Tag Archive for: Health

Can Newborns Go to a Chiropractor?

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We highly encourage getting your newborn checked out by a chiropractor! Now, you may have some questions in regards to pediatric chiropractic care and we are here to answer those for you! Listed below are the most frequently asked pediatric related questions we get in our office, but if you have any additional questions, please give us a call at 916-625-6395!

 

FAQ 1: Should newborns go to the chiropractor? Newborns should be checked for spinal subluxations considering how traumatic the birthing process can be for babies! Parents will bring their babies in to a chiropractor if they are experiencing colic, constipation, trouble sleeping, shoulder dystocia, torticollis, head rotation issues, and a number of other concerns.

FAQ 2: How soon can babies see a chiropractor? Babies can be seen any time after birth. We typically recommend bringing your baby in within the first 4-6 weeks to make sure they are able to grow with an optimally functioning nervous system and spinal subluxation free!

FAQ 3: Can chiropractors adjust babies? Chiropractors can adjust babies! Chiropractors that have training through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association are properly trained on how to work with babies. Adjustments on babies are much different than adults because the bones are not completely ossified.

FAQ 4: Does chiropractic help infant congestion? Chiropractic does not treat infant congestion, but it can help by removing interferences from the nervous system, which will in turn allow the immune system to function better.

FAQ 5: What does a pediatric chiropractor do? Pediatric chiropractors can assess your child for spinal misalignments and restricted motion. We also check reflexes, cranial bones, and soft tissue to make sur everything is functioning optimally!

Motivation and Improved Mindset After the New Year

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The “New Year” has come and gone, we are now heading into the second quarter of the year already! You look around and people are no longer talking about their resolutions as much. This year, our team here at Synapse Chiropractic are throwing out the idea of ” New Year Resolutions” and continuing throughout the remainder of the year with new and improved mindset to help continue our goals on a more long-term basis!

People often wonder how people find the motivation to completely change their mindset, routine, etc. past the first month of the year. Here are just few ways we have found that have altered the way we live our lives!

Positive Affirmations: This may seem mundane to some, but saying a positive affirmation in the morning can really make a big difference! There is something about looking at yourself in the
mirror and saying, “Today is going to be a good day!” or whatever phrase it takes for you to improve your mindset as soon as you start your day. These affirmations will be different for everyone, but saying it out loud and saying them throughout the day can make a huge difference. Some people regard this action as prayer, others call it manifestation, and some just call it plain speaking it into existence. Whatever you call it,  positive affirmations are a great way to always keep yourself in a positive mindset, especially on your “off” days.

Celebrating the Small Things: Celebrations are always exciting and shouldn’t just be contained to “big” things. The small things in life that people may think are insignificant or not worth a big
reaction are exactly what I’m talking about. Whether it be that you cleaned the house, got out of bed, or even that you learned how to cook a new meal- those things are exciting! Celebrating those small accomplishments will make life so much more exciting and you will always have something to look forward to as the year goes on. People get so caught up that they aren’t achieving enough, when in reality, everyone’s accomplishments are different. What may be an “easy” task for one person may be the only thing that someone else was able to muster up the energy to do that day. Any amount of progress, even small, is still progress and all of these things are worth celebrating each and every day!

Focus on the Present: This one can sometimes be easier said than done. We can all find ourselves getting caught up thinking about the past and what may or may not happen in the future, but the most important thing is being in the now. Getting through one day at a time and really cherishing each day is crucial to changing the mindset you carry through each day. Focusing on the present will help reduce any stress or anxiety the past or future might present to you. There is a motivation technique that goes along the lines of you can do anything for just one minute. Basically all that is saying is that even the hardest of hard things, you can do for one minute. If you are presented with a task, even if it seems impossible, attempt if for just one minute. Once you begin, the task will seem so much less daunting. This can also be applied to expressing feelings, as well. Let yourself feel the feelings for one minute. Whether that is sadness, frustration, even grief. These emotions are natural and unless you are able to develop healthy coping mechanisms, they can easily take over and dictate your entire day, and then pretty soon, your entire life. So let yourself feel all of those emotions and feelings for one minute. Allow yourself to express that in whatever way you need to, so long as you can regroup and get back to what you were doing once that minute is up. Practicing this can help keep your mind clear and on track with what you need to do that day, while still allowing yourself to be human and feel other emotions than just “happy” all the time.

Getting Adjusted Regularly: This one may seem like an obvious one coming from a blog by a chiropractic office, but it really does help with gaining a positive mindset. Getting adjusted keeps your systems functioning properly, helps keep your mind clear, and makes sure everything is in order from the inside out. Those who get adjusted regularly are going to have the ability to adapt to stress much easier and feel more in tune with themselves on a regular basis. Keeping the body happy and healthy will put you in the best mindset for the year going forward, and frankly, for life.

By: Peyton Reyes and Allison Judd

Avoid Aches and Pains While Traveling This Year

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Are you traveling for the holidays? Let’s talk about a few tips that you can do to help make traveling easy and enjoyable! We don’t want to be bogged down by the aches and pains of traveling once we’ve reached our destination. Let’s make sure you’re able to spend all the time with friends and family feeling your best.

For our road- trippers: Before we start our trek, let’s get into the car and sit up in a nice good posture. At this point, check your rear-view mirror and make sure it is in the proper position for you to be able to see. This will be used as a reminder to watch your posture as the trip gets started. If you start to slouch or sink into your seat, you won’t be able to see clearly through the rear-view mirror. This simple reminder will help with avoiding unnecessary low back pain. Another posture tip is to make sure you are sitting in a neutral position for your spine! Leaning up against the window or leaning towards the arm rest will be another movement that can lead to unnecessary aches and pains. The final tip is to make pit stops often and get out and stretch to keep your body moving! Staying in one position for multiple hours can cause tightness and pain throughout your entire body.

Prefer to fly? These tips are for you!: Similarly to driving, if you are taking a longer flight, make sure to get up and walk to the bathroom or walk up and down the aisle every so often! Again, this will keep your body moving and help keep pressure off your lower back. Have a connecting flight and have a decent lay over? Find some space in the airport and do some stretching. Make sure you are utilizing any time you can to keep your body as mobile as possible throughout your travels!

Getting Comfy: Sleeping in your old childhood bed or a hotel bed while away for the holidays? To help avoid any unwarranted neck pain, let’s talk about your pillow. If you are a side sleeper, it is important to make sure that your nose stays in the center of your chest. The best way to ensure this is to check your pillow height. If the pillow is too thin or too thick, then it will force your head to be in a position that can cause that “kinked” feeling. If you tend to sleep on your back, position the bottom of the pillow down towards your shoulders to help keep your head flat. We want to avoid the pillow pushing your head forward and putting it in a flexed position. If you sleep on your stomach, my best tip is to try sleeping on your side or back. Sleeping on your stomach not only puts pressure on your spine, but also forces you to turn your head one way or another the entire night! This will definitely lead to lots of aches and pains when you wake up!

These are just a few tips to help avoid those travel pains we have all experienced! However, if you are just simply unable to avoid those pains, this will be the ideal time to give your local chiropractor a call for help! Allow them to help you start the new year off on the right foot! Happy holidays, everyone!

 

By: Dr. Tod Williams

How Can Chiropractic Help Long-term?

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You may have heard someone say “If you go to the chiropractor, you will have to go for the rest of your life” or “chiropractic is only for neck and back pain.” Those statements are completely incorrect. Though neck or back pain may be the initial reason people consider going to a chiropractor in the first place, we often see that people continue to go, even after the initial cause is resolved! This is usually because they have realized how good their bodies can feel with routine chiropractic care! After completing an initial phase of corrective care, we recommend wellness care at a lower frequency to maintain the changes made during that initial phase and to continue to improve your overall health. I will also discuss in this blog the additional benefits of wellness care and why it is important to add it to your health routine.

1. Injury and Illness Prevention:

You do not have to be in pain to benefit from chiropractic adjustments. The goal of the adjustment is to remove any nerve interference in the body. It is cheaper and more effective to take preventive measures than to be reactionary to any injury or illness. The rest of this blog will cover specific areas that can benefit from regular wellness chiropractic visits.

2. Range of Motion:

Chiropractic improves joint mobility. Better joint mobility reduces your risk of injury and cartilage deterioration. Chiropractic adjustments also help with loosening tighter muscles and improving strength in weaker muscles.

3. Nervous System Function:

Your nervous system is made up of the brain, the spinal cord, and all the nerves from the spinal cord that connect to every cell, tissue, organ, and muscle in the body. Your nervous system also controls and coordinates all other systems in the body. Chiropractic adjustments enhance your nervous system function and boosts blood flow throughout your body. Removing any interference to your nervous system enhances your whole-body performance.

4. Digestion:

Above, we learned that all systems are controlled by the nervous system. Your digestive system and nervous system are closely linked. Nerves in your spine control how your body digests food. Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diarrhea, constipation, and even heartburn can be resolved through chiropractic care. It is evident that gut health has a major impact on overall health. A healthy gut means superior digestion, a stronger immune system, improved sleep, and an ability to combat certain autoimmune diseases and cancers.

5. Sleep:

Regular chiropractic adjustments take unhealthy strain and stress off of the nerves, promoting relaxation. People who are able to get a better night’s rest can notice benefits like; being sick less often, lower risk for heart disease, mood improvement, and less injuries. While we’re sleeping, hormones flood the body, promoting healing, growth, repair, and other functions. The nervous system rests and recharges. Cortisol, a stress hormone, reduces while the body is asleep. Muscles relax, heal, and rest up, preparing for the next day of activity and use. The immune system releases cytokines, chemicals that fight inflammation, infection, and trauma.

6. Immune System:

While on the topic of the immune system from the last point, the immune system is influenced by your nervous system and endocrine system. Chiropractic adjustments can help strengthen your immune system by helping your body perform at peak performance, which allows it to fight off any germs. Having a higher functioning immune system leads to less illness and sickness overall!

What Causes TMJ and How Do I Fix It?

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If you have found yourself suffering from TMJ disorder, you are not alone. It is estimated that temporomandibular joint and muscle disorder (TMJ) affect more than 10 million people in the United States. The majority of that number is women, in fact, women in between 20-40 years old account for 90% of all TMJ sufferers. What are some contributing factors to TMJ disorders?

The temporomandibular joint combines a hinge movement with sliding motions. The parts of the bones that interact in the joint are covered with cartilage and are separated by a small shock-absorbing disk.

TMJ disorders can occur if:

· The disk erodes or moves out of proper alignment

· The joint’s cartilage is damaged by arthritis

· The joint is damaged by an impact injury

Other risk factors that can lead to the development of TMJ are:

· Various types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis

· Jaw injury

· Long-term (chronic) grinding or clenching of teeth

· Certain connective tissue diseases that cause problems to the temporomandibular joint

Common suggestions to help relieve TMJ symptoms:

· Chiropractic care: Chiropractors check the alignment of the joint and motion of the jaw as well work on the muscles surrounding the temporomandibular joint

· Muscle relaxers

· A night guard to reduce clenching or grinding of teeth

· Dental work to balance biting surfaces of your teeth

When to see a doctor:

Seek help if you have persistent pain or tenderness in your jaw or experience any of these other symptoms:

· Aching pain in and around your ear

· Difficulty chewing or pain while chewing

· Aching facial pain

· Locking of the joint, making it difficult to open or close your mouth

· Popping or clicking when you open your mouth or chew

How to Handle Seasonal Allergies Like a Pro

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Spring is here! It’s that time of the year where the days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer, and the flowers around us are blooming. That means more time for outdoor activities- whether that means going to the park, walking your pets, yard work, attending your kids’ sporting events, hanging out by the pool, or any of your other favorite outdoor hobbies. Sometimes though, all the time spent outdoors means we are faced with dealing with the pollen that is getting spread and suffering from those annoying seasonal allergies.

After enjoying a day outside, you may start to notice that your nose is getting stuffy, eyes are itchy, and you may start getting that feeling of sinus pressure. Luckily, there are multiple ways to combat those symptoms. Now, typically, you may pick up some over-the-counter medication like Benadryl, but maybe those medications make you drowsy or you’re looking for a new, more effective way to get rid of those symptoms. Well, I’m here to give you a few tips and tricks on how you can handle those pesky seasonal allergies a more natural way!

First, my personal favorite way- eating local raw honey. Eating just a tablespoon of local raw honey every day can help build up a tolerance to the local pollen in the area. The reason why local honey is so important is because it is collected from bees that have been collecting pollen from the plants that are running rampant on our sinuses.

Supplements, like Allerplex by Standard Process, are another great alternative to help with seasonal allergies. Allerplex, with vitamin A and C complexes, supports the body’s response to seasonal allergies. This supplement helps support the body’s natural ability to loosen up mucus and supports healthy lung and respiratory function. So, when you have that stuffy nose and find it difficult to breathe, this supplement is one to help with that. If you are wondering where you can get Allerplex, we keep a supply in the office and we can even ship it directly to you!

The final way to help with your allergies is by staying regularly adjusted! Having a highly functioning nervous system results in a stronger immune system. A healthier and stronger immune system will allow your body to tolerate pollen and reduce those allergy symptoms. Many people don’t realize that we can also adjust your sinuses so that they properly drain instead of having to deal with that annoying pressure. Definitely make sure to ask a Doctor while they are adjusting you if you would like us to also adjust your sinuses! We would lvoe to help relieve some of those allergy symptoms for you!

Of course these are just a few key tips, but there are many others out there to help with your allergies. Find what works best for you and go enjoy the weather. We don’t want to be stuck inside while everyone else is out having fun because your allergies are keeping you sidelined.

By: Dr. Tod Williams

What Causes Neuropathy and How to Fix It Before Its Too Late!

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Neuropathy is damage, disease, or dysfunction in one or more nerves, especially of the peripheral nervous system (arms and legs). Common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are burning or shooting pain, numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness. Neuropathy is often degenerative, and is usually caused by injury, infection, disease, drugs, toxins, or vitamin deficiency. Let’s take a look at what the 3 most common causes of neuropathy are.

Diabetes is one of the most common causes of neuropathy. It has been known that two thirds of the population with diabetes are also affected by diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic nerve pain occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the nerves. The nerves’ ability to send signals to other areas of the body are prohibited by high levels of blood sugar. The capillary walls of the blood vessels are also weaker with high blood sugar, this results in the nerves not getting adequate amount of nutrients and oxygen due to lack of blood flow.

Another common cause of neuropathy is vitamin deficiency, more specifically, vitamins such as B1, B6, B12, and vitamin E. Alcoholism is a common reason for vitamin deficient neuropathy. The reason why alcoholism can lead to vitamin deficiency is because it is assumed that they are not eating a complete or healthy diet. Alcohol also effects the body’s ability to absorb vitamin B1. People that have a vegan diet also need to be careful about their vitamin intake. Vitamin B12 is naturally only found in animal-based foods. Vegans are highly encouraged to supplement vitamin B12 into their diet to help avoid vitamin deficient neuropathy.

The third common cause is the herpes zoster virus; the virus that is responsible for chickenpox in kids. This virus lays dormant in the body after adolescence and can be reawakened many years later, due to age or stress, and presents itself as shingles. The virus attacks the nerves and can cause itchiness, rashes, and pain into the nerves.

If the symptoms of neuropathy start to present themselves, it is important to take action as soon as possible before the symptoms progress! Schedule an appointment with us to have a neuropathy exam performed. We will determine if your condition is true neuropathy and come up with a treatment plan for you so we can start to reduce the progression of your neuropathy! Help us help you!

Is Homeschooling Right for You and Your Family?

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With so much going on in the world, many parents are left wondering what their options are in regards to sending their kids to school. Watch this video to learn more about homeschooling, the different options that come with it, and to find out if it might be the right fit for you and your kiddos!

No More New Year’s Resolutions!

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What is the most common question you get asked going into a new year? For most people, it’s usually along the lines of “What are your New Year’s resolutions?”. It’s a common tradition passed on through the years that people use the “new year” as a starting point for their new goals and lifestyle practices. Why wait until New Year when you can start now?

 

If you put your goals off until the new year, you have to ask yourself how much of a priority they were for you in the first place? Are you using the holidays as an excuse to binge and fall further behind on your goal before you face it head-on in January?

 

Let’s say you make a set of resolutions going into the next year. You are really consistent and on top of all of your goals for a month or maybe even more! Inevitably, life gets in the way and excuses start coming up and you begin to lose the motivation you once had to stay consistent with your resolutions. Then, eventually, there are too many “reasons” as to why your goals are not your priority anymore, and pretty soon you are no longer progressing on these goals at all.

 

But, wait! At this point, it’s almost January again! You can just start your resolutions again next year! This is going to be the year you actually accomplish your goals!

 

And again, the cycle starts right back over.

 

If this cycle sounds familiar to you, I challenge you to ask yourself, “Why am I waiting to start my goals?”

 

Whatever it is that you may want to introduce in your life, it can always be started now. Do you want to start exercising more? Join the gym today. If you are already paying for it, why wouldn’t you go? Do you want to eat healthier? Throw out the junk food! Out of sight, out of mind. With little to no junk food in the house, you will have to force yourself to be creative and make healthier meals using the more nutritious items you might already have or that you purchase to help yourself accomplish your goal!

 

It’s important to remember that baby steps are better than no steps at all. Sometimes life really does get in the way, but it rarely ever completely prevents you from doing what you want to do. Even when things seem to be difficult and you start to lose motivation, try and take a step back and decide how you can accomplish this goal now!

 

For example, maybe you were going to the gym 5 days a week for 30 minutes each day. Something happens and now you are unable to commit to going as frequently as you were before.

 

Instead of using this as an excuse to just stop, take a step back and ask yourself how much you can reasonably commit to right now. Can you find 2 days in the week that you can spare 30 minutes to devote to exercising? Maybe even 3? Working out 2-3 days isn’t as often as 5, but it’s definitely better than 0. Just by setting aside this 1 hour out of your whole week, you just saved yourself from potentially giving up on your goal completely.

 

In addition to this, it is also important to set reasonable goals in the first place. If you try and set resolutions that you know you are not able to commit to 100%, you are setting yourself up to fail and who would want to do that? Instead of telling yourself, you are going to lose 100 pounds this year, knowing you are not the type of person who has hours and hours to commit to the gym each week, start smaller by trying to lose 20 pounds in 6 months. If you find that you really are consistent and on track, then think about raising it to 30 or 35 pounds in that 6-month time frame.

 

Not only will this be healthier for your body, but it will also be healthier for your mind. Pacing yourself and setting realistic standards for yourself can drastically change your attitude when going into a goal! Plus, an added benefit is that if you are able to easily crush each smaller goal, it won’t feel like it was such a struggle to get to the bigger one! We get more out of life when we keep the commitments we make to ourselves.

 

As Hillel, the Elder once said, “If not now, when?” I challenge you to start those New Year’s Resolutions today.