Month: October 2014

If you or your loved ones have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, you may be wondering what the disorder means for you. The condition still remains a mystery, although an estimate of 700,000-1.2 million Canadians, mainly women, have fibromyalgia syndrome or are suffering with its related symptoms. Even diagnosing the condition can be difficult: according to the National Fibromyalgia Association, it can take a patient up to 4 years to be correctly diagnosed.

Fibromyalgia is typically diagnosed in patients with:

• Widespread pain in all 4 quadrants of the body for a minimum of 3 months; and

• Tenderness or pain in at least 11 tender points when pressure is applied. These tender points clump around the neck, shoulder, chest, hip, knee, and elbow regions. Some fibromyalgia experts say, however, that many people may still have fibromyalgia with fewer than 11 tender points if they have widespread pain and several other common symptoms, including:

• Fatigue

• Sleep disorders

• Chronic headaches

• Dizziness or light-headedness

• Cognitive or memory impairment

• Malaise and muscle pain after exertion

• Jaw pain

• Morning stiffness

• Menstrual cramping

• Irritable bowels

• Numbness and tingling sensations

• Skin and chemical sensitivities

Correct Diagnosis Is Key

Accurate diagnosis of fibromyalgia is very elusive, so if you are diagnosed with the disorder—or suspect that you have it—seek the opinion of more than 1 health care provider. Other conditions may create fibromyalgia—like pain, fatigue, and other symptoms. Ruling other conditions out first is very important. In addition to clinical evaluation that will assess possible causes of your pain, your doctor may need to order blood work to determine

if you have:

• Anemia

• Hypothyroidism

• Lyme disease

• Other rheumatic diseases

• Hormonal imbalances

• Allergies and nutritional deficiencies

• Disorders that cause pain, fatigue, and other fibromyalgia-like symptoms.

If the tests show that you have 1 of these conditions, treatment will focus on treating that problem first. If your pain is caused by a muscle or joint condition, chiropractic care may help alleviate it more effectively than other therapies.

Treatment Alternatives

If no other cause for your symptoms can be identified, you may have classic fibromyalgia. The traditional allopathic approach includes a prescription of prednisone, anti-inflammatory agents, antidepressants, sleep medications, and muscle relaxants. These temporarily relieve the symptoms, but they do create side effects. If you prefer a natural approach, the following suggestions may be helpful:

• Studies have shown that a combination of 300 to 600 mg of magnesium per day, along with malic acid, may significantly reduce may significantly reduce the number of tender points and the pain felt at those that remain. B vitamins may also be helpful.

• Eating more omega-3 fatty acids and fewer saturated fats has shown promise in fibromyalgia patients. Limit red meat and saturated fats and increase the amounts of omega-3 fatty acids by including fish, flax, and walnut oils in your diet. Fatty acid deficiencies can interfere with the nervous system and brain function, resulting in depression and poor memory and concentration.

• Improving the quality of sleep can help reduce fatigue. Watch your caffeine intake, especially before going to bed. Reduce TV and computer time. If you watch TV in the evening, choose relaxing, funny programs instead of programs with violent or disturbing content. Ask your doctor of chiropractic for other natural ways to help you sleep better.

• Stress-managing strategies can also help address anxiety or depression issues. Cognitive therapy has been shown helpful in relieving fibromyalgia patients’ negative emotions and depression by changing their perception of themselves and attitudes toward others.

• A traditional gym-based or aerobic exercise program may exacerbate fibromyalgia symptoms and is not recommended. Instead, yoga, Pilates, or tai chi—which offer mild stretching, relaxation, and breathing techniques—may work better than vigorous exercise.

• Studies have shown that acupuncture is another effective, conservative approach to treating fibromyalgia symptoms and many doctors of chiropractic offer this service right in their offices.

• Chiropractic care has consistently ranked as one of the therapeutic approaches that offer the most relief for the fibromyalgia patient.

Your doctor of chiropractic can also include massage therapy, ultrasound and electrical stimulation in the treatment program, which may help relieve stress, pain, and other symptoms.     Your doctor of chiropractic has the knowledge, training, and expertise to help you understand your problem and, in many cases, to manage it successfully. Remember, however, that the treatment program can be successful only with your active participation. If your doctor of chiropractic feels that he or she cannot help you, you will be directed to another health care provider.

Call SpineWise Bowmanville to see how our top Chiropractors, RMTs, Naturopath, Physiotherapist and Laser Therapist can help treat your Fibromyalgia.  Call 905-623-8388

During menstruation, many  women suffer from painful menstrual cycles and also have uterine pain while and after menstruation. These cramps are also called dysmenorrhea. Menstruation is marked by a sharp pain along with nausea, headache, digestive problems and lower back pain.

Side Effects of Prescription Medications for Dysmenorrhea

At times, women are prescribed birth control formulations which are made especially for those who have very painful menstrual cycles. Although there has been no concrete proof of link between breast cancer and oral contraceptives but it does lead to other problems like blood clots in the legs, brain, heart and lungs, heart attack and immune system suppression.

Usually, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs are used to fight the pain that is caused by cramps. Although medicines provide relief from the pain but thDuring menstruation, many  women suffer from painful menstrual cycles and also have uterine pain while and after menstruation. These cramps are also called dysmenorrhea. Menstruation is marked by a sharp pain along with nausea, headache, digestive problems and lower back pain.

Side Effects of Prescription Medications for Dysmenorrhea

At times, women are prescribed birth control formulations which are made especially for those who have very painful menstrual cycles. Although there has been no concrete proof of link between breast cancer and oral contraceptives but it does lead to other problems like blood clots in the legs, brain, heart and lungs, heart attack and immune system suppression.

Usually, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs are used to fight the pain that is caused by cramps. Although medicines
eir use for long time can result in gastrointestinal problems like bleeding and gastric ulcers. There can also be an increase in the chances of heart attack.

Chiropractic Treatments for Dysmenorrhea

In order to function in a proper manner, female sexual organs just like other organs of the body needs nerve supply from the spine. It so happens that many women who suffer from menstrual cycles have back pain or neck pain generally. Chiropractic adjustments help women in getting relief from these problems and the advantages are many.

Chiropractic help makes sure that the connection between the spinal column and sexual organ is a proper one. This method of treatment has helped many women who were suffering from the problem of painful menstrual cycles. Vertebral subluxation is a condition in which the person has a misaligned spine and that interferes with the nervous system and results in reduced health. Chiropractors assist in fixing these vertebral subluxations so that the pain is decreased and hence you get a permanent solution to your problem. It is a natural method of treatment and therefore does not have any kind of side effects.

Spinal realignment can also help in treating other conditions that are related to reproductive health. Women who go through various hormonal changes and conditions like menopause symptoms which include hot flashes, depression, headaches, irritability, back and joint pain and fatigue can get the advantage of chiropractic treatment. So, if you are suffering from painful menstrual cycles, then you should consult your chiropractor soon.

Are you looking for a natural remedy for those painful menstrual cramps?  Come into SpineWise Bowmanville to see how we can help you.  Call us at 905-623-8388 to meet with our top Chiropractors.

Chicken Noodle Soup:
Grandma was right — nothing beats chicken soup for fending off sniffles. Not only does it provide the fluids needed to help fight off viruses, it’s a powerful mucus stimulant so it helps clear nasal congestion as well as thin mucus. It’s also thought to have a mild anti-inflammatory effect than can help ease cold symptoms. Keep some organic chicken stock on hand.

Onion And Garlic:
If you want to punch up the healing power of your chicken soup — or any other dish — add plenty of garlic and onions. When combined, these flavorful healers contain numerous antiseptic and immunity boosting compounds. As an added plus, garlic helps to open clogged sinuses.

Mushrooms:
No herbal medicine cabinet should be without mushrooms. They increase the production of cytokines, which are cells that help fight off infection. They also contain polysaccharides, which are compounds that support the immune system. The most potent cold- and flu-fighting shrooms are shitake, maitake and reishi.

Citrus Fruits:
Citrus fruits contain large doses of powerhouse vitamin C. Studies have found that this antioxidant can reduce cold symptoms by 23 per cent, and all that’s needed is just one to eight grams (1,000 to 8,000 milligrams) to do the trick. Besides citrus fruits, other foods that have high amounts of vitamin C include papaya, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, tomatoes, broccoli, brussel sprouts and red bell peppers.

Yogurt:
Studies have shown that eating a cup of low-fat yogurt each day can reduce your susceptibility to colds by 25 percent. The beneficial bacteria is Lactobacillus reuteri which has been found to block the replication of viruses that invade the body when we get sick. Not all brands have that particular bacteria, so check labels and be sure to go organic.

Hot Tea:
Hot tea is soothing and a great home remedy, helping to thin mucus and ensure proper hydration. For added health benefit, sip green or black tea — both are filled with flavonoids, which are potent antioxidants.

Ginger:
Ginger comes to the aid when we’re sick in some powerful ways. Besides soothing a scratchy throat, it has chemicals called sesquiterpenes that target rhinoviruses — which are the most common family of cold viruses — as well as substances that help suppress coughing. Ginger is also a natural pain and fever reducer and a mild sedative so you will feel more comfortable and be able to rest easier. Add a couple of tablespoons of shredded gingerroot to your tea, or make ginger tea (it comes in tea bags, but you can also simmer fresh sliced ginger to make a potent brew).

Honey:
Honey has numerous medicinal properties and because it coats your throat it is a natural way to soothe sore throats. It also has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties to help fight infections from viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Skip the common clover honey that you’ll find in the supermarket as it has the lowest antioxidant level. Look for buckwheat honey, which has the highest.

Black Pepper:
It’s ironic that black pepper — the spice best known for making you sneeze — can ward off the sniffles. Black peppercorns are high in piperine, a compound known for its anti-fever and pain-relieving qualities.

Spices:
Make recipes more flavorful with garlic, thyme, rosemary, sage and oregano — while spicing things up, you’ll also get an added kick of immune-busters, too.

Come into SpineWise Bowmanville to meet with our top Chiropractors, RMT’s and Laser Therapists.  Call 905-623-8388

Some people wonder why more and more parents are taking their children to see chiropractors. The answer is simple: whether we have a large spine or a tiny  one, if the spine is negatively impacting the communication of the nervous system then our body is unable regulate and co-ordinate itself correctly…

The nervous system is the ‘Master Controller’
The nervous system is the master controller of our body and if its communication channels become fuzzy, distorted or damaged then we may experience all sorts of communication errors. For babies this ineffective communication may play out as colic or irritability, an inability to suckle and breastfeed or poor sleep habits. For a child poor nerve communication may result in developmental delays, an inability to concentrate, behavioral problems, digestive issues, asthma, headaches – the list is endless.

Nerve irritations (or vertebral subluxations) occur as a part of normal daily life. They may result from physical, chemical and emotional stressors or ‘insults’ to our health, such as bad posture, prolonged postures, sleeping on our stomachs, knocks and falls, poor food choices, dehydration, exposure to chemicals and toxins, and stress and anxiety.

Some research suggests that even before these lifestyle stressors have an impact, nerve irritation may occur in the uterus from awkward positioning, restriction of movement in the womb and exposure to toxins. Subluxations or nerve irritation may also occur from birth complications such as long labours, very fast labours, or forceps or cesarean delivery.

Babies can be checked by chiropractors very soon after birth and special techniques have been developed to carefully correct any subluxated areas. When we appreciate how the nervous system may be hindered and impaired it makes sense why more parents are having their child’s spine and nervous system assessed.

10 reasons parents take their children to see a chiropractor:
1.  To encourage good brain development.
2.  To support “first-class” nerve communication throughout the body to promoting health and well-being.
3.  To help strengthen their child’s immunity – encouraging fewer colds, ear-aches and general illness.
4.  To help resolve breastfeeding issues and colic.
5.  To reduce the detrimental impact our modern world has on our children’s health.
6.  Encourages children to thrive by supporting digestive strength.
7.  To diminish nerve interference which may impact their child’s capacity to learn and concentrate.
8.  To promote body balance – helping to resolve poor posture, asthma, allergies and bed-wetting..
9.  To help kids stay fun and light hearted.
10.  To help kids stay in tip-top shape.

Your child’s health is their greatest asset and yes while more research into the benefits of chiropractic for babies and children is needed, chiropractic for little people has been shown to be gentle, safe and effective.  When combined with a healthy lifestyle, chiropractic is a true wellness enabler. Ask around and you will find that parents frequently report chiropractic helps their children stay in tip-top shape.

Come into SpineWise Bowmanville to meet with our top Chiropractors.  For a free consultation call 905-623-8388

One of the secrets of effective stress management at work is finding ways to incorporate a variety of stress-reduction techniques into your workday. By using these methods on a regular basis you can catch your stress early before it catches up to you.

•Move around: Get up and walk away from your desk — have some coffee or water, make copies. Walk around a lot, and at lunch be sure to get out of the office and take a quick stroll.

•Stretch and reach for the sky: For many people, your days are characterized by long periods of sitting at a desk or stuck in a cramped work area, broken only by trips to the coffee or copy machine. Other people are on their feet all day. In either case, stretching is a great way of releasing any tension that has accumulated in your muscles.

•Soothe yourself with sound: If you can orchestrate it, listening to calming music at your work site can unruffle your feathers. A radio, tape or CD player, and some appropriate music can be very relaxing. Classical music, especially Bach and Mozart, works nicely. If these composers are too highbrow, try one of the “lite” radio stations. Just keep the volume down, or use a headset.

•Lighten up: The right lighting in your workspace can reduce eyestrain and make a more pleasant place to work. Go for soft and indirect lighting. Just make sure you have enough light.

•Create visual resting spots: Give your eyes — and your mind — a break with photos, artwork, or a plant. At regular intervals, look away from your computer screen or paperwork and focus on a distant object to “stretch your eyes.”

•Organize your desk: How can a neater desk reduce stress? Well, because the source of many types of stress comes from a feeling of being out of control, of being overwhelmed. When your work area looks like a battlefield, you feel the tension growing. And when you can’t find that item you are looking for, your stress level soars even higher. By organizing your files and piles, you get a sense that there is some order in all the chaos.

•Become EC (ergonomically correct): Your desk or workspace can cause stress for other reasons besides disorganization. The problem is, your body was not designed to sit and work in one place for long periods of time. When you sit in a stationary position for long periods of time, your muscle groups contract. The blood flow to these muscles may become reduced, resulting in oxygen-deprived muscles. This can lead to pain, strain, muscle aches, and fatigue.

•Nourish your body (and spirit): What goes into your mouth from 9 to 5 (or from 8 to 7) can make a big difference in your stress level. Eating the wrong foods, or even eating the right foods, but in the wrong amounts, and/or at the wrong times can make it harder for you to cope with the stress in your life.

When you eat poorly, your body doesn’t work as efficiently as it should. This means that you’re not in the best position to handle all the pressures and demands you must face at work.

•Work it out: If you can swing it, one of the better things to do on your lunch break is to hit the gym or health club. Many clubs and gyms are conveniently located near work sites. A number of exercise facilities may even offer you a corporate discount for joining. Better yet, many companies and organizations have workout facilities right on their premises. Work up a sweat, take a shower, and then have a quick but nourishing bite to eat.Are you experiencing stress at work?

Come into SpineWise Bowmanville to find out which of our many treatments can benefit you.  Call 905-623-8388 for a free consultation.