Ice or Heat?

Low Back Pain: An Ice Pack or the Hot Tub?

Many patients perform some self-care when they first hurt their lower back, hoping this will keep them out of a doctor’s office. While home remedies can sometimes make the pain go away, sometimes they don’t. It just depends on what you try. When the back is first hurt, it’s often a sprain/strain type of injury with accompanying muscle spasm.

When a nerve in the low back becomes pinched or irritated, the body will protect the delicate nerves by keeping you from moving and risking further nerve injury. The easiest way for the body to do this is to cause the back muscles to spasm in the injured area.

Muscle pain can be quite severe and heat can sometimes soothe the pain. For this reason, many patients take to the heating pad or to the hot tub to try and get some relief. This should be avoided in an acute injury because inflammation is present. With inflammation, there is increased heat and the additional heat you provide is like adding gasoline to a fire. The results are usually not good.

A better choice with an acute injury is to ice the area, but this also needs to be done with some caution. The simplest ice pack is ice cubes placed in a plastic bag. While effective, you can cause a frostbite injury if you leave the pack on for too long. When you first ice the area, you will go through several phases before some pain relief is achieved. At first, the pack will feel cold. The next phase is a burning sensation and the ice will almost feel hot. This is followed by an aching or throbbing sensation. Just before the area is numbed, a very sharp pain will be experienced followed by the relief you desire. It can take between five to ten minutes to go through all of the phases.

Once numbness is achieved (in about 15 minutes), the pack should be removed. You should most definitely not fall asleep while the pack is on.

Of course, a visit to your chiropractor to get your spine checked is always a good idea. 

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What kind of headache?

What Are Cervicogenic Headaches?

Headaches are a very common problem that can have multiple causes ranging from stress to trauma. To make matters worse, there are MANY different types of headaches. One such type is the “cervicogenic headache” (others include migraines, cluster headaches, etc.).

The main distinction between the symptoms associated with cervicogenic headaches and those associated with migraine headaches are a lack of nausea, vomiting, aura (a pre-headache warning that a headache is about to strike), light and noise sensitivity, increased tearing with red eyes, one-sided head, neck, shoulder, and/or arm pain, and dizziness. The items listed above are primarily found in migraine headache sufferers. The following is a list of clinical characteristics common in those struggling with cervicogenic headaches:

• Unilateral (one-sided) head or face pain (rarely is it on both sides).
• Pain is localized or stays in one spot, usually the back of the head, frontal, temporal (side) or orbital (eye) regions.
• Moderate to severe pain intensity.
• Intermittent attacks of pain that last hours to days.
• Pain is usually deep, non-throbbing, unless migraines occur at the same time.
• Head pain is triggered by neck movement, sustained awkward head postures, applying deep pressure to the base of the skull or upper neck region, and/or taking a deep breath, cough or sneeze can trigger head pain.
• Limited neck motion with stiffness.

Infrequently, the cervicogenic headache sufferer can present with migraines at the same time and have both presentations making it more challenging to diagnose.

The cause of cervicogenic headaches can be obvious such as trauma (sports injury, whiplash, slip and fall), or not so obvious, like poor posture. A forward head posture can increase the relative weight applied to the back of the neck and upper back as much as 2x-4x normal. Last month, we discussed the intimate relationship between the upper two cervical vertebra (C1 & C2) and an anatomical connection to the covering of the spinal cord (the dura) as giving rise to cervicogenic headaches. In summary, the upper three nerves innervate the head and any pressure on those upper nerves can result in a cervicogenic headache. Doctors of chiropractic are trained to examine, identify, and treat these types of potentially debilitating headaches.

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Thanksgiving

It's Thanksgiving time, and in staying with custom, we'd like to share with you a few things we are truly grateful for this year.  Here's a short list...

We're thankful for Subluxatation free spines, mobile joints and healthy sagital curves.  Supple muscles with elastic flexibility.  Unimpeded nerve systems, through which the gift of innate intelligence flows, coordinating all the functions that sustain Life.  An abundance of eager referrals, standing room only orientations and miracle testimonials.  We're especially grateful for our Principle, and the many lives that have been saved by its faithful application.

But most of all we're thankful for all our patients, staff and ChiropracTIC fanatics worldwide who, through their trust and unrelenting desire to advance Life, have come to appreciate these things as well.   Our practice is nothing without you - our Chiropractic family.  Have a blessed Thanksgiving, above down, inside and out.

Distributed with permission © The Weekly Sticky

Why Chiropractic?

Chiropractic Adjustments vs. Acupuncture vs. NSAIDs

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could assess three common types of treatment for neck and back pain to determine which is the most effective? Here is a look at three studies that compared three popular forms of care for chronic spinal pain to determine the short-term and more importantly, the LONG-TERM benefits of chiropractic manipulation, acupuncture, and non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, like Advil).

The FIRST published study included a pilot group of 77 patients complaining of chronic spinal pain (neck, mid-back, or low-back pain). These patients were separated into one of the three treatment groups and received either NSAIDs, acupuncture, or chiropractic manipulation. Patients received care for four weeks with outcome measures (questionnaires) used to assess changes in pain and disability. After a 30-day time frame, only patients who received chiropractic manipulation (CM) reached a level of statistically significant improvement, supporting CM to offer the best SHORT-TERM BENEFITS for those with chronic back/neck pain.

The SECOND study included 115 patients, again randomized, to receive either one of the same three treatments, but this time the outcome data was gathered two, five, and nine weeks after the start of treatment. Again, those who received chiropractic manipulation (CM) experienced the best overall improvement at nine weeks.

The THIRD study involved follow-up from the same patient group from the SECOND study two years later. Once again, participants completed outcome assessments that measure pain and disability. This time, the results showed that only patients in the chiropractic manipulation group maintained long-term improvements in pain and disability.

There have been other studies looking at the efficacy and benefits of SMT (spinal manipulative therapy) both in comparison with other forms of care (as presented here) as well as with different conditions or diagnoses. Perhaps the most exciting results were published in 2008 by the International Bone and Joint Decade 2000-2010 Task Force on Neck Pain.

They divided patients into four groups (Group 1: Neck pain with little to no interference with activities of daily living – ADLs; Group 2: Neck pain that limits ADLs; Group 3: Neck pain with radiculopathy or radiating arm pain from a pinched nerve; Group 4: Neck pain with serious pathology such as cancer, fracture, infection, and/or systemic disease.)

The researchers concluded that chiropractic care was highly recommended especially in Grades 1 and 2 (which includes the majority of neck pain sufferers). Interestingly, many multidisciplinary physician groups now incorporate chiropractic care as part of their “team” approach, which also offer pain management in the form of medications, injections, PT, and when necessary, surgery. They have seen the value of spinal manipulation for neck pain and often seek out chiropractic because it’s safe, beneficial, and cost effective.

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Fall Back...

What do subluxations and the end of Daylight Savings Time have in common? Both leave you with less light! When you break the word down into its roots, SUB-LUX-ATION you get “SUB” – which means less than normal, “LUX” – which is a Latin root for light and "ATION” – is a state of being. So figuratively, the definition of subluxation is a state or condition of less LIGHT or power.

Subluxations occur when spinal bones misalign and restrict the normal flow of “light” through the spinal cord and nerves. The effect… your body gets less of the Life energy it needs from the nerve system to maintain health and vitality. When Chiropractors locate and correct subluxations, they unblock the light so it flows freely through your nerve system, illuminating every cell, tissue and organ in your body.

If sub-lux-ations produce darkness in your health, Chiropractic adjustments bring EN-LIGHTEN-MENT. So don’t let the upcoming shorter, darker days get you down. Fall back into a healthy routine with Chiropractic. Life is bright when you’re subluxation free.

Distributed with permission © The Weekly Sticky

Pregnancy and Chiropractic, really?

Can Pregnant Women Receive Chiropractic Care?

Pregnancy is a beautiful experience, and we all want to provide the best environment for both mom and baby. The question of whether or not chiropractic care is safe during pregnancy is frequently raised by the newly-expectant mother as she plans for a healthy pregnancy. Chiropractic care during the nine-month time frame is a common practice, as many moms require professional care for biomechanical complaints (most notably back pain) or they simply want to feel “their best.”

A “normal” pregnancy is defined as “about 40 weeks, ranging between 37 and 42 weeks from the point of fertilization to delivery.” It’s the “norm” NOT to know exactly when fertilization happens, so we typically calculate the expected gestation period from the point of the woman’s last normal menstrual period. During the first trimester (the three-month period starting on the first day of the last menstrual period through the thirteenth week), the fertilized egg implants into the womb. This period of time is usually asymptomatic unless morning sickness occurs. Because the mom is often unaware of being pregnant, medication use and alcohol intake should be carefully watched FROM THE MOMENT SHE STARTS TRYING TO BECOME PREGNANT!

During the second trimester (the fourteenth to the twenty-seventh week), most women feel GREAT! No more morning sickness, increased energy, and by now, fetal movements are a pleasured sensation! Ultrasound during this time will be able to detect any problems, as well as identify the child’s sex.

The third trimester starts at the twenty-eighth week and finishes with the birth of the child. As the baby grows to fill the womb, the mom usually becomes more uncomfortable, especially in the last two to three weeks when the contractions begin that are needed to move the child down into the birth canal in preparation for birth. A vaginal delivery usually occurs within 24 hours of labor, and if labor does not occur by week 42, it may be induced by using medications that purposely initiate labor (such as pitocin).

With this as a foundation, chiropractic offers the pregnant mom many benefits. First regarding safety, a 2009 literature review found 33 references on this subject and concluded the results revealed a favorable outcome regarding the use and safety of chiropractic care throughout pregnancy. The authors concluded that chiropractic is a safe and effective means of treating common musculoskeletal complaints that often affect pregnant women. The use of chiropractic includes (but may not be limited to): making the pregnant mom feel more comfortable during her pregnancy, helping to facilitate an uncomplicated labor and delivery process, and to help control low back, mid back, and/or neck pain during the nine-month process. They reported that 50% of all pregnant women experience back pain during their pregnancy and 50-75% experience back pain during labor. The study points out that only 21% of pregnant women with back pain consult their medical physician about it. More than seven out of ten expectant mothers in a study who sought chiropractic treatment for back pain benefited from care. There are also special techniques that enable a breech baby to move into a head down position all by themselves. Many times, OB/GYN's and midwives will refer the pregnant mother to a DC trained in such techniques to help avoid a c-section. 

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What is Chiropractic and how does it work?

How Does Chiropractic Work?

Many people seek chiropractic care when their back goes out or their neck tightens up. But how does this form of care actually work? What are the benefits of receiving chiropractic care for nerve dysfunction compared with other healthcare options? Let’s take a look!

First, let’s discuss how the nervous system “works.” We have three divisions of the nervous system: the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems. The central nervous system (CNS) includes the brain and spinal cord, and it’s essentially the main processing portion of the nervous system. The spinal cord is like a multi-lane highway that brings information to the brain for processing (sensory division) and returns information back to the toes, feet, legs, and upper extremities from which the information originated (motor division). For example, hiking on a mountain trail or simply walking requires constant input to and from the CNS so we can adjust our balance accordingly and not fall. These “sensory-motor pathways” are essential and allow us to complete our daily tasks in an efficient, safe manner as information is constantly bouncing back and forth between the brain and the rest of the body.

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) includes a similar sensory/motor “two-way street” system relaying information back and forth from our toes/feet/legs and fingers/hands/arms to the spinal cord (CNS). And if this isn’t complicated enough, we also have “reflexes” that, for example, allow us to QUICKLY pull our hand away from a hot stove to minimize burning our fingers.

Reflexes allow the information to “skip” the brain’s processing part so quicker reactions can occur. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) includes the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions that basically “run” our automatic (organ) functions like breathing, heart rate, digestion, hormonal output, and more. There is constant communication between the ANS, PNS, and CNS that allow us to function in a normal, balanced way… unless something disrupts them.

There are obvious conditions that interfere with this communication process that include (but are not limited to) diabetes (with neuropathy), frost bitten or burned fingers, peripheral nerve damage from conditions like carpal/cubital tunnel syndromes, thoracic outlet syndrome, and/or pinched nerves in the neck, mid-back, low-back spinal regions, as well as conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Guillain-Barre Syndrome, after a stroke (spinal cord or brain), and after trauma with resulting fractures where nerve, spinal cord, and/or brain damage can occur. These are “obvious” reasons for delayed or blocked neurotransmission.

There are many other less obvious injuries or conditions that can result in faulty neuromotor patterns and nerve transmission of which chiropractic services can benefit. The “subluxation complex” is a term some chiropractors use to describe the compromised nerve transmission that may occur if a nerve is compressed or irritated due to faulty bone or joint position along the nerve’s course. Reducing such nerve compression typically allows for a restoration of function. A good illustration of this is a patient who suffers from a herniated disk in the neck with numbness and tingling down the arm to the hand. The goal of treatment (for all healthcare professionals) is to remove the pinch of the nerve.

To realize this goal, doctors of chiropractic utilize spinal manipulation and mobilization in addition to other non-surgical, non-drug approaches that may include exercises, nutritional advice, home-care such as a cervical traction unit, and other anti-inflammatory measures (ice, modalities like low level and class IV laser, electric stimulation, pulsed magnetic field, and more). Given the minimal side-effect risks and well-reported benefits, it only makes sense to try chiropractic FIRST and if you’re not satisfied, your doctor will help you find the next level of care.

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Chiropractic Foundation

A house built on a strong foundation lasts.  The same goes for your health.  If you want a healthy body for Life, you need to build it on a solid foundation of health care that can support it for a long time.

Chiropractic's foundation is its Principle which acknowledges we all possess an intelligent, vitalistic force within us that maintains our existence and keeps our bodies working in perfect order. When this Power is allowed to express itself 100%, we have health. When the Power is interfered with, we have Dis-Ease. Eating properly is important, and so is exercise... but if the Power doesn't flow, your whole house will crumble.

  Health built on a foundation of drug therapy is risky and cannot stand for long. Health build on a foundation that supports the innate wisdom of the body, can weather any storm. What foundation is your health standing on?

Distributed with permission © The Weekly Sticky

Why am I dizzy?

Balance & Dizziness

Many people seek chiropractic care for low back, mid-back, neck pain, and pain in the extremities, but what about balance and/or dizziness, as they often go together? Can chiropractic management help people suffering from frequent falls due to balance and/or dizziness problems? Let’s take a look!

When considering treatment for balance, we must talk about the “proprioceptive system.” The way the body “communicates” between all the various body parts is by proprioceptors—which are located in skeletal muscles and joint capsules—that relay information to the brain. This information from the various body parts is then integrated with incoming information from the vestibular system (inner ear). The brain also relies heavily on the cerebellum located in the back of the head, which is largely responsible for coordinating the unconscious (automatic) aspects of proprioception. The ability to maintain balance, such as when standing on one leg (eyes open and closed), is dependent on the ability for the ALL THREE of these systems to work properly, and like any other skill, “…practice makes perfect!” Please try standing on one leg and then shut your eyes. Can you feel your ankle, foot, leg, and the rest of your body struggle to keep you balanced? For those of us under age 60, it’s “normal” to be able to balance on one foot with eyes closed for 25 seconds (or 10 and 4 seconds if you are between 60-69 or, 70-79 years old, respectively)! Scary, isn’t it? But don’t feel bad, as most of us can’t do this at first. With practice and the right exercises, you will be able to do it. Your “kinesthetic sense” CAN BE improved, and your doctor of chiropractic can guide you in the process. So, how does dizziness fit into this picture? Let’s talk about the ear!

Our ears have two jobs: hearing and balance. The outer ear catches sound and funnels it to the eardrum which vibrates and moves three little bones that transmit the information to the cochlea and finally to the brain allowing us to hear sound. Deep inside the ear is the “vestibular apparatus,” which is the organ of equilibrium that assists in balance. Here, three semi-circular canals are filled with fluid and two sac-like structures located at the base called the utricule and saccule. The fluid in the canals flows past little hair-like structures that are connected to nerves that relay information to the brain, telling it where we are in space (horizontal—laying down, vertical—standing) and if we’re moving forwards/accelerating or moving up/down (like in an elevator).

There are little tiny “stones” in these two sacs that move the little hair-like structures but they can dislodge into the canal and alter the flow of fluid (like a rock sticking out of a flowing river creating eddy currents), which alters the direction the little hairs bend, resulting in vertigo or dizziness as the brain is receiving conflicting information from the hairs bending in multiple/different directions. This is called “BPPV” (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo), which is brief episodes of vertigo immediately following a change in head position such as rolling over in bed, getting up from sitting or laying, etc. This is the most common cause of vertigo. If you Google “BPPV,” you will find different exercises that can move these little stones back into position (Brandt-Daroff and Epley’s maneuver), both of which work well often within a day or two. This is a good place to start, and if the balance/dizziness (vertigo) doesn’t improve, then you should consider other possibilities such as inner ear inflammation or acute vestibular neuritis, Meniere’s disease, vestibular migraine, acoustic neuroma, blood pressure issues, medication side effects, and more. Your chiropractor can teach you the BPPV exercises and perform cervical adjustments, which can also help significantly.

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What's the deal with leg length?

Chiropractic and Leg Length

Because the spinal cord is housed by the spine and the exiting nerve roots communicate with the autonomic nerves that basically run our organ function, maintaining alignment of the spine and pelvis is very important to minimize nerve irritation and subsequent health-related problems. The focus of this article is on leg length, its effect on our posture, methods of assessment, and treatment.

Leg length plays and important role in posture. When there is a difference in leg length, the pelvis cannot maintain a level position, and because the spine’s base is the pelvis, it cannot stay straight if there is a leg length discrepancy.

Doctors of all disciplines realize the importance of leg length, especially orthopedic surgeons as they consider a hip or knee replacement! There are many causes of leg length issues, and some include a genetic predisposition (inherited) or trauma during bone growth years.

From a treatment standpoint, a heel lift (with or without arch supports) can be placed into the shoe on the short leg side. Unfortunately, there is not a 1 to 1 mm correction of the leg length deficiency with heel lifts. In adults, it has been reported that about a 66% correction occurs, which means a 10 mm lift would result in around a 6.6mm leg length deficiency correction.

Many doctors have found that it is usually wise to GRADUALLY increase the amount of heel lifting, and so patients often start with a 5mm lift and at one week intervals, increase it to the next height, such as 7mm, followed by 9mm, and so on. At 12mm (0.5”), problems with the heel lift being pushed out of the shoe and/or sliding forwards in the shoe may prohibit the use of these thicker lifts after which point the bottom of the shoe can be built up by a shoe cobbler (some services can be found online as well).

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Nursing helps to reduce stress.

Did You Know? Breastfeeding can help mothers relax and handle stress better. Skin-to-skin contact with your baby has a soothing effect.

Both short and long-term stress can affect your body. In fact, stress can make us more likely to get our spines out of alignment (or subluxated) and of, course more likely to get sick. It can also make problems we already have worse. It can play a part in a range of issues, including trouble sleeping, stomach problems, headaches, and mental health conditions.

Try to listen to your body so that you can tell when stress is affecting your health, and take these steps to feel better!

If your baby is having difficulty with latching on, losing suction, reflux or colic - be sure to have them checked by a chiropractor who specializes in pediatric care.

• Get adjusted!  It has been reposted that getting adjusted can increase your immune system by 60-200% with just one adjustment!   
• A therapist can help you work through stress and find better ways to deal with problems. For more serious stress-related disorders, like post-traumatic stress disorder, therapy can be helpful. 
• Relax - It's important to unwind in a way that works for you. Try a bubble bath, deep breathing, yoga, meditation, and massage therapy. If you can't do these things, take a few minutes to sit, listen to soothing music, or read a book.
• Sleep - Your stress could get worse if you don't get enough sleep. It is hard to fight off illness when you sleep poorly. With enough sleep, it is easier to cope with challenges and stay healthy. Try to get seven to nine hours of sleep every night. If you can't, try to sleep when the baby sleeps.
• Eat right - Try to fuel up with fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains. 
• Get moving - Physical activity not only helps relieve your tense muscles, but helps your mood too! Your body makes certain chemicals, called endorphins, before and after you exercise. These relieve stress and improve your mood.  
• Talk to friends - Friends can be good listeners. Finding someone who will let you talk freely about your problems and feelings without judging you does a world of good. It also helps to hear a different point of view. Friends will remind you that you're not alone.
• Keep a journal - Write down your thoughts. Have you ever typed an email to a friend about your lousy day and felt better afterward? Why not grab a pen and paper and write down what's going on in your life! Keeping a journal can be a great way to get things off your chest and work through issues.
• Get a hobby - Find something you enjoy. Make sure to give yourself time to explore your interests.
• Set limits - Figure out what you can really do. There are only so many hours in the day. Set limits with yourself and others. Don't be afraid to say no to requests for your time and energy.
• Plan your time - Think ahead about how you're going to spend your time. Write a to-do list. Figure out which tasks are the most important to do.
• Don't deal with stress in unhealthy ways - This includes drinking too much alcohol, using drugs, or smoking, all of which can harm the baby. It is also unhealthy to overeat in response to stress.
• AND GET ADJUSTED.   
• Schedule online

Forget Someone at Home?

Chiropractor - “Hey Mary, where are your kids?”   Mary - “I left them at home, they don’t have any back pain…”  Chiropractor - “That might be true, but do they have Subluxations?”

Studies show that stress from the birth process alone is enough to produce pediatric Subluxations –  subtle, yet significant vetebral misalignments which alter normal nerve function in children.  And don't forget the stress they experience from falling off bikes, rough housing with siblings or just trying to fit in at school.  Kids are inherently Subluxation prone!

If you bring your kids to the dentist for preventative maintenance as soon as they get teeth, it only makes sense you bring them to the Chiropractor as soon as they get a spine.  In other words, don’t leave them at home… get them checked EARLY and REGULARLY for Subluxations.  You’re investing in their health and their future when you do.

Distributed with permission © The Weekly Sticky

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Happy Thanksgiving

It's Thanksgiving time, and in staying with custom, we'd like to share with you a few things we are truly grateful for this year.  Here's a short list...

We're thankful for Subluxatation free spines, mobile joints and healthy sagital curves.  Supple muscles with elastic flexibility.  Unimpeded nerve systems, through which the gift of innate intelligence flows, coordinating all the functions that sustain Life.  An abundance of eager referrals, standing room only orientations and miracle testimonials.  We're especially grateful for our Principle, and the many lives that have been saved by its faithful application.

But most of all we're thankful for all our patients, staff and ChiropracTIC fanatics worldwide who, through their trust and unrelenting desire to advance Life, have come to appreciate these things as well.   Our practice is nothing without you - our Chiropractic family.  Have a blessed Thanksgiving, above down, inside and out.

Distributed with permission © The Weekly Sticky

Schedule today www.drkarengardner.com

Flies and Garbage Cans

The Ever notice that flies like to congregate around dirty, neglected garbage cans?  You don’t usually see them swarming near clean ones. The same can be said for germs, bugs and viruses.

Germs are like flies... they’re opportunistic. Give them a dirty place to settle and they’ll multiply.  Provide a weak host and they’ll take advantage. But that’s not the case in clean, well kept environments.  BJ Palmer, the developer of Chiropractic said ‘if the germ theory was true, we would all be dead…’ He recognized that germs thrive in dis-eased (Subluxated) individuals who can’t fight back, not healthy strong ones.

If you keep your body tidy with proper hygiene, good nutrition and most important - a clear Nerve System, germs and bugs are less capable of taking up residence in you.  And if they make the mistake of trying too, you’re healthy well-adjusted body will give them the boot!

Distributed with permission © The Weekly Sticky

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Zombies Among Us

What do zombies and the chronically Subluxated have in common?  Both are doomed to aimlessly wander the earth more DEAD - than fully ALIVE!

It’s common for those suffering with chronic Subluxations to feel tired, fatigued and disinterested in Life - like they’re barely existing.  If left undetected, chronic Subluxations interfere with the normal flow of power in your Nerve System, leaving you physically, mentally and emotionally drained.  The result: you end up walking around in a trance-like state, clueless to the fact that you’d feel more alive if you simply got adjusted.

Do you know someone who’s meandering through life like the walking dead?  Nothing’s scarier than living hopelessly in a ‘zombie-like-fog’ because of Subluxations.  Reach out and tell them how Chiropractic care can transform them from the walking dead to the well-adjusted!

Distributed with permission © The Weekly Sticky

Schedule an appointment today www.drkarengardner.com

Nothing Organic about it

Spray pesticides on an apple and it’s no longer organic.  Add a drop of oil to a glass of spring water and it’s no longer pure. Most Americans detest the idea of dumping chemicals in a pristine, natural environment.  But why not have the same aversion when it comes to getting the flu shot?

Maybe it’s because you don’t realize what’s in it: Mercury (a known neurotoxin in the form of Thimerisol), Glycol (a component in antifreeze) and Formaldehyde (the stuff they preserve cadavers with).  If you dumped those chemicals in your local water supply you’d get arrested.  But every year, unknowing Americans line up at their local pharmacy to get this stuff injected into their veins.

Given the choice to eat an organic apple vs. one blasted with toxic chemicals, you know which one you’d rather take a bite out of.  Question is, would you take a bite out of yourself after getting injected with the ingredients in the flu shot?  There are natural, alternative ways to boost your immune system and protect yourself from the flu. Ask your Chiropractor what they are so you can keep your body ORGANIC this season.

Distributed with permission © The Weekly Sticky

Fight for Yourself

It's that time of year again.  Lines will soon form outside of every corner prescription retailer.  The water cooler conversions about 'getting your shot' will become more common place.  It's flu season - so let the fear begin.

If you pay close attention, you'll discern the patronizing message behind Big Pharma's campaign during the up coming (and likely worst yet) flu season. You're not smart enough - follow our commercials... You're too weak - trust our shots... Your body doesn't stand a chance of making it by itself - depend on our pills and potions.  NOTHING about your body's innate ability to adapt to its environment.  NOTHING about the intimate relationship between neurology and immunology.  NOTHING about how capable you truly are of getting through the 'season' on your own.

Don't let the flu season fear mongers bully you into thinking you're not good enough to survive without their help.  Start training for the fight now with good nutrition, proper rest and exercise and last but not least, keeping your Nerve System strong and clear.  Keep calm, your Chiropractor believes in you.

Distributed with permission © The Weekly Sticky

Plaque and Chiropractic

If you eat, you're going to develop plaque on your teeth - it's inevitable.  But if you brush regularly, you can keep the plaque from building up... thus avoiding the formation of cavities and decay that result from neglect.

Likewise if you move, you're going to develop subluxations in your spine - it's inevitable.  But if you get checked and adjusted regularly, you can keep the spinal fixations from setting up... thus avoiding abnormal nerve tension and the spinal degeneration that also comes from neglect.

Whether you like it or not, plaque and subluxations happen - it comes with being human.  The only other options to avoid them are to not eat or move.  But what kind of existence would that be?  It's better to keep these byproducts of Living in check with regular, professional maintenance care. Schedule your check up www.drkarengardner.com

Distributed with permission © The Weekly Sticky

Natural Flu Prevention

The Best Defense is a Good Offense! Boost your immune system, naturally.

It's that time of year again.  A time when we are bombarded with ads and promotions to get the flu shot.  I won't go into a long explanation of why the shot simply doesn't work or what toxic chemicals are also injected into your bloodstream when you get the shot.  You can Google a thousand pages that will explain that for you. 

But, I will tell you what you can do NATURALLY to prevent the flu.  There's so much to say for a properly working immune system.  It can fight off almost anything.  The items I list in this FLU ALERT are the very things I do for myself and my family to ensure the best NATURAL immunity possible.  

First and foremost, the most important factor in a properly functioning immune system is a properly functioning NERVOUS SYSTEM.  The ONLY way to achieve this is through - you guessed it - regular chiropractic adjustments. 

So, as you may have expected, I am recommending that you and your family (or whomever wants to improve their immune system) get on a regular schedule of adjustments.  What's regular?  One to Two adjustments per month during Flu season.  That's it.  We can always bump it up if you know you've been around someone with the flu or who was recently vaccinated.  

Here's to a healthier you!  See you soon.                             Schedule Your Check Up Now.

P.S. Wash your hands often.  

NET Flu Immune #12   

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Homeopathic Flu PREVENTION & Relief

No one wants to get the flu.  Most people I know don't want the flu shot - it's not very effective.  So what can you do to prevent the flu for you and your family this and every flu season?

Well, I'll always tell you that getting adjusted boosts your immune system naturally...by up to 200%!  So keep getting adjusted!

In between your adjustments you can use the NET Remedy #12 called Flu Immune.  Just 6 sprays (for adults, less for kids) one time per week is all you need.  One bottle will last all season for your entire family.  It's safe for everyone! 

When you buy your bottle through this link and I'll have it waiting for you on your next visit.  I can also ship it to you, but you'll have to pay shipping.  

I've already had to order a second case of this amazing stuff because I can't keep it in stock.  

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Immune Strength Essential Oil Blend

The same formula as the Popular "Thieves" oil at a fraction of the cost! 

When you come to my office during flu season, you will smell THIS essential oil being diffused on a regular basis. In between my own schedule of adjustments, I make sure I boost my immune system with this amazing oil blend.  I even sent a bottle with my daughter to college.  She's boosting her immune system and her friends LOVE how her dorm room smells - how many people can say that?  

You can get your own bottle for $15.  That's it!  

 

P.S. I add this Oil Blend to my natural soap so each time I wash my hands (which is a lot  - especially during flu season) I get an added benefit!

Raindrop Therapy  

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Relaxing 45-60 min immune enhancing massage using 9 essential oils

The major effects of Raindrop Technique are:

• Kill bacteria and viruses hibernating along the length of the spine.
• Relieve inflammation and pain.
• Soothe the nervous system.
• Unwind tight and sore muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
• Balance and harmonize the energy and structural systems of the body.
• Produce deep relaxation and facilitate the release of stubborn emotions.
• Enhance immunity and cleanse the body of toxins.

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Do babies get cracked, too....uh...I mean adjusted?

Babies get adjusted.  Eggs get cracked.  There's a HUGE difference.

Do babies get adjusted?

Of course they do!  Keep in mind that it's VERY different than how I adjusted you.  In fact, light pressure is about all it takes! 

Let me answer some of the most frequent questions I get about pediatric chiropractic.

• Why should my baby have a check up?

Some of the most common reasons new moms have me check out their little ones is to make sure they didn't sustain any trauma from birth.  This ensures a super healthy advantage to the vast amount of growing they are going to do.

• What are some things that I should look for?

Does your baby have trouble with nursing, with latching on? This is quite common and extremely easy to check and correct.

Colic, reflux and constipation are also quite common in many newborns.  These conditions  respond extremely well to chiropractic care, usually in a very short period of time, too!

• What if my baby doesn't have any issues?  Does he or she still need a check up?

I always recommend a newborn check up.  Here's a good guideline to follow regarding regular check ups:

• At Birth
• Upon developing good control of the head (around 2 months)
• Upon sitting unsupported (about 4 months)
• Upon crawling (about 6 months)
• Upon standing (about 9 months)
• Upon walking (about 11-12 months)

• I would be honored to care for you baby!  Please let me know if you have any questions.  Schedule your baby's checkup today.  
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