Everyday, thousands of people get treated by a chiropractor for a wide variety of common ailments. This often includes: back pain, neck pain, whiplash, sciatica, shoulder pain, arthritis, overuse injuries and chronic pain.  Chiropractic is a safe and effective method to treat these issues and can also be used to help manage chronic pain and keep people free from pain and dysfunction.  Although it is common knowledge that chiropractic care can help reduce pain and improve range of motion, there are 5 less commonly known side effects of chiropractic care, that often go unnoticed. Better Sleep Our sleep can be impacted by many factors including pain and discomfort that can interrupt our sleep.  Because chiropractic care can help restore proper function to the spine and other joints, thereby reducing pain, patients who attend receive chiropractic care, often report noticing remarkably better sleep.  Not only does chiropractic care help improve sleep because of reduced pain, it also helps reduce tight muscle and stress that builds up in our bodies.  When this is worked on, and relieved by chiropractic adjustments, people can fall asleep faster because their bodies are not holding in all the stress anymore. Better Digestion The body is controlled by our nervous system, which sends signals to our organs and other tissues without us even knowing.  Because chiropractors treat and adjust the spine, where the nervous system lives, some patients notice improvements to other functions in their body such as digestion.  Spinal nerves that control digestion can become irritated causing improper firing of signals to the digestive tract, leading to constipation in some cases. When the spine is adjusted, particularly in the mid to upper low back area, patients can experience better digestion as a result. Improved Energy Levels When our bodies get stuck in pain, it can suck the energy right out of us.  Suddenly simple tasks, require more effort because we need to move in a less efficient way, due to the pain and dysfunction that is present in our joints.  When our bodies begin to move more freely after having chiropractic care, we can notice an improvement in our energy levels because our bodies are moving the way they were designed.  Think of it like a car, when one tire is slightly deflated, the car becomes less fuel efficient because of the imbalance created. Improved Immune System Function Although the mechanism is not quite fully understood, those who are adjusted regularly by their chiropractor report having less common ailments like colds, coughs and the flu.  When they do get sick, they are sick for less often and their symptoms are usually far less severe.  Because the nervous system controls our immune system, when people get adjusted, their immune system can also start to function better because the interference is reduced.  Remember, the nervous system can become irritated or dysfunctional due to spinal problems.  Correcting these spinal issues, leads to improved nerve function and improved nerve function means that your immune system [...]

To begin this article I thought about providing you with some staggering back pain statistics.  However, I think we all know how common back pain is and how debilitating it can be.  Almost everyone, at some point in their life, gets back pain, and quite often it can be debilitating to the point where people need time off work.  If it doesn't debilitate the person, then more often than not it prevents them from doing something they love, like gardening or golf.  It can also get in the way of sleep and cause people to become extra cautious, limiting their daily activities because it is so easily aggravated. If this sounds like you, you are not alone and there is help.  Please, keep reading as these tips are beneficial to anyone.  My hope is that people without back pain are reading this too and taking the necessary steps to prevent it from happening in the first place. Before I begin, if you or someone you know, has been suffering with back pain for some time and are looking for help, it might be wise to seek the advice of a professional in your area.  Chiropractors, Physiotherapists and Massage Therapists are all here to help you if you are suffering.  If you are unsure about who to see for your back pain, I created a guide that can be found here to help you find the right practitioner. Let's begin... Posture Most people understand that posture is important.  We were all told to "SIT UP STRAIGHT"  when we were young.  However, not many understand its link to low back pain.  When people use their smart phones too much or are on the computer all day, they often experience neck and shoulder aches, which makes sense because hunching forward puts a huge strain on your neck joints and muscles.  But, it also puts a big strain on your low back joints and muscles. You see, your spine has two large muscles that run down either side of it, from the base of your skull all the way down to your waist line.  These muscles keep our spines erect, or up right.  Your head, which weighs about 10 pounds sits right on top of your spine.  Picture a bowling ball being held up by long stick.  Now if you are holding the stick with the bowling ball balanced right on top, it's not hard to hold on to it.  Now imagine that stick being tipped forward slightly, away from vertical.  As soon as this happens, the bowling ball all of a sudden feels much heavier because it is no longer sitting directly on top of the stick. The same thing happens to your spine when you lean forward to send a text or type on your computer.  If you don't hold your head up where it can sit on top of your spine, then your head all of a sudden weighs a lot more.  In order to counteract this weight, [...]

What Is A Concussion? A concussion is a trauma to the brain as a result of direct (blow to the head) or indirect (whiplash) force to the brain.  The brain sits inside of our skull, surrounded by fluid that is designed to give it space to move ever so slightly. When a force impacts the head or causes it to move in a certain direction rapidly, the brain can “slosh” inside the skull and bump into the hard bone.  This is the trauma that the brain can experience that causes a concussion.  Think of it like a bruise to the brain. In the immediate aftermath of a concussion, blood flow to the brain declines, preventing important energy molecules in the form of glucose from reaching your brain.  This creates an energy crisis in the brain which is why fatigue is a primary symptom people experience following an impact. If you, or your family are involved in sports, it is very likely that you know someone who has suffered from a concussion. Where Else Can A Concussion Occur? (Other Than In Sports) – Car Accidents – Slips/Falls – Work related injuries We all know that a concussion is not a good thing and we try to make sports and work as safe as possible to prevent, these or other types of injuries.  But sometimes it can still happen and is always best to know what to do if you or someone know has suffered a concussion. What To Do If You Think You Have A Concussion? If you or someone you know has a suspected concussion, it is important to give them immediate medical attention so that more severe consequences of brain injuries can be ruled out. It also important to stop play or work until you can receive medical attention, as another impact to the brain immediately following the first, can be detrimental. In certain cases, bleeds can develop in the brain, leading to much more severe problems.  This can be ruled out by a trained professional, and may require a head scan at the hospital. Typically it is recommended that immediately after a concussion, the person should rest, stop all screen use and lie down in a dark room.  While these things can be important, some light cardio activity can actually help with recovery. It is still important to stop any activity that could involve the risk of second impact, but light activity as tolerated is good to incorporate into a recovery program. It is important to see a qualified professional for specific advice, as each person and their experience with concussion will be unique.  Some are able to resume activities sooner, while others may need longer, depending on the severity of the impact. After seeing your family doctor, or a physician in an emergency room, a Chiropractor or Physiotherapist should be your next stop for proper diagnosis and advice.  However, not all Chiropractors and Physiotherapists are qualified to properly diagnose and treat concussions. This requires [...]

Thousands of times per day all across our country, people are visiting Doctors, Chiropractors, Physiotherapists or other health professionals looking for a solution to a health problem. After diagnosing the patient's health problem through a physical exam and history the health professional will then begin to treat the patient's ailments based on that diagnosis. But.... What if That Diagnosis Was Wrong? This happens more than most people realize and more than us health professionals are willing to admit. The fact is that sometimes we get it wrong and this is one of the main reasons people do not see an improvement in their condition. You see, the diagnosis is what determines the treatment plan, so it is of vital importance to get the diagnosis right or else someone could receive medication for something they don't have, receive an adjustment to their spine they don't need, or be prescribed an exercise that could injure them. Sadly, many health professionals don't take the time to formulate the right diagnosis and in some cases don't have the time to even do so. Unfortunately for the patient, this is where mistakes happen and could be the case if the patient is not showing signs of improvement. If you believe you have been diagnosed incorrectly, then there are a few steps you can take. First, speak with your doctor and let them know that you are not noticing any changes. Sometimes treatments can take a while to have an effect, but ask your doctor or physiotherapist when you should expect changes to happen. Secondly, you can seek out the opinion of another health professional. If you decide to take this approach then scrutinize who you are going to see next by asking about their diagnostic process. Make sure your new health care provider will perform a detailed examination at your first visit and is willing to look at your previous findings. When you attend the new office, be sure to present with your previous reports and findings as this can go a long way in helping your new provider understand your case, which will lead to a more specific approach. At the end of your initial exam if you feel the health care provider has listened to all your concerns and examined your area of complaints thoroughly, then you will likely receive an accurate diagnosis and have good outcomes with that practitioner. It really is that simple. Specificity of diagnosis = Specificity of treatments = Specificity of results.

It’s that time of year again – where January seems like it will never end and we are starting to wonder if we can stick to our goals and resolutions this year. There are the ever-popular resolutions like: Going to the gym/starting up again Cutting out coffee/sugar/fast food/alcohol etc Committing to saving more and spending less. Whatever resolutions you are trying, it will likely be something you are adding to an already busy life. In the past have you been able to stick with these goals? If so, that is great, and you are in the minority! But, for the rest of us who have abandoned our goals, it is time to ask ourselves why. A Forbes article written in February of 2020 explains that, “every year more than 50% of people make New Year’s Resolutions to lose weight, quit smoking, workout, save money, get a promotion, get a raise and more. Any yet, virtually every study tells us that about 80% of New Year’s Resolutions will get abandoned around February” That seems like an astonishing number of people who gave up on their goals so quickly. Why is that? One would think in this day and age of self-help books, coaches and motivational speakers, free habit tracker worksheets and a cast online community of supporters that many more people would achieve the goals they set for themselves. So why do we let our New Year’s Resolutions slip away? I think, one of the main reasons we fail is because many of us are not attaching an emotion to our goals. Often, we create goals because we think we need to or because we are feeling pressure to do so. When we do this, we haven’t put the thought or steps in place on HOW we plan to achieve that goal. When creating a new goal, I have found that when I come up with a WHY, I am more likely to stick to it. Example One – “I want to work out 4-5 times a week because it makes me feel good, because I value my health, and because I don’t want to be a burden to my children or other loves ones as I age.” Example Two – “I want to get that promotion at work because I want to prove to myself that I can take this role on, I want to be more financially stable and feel appreciated in my workplace.” Creating a WHY allows you to tie an emotion to your goal. Feeling the WHY deeply is the motivation that could be needed to help you sustain those goals you set for yourself in the New Year (and throughout the year). Another way to make your goals sustainable is to put systems in place to allow you to stay focused on your goal. The goal you set is the direction you want to head, the systems that you will put into place will determine your progress towards that goal. Tips to creating long-lasting change Eliminate some goals Pick [...]

Digital devices are everywhere these days, we can't live without them.  However, they can lead to pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulders.  In this short article we are going to give you a few quick tips for reducing the pain associated with digital devices. Take a Break Holding up your phone or tablet for extended periods of time can strain the muscles in your shoulders, arms and fingers. Let your arms rest at your sides every so often and look up the ceiling in order stretch your back out.  This simple stretch can help alleviate some of the pressure on your spine when you are looking down at your digital device for long periods. The 20-20-20 Rule Give your eyes a break! Every 20 minutes, take 20 seconds to look about 20 feet ahead (or as far as possible). Stretch it Out Slowly turn your head towards your left shoulder, hold for five seconds and repeat on your right side. Change Positions Try to avoid sitting for longer than 30 minutes at a time. Get up and walk around! The only thing that’s more important than “perfect” posture is movement. Raise your phone up closer to eye level to reduce strain on your neck. When watching lectures on your tablet or laptop, be sure to prop it up against something so your shoulders and arms can relax. A 2014 study in Surgical Technology International showed that even a 15-degree head tilt adds 27 pounds of pressure. As we use our phones and laptops more and more, that stress adds up! If you still have pain and discomfort after trying these tips, it is possible that you need to see a chiropractor.  They can give you more detailed and specific advice as well address the issues causing the pain.

Your Whole World Is On Your Shoulders A study in the Journal of Orthopedics reported that 50-90% of pregnant women will likely experience lower back pain. This pain may persist after giving birth if you don’t take action. Seeing a chiropractor throughout your pregnancy and after can greatly reduce the chance of having back pain and neck pain while trying to care for small children.  It is perfectly safe for both mom and baby, and most chiropractors can make quick modifications to keep the pregnancy mom comfortable while receiving treatment. It is also important to keep you back health while at home and between visits.  The following includes helpful exercises and tips that can help reduce the risk of back and shoulder pain'; Lighten your load: Choose a diaper bag that distributes weight evenly across your body to limit the stress of isolated muscles. Stretch your body: While your baby is old enough for tummy time, join them on the floor and do some exercises to stretch your neck and back. Feed comfortably: When nursing, avoid hunching and keep your baby close to you. Also choose a comfortable, upright chair with a pillow. Keep your baby close: Don’t stretch your arms out – bring your baby close to your chest before lifting. Consider wearing your baby on your front so you can alleviate the strain on your back. Keep tub trouble at bay: Avoid reaching or twisting when bending over a tub. When kneeling, use a non-slip mat to protect your knees. Exercises/Stretches To Help Alleviate Your Back Pain At Home: Shoulder Opener: Breathing deeply and calmly, relax your stomach muscles Let your head hang loosely forward and gently roll from side to side Bring your hands up to your neck and gently massage the back of your head and neck Drop your arms to your sides, relax your shoulders & slowly roll them backward and forward for 15 seconds Crossover: Standing with feet shoulder width apart, raise your hands Bring your right elbow across your body while lifting your left knee Touch elbow to knee, remaining upright and repeat alternating sides for 15 seconds There is no time for back pain in parenthood. Consult a Chiropractor so that you can stay on your toes and a step ahead of your toddler. Dr. Spenser Dougley DC, FR, FRCms  

We all know someone who has chronic pain. In fact, 25% of adults suffer from chronic pain, which is defined as pain lasting longer than 3 months. It can be located anywhere in the body and usually occurs when the body has not healed properly after an injury, and also with various medical conditions. Also associated with chronic pain are the emotions surrounding the trauma / injury that can impact recovery and prevent proper healing from taking place. In some cases the emotional component of dealing with chronic pain itself can perpetuate the cycle, making it last years. This blog will dive into details about chronic pain and inform the reader about options for care, and how our lifestyles play a huge impact on managing chronic pain. Chronic Low Back Pain We know that chronic pain is pain lasting longer than 3 months. But, it can take many forms and affect various parts of the body. Many people have chronic pain the spine, particularly the low back is a very common area to become painful, and when it does it can easily become chronic. That's because the low back is a primary load bearing part of our body that needs to support our upper body while be bend, twist, lift and sit. It is under tremendous load and is prone to injury because we use our backs to do almost everything. Most adults will experience back pain at some point in their life, and when they do, they often will wait and see if it goes away on its own. Back pain will often disappear on its own, but it is important to remember that if the back pain was caused by some sort of injury and nothing was done to help that injury heal properly, then the dysfunction will persist, and could lead to further problems down the road. This is often how the chronic pain cycle begins. Even from a young age, slips falls, injuries or overuse can lead to problems down the road if the spine is not given the chance to heal properly. What can be done about this? Well, for starters, taking care of your spine should begin at a young age, however if you are reading this and don't consider yourself to be young, then that's okay. Better late than never. The key components to a healthy spine include good nutrition, exercise and Chiropractic care. Our bodies require certain nutrients that we must either get from the food we consume or a supplement. If they don't get what they need and the foods we are eating are high in processed sugars, high in unhealthy fats or highly processed, then our bodies can easily become inflamed. High levels of inflammation in the body can increase pain, and perpetuate the chronic pain cycle. This is why getting professional help from a Nutritionist or Naturopath can help us on our journey to end pain. If the foods going into us are raising levels of [...]

Have you ever wondered what the most unhealthy thing society encourages us to do is? Before we get to the answer to this question posed on a recent internet survey, let’s take a look at what this question means and what it could have meant if it was answered decades ago. Society certainly infleunces us to do things that are unhealthy such as eat fast food. However, the question was what does society encourage us to do that is unhealthy? I think if this question was posed to the society of people who lived in the 50s and 60s, we would say that it would be smoking. Society used to encourage people to smoke, until they discovered just how unhealthy that habit was. Today the main thing that society encourages us to do that is unhealthy is work. Now this does not mean that going to work is unhealthy, and it certainly is a necessity to go to work. Rather, it is that society encourages us to work long hours to attain things that we don’t really need. There is nothing wrong with hard work or working a long day, but the type of work we do these days for the amount of hours we do it, is placing a huge strain on everyone’s health and mental well being. People are more stressed than ever before, more depressed than ever before and sicker than ever before. All day long we read on social media how we should “rise and grind” and we are bombarded with ads for new products that we should buy. But what is that really costing us when it comes to our health? A lot. More than we will know until we are much older, but we need to find solution to this problem now, so that we can re-focus on ourselves and our health. The best place to start is your lifestyle. Many people probably don’t have to work as hard or as long as they do if they simplify their lifestyle. Take a good hard look at what you have and if you really need it. Also, don’t spend money you don’t have, because you will only have to work harder or longer to pay it off. Making these simple adjustments, and being content with you have, will go a long way to better your health and mental well being because you won’t feel the need to run the rat race to get the latest iphone.  Instead you can go outside, exercise or just enjoy the company of your family and friends without distractions. Make next year about your health, enjoy what you have and remember that your health is your greatest asset, protect it.

Should I See A Chiropractor, Physiotherapist or Massage Therapist For My Pain? After 5 years of practice I have had many opportunities to direct people towards the most appropriate practitioner who is best suited to meet their needs. Many people seeking help for their pain don’t know who to see. Should I see a Chiropractor? A Physiotherapist? A Massage Therapist? These are very common questions that you might be asking yourself too. In order to help you with this dilemma, I have created a guide to help you best understand the difference between Chiropractors, Physiotherapists and Massage Therapists. 1. Chiropractors don’t just deal with back and neck pain. Chiropractic care can help with any joint or muscle problem you might have. When in school, Chiropractors learn to treat ankles, wrists, shoulders and every other joint in your body. Some go on to receive further training in soft tissue treatments that can help with conditions such as carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, shoulder impingement and plantar fasciitis, to name a few. Also by adjusting the spine many of these problems can be helped because your spine is like the foundation of your house. If it is out of shape then it can cause problems all over the place. 2. Chiropractors are able to diagnose. If you are looking for an answer to why you have pain, then a Chiropractor should be your first stop, because Chiropractors are doctors who are trained to diagnose problems, much the same way your medical doctor does. The difference being that Chiropractors use natural, non-invasive treatments to help restore function and relieve pain, whereas Medical Doctors recommend medication or possibly surgery to correct the problem. Chiropractors are also able to refer you for imaging (x-rays) and interpret the results for you. 3. Physiotherapists focus on pain relief and return to normal function. If you are experiencing acute pain from a recent injury then a Physiotherapist would be able to help with acute pain management. Physiotherapists use modalities such as therapeutic ultrasound and electric stimulation to help ease pain. Once the pain has been decreased, exercises can be used to help restore function and regain strength in an injured joint. Physiotherapy is especially helpful after surgery because they will work with you to develop an appropriate exercise program so that you can make a full recovery. 4. Massage therapists deal specifically with muscle problems. Massage therapy is a great way to take care of any sore muscles. It is also great for reducing stress and tension that can build up over time. Massage therapy is often used in conjunction with Physiotherapy or Chiropractic and compliments both very nicely. Muscle issues are often found when someone has any kind of ache or pain so Massage Therapy is a great service to utilize when recovering from any type of injury or accident. Also, by receiving regular Massage Therapy you can help keep your muscles healthy and prevent injuries. 5. All professions are regulated and have [...]