Anderson Family Chiropractic

01/20/2025

Do You Know How to Lower Your Risk of Painful Winter Injuries?

Becoming a couch potato isn't the only way to prevent aches and pains this winter. Making a few changes to your usual routine will reduce your risk of injury when participating in these winter activities.

Winter Sports

Skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and ice hockey can take a toll on your body, particularly if you only hit the slopes or the rink occasionally. Falls and collisions can cause fractures, dislocations, and cuts, but those aren't the only injuries you need to worry about. Back and neck pain, sprains, strains, spinal misalignments, and muscle spasms can happen even if a fall seems fairly minor.

How to Avoid Injuries: The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) recommends...

https://universitycharlottechiro.com/articles/prof_content/619246-winter-activities-that-can-cause-pain-and-how-to-prevent-it

12/18/2024

Chiropractic Care for Neck Pain

Chiropractic care is a highly effective treatment for those suffering from neck pain. Here are some key benefits:

-Improves Neck Mobility: Chiropractic adjustments help restore proper movement, easing stiffness and discomfort.
-Reduces Reliance on Opioid Pain Relievers: Chiropractic care provides a non-drug solution, lowering the need for pain medications.
-Increases the Movement of Surrounding Muscles: Adjustments help relieve tension in muscles surrounding the neck, promoting overall flexibility.
-Helps Improve Posture: Chiropractic care aligns the spine, contributing to better posture and reducing strain on the neck.
-Improves Range of Motion: Treatments can increase the range of motion in the neck, making daily activities easier.
-Decreases Neck Pain: Regular adjustments can lead to long-term relief from chronic neck pain.
-Eases Headache Symptoms: Chiropractic care has been shown to reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches caused by neck tension.

Research supports the effectiveness of chiropractic care in alleviating both neck and back pain. Visiting a chiropractor may not only reduce pain but also help patients avoid relying on pain relievers and invasive procedures.

https://universitycharlottechiro.com/contact

12/06/2024

Effective chiropractic care focuses on improving your overall health and well-being. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Spinal Manipulation: This is the most common chiropractic technique, aimed at restoring joint function, reducing pain, and improving mobility, especially in the spine.

2. Manual Therapy: Chiropractors may also use soft tissue therapies to relieve muscle tension and enhance movement.

3. Exercise Recommendations: Chiropractors often suggest exercises that improve posture, strengthen muscles, and promote spinal health.

4. Nutritional Counseling: Guidance on nutrition may be provided to support your healing process, optimize wellness, and prevent future issues.

5. Personalized Care Plan: A chiropractor will assess your specific needs and create a tailored treatment plan, addressing your unique concerns and health goals.

By working with a chiropractor, you can expect to manage pain better, increase mobility, and support your overall health on a journey towards wellness.

11/25/2024

Does Your Pain Worsen During the Winter? Cold Weather May Be To Blame

Why Pain and Other Symptoms Are Worse When It's Cold Outside

Arthritis, sciatica, fibromyalgia, and other conditions often seem to flare up during the coldest months of the year. Your pain may be worse due to several reasons, including:

Struggling with a painful chronic condition? Winter weather may worsen your pain.

11/13/2024

If you've been postponing chiropractic treatment, now is the time to act. As the end of the year approaches, make sure you take advantage of any unused chiropractic health insurance benefits. Every year you receive a certain amount of chiropractic benefits from your health insurance plan and they don’t rollover unused benefits to next year. You may have also met your deductible or your maximum out-of-pocket for the year, potentially making needed treatment very affordable. In addition, if you have any funds set aside in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), it may need to be used prior to the end of the year or you may risk losing it. If you have any remaining benefits, please act now to ensure your treatment can be completed before the end of 2024. Click the link below to schedule an appointment. We forward to seeing you soon!

Anderson Family Chiropractic, PLLC is your local Chiropractor in the University City of Charlotte serving all of your needs. Call us today at 704-549-1181 for an appointment.

10/30/2024

30% to 45% of people with chronic pain experience depression. Chiropractors offer health and lifestyle advice, along with non-drug pain management. https://universitycharlottechiro.com/appointment

10/25/2024

About 50% of chronic pain conditions are more prevalent in women; compared with only 20% that are more common in men. Chiropractors offer evidence-based, non-drug approaches to pain relief. https://universitycharlottechiro.com/appointment

10/22/2024

How to Avoid and Treat Tension Headaches

Popping pain relievers temporarily dulls the pain and pressure of tension headaches, but the relief is short-lived. As soon as the medication wears off, your headache pain returns. Fortunately, lifestyle changes and chiropractic treatment can end your reliance on pain medication and reduce the number of tension headaches you get.

https://universitycharlottechiro.com/articles/prof_content/895364-how-to-avoid-and-treat-tension-headaches

10/17/2024

The number of people worldwide living with back pain is projected to rise 36% over the next 30 years. Chiropractors offer evidence-based, non-drug approaches to pain relief. https://universitycharlottechiro.com/appointment

10/16/2024

Self Care Do's and Don'ts for Chronic Pain

As a chronic pain sufferer, you've probably discovered a few strategies that make your pain more bearable. Unfortunately, some of these practices could actually be worsening your symptoms. In addition to visiting your chiropractor regularly, following these do's and don'ts will help you manage your pain.

Do Bring on the Heat

Heat, whether from a heating pad, hot tub, or warm bath or shower, offers an effective way to ease muscle pain. Tight muscles and tissues loosen when they're warm. Heat also increases blood flow, reduces stiffness and relieves stress.

Don't Overdo It

It's not easy to change your habits if you're used to working long hours or running marathons every month. Unfortunately, things have to change when you develop chronic pain. Sitting at work for hours strains your joints and cause your muscles and tissues to tighten. Ignoring pain when you exercise can lead to painful flare-ups or even worsen your condition.

Frequent stretching breaks during the day will reduce pain and keep muscles and tissues loose and flexible. Chronic pain doesn't have to prevent you from exercising, but it may mean that you need to choose forms of exercise that are easier on the joints, like walking, swimming or riding a stationary bicycle.

Do Be Aware of Your Triggers

Like most people with chronic pain, you probably have a few triggers that worsen your pain. Sitting in a chair without adequate lumbar support could aggravate your aching back, while using your digital devices might intensify your neck pain. If you know your triggers, you make a few modifications that will prevent painful flare-ups.

A new, ergonomic office chair or lumbar support pillow could reduce or prevent back pain. If neck pain is a problem, hold digital devices at eye level, chose chairs that offer neck support, and take short breaks every hour.

Don't Skimp on Sleep

Without enough sleep, you're bound to feel tense and irritable, which can affect the way you perceive and manage pain. Sleep also offers several important benefits for your body. It's essential for tissue repair, may improve immune system functioning, and is important for learning, according to the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard University.

Do Try Massage

Is massage part of your self-care routine? The hands-on therapy can:

Relax Tight Muscles and Tissues. Stretching and kneading muscles and tissues offers a simple, effective way to relieve tightness and pain and stop muscle spasms. Whether you receive massages at the chiropractic office or perform them on yourself at home, massage therapy is an excellent addition to your self-care tool kit.
Improve Range-of-Motion. Tight tissues prevent you from bending, reaching and moving easily. Loosening your tissues with massage enhances flexibility and range of motion. When you're muscles are looser, you may find that your range of motion improves.
Reduce Stress. Have you noticed that the muscles in your neck, shoulders and upper back tighten when you're stressed? This normal reaction to stress can make your chronic pain feel even worse. Endorphins released during massages relieve pain naturally and help you feel calm and relaxed.
Do Meditate

Meditation not only relieves stress but also offers pain relief benefits. The practice reduces pain intensity and unpleasantness, according to a research review published in the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences in 2016. Since meditation can be performed anywhere, it's an excellent self-care technique.

Don't Rely Solely on Medication

Over-the-counter and prescription medication offers temporary relief of pain and inflammation. Unfortunately, the pain returns as soon as the drug wears off. Medications can also produce unpleasant side effects and may even become addicting in some cases. When you try some of the techniques mentioned here, you may discover that you can take medication less frequently.

Do See Your Chiropractor

Your chiropractor offers treatments designed to keep your pain under control. Whether you've only been in pain a few months or have struggled with chronic pain for years, spinal manipulation, massage, soft tissue mobilization, traction, flexion-distraction, ultrasound and other therapies offer effective relief for many types of chronic pain.

Sources:

NCBI: Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences: Mindfulness Meditation-Based Pain Relief: A Mechanized Account, 6/2016

Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard University: Why Do We Sleep, Anyway?

Spine Universe: 15 Ways to Practice Self-Care When You Have Back Pain, 9/29/20

Harvard Health Publishing: Chiropractic Care for Pain Relief, 2/15/21

https://universitycharlottechiro.com/articles/prof_content/892304-self-care-for-chronic-pain-do-s-and-do-not-s

10/14/2024

Questions about chiropractic? Chiropractors treat conditions like back pain, neck pain, joint pain & headaches. Chiropractors practice an evidence-based, hands-on, and non-drug approach to health care. https://universitycharlottechiro.com/appointment

10/11/2024

Tips for Avoiding Yard Work Pain and Injury

Do you dread the aches and pains you know you'll face after working in your yard during the weekend? Pulling weeds, pruning your rose bushes, or mowing your lawn may not seem like strenuous chores, but yard work activities are a common cause of stiffness and achy muscles and joints. Following a few of these tips will help you avoid injuries and pain the next time yard work is on your schedule.

https://portal.chiromatrixbase.com/Newsletters #/edit/166094

10/10/2024

It’s National Chiropractic Health Month! Chiropractic care is covered by most insurance plans and a referral is not usually needed. Got pain and want to avoid pain meds/opioids? See your chiropractor first — chiropractic can help you!

10/08/2024

Keep Moving During National Chiropractic Health Month

How to Celebrate National Chiropractic Health Month

National Chiropractic Health Month in October is the perfect time to reflect on the way chiropractic care improves your life. Not sure how to observe this important month? Try a few of these suggestions.

Keep Moving

Stiff joints and tight muscles are more likely to be a problem if you don't get enough exercise or spend too much time sitting. Fortunately, increasing your activity level is a simple way to avoid...

Do you know how you'll be celebrating National Chiropractic Health Month this fall?

10/01/2024

National Chiropractic Health Month
Chiropractic care can alleviate pain and restore function, helping people resume the activities that matter most.

09/19/2024

The Benefits of Chiropractic Treatment for Older Patients

Chiropractic Treatment Can Protect Your Health as You Grow Older

No matter how carefully you care for your body, chances are it won't function quite as well at 70 as it did at 30. Wear and tear on your joints and weakening muscles may lead to poor balance and coordination, while digestive problems, insomnia, and other issues can affect your quality of life. Fortunately, chiropractic treatment offers a simple solution to these and other age-related issues...

https://universitycharlottechiro.com/articles/prof_content/885377-the-benefits-of-chiropractic-treatment-for-older-patients

08/16/2024

Embracing chiropractic care to alleviate pain enhances your well-being and improves mobility, reducing the risk of falls. Invest in your health and stride confidently towards a pain-free, balanced life. ~Foundation for Chiropractic Progress.

08/16/2024

Why Movement is Important for Healing Injuries

Although taking it easy might seem like the best strategy after an injury, spending too much time on the couch may be a bad idea. In fact, inactivity could actually make your symptoms worse and prolong your recovery time. Movement triggers your body's natural healing response and reduces your risk of chronic pain.

The Benefits of Moving

When you injure yourself, your body immediately activates its self-repair function. White blood cells flood the injured area and begin repairing the damaged tissues and cells. Increased blood flow causes inflammation and is the reason that you may notice swelling, stiffness, or redness around your injury.

At this point, rest is a priority. Resting gives your body the time it needs to begin the healing process, but too much rest can slow healing, increase stiffness, and other symptoms.

In most cases, you can begin moving one to two days after your injury, depending on the type and severity of the injury. While it's not a good idea to participate in high-impact or vigorous activity, gentle exercises and stretches can be an important part of the healing process.

Incorporating movement in your recovery will:

Reduce Inflammation. Although inflammation is essential when an injury first occurs, it can cause lingering stiffness and pain when you move your joints. Movement relieves inflammation naturally, helping you to return to your normal activities faster.
Break Up Scar Tissue. Your body produces scar tissues to repair muscles, tissues, ligaments, and tendons. Unfortunately, your body may make more tissue than you need to heal your injury. Scar tissue build-up restricts the movement of muscles and joints, which causes pain and reduced range of motion.
Improve Blood Flow. Injuries can restrict blood flow, depriving your tissues of the oxygen and nutrients they need to heal. Movement improves blood circulation and promotes healing.
Lubricate Your Joints. Fluid surrounding your joints lubricates the bones and helps nutrients pe*****te the tissues. Activity keeps the fluid flowing and helps you avoid painful, creaky joints.
Help Avoid Chronic Pain. Being inactive may increase your risk of long-term pain, stiffness, or mobility problems.
How Your Chiropractor Can Help You Get Moving

Moving can be difficult if you're experiencing stiffness, pain, and inflammation. Pain relievers and muscle relaxants only offer short-term relief of your symptoms, while chiropractic treatment targets the source of the problem. Spinal manipulation, massage, soft tissue mobilization, traction, ultrasound therapy, and other treatments your chiropractor offers help by:

Breaking apart scar tissue
Realigning your spine
Easing pressure on nerves, muscles, tendons, and ligaments
Improving flexibility and range of motion
Decreasing inflammation
Relaxing tight muscles
Releasing endorphins - your body's natural painkillers
Chiropractic treatment offers an effective way to manage pain and could help you increase your activity level. In a study published in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in May 2018, researchers revealed that spinal manipulation combined with other therapies improved low back pain intensity and disability in active-duty military personnel.

The treatment is effective for treating many types of injuries, including sprains and strains, whiplash, tendonitis, bursitis, rotator cuff injuries, knee conditions, concussions, herniated discs, shin splints, and dislocations.

Chiropractic treatment will ease your pain and get you moving again. Contact us to schedule a convenient appointment.

Sources:

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: Effect of Usual Medical Care Plus Chiropractic Care vs Usual Medical Care Alone on Pain and Disability Among US Service Members With Low Back Pain, May 2018

Healthline: Why Scar Tissue Pain Occurs and What You Can Do About It, 3/7/19

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 4/8/10

Chiropractic Economics: The Latest Research on Chiropractic Care for Faster Injury Recovery, 3/6/20

https://universitycharlottechiro.com/articles/prof_content/885375-why-movement-is-important-for-healing-injuries