Chiropractors Help Lower Back Strain Recovery

Chiropractors can help relieve lower back pain without surgery or drugs.

When the lower back muscles or ligaments are damaged, it causes severe lower back pain. The most common complaint of people who visit a chiropractor is lower back pain which can be acute and disabling. Without immediate treatment this damaged area can develop into chronic back pain. This is why it is important for complete recovery that you visit to a chiropractor as soon as possible.

Types of Lower Back Strain

Muscle strain and lumbar strain are the two most common types of lower back strain. Muscle strain is commonly known as a pulled muscle. When the lower back muscles are torn or stretched too far it causes severe lower back pain. As with a muscle strain, if the ligaments, which are very tough and fibrous and connect the bones together, are torn or stretched too far, they are referred to as lumbar strain.

Symptoms

Lower back strain symptoms may vary and may range from mild to severe pain. They may include the following:

Localized lower back pain
Areas which are tender in the lower back
A pain that suddenly develops
Muscle spasms
Diminishing pain when resting

Treatment

Whenever a muscle or ligament is injured, the area becomes inflamed leading to a spasm. It can be very painful, even leading to immobility, if this happens in the back. A chiropractor can stabilize the area by ensuring that the spine is able to support the muscles and ligaments of the lower back by being properly aligned. Inflammation of the area can be decreased by applying ice and blood flow to the area encouraged with the application of heat. Improving knowledge by learning the correct lifting methods to prevent injury from occurring again.

You should not hesitate to seek chiropractic care if you have experienced a lower back pain. Give Innovative Chiropractic a call. Our office in Mill Creek, WA is open. We can help you back to overall health and wellness without using drugs or surgery.

Who Should See a Sports Chiropractor?

Athletes of all abilities can benefit from a sports chiropractor.

Chiropractic care can benefit any athlete whether professional or hoping to be. People who enjoy recreational sports and are not in the professional athletic world will also find these treatments of great help. After all, the body can be damaged at any level by constant and intense physical activity. It requires regular treatment and maintenance to treat this wear and tear. Sports chiropractic is a good option for you, whether you are experiencing pain or just want to improve your game.

The Benefits of Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care was founded in the 1800’s and this form of medicine has continued to grow in popularity because it really works. The world’s third largest group of medical professionals are made up of Chiropractors.

Chiropractic treatment is considered by many athletes to be their secret weapon against their competition as it gives them an advantage.

What are the actual advantages of sports chiropractic care?

It Eases Pain

Without a doubt, playing sports and living an athletic lifestyle can really tax the body, but this damage can be undone, and the body freed of pain with chiropractic treatment.

Nerves, muscles, discs and ligaments are all connected to the human spine, and if not aligned correctly, they can place stress and strain on these tissues.

The good news is that strain, and the pain it causes, can be relieved by professional adjustments to the spine.

Drugs are not Required, and it is Non-invasive

There is no mistake in the facts, chiropractic care is more effective than painkillers. You should see a sports chiropractor if you are in pain, and don’t want to take dangerous prescription pills, or risk having an operation. It is completely safe and non-invasive to have chiropractic adjustments.

A Wide Range of Sports Injuries can be Treated

Chiropractic care can help you whether your athletic routine includes high-impact or low-impact activity. Here are some conditions which it relieves.

Back Pain

An athletic chiropractor can relieve pressure and pain completely by manipulating the spine. Back pain is very common among athletes, but, with regular visits to a chiropractor it doesn’t have to be. Using chiropractic treatments as the first line of defense against back pain is, in fact, supported by 2017 medical reports.

Headaches

After an intense workout, exercise headaches can occur, and athletes may also get them as a result of head and neck injuries. By treating the source of the pain with chiropractic adjustments, instant relief from headaches can be achieved.

Ankle Injuries

Ankle sprains and other ankle injuries can be effectively treated with regular chiropractic treatment. It can also improve ankle function and increase its range of movement. The Sports Chiropractor will make minor adjustments to the bones of the foot and ankle resulting in healing and strengthening.

It Improves Performance

It is a known fact that chiropractic care improves the body’s range of movement, preventing injuries. That is why athletes will find a noticeable improvement in their level of performance. An athlete’s body is able to reach its fullest potential when it is properly aligned and pain free.

Visit a Sports Chiropractor Today

Chiropractic treatments can successfully treat sports injuries enhancing the range of movement in athletes, giving them an advantage over their competitors. You can experience improved performance with the right treatment and less pain in next to no time. If you’re in the Lynnwood, WA area and you want to know more, contact us anytime.

Is a Sports Chiropractor Right for You?

Improve your workplace health with five easy tips.

If athletics is a major part of your life and if you have ever experienced injuries or discomfort from playing sports, then you should consider chiropractic care. Regular treatments from a sports chiropractor can give you many benefits including pain relief and improved performance.

We have listed below what a sports chiropractor does, what credentials they should have, and how they are able to help you.

What is a Sports Chiropractor?

A Sports Chiropractor is a qualified medical practitioner who uses chiropractic medicine to treat injuries that are sports related, as well as preventing new injuries from occurring.

Although some people consider chiropractic care for athletes an “alternative medicine” it is still, nevertheless, a very common and safe practice.

A good sports chiropractor will have an extensive knowledge of sports and sport related injuries. Their interest in sports could have led them to specialize in athletic chiropractic medicine. Their passion motivating them to help athletes perform at their best.

A good sports chiropractor will consider the wellness of your entire body, not just the area of injury.

What Credentials Should a Sports Chiropractor have?

Sports chiropractors have a doctorate degree in chiropractic care, meaning they are Doctors of Chiropractic Medicine.

They study at an accredited institution, taking four years to complete the rigorous training. Thousands of hours are spent in the classroom by these doctors, as well as time in laboratories and clinical internships. A comprehensive knowledge of the human body is acquired by each student as a result of all this training.

The courses chiropractic students’ study are, anatomy, pathology, physics, biochemistry, nutrition and more. With safety being a priority throughout their training, students learn how to adjust patients’ mid-backs, lower backs and cervical regions.

There are four parts to the exam to become a licensed practitioner. The first part is written in their second year in school. More advanced areas are covered by the second exam taken in the third year and parts three and four soon after graduation.

Would you like to know more? Feel free to contact Innovative Chiropractic anytime.

5 Things You Can Do Sitting at Your Desk to Dramatically Improve Your Health

Improve your workplace health with five easy tips.

A study by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics found in 2016 that Americans spend an average of 39% of their day sitting down. Some, such as accountants, spend more than 80% of their day sitting. It’s not surprising that we have more headaches, muscle stiffness and pain in the neck, shoulder and back than ever before. Fortunately, there are five things you can do to improve your health without quitting your job.

1. Do a Neck Stretch

Instead of trying to pull your neck down to your chest, which can actually do more harm than good, hold on to the collarbone on the side of your neck that you want to stretch. Now gently pull down as you tilt your head in the opposite direction, away from your hands. turn your head away looking over your shoulder for an additional stretch.

After holding for 20 seconds, repeat with the other side.

Try to do 3 sets on each side every hour.

The combination of counter pressure from your hands while tilting and turning your head should relieve any tension you are feeling in your neck.

2. Position Your Screen Higher

Most of us have our screens too low on our desks, causing us to slouch or hunch over to see what we are doing. Instead of moving your body to match your screen, shift your computer to suit your body. Sit with the correct posture in your chair and position your screen so that you need to look up slightly at what you are doing.

3. Take Your Breaks

If your employer allows short breaks and mealtimes, eating lunch at your desk or never leaving your chair for eight straight hours does not do you any favors.

Even if your employer has no structured break policy, set an hourly reminder to stand up, walk around, stretch your body and get back to work. This will reset your posture, restore blood flow and make you feel refreshed.

4. Make Sure You Don’t Favor One Side

Change your desk layout monthly so that you face a different direction. You are more likely to develop shoulder, neck and back problems if you favor one side.

5. Drink More Water

It has been shown that drinking more water can relieve some headache symptoms caused by dehydration, which is something most of us experience. Water maintains your brain function, lubricates your joints and keeps your digestive system working the way it should.

Having a desk job doesn’t mean you are doomed to a life of aches and pains. Doing these 5 simple things will improve your health and free you from pain. Let Innovative Chiropractic do the rest. Call today to schedule a consultation.

Top 4 Reasons for Chiropractic Care After an Auto Accident

Chiropractic care after an auto accident can be very effective.

Many people think of spinal adjustment whenever a chiropractor is mentioned. However, chiropractic treatment offers so much more. After suffering an auto accident injury almost everyone’s first choice is drugs and surgery. However, we believe the best choice is a chiropractic doctor who specializes in the treatment of this type of physical trauma. A chiropractor is able to provide the critical care treatment for conditions such as lumbar strain, whiplash and many more. Here are some of the benefits of chiropractic care after an auto accident.

1. Reduce Inflammation

A frequent injury in car accidents are the micro tears in the muscles and ligaments. Unfortunately, these do not show up on an x-ray. The main reason why most people wake up to excruciating pain after a car crash are these micro tears. By manipulating the spinal cord to realign it, a chiropractic doctor is able to aid the body in triggering an anti-inflammatory response which will help to decrease inflammation and pain.

2. Reduce Scar Tissue

Scar tissue can develop in the muscles of the body after a car accident causing discomfort and stiffness. The damaged tears can be targeted with Chiropractic care helping faster break up of scar tissue allowing the injured person to heal quicker and correctly.

3. Restoring Motion

A back or neck injury after a car accident will result in inflammation spreading through the body adding more problems. The healing process is slowed down because nutrients and blood are unable to reach those parts of the body. An adjustment from a chiropractor can accelerate the healing process.

4. Chiropractic Treatment Relieves Stress

A car crash is very stressful especially if you are in pain. When exposed to shock the body responds with anxiety, depression and stress. After chiropractic treatment, the levels of cortisol are significantly lowered, an indication of reduced stress. Patients undergoing chiropractic treatment have reported a better quality of life as well as reduced pain.

You may think that you are physically okay immediately after an auto accident, but you will probably experience pain in your back, neck and head days, week, or even months later. The value of chiropractic care should not be underestimated. Whether you have minor inflexibility or unbearable pain, a visit to a chiropractor such as Innovative Chiropractic will be of great benefit to your overall wellbeing. Contact us today and be on your way to a speedy recovery.

7 New Year’s Resolutions for a Healthy Spine

Make 2020 the year of a healthy spine!

It’s the start of the New Year and this is the time to start thinking about how to make significant changes to improve your health. If you would like to improve the health of your spine as well as your overall wellness try these seven steps.

Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. There are many benefits to exercising for as little as 30 minutes a day. Besides decreasing your risk of obesity and diabetes you will also find you have a less back pain, migraine and other neuro-musculoskeletal symptoms.
Deep Breathing. Reduce stress with long walks, meditation and by taking breaks throughout the day. By lowering your stress levels, you strengthen your immune system and experience less chronic pain.
Laugh a lot. Laughter is the best medicine. Besides reducing mental stress, laughter also sets off a surge of healthy physical reactions. Studies show that the heart, lungs and muscles are stimulated by laughter. An added bonus is that laughter releases of a burst of endorphins.
Greens are good for you. It has been shown that patients with back pain have benefited from eating spinach, lentils and beans which are high in magnesium. To minimize your risk of osteoarthritis you need to consume cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and kale.
Quit smoking. You increase your risk of spinal conditions and arthritis by cigarette smoking. Cutting out smoking has been linked to a reduction in spinal pain.
Lose weight. All that extra weight you are carrying increases the burden on your spine and joints making you more prone to disc herniation, osteoarthritis and sciatica.
See a chiropractor. Your spine has an important part to play in your general health by making sure your nervous system is functioning efficiently. Chiropractors are spinal specialists who, besides relieving pain from spinal conditions, they can also help in improving your overall health. Chiropractic adjustments have been shown to not only reduce the stress hormone cortisol but to also boost the levels of infection fighting antibodies in the body.

Ready to take the next step to a healthy spine and better overall health as well? Come visit Innovative Chiropractic in our Mill Creek, WA office and start the new year right by taking care of yourself.

Why It’s a Good Idea to Visit Your Chiropractor for Headaches

Chronic headaches or migraines? Consider chiropractic treatment for relief.

We have all suffered the pounding and throbbing of a headache pain at some stage. They occur every now and again for most people, but some people suffer from chronic headaches which can result in their work, relationships and general health being affected.

What Causes Headache Pain?

Many patients come to us hoping to find relief from migraines or tension headache pain, but what is the difference?

A tension headache begins in your neck and the pain extends to your jaw, the middle of the back of your head and your temples. They can be pounding and cause intense pain, but the good news is that they respond well to chiropractic.

Despite what many people believe not all severe headaches are migraines. Migraines are in fact a special type of headache with neurological or vascular components and some migraines even have both. People can often have a migraine without having a headache. Nausea, vomiting, seeing spots floating in the visual field and even speech problems are some of the symptoms. Sometimes a severe migraine may even appear to be a stroke. Migraines frequently respond to chiropractic treatment depending on the type of migraine, how severe it is and what triggered it.

How Can Chiropractic Help Relieve Headaches?

Chiropractic can help relieve headache pain by carefully and gently improving the alignment of the spine and the natural curve of your neck, encouraging the bones of the spine to move better. The nerves from your spine that control your muscles work more effectively when these two things happen, allowing normal muscle tone to return. The muscles that you may have felt going into spasm before an adjustment should begin to relax. A trigger point is when those spasms in your muscles send pain messages to your head. Very often tension headache pain is caused by trigger points in the shoulders, upper back and neck.

If you suffer from chronic headaches and you are looking for relief, contact us at Innovative Chiropractic for an appointment. We look forward to helping you on your way to wellness.

How to Manage Holiday STRESS

Don’t let holiday stress give you headaches, neck aches and migraines! Let Innovative Chiropractic show you a better way.

OMG (Oh My Gosh!) the seasonal rush has started and there’s a lot to get done before Christmas. There’s shopping, baking, parties, decorating and entertaining. The demands seem endless! A common complaint at Innovative Chiropractic is about tension in the neck and shoulders which can lead to headaches and migraines. For all our Mill Creek neighbors and friends all over Washington, here are our recommendations for overcoming holiday stress.

Set realistic expectations of what an ideal family holiday should be like. Don’t be a crowd pleaser; be true to yourself.

Take advantage of modern conveniences. Order gifts online. How about stopping at the grocery store for cookie dough or a dish to take to the holiday party.

Resist overspending. Avoid emotional overspending. Rather make a gift list and a shopping list and stick to them. Suggest a gift exchange instead of buying for everyone.

Eat wisely. Make smart food choices and balance healthy alternatives with holiday extravagance and you will feel so much better without the guilt that overindulgence brings.

Split holiday chores into manageable parts. Make time for shopping, baking and holiday events, and plenty of sleep. Remember to also make time for exercise which is one of the best ways to overcome stress.

Set aside negative experiences and differences at holiday parties and family gatherings. Focus on the present moment and be mindful of what you can or can’t control.

Finally, schedule a visit to Innovative Chiropractic Rehab & Massage this month or in January for the new year. We can help you manage your holiday stress as well as improve your overall health.

Five Guidelines to Finding the Best Chiropractor

Here are 5 guidelines to finding the best chiropractor.

It is important to have quality chiropractic care for your overall health. Additionally it’s vital for your ability to function and perform daily tasks, as well as relieving any discomfort or pain. It can be quite a challenge to try and find the best chiropractor in your area, and searching online will not always guarantee that you will find the best doctor. Listed below are five guidelines to finding the best chiropractor.

1. Referrals

The best way to find a qualified chiropractor is to get a reference from previous patients or from your friends that have used a chiropractor service before. Alternatively ask your medical doctor to recommend a qualified chiropractor that they know.

2. Find chiropractors covered by your insurance plan

Once you have a list of recommendations from family and friends you should check it against the list of chiropractors your insurance plan caters for. If your insurance plan doesn’t have a good chiropractor listed you can choose to go with someone not on the list. Compromising on quality care for lower prices is never the way to go.

3. Online research

You can search online for “chiropractor near me” and find options from there. By researching online you will also discover if the doctor you choose is licensed to practice.

It is important to research your condition and the treatment you can expect to receive by visiting websites operated by chiropractors such as Innovative Chiropractic.

4. Customer reviews

It is through past customers experiences that you can find out what to expect or what not to expect from any specific chiropractor. These customer testimonials can be found on a chiropractor’s website. A good chiropractor will probably have several positive reviews.

5. Trust your gut instincts

Once you have decided on a chiropractor to work with the first few visits should tell you if you made the right choice. If the chiropractor is asking you to have unnecessary X-rays or doesn’t give you the personalized care and attention you expect then you should find another chiropractor. Your health comes first and you deserve quality chiropractic care.

Don’t take a chance when finding the best chiropractor for your health care. If you’re in the Mill Creek, WA area, Innovative Chiropractic would love the chance to become your chiropractor. Contact us to schedule your appointment today!

Stiff Neck Treatments

Stiff neck? There are non-surgical treatments available.

Did you know that about 20 percent of people complain about having a stiff or painful neck in the last 90 days? But a stiff neck doesn’t have to be something you just live with or suffer through. Here are some simple, effective techniques for dealing with a stiff neck.

What causes a stiff neck?

Most of the time a stiff neck is a result of weak muscles caused by bad posture or overuse. Everywhere you look, you see heads bent down over phones and computers. That position and lack of movement will stretch your neck muscles and cause fatigue. Other activities such as driving for long periods or talking on the phone can cause this to happen as well. When your neck muscles fatigue, your neck joints can get displaced.

Over time, neck stiffness can worsen. The joints move less easily and you could find it difficult to turn your head. Pulled muscles or even nerve irritation can develop as well, and that slightly stiff neck has turned into a sudden pain you can’t ignore.

Stretches can help your stiff neck

Let’s try and keep neck stiffness away by using a few adjustments and exercises. Try moving your computer monitor to eye level so you aren’t looking down all day. If you have to drive a long distance, stop regularly to take breaks. Be aware of keeping your head and neck in the same position for too long.

Some of the best ways to alleviate neck pain are simple stretching exercises. Try these:

Squeeze your shoulder blades together ten times.
Push your head back and rest it on your car’s headrest or in your hands. Hold the position for 30 seconds.
Roll your shoulders backwards and downwards ten times.
Tilt your head and touch your ear to your shoulder. Try it ten times to each side.

Sleeping positions make a difference

The way we sleep can make a big impact on our neck. Sleeping on your stomach is a big no-no. Sleep only on your side or back. By sleeping on your stomach, you force your head to turn one way or the other for several hours. In addition, sleeping on your stomach hurts your lower back as your stomach sinks into the mattress and your back is left unsupported.

Try these treatments at home

For a normal sore neck, try the following:

Use ice or heat on the affected area. Ice is great for the first 2 to 3 days, and after that you should use some heat. Heating pads, hot compresses, or even a warm shower can be effective. But don’t leave ice or heat on while sleeping – you don’t want a skin injury.
Use over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Keep moving, but not to the point of pain. Try to minimize jerking movements that move your head suddenly.
Do gentle, slow exercises like the ones mentioned above to stretch your neck muscles.
Get a friend or loved one to rub the painful area gently.
Try a specialized neck pillow, or even a firmer mattress. Experiment to see what helps your neck feel better.

If none of these treatments work and your pain is too much to get through your normal daily activities, then it’s time to contact your physician. Over the last 20+ years, Innovative Chiropractic has helped hundreds and hundreds of patients with recurring neck stiffness. We can help you, too. Don’t wait to deal with your neck stiffness. Call today.