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By Craig Howenstine March 2, 2022 Chiropractic

How Pro Athletes Deal with Pain

Bottom Line:

Professional sports is big business, and sports performance is a huge part of winning.
To help athletes play at the highest levels possible, they’re given access to a variety of the best
healthcare options available.

And that includes access to readily available chiropractic care for athletes.
It’s true!

In fact, chiropractors can be found on nearly every sideline working to keep your favorite
athletes and their teammates happy, healthy, and productive on and off the field, pitch, rink,
ring, court – you name it!

Why it Matters:
Thankfully, the days of receiving shots of narcotics on the sidelines are over.
Blocking pain is not an excellent way to prevent pain, especially when it comes to sports and
activities that push the body.

It’s a way to cause more injury.

That’s why chiropractors are so important.

Sports franchises and players alike realize that a team approach to care is best.
In fact, nearly every professional sports team has a team chiropractor on the sidelines to help
keep the athletes performing at their peak level.

What’s more, it’s estimated that 90% of professional and Olympic-class athletes use chiropractic
care to increase performance and reduce the risk of injury.

With chiropractors there to help find the root cause of player injuries, athletes can get back to
their game feeling better than ever.

Check out why some notable athletes have to say about their experience with chiropractic care:
● “Most injuries require chiropractic care. It works better for me than anything else.” –
quote attributed to Jerry Rice
● “I have found that chiropractic keeps me flexible and pain free so I can perform at my
highest level. The benefits of chiropractic have improved my golf swing, putting less
stress and strain on my body and allowing me to be a more productive golfer. I believe it
also helps prevent other associated injuries that are very common on the LPGA tour.” –
quote attributed to Barbara Bunkowsky
● “Chiropractic just makes you feel so much better. When I walk out of the clinic, I feel like
I’m about three inches taller and everything’s in place. And as long as I see the
chiropractor, I feel like I’m one step ahead of the game.” – quote attributed to Tom Brady

Next Steps:
No – you don’t need to be part of a professional sports team to enjoy the benefits of chiropractic
care!

All of us deal with aches and pains that can slow us down and sideline us from time to time.
And whether you’re a professional player interested in chiropractic care for athletes or a
weekend warrior, or you’re constantly traveling for youth sports, chiropractic care can help keep
you in the game.

Pain relief and improved function are just a couple of the ways our care can help improve your
quality of life and keep you performing at your best.

So, if you’re looking for a sports rehab chiropractor in [your city / town / neighborhood], know our
doors are open, and we’re dedicated to helping you achieve your health goals.

Give us a call to get started!

By Craig Howenstine February 21, 2022 Chiropractic

Neck Arthritis: Why Your Daily Habits Might Be to Blame

Bottom Line:
Arthritis is defined as the breakdown of the cartilage around your joints, and this condition can
develop anywhere in your body.

Neck arthritis is quite common.

Arthritis is actually a normal part of the aging process.

Some of the most common symptoms associated with arthritis (including neck arthritis) are joint
pain, stiffness, swelling, and a limited range of motion.

There’s good news.

While arthritis is normal and natural, the decisions we make each day can dramatically impact
how likely it is to become more of a problem for us as we move up in years.

Why it Matters:
Thinning discs, bone spurs, and other arthritic changes naturally occur as we age.
These can be caused by injury, lifestyle factors, and, not surprisingly, gravity. And many people who are diagnosed with arthritis believe they are destined for a life of pain.

That isn’t true.
You can manage and even mitigate many of the perceived challenges of arthritis – including
neck arthritis – by making positive decisions for your spinal health each and every day.

Here are 3 ways to stay proactive and reduce the effects of arthritis:
1. Perform stretches and exercises that foster a balance of strength and flexibility daily.
2. Employ ergonomic strategies like keeping your monitor at eye level while working at your
computer.
3. Follow a diet that limits inflammatory foods that can contribute to pain and chronic
inflammation.

Next Steps:
There is no “magic bullet” to prevent arthritis but making those small changes to your daily
habits can absolutely help you minimize your risk of experiencing arthritis pain.
It’s estimated that most habits form after about 60 days.
Can you commit to following the 3 healthy habits above for the next 60 days?
Absolutely.

We know you can!
And if you’re experiencing any of the common arthritis symptoms we mentioned – especially if
it’s neck arthritis or low back arthritis – be sure to give us a call

Close to home chiropractic care for arthritis in [your city / town] may be just what you need.

Our caring and expert team will take a look at what’s going on and work together with you to
restore your range of motion and ease the symptoms, naturally.

Science Source(s):
Osteoarthritis. University of Maryland Medical Center. 2007.
Arthritis. Mayo Clinic. 2021.
The Ultimate Arthritis Diet. Arthritis Foundation. 2021.

By Craig Howenstine February 14, 2022 Chiropractic, Exercises, Health, Physio, Sporting, Therapy, Wellness, Work Injury

The Neck Pain Solution No One is Talking About

Bottom Line:
Get this.
There is a natural neck pain solution that works better than medications and is far less risky
than injections or surgery.

This natural neck pain solution is often recommended by many physicians.
This natural neck pain solution is also recommended as a first line treatment by most major
healthcare organizations.

So why hasn’t the world embraced it?
That’s a good question.

Why it Matters:
That natural neck pain solution is chiropractic care.
Chiropractors primarily focus on improving and maintaining the structure and function of your
entire spine, and that includes your neck.

Gentle adjustments applied to the neck have been shown to effectively improve range of motion
which can help reduce pain.

And get this.
Even a disc herniation doesn’t automatically mean your condition is too advanced for
chiropractic care.

Research has shown that nearly 80% of people with a disc herniation in their neck found relief
with spinal adjustments.

So, if you’ve been living with neck pain, here’s what we want you to know…

● Drugs and surgeries usually aren’t recommended for the care of neck pain due to their
potential side effects and risks.
● The Cleveland Clinic, American College of Physicians, and other high profile healthcare
organizations support chiropractic adjustments for the care of neck issues.
● Recent research has also shown that chiropractor provided spinal adjustments can
provide more relief than steroid injections for neck pain caused by a disc herniation.

Next Steps:

Whether you’ve been living with neck pain for a day, a month, a year, or more, the first step to
finding relief is finding out where it all started.

We want to help.

Our expert team has the compassion, know-how, and tools needed to uncover and treat the
structural issue at the root of your pain.

So, if you or someone you know is living with neck pain, you should be looking for a chiropractor
specializing in neck pain in [your city / town].

We do, and we hope you’ll take a moment for yourself and give us a call today!

Science Source(s):
Chiropractic Care for Arthritis. Arthritis Foundation. 2020.
How to Get Rid of a Stiff Neck. Cleveland Clinic. 2021.
Cervical Disk Herniation Patients Treated with Spinal Manipulative Therapy. JMPT. 2013.
Symptomatic MRI-Confirmed Cervical Disk Herniation Patients. JMPT. 2016.

By Craig Howenstine February 7, 2022 Chiropractic, Exercises, Health, Physio, Sporting, Studies, Therapy, Wellness, Work Injury

Why Does My Neck Hurt?

Bottom Line:
Believe it or not, the average weight of the human head is a full 11 pounds.
That may not seem like a lot, but imagine you had to actually hold that weight in your hands and
up above your shoulders all day every day for the rest of your life.
That’s exactly the job your neck has to do.

 

What’s more, the bones and muscles of your neck need to work together in perfect harmony for
you to move your head around and to do it without pain.

This is what really has you Googling “why does my neck hurt.”

It’s no surprise then that you may experience discomfort and maybe even pain as a result of
postural changes, injuries, and arthritis in and around your neck.

Why it Matters:
If you’ve ever had a stiff neck and couldn’t turn your head for a day or two, you know how
completely distracting that pain can be.
Those sharp muscle spasms that restrict your ability to move – ouch!
However, what many of us don’t realize is that our body may be trying to protect a joint that isn’t
moving correctly.

Almost every bone in your neck has a pair of sliding joints towards the back called facet joints.
If an adhesion forms on those joints or they become “stuck,” your body will try to compensate,
and that can lead to other challenges like muscle spasms if not addressed quickly.
If you’re living with neck pain and wondering “why does my neck hurt”, here’s what you’ll want to
remember…
● Sudden injuries, arthritis, and postural issues can all contribute to neck pain.
● The small sliding joints (facet joints) of your neck can become “stuck” and that condition
can lead to muscle spasms and pain.
● Gentle spinal adjustments combined with daily stretching can help restore the motion of
your facet joints and reduce your pain.

Next Steps:
In short, you can stop wondering “why does my neck hurt.”
A stiff neck is your body’s way of saying “pay attention”!
And even if that stiffness comes and goes, it’s a smart idea to have us evaluate what’s going on.
Taking care of small challenges before they become big issues is the definition of being
proactive with your health.

You can reduce your risk of future episodes of neck pain and stiffness.

Whether neck pain is something you know all too well or something you hope to neve know, it’s
a smart idea to give us a call.

We’re your neck pain treatment center, our doors are open, and we’re here to
help!

Science Source(s):
The Cervical Spine Before, During and After Manipulation. The Spine Journal. 2018.
Facet Joint Syndrome. Cedars Sinai. 2021.

By Craig Howenstine January 31, 2022 Chiropractic, Exercises, Health, Physio, Studies, Therapy, Wellness, Work Injury

How to Get Rid of a Stiff Neck

Bottom Line:
A stiff neck can often be traced to postural issues that contribute to weakened neck muscles.
The majority of us are working on computers and staring down at smartphones for hours on end
each day, and that’s left an estimated 20% of us living with daily neck pain over this past year.
That’s because weakened muscular support means additional stress on your spinal joints.
Over time, that extra stress can change how you move and increase the pressure on your spinal
discs, which can eventually lead to neck pain.

Why it Matters:
That habit of looking down at our computers or phones all day often means we’re living with
chronically tired neck muscles.

That stress adds up and can also result in the joints of your neck not moving correctly.
At that point, it’s only a matter of time before you wake up with a stiff neck or turn your head
during the day and are greeted by an intense muscle discomfort or pain.
Wondering how to get rid of a stiff neck?

Here are 3 smart steps you can take:
1. Perform range of motion focused exercises each day that both stretch and strengthen
the muscles that support the joints in your neck.
2. Invest in a supportive pillow that you find comfortable for how you sleep and will keep
your head in a neutral position throughout the night.
3. Schedule regular spinal adjustments to help maintain proper movement patterns with
regard to your neck and spinal joints.

Next Steps:
Small adjustments can equal big changes in your quality of life – especially when it comes to
how to get rid of a stiff neck – and our team is here to help!
Our focus is on helping you function better so you can feel better, and we don’t stop at adjusting
your spine.

We’ll also work with you to provide you with stretches and exercises you can do from the
comfort of your own home to boost the effects of our care.
So, if neck pain has gotten in the way of you enjoying your life and you’re looking for natural
neck pain treatment in [your city / town], give us a call and schedule that next appointment
today.

Your body will thank you!

Science Source(s):
How to Get Rid of a Stiff Neck. Cleveland Clinic. 2021.
The Epidemiology of Neck Pain. Physiopedia. 2021.

By Craig Howenstine January 25, 2022 Chiropractic, Exercises, Health, Wellness

A Year of Abundant Health

Bottom Line:

Designing a year of abundant health starts with ensuring you’re setting SMART goals and taking proactive daily steps to help your body function at its best.

Motion is life.

Movement and exercise are the essential foundations to living your best life.

Not only does motion help you feel better physically – research also shows daily movement and exercise can help your brain stay sharp and focused.

Why it Matters:

Before you can begin a daily exercise routine, you’ll want to ensure your spine and joints are moving well.

If any of your joints aren’t moving properly, it’s going to be difficult to move through your entire range of motion safely and painlessly.

In fact, when any number of joints aren’t moving properly, that usually means other joints have had to compensate, which means they may become overloaded, which puts you at an increased risk for injury.

Maintaining the following 3 types of movement is key to optimizing how your body functions and improving your health in the new year….

  • Segmental. As the foundation of your spinal motion, segmental movement describes the motion that happens between each set of bones in your spine.
  • Regional. Your spine is divided into four primary regions: cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), lumbar (low back), and sacral (tail bone).
  • Whole Body. When you combine the segmental and regional movements of your spine with the movement of your extremities, you have whole-body motion.

Next Steps:

Abundant health starts with moving well and feeling great.

As you probably noticed, each of these movement types builds upon the other.

Problems with segmental motion can cause problems with your regional and whole-body movement, so to have optimal whole-body movement, you’ll want to ensure that both your regional and segmental motion is in tip-top shape.

So, if you notice any pain or limitations in your movement patterns and you’re near [your city / town], be sure to schedule a visit with us today!

Science Source(s):

How Simply Moving Benefits Your Mental Health. Harvard Health. 2016.