Everything You Need To Know About Concussion

2024-02-26T17:44:03+00:00

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 [...]

Everything You Need To Know About Concussion2024-02-26T17:44:03+00:00

What If A Diagnosis Is Wrong And What To Do About It.

2024-02-12T18:39:23+00:00

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.

What If A Diagnosis Is Wrong And What To Do About It.2024-02-12T18:39:23+00:00

How To Stick To Your New Year’s Resolutions

2024-01-29T14:17:32+00:00

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 [...]

How To Stick To Your New Year’s Resolutions2024-01-29T14:17:32+00:00

How to Beat The Pain Caused by Digital Devices

2024-01-22T19:41:31+00:00

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.

How to Beat The Pain Caused by Digital Devices2024-01-22T19:41:31+00:00

How To Reduce Back Pain While Caring For Children

2024-01-11T19:51:32+00:00

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  

How To Reduce Back Pain While Caring For Children2024-01-11T19:51:32+00:00

What To Do For Chronic Low Back Pain

2024-01-04T14:47:44+00:00

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 [...]

What To Do For Chronic Low Back Pain2024-01-04T14:47:44+00:00

The Most Unhealthy Thing Society Encourages Us To Do

2023-12-11T15:27:12+00:00

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.

The Most Unhealthy Thing Society Encourages Us To Do2023-12-11T15:27:12+00:00

Who Should I see first When I am in Pain?

2023-12-04T15:58:53+00:00

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 [...]

Who Should I see first When I am in Pain?2023-12-04T15:58:53+00:00

How To Stay Active Even When You Don’t Have Time

2023-11-27T21:41:23+00:00

As we draw close to the end of another year, many people had goals and resolutions related to their health that they wanted to achieve this year.  For most people this meant getting more active. However, for many people their exercise programs have taken a back seat to the ever increasing demands of life. Don’t feel bad if you have slacked on your exercise program this year, almost nobody gets the amount of exercise our bodies really need. Every day we wake up, get in our cars, drive to work, most of us sit at a desk or work in awkward positions for hours on end, get in our cars, drive home, sit down for dinner, then proceed to rest on the couch and perhaps watch TV or converse with family. Unfortunately this does not allow much room for exercise unless we take deliberate action to drive to the gym and work out. But let’s be honest, most of us don’t even have time to do that.  The demands of everyday life take up all of our time and we are left with little time to take care of ourselves.  Unfortunately, this is one of the top reasons we all suffer with pain, usually at one point in our life or another.  Our bodies just are not getting the amount of activity they need. You see, before the days of desk jobs, people’s daily jobs and activities involved getting active because they did not have the modern conveniences of shopping at a store for food or turning on a machine to clean their clothes.  These are the types of things that used to be done by hand and involved physical activity. So, we all know that physical activity is important and now we know why no one really does it.  So what’s the solution? The solution is to incorporate physical activity into your everyday routine.  This requires some creative thinking and maybe some help from your Chiropractor or Physiotherapist, but let me give you a few examples. One thing to do is a couple of minutes of stretching when you rise from bed and before your lay your head down at night.  Bend over, touch your toes, arch your back, twist from side to side, bend your head from side to side and twist your neck back and forth a few times.  You can even do this kind of thing while making the trek to the coffee machine.  Your can also stretch your arms above your head and reach to the roof. Another suggestion is to hang a bar from a doorway you walk through all the time and every time you pass under it, hang there for a few seconds, or at least grab the bar and pull up a little bit.  Perhaps you can even work your way up to doing pull ups.  There are a few companies that sell pull up bars for your doorway. One final suggestion is to stand while [...]

How To Stay Active Even When You Don’t Have Time2023-11-27T21:41:23+00:00

Why Does My Back Hurt After Shopping?

2023-11-20T16:04:55+00:00

This a very busy time of year for everyone, and many people are running around trying to get those last minute Christmas gifts for their special loved ones. But have you ever been left wondering, “why does my back hurt after shopping?” Some people spend hours at the mall going store to store trying to find that perfect gift. Then, when they get home, they might notice an ache in their back that can sometimes become quite severe. I see this type of thing in my office all of the time. People ask me, “why does my back hurt when all I did was go shopping?” While this seems like an insignificant task, it actually places A LOT OF STRESS on the spine. The bottom line is that our bodies are not meant to stroll around on concrete floors for hours on end. They were meant for fast-paced walking across uneven ground. This type of activity activates muscles and requires various joints to work the way they are supposed to. This leads to less stress on the spine and usually no pain or back problems. So what are you supposed to do now that your back is sore from shopping? The best cure is prevention. Next year, I would recommend doing smaller shopping trips to one or two stores at a time, that way you can walk briskly and not have to spend too much time on those concrete floors. However, my best recommendation is to do what I do. Shop online, stay at home, avoid the crowds and exercise. This way you save time, money and avoid that nagging back pain that could ruin your holiday. This can also be a very stressful time of year for people and avoiding crowds can greatly reduce that. Stress leads to pain and pain leads to a lousy Christmas. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort this time of year, it is never too late to seek the help of a physiotherapist or chiropractor. They will meet with you and help you find a solution to your pain so that it does not interfere with your holiday plans. Merry Christmas Everyone! Dr. Spenser Dougley

Why Does My Back Hurt After Shopping?2023-11-20T16:04:55+00:00