Dr. Richard Banker Chiropractor

01/18/2024

7 HELPFUL WINTER CHIROPRACTIC TIPS

Depending on the kind of person you are, winter is either the best time of the year or the season for hibernating and only going outside when you absolutely have to. Regardless of whether you love or hate it, it’s no secret that winter weather brings with it increased risk for injuries, with the cold and the ice and all. Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of seven helpful winter chiropractic tips to help you keep your body in good condition and avoid injury, no matter if you’re a winter sports fanatic or if you only venture outdoors to go to work and the store and the like.

#1. Stretch Daily

Stretching is often something people just associate with athletes and dancers and very few people stretch on their own. However, stretching is one of the best winter chiropractic tips we can give you because of how everyone can benefit from it. You don’t need to be able to touch your toes or do a split, but simple stretches like child’s pose and downward dog and calf stretches and the like will boost your body’s mobility and flexibility.

When your muscles and joints are stiff, this increases the likelihood of injury, especially when it’s icy or when the cold makes you even stiffer. Regular stretching will loosen your muscles and joints, which is especially important in cold winter weather.

#2. Warm Yourself Up Before Activities
A common mistake people make is trying to jump right into activities like shoveling snow before taking the necessary precautions to warm their bodies up. This is a crucial winter chiropractic tip, regardless of whether you’re a skiing enthusiast or if you just need to shovel your driveway. Warming your body up with stretches and exercises like jumping jacks and squats and a brisk walk will reduce your risk of injury. While this is more commonly known among athletes, if you aren’t sporty, it’s still vital for you to warm yourself up before doing any sort of winter activity!

One of the most common reasons we see new patients during the winter months is due to back pain and other such issues that result from shoveling snow, slipping and falling, and more. While warming up before doing any outdoor activity won’t guarantee that you won’t get hurt, it will make it less likely, which is why this is one of the most frequent winter chiropractic tips chiropractors will give.

#3. Maintain An Exercise Routine
We get it – it’s cold outside, if you try to do anything outdoors, there’s this entire process of bundling up, and if you drive to the gym, you’re risking potentially icy roads and decreased visibility due to snowfall. In spite of this, it’s important to find some way to stay active, for the health benefits and to reduce your risk of injury. You don’t need to log intense cardio workouts or do heavy weights or anything unless you want to. Even taking a walk around the block or going up and down the stairs in your home are a great way to keep active during the cold winter months.

#4. Don’t Spend Too Much Time Hunched Over
People are more likely to be on their phones when they’re spending more time indoors, so for one of our winter chiropractic tips, we recommend trying to limit your screen time, or to be mindful of your posture while you’re on your phone. Many people hunch over and don’t really think about their posture when they’re clicking through social media, but poor posture can result in neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain, and more. Try to remember to sit up straight with your shoulders aligned with your hips and not to constantly have your neck bent over your device.

#5. Ensure You Have The Right Outerwear
A common reason why people slip and fall is because they’re walking in the snow or on ice without the proper footwear. You want to ensure that you have shoes with grippy soles and good traction in order to keep you more stable. It’s not just improper footwear that can cause problems, which is why one of our winter chiropractic tips is to have the right outerwear, which yes, includes your footwear, but also extends to warm sweaters and coats and bottoms and the like. The colder you are, the stiffer you are, which puts you at higher risk of injury.

#6. Be Mindful Of Your Diet
It’s so much easier to stray away from healthy eating in the winter months, with all the holiday treats and the snacks while you’re bored inside and opting for hot chocolate instead of water in order to stay warm. While treats and snacks and hot chocolate are all wonderful in moderation, too much of anything isn’t good for you. While this may not be a winter chiropractic tip you’d expect, chiropractors know how your diet impacts your health and your body’s ability to protect itself and stay in good condition. Indulge in treats, but be mindful of how much you do, and make sure you’re still eating well and staying hydrated with water.

#7. Schedule Regular Chiropractic Visits
By seeing a chiropractor regularly, you’ll set yourself up for success this winter by keeping your body in better condition and through having someone who can help keep your body in alignment and treat pain and other issues that may flare up. We know, we know, you expected this from winter chiropractic tips, but we recommend it because it’s proven to help and will indeed make getting through the winter months safer and easier on your body.

For the best in Chiropractic care, call 804-443-5099 for an appointment or just stop by, walk ins are welcome

12/12/2023

Dr. Bankers office would like to wish everyone a very safe and happy holiday. Stop by, walk ins are welcome or call 804-443-5099 for an appointment.

10/17/2023

5 TIPS FOR A PAIN-FREE BACK
Work on Your Posterior Core
Your core comprises both abdominal and back muscles. Generally, most people have stronger abdominal muscles. Spend more time on the muscles in your back when you are at the gym.

Practice Endurance Over Strength
Focus on getting more repetitions out of your back exercises than increasing the weight your are lifting. The "plank," an isometric core exercise, is a great way to strengthen the muscles in your back.

Try the "Hip Hinge" Instead
When you're bending down to lift something, make it a point to do the "hip hinge" while keeping your back straight. When you avoid bending your back, you will avoid most back injuries.

Wear Better Shoes
Shoes help your body and spine stay aligned. They should fit nicely around your heel without being too tight, to avoid a bad walking or standing posture.

Get Up From Your Desk Regularly
Your lower spine is three times more stressed when you are sitting, compared to standing. Long periods of continued sitting can lead to chronic back conditions. Take a break from work every 30 minutes or so. Even a quick walk is enough.

WHY NATIONAL CHIROPRACTIC MONTH IS IMPORTANT
WHY NATIONAL CHIROPRACTIC MONTH IS IMPORTANT
It can actually benefit the U.S. economy
Episodes of lower back pain can result in a $100 billion drain on the economy each year. Most of these costs are associated with lowered productivity and lost wages. National Chiropractic Month can help people get back on their feet faster.

Non-narcotic help
The misuse of over-the-counter painkillers is a major problem in this country. Moreover, opioids are less effective than spinal manipulation in providing long-term relief from back pain.

It gives chiropractors their due
Several studies in recent years have pointed to the benefits of chiropractic care, including its preventative benefits.

Give us a call at 804-443-5099 for an appointment or just stop by , walk ins are welcome

01/11/2023

Why you should see a chiropractor in January

Winter is a season when many individuals experience health issues that can make everyday life rough. Whether it is a cold, flu, or a skiing injury, many people will find their overall health compromised at some point during winter.

Thankfully, chiropractic care can help keep you healthy during winter. Paying a visit to your chiropractor during the cold season can help reduce, if not prevent, health problems as well as keep you feeling your best. If you are thinking of skipping that chiropractor visit, these reasons should convince you to undergo chiropractic care.

Combat Cold and Flu
When people think of winter health problems, cold and flu are the first two things that come out of their minds. The months of December, January and February can trigger a rise in bacteria and viruses in human populations. Fortunately, you can strengthen the immune system of your body by undergoing chiropractic care. This form of care allows you to fight off cold and flu by fortifying your immune system. Moreover, it improves the communication between the brain and the rest of the body and fixes the alignment to the vertebrae.

Prevent Depression
Besides cold and flu, another frequent problem during winter is depression. SAD, which stands for Seasonal Affective Disorder, is a condition where people experience symptoms of standard depression during the winter months. Chiropractic care can help individuals with SAD by stimulating their central nervous system and regulating their hormone production.

Stop the Body from Getting Stiff
Winter can make people’s muscles stiff. Apart from becoming inflexible, you may find it difficult to stretch your muscles. Instead of expanding, your muscles contract to keep you warm. When you visit your chiropractor, he or she will help keep the stiffness away by ensuring that your spine stays properly aligned.

Reduce Body Pain
If you have arthritis, know that winter weather can bring additional pain to your joints. Experiencing pain can lead to more discomfort and a decrease in mobility. With a few gentle spinal adjustments, however, you can move your joints without much discomfort and stiffness and alleviate additional inflammation due to the cold weather.

Apart from minimizing joint pain, chiropractic care reduces back, and neck pain caused by factors like joint restriction, joint dysfunction, and muscle imbalances. Your chiropractor will help preserve the flexibility of your spinal joints to help you move freely.

Don't let winter get the best of you. Call 804-443-5099 for an appointment or just stop by, walk ins are welcome.

12/15/2022

12/15/2022

T’was the night before Christmas, but Santa could not be found. There were no jingle bells or reindeer sound. There were to be no toys under trees, for Santa was sick. There would be no holiday blessings from the once jolly St. Nick. The children were saddened and no laughter sounded, Christmas was here but, Santa was grounded. As the elves wandered helplessly, what did they see? A great big sign with the letters D.C.

Now they knew Santa was not one to try a new tactic, but since medicine had failed they talked him into trying Chiropractic. Santa entered the office with a smile and a nod, there was no mistaking this place was of God. The children were playing and as far as he could tell, everyone left there smiling and well.

In no time at all, just a few tics of the clock, he was in the exam room talking to Doctor. “It must be my age, the stress, and all of the travel; I’m feeling my health starting to unravel. It used to be so easy just carrying dolls, trains, and toy cars, now it’s computers, iPods, and combo DVD/VCRS. If you looked in my sleigh at the size of my pack, I’m sure you would tell me it ruins my back”.

The loving Chiropractor took Santa and X-rayed his spine, and found he had no arc-of-life and several bones out of line. Santa committed to being adjusted for the duration, the moment he learned he had life threatening Subluxation. He got on the table and then with a click, the Doc started adjusting the ailing St. Nick. When Santa was finished most of his sickness felt like it was gone. Once again Santa flowed with love and good cheer, now that his spine and nerve system were clear.

He shouldered his bag and jumped into his sleigh, thinking it had been centuries since he felt this way. Then he shouted, “I’ll bring in Mrs. Kringle and the elves to be checked before the first of the year,

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND TO ALL A GOOD YEAR!”

Call 804-443-5099 for an appointment or just stop by, walk ins are welcome.

Our offices will be closed from December 19th until December 28th. We well reopen on December 29th. Have a Very Merry Christmas.

09/15/2022

Chiropractic Advice for Autumn

The autumn season is perfect for pretty colors, pumpkin spice lattes, and fall carnivals. What it isn’t always good for is health. People start to experience a decline in health when the autumn air hits. The weather changes to cold, windy, and rainy, and the summer sunshine goes away. With slick terrain, more colds than usual, and other worries, chiropractors offer advice for a healthier autumn than usual.

Warm Up Before Yard Work

One of the biggest concerns for homeowners throughout the fall season is the buildup of leaves on the lawn. The leaves start falling and debris piles up quickly in the yard. Before raking, anyone responsible for the task should be sure to warm up their bodies so they are adequately prepared. Failing to do so can lead to injury and muscle overuse.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Whether a person is outdoors tackling chores, walking through the park, or attending a fall event, a sturdy pair of shoes that feel comfortable on the feet are best to wear. Non-slip shoes are ideal because of the wet grass and leaves that are common during the fall months.

Keep Drinking Water

Many people tend to drink water in excess over the summer months because it’s so hot outside. Once fall hits, some stop drinking as much. Everyone needs to keep drinking water into the autumn and throughout the rest of the year. It not only helps to keep the joints flexible, which can prevent injury, but it works to improve health and keep sickness at bay.

Visit the Chiropractor Regularly

The chiropractor is one of the best people to see during the autumn weather. The doctor can perform an assessment and offer an adjustment that will remove restrictions in the spine and improve the nervous system by freeing up the body's communication pathway. All of this tends to alleviate pain and tension and reduce symptoms of illness in other parts of the body -- not just the back. Regular visits during the fall and winter months should be on everyone’s to-do list if they want to remain healthy.

Maintain health this autumn by following advice from a chiropractor. Taking these things into consideration will help to improve health conditions and keep sickness at bay as much as possible.
Call 804-443-5099 for an appointment or just stop by, walk ins are welcome. Dr. Banker can get you on the road to feeling good.

07/28/2022

10 Benefits of Chiropractic Care

What are the benefits of chiropractic care?
1. Improves neck pain
Neck pain is a common problem, especially if you sit for many hours a day, frequently bend your neck to use your phone, or have poor posture. A chiropractor may help ease your neck pain by realigning your spine and easing tension in your neck muscles.
2. Reduces reliance on opioid pain relievers
People with chronic pain are often given prescriptions for opioid pain relievers to help manage their discomfort. However, undergoing chiropractic treatment may lower your need to take these pain relievers.
3. Eases back pain
Chiropractic treatment may be a good alternative to more invasive alternatives like surgery or injections for treating short-term or chronic back pain.

The American College of Physicians recommends that doctors encourage people with chronic low back pain to first seek non-medication treatments before taking medication to treat their pain. Some of the treatment options recommended include:
spinal manipulation (chiropractic care)
exercise
acupuncture
yoga
tai chi
progressive muscle relaxation
meditation
4. Possible reduction of osteoarthritis symptoms
Osteoarthritis pain is caused by the degeneration of the cartilage in a joint that causes the ends of your bones to rub together. Some types of chiropractic adjustments may help align your joints and reduce how much your bones rub together.
5. Eases headache symptoms
Spinal manipulation may be effective at treating tension headaches and headaches that originate in your neck.
6. More affordable treatment for chronic back pain
Chiropractic treatment may be a cheaper alternative to conventional treatment for chronic low back pain.
7. High satisfaction
Studies have generally reported relatively high levels of satisfaction with chiropractic treatment.
8. Reduces scoliosis symptoms
Chiropractic care may help improve the Cobb angle of people with scoliosis. The Cobb angle is a measurement of how much side-to-side deformity there is in the spine.
9. Helps improve posture
Undergoing chiropractic treatment may potentially help correct poor posture, especially if your poor posture is caused by too much sitting.
10. May help athletic performance
Spinal adjustments may potentially improve your athletic performance. This could be due to increased joint mobility, reduced pain, and less tissue restriction.

Call 804-443-5099 for an appointment or just stop by, walk ins are welcome. Its time to see if chiropractic can make your life a little better.

07/14/2022

How an Alignment Can Help with Temperature Swings

This title sounds like something out of “Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” doesn’t it?! Remember how Goldilocks found three bowls of porridge? She tasted the porridge from the first bowl and said, “This porridge is too hot!” Then she tasted the porridge from the second bowl and said, “This porridge is too cold!” Then she tasted the last bowl of porridge and said, “Ahhh, this porridge is just right,” and she ate it all up.


Maybe you hear similar kinds of things when you’re at home with your family. Maybe your dad likes the temperature at your house, but your mom is always freezing. Or maybe you are just right but your brother is roasting hot. Let’s take a closer look at the fascinating way our bodies control our internal temperature and see why this is so.


It’s amazing when you think about it. Human beings are warm blooded. That means our biggest source of heat is within us and we create that heat by our own natural body processes. Some animals, like snakes and lizards and insects, are cold blooded and their body temperature is the same as their environment. Can you imagine being 35° degrees in January and 95° in July? Yikes!!!


Thankfully you don’t have to worry about that. Because you’re warm-blooded, your body maintains a fairly constant temperature no matter what the temperature is outside or in your house. This miracle is accomplished by a small structure at the base of your brain called the hypothalamus. It monitors the temperature of the blood flowing through your body and triggers changes in the diameter of your blood vessels as necessary to heat you up or cool you down. If your internal temperature gets too high — maybe because it is very hot or you are exercising hard or you have a fever — then the blood vessels expand to increase the amount of blood flowing near the surface of your skin so the heat can escape. That is why your face gets red when you exercise hard.


On the other hand, if your internal temperature decreases — because it’s very cold outside or you jumped into a cold swimming pool — the hypothalamus directs the blood vessels to shrink to reduce the blood flow to the surface to help your body conserve heat.


This action combined with muscle contractions, which actually produce heat (known to you as shivering), keep your internal temperature about the same even on a cold winter’s day.


Sounds like magic, doesn’t it?! But it isn’t! Your body can do all of this because it talks to itself using your nervous system. Your brain and your body are connected by your nervous system. The better your brain and body are connected, the better your whole body works, including your ability to control your internal temperature.


Sometimes, the bones of your spine will misalign and interfere with the communication between your brain and your body. Then things might not work as well as they should or could. Your chiropractor will check your spine for these (called vertebral subluxations) and reconnect you whenever necessary so you can be the best warm-blooded creature you were meant to be.


Call 804-443-5099 for an appointment or just stop by, walk ins are welcome.