Alkalinity & Healing: The pH equation to Health!

Our bodies are constantly under stress - chemical, physical & emotional- which over time, pushes us out of a state of balance.  As these stressors accumulate, we move further away from  a healthy, functioning alkaline environment to a more disease-forming acidic environment.  It has been found that total healing of chronic illness will only take place if and when the blood is restored to a normal, slightly alkaline pH!

Human blood stays in a very narrow pH range around 7.35-7.45.  Above or below this range you will start to see symptoms and disease.  If blood pH moves too much below 6.8 or above 7.8, your cells stop functioning and start dying.  The ideal pH balance for blood is 7.4.

So what does the pH of our body mean? pH is the abbreviation for potential hydrogen. The pH of any solution is the measure of its hydrogen-ion concentration. The higher the pH reading, the more alkaline and oxygen rich the fluid is. The lower the pH reading, the more acidic and oxygen deprived the fluid is. The pH range is from 0 to 14, with 7.0 being neutral. Anything above 7.0 is alkaline, anything below 7.0 is considered acidic. 


Like most living things the body has to have a balanced pH or it does not function correctly. Research has already proven that disease cannot survive in an alkaline state and yet thrives in an acidic environment.

If you have a health problem, most likely you are acidic. We have seen that research shows that unless the body's pH level is slightly alkaline, the body cannot heal itself. So, no matter what type of modality you choose to use to take care of your health problem, it won't be effective until the pH level is up. If your body's pH is not balanced, you cannot effectively absorb vitamins, minerals and food supplements. Your body pH affects everything.

An acidic balance will: 1) Decrease the energy production in the cells, 2) Make tumour cells thrive, 3) Decrease the body's ability to absorb minerals and other nutrients, 4) Recrease its ability to repair damaged cells, 5) Decrease its ability to detoxify heavy metals,and 5) Make it more susceptible to fatigue and illness.

So how did you become acidic?  An acidic pH can occur from an acid forming diet, emotional stress, toxic (chemical) overload, lack of physical activity, and/or immune reactions, or any process that deprives the cells of oxygen and other nutrients.  The body will try to compensate for acidic pH by using alkaline minerals. If the diet does not contain enough minerals to compensate, a build up of acids in the cells will occur.

With Cancer, being the 2^nd most common cause of death in today’s modern world, there has been much research on acidity.  There are two factors that are ALWAYS present with cancer no matter what else may be present – These include 1) Acidic pH and 2) Lack of Oxygen. If we can learn to manipulate these two factors that always have to be present for cancer to develop we may be able to help reverse the cancer?! 

The normal human cell has a lot of molecular oxygen and a slightly alkaline pH. The cancer cell has an acid pH and lack of oxygen. Cancer cells cannot survive in an oxygen rich environment. Again, the higher the pH reading, the more alkaline and oxygen rich the fluid is. Cancer and all diseases hate oxygen / pH balance. Therefore pH balance is very important for one's health.

People who remain too acid often display symptoms such as: anxiety, diarrhea, dilated pupils, extroverted behavior, fatigue in early morning, headaches, hyperactivity, hypersexuality, insomnia, nervousness, rapid heartbeat, restless legs, shortness of breath, strong appetite, high blood pressure, warm dry hands and feet. Acidosis (overly acidic body) is the primary indicator of Calcium Deficiency Disease.

Acidosis, an extended time in the acid pH state, can result in inflammatory arthritis' (RA, lupus, scleroderma, etc), diabetes, tuberculosis, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, most cancers and many more health problems. If salivary pH stays too low, the diet should focus on fruit, vegetables and still mineral water as well as removing strong acidifiers such as sodas, whole wheat and red meat.

So how do you become more alkaline? There are many factors to consider when trying to shift our body form an acidic state to a more alkaline environment.  The first step is eating well.  Foods that can be considered to be alkaline-forming and thus helpful to people with consistently acid pH include: almonds, aloe vera, apples, apricots, bee pollen, buckwheat, cabbage, cantaloupe, celery, carrots, cucumbers, dairy products except hard cheese, dates, dulse, poached eggs, figs, grapefruit, honey, lettuce, millet, parsley, raisins, peaches, fresh red potatoes, pineapple, soy products, sprouted seeds, cooked spinach, turnip tops, wakame miso soup, azuki beans, rice, mineral water.

Step 2 is to move often. This can be done by making physical activity a part of your daily routine, including both stretching & strengthening exercises.  Adding Chiropractic to your lifestyle can promote optimal body functioning & decrease injury.  It can also help with Step 3 which is to think clearly.  Chiropractic creates an open connection between your brain & body.  Other ways to think well are to practice meditation or provide more organization in your life.  This will decrease the mental (emotional) aspect of stress, and therefore the overall stress on your body!

Dr. Amber Eckel, DC Is a Chiropractor at Aurora Integrative Medical in Burnaby, BC, Canada.  To book an appointment with her visit www.auroraintegrative.com 

"I slipped a disc!" - What does that really mean?

Quite often, new patients come into to my office and tell me that they were told by a friend, family member, or health professional that they probably have a "slipped a disc." They've been suffering with neck or low back pain for an extended period of time, which may or may not have pain or symptoms into the arms or legs.  But what does the term "slipped disc" really mean?

The lay term "slipped disc" refers to damaged intervertebral discs where the outer layer fibers become weak from trauma or repetitive loading over time with poor mechanics. The pressure of gravity on the intervertebral disc forces the fluid inside the disc to distribute into the outer "weaker" fibers of the disc causing the disc to eventually "protrude", "bulge" or "herniate".  Depending on the severity of the disc protrusion, this can cause neurological symptoms such as pain, numbness, or tingling into the arms or legs.  

So why does this happen? 

Trauma affecting the intervertebral discs, can be due to major trauma (for example, an accident) or smaller repetitive minor trauma (sitting, driving).  Both of these major and minor trauma's can  potentially lead to degenerative changes in the spine known as degenerative disc disease, more commonly referred to as "arthritis!" Degenerative arthritis is a result of normal "wear and tear"on our bodies, and since we use our spine everyday to perform everything we do, you can see why the spine can have quite a bit of "wear and tear" to it.  

How common is arthritis?

Most people by the age of 50 have some degenerative changes in their spine, depending on their lifestyle including exercise patterns, hobbies & career. Arthritis can vary from very minimal to very severe.  But many people with degeneration will NOT experience back pain.  Therefore it is important to understand that most people with degeneration due to the aging process may not exhibit any symptoms even if degeneration is apparent on an x-ray or another diagnostic imaging modality (ie CT, MRI). So degenerative disc disease may not even be entirely responsible for the symptoms you are experiencing from that "slipped disc!" 

How can Chiropractic help? 

Chiropractic care aims to reduce the subluxation (misalignment of a vertebrae) which is causing pain and inflammation in the areas of the spine.  Chiropractic adjustments aim to improve the mobility of the spine allowing proper functioning, and of course movement of the body.  Chiropractors will also educate you on exercises focussed directly on improving the stability of your core (trunk muscles) which will get you out of pain and slow down the degenerative changes of the spine, allowing you to live an active pain-free life! 

Dr. Amber Eckel is a Chiropractor at Aurora Integrative Medical in Burnaby, BC, Canada. 

Whiplash

You've just been rear-ended...

In what feels like less than a second, your body was first pushed against your seat.  Then your head, isolated by your neck, delays its reaction. Again, your body changes directions, moving forward to the limits of your seatbelt, then your head is snapped backwards!

Even the smallest fender benders can cause a whiplash injury!  You may feel pain instantly, or it may take a few days to months before symptoms start to appear. So now what?

Visiting your Chiropractor as soon as possible is KEY to a smooth recovery!  Chiropractors apply specific spinal adjustments to the neck and/or back which will help to restore proper range of motion and the position of the specific vertebrae. This in turn helps to reduce inflammation & promote proper healing.

The longer you wait, the more unseen injuries there may be, and the longer it usually takes for patients to recover! If you've been in an accident, please do not hesitate to get checked by your Chiropractor!

Dr. Amber Eckel, DC is a Chiropractor at Aurora Integrative Medical in Burnaby, BC, Canada.

Chiropractic for TMJ Disorder

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the term for the paired joints between the upper and lower jaws, as well as the term generally used to describe pain or other dysfunction of these same joints. Initial treatment for a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) can include applying heat or cold to the jaw area, eating mostly soft foods, taking anti-inflammatory drugs, or wearing a bite guard in the mouth at night. If these methods are unsuccessful, many patients resort to dental treatments to modify the bite or even surgery of the jaw. For those with TMJ symptoms, chiropractic is available as an alternative to those more invasive treatments.

Chiropractic care for the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can ease pain by correcting the misalignment between the spine and nervous system. Chiropractic can be effective at reducing the pain associated with TMJ, either when used alone or as a complement to other treatments. This is because, rather than change the diet or modify the teeth, it relaxes the muscles, adjusts the joint and uses specific trigger points to accurately re-position the jaw. When done successfully, this will not only relieve pain in the short run (as would medications or eating soft foods), but it will help prevent TMJ pain from returning.

Chiropractic treatment of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) focuses on adjusting the joint itself, as well as relieving tension in the surrounding musculature—working both outside and inside the mouth, using active release and and trigger point therapy. A trigger point is a very sensitive area made of muscle fibers. Trigger points feel like knots and may cause pain or even a twitching response when pressure is applied to them. A chiropractor can manipulate trigger points in such a way to alleviate the pain associated with them. The chiropractor may also give the patient home exercises to help strengthen the joint and loosen the tight muscles.

In some cases, misalignment of the jaw that results from improper posture or a back problem which can cause temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. An approach to treating TMJ caused by misalignment in the neck and upper back is to perform chiropractic adjustments on the spinal joint in these areas. In addition, a chiropractor may use soft tissue massage to relieve tight muscles in the back around the spine. This reduces the amount of stress put on the jaw so that other treatments to adjust the jaw will be more effective.

When these treatments are employed, motion of the jaw joint can improve and symptoms such as ear pain, jaw locking, headaches, and neck pain can be reduced.  See your Chiropractor if you are experiencing these type of symptoms, or have been diagnosed with TMJ dysfunction/disorder. 

Dr. Amber Eckel, DC is a Chiropractor at Aurora Integrative Medical in Burnaby, BC 

Subluxation from Traditional Birthing Positions: Cause and Effect

- Reposted from McKillican Chiropractic, Subluxation at Birth - The Effect


Principle 17 states that every effect has a cause and every cause has effects. [Stephenson, 1927] Subluxation at birth does occur and is primarily due to the current obstetrical procedures routinely used today. Modern medicine has taken the natural and normal physiological event of childbirth and turned it into a codependent nine-month disease, relying mainly on the medical doctor to perform the delivery during which the head of the child is firmly gripped and rotational and tractional forces are applied.

The current birthing position, known as the supine lithotomy position, is the reason for dependency on the medical establishment. This position requires the birthing mother to be placed on her back with her feet in stirrups, forcing her to push the child out of the birth canal without the aid of gravity. Since this birthing position goes against a mother’s normal physiological innate abilities, the risk for intervention increases drastically. Pain and discomfort are increased and labor times are extended; thus, making it necessary for the doctor to intervene in the delivery process. This intervention by the medical doctor drastically increases the risk of vertebral subluxation to the newborn child. Dr. Mendelsohn states:

The supine lithotomy position is the basis for most of the intervention that is routine in modern obstetrical practice. It has effectively deprived women of all control over their childbirth experience. It has also made having babies infinitely more difficult, perilous, and painful, and provided obstetricians with countless seemingly rational reasons to come to the mother’s aid. [Mendelsohn, 1982, 152]

Interventions can lead to more interventions, each one potentially more dangerous to the mother and child.

There is evidence that obstetric interventions in labour tend to lead from one to another. Women who have labour induced need more help with pain relief, epidurals lead to more instrumental births… [Johanson & Newburn, 2001, 1143]

The word intervention is used in the medical literature to describe a seemingly harmless approach to help the mother cope with her delivery. However, the medical definition of intervention clearly states what the true intent is:

Intervention: the act or fact of interfering with a condition to modify it or with a process to change its course… (italics added) [Webster, 1985, 345]

As chiropractors, we talk about the interference to the transmission of innate forces. As I see it, the traditional obstetric delivery is a perfect example of one type of interference to the mother’s innate abilities to have a natural childbirth. The interference begins with the forced unnatural position of the mother on her back to deliver her child. This leads to further interference of the doctor’s hands now dependent upon using the child’s head as a source of leverage to deliver the shoulders and the rest of the body.

Current acceptable birthing positions, which have a rich history, are widely used by the majority of birthing mothers today. If even briefly investigated, the positions commonly utilized in the birthing process are suspect in terms of effectiveness and safety for mother and child. Dr. Mendelsohn states:

Considering the radical nature of the change from the birthing stool to the supine position, you would assume that it evolved from cautious scientific research. Incredibly, it didn’t. The practice of laying birthing mothers flat on their backs was initiated to satisfy a kinky erotic aberration of France’s Louis XIV.

King Louis, it seems, got his kicks by peering from behind a curtain while his mistresses, of whom there were many, gave birth. He was frustrated because his vision was obstructed when the women were seated on birthing stools. In an inspired moment he used his royal clout to persuade a male midwife to improve his view. A woman was placed on a high, flat table, with her knees up, and King Louis was immensely pleased with the results. [Mendelsohn, 1982, 152-153]

The natural physiological instinct of a woman is to labor and birth in a position where gravity allows for the easiest possible birth. It is not by accident that the birthing mother has an innate desire to position herself in a way that is most advantageous for both of the parties involved. A child in-utero has assumed the head-down position months prior to delivery. During labor this position allows the head to put pressure upon the cervix, stimulating the natural production of prostaglandins and the resultant opening of the cervix. A chain reaction ensues whereby ocytocin is released resulting in normal contractions of the uterus, which in turn pushes the baby down and out of the birth canal. In addition to the head-down position of the infant and the resultant contributions to the birthing process, science has performed studies to determine what the most advantageous position is for delivery.

Way back in 1933 Mengert and Murphy, in an extensive experimental study, recorded intra-abdominal pressure at the height of maximum straining effort during labor. Their research involved more then 1000 observations of women placed in seven postures. They found that the greatest pressure was exerted in the sitting position. …  In 1937, another researcher presented x-rays and measurements that indicated that squatting alters the pelvic shape in a way that makes it advantageous for delivery. [Mendelsohn, 1982, 153]

In a letter to the editor of Birth, Dr. Gastaldo sighted references to support this position of a proper birth position:

Practitioners should realize the radiographic evidence that squatting opens the pelvis and actually demonstrates that supine and semirecumbent labor positions tend to close the pelvis, denying the mother and fetus up to 30 percent of pelvic outlet area. [Gastaldo, 1992, 230]

In all of this I ask, what about the child who has to endure possibly the most dangerous journey of his life? How has his life been altered? What has he sacrificed without even knowing it? All because of a societal trend to deliver babies with force.

REFERENCE: http://www.mckillican-chiropractic.com/articleslinks/subluxation-at-birth-the-effect

Paleo Diet Food List!

The Paleo Diet Food List

Meat

Beef, pork, lamb, veal, rabbit, goat, sheep, horse, bison, wild boar, …

Game meat

Deer, pheasant, bear, moose, woodcock, elk, duck, rabbit, reindeer, wild turkey …

Poultry

Chicken, turkey, duck, quail, goose, …

Fish

Salmon, tuna, trout, bass, halibut, sole, haddock, turbot, walleye, tilapia, cod, flatfish, grouper, mackerel, anchovy, herring, …

Shellfish

Crab, lobster, shrimps, scallops, clams, oysters, mussels, …

Fats

Avocados, avocado oil, olive oil, coconut oil, butter, clarified butter (ghee), lard, tallow, duck fat, veal fat, lamb fat, fatty fishes (sardines, mackerel, salmon), nut butters, nut oils (walnut, macadamia), coconut flesh, coconut milk, …

Eggs

Chicken eggs, duck eggs, goose eggs, quail eggs, …

Vegetables

Celery, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, leeks, kohlrabi, green onions, eggplants, cauliflower, broccoli, asparagus, cucumber, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, artichokes, okra, avocados, …

Green leafy vegetables

Lettuce, spinach, collard greens, kale, beet top, mustard greens, dandelion, swiss chard, watercress, turnip greens, seaweeds, endive, arugula (rocket), bok choy, rapini, chicory, radicchio…

Root vegetables

Carrots, beets, turnips, parsnips, rutabaga, sweet potatoes, radish, jerusalem artichokes, yams, cassava, …

Winter squash

Butternut squash, spaghetti squash, acorn squash, pumpkin, buttercup squash, …

Summer squash

Zucchini, yellow summer squash, yellow crookneck squash, …

Fruits

Bananas, apples, oranges, berries (strawberry, cranberry, cranberry, blueberry, blackberry), grapefruit, pears, peaches, nectarines, plums, pomegranates, pineapple, papaya, grapes, cantaloupe, cherries, apricot, water mellon, honeydew mellon, kiwi, lemon, lime, lychee, mango, tangerine, coconut, figs, dates, passion fruit, persimmon, …

Nuts and seeds

Pistachios, Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds (pepitas), pecans, walnuts, pine nuts, macadamia nuts, chestnuts, cashews, almonds, hazelnuts

Mushrooms

Button mushroom, portabello, oyster mushroom, shiitake, chanterelle, crimini, porcini, morel…

Fresh and dried herbs

Parsley, thyme, lavender, mint, basil, rosemary, chives, tarragon, oregano, sage, dill, bay leaves, coriander, …

Spices and other natural flavor enhancers

Ginger, garlic, onions, black pepper, hot peppers, star anise, fennel seeds, mustard seeds, cayenne pepper, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, nutmeg, paprika, vanilla, cloves, chilies, …

REFERENCES:
http://paleodietlifestyle.com/paleo-diet-food-list/#food-list

Life of a Paleo.

The Paleo Diet is based on the simple understanding that the best human diet is one to which we are best genetically adapted.  The human body evolved for more than 2 million years with the food found in nature: game meat, fish, vegetables, wild fruits, eggs and nuts.  The human race was thriving on this diet high in animal fat and proteins and low in carbohydrates, bur things changed when we introduced unnatural foods to our bodies.  It is supported by documented scientific evidence and by real-life improvements, even triumphs, of people winning their personal health battles. 


The Paleo Diet is not just a diet that you follow to achieve a specific goal, but more a way of living in harmony with nature and our food to achieve great health in every aspect.  Our society has become detached to the food we have been eating in nature for millions of years that has allowed us to become a highly evolved species. 
We call this diet the paleo diet because it includes the food that was available to us for most of our evolution during the paleolithic era, starting about 2.5 millions of years ago. The idea is that our genes and physiology evolved through the process of natural selection and are most adapted to be nourished with the food that we evolved around. That includes the whole spectrum of animal food (beef, fish, shellfish, poultry, pork, lamb, bison, etc) including their fat and organs as well as eggs, vegetables and limited amounts of fruits and nuts.


On the opposite side, some of the foods that we started eating in large quantity since the beginning of the agricultural revolution about 10,000 years ago are completely alien to our genes and metabolism and wreak havoc in our body, often causing what we call the metabolic syndrome or diseases of civilization. That includes obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, auto-immune diseases, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s and a host of other conditions that were unknown to our ancestors while plaguing us today.
Some of the worst offenders in today’s diet are what’s actually recommended by governments and nutritionists because bad science and economic agendas have demonized things like saturated fat, cholesterol and red meat over the last decades. What we should really be eliminating in our diet are grain products, excess sugar, vegetable oils, legumes and dairy, some of which are at the very basis of the US food pyramid.


The Paleo diet and lifestyle is not just based on imitating what our ancestors did, but also on real non-biased science and evidence.  The framework to study deeper and to try and find what our food really does to our bodies and how to live th longest & most vibrant lives! 

ANTIBIOTICS - When should they be used?

The first medically accepted antibiotic was penicillin, introduced in 1941.  Prior to this discover, between 1850 and 1940 the world had seen a 90% decline in deaths attributable to scarlet fever, diptheria, whooping cough and measles due primarily to improved living standards.  society had made advances in controlling infectious diseases through improved sanitation, nutrition, and hygiene.  Unfortunately many of us have been led to believe that antibiotics and vaccines were solely responsible for the demise of these epidemic diseases.


At this time of its introduction, penicillin was indeed a great benefit, reducing the devastation caused by bacterial pneumonia, kidney infections, sepsis & meningitis.  But penicillin was not without serious side effects. Over time, allergic reactions to penicillin were recognized as a serious problem and its use became more restrained.  Other forms of penicillin have been developed since the 1960's and other antibiotics have been extracted from these moulds.


As the knowledge of chemicals grew, instead of extracting medicinal properties from nature and organic material, antibiotics were artificially synthesized in laboratories.  This was far cheaper and more efficient, and so began the use of synthesized chemical drugs.  With the explosive growth of the pharmaceutical industry during the twentieth century, a great variety of potentially toxic chemicals has become readily available for medicinal purposes.


Unfortunately, if one examines the standards and protocol for most clinical trials, they will be bitterly disappointed.  Even more alarming is the legislation that allows for this lack of public protection. Consumer awareness of the potentially damaging nature of these chemicals is also generally negligible.  Most of us are unaware that following exposure to a drug, we are not only at risk of the adverse effects of this particular drug, but also of other chemicals which may be formed. This occurs via chemical reactions which take place in the body.


Pharmaceutical companies are in the business of making and selling  chemicals that appear to eliminate health problems.  Significant revenue is invested each year to promote their products, with emphasis on the perceived benefits.  However, little mention is given to the risks involved for the consumer.


 Gaining knowledge of these chemicals empowers us to question the authenticity and safety of these prescription and over-the-counter drugs, and may enable us to protect our family's health! Please use careful consideration for you and your family when advised to take antibiotics and/or commonplace drugs.

Here are some other reasons to be cautious about frequently using antibiotics...

1) BACTERIAL RESISTANCE - when on antibiotic is given, a host of bacteria will become resistant to that drug.  When more antibiotics are taken, the bacteria are now stronger and able to resist subsequent drugs.  WIth each prescription, our natural immunity is progressively weakened.

2)  DECREASING NATURAL IMMUNITY AND INCREASING RELIANCE ON DRUGS - a frequent antibiotic used will require stronger and stronger antibiotics to fight these super bugs.  The cycle then continues until their immunity is so low that they have an array of health problems.  The digestive system houses the largest part of a child's immune system (~60%).  When we take antibiotics, we eliminate the naturally occurring bacteria of our body that is essential for a strong immunity.  In doing so, our body is left vulnerable to pathogenic organisms which produce disease. After a course of antibiotics, a common and notorious organism to re-inhabit the body is Candida Albicans (aka "thrush" or "yeast infection").  The toxins released by the yeast affect 3 systems: the hormonal and endocrine system, the immune system, and the central nervous system.  The resulting symptoms can be varied, and present on an array of health challenges.  Candida is simply a bacterial imbalance which then lads to a yeast infection.  Some common symptoms that may indicate Candida in children include: recurrent ear infections, abdominal bloating, constipation, diarrhea, thrush or bladder infections, food sensitivities, learning & behavioral problems, skin problems (eczema or hives), athletes food or nail infections, frequent diaper rash or colic, fatigue, headaches, mood swings, anxiety, depression, sensitivities to perfume/cigarettes/ or fabric odors. 

3)  ANTIBIOTICS MAY INCREASE DEVELOPMENTAL DELAY & AUTISM - A study by the Developmental Delay Registry has found disturbing links between antibiotic use and possible brain damage.  The more antibiotics children had taken the more prone they were to suffering from a learning disability.  No particular antibiotic was discussed, but Augmentin and Ceclor have been previously linked with autism, following 3 or more doses of these broad-spectrum antibiotics

So when should antibiotics be used? 

Antibiotics can be highly beneficial when used in an appropriate manner.  Our concern should be the blatant over-prescription of antibiotics and the ramifications for our child's immunity.  Antibiotics are powerful medicines that should only be reserved for situations that demand them- for instance, when the immune system cannot contain a bacterial infection, or when an infection may establish itself in a vital organ such as the lungs or brain.  There is a time and a place for medicine, but that does not include the use of antibiotics for minor childhood ailments. 

SCOLIOSIS

Many factors influence how a child's spine develops.  In previous posts, I have  discussed the possible effects of birth trauma, accidents, and falls.  But we also need to consider your child's posture.

Children are frequently known to adopt the postural habits and gait patterns (walking style) of their parents.  Today, children also contend with hours of sustained postures in front of computers and the television, and the carrying of extremely heavy bags to and from school.

When vertebral subluxations are not addressed, curvatures of the spine may develop as a child's body continues to grow.  This curvature is known as scoliosis.  Alterations to the natural curves of the spine can then become permanent, leading to degenerative conditions later in life.

Children should see a chiropractor regularly to help ensure that their spine grows in the best possible alignment thorugh every stage of growth and development! Talk to your chiropractor today! 

Headaches...

Headaches, although they are 'common', they are NOT normal. 


Pain relievers such as tylenol, aspirin, and advil are the most common approach to alleviating a headache...But how do they know how to find the headache if you are experiencing other symptoms. These drugs, also are not completely safe, nor effective & may cause side effects worse than the headache itself! 


What Chiropractors do is find the CAUSE of the headache.  A common cause of headaches is from the spinal bones in the neck that aren't supporting the head properly.  You might notice a limited ability to turn your head.  Headaches can also be caused by problems in the lower back, forcing the upper spine to compensate, shifting the head off centre.  These vertebral subluxations also affect the nerves, muscles, and even the blood supply to your head! 


Through a thorough chiropractic examination we will be able to find just where that vertebral subluxation is that is causing your headaches.  If vertebral subluxations are present, you're likely to benefit tremendously from Chiropractic Care! 


Although we can never guarantee results, Chiropractic is a natural, safe and effective option for correcting the cause of your headaches, and getting you on a better path to health & wellness! 


Try Chiropractic & get adjusted today! 

The Spinal Source of Asthma!

The root of asthma can be found in an improperly responding nervous system (neurogenic asthma), immune system (allergic asthma) or inflammatory system (inflammatory asthma).  

Asthma researchers say that an overactive parasympathetic nervous system can explain why such nonspecific stimuli such as smoke, viruses and even sudden weather changes trigger wheezing in both allergic and nonallergic asthmatics. Chiropractors believe that irritation of the vagus nerve (which can be affected by subluxation (aka misalignment)  in the upper neck involving one of the top 2 vertebrae) or suppression of sympathetic nerve fibers (in the mid-back/thoracic spine) can lead to bronchial spasm. A chronic subluxation in the upper neck or other related area of the spine can put the nervous system close to threshold in spontaneously constricting the muscles of the bronchial tubes.

The chiropractor's job is to release the flow of the body's innate (inborn) intelligence that flows through the nervous system. When the brain and body are able to communicate properly without interference then natural health is possible. If there is disruption of that flow of nerve impulses then no amount of herbs, supplements or drugs will restore health. When the nervous system is unblocked the body can rush healing commands to any affected tissues in the body and draw on whatever resources are needed in order to help correct the problem. The body is its own pharmacy and can make any drug it needs provided there is no pressure on the nerves supplying the organs and glands. Remember, the power that made the body heals the body! 

While Chiropractic adjustments are not a "cure" for asthma, research has shown improvements in asthma symptoms. This is because regular Chiropractic care helps restore normal body function by removing interference to the body's master control system, the central nervous system.

How to improve your Posture

When Seated: 

Place both feet on the floor (or on a foot rest if they do not reach the floor),  keep your knees level with your hips,  and sit with your back firmly against the chair. If necessary, adjust the chair so it supports your mid and lower back; or place a small cushion or rolled towel behind the curve of your lower back. Don't lean forward or slouch in your chair.

Do not cross your legs, and keep your ankles in front of your knees; keep your shoulders straight and relaxed, with your forearms parallel to the floor. Maintain a slight gap between the back of your knees and the front edge of your seat. Don't sit in the same position for long periods; stand up and stretch often. Remember to stretch your head upwards with chin pulled in slightly.

When Standing: 

The key to good standing posture is the same as sitting: maintain a neutral spine, or one that is not stressed by twists or turns that fatigue spinal muscles and put extra pressure on spine. Hold your chest high, with your shoulders back and down (relaxed); support your weight on the balls of your feet instead of your heels. Keep your feet parallel and spaced at about shoulder-width apart, with knees slightly bent. 

Straighten Up: Why proper posture is the key to health and a good first impression!

Many people don't think about their posture, but it is one of the most important things to consider, from both a HEALTH standpoint and also in terms of making a good first impression.  

Many visits to a doctor's office are for spine and spine-related conditions. It's likely that many of these people suffer from poor posture due to pain or loss of function.  Compound this with all of the students, office workers and labourers who hunch over on the job and don't do anything about it and we've got a serious problem...

Posture is so important to our persona and physical presence.  It can affect the way people perceive you, including your self-image . Correct body posture screams confidence and strength.

Good posture is healthy posture . When your spine is able to function at its peak (when it is in proper alignment), the muscles, nerves and tissues that it supports are more likely to be healthy as well. Poor posture can stress the nervous system causing a variety of pain and symptoms.  

So straighten up. If you find it difficult or painful to stand tall, it is time to talk to your chiropractor.  She/he can advise you about exercises and care options that will help you achieve picture-perfect posture.


See Dr. Amber's next post for "How to improve your posture!" 

Is it time to replace your running shoes?

With race season fast approaching I have noticed many of my patients (who are regular runners) complain of low back, hip, knee or ankle pain.  So one of my first questions is always, "How old are your running shoes?" 

Running in old or worn-out shoes is one of the most common causes of running injuries!  Overtime, your running shoes lose shock absorption, cushioning and stability.  Continuing to run in worn-out running shoes increases the stress and impact on your legs and joints, which can lead to overuse injuries.  The easiest thing you can do to prevent these types of injuries is to replace your running shoes when they're worn-out! 

So how do you know when your shoes need to be "retired?!"  Don't use the treads of your running shoes to determine whether its time to replace your shoes. The midsole, which provides the cushioning and stability, usually breaks down before the bottom of your shoe even shows signs of wear.  If you've been feeling muscle fatigue, shin splints, or some type of joint pain (especially in your knees) you may be wearing running shoes that no longer have adequate support. 

A good rule of thumb is to replace your running shoes every 250-350 miles, depending on your running style, body weight, and the surface on which you run. Smaller runners can get new running shoes at the upper end of the recommendation, while heavier runners should consider replacement shoes closer to the 300 mile mark.  If you run on rough roads, you'll need to replace your running shoes sooner than if you primarily run on a treadmill. 

Mark your calendar when you buy a new pair of running shoes so you remember when to replace them.  If you use a training log, be sure to record when you bought your new shoes, as it will help you track how many miles you've run in them.  Writing the purchase date on the inside of each shoe's tongue is a great way to help remind you when you first started running in them! 

It is also a good idea to purchase a 2nd pair of running shoes, about halfway through the life of your primary running shoes.  This way you can rotate the 2 between your runs, and your shoes will last longer because they will be able to decompress and dry out between workouts. Also, having a fresh pair of shoes as a reference will help you notice when your old ones are ready to be replaced:)