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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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CrossFit Terminus Separating Itself as a Top CrossFit Gym in Atlanta

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

CrossFit Terminus is a full-service strength and conditioning facility dedicated to quality coaching.  We strive to help individuals become a better version of themselves by providing excellent service and unparalleled coaching in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

How long have you been in Atlanta?

We opened in August 2013 and have always been in Old Fourth Ward. In late 2016 we plan to open up our brand new state of the art facility off Memorial in Reynoldstown.

What do you like most about Atlanta?ter

We love the diversity of our community, and we intentionally welcome all people with open arms and support each person’s goals, whether those goals are to build muscle, lose weight, or simply have a healthier body.

Also, the name Terminus represents our love for our city.  When Georgia decided to build a railroad line from the Midwest down to modern day Atlanta, a stake was put into the ground just a few miles away from the gym, which became known as Terminus, literally meaning “End of the Line.” Contrary to popular belief, we did not take the name Terminus from the AMC show The Walking Dead, although it was a nice coincidence!

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

We are here to share our passion for fitness and create a community based on the pursuit of fitness.  Our goal is to foster unbreakable bonds with an open-minded environment, and we strive to create greatness inside and outside our community. We are committed to providing excellent customer service, maintaining open communication, and never losing focus on helping individuals achieve balance and success inside and outside of the gym.

Who is your ideal client?

Our ideal client is anyone who is willing to better him or herself by practicing patience, hard work, and commitment.  We are here to help all kinds of people regardless of their athletic background achieve their fitness goals.

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

We believe the biggest misconception of CrossFit Terminus is that we are solely interested in a ‘competitive’ environment.  In reality, our goal is to help people in all walks of life become better versions of themselves.  We love seeing people become more confident and better prepared for the unknowns of every life.  We want people to take fitness as a long-term approach, striving for health over the course of a lifetime.

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Are Actemainophens Safe During Pregnancy?

What is an Acetaminophen?

Acetaminophen is an active ingredient in over the counter and prescription drugs. It is commonly used to treat pain and reduce fevers. Many pregnant women use common over the counter actemaniophens such as Tylenol and Excedrin to treat back pain, headaches, toothaches, the common cold, fevers, and muscle aches.

 

Are they safe to use?

Unlike other over the counter and prescription drugs, actemaniophens are technically considered safe to use during pregnancy because the side effects are minimal for the growing and developing fetus and mother compared to other drugs. However, although it is deemed fairly okay to take, most medical doctors recommend minimizing the use of actemaniophens throughout pregnancy.  

 

What are the risks?

All drugs, prescription and over the counter, have associated side effects that vary with individual cases. To see a list of common side effects of actemaniophens, visit https://www.drugs.com/sfx/acetaminophen-side-effects.html. For pregancy and actemaniphen warnings, visit https://www.drugs.com/pregnancy/acetaminophen.html. Both links provide information on known side effects and interactions. However, new data is now showing a link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and an increased risk of hyperactivity in children. According to a new study, prenatal exposure to acetaminophen is associated with an increased risk of having children with hyperactivity, emotional and behavioral symptoms. To read the entire study, Association of Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy With Behavioral Problems in Childhood, go to http://archpedi.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2543281.

 

What are other options?

There are natural and safe options for symptoms that acetaminophen are commonly used for. Musculoskeletal symptoms such as back pain, headaches, and other muscle related aches, can be addressed with prenatal chiropractic care. Chiropractic care has been proven to safely and effectively treat such symptoms. The only “side effects” associated with prenatal chiropractic care is decreased pain, increased energy, more room for baby to grow and develop, and shorter labor and delivery times. Call our office at 404-355-5499 to schedule an exam with our prenatal chiropractor, Dr. Samaira. If outside the metro Atlanta area, please visit http://icpa4kids.org/Find-a-Chiropractor/ to find a prenatal and family chiropractor in your area.

 

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Can Chiropractic Help with Sciatica During Pregnancy?

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica is pressure and or irritation on the sciatic nerve that results in pain along the distribution of the nerve (buttock, down the back of the thigh and leg). The quality of pain can vary from sharp, dull, achy, to burning.

What Causes Sciatica?

Pressure on the sciatic nerve from a herniated disk, misaligned vertebra, or spinal degeneration. Based on individual anatomy, the piriformis muscle can irritate the sciatic nerve resulting in similar symptoms as sciatica, and is termed “Piriformis Syndrome”. In pregnant women, different factors can attribute to sciatica symptoms. Weight gain, uterus expansion, increased lordotic curve (due to the growing belly), and the position of the baby can all put additional pressure on the sciatic nerve during pregnancy.

How Can Chiropractic Help?

Chiropractic adjustments provide a non-surgical, non-invasive, and safe treatment for sciatica for both mom and baby. Spinal adjustments help correct misaligned vertebrae and reduce nerve irritation that can promote sciatica symptoms and muscle tension. Chiropractic care during pregnancy is safe and effective, and it provides benefits to both mom and the developing baby. To find a chiropractor trained and specialized in prenatal and pregnancy care, call our office at 404-355-5499.

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The Need for Probiotics When Taking Antibiotics

When we feel those sinus-like symptoms start to kick in, our society tends to turn
very quickly to antibiotics. These antibiotics eliminate the harmful bacteria
that are intruding on our systematic physiological flow (“anti”- against, “biotic”- living organisms).
Unfortunately, they also destroy the thriving bacteria that keep our guts strong.
We have so much concern with bacteria in and on our bodies that we go to extreme
lengths to eradicate them- all of them (which means destroying the destructive
and beneficial little buggers alike).

Here is a run-down of what happens when antibiotics are introduced to the body:

 

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Now, please do not misunderstand me- I believe antibiotics can have their place in our lives (i.e. in emergency situations). However, when we take them, we have to be so intentional about also giving our bodies plenty of probiotics to help support our gut’s natural ability to rid itself of harmful illnesses. In Joyce Killian’s article “The Overlooked Role of Probiotics in Human Health” in Life Extension Magazine, April 2012, she explains the impact that probiotics have on a person’s overall health. Our bodies depend on these organisms for healthy immune functioning (as the gut is host to more than 70% of the immune system), decreased inflammation, and gut flora balance. Probiotics also group together to line the intestinal walls, hence acting as a shield against the determined and harmful bacteria that want to escape into the body. Protecting the gut is foundational to a healthy and thriving body.

 

 

Food sources of probiotics

Sauerkraut
Kombucha (fermented tea)
Fermented vegetables
Organic Keifer (from grass-fed animals)
Organic Whole Fat Plain Yogurt (from grass-fed animals)

 

For personalized health plans and nutritional advising, contact us! We would love to chat with you about ways to help improve your health, so you can live a thriving life!

404-355-5499

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Why Eating Seasonally Is So Important (Summertime in Atlanta)

Don’t you just love summertime foods? This season is booming with delicious produce! From watermelon, to tomatoes, to squash, to berries, to peaches, to greens, to herbs, and the list continues.

Ever wonder why we crave these foods in the summertime and other foods in the fall or wintertime? It is because our bodies were intentionally designed to eat seasonally – this is why eating seasonal is important to our body. We want watermelon in the hot summer months because it is made almost entirely of water, so the fruit provides refreshing relief on a humid and sunny day. In the colder months though, we desire warmth and comfort, which means root veggies and soups. These foods are heavier and starchier, so we feel satiated and internally warm. Nature knows best, that’s for sure.

Check out a local farmer’s market for this season’s food selection – all the healthy kids are doing it 🙂

There are ITP (Inside The Perimeter) and OTP (Outside The Perimeter) markets almost every day of the week!

I do chef demos at the Grant Park Farmer’s Market (Grant Park, Atlanta) one Sunday each month during the season, so put Sunday, July 17th on your calendar to come hang out with us and sample delicious and fresh foods! You surely do not want to miss free samples of delicious food, right?! Also, here is a free local summer salad recipe you can try out first.

 

Want to get more of our healthy food recipes?

Be sure to follow my food blog @More_Than_Food on Instagram/ Facebook to stay updated on demo dates and daily recipes/health tips!

Be sure to try out also the summer supplements Dr. Austin recommend and use. Or follow the 3 steps to maximize your health and summer!

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Prepare for Unwanted Spring Allergies

Do you get those unwanted spring allergies every year? What if those symptoms can be lessened (and sometimes even eliminated)? The keys are preparation, detox, and support. We need to cleanse the body of toxins and build up the fighting organs with enough fuel to combat allergens that are coming just around the corner. Follow these steps, and build a titanium internal defense against allergies. We provide tips on how to prepare for unwanted allergies this spring season.

  1. Beat spring allergies by eating beets. Lots of them! These root veggies are powerful in thinning out the bile that carries toxins out of the body, making everything move out a bit faster.
  1. Include more raw leafy greens into your food choices. Not only do they provide a surplus of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the body, but greens also are important for the cleansing process of your organs, blood, and tissues.
  1. Add a high quality fish oil. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oils decrease inflammation in the body that is caused by toxins. Healthy oils also build up the brain, cardiovascular system, and digestive track.
  1. Increase foods that are high in Vitamin C. This important vitamin is essential for adrenal health and stress response, as well as your immune health {organic bell peppers, leafy greens, kiwi, broccoli, berries, oranges, papayas, and tomatoes}. Vitamin C will help your body fight seasonal allergies by strengthening your immune system.
  1. Use Apple Cider Vinegar. This versatile ingredient does wonders for the body. First thing in the morning, mix 2 tsp of ACV in a glass of water with juice from a lemon, and your digestive track and detox systems will start working asap.
  1. Check for nutritional deficiencies in your body. Use whole food-based concentrates to correct any levels that are off balance, and regain your health before the seasons change. Ask Jessica, our Nutrition Advisor, about nutrition services offered here at Corrective Chiropractic and to schedule your appointment.

Alternatively, this is also a time in the season where chiropractic visit becomes so important. Regular chiropractic adjustment has proven effects that lessens allergies on patients. You can also check out nutritious recipes and healthy living tips on the @More_Than_Food in Instagram and YouTube channel!

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