Month: August 2022

Back Pain Shallotte NC: Preventative Care

An ounce of prevention is probably worth a lot more than a pound of cure when it comes to our own health and the health of our families. Fortunately, the core concepts of prevention aren’t difficult to grasp and can be incorporated into many areas of your life simply by being more thoughtful and disciplined about your environment and lifestyle. Doing a few basic things differently (perhaps including diet, exercise, sleep and stress management) may be the best way to ensure your overall health and well-being. Our back pain specialist in Shallotte NC explains more.

Over time, public health officials in the U.S. and other countries around the world have come to a similar conclusion. The National Prevention Strategy is a broad plan that is intended to keep American men and women healthy throughout every stage of life. Designed by the National Prevention, Health Promotion, and Public Health Council along with the assistance of numerous experts and advisors, this preventive plan is built on the recognition that good health isn’t just about getting good medical care when you’re sick, but from not getting sick in the first place. This is where our day-to-day lifestyle choices come into play.
The current Affordable Care Act requires public and private insurers and certain health care entities and organizations to follow this Strategy to help keep individuals of all ages healthy and fit. Instead of a health care system focused exclusively on treating those who are already sick and injured, this plan helps shift that dynamic to one that concentrates on prevention and maintaining wellness.
Why Prevention is Important

If you increase your focus on prevention, you will ultimately increase your health, quality of life and save some money in medical costs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of all American adults have a chronic illness, and 70% of deaths in the U.S. are due to chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and many cancers. The most shocking part of this news is that chronic conditions are largely preventable.
By putting more effort into preventing illness and disease before they happen, policy makers hope to create healthier, more productive lives and reduce the often-exorbitant costs of healthcare. When you feel good, you are more productive at work and don’t take as many sick days. And failing health can cause disability with age, which can take away your independence.

But prevention doesn’t end with following a healthy diet and exercise regime. Getting regular chiropractic care can also help you maintain a healthy back and spine, ensuring you will stay pain-free and more active for a long time to come!
Planning for Improved Spinal Health and Overall Wellness

Many people seek chiropractic care when they have an injury or are experiencing pain or discomfort. This is because they know that chiropractic treatment can provide effective relief of many musculoskeletal symptoms by decreasing muscle tension, alleviating pressure on nerves, reducing inflammation and restoring movement in the joints. But regular treatments also help to correct underlying problems and maintain the alignment of your spine even when you’re not experiencing specific symptoms. If you’re interested in maintaining-or even improving-your overall health and wellness, chiropractic care can be an important part of your own personal prevention strategy.

If you or someone you care about is suffering from back pain in Shallotte NC, please call or visit our office today. We’ll be happy to explain our approach and answer any questions. Remember-we’re here to help!

Chiropractor Wilmington NC: Aging and Posture

As with changes in skin and hair, changes in posture are common with aging. Your bones give your body structure and support, joints attach your bones and allow movement and muscles give you the strength to move your body. Your brain coordinates these and many other body parts that are affected by aging. Over time, older adults might notice changes in the way they, stand, sit or move because of weakness or hindered movement. Our Chiropractor Wilmington NC explains more about aging and posture.

What does aging do to your posture?

Older women are especially at risk for a loss of bone density (osteopenia and osteoporosis) due to the inability of the bones to retain enough calcium and other vital nutrients. Gel-like disk that lose fluid over time cushion the bones in the spine. Additionally, the core muscles that help support your frame correctly can weaken, making it more likely that your posture will deteriorate and that your spine will lose it proper curve. These factors can combine to cause a variety of conditions associated with old age, including an abnormal forward rounding of the back called “kyphosis”.
Joints in the body lose their flexibility and lubrication as you age. The cartilage that acts as a pad between your bones wears out and can create a painful rubbing of bone on bone. Minerals may also deposit along your joints as you age, restricting their movement. Both of these factors can contribute to shoulder sagging and hip stiffness.
When you’re young, your muscle mass is at its greatest, and your body is pert and strong. As early as your 30s, the amount of muscle you have begins to decrease. Without the strength and support of adequate muscle mass, you are sure to slump and slouch.

How to prevent poor posture as you age
Exercise is one of the best ways to slow or prevent problems with posture. Getting regular exercise from an early age and continuing your regimen can go far in maintaining your muscle strength, flexibility and balance. Luckily, even beginning an exercise program later in life can help you see some gains in strength and help restore movement in your joints.

Mom always told me to sit up straight
While mom was right that good posture-sitting or standing-is important, good posture alone won’t preserve your spinal health. Sitting or standing up straight is not enough to realign your body. Bad posture is caused by actual changes in your anatomy that can make getting into a proper posture difficult or impossible for many people. This is where chiropractic care can make a difference. Chiropractors seek to fix the root of the problem, which usually involves the spine, by making gradual and permanent adjustments over time that will help you in your quest to regain proper posture.
So what can I do to correct my posture?

Poor posture is not inevitable with age. Additionally, people suffering from postural problems and its side effects can find relief. In addition to helping make spinal adjustments that will help improve your posture, a well-trained and experienced chiropractor can analyze your condition and help you create an action plan for getting you stronger and more active. An appropriate balance of exercises and stretching, in addition to regular chiropractic care in Wilmington NC can really make a difference!

If you or someone you care about is wondering whether a chiropractor Wilmington NC might be the right choice, please call or visit our office today. We’ll be happy to explain our approach and answer any questions. Remember-we’re here to help!