Improving Spinal Health for Optimal Well-Being
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Category: spine wellness

By Danielle Quarles spine wellness , ,

Visiting the Chiropractor While Pregnant

During pregnancy, a woman’s body goes through countless physical and hormonal changes that are needed to provide a healthy environment for a growing baby. The changes not only cause discomfort, such as pain and nausea, but in some cases, lead to protracted labors and difficult deliveries.  The good news is that regular visits to the chiropractor can bring relief to the discomfort of pregnancy and potential difficulties of the birthing process.   

There is no need to stop seeing a chiropractor once you become pregnant, in fact, if you are not getting regular adjustments from a licensed chiropractor, during pregnancy is a great time to start. A trained practitioner may use tables that adjust to a pregnant woman’s growing belly and techniques that avoid putting unneeded pressure on the abdomen, which will allow you to experience the benefits of spinal adjustments during all three trimesters.   

As your baby progresses and becomes heavier, your center of gravity shifts, leading to changes in your posture. These changes are attributed to the aches and pains commonly felt by expectant mothers. Adjustments by a chiropractor may help manage pain in your back, hips and joints by re-establishing balance and alignment to your pelvis and spine. This will not only help you feel better, but can have benefits for your baby as well. When your pelvis is balanced and aligned, your baby will have less intrauterine constraint and make it easier for him or her to move into the best position for birth, which is rear-facing with head down. This may lead to a faster, easier labor and delivery.

Another benefit a chiropractor can provide is to help alleviate nausea, one of the most common pregnancy symptoms, especially in the first trimester. A spinal alignment can improve nervous system functions, leading to a healthier hormone balance that can lessen or eliminate nausea. If your nausea is being caused by heartburn and indigestion, a chiropractor can use techniques to help improve digestive issues. Not only may your nausea lessen, but improved nervous and digestive systems will lead to an overall healthier pregnancy. 

It is always recommended that you consult with your doctor before receiving chiropractic treatment. If you are experiencing placenta previa or placenta abruption, an ectopic pregnancy, or have moderate to severe toxemia, chiropractic treatment is not typically recommended.  While all chiropractors are trained on how to treat pregnant woman, there are some who specialize in the practice. Ask your practitioner for more details.   

At Spine Wellness Center, we strive to provide the highest level of chiropractic and care for the entire family. If you’re interested in a prenatal or postnatal chiropractic exam or want to learn more about our Clinton, MD practice, now is the perfect time to give us a call and learn more about the pros and cons of chiropractic services while pregnant.

By Danielle Quarles spine wellness

Her Fight Is Our Fight – Breast Cancer Awareness

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is the perfect month to share my story to promote the value of screening mammography.
 
During my routine screening mammography in May 2015, the radiologist noticed changes in my left breast when compared to my previous images; some calcifications, which were not visible on prior mammograms. I was asked to return to the radiology center for a diagnostic mammogram to get a better view of the changes. The changes were not significant enough to warrant further testing at the time but the radiologist designated me for short term surveillance which meant I should return in 6 months for a diagnostic mammogram instead of waiting 1 year for my next routine screening.
 
When I received a diagnostic mammogram in November 2015, the calcifications were larger and the formation of the cells were more suspicious. I was scheduled for a biopsy to determine the nature of these calcifications, since certain breast cancers begin as calcifications. I had a biopsy in mid-December 2015. Three days before Christmas 2015, I received a call from the radiologist advising that I was diagnosed with DCIS – ductal carcinoma in situ. The calcifications were malignant. It is important to be aware that I did not have a tumor; no lumps were detected during self-breast exam nor physical breast exam by my physician.
 
My cancer was found extremely early because of a routine screening mammogram. Because my cancer was found early, I had time to undergo genetic testing to determine the best course of treatment, just not for now but for the future. I have a strong family history of breast cancer: my mother survived breast cancer twice and both of her sisters (my aunts) survived breast cancer. Fortunately, I did not inherit the breast cancer gene. In consultation with my doctor, I was able to make an informed decision about my treatment, based on science, not fear. My treatment consisted of a lumpectomy in February 2016 to remove the cancerous tissue and accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI), a 5 day – 2x per day course of internal radiation targeted to the specific area of where the cancerous cells were removed to destroy any residual cancerous cells that may still be present, but undetectable.
 
Thus far, treatment has been successful. There has not been any indication of malignancy on any of my mammograms since December 2015. Early detection through a routine mammogram saved my life and spared me from having invasive, challenging, life-altering treatments. I strongly encourage women to prioritize preventive care by getting their mammograms as recommended by their personal physician. Don’t just save the ta-tas; save your life. If you face cancer, stay faithful and hopeful.
 
~Lauren Bennett
 
By spinewellnesscenter spine wellness

At Home Ergonomics for Online Students

Sudden changes in how our children have shifted in learning can have impacts on their physical well-being, just as much as their mental or emotional faculties. Kids have transitioned unexpectedly from a classroom with properly sized tables and chairs to sitting at the kitchen table or sofa, without the support they need to develop good habits. Online learning has now taken up the majority of their day, without the recess and lunch breaks that encouraged running and active play with others.

This can wreak havoc, even on smaller bodies. As they are currently growing and developing, proper posture, neck, and back support are crucial to help encourage their health. This can be difficult as they maneuver large keyboards, or may not have a proper set of headphones that can filter the sounds of bells, whistles and chatter appropriately to protect their hearing. A proper space for their learning is crucial, even if you have limited resources. Make sure kids have a dedicated space to focus on their work without distractions, and try to make it as ergonomic as possible. Ensure that they have a space where they can stand and move around freely, as they may need to shake out excessive energy and keep their blood flowing.

If you notice complaints from your child that resemble those of “desk workers”, it may be time to check in with a chiropractor. If after some time, your child expresses discomfort with sitting for long periods of time, or numbness or tingling with their limbs, they may have issues with a pinched nerve. A chiropractor can make an assessment and offer recommendations of solutions that may help ease any pain your child could be having.

At Spine Wellness Center, we strive to provide the highest level of chiropractic and care for the entire family. If you’re interested in a pediatric chiropractic exam or want to learn more about our Clinton, MD practice, now is the perfect time to give us a call and learn more about the pros and cons of pediatric chiropractic services.

Spine Wellness Center Dry Needling
By spinewellnesscenter spine wellness , , , , , ,

Dry Needling – Pinpoint Your Pain

Spine Wellness Center is passionate about providing a wide range of services to take care of our patients, and help them heal, the best way we know how. We are now proud to offer Dry Needling, a safe and effective treatment for musculoskeletal injuries and other intramuscular conditions.

Dry Needling is a form of therapy that involves small, stainless steel filiform needles that are “dry” (without any form of medication), being inserted into the trigger point associated with the area of your body causing you discomfort. Once the trigger point is “deactivated”, the surrounding muscle can relax and start to function more naturally. It can relieve pain and muscle cramping, and can help increase blood flow, thus assisting your body in the path to recovery. Dry Needling can also release toxins that may be built up in the tissue and causing a blockage, which can then allow for oxygen circulation to occur that had previously been limited.  It is the increase in blood flow and oxygen combined that contribute towards healing the injured tissue and muscle.

The needles can reach places that traditional massage or other techniques cannot, and serve as a vehicle in helping to relieve tension contributing to directly and indirectly related ailments.  It can be used to assist with everything from migraines, to sciatica and inflamed tissues, and is a great option for people from all walks of life.  Dry Needling can be appreciated by everyone from athletes that pushed a little too hard, to office workers cramped at their desks, to aging adults with aches and pains. If you have a fear of needles, rest assured that the pain often experienced from needles used in vaccines and bloodwork is not the same here. A tiny tube is used to help guide the needle in quickly, and many people report no pain upon needle entry.

It is often thought that Dry Needling is another form of acupuncture, but the only similarity is the use of the needles. Acupuncture is a traditional form of Eastern Medicine that focuses on Chi, the balance of energy, however, Dry Needling is a form of rehabilitation being sought after by doctors that primarily practice Western Medicine as a way to heal an injury.

The benefits can be seen in a matter of just a few visits, and in some cases, relief is experienced a day or two after the treatment. It also may enhance other treatments or exercises that have provided limited results before. Dry Needling is often recommended as a part of a comprehensive treatment plan established by your trusted Chiropractor, and is usually not considered to stand on its own as a singular solution.

We would love to help you learn more and explore your options to see whether Dry Needling should be a recommended part of your treatment plan. Our team takes the time to assess your well-being before, during, and after treatment, so you always know what to expect.

Don’t sit around suffering in pain – call us today or click to reserve your appointment now!

Spine Wellness Center
By spinewellnesscenter spine wellness , , , ,

The Chiropractor’s Take on Working from Home

During the Coronavirus pandemic and subsequent social distancing regulations, many employees have been asked to work from home with little to no advance notice.  Consequently, people are now hunched over kitchen tables or awkwardly seated on living room sofas while spending hours on a computer.  Obviously, these working conditions are not ideal without the ergonomic comforts of a proper desk and office equipment that many lack in their homes, which can lead to a literal pain in the neck.  To combat the discomforts that at-home work environments can bring, here are a few tips:

 

  1. Designate a separate workspace

Your workspace should not be on the couch or in the bed. These places of leisure are not conducive for optimal concentration and work productivity. Instead, set up a separate workstation that will minimize distractions and give you the best possible ergonomic conditions.  You should be able to sit or stand at a table that keeps your computer screen at eye level and your arms parallel to the floor.  If you are sitting, your thighs should also be parallel to the floor and your chair should have lumbar back support, if possible.

  1. Practice good posture

Sitting on soft surfaces promotes bad posture, which will lead to back and neck pain among other issues. However, even more structured seating does not guarantee good posture without being mindful of how your spine is positioned.  Remember to keep both feet on the floor while working and to avoid slouching.  Your head and neck should be in a neutral position while facing the computer screen, with your ears positioned directly above your shoulders.

  1. Take frequent breaks

Frequent breaks relax both your mind and body.  After an hour or two of sitting in the same position with your eyes glued to a computer screen, it is important to have a change of scenery. These breaks are easier in the office as you attend in-person meetings and chat with co-workers in break areas, but are just as important at home.  Schedule them if need be, but make sure they are a part of your daily routine.  During these breaks, try to stretch and get the blood circulating throughout your body.

  1. Get moving

Your daily steps will naturally decrease while working from home due to the close proximity of the bathroom and kitchen, and the ability to participate in virtual meetings from the comfort of your workspace. To compensate for this, incorporate daily walks, runs, or other forms of exercise.  Not only will you see a physical benefit of the extra movement, but exercise has been shown to decrease stress and elevate your mood.  These are great benefits when dealing with the current environment.

  1. Manage stress

More can be done to manage stress than just exercising. You should establish realistic expectations of how productive you will be while working from home and taking care of children or other familial responsibilities.  You can also limit the amount of time spent watching the 24-hour news cycle, and instead, take time to listen to music, read a book or start a new hobby.  The decrease in stress will lessen the tension in your muscles and help to prevent minor aches and pains.

The steps outlined above take little time to implement, but can make a huge difference in how you feel both throughout the day, and longer term.

Spine Wellness Center in Clinton, MD is committed to providing chiropractic tips and care for you and your family. Contact us today if you have any questions and be sure to take advantage of our free consultation.

By spinewellnesscenter spine wellness

Prenatal and Postpartum Chiropractic Care | Clinton, MD

Pregnancy, labor, and delivery can be a joyous but strenuous experience for a new mother.  During pregnancy, the body is occupied by another life (or two, or three) and the stress of labor and delivery can leave new mothers with a host of unexpected complications such as sciatica, back pain, muscle tension, and even headaches.  

In fact, during pregnancy, the body experiences a host of changes, one of the most impactful being the continual change of the spinal curve.  The extra weight of the baby and placenta alters the center of gravity, causing a rounding of the mid back and shoulders and a deepening of the curve in the lower back. These changes can cause pain and discomfort, and with limited pain management options during pregnancy, a visit to the chiropractor may be a great way to reduce this pain and to improve mobility.  Prenatal adjustments can also improve pelvic function and allow more room for baby to achieve optimal positioning for birth naturally. This can lead to shorter labor times, less medical intervention and a more comfortable delivery process. 

The biomechanics of a women’s pelvis can be altered during labor and delivery, causing the bones to become misaligned. This is why a trip to the chiropractor in the early stages of postpartum is so important.  A visit to the chiropractor during the first two weeks after delivery can jump start the body’s healing process, even if no immediate pain is felt.  Adjustments during the postpartum period have been shown to improve recovery time by ensuring proper blood flow to tighten ligaments that were loosened during pregnancy and while the body prepared for delivery and aligning the spine to allow for proper movement, which can alleviate aches and pains. But women should not wait until after they give birth to see a chiropractor.

Each woman is different and each pregnancy and delivery is different, but being under the care of a licensed chiropractor in both the prenatal and postpartum periods can alleviate some of the stress a woman’s body goes through during these times, making it even more joyous to welcome a new life into the world.  Dr. Hayford Anane has the experience to provide you a tailored plan to help you have a smooth and pleasant a pregnancy as possible. More often than not, mothers who visit our clinic find that the chiropractic care they experienced helped them avoid painkillers during pregnancy altogether.

Spine Wellness Center in Clinton, MD is committed to providing safe, natural, and effective care for you and your child. Contact us today if you have any questions and be sure to take advantage of our free consultation.

Spine Wellness Center Clinton MD
By spinewellnesscenter spine wellness , , , ,

A Healthy Spine in the New Year

Common New Year’s resolutions include eating healthier and exercising more, but in obtaining good health, we often forget to address the backbone of our bodies, literally.  A healthy spine is the key to a properly functioning body that is needed to maintain an active lifestyle. Here are 5 tips you can follow this year to ensure the health of your spine.  

  1. Good posture: Proper posture starts with keeping your back straight, chest out, and shoulders back to avoid slouching. When sitting, your chair should be at a height that allows your feet to rest flat on the ground with your knees at a 90 degree angle. When lifting heavy objects off the ground, bend your knees and use your legs and abdominal muscles, not your back. Hold objects close to your body when carrying them. Do not lift heavy objects that are above waist level.
  2. Ergonomic working conditions: When using a computer, your keyboard should not be more than an arm’s length away from your body. Your arms and elbows should rest comfortably on your desk or the arm of your chair with your wrists in a neural position. The computer monitor should be at a height that keeps your neck straight and your eyes looking forward, not up or down.   
  3. Proper workout form: Ask a professional trainer to teach you the proper way to perform each exercise and start with a weight you are comfortable lifting 12 to 15 times. Maintain proper breathing and incorporate adequate rest between movements.
  4. Adequate movement: Avoid sitting or standing in the same position for more than 30 minutes at a time. Take frequent walk breaks throughout the day and drink plenty of water.
  5. Visiting the chiropractor:  Last, but certainly not least, make an appointment to see a licensed chiropractor. Routine adjustments can correct misalignments and imbalances before they cause issues such as back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, herniated disks, and pinched nerves, just to name a few. Properly functioning nerves, muscles, and joints all start with an aligned spine and end with a healthier you. If you are in the Clinton, MD area, call Dr. Anane today and be on your way to a healthier lifestyle this year!