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What Is A Chiropractor?

Leading the way as the most popular form of alternative medicine, chiropractors play an important role in helping you maintain a healthy and pain-free life. The century-old profession has evolved to treat some of the most complex pain ailments, with over 35 million Americans visiting a chiropractor at least once per year.4

Chiropractic adjustments are now widely considered to be just as effective in relieving pain as drugs or surgery. In fact, many primary care physicians may recommend that patients meet with a chiropractor as part of their annual healthcare regime. This even extends to infants and young children. Parents are now turning to chiropractors to help them better manage a range of symptoms, from severe migraines, ear infections, scoliosis, to stiffness and joint pain, to even feeding or sleeping issues.

Like medical doctors, chiropractors must complete extensive training and schooling before achieving state licensure. Chiropractors often receive additional training in anatomy, physiology, nutrition and holistic medicine, allowing them to specialize their practices accordingly. Research has shown that the neurological benefits of a chiropractic adjustment can be an effective and non-invasive way to eliminate unwanted pain symptoms. Chiropractors may also partner with other wellness providers to offer their patients a holistic approach to their health needs, including incorporating massage therapy or acupuncture.

 

What Is a Spinal Adjustment?

Chiropractors are trained in identifying and reducing spinal misalignments often referred to as vertebral subluxation. These misalignments can interfere with how the central nervous system functions and can lead to nerve pain and discomfort. Prolonged subluxations often results in severe inflammation of the joint and nerve root which can in turn cause a lack of motion, leading to the degeneration of the surrounding joint and pain.

Chiropractors are able to perform postural restoration using their hands and applied pressure to get the spine and joints back in alignment. Commonly used by athletes who may be experiencing stiffness or pain, chiropractic adjustments have been found to be beneficial to a wide range of patients, including newborns.

The common misconception is that adjustments only help to treat back pain, but this is not entirely accurate. Chiropractic adjustments are able to relieve stress throughout the body that could lead to digestive issues, sleep disturbances, fertility challenges, organ malfunctions, vision problems – you name it! Since a spinal misalignment affects the central nervous system which is responsible for controlling how your entire body works, chiropractors can be key in ensuring that your nervous system is functioning properly.

According to the American Chiropractic Association, improving spine alignment can be the first and most important step in helping the body rest and recover from normal wear and tear or following an injury or surgery. Since the spine plays a vital role in how the entire body functions, visiting a chiropractor at least twice each year is essential in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you would benefit from having an increased immune system, enhanced sleep, or improved digestion, then contact the trusted chiropractors at Corrective Chiropractic today to schedule your first appointment.

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Benefits of Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

Prenatal Chiropractic care is one of the best possible gifts you could give your child because pregnancy chiropractic is a safe, drug-free way to keep your body functioning how it was designed to.

Why Should I have Prenatal Chiropractor?

Today, we will outline the 3 biggest benefits of receiving regular prenatal chiropractic care to ensure you experience a healthy, safe, enjoyable pregnancy, labor and delivery

  1. Restores Pelvic Stability and Balance for Better Baby PositioningRestoring pelvic balance allows baby to have the most room available to him/her in the womb. Creating the most space gives baby the best opportunity to get into a head down position at the right time in pregnancy. When baby is in the right position, the possibility of a breech or caesarean delivery decreases dramatically.
  2. Alleviating Pregnancy Symptoms – Reduce Body PainsPregnancy often brings low back, mid back and neck pain as the many body changes associated with pregnancy puts extra stress on the body. Chiropractic care has been shown to prevent and relieve these pains associated with pregnancy.
  3. Decreased Labor Time and PainChiropractic care helps moms nervous system to be functioning at its best and when the nervous system is functioning at its best, your body is equipped to handle labor the best it can. Women under chiropractic care often report easier, shorter labors than those not under care.

Want get more info about pregnancy chiropractic benefits?

You can ask Dr. Eric Bayliss of Alpharetta Office for more guides. Alternatively, you can visit our office branches located in Buckhead, Sandy Springs and Decatur. Or download our free ebook here:

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Why is Chiropractic the Best Option for Back Pain?

If you are in Atlanta and you are experiencing back pain, then you must see a chiropractor as soon as possible. The reason why we are urging you to hurry is that this pain can lead to several other complications concerning the nerves and the skeletal muscles present in the back.

Although there are many over-the-counter medicine types which you can use to alleviate the pain, there is nothing better than treating it with chiropractic care. This article is intended to give you all the reasons why this way of treatment is the best option. However, before stating those reasons, let us quickly get through the causes of the back pain.

What causes back pain?

In terms of causes, anything that puts a strain on the spinal cord and the skeletal muscles supporting it can cause the pain. This is because like every organ in our body, these organs can only take a certain amount of strain. The pain is basically an indication that your back has experienced strain beyond its limit. If we state the mainstream reasons for that strain, then they would be the following:

  • Heavy, unbalanced lifting which targets the lower back muscles
  • Ruptured spinal disks
  • Poor posture
  • Osteoporosis
  • Arthritis

Having stated the main causes, let us know how they are treated by a chiropractor.

  1. Spinal Adjustments

    In this method, a chiropractor places his or her palm on the affected area and applies a certain amount of force. This technique is meant to realign all the muscles of the spine which are causing the pain.

  2.  Massage Techniques

    Sometimes, a chiropractor recommends massage techniques in addition to the spinal adjustments. One of those massages is the MFR which stands for Myofascial Release. It differs from the rest of the soft tissue manipulations in targeting the scar tissues.

  3.  Physical Therapy

    After the alignment of the spinal cord and the muscles surrounding it, a chiropractor advises his or her patient the exercises which are a part of physical therapy. These exercises target the core muscles and the back muscles thus increasing the stability of the core for maintaining proper posture.

These were the techniques which are used by the chiropractor to treat back pain. As you can see, in all of the three techniques no surgical instruments are involved. This means that the back pain is only cured through encouraging natural movement and alignment in the spinal bones and the skeletal muscles.

That being said, there are several other benefits of chiropractic care:

  • It is far better than using medications,
  • It can prevent back pain in the future,
  • It is cost-effective,
  • There is no need for special diets for it,
  • It can prevent disk herniations and can effectively cure it,
  • It is safer than other cures available.

Back pain affects more than 80% population in the USA. And as much as $50 billion is spent each year on treating it. However, even then, the symptoms still are observed to remain. Thus, this makes a good case for you to only seek care from a chiropractor who is readily available in your city Atlanta.

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Chiropractic Care As Your Best Investment for Health

If we closely look at our finances, healthcare expenses consume a major part of our budget. The cost of health treatments and medicines are surging up, which further makes it difficult for the families having a limited budget to meet their day to day expenses. One way to reduce your healthcare costs is to opt for chiropractic care. Whether or not you have budget issues, chiropractic care is the best option for you as it contains no adverse or side effects.

To put it simply, chiropractic care is known to be one of the safest therapies available across the globe. For the patients who are suffering from neuromusculoskeletal issues such as back pain or joint pain, chiropractic care is a proven and effective treatment for them.

When it comes to chiropractic care, it can be safely said that it is an investment, not a cost. The major reason behind making this statement is that chiropractic care not only heals your body but also improves the overall health conditions. It can help to improve circulation, reduce lactic acid levels, enhance flexibility, and cell nutrient delivery. Furthermore, chiropractic care can also improve the recovery time, immune system, and prevent any future injury from occurring.

Now compare these benefits with any other form of medical treatment. They are usually costly, take a long time to recover, and some of them often result in other minor and major issues. Hence, by opting for chiropractic care, you are actually making an investment for your body since it poses a minor injury risk (0.0002%) and provides numerous benefits to our body.

The theory behind chiropractic care is that our body has the power to heal itself. Therefore, chiropractors remove the blockages or subluxations from the spines of the patient in order to alleviate the back pain or any other issue they are suffering from.

The popularity of chiropractic care can be deduced from the fact that a huge number of people, across the globe, opt for this treatment method for recovery from sports injuries, back pain, muscle strains etc. If we talk about US only, 22 million US residents annually (an approx. value), prefer chiropractic care over other treatments. You can easily find chiropractors in your area. It doesn’t matter whether you are residing in Ontario or Atlanta, a Chiropractor can be found anywhere easily.

The number is growing not only because it is a safe option but also because it brings improvement in our overall health without the need for any surgery or medication. The fact that chiropractic care facility is available at nominal rates further makes it ideal for everyone.

To sum it up, chiropractic care should be treated as an investment rather than a cost because of the numerous benefits it offers to our body. However, if you want to enhance the benefits of this particular treatment, there are certain other healthful practices that you need to adopt. This includes opting for a healthy diet, making exercise a regular part of your routine, and reducing alcohol and cigarette intake. By adopting a healthier lifestyle, you will be able to enjoy maximum benefits of chiropractic care. If you are residing in Atlanta, head to your nearest Atlanta Chiropractor and avail their healing services.

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Birth Plan Template

There are many birth options from vaginal to cesarean, locations vary from at home births to hospitals. The array of options provide expectant mothers with many choices that should be made prior to birth. Having a preexisting birth plan ensures the birth of your choice and support from your birth team. Below provides a detailed outline of a sample birth plan. Use this layout to customize your very own plan and inform your birth team of your desires. Share your birth plan with members of your birth team prior to birth in order to ensure every team member is prepared and willing to follow your blueprint. Prepare copies to all birth team members upon completion. Remember, it is your birth. There are no wrong or right ways, just the way your body and self are prepared for.

Before Labor

  • I prefer to have ___ vaginal exams
  • I prefer to have ___ ultrasounds
  • Discuss induction options prior to due date
  • I want at least ___ days post my due date before inducing labor, as long as baby and I are healthy
  • I want no time restrictions if I go past my due date, and plan to have no induction, as long as baby and I are healthy
  • I want to labor at home for as long as possible

Induction

For induction methods I do or do not want the following:

  • Acupuncture
  • Chiropractic
  • Enema
  • Herbs
  • Stripping membranes
  • Pitocin

I would like the following time period before induction

  • Wait 6 hours
  • Wait 12 hours
  • As long as baby and I are healthy, I want no induction methods

Environment

  • I prefer the following location for my birth:
    • Home
    • Birthing Center (Name and Address)
    • Hospital (Name and Address)
  • I want to utilize the following options during labor:
    • Water birth
    • Shower
    • Birthing bed
    • Birthing ball
    • Squatting
  • I want or do not want the following in the room:
    • Partner
    • Midwife
    • Doula
    • Chiropractor
    • Children
    • Parents
    • Extended family
    • I want privacy. Limit or restrict all visitors

Pain Relief

  • Only if I request, offer pain relief
  • Offer and suggest pain relief when needed
  • I want to discuss pain relief methods as soon as possible
  • Use the following methods to relieve pain:
    • Breathing techniques
    • Mediation
    • Acupuncture
    • Massage
    • Hypnosis
    • Water therapy
    • Walking and movement
    • Epidural
    • Narcotics

Labor

Time Limits:

  • I want zero time limits for laboring and pushing as long as I and baby are healthy
  • Medical intervention will be allowed after __ hours of pushing.

Positions:

I prefer the following positions during labor:

  • Standing
  • Squatting
  • On the toilet
  • Hands and knees
  • Medical ball
  • Lying down
  • Avoid stirrups

Episiotomy

  • I want no episiotomy and will risk tearing
  • I want an episiotomy

Monitoring

  • Continuous monitoring
  • Intermittent monitoring
  • Utilize the Lamaze, Bradley, and/or Childbirth Hypnosis techniques

Delivery

  • When pushing, I want to rely on instincts instead of orders from birth professionals.
  • When pushing, I want guidance on when or when not to push.
  • Please avoid the use of forceps and vacuum extractions.
  • Forceps and vacuum extractions may be used to assist delivery.
  • I would like my partner to catch the baby as he/she is delivered.
  • I would like my birth professional to catch the baby as he/she is delivered.
  • If an emergency cesarean is needed, please allow my partner and I time to discuss details and follow our initial newborn procedures below.

Cesarean

  • Unless a medical emergency, I opt not to have a cesarean.
  • Inform me on when it may be a good option to have a cesarean
  • I want to plan and schedule a cesarean.
  • I would like to hold my baby immediately after delivery
  • If I am unable to hold my baby, I want my partner to be able to have first contact.
  • I would like my baby to be sent to the nursery as I recover.

Newborn Procedures

  • I request immediate skin to skin contact as soon as baby is delivered
  • I request the time to breastfeed baby before we are separated
  • I opt of having my baby bathe right after birth
  • My partner and I will bathe our baby using our own bathing products
  • I do or do not want eye drops administered to my baby
  • I decline PKU testing
  • I would like to delay PKU testing
  • I want routine PKU testing
  • Do or do not administer Vitamin K
  • Postpone all immunizations
  • I would like all routine immunizations
  • Do not circumcise my baby
  • Do not retract baby’s foreskin
  • I would like my baby circumcised
  • I would like to meet with a lactation consultant as soon as possible
  • I want my baby to exclusively be breastfed
  • I want to combine breastfeeding and formula feeding
  • I want my baby to be formula fed
  • I would like all newborn procedures to be performed immediately
  • I want my baby in the room with me at all times, unless there is an emergency
  • I prefer my baby to partially stay in the nursery when I am resting
  • I would like the nursery to fully care for my baby and bring him/her for feedings

Third Stage Labor

Umbilical Cord:

  • Avoid clamping until pulsation stops
  • Allow partner to cut cord
  • Delay cord cutting for ____ time.
  • I made arrangements to bank baby’s cord

Placenta

  • Use Pitocin to promote placenta to be born
  • Avoid Pitocin unless there are risks of hemorrhage
  • I made arrangements to take the placenta home

Hospital Stay

  • Be as short as possible
  • Be as long as possible
  • I prefer a private room
  • I prefer my partner to remain in the room during my stay. Please provide accommodations
  • I prefer my family and children to be allowed with no restrictions
  • I prefer guests to be allowed to visit with no restrictions
  • I want privacy during my hospital stay. Limit or restrict all visitors
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3 Tips to Battle Ear Infections

The cooler weather approaching means Christmas music, Holiday parties, and the not so jolly sniffles. The Fall and Winter seasons tend to increase the incidences of cold- and flu-like symptoms. The cold, flu, and allergies promote sinus drainage, and excess fluid build-up in the ears often leads to ear infections. Many children are susceptible to ear infections due to their young immune system and their nature of sharing germs with each other.

As a pediatric chiropractor, I have many parents initially bring in their little ones due to re-occurring ear infections. Chiropractic adjustments have been known to be a safe and effective way to not only assist the body with healing from ear infections, but also as a means of preventing such issues. Below are simple yet effective tips on how to battle ear infections for you or your little one.

  1. Boost Immunity 

    The most effective way to battle ear infections is to prevent them from ever occurring. Boosting the immune system can be obtained through proper nutrition and chiropractic adjustments. Taking daily probiotics is a natural way to boost immunity. Probiotics are good bacteria that support digestive health by decreasing gut inflammation, which in turn, boosts immune function. Be sure to get a good quality probiotic, as it is being used to fuel your body. You can talk with Jessica, our nutritionist on staff, about supplement options.Chiropractic adjustments also boost the immune system. Adjustments take irritation and pressure off the nervous system, the master controller of the body (including the immune system). Adjustments are natural and gentle methods that increase immunity in order to make your body more adaptable to the changing environment.

  2. Eliminate Dairy and Gluten 

    Dietary changes are a big factor in immunity and drainage production. Foods that contain dairy and gluten are prone to increase the production and thickness of mucus and drainage. As mentioned, increased amounts and the quality of drainage can lead to excess fluid in the ear. Fluid that is not drained properly can lead to the accumulation of viral or bacterial organisms, leading to ear infections. Dairy and gluten can also promote gut inflammation, triggering autoimmune responses over time, resulting in the development of food allergies. Ideally, it is encouraged to eliminate dairy and gluten if you or your little one is prone to ear infections. Simply reducing the intake of food containing dairy and gluten is also helpful.

  3. Garlic Oil 

    Garlic has natural anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-oxidizing properties. Garlic also contains an anti-microbial agent, allicin. All the properties of garlic can be used to decrease inflammation, infection, and pain associated with ear infections. Garlic can also help with excess ear wax accumulation. Garlic can be in the form of oil, allowing easy absorption through the skin, and inner ear. Many recipes can be found online to make your own garlic oil, or it can be purchased online or at Whole Foods. Apply a few drops to the ear, and use a cotton ball to cover the ear, once or twice per day. Use garlic oil drops for children when they are asleep so the oil can fully absorb. Although garlic oil is a natural and effective way to battle ear infections, it is not recommended when the eardrum is ruptured.

For more information regarding chiropractic care and ear infections, call Dr. Samaira Dumpson at 404-355-5499.

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Business Buddy Highlight: Catalyst Fitness

What is the name of your business and what is its function?

Our business is Catalyst Fitness. To the general public we offer One on One Personal Training, Small Group Personal Training on Demand, Yoga, Massage, and Corporate Wellness Programs. Our Small Group Personal Training on Demand is unique in that your session begins when you arrive and ends when you complete the workout, rather than starting and ending at a predetermined time. This allows members to fit in a workout that works perfectly with their schedule. For example, if you are 5 minutes late for an Orange Theory or Blast class, you’re stressing out trying to get there and not interrupt the class. Or if you are 15 minutes late you’d probably decide to just not go if they haven’t already given up your spot since they over sold the class. Our On Demand model eliminates the stress of being late or missing the class completely because the workout doesn’t start until you arrive. It also allows us to keep our Group Training “Personal” by regressing and progressing movement patterns (aka exercises) to meet the individual goals and needs of the participant. On the Industry side, our educational team speaks at and conducts conferences, clinics, and workshops all over the world. We write educational platforms for equipment companies and curriculums for educational organizations. By educating and training thousands of trainers each year, we are able to impact the lives of millions of people around the world.

 

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Dr. Samaira utilizing the ViPR during her one-on-one training at Catalyst Fitness.

How long have you been in Atlanta?

Catalyst Fitness opened its doors in 2004 as a brick and mortar facility. Our owners, Bill and Valorie Sonnemaker, have lived in Atlanta for over 20 years and have long considered it their home. They have two kids, ages 11 and 2, and love being an integral part of Buckhead and the surrounding communities.

What do you like most about Atlanta?

We love the slow and smooth pace of the South and the small town feel with the big city options. Atlanta is steeped in Southern charm, but it’s balanced by the buzz of a Metro culture. Its central geographic location and easy access to the airport are also a big plus given our frequent national and international travel for industry conferences and engagements.

What separates your business from the others and makes it the best?

SCIENCE…At Catalyst Fitness, we have developed an evidence based approach to health and fitness that is systematic, progressive, and scalable. We use methods that are founded in and backed by science, following a specific system and order that progresses in intensity and challenge for the individual, and that is scalable to every individual’s specific needs. We provide clients the results they want while addressing their biomechanical needs in order to achieve optimal functionality in the safest and shortest amount of time possible.

Who is you ideal client?

We value clients who recognize the difference of what we offer as compared to others. Our ideal client is educated and discerning. They want the best for themselves, and they recognize who offers the best in the industry and why.

Is there something that people in the community do not know about your business that they should know?

We are the authority on health and fitness. What we do today with clients is what others in the Atlanta area will do with their clients in 5-8 years. For example, we were the first to bring TRX, Trigger Point Therapy, and ViPR training tools to Georgia, and we continue to stay at the forefront of health and fitness by working with new and innovative companies as well as educational companies. We have won more international and national industry and popularity awards that any other facility in the Southeast and are home to the 5X winner of Atlanta’s Best Personal Trainer, Bill Sonnemaker, and Personal Fitness Professional (PFP) Trainer of the Year, Valorie Sonnemaker

 

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Business Buddy Highlight: STACK Sports Performance and Therapy

What is the name of your business and what is its function?
STACK Sports Performance & Therapy. We offer sports performance training and physical therapy

How long have you been in Atlanta?
November 2015

What do you like most about Atlanta?
The wide range of athletes in the area, from your first year athletes to your professional athletes.  The passion of athletics in the area is incredible and the desire to achieve peak performance is what excites our staff most!

What separates your business from the others and makes it the best?
We offer premiere coaching each session the athlete steps on our training floor. We set realistic measurable goals and keep our athletes on track to achieving these goals.

Who is your ideal client?
Any athlete that is looking to take their game to the next level. Someone who is dedicated to their craft on and off the playing field.

Is there something that people in the community do not know about your business that they should know?

We are the only full service sports performance facility in metro Atlanta, we helps athlete maximize their athletic potential by developing strength, power, coordination, agility, speed, flexibility, and energy systems with an additional focus on injury prevention, recovery/regeneration, and nutrition.

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Have you been to STACK? Let us know what you love about them in the comments below!

 

 

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What are Wobble Chairs?

What’s the deal with the chairs that wobble that you see around the office? Yes,  they are fun, especially when your favorite song plays through our speakers; however, there are therapeutic advantages to the chairs. The wobble chairs are designed to create proper mobility in the lumbar, sacral,and pelvic regions. The unique design of the chair allows for 360 degrees of rotation, lateral (side to side), forward,and backward flexion. The different ranges of motion are also beneficial for the intervertebral discs, especially those in the low back.The combined movements create disc mobility, and disc re-hydration to combat the daily loads of impact on each disc.  The movements produced by the wobble chairs also aid in delivery to nutrients to the disk, and assist in carrying away waste products.

 

wobbleNow that you understand the benefits behind the wobble chair, it’s time to make sure you are utilizing them correctly in order to maximize the benefits. First, make sure you have an upbeat song. We always have fun jams playing in the office, so that should be the easiest step of them all. Seriously, after you set a timer (we recommend 3 minutes), make sure to stabilize your balance by holding on to the arms of the chair. Slowly move the pelvis through a variety of motions including front to back, side to side, circular and figure eight movements. As stability and comfort of the chair, feel free to increase the speed of the different motions. So wobble, like nobody is watching, for your health’s sake.

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