upper cervical care brandon Archives - Upper Cervical Center of Brandon

15 09, 2022

Healthy Spine, Healthy Life

2022-06-24T22:32:22+00:00

Overall a healthy spine means a healthy life. Your spine is literally the backbone of your health – it protects your central nervous system. Your central nervous system is made up of the mind and the spinal cord and controls all of your bodily functions from healing a cut to breathing and walking. If there is any interference, your central nervous system isn’t able to properly function. When this happens, your health can decline. Taking care of your spine is easier than you would think, just 5 simple ways to live a better life.

Hydration

Your body is made up of 60% of water and it needs water in order to properly function. It is recommended to drink eight 8oz glasses of water (64oz) a day; another recommendation is to drink half your body weight in ounces, so if you weigh 160 pounds then you should drink 80 ounces of water. Either way, staying hydrated is the first key to your health. Your spinal discs, the sacs of fluid between the vertebrae is mostly water and if not properly hydrated will shrink. As a result, movement will become uncomfortable or even painful.

Nourishment

Eating healthy can be difficult; usually if it tastes good, it is bad for us. But there are ways to eat a balanced diet to ensure that our body gets the nutrients it needs for cellular growth, muscle function, and spinal health. Without the proper vitamins and nutrients, your body will not perform at its prime. It would be like using regular motor oil instead of when the owner’s manual specifies using synthetic – it works but things may not perform at their best or for long.

Strengthen

The best way to ensure that you have a health spine is to have a strong spine. This does not mean that you have to go out and “pump iron” for an hour a day. Your goal should be to strengthen your core. The core is a muscle group that is comprised of your abdominal muscles, your spinal muscles, and the muscles located at the floor of your pelvis. A strong core means that your spine is protected by the surrounding muscle groups from injuries caused by incorrect lifting or poor posture. Doing regular core strengthening exercises will produce a stronger back and reduce lower back pain.

Stretch

In addition to strengthening your muscles you will also need to stretch them. Limber muscles are less likely to be injured such as a pulled or torn muscle. There are a number of ways to stretch your spine and surrounding muscles. A popular exercise, Yoga, is not your only choice. There a numerous stretches that you can perform while working at your desk at work such as standing up and reaching for the ceiling and the bending over and reaching for your toes. Then bend at your side and reach above your head with your outside arm. The goal is to reach out as far as you can so that you can feel the muscles stretching.

Upper Cervical Care

Getting regular adjustments from an Upper Cervical Doctor isn’t just a gimmick. There are numerous health benefits of making sure your spine is well taken care of. Getting an adjustment is much like seeing a dentist regularly even when you don’t have a cavity. You go to prevent issues from arising. Why not just go to a regular chiropractor then? Well with the care provided by and Upper Cervical Doctor, there is no popping, cracking, twisting, or pushing of your spine. Our method is more advanced and essentially pain free.

Healthy Spine, Healthy Life2022-06-24T22:32:22+00:00

1 09, 2022

Why Do I Feel So Sore After an Adjustment?

2022-06-24T22:31:50+00:00

You’ve just started seeing an upper cervical doctor and have had a few adjustments. You are feeling great, better than you have in years! But recently you have had some pain, an old injury flare up; perhaps something you haven’t had to deal with in years. You wonder what is going on and why you are feeling this pain and discomfort. You should be feeling great – that’s what they said at your last visit. So, why is this happening and is it normal?

Retracing

What you are experiencing is, in fact, a normal side effect called “retracing”. Not all patients of upper cervical care will experience retracing but it is not so uncommon that it is unheard of or worrisome.

Retracing is the experience in flare-ups or an increase in your symptoms. You may feel discomfort, aches, or even dizziness after an adjustment. This does not mean you will always feel this way after every adjustment, just that you do feel this way after your most current adjustment.

Why does retracing happen?

The body has the ability to heal itself and when your spine is properly aligned, its ability to do so is maximized. However, the healing process has its good moments, better moments, and not so great moments. Once you begin to focus on your body’s healing, old injuries may flare up as years of compensation begin to come undone.

Think of it as starting a new diet and exercise regime. At first, your body isn’t sure how to react and you may feel sore after a workout or still hungry after a meal. Instead of quitting, you have to buckle down and stay focused on your new regime, and soon you will realize that you aren’t as sore after a workout and the weights aren’t as heavy. You will also notice that the meals are more filling and that your metabolism has increased.

This is the same with your upper cervical care. You can’t stop going just because the going got a little tough. Typically retracing will only last 3 to 5 days and does not reoccur after every adjustment. It also does not affect every person who gets an adjustment.

What to do if you are experiencing retracing?

If you are one of the few who experience retracing after an adjustment, be rest assured that there is not anything wrong with you. Take it easy, don’t push yourself and get plenty of rest. Be sure to stay hydrated and eat healthy – your body needs the proper nourishment to continue your healing. If the pain or discomfort becomes too unbearable, take an ibuprofen or use a heating pad.

Don’t give up on your upper cervical care. Too often people think retracing is a sign that the adjustments are not working when in reality, it is just the opposite. Continue your treatment and advise your doctor if you are experiencing retracing symptoms so that they can consider this reaction in your treatment plan.

Why Do I Feel So Sore After an Adjustment?2022-06-24T22:31:50+00:00

15 08, 2022

7 Ways to Effectively Boost Your Nervous System

2022-06-24T22:31:58+00:00

The Central Nervous System is a complex system that is one of the most important parts of your body. It is what controls your whole body and mind. Your vital functions like breathing and your heart beating to other bodily functions like eating, hydrating, and eliminating waste are all controlled by your Central Nervous System. Your Central Nervous System also controls your immune system, your mood and emotions, and your reaction to internal and external stimuli.

If your Central Nervous System is damaged or faces any interference, your body can suffer for it. So, it is best to do what you can to take care of it. There are a number of foods, nutrients, and therapies you can try to keep your Central Nervous System Balanced and operating properly.

Beneficial Foods

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is an affordable staple with numerous health benefits. The nutrients in oatmeal work to stabilize the nervous system and can calm irritability and mild anxiety, relieve insomnia, and increase mental performance.

Baker’s Yeast

Surprising, and little known, baker’s yeast is packed full of B vitamins and can be taken as a nutritional supplement. As a result, it can combat depression, anxiety, stress, and reduced appetite.

Superfoods

Superfoods are essentially foods that are packed with nutrients, minerals, and vitamins that provide numerous benefits for the body and mind.

Chia Seeds: Being pumped fully of Omega 3 fatty acids, B vitamins and other essential minerals, means that chia seeds are the superfood of superfoods that help with cognitive function, combat depression, and help keep the mind calm and focused.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Foods high in Omega-3s have been shown to strengthen neuron functions and improve nerve transmissions.

Magnesium

A deficiency in magnesium can put the Central Nervous System out of balance and cause anxiety, insomnia, hyperactivity, and panic attacks. You can either take a magnesium supplement or eat some of the following foods that are rich in magnesium:

Cocoa/ Dark Chocolate
Green Leafy Vegetables: Lettuce, Spinach, Swiss Chard
Nuts: Walnuts, Cashews, Almonds, and Hazelnuts
Fruit: Banana, Melon, Avocado, Plum, Apricot
Legumes: Lentils and Peas
Brown Rice
Oats
Potatoes
Pumpkins

Sunlight

Exposure to sunlight is an easy, natural way to expose yourself to vitamin D which is vital to your overall health and nervous system. Just be careful to not get a sunburn!

Walk Outside… Barefoot

It may seem odd but studies have actually been conducted on this. Walking barefoot through the grass or on a sandy beach have shown to improve blood viscosity, reduce stress, increase sleep, and balance your nervous system. Contact with the Earth’s surface transfers electrons to your body which promotes healthy physiological changes.

Water Therapy

Exposure to water at various temperatures can balance your nervous system. The alternating temperatures will play on the firing of your nerve endings, allowing them to refresh themselves. There are a few methods you can employ:

Cool, Wet Rubs: Run a cool, wet washcloth quickly along the following patterns: hand to shoulder, foot to groin, then your torso. Immediately dress warmly after rubbing down your torso.
Magnesium Sulfate Baths: Add magnesium sulfate to your next bath for a more relaxing and vitalizing twist on your regular routine.
Cold Shower: End your regular shower with a rush of cold water but avoid dipping your head under the cold water.
Arm Baths: Fill two sinks, buckets, or run water from the faucet if nothing else is available; one with hot water and the other with cold. You will alternate placing each one of your arms into the hot water and then the cold. You can repeat the arm bath but be sure to end with a cold bath. So, left arm: hot, cold, hot, cold, hot, cold/ right arm: hot, cold, hot, cold, hot, cold.

Manage Stress

Stress can be harmful to your body and mind in several ways. Follow some of these tips to de-stress and keep your nervous system healthy.

Deep Breathing: Sit or lie in a comfortable position and place your hands on your abdomen. Inhale through your nose, hold for three seconds, and then exhale through your mouth completely. Repeat for 5-10 minutes and try to perform deep breathing exercises 2-3 times a day.
Yoga or Mediation: Yoga is an exercise that will not only strengthen your body and increase your flexibility but it will also help you to focus and reduce stress. The goal of mediation is to put yourself in a reduced stress state where you can clear your mind and be problem free, even if just for the moment.
Get Up and Move: A quick exercise or stretch can do wonders to clear your mind.
Show Yourself Some Love: Indulge yourself every now and again. Whether it’s getting a massage, facial, a pedicure, or making that purchase you have been holding back on (so long as it will not create a financial strain – your goal is to release stress, not create it!).

See an Upper Cervical Doctor

When your neck and spine vertebrae are misaligned, the effect on your nervous system can be detrimental and cause a number of issues ranging from pain, and headaches to more severe issues of depression, anxiety, or other illnesses. Having a skilled Upper Cervical Doctor re-allign your vertebrae will correct many of the issues you are having and will provide you with a healthier central nervous system.

7 Ways to Effectively Boost Your Nervous System2022-06-24T22:31:58+00:00