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Category: Studies

reduce streets with chiropractic

Chiropractic Care: A Heart-Healthy Investment

reduce streets with chiropracticWhen we think about heart health, chiropractic care might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, research suggests that there could be a meaningful connection between chiropractic adjustments and cardiovascular well-being. With February and Heart Health month only a few days away, let’s explore the ways in which chiropractic care might contribute to a healthier heart.

Stress Reduction: A Heartfelt Approach

Chiropractic care is not just about spinal adjustments; it’s also about reducing stress on the nervous system. Chronic stress can have a significant impact on heart health. Regular chiropractic adjustments may help manage stress levels and take the body out of that “fight or flight” status that we are too often stuck in, promoting a healthier heart by fostering a more balanced and relaxed state.

Improved Circulation: Keeping the Beat

Proper spinal alignment is crucial for optimal nerve function. The nervous system plays a key role in regulating various bodily functions, including heart rate and blood circulation. When the spine is misaligned and/or restricted or fixated, it can hinder nerve signals, potentially affecting cardiovascular health. Chiropractic adjustments aim to restore proper alignment and motion, supporting the body’s natural ability to maintain a healthy heartbeat and circulation.

Blood Pressure Management: Aligning for Balance

Studies suggest a potential link between chiropractic care and blood pressure management. By addressing spinal misalignments, chiropractic adjustments may contribute to better blood pressure regulation. This non-invasive approach aligns with a holistic view of health that considers the interconnectedness of the body’s systems. We have had some patients at our Hatboro office change nothing else about their health other than getting adjusted and go back to their primary care doctor to have their blood pressure medications reduced or removed. When the body is functioning better, it can have a holistic impact.

Lifestyle Support: A Heart-Healthy Partnership

At Radiant Life Chiropractic, we often work with our Warminster and Warrington area patients to address lifestyle factors that impact overall health, including heart health. This may include guidance on exercise, nutrition, and stress management – all essential components of maintaining a healthy heart.

Individualized Care: Your Heart, Your Plan

Chiropractic care is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and your heart health is unique to you. Chiropractors provide personalized care plans tailored to individual needs and health goals. Whether you’re seeking preventive care or addressing specific concerns, chiropractic adjustments can be a valuable addition to your heart-healthy lifestyle.

This February, prioritize your heart health by scheduling a consultation with our experienced Montgomery County chiropractic team. Your heart (and body overall) deserves the best care, and we’re here to support you on your journey to a healthier, happier you!

disease and inflammation

Most Chronic Diseases are Linked to Inflammation

Bottom Line:

disease and inflammationOne of the most important health discoveries of the past 20 years has been that the immune system and inflammatory process are involved in nearly every mental and physical health problem we encounter today.

It’s safe to say that chronic inflammation is a leading cause of chronic disease.

Why it Matters:

Chronic inflammation is a condition that can affect your immune system and can influence all of your organs, tissues, and cells.

Unlike the normal inflammatory response that happens after an injury and goes away within a few days, chronic inflammation is an abnormal response that can last years.

Here are just a few of the ways chronic inflammation can affect your body:

  • Chronic inflammation can cause your immune system to function sub-optimally.
  • Fatigue, increased blood pressure, insulin resistance, and poor appetite have also been linked to chronic inflammation.
  • Heart disease and other neurodegenerative disorders have been linked to long-term chronic inflammation.

Next Steps:

It’s true. It’s impossible to prevent chronic disease completely, but you have the power to reduce your risk every day.

Taking action steps like eating right and exercising each day have been shown to dramatically decrease chronic inflammation and your likelihood of developing a chronic disease.

Know we’re here to help you live an active and fulfilling life. We understand that it’s hard to get enough exercise each day when you’re in pain. We hope you’ll take a moment to schedule a movement assessment with us so we can create a plan to help you start moving and feeling better.

Science Source(s):
Chronic Inflammation in the Etiology of Disease Across the Life Span. Nature Med. 2019.
prevent neck pain

E-Learning: How to Avoid Tech Neck

prevent neck painBottom Line:

Is your child connected to a phone, computer, or tablet during and after school?

Think about it.

Many of us aren’t more than an arm’s length from our phone at any time (even when we are sleeping).

Spending time every day looking down at our devices can place a lot of stress on the supporting muscles of our neck and lead to an uptick in headaches.

It’s a condition called “Tech Neck,” and it’s one of the most common causes of headaches and neck pain.

Why it Matters:

The countless hours per day kids often spend on phones and computers can significantly contribute to tension headaches.

In fact, it’s estimated that kids spend up to 1,400 hours per year in the exact positions that are attributed to the development of “Tech Neck.”

That’s not surprising.

Recent research has also shown that even 15 degrees of forward head tilt can triple the weight of the head on the spine.

Here are some key things to remember when it comes to “Tech Neck”:

  • “Tech Neck” is the term used to describe the symptoms of headaches, neck pain, and poor posture attributed to the forward head posture often associated with using your phone, tablet, and computer.
  • Taking a break from our mobile devices every 15 minutes can help reduce the likelihood of developing recurring neck pain and headaches.
  • Chiropractic care including adjustments and postural exercises can help decrease the pain and reverse the effects of “Tech Neck”.

Next Steps:

Keep it simple.

Encourage your children to take breaks and stretch often.

These are some of the best (and easiest) ways to help them break the bad habits that can lead to “Tech Neck.”

And if your child spends a lot of time online and begins experiencing neck pain or headaches, don’t hesitate to give us a call.

Our providers are experienced at evaluating children and creating kid-friendly care plans.

Our doors are open, and we’re ready to help you and your family find long lasting, natural relief from “Tech Neck.”

Science Source(s):
Assessment of Stresses in the Cervical Spine caused by Posture. Surg Tech Intnl. 2014.
Text Neck Syndrome. Intl Journal of Env Research and Public Health. 2021.
Three Steps to Build a Better Back. Harvard Health Publishing. 2015.
neck and back health

Be Smart with Your Smartphone and Look Up!

neck and back healthBottom Line:

As students worldwide return to school, it’s likely many will be e-learning in some capacity for hours each day on their digital devices.

While our devices can be fantastic tools for entertainment and education, the postural effects are something all parents should be aware of.

For many students, e-learning may increase neck, mid-back, and low back pain.

Why it Matters: 

Spending 6 or more hours each day looking down at your digital devices can profoundly affect your mental, social, and physical health.

It can also lead to the development “Tech Neck Syndrome.”

This forward head posture often places tremendous stress on the neck (cervical spine) and can lead to an uptick in headaches, back and neck pain, and more.

Did you know…

  • Low back pain is the 3rd most common form of pain interfering with schoolwork.
  • It’s estimated that 50.3% of school-aged children present with posture disorders.
  • In fact, approximately 41.6% of children experience back pain from prolonged sitting.

Next Steps:

Making it a habit to look up (literally!) throughout the day is a significant first step in reducing the effects of “Tech Neck.” Try this.

Pull your chin back, stretch your arms out in front of you and open them wide, and look up to the ceiling and hold for 20-30 seconds.

Try and repeat this stretch every 60 minutes to help reset your posture and body position.

And if your child spends every day at their computer learning, be sure to teach them this stretch and then schedule a visit with our practice.

We’ll provide you with a full postural and movement-based assessment to identify any potential issues to help reduce their chance of suffering from “Tech Neck Syndrome.”

Science Source(s):
Text Neck Syndrome. Intl Journal of Env Research and Public Health. 2021.
Back Pain in School Children. Dynamic Chiropractic. 1995.
School Children’s Backpacks, Back Pain and Back Pathologies. Arch Dis Child. 2012.
improve your sleeping habits

Walking May Save You from Poor Sleep

improve your sleeping habitsScientists have known for years that walking is great exercise. Regular brisk walking can extend your lifespan up to twenty years! But a new study has shown that walking may offset the harmful effects of poor sleep patterns.

It’s no secret to doctors of all kinds that not getting enough quality sleep interferes with not only your daily function, but also your longevity. Insufficient sleep may cost you years off your life. So, anything you can do to improve the way your body works could give you back those lost years.

A huge study in Australia and England followed 380,000 people over 11 years and compared their exercise routines with their sleeping habits. They discovered that those who exercised consistently shook off many of the problems associated with bad sleep – in other words, even if they didn’t sleep enough, exercise helped them to live longer and healthier.

Those who both exercised and slept well were even healthier still. But those who slept poorly and did not exercise were 60% more likely to die early, 70% more likely to get heart disease, and had a 45% greater risk of cancer.

The World Health Organization says adults over 18 should aim for either 150-300 minutes of moderate exercise each week, or 75-150 minutes of vigorous exercise each week. The sleep researchers agreed with this plan.

So, if you sleep well, good for you. But if you don’t, develop a habit of walking briskly – it may save you unnecessary pain and help you to live a healthier life.

low back pain relief

Why Medications Aren’t Recommended for Low Back Pain

low back pain reliefBottom Line:

Although NSAID medications can be purchased over the counter, it doesn’t mean they don’t have risks and dangers.

Why it Matters:

Over the past twenty years, we’ve seen the effects of low back pain change our healthcare landscape forever.

  • It’s estimated that 100,000 people are hospitalized each year from NSAID related complications.
  • Each day, it’s estimated that 100 people pass away as a result of opioid overdoses.

Leading healthcare organizations have taken note and now recommend that movement-based care options, such as chiropractic, are explored for most low back issues before medications.

The added benefit? Most people who explore chiropractic care take far fewer medications than those who don’t.

Why? Because it works.

The care that chiropractors deliver ranks at the top of nearly every list

Next Steps:

Medications are designed to mask the pain, not fix the problem.

Receiving a complete and comprehensive evaluation is the first step towards finding relief.

After discovering the cause of your pain, we can work together to craft a care plan that will help you not only reduce your pain so you can reach your health goals.

If you or someone you know is struggling with low back pain, call us today.

Science Source(s):
Noninvasive Treatments for Chronic Low Back Pain. American College of Physicians. 2017.
back pain relief

How to Move Your Way to Back Pain Relief

back pain reliefBottom Line:

Movement is one of the best ways to recover from back pain.

In fact, science has shown us that medications and rest are actually a few of the least effective ways to find relief!

Your body is designed to move, and often it’s a lack of daily movement (or chronic postural changes) that causes back pain to begin in the first place.

Why it Matters:

The right movements and exercises can help you recover more quickly and prevent future back pain episodes.

There are three different types of body movement: segmental, regional, and whole body.

Segmental motion occurs between the individual joints of your body.

Regional movement occurs in a body region such as your neck, mid-back, or low back.

Whole-body movement is characterized by the actions we typically think of as exercise.

All three types are essential and work together to keep your spine and musculoskeletal system healthy and functioning at its best.

Here’s a closer look:

  • Segmental Movement: Moving the individual joints of your body is what chiropractors are specifically trained to do. Proper segmental movement can help reduce pain, improve your range of motion, and influence your central nervous system.
  • Regional Movement: Dynamic stretching with regional range of motion exercises can reduce low back stiffness.
  • Whole Body Exercise: Daily exercise can help your brain and body feel better as well as improve your rest and recovery at night.

Next Steps:

The foundation of all movement is segmental movement.

If your joints aren’t moving correctly, the rest of your body isn’t moving correctly or well.

Moving may be the last thing you want to do if you’re struggling with back pain, but research has repeatedly shown that movement and exercise are two of the best ways to find relief from back pain.

If you’ve dealt with back pain, call us today.

Our team will be happy to provide you with a complete movement assessment and personalized exercise plan to help you get (and stay) well for years to come!

Science Source(s):
5 Steps to a Pain-Free Back. Harvard Health Publishing. 2016.
positivity

How to Cultivate a Positive Mindset in 2021

positivityBottom Line:

Mindset is the #1 predictor of success.

The conversations that you have with yourself that play a major role in determining your growth.

And thinking that you can’t do something can become a self-fulfilling prophecy that prevents you from acting and making the decisions you need to live your best life.

The good news is that there is good news!

Why it Matters:

You can change your habits, beliefs, and transform the way you think.

When you do, you’ll be able to look at the world with a new perspective, and that alone can empower you to become the person you know you can be.

Pay attention this week to the thought loops that play in your head and try to be more conscientious about what you tell yourself. This small change will help you cultivate a more positive mindset in 2021.

Did you know…

  • Negative emotions may weaken your immune response.
  • Positive thinking can help you more effectively manage stress and contribute to improving your overall health.
  • In fact, a positive outlook has been attributed to a 30% decrease in the likelihood of one day experiencing a cardiovascular event.

Next Steps:

Cultivating a positive mindset isn’t just a lackadaisical, “granola” way to approach life.

New research on the mind-body connection has shown us that our mental health impacts much of our physical health, and a positive mindset can lead to improvements in your overall health and well-being.

Speaking of that mind-body connection, if you have a health challenge or some other aches and pains that are weighing on your mind, let us know. We’re here to help!

Science Source(s):
Positive thinking: Stop Negative Self-Talk to Reduce Stress. Mayo Clinic.  2020.
The Power of Positive Thinking. Johns Hopkins Medicine. 2020.

Chiropractic Care Lowers Health Care Costs and Reduces Drug Risks

Chiropractors began helping men, women, and children of all ages get and stay well without the use of drugs and surgery in 1895. The chiropractic profession stands the test of time through patient-centered care and results. Research continues to show the value of chiropractic care through evidence that shows a reduction in the need for drugs, surgery, and expensive forms of healthcare. Current research evaluated the cost effectiveness of chiropractic care compared to standard medical care. The research reveals that people with insurance coverage that included chiropractic care experienced lower annual healthcare costs. A Blue Cross and Blue Shield Insurance study documented that those who first sought chiropractic-guided treatment saved an average of 40% on annual healthcare cost. Seeking chiropractic treatment reduced overall medical spending.

Chiropractic treatment also led to a 60% decrease in spinal surgeries and produced more favorable outcomes. People who seek relief for lower back pain through the medical care model usually end up taking painkillers that can lead to negative outcomes. Patients who visit chiropractors not only discover relief from neck and lower back pain at a lower annual cost, but also report long-term outcomes that produce more effective long-term wellness.

Over a dozen states in the US embrace alternative therapy options like chiropractic care to combat the cost of the opioid abuse epidemic. The Missouri health division committee estimated that such savings would exceed $25 million by 2019. Another dynamic model estimated savings of up to $42 million. A large portion of that savings (up to $6.4 million) directly attributed to using chiropractic care for treatment, including reduced costs from spinal surgery. The largest source of savings in this model stemmed from how much money would be saved if people chose chiropractic to manage pain and seek healing rather than choosing to use potentially dangerous opioids. Savings in this category ranged from $11.2 million to $42 million.

Research shows that chiropractic care provides better outcomes at lower cost for people in pain. Chiropractic leads to a reduction in the cost of spinal surgery while producing significant savings from reduced use and abuse of opioid prescription drugs. Studies continue to show the value of chiropractic care for individuals as well as the whole of society. Chiropractic will continue to be a key healthcare profession utilized to lower costs, improve outcomes, reduce drug abuse, and help improve quality of life for all ages.

Journal of Chiropractic Humanities December 2019
“Cost-Efficiency and Effectiveness of Including Doctors of Chiropractic to Offer Treatment Under Medicaid: A Critical Appraisal of Missouri Inclusion of Chiropractic Under Missouri Medicaid.”
John R McGowan, Leonard Suiter
improve low back pain

Study Shows Adjustments Reduce Pain and Improve Brain Chemistry

A 2019 study showed that low back pain sufferers who engaged in chiropractic adjustments experienced a significant reduction in pain. Findings also revealed that the same subjects experienced improved brain chemistry levels. Researchers split a group of low back pain sufferers in half and evaluated the benefits of chiropractic adjustments compared to a placebo adjustment. The control group experienced a placebo (fake) adjustment to ensure that the control and variable groups remained unaware of who belonged to each group. The placebo adjustment group ultimately experienced no significant changes.

improve low back painBack pain comprises the single leading cause of disability worldwide, preventing many people from engaging in work and other everyday activities. Back pain also represents one of the most common reasons for missed work. Half of all working Americans admit to having back pain symptoms each year. Experts estimate that up to 80% of the population will experience back pain at some point in their lives. Back pain affects people of all ages from adolescents to the elderly. Low back pain results in the third most common reason for visits to the doctor’s office, behind skin disorders and osteoarthritis.

Care for back pain comes at a tremendous cost. Back pain costs Americans at least $50 billion in health care expenses each year. Calculating lost wages and decreased productivity raises that figure to more than $100 billion. These significant statistics require a solution that addresses both root causes and methodology that produces proper healing. The most common medicinal method for addressing low back pain involves the consumption of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and opioid drugs. These medications do not address the root cause of low back pain and come bearing potentially dangerous side effects. Opioid addiction ravages families and currently represents one of America’s most detrimental epidemics.

Chiropractic spinal adjustments produce healing results. Chiropractic adjustments accompany evidence-based research highlighting functional improvements in the body far beyond simple back pain relief. The spine and nervous system regulate healing and performance. A properly operating nervous system improves brain function and many other aspects of health. The 2019 study proved that the benefits of chiropractic may have produced low back pain relief but extended far beyond pain relief and improved range of motion.

Results of the research also showed significant improvements in brain metabolites for the group who received a chiropractic adjustment. The results of the study determined that patients suffering from chronic low back pain who engaged in consecutive weeks of chiropractic adjustments experienced significant relief from pain and functional disability. Science and research continue to broadcast what chiropractors have witnessed in patients for over 100 years. Spinal care provides healing outcomes at the source of pain and injury. Back pain represents one of the many symptoms that encounter relief and healing through the natural care available through chiropractic care.

Irish Journal of Medical Science November 2019. “The effect of spinal manipulation on brain neurometabolites in chronic nonspecific low back pain patients: a randomized clinical trial.” D Didehdar, F Kamali, AK Yoosefinejad, M Lotfi