Chiropractic care offers an individualized treatment approach, which is vital in geriatrics since many conditions benefit from sustained, specialized care. Moreover, techniques employed by chiropractors are deemed to be viable alternatives to surgery and pharmaceutical drugs.

The Benefits of Chiropractor Peoria Care for Seniors

Chiropractic care has been shown to play a significant role in disease prevention. As a holistic practice considered safe and effective for geriatric patients, it counts on high patient satisfaction to treat neuromusculoskeletal conditions, such as that of low-back and neck pain.

Even seniors who are in good health stand to benefit from learning about specific pain-relief techniques aimed at improving their overall quality of life. And in cases involving chronic illnesses and severe conditions, chiropractor Peoria care helps to relieve long-standing symptoms when employed over a prolonged period.

In addition to spinal manipulation, specific exercises may be recommended. Exercise helps to maintain healthy muscles, as well as increase flexibility, endurance, and mobility, which in turn helps to reduce joint inflammation and its resulting pain.

A good nutritional regimen also keeps inflammation at bay, curbing the progression of various conditions.

Contact your Peoria Chiropractor

Chiropractic care offers mild to significant pain relief aimed at boosting one’s lifestyle, and slowing down the progression of advanced degenerative conditions. Results vary according to the severity of each case; however, patients afflicted with a wide variety of conditions at varying stages benefit from chiropractic care.
Seniors receiving chiropractic care receive flexion-distraction therapy, as well as spinal manipulation, and soft-tissue massage.  The techniques used, and the regularity of treatment, varies from patient to patient.

In addition to spinal manipulation, your doctor of chiropractic can create an individualized exercise and nutritional program for your needs.
Contact your chiropractic doctor for an evaluation and prognosis of expected treatment results.

Around 20 million American women are afflicted with symptoms of osteoporosis, many of whom remain unaware of having the condition.

Osteoporosis is a chronic condition that progressively strips away bone tissue, causing fractures of the spine, hip, and wrist. The condition can be devastating for the elderly, as it can lead to disability and even death resulting from fractures. I see a lot of it in my Chiropractor Peoria office.

However, the symptoms of osteoporosis are commonly mistaken for arthritis; many people, in fact, wait until the condition has reached an advanced stage before seeking medical assistance. Another reason for a late diagnosis is that the condition is almost painless until a fracture occurs. As such, it is vital to assess the condition of your bones throughout your life, and be aware of preventative measures to avoid it.

How to Keep your Bones Healthy and Strong

Be careful when bending or lifting heavy objects. When lifting, bend with your knees. If you have already been diagnosed with osteoporosis, however, avoid hunching.

Take calcium supplements. The National Institute of Health recommends 1,500 mg a day for post-menopausal women who don’t take estrogen, and 1,000 mg who do take estrogen. For men, the recommended dose is 1,000 mg a day.

Drink a cup of yogurt and another glass of low-fat or skim milk daily.

Consider taking vitamin C, D, zinc, magnesium, and silica. Be sure to consult with your chiropractor doctor about a good supplement regimen for your individual needs.

Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day. Avoid drinking alcohol, baked and processed goods, and junk food.

Reduce your intake of animal protein and fats.

Exercise. Swimming, tennis, walking, aerobics, bike riding, and dancing are all excellent choices. 20 minutes of exercise per day, three times a week, can already do wonders for your bone health. Tai chi may be especially helpful for those who suffer from advanced stages of osteoporosis.

If you are considering lifting weights, however, be sure to talk to your chiropractic doctor to ensure that you follow a regimen that does not place strain your bones.

Consult your Peoria Chiropractor

Your chiropractor peoria can offer invaluable advice on ways to prevent osteoporosis, and improve the health of your bones overall. If you have already been diagnosed with osteoporosis, he can design the right treatment for your needs.

Stress is so prevalent that many people consider it natural – just a part of life. In fact, moderate amounts of stress can act as a stimulant, helping us become more efficient. The problem arises when stress becomes chronic, in which case it actually interferes with performance, making us more prone to illnesses, eating disorders, and substance abuse.

Chronic Stress

Stress acts as an alarm on our body, forcing it to release adrenaline. When this occurs, the heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose levels all speed up. Glucocorticoids also gets released, producing anti-inflammatory and immune-suppressing effects.

However, when too much of these hormones get released it can actually do more harm than good. Excessive amounts of glucocorticoids lower our immune system, and raise our risk of developing a wide range of conditions. In addition, the constant presence of stress can lead to anxiety, depression, and other psychological issues, which in turn aggravates pain, leads to headaches, sleeping problems, and other conditions.

Ways to Relieve Stress

Regardless of one’s sources of stress, it is vital to find healthy ways to manage it. Here are a few tips to help reduce stress.

Keep it Light – Positive thinking can do wonders. As difficult as it can be to summon happy thoughts, a few psychological approaches can help. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, for example, helps change destructive thinking patterns into more positive, constructive perspectives. The role of humor in reducing stress is also instrumental. Among its many benefits, laughter boosts the immune system, helps regulate blood pressure, and raises one’s tolerance to pain.
Go out in Nature – Spending time in nature is shown to produce a wide range of beneficial effects. Among its many benefits, going out in nature can have a powerful effect on the nervous system, as well as improve memory, and lower aggression.
Try aromatherapy – Aromatherapy is widely recognized as a beneficial, complementary approach to stress management. Orange and lavender essential oils, in particular, are noted for promoting relaxation and alleviating anxiety.
Drink Tea – Research shows that drinking tea reduces cortisol levels while increasing relaxation. Moreover, drinking tea produces a range of other benefits, such as lowering inflammation and improving heart health.
Get a Massage – A massage can reduce pain, ease depression, anxiety, and help with sleep disorders. Massage is especially helpful for people with lower-back pain.

Chiropractor Peoria Care

Your Peoria Chiropractor is fully knowledgeable in stress management techniques, which include exercise tips, massage, spinal manipulation, and nutritional advice. Your chiropractor Peoria can help you find ways to manage daily stressors, creating a tailor-made approach to increase your wellbeing.

Diagnosing fibromyalgia is a delicate process, since a wide range of conditions can present similar symptoms. In some cases, a person can go for years without knowing they have the condition.

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Pain and/or soreness in at least 11 points, including the neck region, chest, elbow, knee, and hip, and shoulder.
Pain which persists for 3 months or longer.
Pain in the four body quadrants.

Some people will not feel pain and soreness in all 11 points, but they will still feel generalized pain. Additional symptoms include:

Dizzy spells
Insomnia
Headaches and migraines
Stiffness
Jaw pain
Menstrual cramps
Pain after exercising
Skin sensitivity
Chemical sensitivity
A tingling and/or numbing sensation
Irritable bowels
Fatigue

However, since other conditions may present similar symptoms, it is important to rule them out before a diagnosis of fibromyalgia can be made. As a result, it is advisable to seek more than one expert opinion if you feel you have fibromyalgia or have already been diagnosed with it.

Diagnosing Fibromyalgia

To rule out other conditions, such as anemia, lyme disease, nutritional deficiencies, severe allergies, and hormonal imbalances, a through clinical evaluation as well as blood tests will be required.

Chiropractor Peoria Care for Fibromyalgia

Conventional treatment for fibromyalgia usually relies on the use of sleeping pills, muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatories, and other types of medication – all of which have side effects.

Instead, you can make use of natural remedies, such as:

Vitamin B, malic acid, and magnesium supplements. These supplements are known to help reduce sensitivity to pain.
Omega-3 fatty acids. Fatty acids help boost the nervous system, promoting optimum brain functioning.
Limit your intake of saturated fats, and cut back on red meat and animal fats in general.
Improve your sleep quality. Your chiropractor Peoria can give invaluable tips on how to sleep better without the use of medication.
Find pleasurable ways to manage stress, including massage, aromatherapy, walking.
Try exercises that focus on breathing, such as tai chi, yoga, and pilates. Strenuous aerobic exercise may actually aggravate fibromyalgia symptoms.

Moreover, be sure to seek regular Peoria chiropractor care. Studies show that it is one of the most effective therapeutic approaches, especially when it comes to a joint or muscle condition.

Chiropractic care will include the use of spinal adjustments, massage, electrical stimulation, and a host of other techniques for relieving pain and stress.

Your chiropractor will create an individualized plan to help you manage your pain and discomfort the natural way. If your chiropractic doctor feels that you could benefit from another specialist’s care, he can refer you to one.

Sources:

http://www.acatoday.org/content_css.cfm?CID=2206

http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/guide/natural-therapies-and-alternative-treatments-for-fibromyalgia?page=2

By definition, vertigo is disorienting. The feeling of tilting and spinning against your will are all classic signs of a mysterious condition known as vertigo. In addition to the illusion of movement, those afflicted with vertigo may feel nauseated, sweaty, tired, as well as panic stricken.

The symptoms of vertigo stem from the peripheral or central nervous system. Other conditions which originate from the central nervous system include migraines, and multiple sclerosis. Vertigo can be a side effect of medications, such as anti-depressants, diuretics, barbiturates, antibiotics, cold medicines, and even salicylates like aspirin. Food allergies,
high blood triglycerides, hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, and an intolerance to gluten is also known to aggravate the sensation of vertigo. Moreover. some types of traumas can also worsen symptoms.

Chiropractor Peoria Care for Vertigo

The diagnosis of the cause of your vertigo requires a thorough chiropractic examination, which may include positioning tests that simulate movement. Most cases of vertigo are diagnosed as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, which are caused by calcium debris in the inner ear. Treatment for BPPV usually involves the Epley maneuver, which shifts the debris to as less sensitive location.  The Epley maneuver has a very high success rate, providing substantial relief after a single treatment and complete remission after two or three sessions.

However, the treatment should be used with caution for those with heart diseases, acute neck problems, or advanced rheumatoid arthritis, as well as a few other conditions. After evaluating your medical record, your chiropractor will be able to assess whether the Epley maneuver is appropriate for your individual case.

Other exercises, such as vestibular rehabilitation (or the Brandt-Daroff) may be performed at home.

As a holistic doctor, your chiropractor Peoria  can also provide dietary recommendations. Consuming a lot of salt, sugar, alcohol, and caffeine, for example, is known to worsen vertigo symptoms. Moreover, stress reduction techniques, postural changes, and vestibular rehabilitation exercises is known to be beneficial, and taking supplements such as vincopectine, vitamin B6 and ginkgo biloba can substantially help reduce symptoms.

Exercise, meditation, and stress reduction techniques will aid recovery, and can be part of the overall treatment regimen. When you see your chiropractor you will receive invaluable advice on maintaining healthy habits and fend off the symptoms of vertigo. Since treatment for vertigo depends on each person’s individual case, it is advisable to seek the advice of your Peoria Chiropractor as soon as possible.

Sources: http://www.acatoday.org/content_css.cfm?CID=4013

As a common condition affecting seniors, and sometimes even younger people, warding off memory loss is vitally important. While memory loss is a natural part of the aging process, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet, social interaction, and intellectually-stimulating activities all help to keep the brain healthy and offset cognitive damage.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease presents many symptoms, including:

Forgetting recently-learned information
Difficulty doing familiar tasks such as crossing the street, driving, or talking on the phone
Language impairment and problems with abstract reasoning, such as doing basic math
Disorientation with time and place
Poor judgment, like wearing a bikini when it’s snowing outside
Regularly misplacing objects, and putting them in odd places, such as a pillow in the bathtub or eye-glasses in the refrigerator
Drastic mood swings
Personality changes like confusion, dependency, and paranoia
Passivity
Loss of body mass

While these are some of the common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, their severity varies from person to person. Moreover, research indicates that there are little if any symptoms in the initial stages of Alzheimer’s. Mild cognitive decline only becomes apparent at the second stage of the condition.

Everyone differs, however, in how their symptoms manifest. Moreover, excessive alcohol consumption and other issues can affect memory. As such, your chiropractic doctor and other specialists must rule out other conditions before Alzheimer’s can be diagnosed.

Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease

A healthy diet and lifestyle play a crucial role in preventing Alzheimer’s damaging effects. Here are a few useful tips for keeping the mind and body healthy:

Exercise. Physical activities help counter negative changes in brain chemistry.
Read. Play Vocabulary Games. Do Puzzles. Learn Something New. These activities raise the number of nerve-fiber connections in the brain, offsetting the changes associated with Alzheimer’s.
Engage in Healthy Social Interaction. Social support plays a key role in warding off emotional and cognitive damage.
Eat foods that are rich vitamin E. Nuts, green leafy vegetables, and whole grains all help reduce oxidative damage. Moreover, garlic, fish oil, sage, alpha lipoic acid, huperzine A, seafood, coenzyme Q10, and folate all help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s and Chiropractor Peoria Care

As a holistic doctor, your chiropractor Peoria is aware of current research and preventive measures to counteract the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s. He can recommend a healthy lifestyle that will go a long way in keeping this disease at bay.
For advice on nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle adjustments, make sure to consult your Peoria Chiropractor. You will receive invaluable suggestions on maintaining a healthy body and mind throughout your life span.

The hip is stable joint that is not easily injured. However, when a hip injury does occur it can be quite painful and debilitating. Hip injuries can be caused by overuse, repetitive motion, fractures, joint or bone infections, and other conditions.
Hip conditions often interfere with everyday activities, such that walking and turning to the side, for example, can suddenly become strenuous. Sometimes the problem can be so severe that you it may be difficult to move.
That said, there are treatment options available that do not involve surgery. Peoria Chiropractor doctors see patients with various hip conditions, including recurring muscle strains, piriformis syndrome, and chronic degenerative changes (hip joint DJD). Naturally treatment is contingent on each individual’s case.

Treatment for Hip Conditions
While treatment for hip conditions varies from patient to patient, there are a few treatments that are usually recommended. Common treatments for hip injuries include:
Stretching specific muscle group to prevent the formation of adhesions. However, if you have suffered an acute injury that has resulted in muscle swelling, a resting period might be appropriate before any stretching exercises can be performed.
If you have piriformis syndrome and trochanteric bursitis, treatment will involve gentle stretching exercises of the piriformis muscle.
To strengthen weak muscles, isotonic resistance exercises might be recommended. These can be performed with elastic tubing, weights, a machine, or the body’s own weight.

Chiropractor Peoria for Your Hip Condition
Regardless of the type of hip condition you have suffered, your chiropractic doctor will evaluate your medical history and create an appropriate treatment plan for your needs.
If you do require additional treatment beyond the scope of your chiropractor, he will refer you to another specialist. With that said, your chiropractor has a host of techniques and tools to help you recover. Along with rehabilitative exercises, you will receive nutritional advice and lifestyle tips that can greatly alleviate your symptoms.
As holistic doctors, Chiropractor Peoria will evaluate your requirements as a whole to help you regain mobility and feel better overall.

Most of us have had a headache at some point in our lives, and are familiar with the throbbing pain. According to data from the American Chiropractic Association, nine out of ten Americans have, in fact, suffered from headaches. Whether they are sporadic or a recurring problem, headaches interfere with our ability to go about our daily activities.

Medication is available to relieve the pain, but it does not address the underlying factors that are causing the headache. It also does not treat the problem.

Headache Prevention

In order to avoid headaches in the first place, here are a few tips:

If you spend a lot of your time in a fixed position, be sure to stretch every half hour. Also, be sure to turn your head up, down, and stretch your neck.
Exercise. Low-impact exercises are known to improve primary headaches. However, avoid overdoing it, as strenuous exertions can actually worsen throbbing headaches.
Avoid clenching your teeth. Gritting your teeth can induce stress on your temporomandibular joints (TMJ).
Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to prevent dehydration, which is known to cause headaches.
Avoid slouching and sitting in one position for prolonged periods. Be sure to take frequent breaks, and keep your computer at eye level.
Watch your posture.
Eat a low-fat diet rich in whole grains. Studies indicate that these types of diets reduce the incidence of migraine headaches.

Chiropractor Peoria Care

In cases where headaches have become a recurring ailment, spinal manipulation may be necessary. Most tension headaches are linked to neck problems, and research shows that spinal manipulation is an effective method of treating tension headaches that originate in the neck.

Spinal manipulation improves spinal function, reducing the stress on your system.  It also offers long-term benefits, providing significant relief without any side effects. After four weeks of chiropractic treatment, headache sufferers report substantial relief from symptoms.

Moreover, your Chiropractor Peoria can offer dietary recommendations, and show you which vitamin supplements may be helpful for your individual case. You will receive tips on which types of exercises to do, and learn how to maintain an ergonomic work environment that will help you avoid tension in the muscles of the upper back and neck.

Be sure to discuss your headache with your chiropractor Peoria to start treating this common but painful condition.

Sources:

http://www.acatoday.org/content_css.cfm?CID=2186

http://www.acatoday.org/content_css.cfm?CID=72

Menopause affects each woman differently, but a few symptoms such as night sweats, restlessness, and mood swings are commonly reported. Moreover, menopause can aggravate other conditions such as osteoporosis and coronary artery disease.

The traditional treatment for menopause-related symptoms involves hormone replacement therapy (HRT). These treatments can be prescribed on a short- or long-term basis and involve  the use of estrogen, and the synthetic hormone progestin.

However, while HRT increases the hormone levels in post-menopausal women and has some advantages such as lowering the risk of hip and spine fractures, it also poses many risks. Hormone Replacement Therapy has been shown to significantly increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, ovarian and breast cancer, dementia, heart disease, and more.

Alternative Approaches to Hormone Replacement Therapy
There are many alternative approaches to dealing with menopause-related symptoms. They include:

Exercise. Swimming, walking, aerobics, and bike riding all help to strengthen the bones.
A healthy, balanced diet, rich in vitamin E and B, soy, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Not smoking.
Taking calcium and vitamin D supplements. (These supplements can also lower the risk of hip, spine, and wrist fractures.) The recommended dose is 1,000 mg per day for post-menopausal women who are taking estrogen; 1,500 mg a day for post-menopausal women who are not on estrogen, or those over 65.
Additionally, black cohosh and dong quai has been shown to be effective in relieving symptoms.

Chiropractor Peoria for Menopause

Your Peoria Chiropractor is a holistic doctor who stays informed of current research and approaches to the treatment of menopausal symptoms. By focusing on your overall health and wellbeing, your chiropractic doctor can design a treatment plan that will help relieve your symptoms the natural way. This may include the use of nutritional counseling, an exercise regimen, massage, and other modalities that have been shown to be effective.

Speak to your Peoria chiropractor about your symptoms, so that you can start feeling better the natural way.

As the largest joint in the body, the knee is supported by tendons, ligaments, and muscles. As such, a knee injury can affect any part of its structure. In most cases, knee injuries heal with appropriate amounts of rest and ice therapy, but prompt care is needed to ensure that it does not turn into a chronic condition.

Signs of a Serious Knee Injury

Enduring Pain. If you have been feeling pain for more than 48 hours, be sure to contact a professional.

Persistent Swelling. After an injury, it is normal for the affected area to swell, impairing movement of the muscles and joints. Swelling is a tell-tale sign of soft tissue damage. There are times, however, when the area feels swollen without physically showing it. If your range of motion is affected, this could mean that you are experiencing internal bleeding, or another type of joint injury.

Pressure. If you feel that your your knee will collapse, this could mean that an injury to the ligaments have occurred. Ligaments support and bring stability to the joint, causing instability when they are stretched or torn.

Deformity. If your knee joint appears deformed, you may have a fracture, a dislocation of the knee cap, or a tracking injury – all of which requires immediate medical assistance.

If you have any of these symptoms, you will need to undergo a thorough evaluation. Since knee pain can be caused by many factors, the treatment your receive will de contingent with the type and severity of your injury, your overall health, and medical history.

Treatment for a Knee Injury

It is very important to receive prompt treatment for a knee injury, as a prolonged healing period can become a chronic problem.

An effective and first-line treatment method for addressing the effects of a knee injury is R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression, and elevation). In addition, rehabilitation exercises are also recommended to help restore mobility and strengthen the joint.

Gentle chiropractic manipulation from your Peoria Chiropractor that realigns the knee can also speed up the healing process. Manipulation and mobilization focuses on a core set of therapies to restore knee flexion and extension.

However, when knee pain has become chronic, your Chiropractor Peoria  may recommend an orthopedic consultation.

Chiropractic Care

The goal of conservative chiropractic treatment for a knee injury is to allow your body to heal itself.

Accordingly, your chiropractic doctor will recommend an appropriate treatment option for your injury. Once your chiropractor has evaluated your condition, you will receive a personalized treatment plan.

As a holistic doctor, your chiropractor will recommend the appropriate modality to aid your recovery. From nutritional advice to cutting-edge approaches, you can rely on your chiropractor’s expertise, and in case you need to see another specialist, your chiropractor can refer you.

Tendonitis refers to an inflammation of the fibrous tissue that connects muscles to the bones. Tennis elbow, jumper’s knee, runner’s knee – all these restrict movement and cause pain, and may be grouped under tendonitis. Due to the repetitive nature of their work, athletes, pianists, and people who work long hours on the computer may be more prone to having tendonitis.
Conventional Treatment of Tendonitis

Conventional treatment for tendonitis treats the symptoms of the condition, but not much more than that. The treatment offered usually comes in the form of cortisone injections, steroids, and anti-inflammatories. However, with these treatments the underlying cause of the inflammation remains unresolved, requiring continual use of injections and the like. In addition, these treatments often cause unpleasant side effects, such as gastrointestinal problems.

Chiropractic Care for Tendonitis

Chiropractic care is a suitable therapeutic approach for the treatment of tendonitis, addressing not only the pain and discomfort of tendonitis symptoms but also the root cause of the condition.
To naturally treat tendonitis, here are a few suggestions from chiropractic doctors:
Stay away from doing the activity that is causing the problem for at least three weeks. This period of rest helps the affected tendon heal itself.
Mobilize the affected area with braces.
Do gentle stretching and strengthening exercises that are recommended by your chiropractor. Your Peoria chiropractor will suggest a routine of rehabilitative exercises that are appropriate for your individual case. Moreover, you will also learn which warm-up techniques you can do to avoid further straining your muscles.
Make use of massage therapy. In addition to relieving the pain, massage assists in the healing process.
Eat plenty of fruit, fresh vegetables, whole grains, seeds, and nuts, and aim to include salmon, sardines, and tofu in your diet. Also, add more calcium to your diet, making sure to drink skim or low-fat milk, and other calcium-rich foods.
Take high-quality vitamin supplements.
To reduce swelling and alleviate pain, make use of ice therapy.
Consider ultrasound treatment to improve circulation and reduce the pain.

Consult Your Chiropractor Peoria

Studies show that holistic and integrated approaches are successful in the treatment of tendonitis. As a health expert who is familiar with the different approaches to treating tendonitis, your chiropractic doctor can create a personalized recovery program for your individual needs.
In addition, chiropractic care will address your health and well being as whole.

Sources; http://www.itendonitis.com/treatment.html

Over the years as a Peoria Chiropractor I’ve seen exercise trends come and go, but walking never goes out of fashion. Walking can help you get in shape while enjoying the passing scenery, and even a short stroll around the neighborhood is beneficial.

Aside from shoes, walking also does not require any special equipment, and can be practiced by anyone, regardless of athletic abilities. Among its many benefits, walking lowers the risk of heart disease; increases cardiovascular endurance; and helps to tone your lower body muscles.

However, to ensure that you get the most out of walking, watch out for the following factors:

Shoes:

Make sure that they are well cushioned to absorb the impact of walking.
The best time to evaluate the fit of your walking shoes is immediately after a workout, as your feet are larger after you have exercised. (Naturally, exercise could come in the form of walking.) Also, be sure to wear your exercise socks when you try on shoes.
While you walk, check that your toes bend while that balls of your feet rest.
Avoid wearing old walking shoes.

Logistics

Aim to walk for 30 minutes, five days a week. However, walking for 12 minutes three times a week also provides health benefits. When you walk, keep the following in mind:

Move your arms freely.
Avoid stooping or looking down to avoid straining the curve of your neck.
Avoid walking with weights.
If you are beginning your walking routine, you may experience soreness in your thighs and calves. This is normal. That said, be sure to speak with your Peoria chiropractor if you experience pain.
Walk briskly to ensure that you are getting your cardiovascular exercise.
Look for a cushioned or rubberized track such as that of a recreational center. If you are walking on grass, watch out for holes.
Avoid walking on concrete. However, if you do walk on concrete, be sure to wear well-cushioned shoes to absorb your body’s impact.
If you feel any pain, this could be a sign that something is wrong. For example, a problem in the foot may cause an imbalance in your step.

To Avoid Pain and Possible Injury, Speak to Your Chiropractor Peoria

Before you start walking or begin any exercise program, discuss your condition with your Peoria chiropractor. If you have already started walking and are experiencing pain, make an urgent appointment to see your chiropractor. He can make personalized recommendations for your individual case, helping you to avoid injury so that you can fully enjoy your new walking routine.

Riding a bicycle offers many health benefits. However, it is vital to ensure that your bike offers a proper fit for your body so that you will have a safe, pleasant ride. If not you can be calling our Chiropractor Peoria Office with constant aches and pains.

When it comes to bike fit, you should watch out for the following: frame size,
saddle height, seat position, seat tilt, helmet fit, and handlebar position.

Frame Size
When you ride your bike, you should be able to lay both of your feet flat on the ground – preferably with an inch or two of extra space. However, if you are on a mountain bike, make sure to have more clearance space; four inches should do it.

Saddle Height
Another factor to bear in mind is saddle height. When you set it, make sure that you can bend your knees when the pedal is in its lowest position and the balls of your feel are touching it. Along with interfering with your pedal strokes, a seat that is too high or too low can cause back and knee injuries.

Seat Position
Sit on your bike when you check your seat position. Also, use a stationary object to stay balanced as you rotate the pedals at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock positions, respectively.

To see if your seat is in the right position, place your knees over the pedal axle while the balls of your feet are on the pedal.  If you need to make further adjustments, loosen the seat post and slide your seat forward.

Seat Tilt
Make sure that your seat is perfectly leveled, as awkwardly tilted seats can put pressure on your arms, shoulders, and lower back.

Handlebar Position
While the setup of the handlebar can be set according to your individual preference, the way that it is set affects your comfort level. Handlebars that are placed higher prioritize comfort and ensure a more upright riding position.

Helmet Use
When wearing your helmet, keep the following in mind:
It should cover the head.
The side straps’ Y should meet below the ear.
The chin strap should be secured so that the helmet pulls down when your mouth is open.
It should not move more than an inch, or else you should readjust the fitting.
Avoid wearing a hat under your helmet.
When you shake your head, your helmet should still be firmly in place. If it is not, adjust its straps.
Only wear a helmet that is approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Your Peoria Chiropractor

As a health expert, your Peoria chiropractor can show you how to prevent injuries so that you can fully enjoy the benefits and experience of riding your bike. Be sure to seek out his advice before you set out on your next adventure!  If you do come across different aches and pains call your Peoria Chiropractor immediately and let’s get is fixed so you can get back on the trails.

Sources: http://www.acatoday.org/content_css.cfm?CID=3128

A common reason people initially come in to our Peoria Chiropractor office is travel.  Travel can be very taxing on your body. Spending long hours in a confined space takes its toll, often leaving you stiff and sore as a result of restricted blood flow in your legs.
That is because our muscles must be allowed to contract and relax in order for our blood to flow properly.

In order to reduce the strain caused by long hours of sitting in one position, here are a few tips.

Before and after you travel, make sure to take a brisk walk. Also, be sure to stretch your calves and hamstrings.

If you are traveling by car:

Keep the steering wheel close to your seat, and your knees above your hips. Also, alternate between tightening and loosening your grip on the steering wheel to stimulate circulation and reduce muscle fatigue.
Use a back support. This will help reduce the strain placed on your lower back.
Move and adjust your legs while driving. You can do this by spreading your toes as wide as possible, and then tightening your calf and thigh muscles.
Roll your shoulders back and forward.
Hold the wheel at 3 o’clock and 7 o’clock, occasionally changing to 5 o’clock and 10 o’clock.
Take regular breaks. After 2-3 hours, be sure to rest before continuing.

If you are traveling by plane:

Stand up as often as you can, and try to feel your spine’s S curve.
When you sit down, place one pillow above the beltline for your back, and another between your headrest and your neck.
Avoid bringing carry-ons weighing over 5 percent of your body weight.
When placing your bags into the overhead compartment, make sure to stand in front of it, keeping your head still.
Avoid lifting directly over your head.
If stowing items under your seat, avoid twisting your body as this can strain your muscles and/or cause muscle spasms. Use your hands and feet to carefully push bags under your seat.
Alternate sitting positions to improve blood circulation.
If at all possible, massage your legs and calves.
Move your knees up and down.

Seek out Your Peoria Chiropractor

Before and after you travel, be sure to contact your Chiropractor Peoria doctor. Your Peoria chiropractor will give you personalized advice for your individual condition and needs to reduce the risk of strain caused by traveling.

Source: http://www.acatoday.org/content_css.cfm?CID=92

The majority of disc problems we see in our Peoria Chiropractor are associated with degenerative disc disease. Discs act as shock absorbers, protecting the spinal cord while keeping the spine flexible.
Degenerative Disk Disease (DDD) occurs when the disc’s nucleus loses water, creating small tears, which in turn causes bone spurs to form on the edges of the vertebrae.
Bulging of the disc may also occur, causing a great deal of pain for a short of period of time. In more serious cases, herniation may result. This happens when nerves begin to compress. Along with a great deal of pain, the spinal cord itself may also shrink over time.

Signs and Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease

People whose family members have degenerative disc disease are more likely to develop it, but the condition may also stem from injury or trauma. Signs and symptoms of degenerative disc disease include:

Neck or back pain
Leg or arm pain
Stiffness
Tenderness in the muscles of the spine
Bladder or bowel problems
Sensory loss in the arms and/or buttocks
Fever
Weakness and difficulty walking

What You Can Do
Exercise regularly by partaking in low-impact activities such as walking and swimming. Because some activities may be exceedingly strenuous for you, it is advisable to seek the help of you chiropractic doctor to create a personalized exercise regimen.
Be mindful of correct posture throughout all of your activities. Aim at keeping your back straight at all times.
When you lift an object, make sure to bend with your knees while maintaining the object in question close to your body. Also, let your legs – not your arms or torso – do the lifting.
Avoid twisting or leaning when you pick up an object.

Treatment for Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease has been proven to be effectively treated with conservative care such as that of a chiropractor Peoria doctor. This places surgery and injections as a last resort – and only for the most severe cases.

Your Peoria chiropractor has a wide range of approaches and techniques for alleviating the discomfort and pain associated with degenerative disc disease. Treatment may include the use of:

Thermal therapy such as ice or heat. Both of these have been effective with low-back pain.
A regimen of physical exercises that is especially tailored to your condition and needs
Spinal manipulation
Instruction on how to properly lift objects, maintain good posture, and exercise without causing any additional strain on your back
Rehabilitative exercises
Dietary and supplement recommendations

If you are experiencing symptoms of a disc condition, be sure to contact your Peoria chiropractor to begin a treatment program that is right for your needs.

Sources: http://www.acatoday.org/content_css.cfm?CID=3098

As a Peoria Chiropractor  I see  that maintaining good posture is essential for good health. For the most part, we don’t pay much attention to it, as we maintain normal posture without having to think about it. That said, many muscles are involved to help us keep our posture and balance, including our back muscles and hamstring.

Over the years, however, we tend to acquire bad postural habits, which can compromise our ability to properly stand, walk, sit, and lie down. When we wear down our spinal joints, we may feel back and muscular pain, as well as fatigue. In addition, when stress is placed on our ligaments, we become more prone to arthritis and sustaining injuries.

Factors that Influence Posture

Among the culprits of bad posture are pregnancy, obesity, as well as weak and tight muscles, which can be inherited.  In addition, other factors such as wearing high heels, carrying heavy loads, and failing to adequately distribute weight (such as slinging a backpack over one shoulder) can place a strain on muscles and ligaments.  These are all issues I address in my Peoria Chiropractor office.

Tips on maintaining good postural habits from your Peoria Chiropractor

By being mindful of a few tips you can avoid many common mistakes that can lead to poor posture, pain, and more serious conditions, such as arthritis.

When sitting:

Make sure your feet touch the floor, or else use a footrest
Avoid crossing your legs, and switch your sitting position after a few minutes
Try to keep your shoulders relaxed and your forearms parallel to the floor
Use a back support for your low- and mid-back

When standing:

Aim to keep your weight on the balls of your feet
Keep your knees slightly bent
Let your arms hang naturally to the sides of your body
Tuck in your stomach
Stand up straight, with shoulders pulled back slightly
Shift your weight when standing for a long period of time

When resting:

Choose a firm mattress of good quality and a solid pillow
Avoid sleeping on your stomach
If you have back pain, try sleeping on your side or back. Use a pillow between your legs if sleeping on your side

If you are already suffering from posture-related problems, be rest assured that there are ways to correct it. Make sure to speak with your Peoria Chiropractor  about what you are presently experiencing. Your chiropractor can recommend exercises to help you strengthen your postural muscles in accordance with your individual requirements. Moreover, you will receive invaluable suggestions on how to maintain good posture during all your daily activities.

And remember, by choosing to take the steps to correct your posture now, you can replace poor habits with good, healthy ones.   Here is a quick video I made.  Check it out.