As shared in a recent article by Dr. David Jockers for Natural News, the benefits of chiropractic care continue to be proven in scientific studies.

The nervous system and immune system are hardwired and work together to create optimal responses for the body to adapt and heal appropriately. Neural dysfunctions due to spinal misalignments are stressful to the body and cause abnormal changes that lead to a poorly coordinated immune response. Chiropractic adjustments have been shown to boost the coordinated responses of the nervous system and immune system.

Subluxation is the term for misalignments of the spine that cause compression and irritation of nerve pathways affecting organ systems of the body. Subluxations are an example of physical nerve stress that affects neuronal control. According to researchers, such stressful conditions lead to altered measures of immune function & increased susceptibility to a variety of diseases.
Wellness based chiropractors analyze the spine for subluxations and give corrective adjustments to reduce the stress on the nervous system. A 1992 research group found that when a thoracic adjustment was applied to a subluxated area the white blood cell (neutrophil) count collected rose significantly.

To read the complete article, please visit: “Chiropractic boosts immunity”, by: Dr. David Jockers, in naturalnews.com

Back pain or discomfort is common during pregnancy and should be expected to some degree by most women.

Back pain may be experienced during any point of your pregnancy; however, it most commonly occurs later in the pregnancy as the weight of the baby increases. Back pain can disrupt your daily routine or interfere with a good night of sleep. The good news is there are steps you can take to manage the back pain that you experience.

How common is back pain during pregnancy?

You are not alone if you are experiencing back pain during your pregnancy.  The prevalence varies with reports, showing between 50 to 70 percent of all pregnant women having back pain.

What causes back pain during pregnancy?

Back pain during pregnancy is related to a number of factors. Some women begin to experience lower back pain with the onset of pregnancy.  Women who are most at risk for back pain are those who are overweight or had back pain prior to pregnancy. Here is a list of potential causes of back pain or discomfort during pregnancy:

• Increase of hormones – hormones released during pregnancy allow ligaments in the pelvic area to soften and the joints to become looser in preparation for the birthing process of your baby; this shift in joints and loosening of ligaments may affect the support your back normally experiences
• Center of gravity – your center of gravity will gradually move forward as your uterus and baby grow, which causes your posture to change
• Additional weight – your developing pregnancy and baby create additional weight that your back must support
• Posture or position – poor posture, excessive standing, and bending over can trigger or escalate the pain you experience in your back
• Stress – stress usually finds the weak spot in the body, and because of the changes in your pelvic area, you may experience an increase in back pain during stressful periods of your pregnancy

How can you prevent or minimize back pain during pregnancy?

Back pain may not be prevented completely, but there are things that you can do to reduce the severity or frequency. Here are a few steps you can take to help reduce the back pain you are experiencing:

• Use exercises approved by your health care provider that support and help strengthen the back and abdomen
• Squat to pick up something versus bending over
• Avoid high heels and other shoes that do not provide adequate support
• Avoid sleeping on your back
• Wear a support belt under your lower abdomen
• Make sure your back is aligned using a chiropractor
• Get plenty of rest.
• Elevating your feet is also good for your back

Contact American Chiropractic to make an appointment to relieve back pain with Dr. Hunziker.

To read the rest of Dr. Ken Whidden’s article, please visit the Emerald Coast Chiropractic website.

An article by the University of Maryland Medical Center states:

CTS [Carpal Tunnel Syndrome] is commonly treated by chiropractors. The methods most chiropractors use to treat CTS include manipulation of the wrist, elbow, and upper spine, ultrasound therapy, and wrist supports. Two studies support the use of chiropractic treatment for CTS.

In the first study, 25 individuals diagnosed with CTS reported significant improvements in several measures of strength, range of motion, and pain after receiving chiropractic treatment. Most of these improvements were maintained for at least 6 months.

A second study compared the effects of chiropractic care with conservative medical care (wrist supports and ibuprofen) among 91 people with CTS. Both groups experienced significant improvement in nerve function, finger sensation, and comfort. The researchers concluded that chiropractic treatment and conservative medical care are equally effective for people with CTS.

If you suffer from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, or other disorders like back pain, neck pain, pain in the joints of the arms or legs, and headaches, please make an appointment to see Dr. Hunziker.  He will evaluate your condition and recommend the proper treatment.

To read the full article about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, please visit the University of Maryland Medical Center website.

As students savor the last precious days of summer vacation, parents are out making the final run for school supplies. So, parents, take note — when back to school shopping this year there is one essential item that requires very special attention: your child’s backpack.

Backpack weight is an established problem, and studies show that heavy backpacks can lead to both back pain and poor posture, notes the American Chiropractic Association (ACA).

“It is important for parents and guardians to not underestimate the gravity of the situation; overweight backpacks can result in numerous short-term and chronic health concerns,” said Dr. David Thorpe, president of the ACA’s Council on Occupational Health. “Help your child pack their backpack each day and make sure they never carry more than 10 percent of his or her body weight. For example, a child who weighs 100 pounds shouldn’t wear backpack heavier than 10 pounds.”

Although the long-term effects of poor backpack use are not known, health care professionals say excessive weight and certain bag styles can cause nerve pressure around the neck that could lead to muscle spasms, neck or shoulder pain. In fact, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there has been nearly a 300 percent increase in backpack-related injuries among schoolchildren over the last ten years.

However, parents can help prevent problems before they start. Here is the following backpack safety checklist for parents:

•     Is the backpack the correct size for your child? The backpack should never be wider or longer than your child’s torso, and the pack should not hang more than 4 inches below the waistline. A backpack that hangs too low increases the weight on the shoulders, causing your child to lean forward when walking. Also, a bigger bag is not necessarily better. The more room there is in a backpack, the more your child will carry and the heavier the backpack will be.
•     Does the backpack have two wide, padded shoulder straps? Non-padded straps are uncomfortable and can dig into your child’s shoulders. Also, two shoulder straps are better than one. Lugging a heavy backpack by one strap can cause a disproportionate shift of weight to one side, leading to neck and muscle spasms, as well as low-back pain.
•     Are the shoulder straps adjustable? The shoulder straps should be adjustable so the backpack can be fitted to your child’s body. Straps that are too loose can cause the backpack to dangle uncomfortably and cause spinal misalignment and pain.
•     Does the backpack have a padded back? A padded back not only provides increased comfort, but also protects your child from being poked by sharp edges on school supplies (pencils, rulers, notebooks, etc.) inside the pack.
•     Is there a waist belt? Many backpacks have a waist belt that can be snugly buckled around the child’s waist. These belts can distribute the weight of a heavy load from the back and shoulders to the hips and torso.
•     Does the pack have several compartments? A backpack with individualized compartments helps position the contents most effectively. Make sure that pointy or bulky objects are packed away from the area that will rest on your child’s back, and try to place the heaviest items closet to the body.

Parents should ask their kids to report any pain or other problem resulting from carrying a backpack. If the pain is severe or persistent, seek care from a health care professional, such as a doctor of chiropractic.

Also, parents should consider a discussion with their child’s teacher to encourage the school to utilize books on CD-ROM or the use of Web sites like www.schoolnotes.com, where assignments can be posted electronically.

To read more of Dr. Ken Whidden’s helpful articles, please visit the Emerald Coast Chiropractic website: DestinChiropractor.com

Bands Against Breast Cancer is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating and empowering women to save their own lives in the battle against breast cancer, and currently conducting educational and informational activities throughout the First Coast area.

To volunteer to help at the 2011 Boobsaplooza™, get info on sponsorship opportunities, or to donate items for our silent auction or raffle, please Email info@bandsagainstbreastcancer.com.

This year, Boobsaplooza™ will be held at Lynch’s Irish Pub, at 514 First Street North in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, on October 1st, from 12:00 noon to 7:00pm.  Lynch’s brings a taste of Ireland to their Jacksonville patrons.  Boobsaplooza™ is held in October, as one of many events in recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  The central activity of the Boobsaplooza™ event is ten bands playing on two stages at Lynch’s Irish Pub. The supportive crowd is large and diverse.

To find out more about Boobsaplooza™, visit the Boobsaplooza™ Facebook page.

Bands for the 2011 Boobsaplooza™ to include:

• Azmyth
• Blistur
• Cupid’s Alley
• Dailiss
• Kickin Lassie
• Lucky Stiff
• Out of Hand
• Something Distant
• Split Tone
• Yankee Slickers

The 2011 Boobsaplooza™ has been created with the help and dedication of: Lisa DeLuca, “Hank” Watson, Lori Lawson, Sarah Harper, Melinda Hunziker, and many other volunteers.

Order tickets for the 2011 Boobsaplooza™.

Instructions:

Movement:

Caution: Not recommended for those with spinal stenosis. O.K. for osteoporosis.

Approximately 100 volunteers were examined with an electroencephalogram (EEG) before and after chiropractic adjustments.

A study presented at the International Research And Philosophy Symposium held at Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic finds that Chiropractic adjustments have a positive effect on the Central Nervous System (CNS), specifically on the four primary frequencies of brain function.

Brain function is measured on four primary frequencies: Beta, Alpha, Theta and Delta. Alpha waves reflect the meditative, relaxing healing mode. Beta waves represent the active, busy brain. Theta waves reflect light sleep, relaxation and conceptual development. Delta waves represent the brain activity during deep sleep, repair mode and energy storage.

The study was conducted over a three year period. Approximately 100 volunteers were examined with an electroencephalogram (EEG) before and after chiropractic adjustments.

The EEG scans were examined to check the right/left balance, the amount of total activity, the primary regions of activity and the effect of the adjustment.

After receiving a chiropractic adjustment, post EEG scans revealed improvement in all areas of the volunteer’s brain function.

Particularly, the researchers noticed an increase in the meditative Alpha brainwave patterns that are associated with a greater degree of relaxation, health and healing.

The researchers noted that some of the volunteers already had balanced and active brain scans and the adjustments had little effect on their post scans. They felt this was a good indicator that the adjustments had no negative effects on brain activity.

Commentary: The implications of this study are profound indeed. Over and over research is proving that chiropractic care has the ability to positively affect body function on a far greater level than simple pain relief.

as reported by YourSpine.com, and shared by Chiropractic of the Carolinas

Here are tips to properly display and honor your American Flag:

When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting from a window, balcony, or a building, the union should be at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half staff.

When it is displayed from the same flagpole with another flag – of a state, community, society or Scout unit – the flag of the United States must always be at the top except that the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for Navy personnel when conducted by a Naval chaplain on a ship at sea.

When the flag is displayed over a street, it should be hung vertically, with the union to the north or east. If the flag is suspended over a sidewalk, the flag’s union should be farthest from the building.

When flown with flags of states, communities, or societies on separate flag poles which are of the same height and in a straight line, the flag of the United States is always placed in the position of honor – to its own right.
..The other flags may be smaller but none may be larger.
..No other flag ever should be placed above it.
..The flag of the United States is always the first flag raised and the last to be lowered.

When flown with the national banner of other countries, each flag must be displayed from a separate pole of the same height. Each flag should be the same size. They should be raised and lowered simultaneously. The flag of one nation may not be displayed above that of another nation.

For additional information and facts, please visit http://www.usflag.org/

Exercising regularly benefits the body in more ways than one. Improved health and general well-being is the most commonly-known. There are also those who exercise regularly to maintain their good figures and build. Still, others exercise as a means to a higher end like sports or a highly-physical line of work. But do you know that exercising regularly aids in reversing the damaging effects of stress and prepares your body to withstand some more?

Stress and exercise are a perfect match. One is negative, while the other is positive. Stress is the stimulus while exercise should be the proper response.

Exercise And How It Helps Reduce Stress

The body undergoes over 1500 biochemical reactions during stress response (fight or flight reflex) – an amazing chemical feat, indeed! However, byproducts of these processes are toxic to the body if they continue to circulate in the system. Regular exercise simulates the ‘fight or flight’ reflex and aids the body to attain homeostasis faster, thus, reducing the harmful effects of stress. Homeostasis is the constant condition within the body or the processes necessary to achieve this ideal condition. Thus, exercising helps the body get back to its normal functioning condition.

Regular exercise promotes health. A healthy body will not easily succumb to illnesses that are common among stressed-out people. During exercising until a few hours after, there is a marked increase in the body’s production of macrophages – the body’s immune cells in charge of eating up infectious viruses, bacteria and tumor cells in the body.

Aside from this, exercise improves blood circulation. Improved blood circulation allows all immune cells to circulate freely in the blood, thereby increasing their efficiency to defend the body. So, one avoids the added trouble of dealing with ailments while under a lot of stress, say, in the workplace.

One common symptom of stress are tensed muscles. Well, exercise, relaxes the whole body and gets rid of tightness and cramps in certain places, particularly the neck and upper back. Regular use of these muscles during exercising keeps them relaxed and allows blood to reach them with much-needed oxygen and cleanses them of cellular activity byproducts.

Some forms of exercises qualify as moving meditation like jogging and running. The repetitive movement makes for some kind of mantra that alters the mood in a positive way. It is as if the mind goes on a tranquil state that allows it to relax and let go of distressing thoughts.

With regular exercise, you also achieve a better figure as it promotes weight loss. Having an appearance that is socially desirable improves your self-image. A healthy self-image, plus a general sense of well-being can do wonders to one’s confidence to face any stressful situation.

Exercising regularly also allows you to set fitness goals that become part of a healthier lifestyle. And a healthier lifestyle has no room for stress – only the means to cope with it.

Contact American Chiropractic to Make an Appointment to let Dr. Hunziker help you make a plan for stress-reducing exercise.

Originally posted by Dr. Ken Whidden, D.C., of Emerald Coast Chiropractic in Destin, Florida

With better weather come the golfers – warming up their game from weeks or months off during the winter months, and coaxing the body into returning to the great form they had as they left off last year.

Golf looks deceptively simple, but the mechanics of the swing, coupled with the physicality of walking long distances during each round impact the body, in some ways, negatively.

The biomechanics of the golf swing involve the whole body, from the stance of the feet, up through the balance of the knees, the stability and movement of the pelvis and platform for the swivel that occurs during the swing, up to the shoulders and the wrists and hands propelling the club down at a fast speed to set the ball in motion. As such, the body’s entire system of soft tissue (from ligaments and tendons to muscles and fascia) are affected. These soft tissues bear the brunt of the force of such a fast, but short-duration movement.

Injuries are common in golf as in many other sports, but in the case of golf specifically, there are common injury patterns and areas that massage can help with:

Not only can injuries surface from weak muscles, but poor technique and mechanics can wreak havoc on the golfer. The swing, requiring great rotation and compression, asks for the entire body’s cooperation, if not heeded, disaster can strike. Fortunately for veteran golfers like former PGA member Jerry Impellittiere, there is a way to fight back.

“I went for massage initially because I had very tight muscles which were affecting my game,” recalls the 53-year-old Impellittiere, who lives in Palm City, Fla., and plays golf almost every day, as well as takes part in tournaments like the recent Senior PGA. “The deep- tissue massage I got two to three times a week worked right away, elongating my muscles and really helping with my flexibility.” Impellittiere, who has been swinging his clubs since age 10 and been a pro for the past 30 years, adds, “I would recommend massage for all golfers, as they suffer from so many different injuries which can be relieved by this means.”

via Massage Helping Move Golfers “Fore”ward || Massage Therapy Articles.

The issues most common with golfers involve the neck, shoulders and the rotator cuff structure, the elbow (thus golfer’s elbow), and the lower back/glutes. The lower back issues can sometimes present as sciatica-like symptoms, or as pain in the lower lumbar area that is concentrated on one side.

Because golfers have a swing that is either right- or left-handed, one side of the muscles attaching the pelvis to the spine become tight, and sometimes refer pain down into the hips/glutes/legs.

When I massage golfers, I focus a lot of attention on the lower back and hips with deep tissue, neuromuscular therapy, myofascial release and some passive stretching. I also suggest clients work with physical therapists, personal trainers, or sports pros who specialize in golf to get an individualized set of stretches and strengthening exercises to improve their game and reduce their pain/discomfort level.

originally posted by Heather Wibbels, LMT, in http://www.massagebyheather.com/ blog