and Massage Therapist – Regular chiropractic adjustments and muscle therapy will help to keep your spine aligned and reduce back and joint pain while maintaining flexibility. Enjoy the fruits of your gardening! There is nothing like healthy fresh fruits and vegetables straight from your own garden.

Happy Gardening!!

Call us at Family First Chiropractic & Wellness at 403-347-3261 to book your appointment.

www.family1stchiro.ca