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Why Your Nervous System Needs Chiropractic Care

A healthy body cannot be complete without a healthy spine. No matter how well you eat, how much you work out, how much water you drink or how active your lifestyle, it’s much harder to remain in good physical health if you neglect your spine. We all know that a course of chiropractic care is the best way to remain free of back and neck pain, stiffness, immobility and the risk of more serious conditions like sciatica or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. However, preventing pain is only one of the many benefits of chiropractic care.

Chiropractic care is essential in maintaining a healthy nervous system. And if the nervous system can’t function correctly, the whole body can’t function correctly. Here we’ll take a look at the nervous system and just why it’s such an integral part of our health and wellbeing.

Getting to know the nervous system

Most of us have very little to no idea of how our nervous systems work. And who could blame us? It’s an extremely complex part of the human body incorporating literally hundreds of billions of tiny nerves all transmitting data to and from the brain via the spine. The nervous system governs things like pain and sensation but it is also in charge of communicating impulses from the brain which control our basic organ functions. Without a properly functioning nervous system your body can begin to miscommunicate a number of vital messages throughout the body which can be severely disruptive to your overall health.

How does chiropractic care help?

So, we know that a healthy immune system is integral in ensuring that all of the organs of the body function as they should. But what does this have to do with chiropractic care? While many see their chiropractor to mitigate or prevent stiffness, immobility and pain, let’s not forget that the spinal column is the highway down which all nerve impulses must travel to and from the brain. When the spine is misaligned or otherwise traumatized, this can be like a roadblock on this all-important highway, slowing or impeding the transmission of vital nerve impulses. Over time this can have a range of negative consequences on the body. Fear not, however, with the aid of your chiropractor you can enjoy the benefits of a healthy nervous system throughout your whole life. What are those benefits?

Glad you asked…

Benefits of a Healthy Nervous System

The nervous system is intrinsically tied to the endocrine and immune systems. When your immune system is functioning well you benefit from better hormone regulation as well as being better able to fight off illnesses and infections.

There are hundreds upon hundreds of functions which our bodies carry out every day without us even realizing. These functions are improved when you have a better functioning nervous system. With regular chiropractic care you may enjoy benefits like;

  • More efficient metabolism
  • Better growth and development in children and young adults
  • Improved sexual function and libido
  • Better sleep

All because the nervous system is doing a better job of governing the endocrine and immune systems.

There are even a range of conditions which have been proven to improved with maintaining a healthy nervous system through chiropractic care such as:

  • Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Parkinson’s Disease

Corrective Chiropractic can help you to be your best self through improved nervous function. So, what are you waiting for? Schedule an appointment today!

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Why Does Chiropractic Adjustment Feel So Good?

You’ve noticed it. We’ve noticed it. We’ve seen it in you, just like we’ve seen it in all our patients. There’s something about a chiropractic adjustment that just feels… right. Day after day we see our clients leave our practice with a spring in their step and a renewed sense of vigor and vitality. But how can this be? How can a simple palpation of the muscles and joints of the spine lead to the surge of wellbeing that our clients experience? Does a chiropractic adjustment work some kind of musculoskeletal sorcery on your body? Or is the effect merely psychological?

Well, it’s a little bit of both. Let us explain. It all starts with…

The spine: The highway of the nervous system

Think of your spine as the nervous system’s very own highway. Billions of cars (or nerve impulses) travel up and down this highway every day transmitting data to and from the brain. When our spine is in a state of proper alignment these metaphorical cars can flow freely. However, when the spine is misaligned by injury or the simple ravages of a sedentary lifestyle, it can slow this traffic down to a crawl.

When this happens, it can have adverse effects not only on the nervous system but the endocrine and immune systems which it governs. This can result not only in stiffness and pain but less obvious symptoms like headaches, lethargy and even depression.  

As such, chiropractic adjustment can feel like that wonderful moment where heavy traffic eases on the highway, and you’re free to resume your pleasant journey free of the stress and frustration of being stuck in traffic.

Often we’re not aware of the wear and damage that have been done to our spine and the systems which are dependent on it until this has been rectified.

Tension and release

Another important factor is tension. All day, every day we carry tension around our bodies. Stress, strain, upset anger and frustration can lead to an increase in tension of the myofascial system. This is a system of fibrous connective tissues that extends all across our bodies and is intrinsically tied to the entire musculoskeletal system. We may not be aware that we are carrying this tension around with us until it is released by the skilled hands of a chiropractor.

Endorphin rush!

Many of our clients compare the rush of wellbeing that comes after a chiropractic alignment to the same rush that comes after a really satisfying workout. It’s easy to see why. Both activities facilitate a rush of endorphins (the brain’s natural painkillers and feel good chemicals) that leaves us feeling happy, healthy and well adjusted in every sense of the word when we hop off of the chiropractor’s table.

How can we help?

Our skilled team of chiropractors are well versed in the role that spinal health can play in a healthy nervous system. With their help, you too can enjoy the natural feeling of wellbeing that comes with regular chiropractic adjustment. Why wait? Schedule an appointment today!

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Essential Oil Allergy Blend (Peppermint Oil, Lemon Oil, and Lavender Oil)

Having allergies, either in the Spring or all year round can be a very uncomfortable way to live. Leveraging natural and easy at-home ways to manage or reduce your symptoms can be effective in making the Spring enjoyable, even if you have allergies. In this blog, we’ll explore the uses for various essential oils and how you can use them to finally ditch your seasonal allergy suffering to the curb.

Essential oils are made from natural ingredients, often plants that have medicinal or calming effects. You can use essential oils in a host of different ways, including, but not limited to:

  • Put them in a diffuser to release into the air
  • Placing a few drops in the bathtub or shower while bathing
  • Rub them on the skin or on the soles of your feet
  • Smelling them directly from their container

Using essential oils, specifically with a diffuser is often referred to as aromatherapy. In this way, your body is stimulated through your sense of smell and this can then in turn influence other areas in your body.

If you do choose to use oils on your skin, it is recommended to dilute them before applying them, as the concentrated oil may cause skin irritation. When used in this fashion, the oils are absorbed by the skin and immediately enter your bloodstream.

Here are three essential oils that can be used to alleviate allergy symptoms.

Lavender

Lavender is known to create a soothing sensation and is great to use during bedtime. Due to its calming qualities, it can also be great for soothing allergy symptoms and reducing inflammation during high pollen times. Recent scientific findings have shown that lavender can help to prevent the enlargement of mucous cells, which lead to running noses and watery eyes. The best way to use lavender is to put a few drops into a diffuser or to use it in a soaking bath.

Peppermint

Peppermint is also known to help eliminate inflammation and can be even more potent when mixed with lavender or lemon oils. Peppermint is great to open up your pores, especially if you suffer from nasal or chest congestion during the Spring. It is best used through a diffuser or applied (in a diluted form) directly on the skin.

Lemon

Most citrus-based oils are known to help boost energy and alertness. Lemon oil is also helpful in clearing the sinuses and dramatically reducing the common symptoms associated with seasonal allergies. Due to its potency, lemon oil is best used through a diffuser and released into the air.

The Spring does not have to be riddled with allergies. You can enjoy the great outdoors without sneezing – all by using all-natural allergy remedies and essential oils. For other at-home health tricks, be sure to check our blog often for our latest, informative articles.

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Strategies to Be Proactive for Spring Allergies

With beautiful Spring flowers comes the dread of seasonal allergies. And, with the pollen count expected to be one of the highest in decades, getting your spring allergies under control will be important, if you want to enjoy your outdoor adventures.

What causes allergies?

Allergies and the symptoms that come with it of sneezing, runny nose, coughing, watery/itchy eyes, etc. are a part of your immune system response. When you’re exposed to an allergen, albeit pollen, dust, animal dander, or mold, your body is triggered to release a chemical called histamine. When histamine enters your bloodstream, it makes your blood vessels leaky, especially those that run through your nose and eyes. This is why the most common allergic reaction due to seasonal allergies often presents itself as a runny nose or watery eyes.

How can you treat allergies?

Depending on the area you live in, your allergies may fluctuate in severity from year to year, and even from season to season. The key is to take proactive measures to prepare your body or the pollen onslaught common during the Spring months. To do this, it often helps to start an anti-allergy regime in the Winter or very early in the Spring, like in April, so you are able to enjoy the great outdoors without feeling miserable.

The doctors at Corrective Chiropractic recommend using Allerplex. As an all-natural blend of Vitamins A and C, you’re able to get the healthy dose of nutrients your body needs to overcome and reduce the symptoms related to seasonal allergies. Also, including a unique combination of organic minerals, peptides, and enzymes, Allerpex is able to:

  • Reduce the production of mucus often associated with allergies
  • Boost your liver function
  • Enhance the synergistic relationship between your lung and heart

To ensure your allergies stay in check, taking Allerpex in conjunction with regular chiropractic visits can be the one-two punch you need to knock allergies out for good.

Can chiropractic care help with allergies?

The short answer is yes! The exact mechanism of how allergies wreak havoc on the body is not completely understood, however, research has proved that when your body is under stress, being able to manage your allergies becomes a challenge. Your nervous system is intimately linked with your immune system. Which means, when your nervous system is misaligned (particularly with spinal misalignments in your neck), your immune system will inevitably compromised. And, when your immune system is weakened, allergens can have an even greater effect on your body, leaving you with allergy symptoms that will quickly make your life miserable.

When you receive chiropractic treatments, doctors are able to gently manipulate the joints and soft tissue of your spine back into alignment, restoring the healthy connection and communication between your nervous system and immune systems.

Are you ready to kick your seasonal allergies to the curb? Consider making a comprehensive back evaluation appointment with Corrective Chiropractic. We will assess your current medical profile, perform a spinal assessment and answer any questions you may have. It’s time to start living your best life, regardless of the season. Give us a call today at 404-355-5499.

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Fertility: 3 Natural Strategies to Increase Your Odds

Having a baby is one of the most natural things a man or woman can do. However, for millions of couples, getting pregnant can come with a host of challenges. Finding ways to naturally boost your fertility that does not include medications or invasive procedures are not as easy to come by. That’s why at Corrective Chiropractic, we pride ourselves on keeping you educated about ways you can improve your health outcomes and conditions with all-natural interventions. Here are three natural strategies you can use to enhance your fertility and increase the odds of getting pregnant.

Acupuncture

Dating back thousands of years, this traditional Chinese medical practice can help to alleviate a wide variety of health ailments, including fertility issues. Based on the concept of “qi” and how medical illnesses can be related to blocking its natural flow in the body. By inserting thin, hair-like needles into specific acupuncture points, acupuncturists are able to get your body to relax, restore your qi, and even balance your body’s energies and hormones. Acupuncture is thought to help kickstart your endocrine system and may be linked to helping your body produce more reproductive hormones needed to produce reproductive cells such as eggs and sperm and increase the likelihood of conceiving and maintaining pregnancy.

Meditation

Your body is a machine, that functions when it has ample rest, a healthy diet, and low levels of stress. Many fertility challenges are often traced back to an imbalance in hormones, that can result due to genetics or even environmental conditions like stress. By implementing a regular mediation schedule that allows you to activate your body’s parasympathetic nervous system to calm your body, you may be able to restore your hormonal balance. With your hormones on track, your body can produce an optimal environment for a baby, thereby increasing your chances of getting pregnant.

Chiropractic Adjustments

Your nervous system is your body’s control center. When it is functioning well, your body’s systems, including your reproductive and endocrine (hormone) systems are working in synchrony. However, when your spine is misaligned, throwing your nervous system into a tailspin, your reproductive and endocrine systems are also thrown off balance. Without your hormones and reproductive system working in tandem, getting pregnant and maintaining a healthy pregnancy can be difficult. However, getting regular chiropractic adjustments to address any spinal misalignments you may have can be an all-natural and non-invasive way to give your body the added fertility boost it may need.

Are you or your partner struggling to get pregnant? We invite you to visit one of our highly-experienced chiropractors at one of our seven offices. We specialize in helping you reach your optimal health by using the latest chiropractic techniques. Visit us online here to learn more about our award-winning practice.

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How to Breakthrough Limits: No Excuses

adorable-baby-bed-

What goals have you told yourself that you can’t achieve? None would likely be the answer from 34-year-old Misty Diaz. Born with severe spina bifida.

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Chiropractic Care Helps Reduce Healthcare Costs

With healthcare costs estimated to increase at a rate of approximately 5% each year well into the next decade, patients are left trying to find other alternatives for treatment. And, a multi-year study is pointing to the power of chiropractic care in terms of its ability to lower the cost of healthcare for millions of Americans.

Over the past 7 years, researchers tracked the clinical and cost utilization through patient surveys. Their findings suggest that regular chiropractic care can be a cost-effective way for patients to both manage and improve their health.

According to their thorough research which involved studying over 70,274 patients, chiropractic care had the following effects:

  • 60.2% fewer in-hospital admissions
  • 59.0% reduction in hospital days
  • 62.0% decrease in outpatient surgeries and procedures
  • 85% less spent in pharmaceutical costs when compared with conventional medicine

So, can chiropractic treatments be an all-natural and affordable way to improve health care outcomes and lower healthcare costs? Research is pointing to a resounding “yes”.
If you are interested in learning more about chiropractic treatment, we invite you to schedule a free consultation with our award-winning doctors at Corrective Chiropractic. We focus on your entire health profile and will work with you to create a comprehensive health plan to ensure that our all-natural treatments and procedures will restore your health and help you live your best life.
With offices conveniently located in Atlanta, Alpharetta, Decatur, Sandy Spring, Woodstock, and our newest locations in Johns Creek, Georgia and Charleston, South Carolina, when you visit us you will be in great (and friendly) hands!

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Can Your Poor Posture Affect Your Blood Sugar?

Your blood sugar levels are not only linked to what you eat, but recent research now suggests that how you sit and stand can play an important part. Your posture influences the pressure and strain placed on your spine and if left uncorrected can result in what is clinically referred to as thoracic kyphosis. This condition can, in turn, cause chronic lower back pain that may negatively impact your quality of life. And, with the number of hours you sit in a given day, having proper posture may serve to be one of the most important predictors of your future health.

 

In a detailed, year-long study, chiropractors treated a 26-year-old male who suffered from mid-back pain for nearly a decade and was recently diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Further examination and X-rays of his back revealed that he had thoracic kyphosis (outward curvature of the spine) in his mid-back.

 

Before treatment began, researchers analyzed his blood sugar levels and had him complete a self-reporting quality of life survey. The patient underwent a number of chiropractic adjustments using all-natural, non-invasive procedures to correct his spinal misalignment. After each treatment, researchers found that his blood sugar level naturally dropped within healthy levels and by the conclusion of the study, the patient was able to reduce his daily intake in half. Not only had the chiropractic treatments addressed his back pain and reduced it significantly, but he also reported being more energized and having a higher quality of life as a result.

 

That’s why at Corrective Chiropractic we take the time to create a comprehensive health plan for our patients. We evaluate their current pain and medical issues and work through a series of all-natural chiropractic treatments to bring about immediate and lasting relief. At each visit, we objectively measure your health progress and use cutting-edge and safe technology to track spinal mechanics to ensure that our treatments are both getting to the root cause of your pain and helping you to achieve greater quality of life.

 

If you have not had a chiropractic treatment in the last 6 months, we highly recommend that you visit your local chiropractic office. Corrective Chiropractic has six convenient locations in Georgia and a new office in Charleston, South Carolina. We invest in the best technology, the most knowledgeable chiropractors in the region, and go the extra mile to give you the high-quality care you deserve. To learn more about our methods and to schedule a free no-strings-attached consultation, click here.

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Can Chiropractic Treatments Help with Bedwetting?

Bedwetting medically referred to as nocturnal enuresis, at any age, can be a tricky and often emotional ordeal to try to manage. It is embarrassing for the child and can take a toll on parents trying to find ways to correct the nighttime wetting. If left uncorrected, it can impact the child’s social life and prevent them from sleeping over at friends’ houses and may begin to cause anxiety around the bedtime ritual. However, a new study suggests that chiropractic treatments may help to treat bedwetting by using non-invasive techniques.
What causes bedwetting?
It is a rather complex, multi-layered medical issue, but relates to the level of carbon dioxide in the body. Children often have a very slow breathing pattern, when asleep. This causes carbon dioxide levels to rise (higher than normal) which, in turn, stimulates the phrenic reflex, causing the diaphragm to become activated. This triggers the child to take a breath. However, if the phrenic reflex is not operating “properly” the smooth muscles in the body will relax, because breathing has slowed allowing carbon dioxide to accumulate. The urinary bladder is a smooth muscle, therefore when it relaxes, urine is released from the body.
What can you do to naturally stop bedwetting?
A recent study suggests that chiropractic adjustments can be the answer! When the spine is out of alignment, this can put pressure on the phrenic nerve that exits through the third to fifth cervical vertebrae. This added stress on the body and on the nerve, in particular, could be the underlying cause of the bedwetting. By doing regular chiropractic adjustments to correct the spinal alignment, pressure can be alleviated and the child’s bedwetting may cease. That’s what happened for a patient, in a study, that was suffering with chronic bedwetting. After receiving a number of spinal adjustments, the bedwetting stopped and was completely corrected within 4 months.
Do you have a child that may benefit from pediatric chiropractic treatments? If so, we invite you to schedule an appointment with our experienced and friendly chiropractors. At Corrective Chiropractic, we offer a range of all-natural, non-invasive pediatric treatments that are perfect (and safe) for even our smallest patients. Contact us today for a thorough consultation where we’d be happy to answer all of your questions and learn more about what health challenges your child may be facing.

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How Being Outdoors Can Save Your Health

When’s the last time you have enjoyed some fresh air? Getting outdoors has a host of health benefits and can be the secret (and free) way to improve and maintain your health. Studies have shown that taking even leisure walks outdoors can have memory-boosting effects. In fact, a recent University of Michigan study found that after taking a nature hike either on a trial or around an arboretum, participants scored significantly higher on a memory test.

But that isn’t the health boost that being among nature can have. Here are 3 other research-backed perks of getting outdoors as often as you can.

1. Being outdoors can lower your stress level.

Evolutionarily speaking, being outdoors is literally built into our DNA. This may be one underlying reason why being outside can influence how our body reacts to its surroundings and, more importantly, to stress. In one study, researchers discovered that when students camped outside in the forest for two nights, they had markedly lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, when compared to students that stayed in the city during that time. In addition, when researchers compared the average heart rate of those who spent time in the forest to the heart rate of those in the city, nature enthusiasts had lower heart rates and reported reduced levels of daily stress.

2. Outdoor time reduces inflammation.

Inflammation is often associated with a host of chronic illnesses, ranging from depression, autoimmune disorders, even cancer. However, getting outdoors often can help to reduce inflammation. In fact, one study found that participants that spent regular time in nature, whether hiking or camping they had lower levels of inflammation than those who spent their leisure time in the city. And, these nature-related health benefits can extend well into old age. Because researchers concluded that elderly patients that spent time outside each day showed improvement in their inflammation levels and often had improved blood pressure readings.

3. Fresh air can wake you up – literally!

Mental fatigue can take a toll on your productivity, happiness, and overall health. Finding all-natural ways to get the boost of energy you need to sustain you through the day is key. And, being outdoors can do just that! When people were shown pictures of nature, in a recent study, their mental energy and clarity often rebounded and they reported being more energized and awake than when looking at city-related images.

There you have it! Getting outdoors, even just once a week can be the best way to keep your health in check. If you’re looking for a great place to get your nature fix, check out these local spots that are perfect for hiking, camping, or even enjoying a nice, relaxing stroll.
Big Creek Greenway in the Alpharetta and Johns Creek, Georgia areas

Beltline in the Decatur and Buckhead, Georgia areas

Abernathy Greenway in Sandy Springs, Georgia

Arthur Ravenel Bridge (and of course the beach!) in Charleston, South Carolina

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