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Chiropractor Shallotte NC : Single Sport Athletes

Youth Sports: Are Single-Sport Child Athletes Really More Likely to Succeed Later? Our chiropractor Shallotte NC explains the answer.

Especially if they’re athletes or sports fans themselves, it’s not unusual for mothers and fathers to have secret (or not-so-secret) hopes that their kids can become good enough in a sport to earn a college scholarship or go on to a professional career. Some parents believe that the best way to work toward this goal is to encourage their children-sometimes as young as 6 or 7 years old-to focus on a single sport as early as possible. The reasoning behind this early specialization is pretty simple: Kids who are not splitting their time among multiple sports will get better, faster (and be more competitive) than their “distracted” peers. In other words, the children who commit early get a developmental head start that will make them high-performers later.

While this idea may make intuitive sense, a new study from the University of California, Los Angeles (which has a reputation as a major power in collegiate athletics) suggests that the logic simply doesn’t hold true. In a study presented at the annual meeting of the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) in San Diego, Dr. John DiFiori, chief of sports medicine at UCLA’s School of Medicine, says that researchers can find no evidence that athletes who focused early on a single sport rose to elite levels in that sport.

To the contrary, most of the collegiate athletes surveyed were more like their peers, kids who enjoyed a wide range of recreational sports growing up, waiting until well into their teens before specializing on one sport. As DiFiori says, “Most successful athletes participate in a number of sports when they’re 6, 8 or 10 years old. That way, kids learn different skills and have the chance to discover which sport they truly enjoy.”

The study surveyed 296 male and female NCAA Division I athletes and found that 88% of them had participated in an average of two or three sports as children. In addition, 70% of them did not specialize in any one sport until after the age of 12. In a similar study on Olympic athletes, researchers found that most had participated in two or more sports before specializing.

While there are famous athletes like Tiger Woods or Andre Agassi who focused on one sport early in their lives, the research suggests that they are the exception and not the rule. The vast majority of successful collegiate or pro athletes dabbled in a number of other sports before settling on the one that brought them success. The data seems to indicate that early specialization may not help and may, in fact, be detrimental. Previous research has indicated, for example, that kids who train extensively in one sport are more prone to overuse injuries than kids who had more varied athletic experience, and played other sports as well. There’s also a greater risk of premature disengagement or “burn-out” that can come with focusing exclusively on one activity.

Based on this research, Dr. DiFiori feels that parents of kids who seem talented in one sport at an early age should allow and encourage them to play other sports. They may, after all, discover another sport that they enjoy more and are even better at. And-even if they do not-they will be exposed to sports that train them in a wider variety of motor skills. “Physical activity contributes to a happy and healthy childhood,” says Dr. DiFiori, “however, parents, coaches and children should monitor and measure their involvement level in a singular sport against the overall well-being and future success of the participant.”

If you are looking for chiropractor Shallotte NC, please call or visit our office today. We’ll be happy to explain our approach and answer any questions about cobalt. Remember-we’re here to help!

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Chiropractor in Wilmington NC: Endurance Sports & Nervous System

It’s well known that training in certain sports can improve a person’s endurance. If you’re a runner, for example, you know that as you continue to run every day or according to whatever training schedule you follow, you gradually develop the ability to run further, faster, and for longer periods of time. But did you know modern science doesn’t have a complete understanding of why or how this actually happens? Experts still have a lot of unanswered questions about the exact mechanisms at work when an endurance sport triggers these kinds of performance improvements. Our chiropractor in Wilmington NC explains more

When it comes to muscle strength, there’s certainly an element of adaptation at work—it’s clear that the phrase “use it and strengthen it” is every bit as true as “use it or lose it”. But muscle strength isn’t the whole story. Many long-distance runners would probably tell you that their coordination and ability to deal with rough surfaces and obstacles also seem to increase with practice. To them, it seems as if their muscle-brain communication has improved along with their muscle strength.

According to a study conducted at the Biozentrum of the University of Basel, not only may the runners’ perception be correct, but researchers may also have found one of the mechanisms that cause the improvements the runners are noticing. Their research suggests that endurance sports not only change the condition and fitness of your muscles, they also improve the neuronal connections to individual muscle fibers, based on a type of muscle-induced feedback, all accomplished through increased levels of a blood protein called PGC1α.

PGC1α seems to play a major role in muscle adaptation because it regulates the genes that cause muscle cells to change to keep up with the greater demands being placed on them. When your muscles are inactive (or diseased), they contain a low concentration of PGC1α. When the muscles are more challenged, however – for example when running for long distances – PGC1α levels increase. Professor Christoph Handschin and his colleagues in Basel have been able to show that this increase in PGC1α not only increases muscle size and strength, it also improves upstream synaptic nerve connections to and from the muscles.

The presence of more PGC1α improves the health of the synapses that link the muscles to the brain, allowing the muscles to change and develop new activation patterns, based on changing requirements placed upon them by the exercise.  Our chiropractor in Wilmington NC explains that in effect, the more you train, the more PGC1α is in your muscles, and the more quickly they are able to “learn” how to become stronger and more adaptable to challenges.

However, the most surprising part of this study, published in the journal Nature Communication may be that Professor Handschin and his colleagues were able to induce this same improvement in synaptic communication by introducing higher concentrations of PGC1α into the muscles artificially. As the researchers increased PGC1α levels, the muscles became stronger and the neuronal connections became stronger, just as if the subjects had been performing endurance training.

These findings are seen as possibly having therapeutic applications in the treatment of diseases such as muscle wasting and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease). As Handschin explains, “In patients, whose muscles due to their illness are too weak to move on their own, an increase in PGC1α levels could strengthen muscles and nerves until the patients can move enough to finally do some physical therapy and to further improve their mobility.” Then after some improvement to their muscles as the result of pharmacological treatment, the patients could continue to improve their muscle strength through practicing endurance sports.

But for healthy people, there’s a much simpler message—certain types of sports normally associated with endurance-building also build muscle coordination and adaptability.  Not only is this type of exercise good for cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health, it also seems to pay big “fitness dividends” for your body’s nervous system.

If you are looking for chiropractor in Wilmington NC, please call or visit our office today. We’ll be happy to explain our approach and answer any questions about cobalt. Remember-we’re here to help!

 

 

 

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Chiropractor Near Wilmington NC: Benefits of Cobalt

If you’re like most people, you haven’t heard very much about the health benefits of cobalt. And that’s not surprising—we generally get enough of this trace mineral in the foods we eat, so there’s no reason for anyone to buy any TV, print or Internet ads to promote it. Despite its low profile, though, cobalt does play an important role in our health and well-being. Our chiropractor near Wilmington NC explains why cobalt is important.

So what exactly does it do? Cobalt supports the formation of red blood cells because it forms the base of all coenzyme cobalamins, which are better known as vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is an essential building block of red blood cells. Without sufficient cobalt (and thus B12), there is a high risk of anemia.

Cobalt salts are not naturally bioavailable, so they must first be converted into a form our body can use. Ruminant animals such as cows and sheep have bacteria in their gut that converts the cobalt salts they get from feeding on grasses that grow in cobalt-rich soil into a form that the animal can absorb. We get that bioavailable form of cobalt for our own use when we consume food products from these animals. Some yeast and algae can also synthesize cobalt. Vegetarians and vegans must depend on these sources to ensure an adequate intake of cobalt.

Since cobalt is only found nutritionally within vitamin B12, there is no recommended daily intake for the mineral itself. The idea is to ensure that you’re getting enough B12 in your diet. For most people, this is not a difficult thing to do. However, individuals who have a problem with malabsorption—usually the elderly and those with celiac disease, as well as people with low levels of stomach acid—may have more challenges meeting their nutritional requirements.

In addition to existing at the heart of every red blood cell, cobalt is also important for some other body functions. It has been shown to help maintain and repair the myelin sheath, the protective covering that surrounds our nerve axons, which is responsible for the proper conduction of nerve signals throughout the body. Multiple sclerosis is the disease that causes the breakdown of this protective sheath, and cobalt is one of the treatments used to help alleviate this condition.

Cobalt is also good for heart health, as it decreases levels of homocysteine, a substance that damages the arterial walls, leading to arteriosclerosis. However, too much cobalt can also be dangerous. Our chiropractor near Wilmington NC explains that excessive amounts of cobalt can cause asthma, anxiety, and a condition known as “beer drinker’s cardiomyopathy” (an enlarged heart). This condition was discovered in 1966, when a Canadian beer manufacturer used cobalt salts to stabilize beer foam, resulting in a surge in cardiomyopathy cases.

The dietary sources of cobalt are essentially the same as those of B12: meat, milk, liver, seafood such as clams and oysters, sea vegetables and green leafy vegetables.

If you are looking for chiropractors near Wilmington NC, please call or visit our office today. We’ll be happy to explain our approach and answer any questions about cobalt. Remember-we’re here to help!

 

 

 

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Chiropractor Wilmington NC: All About Swayback

“Swayback” is the common term for excessive lordosis (aka hyperlordosis). It is a spine disorder that involves an extreme inward curvature of the lumbar area-that is, just above the hips. Swayback (also called saddle back, due to the fact that some horses can experience a similar condition) makes the backside appear much more prominent due to a forward pelvic tilt. Common among ballerinas and other dancers, this condition can also affect anyone at any age, and there are a number of potential causes. Our chiropractor Wilmington NC explains more:

The excessive arching associated with swayback puts unusual stress on the lower spine, causing pain (often at the inward curve of the lower back while standing or squatting) and potentially affecting mobility. Without proper treatment, swayback may also increase the risk of herniated discs.
Potential causes of hyperlordosis (summary courtesy of WebMD):
* Achondroplasia, a disorder in which bones do not grow normally, resulting in the short stature associated with dwarfism.
* Spondylolisthesis, a condition in which a vertebra, usually in the lower back, slips forward.
* Osteoporosis, a condition in which vertebrae become fragile and can be easily broken (compression fractures).
* Obesity, or being extremely overweight.
* Kyphosis, which is a condition marked by an abnormally rounded upper back.
* Discitis, the inflammation of the discs between the bones of the spine, most often caused by infection.
* Benign (harmless) juvenile lordosis-that is, lordosis in children. This often fixes itself as the child grows.
Diagnosing swayback usually entails a chiropractor or other qualified healthcare professional reviewing a patient’s medical history and performing a physical exam. He or she may also use imaging technologies such as x-rays, bone scans, MRIs, or CT scans as part of the process. While the physical examination may vary somewhat from physician to physician, the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) describes the basic approach this way:
“The health care provider will perform a physical exam. The [patient] may be asked to bend forward, to the side, and to lie flat on a table so that the spine can be examined in a variety of positions. If the lordotic curve is flexible (when the [patient] bends forward the curve reverses itself), it is generally not a concern. If the curve does not move, medical evaluation and treatment are needed.”

Additionally, if the patient is suffering from pain, tingling, numbness, muscle spasms or weakness, sensations in his or her arms or legs, or changes in bowel or bladder control, the doctor may order a neurological assessment.

As for treatment, the NIH says, “Most of the time, lordosis is not treated if the back is flexible. It is not likely to progress or cause problems.” Patients whose backs are flexible may be able to improve their condition at home by sitting less, stretching their hip flexors regularly, and stretching their upper bodies often (using a resistance band can help considerably).

If the back is not flexible, treatment is likely needed. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center describes the range of options this way:
“If the doctor decides that conservative treatment is best…[treatment] may include drugs to relieve pain and swelling, physical therapy to build strength and flexibility and to increase range of motion, braces to control the growth of the curve (especially in children and teens), and reducing excess body weight… If the curvature is severe and causing other symptoms, spinal instrumentation, artificial disc replacement and kyphoplasty are all potential surgical treatments for lordosis.”

For patients with swayback, chiropractic curve rehabilitation aims to re-establish the normal spinal curve in order to improve posture, decompress the spine and slow or stop the progress of disc degeneration. In many cases, this can be achieved without surgery or drugs using a combination of traction techniques, spinal molding blocks and lifestyle modifications.
If you notice any symptoms of swayback in yourself or in your child, it is important to seek proper medical attention. Doctors of Chiropractic are experts in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal problems and are specially trained to help patients suffering from spinal conditions. We can help! Call or visit our office today!

If you are looking for a chiropractors Wilmington NC, please call or visit our office today. We’ll be happy to explain our approach and answer any questions about swayback Remember-we’re here to help!

 

 

 

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Chiropractor Near Me: Chiro and Pro Baseball

Chiropractic Care and Professional Baseball: The Philadelphia Phillies and Dr. Michael Tancredi

When it comes to helping elite athletes prevent and recover from injuries-as well as achieve peak performance-chiropractic care can offer many advantages. That’s why large numbers of professional and college sports teams throughout the U.S. have turned to chiropractors over the past decade. The Philadelphia Phillies is one such team, and Dr. Michael Tancredi is one such chiropractor. As a Doctor of Chiropractic, a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician, an Active Release Technique Instructor and Practitioner, and a certified athletic trainer, Dr. Tancredi clearly understands the valuable role that chiropractic care can play in keeping teams healthy and performing at their best. Our chiropractor near you explains more.

By almost any measure, Dr. Tancredi has had a long and successful career in sports medicine. He has worked extensively with the Philadelphia Eagles, Philadelphia Phillies, and Villanova University. While Dr. Tancredi has accomplished a great deal in his professional life (and he continues to work with patients through his practice in Broomall, Pennsylvania), he is perhaps best known as the chiropractor who went all the way to the 2008 World Series as a consultant with the Philadelphia Phillies. From 2008 through 2010, he was a chiropractor and Active Release Technique provider for the team.

Cole Hamels, a member of the 2008 Phillies team, has been very vocal about the difference chiropractic care has made for him. “Being introduced to chiropractic care has definitely helped my game. When you add it with a lot of the physical therapy exercises and the in-game exercises, I think it just prevents a lot of injury. I went through a lot of injury in my career, and the first time I actually was introduced to chiropractic care, it pretty much kept me on the field. It’s something that helps me feel much better when I’m on the field and off the field.”
As a pitcher, Hamels is particularly aware of the complex biomechanics involved in throwing a baseball, and recognizes how the larger muscle groups-not just the shoulder and elbow-must work together to perform well. “Your body starts from the ground up, and in order to pitch, you have to use everything. You have to have a good back in order to get the good torque. Most of your power comes from your core.”
It’s a challenge staying healthy through a 162-game regular season, and players at the elite major-league level do what they can to avoid injuries. Hamels recalls how chiropractic care became popular among his teammates and coaches. “It’s another way to help us get out on the field… We’ve seen more and more players start to go in to get adjustments, to get the ART. And I think that’s good for our whole team because you want them to be able to go out on the field every day because we’re very good at what we do, but you’re not going to help the team out when you’re not playing.”

In a brief interview published in ACA Today, Dr. Tancredi described his own experience with the Phillies and explained why chiropractic care is such a good fit for professional baseball. “It was a dream job and a dream season. The whole sports medicine staff was phenomenal. They were all really open to the benefits of chiropractic care. Athletes at this level rarely have an acute injury. However, a little hamstring pull can turn into a major problem when they have no time off. Baseball’s schedule is grueling in that the players are on the field 28 out of 30 days a month, so we have to do what we can to help them heal while keeping in mind the long-term consequences. Chiropractic has cut the injury rate; the players love it, the athletic trainers see how effective it is and the orthopedic surgeon is totally open to my suggestions-it’s a win-win situation.”

Whether you’re playing professionally or at an amateur level, baseball puts unique demands on the body’s musculoskeletal system, from asymmetrical movements (throwing and hitting) and extreme acceleration and deceleration to sudden impacts. Take it from the Phillies and Dr. Michael Tancredi, chiropractic care can help players stay healthy and perform at their best.

If you are looking for sports chiropractors in Wilmington NC near you, 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!

 

 

 

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Chiropractors in Wilmington NC: Musculoskeletal Milestone

One of the primary concerns for parents with a newborn is ensuring that the baby grows and develops normally. This is extremely important, since growth in the first year has a significant impact on the overall health and well-being of a child in later years. For parents, this means paying attention to musculoskeletal milestones in addition to weight and length. Our chiropractors in Wilmington NC explain more.

According to the Mayo Clinic’s Infant and Toddler Health Center, “From birth to age 6 months, a baby may grow 1/2 to 1 inch (about 1.5 to 2.5 centimeters) a month and gain 5 to 7 ounces (about 140 to 200 grams) a week. Expect your baby to double his or her birth weight by about age 5 months.

From ages 6 to 12 months, a baby may grow 3/8 inch (about 1 centimeter) a month and gain 3 to 5 ounces (about 85 to 140 grams) a week. Expect your baby to triple his or her birth weight by about age 1 year.”

The musculoskeletal system represents the physical foundation for the baby’s growth and development. Most adults have 206 bones, but babies begin life with around 300 bones and cartilage elements, which fuse together as the baby develops. A baby’s cranium actually originates as several separate pieces, which allows the baby’s head to change shape as the bones slide over each other. Called molding, this process allows a baby to pass through the narrow birth canal to be born.

Known as the anterior and posterior (i.e., front and back) fontanelles, the two soft spots on the baby’s head are the gaps between the plates. According to the National Institutes of Health, “The fontanelle in the back of the head (posterior fontanelle) usually closes by the time an infant is 1 to 2 months old. The fontanelle at the top of the head (anterior fontanelle) usually closes between 7 to 19 months.”

A baby’s bones begin as cartilage, developing in the womb. After birth, the baby has some bones, but many are still cartilage at that point. As the baby grows, a process called ossification occurs, which hardens the cartilage into bone, which is joined by a nutrient artery to help it develop further. At six weeks, bone starts to develop as tightly wound chains of collagen, a protein. The minerals in the blood, along with the protein structure, start solidifying into the astonishingly resilient living material that is bone. The intricate joint mechanisms that lend the skeleton its elasticity and range of motion continue to mature long after birth.

 

For most parents, there are five musculoskeletal milestones that are particularly exciting, and it’s common for healthcare professionals who work with infants to ask about them:

  • Lifting and supporting his or her head (sometimes called “head control”). Most infants can lift their heads slightly when they’re about a month old and hold it up when they’re placed in a sitting position at around four months. By 6 months, head control is usually steady.
  • Rolling over. Some babies might be able to flip from belly to back around the 4-month mark, but most are able to master this maneuver at about 5 or 6 months. The back-top-front flip usually takes longer, though, because more neck and arm strength is needed.
  • Remaining upright in a sitting position. Babies achieve this milestone at anywhere from 4 to 7 months. Most can sit well for several minutes without help by the time they’re 8 months old.
  • This typically happens sometime between the ages of 7 and 10 months. Some babies will also use other approaches to start getting mobile—bottom-sliding, belly-crawling and rolling are all common!
  • First steps usually happen between 9 and 12 months and many babies are walking well by 14 or 15 months. However, it’s not unusual for a baby to start walking when they’re 16 of 17 months old.

 

As you’re watching for these milestones, it’s important to keep in mind that babies develop at different rates. In order for these processes to occur, proper nutrition and—yes—physical activity is essential. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, “A healthy musculoskeletal system—consisting of bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles—is essential to a child’s growth and development. Decisions made regarding children’s diet and levels of physical activity will not only affect them now, but also as they grow into adults.”

Chiropractic physicians are experts in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal problems in patients of all ages. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s musculoskeletal development, please call or visit our office.

If you are looking for chiropractors in Wilmington 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!

 

 

 

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Chiropractors in Leland NC: Muscle Atrophy

What is Muscle Atrophy and What Can You Do to Prevent It? Our chiropractors in Leland NC explain more.

As the old cliché goes, “Use it or lose it”. This is a very, very simplistic way to explain muscle atrophy. Plainly put, muscle atrophy is the partial or complete loss or “wasting” of muscle tissue. This phenomenon can occur in two different ways: neurogenic atrophy and disuse atrophy. Neurogenic atrophy relates to disease or injury that affects the nerve attached to the muscle. Neurogenic atrophy often comes on rather swiftly and is the more severe of the two types. Disuse atrophy-the second type-is the result of a little or no physical activity. In short, muscles will diminish when they are not used. This is a substantial worry for people who are bedridden or confined to a wheelchair. Read on to learn more about these two types of muscle atrophy and what you can do to prevent them. Our chiropractors in Leland NC explain more.

* Neurogenic muscle atrophy can be caused by a number of injuries and diseases. When a nerve attached to a muscle is damaged, its signal is disrupted and it cannot reach the brain, the peripheral nerves, or the spinal cord-which leads to an inability to use the muscle correctly. Nerve damage from an injury, such as compression, can also cause reduced blood flow to the nerve, resulting in the muscle atrophying. HealthGrades.com describes several potential causes, including neuromuscular diseases such as spinal cord atrophy, multiple sclerosis (MS, a disease that affects the brain and spinal cord causing weakness, coordination, balance difficulties, and other problems), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease, a severe neuromuscular disease that causes muscle weakness and disability), and Guillain-Barre syndrome (an autoimmune nerve disorder). Diabetic neuropathy, nerve damage associated with diabetes, may also lead to atrophy of the muscles.

* Disuse muscle atrophy is caused by a sedentary lifestyle-that is, one that involves little or no physical exercise. The less the muscles are used, the more likely it is that they will atrophy. Unfortunately, this can also cause heart problems-after all, the heart is a muscle too, and it can break down if it is not regularly exercised. According to HealthGrades.com, “Other common causes of disuse atrophy include medical conditions that decrease mobility, such as rheumatoid arthritis (a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation) or osteoarthritis (the thinning and weakening of the bones), and injuries such as broken bones…The aging process often leads to slow but progressive muscle atrophy.”

Sometimes muscle atrophy can be an indication of severe malnutrition or alcohol-related muscle disease. Damage to nerves due to an injury of the spinal cord, long-term corticosteroid therapy, muscular dystrophy, osteoarthritis, polio, rheumatoid arthritis, or even burns can also result in muscle atrophy.
Prevention of muscle atrophy involves two separate but complementary approaches to keeping your muscles healthy: eating a nutritious diet and exercising safely and regularly.

In terms of nutrition, eating a healthy, balanced diet that has sufficient protein is the first step. Depending on your specific requirements, a nutritionist or other healthcare professional may also recommend supplements that support muscle growth and development, such as creatine, whey and/or glutamine. Researchers at Colorado State University have also found that a low-sugar diet may also be quite effective. “When insulin levels are chronically high, your body’s cells attempt to limit its effects by decreasing their numbers of insulin receptors, a condition known as insulin resistance. In advanced cases, insulin resistance results in a swing to the opposite extreme, whereby cells become starved for amino acids and glucose and, as a result, muscle protein break downs. To keep your insulin levels on an even keel, avoid processed carbohydrates and opt for whole grains. Also, choose fresh fruits over dried or canned.”

Chiropractors in Leland NC Recommend Daily Exercise 

As for exercise, most people will benefit from low-impact physical activities like walking and swimming. Others may safely increase the size and strength of their muscles through simple body-weight exercises that also build coordination and balance. If you’re currently suffering from any type of medical condition or haven’t been physically active for an extended period of time, it’s always a good idea to consult your doctor before starting a new fitness regimen. He or she will be able to evaluate your health and recommend an appropriate fitness program for you.

If you are looking for chiropractors in Leland 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!

 

 

 

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!

 

 

 

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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!

 

 

 

Chiropractor Shallotte NC: Golf Injuries

PGA golfers Tiger Woods and Padraig Harrington have relied on chiropractic care for years to stay healthy and to improve their performance over the course of their professional careers. Fred Funk and Suzann Pettersen have too. So have a great many others. So there’s really little doubt that elite golfers (and their coaches and trainers) recognize the value of chiropractic care. But what about the weekend warrior? Can chiropractic care help the average golfer play better, longer and with fewer injuries?
If you’re a golfer, you might already know first-hand that your musculoskeletal health plays a huge role in your enjoyment of the sport as well as your performance. Our chiropractor Shallotte NC explains more,

One of the most important things to understand is that the biomechanics of your golf swing can affect your health (back, hips, neck, elbows, etc.) and vice-versa-that your health can affect your swing.  It’s really a feedback loop that can have either a positive or negative effect on your game over time.

Many professionals around the broader golf community-from instructors and trainers to healthcare providers who specialize in sports medicine-are becoming increasingly interested in this feedback loop.  The Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) is one very good example:
“…TPI has analyzed how physical limitations in a player’s body can adversely affect the golf swing and potentially lead to injury.”

“TPI’s mission is to educate golfers and industry professionals on the body/swing connection…”
Let’s talk health first.

The very nature of golf and the biomechanics associated with swinging a club make chiropractic care a great fit for golfers. Golfing can involve considerable strain on the spine as a result of the need to generate club head speed. This requires good swing mechanics-posture, balance and timing. Poor swing mechanics have the potential to create exaggerated or flattened spinal curves that can seriously affect performance. In fact, Tom Ward, PGA Golf Instructor, says, “Over 50% of all golfers will experience some sort of pain due to poor posture and the problems that arise from loss of proper curves in the spine.”

By helping to improve your spine’s stability and range of motion, chiropractic care can help prevent injuries and enhance swing performance. An individualized treatment plan including chiropractic adjustments combined with structured stretching and exercise programs may make a significant difference in how well you golf and how much you enjoy it-as well as in how long you’re able to play the game.
Now what about performance?

Recent research suggests that chiropractic care can indeed lead to improved golf performance. A recent study published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine demonstrated that the combination of chiropractic care and stretching are associated with greater improvements in golfers’ swings when compared to stretching alone.

Two groups of golfers participated in the study. One group received a program of stretching only, and the second received both stretching and spinal manipulation. The stretching program was the same for both groups, and both groups had similar average ages, handicaps, and initial swings. All 43 participants initially performed three full swing maneuvers, and the average distances were recorded. Over a 4-week period, all participants hit 3 balls before and after treatment.

After 4 weeks, the stretching only group showed no improvement in swing performance.  However the stretching and manipulation group did improve their swing performance and there was greater driving distance right after treatment each week. So it appears that yes, chiropractic care can help not only top golfers such as Woods and Harrington, but it can help you improve your golf game too.

A good golf swing is the result of a complex combination of balance, flexibility and strength.  And doing it repeatedly over the course of 18 holes (or even more in tournament play) takes a high degree of conditioning as well. If you’re serious about golf, chiropractic care can help you play better, play longer and avoid injuries while you’re doing it!

Call or visit our office today to learn more!

Remember-we are here to help! We encourage you to call or visit our office today! Our chiropractor Shallotte NC can help your golf injuries.