Washington Park Chiropractic

By: Amanda Miller, LMT

As the use of computers increased, so have back and neck discomfort; the hallmark pain associated with having a desk job.  The reason for this common problem is that it is not natural for humans to sit in the same position for prolonged periods of time, let alone all day.

Sitting in front of the computer desk for long hours can increase muscle stress and put pressure on the spine.  Sitting with a rounded back does several things to cause injury and/or pain.  Rounding your spine forward (slouching) when sitting holds your muscles in a longer than normal position, which weakens them.  It can also slowly degenerate your discs, the little cushions between your back bones, and push the discs outward to the back.  This is how discs can bulge.  Holding your neck tilted forward for much of the time, or angled back with the chin jutting forward may also mechanically harm discs.  Even without disc involvement, soft tissue pain from slouching is uncomfortable.

Here are a few things to be mindful of that may help you to alleviate some of the discomfort associated with sitting in the same position for long periods of time. Read the rest of this entry →

By: Jennifer Bell, RMT

Millions of Americans suffer from arthritis, the most common of which is Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.  Both forms of arthritis can be debilitating and quite painful to live with. 

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, a condition in which synovial joints (especially knees and hips), lose healthy cartilage, usually as a result of the aging process, often exacerbated by everyday activities that contribute to the thinning of the cartilage that cushions the synovial joint.

For people suffering from Osteoarthritis, a massage, combined with gentle stretching and passive range of motion exercises, can relieve pain in muscles that cross the affected joint. 

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By: Lisa Bullis, L.AC. 

On February 3^rd (tomorrow) we celebrate the Chinese New Year.  This year is the year of the Rabbit.  As we move out of the tumultuous year of the Tiger we can relax into the more temperate year of the Rabbit.  According to Chinese tradition the Rabbit year brings a year in which you can catch your breath and calm your nerves. To gain the greatest benefits from this time, focus on home, family, security, diplomacy, and your relationships with women and children.   Make it a goal to create a safe, peaceful lifestyle, so you will be able to calmly deal with any problem that may arise.

People born in the Year of the Rabbit tend to be articulate, talented, and ambitious.  They tend to be calm and gentle but persistent.  They are virtuous, reserved, and have excellent taste. Rabbit people are admired, trusted, and are often financially lucky. They are fond of gossip but are tactful and generally kind. Rabbit people seldom lose their temper.

You are a Rabbit if you were born in: 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, or 2011.

By: Lisa Bullis, L.Ac.

When acupuncture was imported to the U.S. it presented a new opportunity to tailor it to anew population. Most practitioners found that a private, spa-like atmosphere would be the most comfortable for patients.  Additionally, because acupuncturists are required to have extensive training (a masters degree) the price per treatment would be higher.  When I first began practicing, I offered private treatments, charging $75 per treatment.  After several years of this I was discouraged by the fact that many patients couldn’t afford to get treatments with enough regularity to make significant changes in their health.  Many people don’t understand that acupuncture is most effective when sessions are frequent, especially when first beginning treatment.

Community-style acupuncture is a U.S. adaptation of how acupuncture is practiced in China.  It is acupuncture that is practiced in a semi-private setting and offered at a more affordable price.  When I was studying in Cheng Du, China this was how acupuncture was offered.  Several people in one room all receiving individual treatments.   

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By: Ashley Bennett, LMT

This is normally the time of the year we reflect on our health and personal improvements. This is also when there is a huge influx of people in the gyms.  Sometimes when I am at the gym and I see the amount of people I think of ways to get out of there as quickly as possible to avoid the crowd.  One thing I never skip on is stretching.  Stretching should be an integral part of your daily routine.

Benefits of Stretching:

• Stretching increases flexibility. Flexible muscles can improve your daily performance. Tasks such as lifting packages, bending to tie your shoes or hurrying to catch a bus become easier and less tiring.
• Stretching improves range of motion of your joints. Good range of motion keeps you in better balance, which will help keep you mobile and less prone to falls — and the related injuries — especially as you age. When your body loses full range of motion the femur (thigh bone) is not moving any fluid around in the socket so the rest of the joint is not getting the full amount of nutrients needed to keep the cartilage healthy.  
• Stretching improves circulation. Stretching increases blood flow to your muscles. Improved circulation can speed recovery after muscle injuries.
• Stretching can relieve stress. Stretching relaxes the tense muscles that often accompany stress.

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The purpose of food is to provide our body with the fuel it needs to do what we require in a day, however, so much of what we consume is pre-packaged and overly processed, leading to a lack of actual nutrition. One of the key factors in living a wellness lifestyle is making wiser dietary decisions; and eliminating casein from your diet may be something for you to consider.

What is Casein?

Casein is a protein found in milk and dairy products, but is also used as a binding agent in many other foods. Technically it is a phosphoprotein that accounts for nearly 80% of the proteins in cow’s milk and cheese.

Why Eat Casein-Free?

Eating casein-free, when combined with a gluten-free diet, has reportedly had very positive results for those who have an autistic spectrum disorder, such as: autism, Asperger’s syndrome, atypical autism and pervasive developmental disorder.

Additionally, many people that have assumed they are allergic to milk may actually be suffering from a casein allergy. The problem with a lack of awareness as to the true allergy is that casein is found in more than just dairy products. This “binding agent” has technical uses as well as edible and has been used in paints (including fingernail polish), other cosmetics and even glue (or industrial adhesives).

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By: Dr. Jake Simpson

Spinal decay like other arthritic joints and conditions is a degenerative process that worsens with time. If neglected, this condition can become quite debilitating. Spinal decay starts with some type of uncorrected trauma to the spine. This trauma contrary to common belief does NOT have to be severe, it could just be simply learning to walk, stepping of a curb awkwardly, or even the birth process can cause trauma to the spine…the point is, it does not take a lot of force and pain to be noticed for our spines to be negatively affected.

The first “phase” of spinal decay is noticed by the loss of one or more of the proper spinal curvatures. With the loss of proper curvature the spine has less ability to turn, and bend than normal. Other areas of the spine and muscles of the spine often compensate, starting into motion a chain reaction of musculoskeletal health problems.

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By: Dr. Jake Simpson, DC

Chiropractic care during pregnancy should be an essential part of women’s pre-natal care.  Currently, chiropractic care is not traditionally thought of being included in most women’s pre-natal care plan.  However, we have begun to see an increase in the medical community referring to chiropractors for the management of not only back pain but to ensure an easier birthing process.  Here’s why…

There are an overwhelming number of women that have gone through or going through pregnancy that experience low back pain.  Pre-existing postural and mechanical imbalances that you had before pregnancy are likely to be overtaxed and heightened during the pregnancy process.  This is mostly due to the rapid growth of the baby and your body’s normal structural adaptations not keeping up, not to mention the biochemical changes that occur that cause ligament laxity.  Chiropractic care before and during pregnancy can help to relieve and prevent the common musculoskeletal disorders associated with pregnancy.  With proper spinal and pelvic alignment through chiropractic care you will be able to experience greater comforts and lifestyle improvements. 

Pre-Natal Care For The Baby

Regular pre-natal chiropractic care appointments can help increase comfort for the baby as well!  As your baby develops, greater stress is placed on the uterus and the ligaments suspending the uterus, this is known as uterine constraint.  If your pelvis and sacrum are out of balance in any way, the ligaments suspending the uterus are torqued and twisted in a way that puts constraint in the uterus thus preventing the developing baby from getting into the optimal position for an easier birth.  Read the rest of this entry →