Hello, everyone! It’s Dr. Bob with Lowcountry Chiropractic. I hope all of you are doing well and staying safe! As we approach the end of fall and the beginning of winter, it’s almost time to give thanks for this year. Many of us don’t enjoy the prospect of growing older. We would rather keep turning the same age year after year. But growing older means growing wiser, too. Instead of succumbing to the stiffness and soreness associated with advanced age, I’m here to tell you there’s a reward for sticking to a healthy lifestyle and it’s not too late to start! When you take care of your body, your body takes care of you. And, while we cannot control some of the effects of aging, we can certainly do our part to slow down the process. My goal is for my patients to remain limber and spry into the later decades of their life, as this mobility adds to their quality of life. In today’s post, we’ll discuss what happens to the human spine over time, as well as a few ways you can help your back stay strong for many years to come. If this sounds like something you’re interested in, read on!

There are many reasons for chronic back pain. Pregnant women cite their baby bumps for not being able to sleep well, while others cite poor posture and spinal diseases. After a certain point however, many of us simply say, “I’m just getting old.” Age is considered the catch-all for a laundry list of ailments, but the truth is: There are plenty of sixty-year-olds who beat out thirty-year-olds in terms of mobility. How is that? 

First, we must understand what happens to our backs as we age. Similar to a car with hundreds of thousands of miles, our bodies accumulate wear and tear over the course of our lives. Consider the nights you spent struggling to sleep on a poor mattress, the heavy book bag you carried all through school, the pronounced slouch you took when working at your desk for hours. These habits take their toll after a while. 

The spine is composed of vertebrae--small bones which stack on top of one another--and discs--the jelly-centered in-between bits which absorb shock and keep our vertebrae from rubbing together as we move. Unfortunately, our discs are rubbed down throughout our lifetimes, resulting in pain from colliding vertebrae. Unlike tires on a car, these discs have no warranty. As the discs wear down, our spinal cord is compressed, putting pressure on the sixty-two nerves which branch off from our spine and causing pain. 

During our first ten years of life, discal degeneration begins. Minor tears and fissures in our spinal tissue can contribute to discal herniation (when the jelly-like interior of a disk slips through a crack in the hard outer shell), which is a precursor to radiculopathy (a pinched nerve root). Radiculopathy is common in young adults. 

Car accidents and their resulting whiplash, in addition to broken bones, can accelerate the formation of arthritis in the affected joints. Arthritis can then affect the junctions in our spine where our vertebrae meet, causing further irritation.

As we age, we struggle to absorb the necessary level of calcium and other vital nutrients, which results in weakened bones or osteoporosis. We become more prone to bone breaks and fractures. Osteoporosis can lead to bone remodeling and even rotatory deformities. A study in the Menopause Review found women experience a noted increase in back pain when undergoing perimenopause and menopause. Lower back pain is the most common health problem contributing to disability in older adults, with as many as 70% of those aged sixty-five and above reporting they suffer from LBP. All of these things contribute to the stark reality of many elderly, who live in near constant back pain, with limited mobility. 

Returning to the car analogy: How do you care for your vehicle to ensure you’ll be able to drive as many miles as possible, as comfortably as possible? Well, you change the oil. You buy the best grade of gas. You put air in the tires and fix minor issues as soon as they appear. In this way, you can be fairly sure your car puts out the maximum amount of mileage. In the same way, when you take care of your body, you can reduce (or slow) some of the degenerative effects of aging. 

One of the ways you can “take your body to the shop” is exercise. Research shows exercise is the reason certain older people experience less health problems as they age. In addition to girding the spine and staving off conditions like degenerative disc disease, exercise can help keep away a host of other ailments, including depression and anxiety. A study conducted to assess the effect of exercise on the elderly (who were already afflicted with lower back pain), yielded significant results. The conclusion was simple: “Strengthening exercise is a beneficial treatment for older people with LBP in reducing pain intensity, disability, and improved functional performances.” 

While you need not sign up for a gym membership, you’ll want to dedicate equal focus to strength training as you do to cardio. Exercises which target the core and back muscles will help support your spine in its everyday activities. Another study showed an eight-week flexibility training program was able to improve the range of motion of elderly women. If you aren’t sure where to begin or you have not been active for many months, start by stretching. As your muscles acclimate to daily use, you’ll start to crave further movement. As well, stretching can help prevent injuries once you do start exercising vigorously. 

Another key indicator of overall health is diet. Being overweight can contribute to back pain. According to a study conducted last year, those in the study with spinal pain had significantly poorer diets than those without. Those individuals with a healthy diet were 24% less likely to report spinal pain. Similarly, while fruit, whole grains, and dairy intake were associated with 20-26% lowered likelihood to experience chronic pain, added sugars in an individual’s diet were associated with a 49% increase in likelihood to experience chronic spinal pain. Without proper nutrients, structures within the body are unable to heal and restore themselves. Of course, a balanced diet will be recommended by any physician. However, if you aim to maintain a healthy spine, you’ll want to hone in on a few essential vitamins and minerals. 

The first of these essentials is calcium. Calcium is one of the means of ensuring bone mass into our old age. A deficiency in calcium is one of the main contributors to brittle, weak bones. Calcium can be found in dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, and cheeses. Dark, leafy greens and oily, fatty fish are also great sources. Additionally, almonds, oranges, tofu, and black strap molasses can help you reach your daily calcium intake goal. To absorb calcium, your body also needs vitamin D. Usually, these two supplements are paired together to ensure proper absorption. However, vitamin D can also be found in egg yolks, canned salmon with bones, and sunlight.

Calcium alone does not produce strong bones. To gain strong bones, you’ll also need magnesium. Magnesium is responsible for facilitating over 300 biochemical reactions within the body, as well as helping to form the matrix of our bones. Unfortunately, if this necessary magnesium cannot be found in our blood, our body will steal the mineral from our bones. If you are deficient in magnesium, you may experience cramps or muscle spasms often. The muscles which support and hold the spine are also susceptible to this tension. Seek magnesium in dark greens, dark chocolate, bananas, avocados, cashews, Brazil nuts, whole grains, and supplements. 

Finally, there’s the benefits of seeking regular chiropractic care. Chiropractic care can treat chronic conditions and pain, but its uses are better served in preventing chronic conditions and pain. When left untreated, subluxations within the spine can worsen and disrupt our quality of life. When left for long periods--years and decades--these subluxations become limitations in movement and pain points. 

Aging isn’t linear. It doesn’t happen all at once, either. Instead, numerous factors play into how someone ages, including: stress, diet, sleep, environment, socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, and more. Having access to chiropractic care, which was specifically created to care for the spine, surely impacts the aging process of those receiving treatment. Since the spine houses so many essential nerves, its health is a fundamental prerequisite for the health of the rest of the body. Regular chiropractic care is associated with lower levels of pain, especially pain related to the neck and back. Not only can chiropractic care help alleviate back pain in elderly patients, it can assist in maintaining the mobility of younger spines, as well.
These tips are for those who take their long-term health seriously and would like to be able to continue flipping cartwheels into their old age. (Or, learn how to flip cartwheels in their old age.) There’s no rule in any book which says older individuals must live with back pain and lessened mobility. We here at Lowcountry Chiropractic are here to help. Send us a quick email or a phone call and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. It’s my job to perform a thorough analysis of your situation and develop a plan for ensuring you garner as many “miles” as possible from your back. I hope this information was helpful to you! I look forward to seeing you and remember: I’m Dr. Bob and I have your back covered!
​

​Hello, everyone! It’s Dr. Bob with Lowcountry Chiropractic. I hope all of you are doing well and staying safe! It’s a beautiful time of year and each day presents a new opportunity to be active and enjoy nature. Good weather and physical fitness are two conditions which can contribute to or subtract from a person’s quality of life. Similarly, brain function is another condition which greatly impacts how people complete their day-to-day responsibilities and respond to stressful situations. After the last year we’ve all had, it’s understandable many of us find ourselves more susceptible to stress. Unpredictable schedules and mass loss have weighed on all of us. However, heightened levels of stress can actually impair the executive function of the brain, which regulates concentration and emotions. Have you noticed you’re having trouble staying focused? Or controlling your emotional response to seemingly innocuous stimuli? Well, this may be an indication of decreased brain function due to stress. 
 
According to a recent survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, nearly half of the respondents said they felt the pandemic had increased their stress levels. For many, this led to unwanted weight gain or weight loss, coping mechanisms such as drinking, and terrible sleep. The less discussed and perhaps more insidious effect of stress is the burden placed on our brain. Excessive amounts of stress can cause us to feel foggy, unmotivated, and scattered. Many attribute this to anxiety and depression, but the truth is: impaired executive function actually precedes these states. Individuals who are struggling to focus on their work may internalize their inability as laziness or lack of interest. In reality, their brain is working quite hard to perform as it once did. 
 
The topic is important because, untreated, stress can worsen and have a negative impact on every single part of the body. From our mental health to our physical well-being, keeping brain function operating at a high level is in everyone’s best interest. Therefore, today, let’s discuss a few ways you can improve your brain function naturally. While many turn to stimulants such as caffeine for focus, and suppressants such as drugs for relaxation, these are temporary fixes which can contribute to health problems later down the line. Holistic remedies, like the ones I’ll share with you here, are beneficial in the long-term as well as the short-term. 
 
To begin, the anatomy of the human body is anchored by the central nervous system. The central nervous system consists of the brain and the spinal cord, which descends from the neck to the low back. Sixty-two nerves branch out from the spinal cord and these make up the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nervous system supplies organs, glands, muscles, tendons, and blood vessels with coded instructions that create optimal body functions. 
 
Now, though each aspect of these nervous systems is vital, the brain is the final say in each function performed by these systems. Think of the brain as the “master control.” It’s the window controls on the driver’s side. It’s the overriding command on a computer system. It’s the breaker box on the side of your home. The brain is able to place “child locks,” per say, on any function within the body. Therefore, it is essential the brain operates with maximum efficiency. For maximum efficiency, the brain must send timely signals through the nervous system to regulate the body’s functions. These mechanical, chemical, and electrical messages prompt necessary processes, including motor function, digestion, and even our heart beat. As well, the brain must intake, sort, and classify various signals from parts of the body. When you bump your leg or have indigestion, your brain must recognize these signals and respond accordingly. 
 
For these reasons (and more), ensuring proper brain function should be at the top of your to-do list. There are more than a few ways to do this, but we’ll begin with decreasing stress. 
 
This is perhaps the most intuitive of the tips I’ll share today, but can be difficult to implement to effect. Many of us have stressful jobs or home lives, which seem to preclude us from having more than fifteen minutes of peace. As well, there are many others whose peaceful lives were turned upside down from the pandemic. I understand. However, there can be no long-lasting change to brain function without stress management. Instances of frustration are commonplace and to be expected, but existing in a state of low-grade panic is disastrous for one’s health. 
 
In order to practice stress management, you must be able to self-identify when you are feeling stressed. This is relative for everyone. The feeling of stress coincides with the release of cortisol (and sometimes adrenaline) within the body. These hormones send the body into a fight or flight response. You may experience tense muscles, aching chest, an accelerated heart rate, stomach issues, irritability, or exhaustion. Many sufferers of chronic stress grind their jaw while sleeping or have high blood pressure, as well. And all of these symptoms are in addition to those mentioned at the start of this post. 
 
After you identify your stress response, you can begin eradicating stressors from your life. Taking a step back from work or delegating responsibilities within the home can be hard for some, but just remember you’re doing so for your health. Learn how to say “no” when you cannot handle additional tasks. Learn to distance yourself from those who consistently disregard your well-being and state of mind. Cultivate a peaceful environment in which to work and sleep, free of distractions. Limit news updates if you find these spike your stress levels. Express your feelings readily and communicate when you’re finding something difficult to handle. Take breaks. Take walks outside. Sit peacefully among nature. If you worry you’re wasting time, remind yourself you’re doing the much needed work of returning your brain to its baseline. 
 
Physical exercise can be an invaluable tool for managing stress. Research has shown those who are regularly physically active are less likely to experience decline in their mental function and have a lowered risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Now, to enable these benefits, at least 20-30 minutes of exercise is needed per day. Further, research has indicated stress and physical activity are inversely linked. This means people who are highly stressed are less likely to make an effort to exercise, while people who exercise regularly are less likely to be highly stressed. In order to reverse the relationship between the two, you must commit yourself to being the latter. 
 
Once you’ve learned to manage your stress, the other tips have the most beneficial effect on your brain function. 
 
Now, we’ve discussed subluxations and their impact on the nervous system before on the blog, but it’s important enough to say again. Misaligned vertebrae within the spine are called subluxations and these can impair nervous system function, as they compress nerves and impede signals from the brain. Obviously, with chiropractic care, these subluxations can be resolved. However, chiropractic care doesn’t just have an effect on the parts of the body which are targeted by the peripheral nerves. According to a study conducted by the Spinal Research Foundation, chiropractic adjustments increased brain activity by quite a lot! Participants underwent a brain scan before and after adjustment; and, after adjustment, they’re brains showed increased activity in the prefrontal cortex. Higher learning and cognition take place in the prefrontal cortex, and this area of the brain is responsible for: behavior, goal-directed tasks, decisions, memory, processing pain, eye movements, spatial awareness, and so much more. 
 
It’s normal for chiropractic patients to leave an adjustment feeling spry, awake, and able to take on the day. Now, we know this is more than just a feeling. It’s backed up by scientific evidence--chiropractic adjustment alters brain function by almost 20% on average. This increased brain function leads to improved coordination, muscle strength in lower limbs, control of pelvic floor, and mental agility. 
 
These findings are great news for individuals suffering from brain fog, an inability to focus, and trouble sleeping. Likewise, a healthy brain and well-performing nervous system bode well for the immune system, digestive system, reproductive system, and endocrine system alike! We here at Lowcountry Chiropractic are here to help. Send us a quick email or phone call. I’ll perform a thorough analysis of your situation. I hope this information was helpful to you! I look forward to seeing you and remember: I’m Dr. Bob and I have your back covered!

​Hello, everyone! It’s Dr. Bob with Lowcountry Chiropractic. I hope all of you are doing well, staying safe, and sleeping well! We spend a quarter (sometimes even a third) of our lives sleeping. The importance of quality sleep cannot be understated, and becomes more essential to our well-being as we age. Many of you may be suffering from insomnia or neck tension because of a bad mattress. These problems can spill over into the daytime and make you more irritable and less energized. As a chiropractor, I want you to sleep on a mattress which supports your body and facilitates quality sleep. Therefore, today, I’m going to share with you a few tips which will assist you in selecting a good mattress.

One indication your mattress is ill-equipped for sleeping on is if you go to sleep feeling spry and wake up feeling wrecked. If you struggle to climb out of bed in the morning or find your back pain worsens after sleeping, these are also signs your mattress is the problem. Old mattresses can develop dips or kinks which, when we sleep, negatively affect our bodies. 

Now, what’s “good” as far as a mattress is concerned can vary. Each of our bodies is different. As you’ve probably seen on mattress commercials on television, some people prefer firm mattresses while others prefer soft mattresses. I’ll discuss the implications of each preference, as well as the effects each can have on your body later. 

The goal of any “good” mattress is to maintain spinal alignment throughout the night. As we toss and turn, our mattress should adapt to our bodies, cradling our hips and other stress points. 

There are three basic types of mattresses. The first is the traditional box-spring mattress. Associated with the box-spring mattress is the innerspring mattress. These mattresses contain metal coils, or springs, which compress and expand as we move. Underneath the mattress is a study box which supports the weight of both the mattress and our bodies. While an innerspring mattress contains the springs within itself, a box-spring mattress contains the springs within the underlying box. The innerspring allows airflow within the mattress, which is good for individuals who easily overheat during sleep. These types of mattress have been around for years and tend to be less expensive than some of the options we’ll discuss later. 

You can expect to utilize a box-spring mattress for an average time period of six to eight years. However, during this time period, the quality of the underlying box-spring will degrade. After months and years of sleeping (usually in the same position), most springs will struggle to spring back. This can lead to sinkage and loss of support. The wonderful thing is you can always replace the box spring with a platform or wooden foundation, both of which will not lose their form over time. 

Sleep Number, a popular mattress company, provides the second type of mattress: the air mattress. Combined with technological capabilities, an individual has the option to adjust the firmness or softness of these mattresses by adding or decreasing the amount of air held inside. These mattresses tend to have longer warranties, ranging from ten to fifteen years. The flexibility of these mattresses is a major selling point. However, their various moving parts increase the chances of malfunction. If something breaks, someone has to come fix the problem and you might be left with subpar sleep in the meantime. Air beds can be expensive and are susceptible to trenching (which occurs when the middle of the mattress has sunk). 

The third common mattress type is memory foam. Memory foam mattresses like Tempurpedic gained popularity among sleepers due to their plushy texture and ability to mold to the exact shape of our bodies. However, memory foam also traps heat. This can lead to overheating during sleep, which results in middle-of-the-night sweating and bad sleep. For this reason, it’s recommended you buy a memory foam mattress with a layer of cooling gel. Most recent iterations of the memory foam mattress have this layer built in. 

Memory foam mattresses are sold in a variety of thicknesses and firmness levels. Compared to automated air mattresses, the maintenance for a memory foam mattress is very minimal. The mattress is delivered to your house rolled up and shrink wrapped. After cutting the plastic off, you can simply unfurl the mattress and watch the memory foam expand before your eyes. Similar to the Sleep Number, the warranty on a memory foam mattress ranges from ten to fifteen years. You do not need to flip memory foam, as the mattress will retain its original shape indefinitely. Foam mattresses come in varying levels of density, which equates to firmness. The lowest density is less than 4 PCF (pounds per cubic foot) and has limited durability. Medium density memory foam is 4 to 5 PCF and is middling in terms of breathability and price. The highest density memory foam is more than 5 PCF and is the most expensive and likely to trap heat. 

You’re likely to see more and more mattresses which combine aspects from the previous three types mentioned above. These mattresses can have springs as well as thick layers of memory foam or latex. They come in a variety of densities and firmness levels. However, like box-springs, these mattresses are liable to sag over time. 

Of course, when choosing any mattress, you need to try sleeping on the surface. Most companies will allow you a sixty to ninety-day trial, during which you can send the mattress back and receive a full refund. Give yourself as long as you need to determine whether the mattress is providing the support you need. If you’re still on the fence after a majority of the trial period has passed, do not hesitate to send the mattress back. After waking up on a quality mattress, you should feel refreshed and limber. 

Now, let’s discuss firmness. Everyone is entitled to their preference, but in terms of my recommendation, you’ll want to choose a mattress with adequate firmness. This means, you do not want a mattress which allows your body to sink too much. When heavier parts of our bodies sink into the mattress (e.g. our head, our hips, etc.), the rest of our body is thrown out of alignment. Ideally, a mattress should comfortably support your spine and keep your body mostly level. This lends itself to optimal spinal health.

Men tend to prefer firmer mattresses, while women tend to prefer softer mattresses. The Sleep Number mattress is likely the best option for couples who disagree on their ideal firmness. Both individuals will be able to tailor their side of the mattress to meet their specific needs, ensuring great sleep for both. 

As far as sleeping positions, as I’m sure you know, sleeping on your stomach is not recommended. Sleeping on your stomach causes one side of your neck and back to hyperextend, while the other side is compressed. When the body stays in a position such as this one for an extended period of time, muscle tension and cramps are sure to follow. 

For side sleepers, ensure your neck is supported by a pillow. This support keeps your head from tilting and placing strain on the neck. Slightly bend your knees and keep from crossing your legs over one another. Most people find placing a pillow between the legs in this position helps keep their pelvis aligned. Foam mattresses are considered the best option for side sleepers as the mattress cushions the shoulders and hips, improving spinal alignment. 

For those of you who are naturally back sleepers, good job! Keep your head in a neutral position (i.e. not too far back or forward). Placing a pillow beneath your knees will give flexion to your spine. You might want to give that a try!

Now, finally, what do you do when you’re in chronic pain and switching your mattress just doesn’t work? Well, then it’s time to see a chiropractor. A good mattress is not a suitable replacement for chiropractic care. It is merely a foundational aspect of overall wellness. Chiropractors are trained to treat misalignments within the spine, some of which can be caused by years of sleeping on a terrible mattress. After an adjustment, you may find your sleep quality vastly improves, because your body is no longer fraught with misalignment and tension. 

If you are currently struggling with pain issues and are wondering what else to do, reach out to us at Lowcountry Chiropractic. There’s no need to suffer unnecessarily when there is an opportunity for healing. When you’ve emailed us, we’ll email back as soon as we’re able and set you up with an appointment. At the appointment, we’ll assess your condition and formulate a plan to help. Let’s get you back to feeling (and sleeping) your best! As always, I’m Dr. Bob and I have your back covered! Until next time, take care!

Hello, everyone! It’s Dr. Bob with Lowcountry Chiropractic. I hope all of you are doing well! The month of August has meant hot, humid days for the Lowcountry. August has also meant a return to school and work for many of us. As summer vacation comes to an end, kids don heavy backpacks and adults spend consecutive hours typing at their desks. To my ears, this sounds like a whole lot of back strain! Today, I’m going to share a few stretches with you which can help relieve some of the tension you may be experiencing. Perform these stretches as a family or throughout your workday to keep limber and pain-free!
 
My patients’ most common complaint is lower back pain. This can include stiffness, tenderness, or even mild burning. The causes for lower back pain can vary. Common causes include poor posture, sports injuries (involving excessive twisting of the torso), lifting heavy objects and an unexpected fall. Of course, there could also be an underlying issue, such as a lumbar herniated disc or joint dysfunction. Due to this, your best option for assuaging lower back pain long term is to seek regular chiropractic care. However, if you need relief sooner rather than later, these stretches can be a handy asset in your pain-relief tool box. 
 
These stretches are simple-yet-effective and suited for everyone. You can perform these at home, at work, indoors, outdoors—wherever and whenever you feel the need! It’s recommended you perform these stretches daily for the best results. One study found the effects of a particular stretch were particularly present in the fifteen seconds following the stretch and noticeable for the subsequent twenty four hours. Gains in flexibility diminish in the following days, however. Therefore, to build on your progress and continue training your muscles to be more flexible, you should stretch at least two to three times a week. 
 
Stretching frequently can decrease the potential for injury significantly. As well, as we age and become more inflexible, simple day-to-day tasks can become more difficult. Our ability to balance and maintain an upright posture becomes more difficult when our muscles are tight and stiff, which could lead to a fall. This is the last thing anyone wants! This is why it’s important to invest a small amount of time, at least two to three times per week, as a preventative measure against these potentialities. 
 
The first stretch is relatively easy and simple. This stretch is best when performed in the morning, before you’ve even left your bed. If you suffer from a stiff back and require several minutes each morning to slowly straighten up to full upright posture after waking, this stretch is for you! Begin by lying on your back with your head on a pillow. Place both of your feet flat on the bed, thus bringing your knees into a bent position. Then, using both hands, you’ll grip your knee and gently pull your knee toward your chest. Hold this position for ten to thirty seconds. Please ensure your resting leg is bent, as having your resting leg extended places undue stress on your lower back. That’s the opposite of what we’re trying to do! Repeat this process with your other knee. Then, pull both knees into your chest and hold. Finally, repeat this process three or four times. 
 
The lumbar spine has a natural curve. Most injuries occur because of an impingement (or stress) present at the back of a disc, near the base of the spine. This stress is often caused by overextending backwards and twisting simultaneously. By performing the stretch above, you’re performing flexion(bending forward), which is the opposite motion. This allows trapped fluids to imbibe and lengthens the muscles surrounding the base of the spine.   
 
The next stretch is perfect for desk workers or people who spend hours sitting everyday. You’ll want to perform this stretch at least once every hour during work, as continual sitting tightens the muscles of the posterior chain (including the erector muscles, the gluteus maximus, the hamstrings, and the calves). 
 
Begin in an upright seated position, with your knees bent. From this position, you’ll slowly bend forward. Your aim is to touch your chest to your upper thighs and keep your arms relaxed. Take a deep breath. Breathe out. Spend about ten seconds in this position before moving your chest to hover over one knee. Then, after ten seconds, repeat this on the other side. This is a static stretch, therefore refrain from bouncing. If you aren’t able to go down all the way or experience pain, stop in whatever version of this position feels comfortable. Repeat this entire process three or four times. 
 
The third stretch is a wonderful stretch to warm up your body before a workout or strenuous activity. Loose, flexible muscles bear loads much more elegantly than stiff, tight muscles. If you’re preparing to go on a run, lift weights, or carry boxes, you may want to set aside a few minutes to complete this stretch before and after. 
 
You can begin in a squat position. You’ll want to lean a portion of your weight forward, onto your hands (positioned in front of your center of gravity), and a portion of your weight back (down through the hips). You should feel this stretch in your hip flexors and along the lower back, but shouldn’t experience any pain. Allow yourself to relax into this position for ten to fifteen seconds. Then, similar to the last stretch, bend toward one of your knees to stretch the opposite side of your back. Repeat on the opposite side. Then, complete this set two to three more times. 
 
The final stretch is called the child’s pose and is a popular yoga stretch. If you’re not familiar with this stretch already, we’ll go through the correct steps together! First, you’ll begin on your hands and knees, in a tabletop position. A table top position entails your shoulders being stacked over your wrists and your knees underneath your hips (though slightly widened). From this position, you’ll drive your weight back through your hips, seeking to touch your rear to the backs of your ankles. Simultaneously, you’ll lean forward with both arms extended. This stretch elongates the back muscles. Try to reach forward and stop if you experience any discomfort. 
 
Next, you’ll retract one arm by pulling in your elbow and extend the other arm. This will stretch one side of your back. Hold this position for ten to fifteen seconds. Repeat on the other side. Repeat this set on either side. 
 
These are the essential stretches for lower back pain. A few related stretches, targeted toward specific muscle groups and types of pain are as follows. 

• The sciatic nerve travels through the piriformis muscle. Therefore, you may have sciatic pain in your legs because of a tightened muscle in your piriformis. To stretch the piriformis muscle, located in the upper buttocks, you can perform either of these two stretches:

1. Begin on your back. Place one foot on the floor, with your knee bent. Cross the ankle of your other leg across the top of your bent knee. Using both hands, grip the back of your bent knee and pull gently towards your chest. If you’re unable to stretch this way without pain, simply grab the leg on top and pull. 
2. A variation of this stretch allows you to target the side of the piriformis muscles. You’ll follow the same instructions for assuming the position of the first stretch. Then, place the hand on the side with your closest leg flat on the ground. Place your other hand on the knee closest to you and gently pull the knee in a cross-body direction. Repeat on the other side. Spend more time resting on the side which is tighter. 

• The psoas muscle extends from the lower lumbar area down through the pelvis to the femur. To stretch the psoas: 

1. Begin in a seated position, with your knees bent. Cross one ankle over the top of the opposite thigh. Using a flat palm, press gently on the side of the knee of the crossed leg for at least ten seconds. Repeat with the opposite leg. 
2. Or, begin in a lunge position. Press your hips forward while keeping your back straight and neutral. Do not allow your knee to go over your ankle. Repeat with the opposite leg. 

 
With persistence and time, I know these stretches will help! As stated above, these stretches are not a replacement for chiropractic care. Only chiropractic care can resolve the subluxations which cause persistent pain, tightness, and nerve damage. However, these stretches (when performed regularly and with correct form) can vastly improve your quality of life and help you feel more mobile in your body! As always, I’m Dr. Bob and I’ve got your back covered!

​Hey, everybody! It’s Dr. Bob here with Lowcountry Chiropractic. Hope you’re doing well and staying healthy out there! Midsummer is characterized by luscious blooming flowers, buzzing bees, days spent by the pool, and washing pollen off of our cars. With all this time spent outside, our bodies are coming into contact with so many potential allergens. Which is why today, I want to talk about a common occurrence many people in the US and across the world suffer from - sinus issues and allergies! In this post, we’ll discuss how to practically and naturally treat both ailments. Of course, as with any disease or illness, you can always choose medication to combat your symptoms. In chiropractics, we prefer to target the root of the illness. Medications can come with side effects, some more detrimental than others. Why suffer with drowsiness or potentially affect your organs when you don’t have to, right? 
 
Most allergies occur when stimulants in the air come into contact with our sinuses. We are all exposed to pollutants and irritants on a daily basis; however, some people are affected to a higher degree than others. This difference comes down to how well our immune systems are working. Ideally, when our bodies are functioning optimally, white blood cells respond to the presence of an allergen and remove the unwelcome guest from the body. This quick response stops the body's inflammatory response from taking over and causing us discomfort. However, in some cases, our immune systems can actually overreact. This overreaction leads to the development of certain substances which trigger the inflammatory response. This response is accompanied by sneezing, coughing, blocked sinuses, and watery, itchy eyes. 
 
Therefore, how do we regulate our body’s response to allergens? After all, aren’t our bodies just doing what they’re supposed to do, if a bit too well? Over-the-counter medication such as an antihistamine will limit the body’s ability to produce histamine, a chemical substance which triggers the inflammatory response. Decongestants, on the other hand, will attempt to repress the inflammatory response in certain areas, such as the nose and the sinuses. While corticosteroids are a type of hormone which works to repress the body’s inflammatory response long term. After prolonged use, antihistamines can cause excessive dryness. Decongestants can raise blood pressure, cause insomnia, and restrict urinary flow. Corticosteroids are a much more risky endeavor, particularly because they are meant to be taken long-term, even once symptoms have disappeared. Side effects of corticosteroids include weight gain, fluid retention, and increased blood pressure. On the more serious side, they can cause diabetes, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, and fungal infections of the mouth. It sounds like the side effects might be worse than the original symptoms, right?
 
Now, the question is: How can I treat my allergies and sinus problems without using the most common over-the-counter medications? This is where chiropractics come in. 
 
The nervous system (i.e., brain, spinal cord, nerves) is where we tend to begin since the nervous system controls the ten other systems in your body—the integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, endocrine system, cardiovascular system, lymphatic system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, and reproductive system (female and male). Likewise, the nervous system also controls the immune system.  
 
If the immune system is working properly, then there should be no allergic reactions. If the nervous system is triggering the immune system, then we must help regulate the nerves in order to allow the immune system to operate effectively. 
 
In some instances, if you’ve experienced a trauma or even slept wrong for an extended period, the vertebrae protecting your spinal cord move out of alignment. Once out of place, these vertebrae can irritate the nerves radiating out from the spinal cord. Each nerve has a specific function. Their job is to deliver information from the brain to various body parts. The nerves which control the immune system are generally located in the neck area, behind the ears. In chiropractic care, we look for subluxation in these neck joints and vertebrae. A pinched nerve in this area could impact the immune system in a negative way. 
 
Once found, the subluxation can be manually corrected. No need for injections or medications! The body should then be given a chance to self-regulate and heal. 
 
Another treatment option is to manually adjust the sinus passages above and below the eyes. The sinuses consist of eight hollow spaces in the bones, which make up the cheeks, forehead, and temples. Optimally, the sinuses are covered by a thin film of mucus to capture dust and pollutants which might be in the air before they reach your lungs. Certain over-the-counter medications will attempt to dry out these passages, but if you’ve ever suffered from dry sinuses, you know that’s not ideal. When your sinuses are blocked or inflamed, a chiropractic adjustment might be in order. Using a small instrument referred to as an activator, a chiropractor can apply pressure below and above the eyes to open up the sinus passages. This allows trapped mucus in the sinus area to drain and clear out. 
 
If you’re tired of taking over-the-counter allergy medications every day and suffering from continued allergy symptoms, try seeing a professional chiropractor. You can also look into natural supplements such as vitamin D3. You can pick this up from your local pharmacy, vitamin shop, or grocery store. This vitamin can stimulate the immune system. Most people lack a sufficient amount of vitamin D3 due to a lack of time spent in the sun. For every thirty to forty pounds of weight, it’s recommended you take 1000 IU of vitamin D3. The supplement is relatively inexpensive and will help with more than just stimulating your immune system. Vitamin D3 will also help your body fight off colds, flu, and other ailments. Vitamin D3 also promotes calcium absorption in the intestine. It allows for normal bone mineralization, as well as prevents hypocalcemic tetany (which is the involuntary contraction of muscles, including cramps and spasms). When you lack the required amount of vitamin D3, your bones can weaken and become brittle. 
 
The other suggested supplement is olive leaf extract. Similar to vitamin D3, it’s great for stimulating the immune system and maintaining good health. Olive leaf extract is full of antioxidants—mainly polyphenols. Polyphenols are organic compounds mainly found in plants and research shows they might have a hand in preventing cognitive conditions, cancer, and osteoporosis. The superstar ingredient in olive leaf extract is oleuropein. Oleuropein is an anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antimicrobial agent, in addition to its antioxidant properties which fight against cell damage. Research into oleuropein proves the agent can prevent bad cholesterol build-up in arteries, lower the risk of diabetes, and lead to a stronger immune system. 
 
There are always natural remedies to combat our health issues and there’s no reason to continue suffering. If you’re interested in having a chiropractic adjustment done, give us a call! Send in a contact form on our website. We’ll set up an appointment, analyze your spine, and try to help you feel better! We look forward to seeing you in the office! This has been Dr. Bob and I’ve got your back covered!

This is Dr. Bob Salamon! Welcome to the Lowcountry Chiropractic blog! We hope you’re doing well and staying cool! As we approach midsummer and begin preparing for fall, the imminent arrival of fall sports might be weighing on your mind, especially if your child participates in an organized sport. Along with the routine of daily practice and the thrill of Friday night games, there’s also the added worry of potential injuries. Today, we’ll discuss the importance of chiropractic care for young athletes, as well as how regular adjustments can prevent injuries and improve performance. 
 
In the United States, more than forty-five million children participate in organized sports. Seventy-five percent of families have at least one child in organized sports. And, between the ages of five and twenty-four, there are two-point-six million emergency room visits every year due to sports-related injuries. That’s a lot of ER visits!
 
At the professional—or even collegiate—level, athletes are afforded medical expertise by some of the most renowned specialists and physical therapists available. They have free reign of top-notch facilities and expensive treatment options. When they’re injured, they’re put on a special time-bound rehabilitation routine. Most young athletes who participate in school or club sports only have access to their coaches. If they’re in an especially well-equipped program then they might have access to a sports’ medicine resident or doctor. These individuals are on hand in case of an injury, not to prevent injuries. Often, the best they’re able to offer is an ice pack and a few tablets of over-the-counter pain medication. 
 
With chiropractic care, the goal is to prevent injury, as much as possible. Our main proposition is that with regular care and proper technique, an athlete’s body should be able to manage the stress of physical activity without injury. Our secondary proposition is that with regular care and proper technique, an athlete’s body should be able to repair an injury which has occured due to strenuous activity.
 
The Impact of Sports on the Body
 
Young adults and children are, in more ways than one, particularly vulnerable to injury. Due to increased growth velocity and the closure of growth plates during adolescence, young athletes are susceptible to traumatic and overuse injuries. Traumatic injuries are sudden physical injuries which require immediate attention. These include blunt force trauma, bone fractures, concussions and spinal cord injuries. Overuse injuries are caused by repetitive trauma to a muscle or joint. These include conditions such as tendonitis, shin splints and stress fractures. Overuse injuries are caused by training errors—such as taking on too much physically strenuous activity at once or training without proper form. Overuse injuries are common in young adult sports because they are often unregulated in terms of practice hours, practice frequency, repetitions of exercises and rest times. 
 
As a result of adolescents’ quick expansion of both muscles and bones, tension develops across the growth plates, the apophyses (sites where tendons or ligaments attach to the bone) and the joints. This increase in tensile force makes these points vulnerable to injury. As well, during adolescence, athletes can display notable decreases in flexibility, coordination and balance. As you can imagine, these deficiencies translate into more frequent injuries. 
 
In the event of an injury, child athletes can sometimes be pushed back into competing before they’re fully healed. Children do heal faster than adults—except in regards to concussions—but coaches and guardians must take into account their immature skeletons. Premature returns to competing can result in chronic pain, lessened performance and repeat injuries. 
 
How Chiropractic Care Prevents Injury
 
As previously stated, prevention is always preferable to treatment. Chiropractors have the knowledge and expertise to adjust joint segments to enhance mechanical motion. An increased range of motion, for anyone, will lessen the likelihood of a potential injury. This means adolescents can kick, run, jump and flip—as their coaches expect—without constantly fearing a pulled muscle or herniated disk. As well, soft tissue techniques can improve blood flow and muscle tone. Both of these combined could lead to an increased ability to perform and compete. 
 
If a young athlete is out-of-alignment, they may experience headaches, disrupted sleeping patterns, fatigue and general soreness. These uncomfortable conditions don’t have to be a side effect of organized sports. With regular adjustments, many of these secondary ailments can be reduced or alleviated entirely. 
 
How Chiropractic Care Rehabilitates
 
In the unfortunate event an injury does occur, chiropractic care can be essential in the rehabilitation process. When an injury happens, scar tissue forms around the site, restricting motion, reducing blood supply and trapping nerves. Soft tissue techniques can bring blood flow back to the site and reduce adhesions around injuries. This, in turn, speeds up the process of recovery and allows the body to heal faster.
 
Chiropractic care is a non-invasive form of treatment for musculoskeletal issues and its benefits are innumerable. In addition to increasing range of motion, chiropractic care can reduce pain, lessening the need for over-the-counter or prescription pain medications. Post-practice soreness might not be able to be avoided, but pain which persists for longer than three days may be the beginning of an overuse injury. A short break from training is recommended, as well as a check-up with your favorite chiropractor. 
 
 
While there is a risk of children being injured during practice or play, the benefits of participating in organized sports often far outweighs the negatives. Organized sports help break up the cycle of inactivity which has become more prevalent in children these days. Consistent activity has both physical and physiological benefits; improves caloric expenditure and social development. Youth participation in sports also decreases the likelihood of their participation in high-risk health-related behaviors (such as smoking, using illegal drugs). Young girls who take part in organized sports have a decreased chance of developing breast cancer, osteoporosis, heart disease and obesity. Sports also have a positive impact on their self-confidence and body image. 
 
If your child is going to participate in sports, make sure they have what they need to be successful and safe. The right chiropractor will be knowledgeable about which injuries your child might be susceptible to developing and recommend treatment based on your child’s needs. Before and after injuries, chiropractic care is the best option for an adolescent participating in organized sports. 
 
If your child is experiencing discomfort or having trouble recovering fully from an old injury, chiropractic care may be the solution. We are here to help! Reach out to set up your first appointment. We look forward to assisting in your or your child’s recovery process. We’ve got your back covered! Thanks for reading! Take care

Welcome readers! Dr. Bob and the rest of our team hope you’re doing well and living your life to the fullest! If you’re not, and if that may be because of pain or discomfort, we’re ready to give you two words that may change your health outlook: Referred Pain. 

Referred pain is whenever you feel pain or discomfort in areas of your body that’s actually originating from a different source elsewhere in your body! Referred pain can be caused by a wide variety of things, but we like to look at it as one of the many ways our bodies communicate with us! A couple examples of referred pain can be a heart attack that triggers pain in your jaw, or an injured organ causing you pain in your back. Isn’t that fascinating?

To put it plainly, referred pain occurs because the nerves within the human body are all connected. The human nervous system is one of the most elaborate, complex aspects of our bodies, and because of it we are all able to experience the world around us in different ways. Your nerves are what help you interact and communicate with your environment, by letting you know when a pot is too hot, when the weather outside is about to turn, or if someone bumps your shoulder as you pass. So how does all of this connect to chiropractic care?

One of the main parts of the nervous system, the central nervous system, is housed by our spines! The human brain and spinal cord are known as the central nervous system and that is essentially the command center for the human body overall. From the central nervous system, your peripheral nervous system and autonomic nervous system connect and tangle throughout the body like winding rivers or roots. These nerves are so delicate and numerous that if the adult nervous system in its entirety was to be stretched out, it could reach up to 100,000 miles! 

As the spine protects the spinal cord, there are spaces in between the spines’ vertebrae that allow nerves to reach out around your back. Do you remember our previous blogs and videos discussing subluxations? When a vertebrae presses or pinches down on a nerve, the result can be pain and discomfort and this is known as a subluxation! The purpose of chiropractic care is to correct and reset subluxations by adjusting the vertebrae to get off those pinched nerves. 

As nerves spread throughout your body and help communicate all kinds of stimuli back to your brain, your brain communicates ‘back’ by making you feel pain or discomfort when something goes wrong. Have you ever heard about how whenever people get in car accidents they have different levels of pain or injury based on their level of awareness during the incident? It’s truly interesting; people who are aware they are about to be in an accident tend to ‘tense up’ as a response from the brain letting them know the impact is coming, but those who are unaware have no visual stimuli response and their muscles are more relaxed during the accident. The more tension that resided in the muscles before and during the accident, the higher likelihood of experiencing injury! You may not be aware of this, but your nervous system operates at an unprecedented speed. The amount of time it takes for you to see a car coming, realize it’s going to hit you, and either react or prepare for impact can all take place in portions of a second. We wanted to share this with you because not only is it an amazing feature of our bodies, but it explains so much in relation to chiropractic care and maintenance.

As amazing as it is in the many connections and structure, the human body is imperfect and requires regular care and maintenance. Chiropractic care is most effective with regular treatments to keep adjustments’ in place despite our day-to-day activities. Subluxations can occur with even the slightest movements, such as getting in or out of your car, stepping down stairs, reaching up high for something, playing a sport or exercising! The really miraculous thing about the spine and the nervous system though is that if you’re experiencing a subluxation, your nerves may communicate that pinching by ‘enabling’ pain in related parts of your body! Referred pain can be traced along specific nerve paths to specific areas of the body; some nerve paths connect directly to your ankles and feet, whereas others flow down to your wrists and fingertips for example.

Dr. Bob has knowledge about what kind of pain or discomfort displays itself through referred pain based on the different vertebrae in the spine! If you’d like to learn more about a few examples of this, we recommend you follow the link below to one of our recent Facebook videos where Dr.Bob discusses referred pain and how it connects to chiropractic care!

If you’re experiencing discomfort that you’re not able to find a solution for, it may be time to turn to chiropractic care! Dr. Bob would love to see you and help you feel well again; all you have to do is reach out to us to set up your first appointment!

We look forward to helping you heal, and we’ve got your back covered. Take care!

​Do you experience arthritis or think you or a friend may be developing it? 

Arthritis is a condition that affects more people than you may believe, and it’s not just for the older generations. Many people seek relief from arthritic pain on a regular basis in order to improve their overall quality of life! There are several different kinds of arthritis, but the general name is typically understood by the everyday person.  When people speak about arthritis, they are most commonly referring to osteoarthritis.

Arthritis is an inflammatory condition that affects the joints and causes symptoms such as swelling, pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. These symptoms may come on suddenly and leave as quickly as they appear, or may make themselves at home in different places of your body for longer periods of time with a range of severity. Some individuals have noted that arthritis gets worse over time as you age, and may result in chronic pain that inhibits your favorite daily activities or lifestyle.

This inflammatory condition can cause changes to your joints over time if not cared for or treated in some way. Individuals who neglect their condition may develop knobby finger joints or may cause subluxations in their spine by unknowingly favoring one foot or side over the other as they walk.  Did you know that more than 50 million adults and around 300,000 children have some form of arthritis? It is typically more likely to occur with women and older generations, but this condition is not exclusive in its behavior and existence.

We are often asked whether or not chiropractic care is good for arthritis and we’re here to tell you that yes, it is! Chiropractic care is a form of alternative healing and treatment meant as a supporting role in recovery and a healthy lifestyle. Chiropractic care helps find the causes of issues to correct and adjust, rather than simply treating the symptoms themselves. According to the Arthritis Foundation, “If you have back or neck pain due to osteoarthritis, chiropractic is one of the safest therapies you can use.” 

A giant misconception about chiropractic care is that chiropractors just ‘snap crackle pop’ your back or neck in a session and that’s all. There is so much more to the chiropractic field than your typical neck adjustment, we assure you! Chiropractors like Dr.Bob are trained to use a variety of techniques to help relieve pain, tension, and discomfort by addressing the root cause. This allows chiropractors to treat people of all ages, occupations, and transitions in life for the variety of conditions they may experience through life! 

As an example, and something that’s not often realized by those who are new to chiropractic, chiropractic care can be exceptionally helpful to pregnant mothers! Dr. Bob has an adjustable table specifically made to be able to create room for a mother’s body shape and still be able to treat her for regular chiropractic care. We all know that the act of carrying children can put a strain on a mom’s lower back, so chiropractic care for pregnant mothers is incredibly helpful! For more information about that topic, we recommend checking out our blog that dives more into it:
https://www.drbobchiropractor.com/blog/how-chiropractic-care-can-benefit-pregnant-women

At the root of things, chiropractic care works exceptionally well for arthritis when it pertains to specific joints. If the structure or mobility of a joint is impared due to arthritis, chiropractic care is one of the best ways to address and adjust it. We often have patients who come in for adjustments for their arthritis and after consistent upkeep and regular appointments, they can start to see the benefits and relief! Releasing subluxations in your spine and adjusting those arthritic joints can often provide pain relief even after a single adjustment, believe it or not!

When you first visit Dr. Bob here at Lowcountry Chiropractic you will receive a thorough consultation, exam and x-rays. Dr. Bob will review your x-rays with you on the next visit, and if he feels he can help you, he will begin treatment to help you get back on track.  He will manually adjust the spine and other joints if necessary with the technique that best suits your body’s needs!

To further dive into how chiropractic care can help arthritis, osteoarthritis is the specific form of arthritis best treated by chiropractors. This condition relates directly to the bones and joints of the body and slowly wears them down over time.  As this condition continues to develop, joints may become more likely to get out of alignment or have trouble ‘sitting’ where they should. As chiropractic care is specifically designed to adjust bones and joints, you can trust a chiropractor to know the right techniques and adjustments to correct your joints and keep them aligned.

You deserve to live your life without pain and discomfort!  If you experience aches and pains related to arthritis and arthritic conditions, chiropractic care can give your body a second chance! Regular adjustments can help keep your joints in line, and we also provide massage therapy within our office to assist with muscular healing and pain! If you’re interested in signing up for one of our massage therapy sessions, be sure to ask about it at your next appointment with Dr.Bob (and mention this blog when you do!).

Chiropractic care is a great option for a nonsurgical, nonmedicinal, natural alternative to arthritic pain treatment!  Dr. Bob Salamon is skilled in recognizing misalignments and joint issues in the human body at every appointment, and we can guarantee you’ll feel the difference when you leave! Over time, the outcome of seeing us for regular adjustments can lead to increased flexibility, improved strength, improved sleep, improved mobility, and importantly, exceptional pain relief!

Today's blog is going to be focusing on chiropractic care for the bones in your body other than your spine! 

Hello, everyone! Dr. Bob Salamon here with another exciting and educational blog! I hope everyone out there is staying safe and doing well. Today we are going to be changing things up a bit! We are still going to be talking about chiropractic care, but we are going to be talking about adjusting other bones in your body besides your spinal bones. Don't forget, you have many bones throughout your body that need care too, not just your spine! I have a lot of people who come into my office who don't know that chiropractors can work on your elbows, wrists, shoulders, and other joints in your body that could be causing you pain. There are 206 bones in the human body, and they all have joints of some kind. Any movable and semi-movable joint can be adjusted. The question that is posed a lot is why would you want a chiropractor to work on a non-spinal joint? Very similar to the spine, bones throughout your body can get out of alignment and cause pain and other problems. Non- spinal joints, even though they might not have any spinal nerves coming out of them, when misaligned can create a lot of inflammation, which usually will cause pain.

I'll give you an example. A patient recently came into my office who works in construction.   He had fallen off a scaffold a few weeks before coming to see me, and he fell straight down and landed on his feet. However, he hit his elbow on the brick wall next to him when he was falling. When he came in to see me, he didn't have any issues with his elbow, but he was having some serious issues with his shoulder. I checked his shoulder joint, and he had very limited range of motion and when he tried to move it, it was incredibly painful. Just by looking at the mechanism of the injury, I could tell that by hitting his elbow with such force, it had pushed the humerus or upper arm bone upward into his shoulder socket. 

I typically don't take x-rays on joints if I don’t suspect a fracture. In this case, since I knew the mechanism of injury and did not suspect a fracture, I adjusted the shoulder without x-rays and told him to come back in a few days. Two days later, he came back in and informed me that the pain he had been experiencing had drastically decreased and his range of motion had returned to normal!  I've adjusted him since then and he is basically back to optimal health. If he hadn't come to see me, his options would have been to deal with the pain, go to physical therapy, take medication or get an injection into the shoulder.  I don’t believe the outcome would have been as successful as what we achieved in my office with chiropractic care. In some cases, it doesn't take a ton of work to change the alignment of a joint that is out of position, and to help ease your pain! 

We get a lot of patients in the office who play soccer and who injure their ankles and knees very often. In many cases, we can help them tremendously with chiropractic care. What I do normally with these joints is that I check to make sure that first of all, it's stable, which means that there isn't a tear of a ligament, tendon, or meniscus. If there is a tear of a soft tissue and the joint itself is moving as it should, that's not a situation for chiropractic . In those cases, I would refer out to an orthopedic specialist.

While it might be difficult to decide who you should see first in cases of pain after an accident, or if you're just feeling out of sorts, my advice would always be to come to see me first.  We may be able to help you quickly and avoid more costly or invasive treatments. 

• In addition to relieving non-spinal joint pain, chiropractic care has the following additional benefits: 
• Chiropractic care is an alternative to medication.
• It helps improve your digestion. 
• Chiropractic care can play a huge role in relieving stress.  
• It can help with lowering your blood pressure and helping you to maintain healthy blood pressure. 
• It provides a lot of benefits for expectant mothers both during pregnancy and during and after birth. 
• It can help you sleep better and feel more rested overall. 
• It can help with headaches and acid reflux issues. 
• Chiropractic care can help with back and neck pain relief and as we've discovered today, other joint pain! 

Consistent chiropractic care can help improve your overall physical performance, help you stay optimally healthy, and enhance your levels of wellness and relaxation. 
Chiropractic care can also help with improving your posture, your overall mood, and can be a huge boost to your immune system, which after this past year, we all know to be extremely important! 

As I mentioned above, there are 206 bones in the human body, so I'm sure you can imagine how much stress is put on all of your joints by a normal day's activity, and then imagine how much stress can be added on your body over a whole year and beyond! Chiropractic care can be an amazing solution when relieving this stress off your body and is a low-cost solution, a drug-free solution, and a non-surgical solution for your problems.  We can treat everything from your jaw to your shoulder joints, to your ribs, elbows, wrist, knees, hips, and beyond. The whole point of today's blog is to let all of our readers know that if you're struggling with a joint problem, and you're not getting a lot of relief or success with the methods that you're currently using, just come and see me! Look us up! Visit our website, send us an email, or give us a call and I promise to look at what is bothering you, evaluate the joint, and if I can help you I will, and we will begin working right away!  Until next time, I'm Dr. Bob and I've got your back and joints covered!