Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Chiropractic and Pregnancy



Pregnancy should be a time of excitement and eager anticipation, yet for many women the entire experience can be plagued with discomfort, pain and even illness. Women undergo numerous hormonal and structural changes throughout a pregnancy, which will affect the function of the spine, joints, muscles, nerves and ligaments. Some of the common health issues affecting women include back pain, headaches, neck pain, stress, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

It is easy to see postural changes throughout pregnancy; the centre of gravity changes, the weight of the baby places increased pressure on the spine and pelvis, and can alter the gait pattern. In addition, numerous hormonal changes occur. Previous accidents, emotional stress, tension and overexertion can exacerbate these stresses as well. Over time, these collective stresses can shift the spinal bones or vertebrae out of their normal alignment, creating nerve pressure and interference. An example of this is sciatic nerve pressure, which can cause severe pain and discomfort. Most of the time, expectant mothers are told they must live with the pain during their pregnancy, however this is simply not true. Women can choose to minimize or eliminate suffering from aches and pains during their pregnancies with the natural approach of Chiropractic.

A recent study revealed that 70% of expectant mothers experienced low back pain at some point during their pregnancy. Pain is a warning sign that something is not functioning properly so ignore it at your peril.
As the expectant mother progresses through her pregnancy, the fetus develops and the mother's uterus and surrounding tissues change and enlarge to compensate for the tremendous growth of the fetus. In a normally aligned and balanced pelvis, all the muscles, ligaments and tendons that have direct and indirect connection to the uterus will maintain their normal supportive function. In a situation where the pelvis and supporting muscles and ligaments are misaligned, there can be increased pressure, restriction or constraint of the uterus. Uterine constraint can interfere with fetal development and fetal position in the uterus. And it can hinder the natural development of the spine and nervous system in the fetus. Furthermore, it can prevent the baby from moving into a normal position for birth, thus leading to prolonged delivery times and potential complications.

The chiropractic approach to a safe and healthy pregnancy is both natural and highly effective. In one study, women receiving Chiropractic care through their first pregnancy had 24% shorter labor times than the group not receiving Chiropractic, and multiparous subjects reported 39% shorter labor times. In addition, 84% of women report relief of back pain during pregnancy with Chiropractic care. Research has shown that women who receive chiropractic care during pregnancy have approximately six hours less time spent in labor than women who do not receive chiropractic care. Women who receive prenatal chiropractic care also have approximately three hours less of labor during subsequent pregnancies. An American Medical Association (AMA) study showed that pregnant women under chiropractic care have an easier pregnancy and delivery. The study, by Irvin Hendryson, MD, revealed that pregnant women who received chiropractic adjustments in their third trimester were able to carry to term more frequently and deliver children with more comfort.


So make an appointment and get your spine checked as your health and the health of your unborn child may depend on it!

Friday, April 23, 2010

The Goal of Spinal Health Care



All your life you’ve had your teeth, eyes, hearing, blood pressure and heart checked…how many years has it been since you’ve had your spine check-up? Unfortunately, most have never had this done - and it shows! Most people’s spines are suffering from a lifetime of neglect!


Our goal in this clinic is to relieve you of the vertebral subluxation complex so your nerves, muscles, ligaments, joints, bones and internal bones may function better. The effects can be immediate or they may take time - it depends on many factors - age, diet, lifestyle, how healthy your spine is in the first place and regularity of chiropractic care. The point is no matter what disease or condition you have, you can benefit from a healthy spine.


Spinal care is as important for wellness as good nutrition. It can make the difference between a life of health, strength and vitality or a life of disease, weakness and disability. A healthy spine will improve your life.So if you’re tired of being sick, tired of being told “you’ve just got to learn to live with it” and are looking for a natural method of regaining health and wholeness without polluting your body with chemicals then give us a call 025 27436 and make an appointment!

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Your Health And Healing Account!



Think of your Health as you would your Bank Account and call it your Health and Healing Account! Like your bank account if you make too many withdrawals and not enough deposits that is the time you will get sick! In other words deposits always need to exceed withdrawals otherwise your health goes into the RED!

For example, stress causes a big withdrawal from your health account. Your body expends high levels of energy to cope with stress - regardless of whether the stress is physical or psychological. And ongoing stress causes ongoing withdrawals. So in times of stress we need to pay particular attention to our health and healing account. Healthy nutrition, regular exercise, and sufficient rest and Chiropractic care become even more important.


The real challenge often occurs when we're so stressed we don't think we have any energy left to do the things that are going to keep us healthy. We think we don't have enough time to exercise or go to the store to buy healthy food or show up for your adjustments. But this is the most important time to make that little bit of effort! Your Health and Healing account will thank you for it!