With a growing belly and changes in connective tissue, many pregnant women are unable to stay comfortable. A pregnancy chiropractor is safe and effective in helping manage pain in the back, hips, legs, joints and establish pelvic balance. This can provide the baby with space to grow and move throughout the pregnancy and lead to faster, easier labor and delivery. Relief and better symptom management are possible with a pregnancy chiropractor.
Chiropractic Is Safe During Pregnancy
Before engaging in any treatment during pregnancy, consult a doctor. For the most part, non-invasive chiropractic is considered safe for healthy, low-risk pregnancies and even higher-risk pregnancies once cleared by a doctor. Because pregnant women cannot take medications or undergo other invasive treatment options for pain, chiropractic treatment is recommended for sore, tight muscles, irritability, and pain management.
How A Pregnancy Chiropractor Can Help
What a chiropractor can offer includes:
Restore pelvic balance.
Improve mechanics for standing, sitting, and walking that could otherwise cause pain.
Pain management through therapeutic massage and adjustments.
Optimize the pelvic position to allow for an easier birth; evidence indicates a shorter labor time thanks to an optimal pelvic position.
Clinic Appointment
The pregnancy chiropractor begins with an initial consultation. Here the patient asks questions, discusses any concerns, along with a full assessment of medical history. They will suggest various treatment options to restore the body to its optimal balance. The chiropractor will continually monitor the patient to tailor the treatments to their specific needs and achieve the most relief.
Body Composition
Impact of Breastfeeding and Body Composition
It turns out that breastfeeding and weight loss are showing that there could be a relationship. A study suggested that breastfeeding could eliminate weight gain during six months. These findings are corroborated by another study comparing body fat loss between exclusively breastfeeding and mixed feeding mothers. The researchers found that exclusively breastfeeding promotes more significant body fat loss than mixed feeding among mothers during the first 12 weeks after childbirth. A weight loss of approximately about a pound per week between 4 and 14 weeks after delivery in overweight, lactating women who were exclusively breastfeeding showed no adverse effect on the growth and development of their newborns.
References
Bernard, Maria, and Peter Tuchin. “Chiropractic Management of Pregnancy-Related Lumbopelvic Pain: A Case Study.” Journal of chiropractic medicine vol. 15,2 (2016): 129-33. doi:10.1016/j.jcm.2016.04.003
Borggren, Cara L. “Pregnancy and chiropractic: a narrative review of the literature.” Journal of chiropractic medicine vol. 6,2 (2007): 70-4. doi:10.1016/j.jcme.2007.04.004
Weis, Carol Ann et al. “Chiropractic Care for Adults With Pregnancy-Related Low Back, Pelvic Girdle Pain, or Combination Pain: A Systematic Review.” Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 43,7 (2020): 714-731. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2020.05.005
Getting ready for holiday celebrations takes a great deal of work. Visiting family and friends, traveling, spending hours shopping, wrapping gifts, setting up lights, trees, planning meals can make the body feel achy, tight, tired, and sore. Stress is multiplied by ten, adding to the muscle tension, which can cause illness and other health problems. Chiropractic treatment alleviates symptoms bringing stress relief to enjoy the holidays. This includes body adjustments, therapeutic massage, health coaching, nutrition guidance, strengthening exercises, stretch training, and everything to maintain full-body health, prevent illness and injury so individuals can feel and function at their best.
Aches and Pains
Shopping at stores, malls can cause the body to experience adverse physical effects. Spending hours walking and standing can trigger neck, shoulder, back, leg, and foot pain. Spending hours hunched over a computer, laptop, tablet, or phone while online shopping can also cause neck, back, and shoulder pain. Soreness and pain can result from the spine and the rest of the body becoming misaligned.
Muscle tightening is a common sign of stress. When the mind and body become overwhelmed or anxious, the neck, shoulders, or upper back muscles can tense up. Muscle tension can limit the body’s range of motion and trigger headaches. Therapeutic massage, mobilization, soft tissue therapy, ultrasound, and other chiropractic treatments can generate stress relief. Massaging the body also triggers the release of endorphins that help the body calm down and relax. The adjustments and massage also increase/improve blood flow that supports healing and reduces anxiety when stress begins to build.
Stomach Issues
Following the usual diet during the holiday season is a challenge. Work parties, restaurant parties, and family meals offer an array of holiday foods and treats. The body is not used to eating a lot of rich, fatty, sugary, or fried foods, and can experience bloating, constipation, gas, and other uncomfortable symptoms. These issues can be traced to the nerves that control the organs. Chiropractic can balance the nerves to help avoid uncomfortable digestive problems and help the body handle the rich diet better.
Maintaining Health and Stress Relief
Aches and pains are not the only effects of stress, body misalignment, and tight joints and/or muscles. If these structures press against the nerves and/or organs, it can affect immune system function. Chiropractic ensures that the organs communicate correctly through the nerves, balance the body, reduce inflammation, and improve lymph fluid drainage. The fluid removes toxins and wastes from the body, making fighting colds and other illnesses easier.
Body Composition
White Coat Syndrome
White Coat Syndrome is the term used for any changes in blood pressure that individuals experience in response to being in a medical office or clinic. Three distinct diagnoses are based on how an individual’s blood pressure responds to being in the presence of a healthcare professional:
White Coat hypertension
This is when an individual is not taking medication for blood pressure but presents with high blood pressure in a medical office and returns to normal once they leave the medical facility.
White Coat effect
This is when an individual is taking medication for high blood pressure and shows a high blood pressure reading in a medical office that indicates their medication is not working.
Masked Hypertension
This is when an individual has normal blood pressure in a medical office but high blood pressure elsewhere.
References
Ahmad, Asma Hayati, and Rahimah Zakaria. “Pain in Times of Stress.” The Malaysian journal of medical sciences: MJMS vol. 22,Spec Issue (2015): 52-61.
PBS NewsHour. (December 2018) “Poll: How stressed are Americans this holiday season?” https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/poll-how-stressed-are-americans-this-holiday-season
Pioli, Mariana R et al. “White coat syndrome and its variations: differences and clinical impact.” Integrated blood pressure control vol. 11 73-79. 8 Nov. 2018, doi:10.2147/IBPC.S152761
The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). (2019) “Holiday Safety Information Center” https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/holiday-safety
Syringomyelia is a disorder in which afluid-filled cyst/syrinx forms within the spinal cord. It is progressive, meaning that the cyst grows with time causing compression and damage to the spinal cord. The cyst usually begins in the neck/cervical spine but can develop in any area along the spinal cord. There are several possible causes; however, most are associated with a condition known as Chiari malformation. This is where the skull and neck come together, and either the skull is too small or shaped in a way that causes brain tissue to come out and settle in the spinal canal.
Syringomyelia Causes
Syringomyelia can be caused by or from complications of:
Chiari type I malformation develops during the fetal developmental stage and causes the lower part of the brain or cerebellum to stick out from its standard location.
Hemorrhage/bleeding
Inflammation of the spinal cord from virus or bacterial infection like meningitis
Spinal cord injury
Spinal cord tumor
Symptoms
A damaged spinal cord disrupts communication between the brain and the body. Symptoms differ for every individual, but common syringomyelia symptoms include:
Pain, stiffness, or weakness in the neck, arms, back, and/or legs
Symptoms usually develop slowly, but exercise, coughing, or some form of strain can cause sudden onset.
Diagnosis
Physical and neurological exams are performed to determine loss of feeling or inability to move around normally, like walking. Diagnostic tests of the spine will include a CT scan with contrast dye and/or an MRI. Early detection can help before it progresses, causing further damage, and delaying treatment can cause irreversible spinal cord injury. It is recommended at the first sign of symptoms to contact a doctor.
Treatment
Some individuals who have syringomyelia may have no symptoms. These individuals can go about their everyday lives but are recommended to be cautious with neck and back strain. For individuals experiencing symptoms, the primary treatment objectives are to:
Stop or control damage to the spinal cord
Preserve function
Prevent disability
Treatment options include:
Draining the cyst
Surgical removal of the cyst
Chiropractic and physical therapy could be included in the treatment plan to help the individual rebuild lost muscle strength and regain flexibility.
All too often, individuals with this disorder experience treatment delay/s because symptoms can be nonspecific or vague. Education is the key, and individuals can be diagnosed sooner by paying attention to the body’s warning signs.
Body Composition
Does too much protein hurt the kidneys?
While protein restriction can be appropriate for treating existing kidney disease, research shows that high protein intake in healthy individuals does not disrupt or cause damage to the kidneys or kidney function. The amino acids in protein are more likely to be excreted through urine when not being used. However, there are certain risks associated with consuming too much protein, and it is recommended to keep track of protein intake. Eating more protein:
Makes the body feel full longer
Can help curb overeating
Is essential for recovery and growth
When achieving daily caloric goals, maintaining a balance of nutrients like carbohydrates and healthy fats is essential for overall health.
References
Batzdorf, Ulrich. “Primary spinal syringomyelia. Invited submission from the joint section meeting on disorders of the spine and peripheral nerves, March 2005.” Journal of neurosurgery. Spine vol. 3,6 (2005): 429-35. doi:10.3171/spi.2005.3.6.0429
Di Lorenzo, N, and F Cacciola. “Adult syringomyelia. Classification, pathogenesis and therapeutic approaches.” Journal of neurosurgical sciences vol. 49,3 (2005): 65-72.
Fernández, Alfredo Avellaneda et al. “Malformations of the craniocervical junction (Chiari type I and syringomyelia: classification, diagnosis, and treatment).” BMC musculoskeletal disorders vol. 10 Suppl 1, Suppl 1 S1. 17 Dec. 2009, doi:10.1186/1471-2474-10-S1-S1
Naftel, Robert P et al. “Worsening or development of syringomyelia following Chiari I decompression: case report.” Journal of neurosurgery. Pediatrics vol. 12,4 (2013): 351-6. doi:10.3171/2013.7.PEDS12522
Roy, Anil K et al. “Idiopathic syringomyelia: retrospective case series, comprehensive review, and update on management.” Neurosurgical focus vol. 31,6 (2011): E15. doi:10.3171/2011.9.FOCUS11198
Individuals talk about how they don’t sleep much because they have so much to do and can operate/function on only 5 or 6 hours of sleep and are surprised when they develop serious health problems and mental health issues. However, inadequate sleep is a big deal. Depriving the body and mind of proper sleep leads to all kinds of health problems that include:
Chiropractors focus on whole-body health, are specialists in the musculoskeletal system, and take a multifaceted approach to treat fatigue and inadequate sleep. They can help with sleep problems and other health factors by bringing the body back into alignment/balance, improving circulation, nerve energy flow, and nervous system function. This includes chiropractic adjustments and therapeutic massage.
Spinal Adjustments
Misalignment of the cervical spine could be contributing to issues breathing and getting into a deep sleep.
Spinal realignment can help with better sleep.
Posture Analysis and Sleep Positions
Posture is a significant part of optimal health, especially when breathing correctly.
A chiropractor can analyze and correct any posture misalignments.
They can also advise how best to sleep, so the airway does not become obstructed during the night.
Health Factors
A recommendation for fatigue and inadequate sleep is to lose weight if overweight or obese.
A trained nutritionist or health coach can help develop healthy eating and lifestyle habits.
Less Stress and Plenty of Sleep
The combination of spinal adjustments and therapeutic massage can generate significant benefits to help keep the body healthy. Chiropractic adjustments have been found to release stress-reducing hormones like oxytocinand neurotensin. And therapeutic massage has been shown to improve inadequate sleep patterns, as well as:
Jamison, Jennifer R. “Insomnia: does chiropractic help?.” Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 28,3 (2005): 179-86. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2005.02.013
Jehan, Shazia et al. “Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Obesity: Implications for Public Health.” Sleep medicine and disorders: international journal vol. 1,4 (2017): 00019.
Kashani, Fahimeh, and Parisa Kashani. “The effect of massage therapy on the quality of sleep in breast cancer patients.” Iranian journal of nursing and midwifery research vol. 19,2 (2014): 113-8.
Kingston, Jana et al. “A review of the literature on chiropractic and insomnia.” Journal of chiropractic medicine vol. 9,3 (2010): 121-6. doi:10.1016/j.jcm.2010.03.003
It is one thing to wake up with back pain, but another when the pain is combined with a fever, body aches, and chills. It could be the flu or another infection. However, after checking the body’s temperature and fever is present with no other symptoms than back pain unless it is the flu; the fever could be another issue that may or may not be related as there are a variety of causes for back pain like:
Muscle or ligament strain – If in poor physical condition, repeated and constant tension on the back can cause muscle spasms. Repeated heavy lifting or a sudden awkward movement can strain the back muscles and spinal ligaments.
Bulging or ruptured discs – Discs act as cushions between the bones/vertebrae in the spine. The soft material inside a disc can bulge or rupture and press on a nerve. However, a bulging or ruptured disc can present without back pain. Disc disease is often found by accident when spine X-rays are performed for another reason.
Arthritis – Osteoarthritis can affect the lower back. In some cases, arthritis in the spine can narrow the space around the spinal cord, a condition called spinal stenosis.
Osteoporosis – The spine’s vertebrae can develop painful fractures if the bones become porous and brittle.
Back pain without a fever is usually an indication of a misaligned spine.
Fever A Sign of Something Else
A fever is the body’s way of trying to raise its core temperature in an attempt to kill off a virus or a bacterial infection. Possible causes of back pain with fever include:
Kidney Infection
This type of infection often presents with low back pain and fever.
Spinal Epidural Abscess
This is an infection of the lower region of the spine, causing fever and lower back pain.
Vertebral Osteomyelitis
This is an infection of the lower spine that causes pain in the arms, lower back, and legs, along with a fever.
Meningitis
This causes swelling and inflammation of the brain and spine and needs to be addressed immediately.
Spinal Cord Abscess
This is an infection of the internal part of the spine. It is rare but can happen, causing low back pain and fever.
Symptoms
This is when seeing a chiropractor can help. A few signs that should not be ignored include:
Recently involved in an automobile accident.
Suffered a serious fall.
Feeling a tingling in the legs.
Having balance issues.
Having abdominal pain.
Pain is not going away, or it goes away for a while, then comes back.
Have weakness in the arms or legs.
Having bowel or urinary problems that were not present previously.
The pain is worse when sitting or standing up after sitting.
Have upper back pain after alcohol consumption.
A chiropractor will take a complete medical history, X-rays, an MRI if necessary, and a thorough physical examination will be performed to determine the cause. After a diagnosis is reached, the chiropractor will perform adjustments to relieve the pain and open the nerve pathways to increase circulation to the area. A chiropractic massage will help reduce stress, relieve back pain, and reduce depression, which can also help reduce the fever unless it is from another issue.
Body Composition
Influenza
Influenza or the flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness and, in extreme cases, can lead to death. Like a common cold, the flu is spread primarily through tiny droplets that get expelled from an infected person when they sneeze, cough, or talk. Approximately 8% of the population gets the flu each season. Flu symptoms are sudden, causing the following:
Fever
Chills
Muscle or body aches
Headaches
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Cough
Fatigue
Vomiting and diarrhea which is more common in children.
Most individuals with healthy immune systems will recover around seven days. However, the elderly, pregnant women, individuals of any age with certain chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, and children under the age of five have an increased risk of developing complications. Flu vaccination is currently recommended for anyone older than six months in the U.S. and effectively prevents infection in 50 – 80% of the population. The primary treatment method for the flu is to support the immune system with plenty of rest, proper nutrition, and hydration.
References
Ameer MA, Knorr TL, Mesfin FB. Spinal Epidural Abscess. [Updated 2021 Feb 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441890/
Kehrer, Michala et al. “Increased short- and long-term mortality among patients with infectious spondylodiscitis compared with a reference population.” The spine journal: official journal of the North American Spine Society vol. 15,6 (2015): 1233-40. doi:10.1016/j.spinee.2015.02.021
Rubin, Devon I. “Epidemiology and risk factors for spine pain.” Neurologic clinics vol. 25,2 (2007): 353-71. doi:10.1016/j.ncl.2007.01.004
Tsantes, Andreas G et al. “Spinal Infections: An Update.” Microorganisms vol. 8,4 476. 27 Mar. 2020, doi:10.3390/microorganisms8040476
Inflammation is the body’s response to infection, injury, or irritation. It causes swelling, redness, pain and sometimes causes the affected area to be unable to function. Acute inflammation happens after spraining the ankle or getting a mosquito bite and is the body’s method of preserving itself. This type of inflammation helps remove harmful irritants and pathogens, so healing ensues, along with healthy beneficial swelling that disappears with time. Chronic inflammation is when the body generates a stronger-than-necessary inflammatory response from an imbalanced immune system or a condition that causes the immune system to attack healthy tissue. Certain foods, lack of sleep, and constant stress increase the risk of developing chronic inflammation. Chiropractors are known for their expertise in stretching the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and adjusting/realigning joints and bones. Chiropractic treatment can also affect inflammation positively.
Inflammation Affects Health
When inflammation presents, there is significant potential that disease is also present in the body. Inflammation is a natural response to restore the body to homeostasis or balance. White blood cells and other immune cells are sent to the area to ward off invading bacteria, viruses, debris, etc., and reduce or defeat the infection. For some individuals, inflammation occurs within their body regularly and reappears repeatedly. This can be caused by injuries that never completely healed, frequent strains, and injuries from a weakened musculoskeletal system. Inflammation can also come from infection, irritation, the production of diseased cells, or allergies. Organs and tissues can be inflamed for a long time and can cause damage to the cells that comprise those regions of the body. This can lead to:
Thinning and weakening of organ walls and tissues.
Decreased organ function.
The overall deterioration of the body’s systems and wellness.
Causes
Some common diseases and conditions that create chronic inflammation are:
Asthma
Chronic peptic ulcers
Tuberculosis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Periodontitis
Ulcerative colitis
Crohn’s disease
Sinusitis
Active hepatitis
Risk Factors
Certain risk factors that can increase the likelihood of inflammation are:
Stress is one of the leading causes of illness and disease in the body and contributes significantly to inflammation. Organs and tissues can also become inflamed under pressure. When stress kicks in, chemical reactions occur, causing the release of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol is initially an anti-inflammatory hormone, but a prolonged release can eventually create a dysfunctional cycle of widespread inflammation. Chronic stress can cause inflammation throughout the body. Usually, the body’s weakest or most strained region will suffer the most effects of overall inflammation. Even after the stress reduces or is resolved, the inflammation effects can continue to linger. Inflammation can:
Decrease organ function
Strain tissues
Strain ligaments
Force bones and joints out of alignment and subluxation.
Cause decreased efficiency and performance of the body’s systems and organs.
Chiropractic Affects On Inflammation
When the body is out of alignment, it can compress tissues, muscles, and ligaments. Chiropractic works primarily on the skeletal structure and the nervous system. The nervous system plays an essential role in regulating immune response, which creates or decreases inflammation in the body. When the bones and joints are out of alignment, they cause strain on the nervous system and the immune system, often triggering an immune response. Chiropractic adjustments of the bones and joints reset and rejuvenate nervous system function. Realignment of the spine, including neck, shoulders, arms, pelvis, hips, knees, and feet, enhances nerve circulation and alleviates abnormal immune system function. To begin relieving inflammation from injury, misalignment, stress, and strain on the body, consult and see how chiropractic affects inflammation.
Body Composition
Dietary Fats
There are four main types of dietary fats listed on food labels:
These are not to be confused with adipose tissue/stored fat in the body. These four fats have different physiological effects once they are digested. Some are beneficial, and some can negatively impact health and are recommended to be taken in moderation.
Saturated vs. Unsaturated fats
Fats are made up of chains of carbon atoms with a carboxyl group COOH at one end and methyl groups CH3 at the other end. Carbons are attached to each other and to hydrogen atoms. The way the carbons are chained differentiates saturated and unsaturated fats and impacts how the body processes them. Unsaturated fats have one or more double bonds between the carbon atoms, and foods rich in unsaturated fats are usually liquid at room temperature, like olive oil. Saturated fats contain no double bonds and are generally solid at room temperatures, like butter and cheese.
References
Arulselvan, Palanisamy et al. “Role of Antioxidants and Natural Products in Inflammation.” Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity vol. 2016 (2016): 5276130. doi:10.1155/2016/5276130
Hannibal, Kara E, and Mark D Bishop. “Chronic stress, cortisol dysfunction, and pain: a psychoneuroendocrine rationale for stress management in pain rehabilitation.” Physical therapy vol. 94,12 (2014): 1816-25. doi:10.2522/ptj.20130597
Pahwa R, Goyal A, Bansal P, et al. Chronic Inflammation. [Updated 2021 Sep 28]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493173/
The ankles provide an essential role in total body function. They work as a complex system within the feet to carry the body’s weight and support movement. Any imbalance can cause ankle instability that can cause other areas of the body to go out of balance. This is most often caused by an injury, like an ankle sprain. If not properly addressed, it can lead to chronic instability and long-term health issues throughout the musculoskeletal system. Chiropractic treatment can rehabilitate ankle injuries, strengthen the muscles to prevent instability.
Ankle Instability
The entire body is an extensive, complicated, and interconnected system. Every part influences the next as individuals go about their everyday routines. Imbalances can occur in the spine, hips, legs, and knees, leading to limping, ankle pain, or injury. The most common causes of ankle instability include:
Poor foot or ankle mechanics
Knee or hip imbalances
Ankle sprains
Muscle strain
Tendonitis
Arthritis
Fractures
Chronic inflammation from illness or injury.
Finding The Imbalances
Understanding where the imbalances are and systematically addressing them is the recommended course of action. If an ankle injury is present, local symptoms and dysfunction need to be addressed. However, it is important to assess other body areas to ensure any other dysfunctions are also addressed. This prevents unnecessary re-injury, aggravation, and other problems.
Chiropractic
One or more treatment options will be utilized for proper recovery when dealing with ankle instability.
Joint adjustments of the lower body and spine to support nerve and blood circulation.
Chiropractic is recommended for determining any body imbalances that need to be addressed with high-quality research-based care and can expedite the recovery process.
Body Composition
Compression Garments and Socks
These were only used to treat individuals with circulatory problems but are now available to the public. Recovery is about giving the body a chance to relax, recuperate, and recover from swelling, with the objective to resume physical activity. Compression garments come in shirts, pants, sleeves, and socks. The garments and socks are used for quicker recovery time, improved circulation and oxygen delivery to the muscles, and to reduce lactic acid build-up.
References
Anguish, Ben, and Michelle A Sandrey. “Two 4-Week Balance-Training Programs for Chronic Ankle Instability.” Journal of athletic training vol. 53,7 (2018): 662-671. doi:10.4085/1062-6050-555-16
Czajka, Cory M et al. “Ankle sprains and instability.” The Medical clinics of North America vol. 98,2 (2014): 313-29. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2013.11.003
Gribble, Phillip A. “Evaluating and Differentiating Ankle Instability.” Journal of athletic training vol. 54,6 (2019): 617-627. doi:10.4085/1062-6050-484-17
Lubbe, Danella et al. “Manipulative therapy and rehabilitation for recurrent ankle sprain with functional instability: a short-term, assessor-blind, parallel-group randomized trial.” Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 38,1 (2015): 22-34. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2014.10.001
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