Palmyra Chiropractor : Rick Wells, DC

Bad Habits Lead to Bad Health

2010-09-01T07:26:00.000-07:00

Did you know that drinking too much soda or other carbonated beverages could interfere with calcium absorption - a problem that could eventually lead to osteoporosis? Or that slouching at a desk all day or tapping away at a computer keyboard can lead to painful strains in your wrists, shoulders, elbows and back?

These are just a few of the bad habits that can lead to musculoskeletal problems-conditions that have an enormous impact not only your health, but also on society as a whole. In the United States alone, musculoskeletal conditions cost society an estimated $254 billion every year and one out of every seven Americans reports a musculoskeletal impairment.

Doctors of chiropractic, in particular, have long emphasized the importance of spinal health, posture and other lifestyle factors in the body's ability to function optimally. Poor spinal health, for instance, can cause a negative chain reaction throughout the body. It can cause stress on joints, which, especially if the muscles are weak, can cause wear and permanent damage. The ACA and your local doctor of chiropractic offer the following advice to help improve and maintain your musculoskeletal health.

At the Office

Make sure your chair fits correctly. There should be 2 inches between the front edge of the seat and the back of your legs. Sit with your feet flat on the floor, with your knees at a 90-degree angle. If you can't sit that way, use an angled or elevated footrest.

Take periodic stretch breaks. Clench your hands in a fist and move your hands like this: 10 circles in, then 10 circles out. Put your hands in a praying position and squeeze together for 10 seconds and then "pray" with the backs of your hands together, fingers pointed downward for 10 seconds. Spread your fingers apart and then bring them together one by one.

Hold the telephone with your hand or use the speakerphone. Don't cradle the phone between your ear and shoulder. This can lock up the spinal joints in the neck and upper back, and eventually cause pain.

Take breaks and alternate tasks that use different muscle groups.

Arrange your desk so that everything is handy - phone, mouse, reference materials, reports - to minimize awkward stretching and reaching.

Position your computer monitor so that the middle of your chin is aligned with the middle of your monitor. This will allow for good neck posture.

At Home

When you wash the dishes, open the cabinet beneath the sink, bend one knee, and put your foot on the shelf under the sink. Lean against the counter so some of your weight is supported in front.

When resting or watching TV, don't use the sofa arm as a pillow. The angle is much too sharp for the neck.

Don't bend from the waist when you lift a child. Squat with your back straight. Keep the child close to you and use your legs and arms to lift.

In the Yard

If you shovel snow, push the snow straight ahead. Don't try to throw it and walk it to the snowbank. Avoid twisting and turning motions. Bend your knees to lift when shoveling. Let your legs and arms do the work, not your back. Take frequent rest breaks to take the strain off your muscles. Try to stand as erect as possible.

When raking leaves, use a scissors stance: right foot forward and left foot back for a few minutes; then reverse, putting your left foot forward and your right foot back. Bend at the knees, not the waist, as you pick up leaves. Make piles small to decrease the possibility of back strain.

For mowing, use your weight to push the mower. Whenever possible, use ergonomically correct tools for the job.

Playing Sports

Warm up slowly before a game. Do calisthenics, flexibility exercises, or light running to increase your heart rate.

When sweat beads form, your body is at the proper temperature to stretch the tendons and muscles.

While Traveling

When driving, adjust your car seat so you can sit firmly against the seat back without having to lean forward or stretch. Buckle your seatbelt and shoulder harness, and adjust the headrest so that it supports the center of the back of the head.

Invest in a wheeled suitcase that has a sturdy handle.

Don't always carry the weight on one side - take frequent breaks and transfer the weight to the other side.

Don't try to carry too much. Even wheeled suitcases can cause problems to the neck, shoulders and lower back when pulled from behind.

When traveling by air, check all bags heavier than 10 percent of your body weight. Overhead lifting of any significant amount of weight should be avoided to reduce the risk of pain in the lower back or neck. While lifting your bags, stand directly in front of the overhead compartment so the spine is not rotated. Do not lift your bags over your head, or turn or twist your head and neck in the process.

While seated in an airplane, vary your position occasionally to improve circulation and avoid leg cramps. Massage legs and calves. Bring your legs in, and move your knees up and down. Prop your legs up on a book or a bag under your seat.

For Children

Have a smaller table for them where they can do their homework, rather than force them to use a standard table and chair. If the child's feet don't touch the floor, place a footrest or box under the feet. Position the computer monitor so the top of the screen is at or below the child's eye level.

Make sure the straps of your child's backpack are padded and worn over both shoulders, not just one. Also, the contents of the backpack should not weigh more than 10 percent of your child's body weight.

If your child is involved in sports, make sure all equipment, including helmets, pads and shoes, fits your child properly. If your teenage child is involved in soccer, make sure they are taught how to "head" the ball properly. A young child should not use the heading technique at all, according to ACA experts.

Make sure your child has enough calcium included in his or her diet. ACA recommends 1 percent or skim milk for children over 2 years old, and whole milk for those younger than 2. The calcium in milk is essential for healthy bones and reduces the risk of joint and muscle-related injuries

Make sure your child avoids sugar-loaded, caffeinated and carbonated drinks. Rather, encourage them to drink plenty of water. Caffeine can dehydrate your youngster, and the high levels of phosphorous in sodas and other carbonated beverages can interfere with calcium absorption - a problem that could lead to osteoporosis down the road.

While the ACA encourages you to follow these tips for better musculoskeletal health, remember that good spinal health is but one component in a healthy lifestyle. Exercising, getting a good night's sleep, drinking plenty of water and eating a nutritious diet contribute not only to health but also to the ability to heal after an injury.

RickWellsDC.com

Train Smarter, Not Harder

2010-08-27T07:40:00.000-07:00

Those with ectomorphic body types are more subject to musculoskeletal injury than those who are mesomorphic or endomorphic. Physical forces have a greater impact on the long, lean frame of an ectomorph, increasing the risk of strain/sprain injuries.

Ectomorphs experience ankle sprains, shin splints, metatarsal stress fractures, wrist strains, tennis elbow, and rotator cuff injuries to a much greater extent than those with other body types. A further concern is the lack of appropriate rehabilitation. For ectomorphs, it's easy for injuries to recur and become chronic if sufficient time for recovery and retraining is not provided.

For ectomorphs especially, gradual and consistent exercise/sports training is critically important. Ectomorphs need to build-up to high levels of performance. Dynamic warm-ups are key to a successful training session. Of all the body types, an ectomorph can never "rush" his workout. In terms of exercise, for an ectomorph "rushing" means "injury".

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Good Nutrition & Lots of Exercise for Healthy Kids

2010-07-19T05:56:00.000-07:00

We're in the middle of a raging epidemic affecting America's youth - the obesity epidemic. The number of American adolescents who are obese increased 300% in the last 40 years.

This is a problem that can potentially affect every family. The good news is that in almost all cases, obesity is a lifestyle disorder. In other words, children become obese because of behaviors learned from their friends and their parents.

Healthy eating and regular exercise are the two critically important steps to take to help ensure your child retains an appropriate weight. With respect to healthy eating -

Eliminate all trans fats from your children's diet - this includes almost all fast foods
Cut down on sugary drinks
Serve at least five portions of fresh fruits and vegetables every day
Serve complex carbohydrates such as whole grains
Serve lean meat, fish, and poultry
Count calories!

Children need at least an hour of physical activity every day. This includes outdoor play, sports, and calisthenics. Make sure your kids are getting enough exercise!

Rick Wells DC

Get Started Running | Simple Guidelines Everyone Can Follow

2010-06-02T06:51:00.000-07:00

Running is one of the best ways to exercise, stay fit, and maintain health. And, in honor of National Running Day, here are some simple guidelines everyone can follow to safely and pleasurably develop their ability to run.

Relax.

Think positively. Within a few weeks, you will experience the pure joy of running down the street or along a park path.

Buy quality gear. The only equipment you will need is comfortable exercise clothes and good running shoes.

Train with a plan. Choose a running/walking course that is readily accessible to you.

It’s okay to walk. Begin your first workouts with alternating walking and jogging.

Run at “conversation” pace. If you can’t chat with your running companions, you are going too fast.

If your schedule allows, include cross training. Biking, swimming, and lifting light weights can help strengthen non-running muscles and prevent injury.

Aim for a race. Pick an event that’s at least six weeks in the future.

Running is a natural act, like breathing or walking. Just about anyone can do it. It is, however, recommended that you consult a health professional before undertaking a serious training program.

Source:
- RunningDay.org June 2, 2010

Posted by Rick Wells, DC

A Few Energy Boosting Tips

2010-05-28T06:44:00.000-07:00

A few tips to get your energy up and keep it up.

1. Eat a little something.

2. Slap on a smile.

3. Think positive thoughts.

4. Change your daily routine.

5. Sip something cold, and stay hydrated.

6. Eat dark chocolate.

7. Tell the truth, and no exaggerating.

8. Breathe!

9. Tidy and organize.

10. Exercise with upbeat music.

11. Drink small amounts of caffeine more frequently.

SOURCE:
- Health Magazine May 26, 2010

Posted By Rick Wells, DC

What's Your BMI ?

2010-03-23T12:36:00.000-07:00

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Four Things To Do for a Healthier Back

2010-03-16T08:59:00.000-07:00

Eat more vegetables. Stress less. Take the kids out to the park more often. You may already have a long list of things to do for the spring. This year, honor your spine, too. With the help of your doctor of chiropractic, these simple steps can promote a healthier back for spring fever.

Consider replacing your pillow or mattress.

Do you wake up with aches and pains? It could be time to purchase a new mattress or pillow. The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) recommends finding a mattress that evenly supports your whole body. There should be no gaps between you and the mattress when you lie down. When choosing a pillow, select one that supports your head and neck in alignment with the rest of the spine, whether you sleep on your side or back. Keep in mind that what works for your partner may not work for you— there isn’t one mattress or pillow that fits everyone. Simple adjustments, such as adding foam padding, can help tremendously.

Re-evaluate your posture at work.

Americans spend an average of 44 hours at work every week— often behind a desk. To avoid poor posture that can lead to tension, back pain, and joint problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome, check that your chair is the right size and adjusted correctly, says the ACA. Do your feet rest comfortably on the ground? Does the chair offer lumbar support? Are you able to tilt or swivel easily while performing tasks at your desk? Also, be sure you have adequate light (so that you aren’t straining to see documents or a computer screen), adjust your computer monitor so that it is at eye level, and wear a headset for longer telephone conversations. And don’t forget to take frequent breaks and stretch throughout the day.

Learn how to lift correctly.

Many back injuries are caused by improper lifting of items such as luggage, backpacks or briefcases, storage boxes, or even groceries. But knowing how to lift properly can prevent serious injury. First and foremost, don’t bend from the waist. Keep your back straight, and squat to reach the item. Then, keep it close to your body as you lift, and avoid twisting motions. When traveling, check all bags that weigh more than 10 percent of your body weight.

Eat right and exercise well.

Eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise helps your body stay toned and tension-free— and promotes a healthy weight and a happier spine. Smart exercise and a good diet can also prevent osteoporosis, which affects over 20 million American women. To start, the ACA recommends eating out at restaurants less (to reduce the amount of unhealthful fats and sugars you consume) and adding more fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to your diet. Aim for a minimum of 20 to 30 minutes of exercise, three or four days a week.

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Spring Back with Fresh Air, Sunlight, and a Little Perspiration

2010-03-04T05:36:00.000-08:00

It's easy to associate our society's increasing levels of illness and disease with our decreasing interactions with the natural environment. Our bodies are designed to function in the presence of lots of fresh air, sunshine, and fresh water. If these natural elements are not available every day, it's no surprise that we suffer the consequences.

Sure, we live much longer than those born in 1200 or 1500 CE. But the Biblical lifespan was "three score and ten". With that as a reference, it doesn't seem as if we've made much progress.

Fresh air, sunlight, and fresh water provide innumerable health benefits. But in most urban environments, we need to actively seek out the natural world. We need to schedule our "sunshine" time to make sure we get out there and catch some rays. We need to schedule time to go to the park and breathe fresher air, air with less pollution and more oxygen. Also, we need to make sure we're drinking plenty of water every day.

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General Explaining the Benefits of Chiropractic and the Military - Video

2010-03-02T13:01:00.000-08:00

St. Louis' Fox 2 news covered a story about Chiropractic and the Military. Former Brigadier General Becky Halstead speak about the need and advantages of chiropractic care and the US military.

RickWellsDC.com

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Lake Chiropractic|Chiropractor in Palmyra,VA & Charlottesville, VA|22963|22901

2010-03-01T21:00:00.000-08:00

Lake Chiropractic|Chiropractor in Palmyra,VA & Charlottesville, VA|22963|22901

Developing Your Core

2010-03-01T07:44:00.000-08:00

Core muscle strength helps reduce the impact of an injury. Your core muscle layer is the deepest layer of muscles in your body. Core muscles include very small muscles that connect two vertebras, thin sheets of muscle that connect groups of vertebras, the four muscle groups that comprise the abdominal muscles, and various small muscles that stabilize the pelvic floor.

Core muscles are trained during your regular strength-training routines. These muscles provide stabilization when you work any of the major large muscle groups. Pilates routines, yoga, and aerobic exercise such as biking, swimming, and running also help train the core. Additionally, specific core training exercises help maximize core muscle strength. All that's required to do a great specific core workout is an exercise mat.

When core muscles are toned and strengthened, their ability to withstand unusual physical forces is significantly increased. A whiplash injury will momentarily deform core spinal musculature, but the muscles will be able to better tolerate the physical stress and the degree of injury, if any, will be reduced.

For more information visit you Charlottesville chiropractor at www.RickWellsDC.com and www.iDrWells.com

www.LakeChiropractic.net for the Palmyra, VA office.

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ACA Back Pain Facts & Statistics From Your Charlottesville Chiropractor

2010-02-06T06:32:00.000-08:00

Although chiropractors care for more than just back pain, many patients visit chiropractors looking for relief from this pervasive condition. In fact, 31 million Americans experience low-back pain at any given time.¹

A few interesting facts about back pain:

One-half of all working Americans admit to having back pain symptoms each year.²
Back pain is one of the most common reasons for missed work. In fact, back pain is the second most common reason for visits to the doctor’s office, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections.
Most cases of back pain are mechanical or non-organic—meaning they are not caused by serious conditions, such as inflammatory arthritis, infection, fracture or cancer.
Americans spend at least $50 billion each year on back pain—and that’s just for the more easily identified costs.³
Experts estimate that as many as 80% of the population will experience a back problem at some time in our lives.⁴

What Causes Back Pain?

The back is a complicated structure of bones, joints, ligaments and muscles. You can sprain ligaments, strain muscles, rupture disks, and irritate joints, all of which can lead to back pain. While sports injuries or accidents can cause back pain, sometimes the simplest of movements—for example, picking up a pencil from the floor— can have painful results. In addition, arthritis, poor posture, obesity, and psychological stress can cause or complicate back pain. Back pain can also directly result from disease of the internal organs, such as kidney stones, kidney infections, blood clots, or bone loss.

Manipulation as a Treatment for Back Problems

Used primarily by Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) for the last century, manipulation has been largely ignored by most others in the health care community until recently. Now, with today's growing emphasis on treatment and cost effectiveness, manipulation is receiving more widespread attention.

Chiropractic spinal manipulation is a safe and effective spine pain treatment. It reduces pain, decreases medication, rapidly advances physical therapy, and requires very few passive forms of treatment, such as bed rest.⁵

In fact, after an extensive study of all currently available care for low back problems, the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research—a federal government research organization—recommended that low back pain sufferers choose the most conservative care first. And it recommended spinal manipulation as the only safe and effective, drugless form of initial professional treatment for acute low back problems in adults.⁶

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) urges you to make an informed choice about your back care. To learn more about how chiropractic manipulation may help you, contact a Doctor of Chiropractic in your area. Search our online database of ACA members to find a doctor of chiropractic near you.

Tips to Prevent Back Pain

Maintain a healthy diet and weight.
Remain active—under the supervision of your doctor of chiropractic.
Avoid prolonged inactivity or bed rest.
Warm up or stretch before exercising or other physical activities, such as gardening.
Maintain proper posture.
Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes.
Sleep on a mattress of medium firmness to minimize any curve in your spine.
Lift with your knees, keep the object close to your body, and do not twist when lifting.
Quit smoking. Smoking impairs blood flow, resulting in oxygen and nutrient deprivation to spinal tissues.
Work with your doctor of chiropractic to ensure that your computer workstation is ergonomically correct.

References:

1. Jensen M, Brant-Zawadzki M, Obuchowski N, et al. Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Lumbar Spine in People Without Back Pain. N Engl J Med 1994; 331: 69-116.

2. Vallfors B. Acute, Subacute and Chronic Low Back Pain: Clinical Symptoms, Absenteeism and Working Environment. Scan J Rehab Med Suppl 1985; 11: 1-98.

3. This total represents only the more readily identifiable costs for medical care, workers compensation payments and time lost from work. It does not include costs associated with lost personal income due to acquired physical limitation resulting from a back problem and lost employer productivity due to employee medical absence. In Project Briefs: Back Pain Patient Outcomes Assessment Team (BOAT). In MEDTEP Update, Vol. 1 Issue 1, Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, Rockville, MD, Summer 1994.

4. In Vallfors B, previously cited.

5. Time to recognize value of chiropractic care? Science and patient satisfaction surveys cite usefulness of spinal manipulation. Orthopedics Today 2003 Feb; 23(2):14-15.

6. Bigos S, Bowyer O, Braen G, et al. Acute Low Back Problems in Adults. Clinical Practice Guideline No.14. AHCPR Publication No. 95-0642. Rockville, MD: Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, Public Health Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, December, 1994.

Original ACA Article

For More information go to your Charlottesville chiropractor RickWellsDC.com

Snow-Shoveling Safety Tips From Your Charlottesville Chiropractor

2010-02-05T12:02:00.000-08:00

The recent record cold weather and snow across much of the US has also seen a rise in articles advising people in areas of the country affected by snow, on how to safely remove snow when needed. Although much of the country rarely or never has to shovel snow, the tips from these articles can be applied to many similar activities.

One of two such articles appeared in the December 2009 issue of To Your Health magazine and the other on the NorthJersey.com local news website on January 6, 2010. The To Your Health article points out that the average shovel full of snow weighs about 5 to 10 pounds. They point out that the combination of bending, lifting, and twisting, along with the exposure to freezing weather conditions, can be stressful on the spine. The two articles gave a list of helpful hints for proper snow shoveling to avoid spinal problems. These hints can not only be applied to snow shoveling, but also to many other similar activities. These include the following.

Do a warm-up first. A tight, stiff body is asking for injury.

Layer your clothing. Layered clothing will keep your muscles warm and flexible.

Wear the right shoes. Choose shoes with plenty of cushioning in the soles to absorb the impact of walking on hard, frozen ground.

Use the right size shovel. Your shovel should be about chest high on you, allowing you to keep your back straight when lifting.

Drink lots of water. Drinking water frequently throughout the day helps to keep muscles and body hydrated.

Use proper posture. When you do shovel, bend your knees and keep your back straight while lifting with your legs. Push the snow straight ahead; don't try to throw it.

Take your time. Working too hard, too fast is an easy way to strain muscles. Take frequent breaks.

See Dr. Wells, your Charlottesville chiropractor. Gentle spinal manipulation will help keep your back flexible and minimize the chance for injury. If you do overdo it, your chiropractor can help you feel better and prevent more injury.

RickWellsDC.com your Chiropractor in Charlottesville, VA.

The NFL's Indestructible Man

2010-01-12T11:15:00.000-08:00

Doctors diagnosed him with everything from walking pneumonia to anxiety to acid reflux, prescribing medications that did nothing to help. Over the next eight months, Mr. Jones said he spent $20,000 going to specialists in attempts to solve the problem. "My family was upset," he says. Finally, he met a chiropractor in Virginia who said his ribs had been knocked out of alignment while playing. After a simple procedure, his breathing began to get back to normal.

Wall Street Journal's Article

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What You Speak About You Bring About !

2009-09-24T06:31:00.000-07:00

We function a lot like computers: garbage in produces garbage out, while great stuff in produces great stuff out. We talk to ourselves far more than we talk to others. In fact, most experts agree that about eighty percent of all conversations we have are with ourselves. All too often, we talk to ourselves with anger, fear, belittlement and negativity. “I knew there wouldn’t be any parking” or “I knew that they were going to be mad at me,” or “I am always depressed this time of year,” or even “I just can’t seem to do anything right” are examples of the kind of negative inner talk we play over and over again in our minds. We acknowledge our ability to manifest our inner thinking and yet the majority of our inner thinking is negative and demeaning.

This raises a very important point. If we are powerful enough to manifest our negative thoughts, why can’t we also manifest our positive thoughts? The answer is that we can. In order to create positive thoughts instead of negative ones, we must decide in advance to be proactive and to discipline ourselves to take out the old mental program of negativity and immediately replace it with the new mental program of being positive and kind. I have found the best way to do this is through the use of affirmations.

Affirmations are positive self-talk designed to help you create the life of your dreams. Using affirmations on a daily basis is a simple step you can take to get what you want out of life and to reduce stress, fear, and depression. Making positive, affirmative statements to yourself will change your self-image, raise your self-esteem, and create an attitude of expectancy.

Here are some of the keys that allow you to maximize the power of your daily affirmations:

* Affirmations should be written down. This allows you to crystallize your thoughts and gives you a reference to refer back to daily.
* Affirmations should be in the first person and in the current time frame. They should always contain the word “I” and be in the “now” time frame, as they are the truth, told in advance. Remember the rule, “To Become, Act As If.”
* Affirmations are best done in the morning to start your day or in the evening before going to sleep. This helps to program your subconscious mind with positive thoughts.
* Affirmations can be either memorized or read, and need to be said aloud with emotion. This is what is necessary to open the trap door between your educated and innate mind.

Let me share some possible affirmations with you to get you thinking properly about creating your own. Remember that you can and should create affirmations for all parts of your life. Affirm professionally, spiritually, financially, and in all other areas. For example: “I am happy, I am healthy, and I am wise. My potential is unlimited and I am growing every day. I am a magnet that attracts all the good of the universe to me daily. I am committed to constant and never-ending personal improvement, and I take massive action steps to create the future, as I want it to be. I will do whatever it takes to become the winner I know I am.

“My beliefs create my reality! I choose robust health, abundant wealth, constant happiness and eternal love. I attract and positively influence the lives of people in my community. I think big thoughts, relish small pleasures and handle setbacks gracefully. I give thanks for the opportunity to serve humanity and I willingly accept the rewards being sent to me by an abundant universe. I am deeply grateful for all I create and receive. My life is now in total balance and I am a master!”

Rick Wells, DC your Charlottesville chiropractor.

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Doctor of Chiropractic Helping Colicky Babies

2009-09-04T11:17:00.000-07:00

Omaha's Fox 42 news covered a story about two colicky babies and their Chiropractor. Dr Nicole Pearsons, of Koca Chiropractic Clinic, helped baby Jacob and baby Alex obtain great relief from colicky pain.

Dr. Pearsons removed the stress off the nervous system with light pressure on the neck removing interference. Siting the birthing process as the first trauma a child experiences and the amounts of pressure the body goes through during this process, it's no wonder the DC had great success after care.

The little guys had results as fast as 24 hours. Amazing...

Pediatricians said it was a miracle.

RickWellsDC.com

Lake Chiropractic

Consumer Reports Ranks Chiropractic #1 For Back Pain

2009-04-24T14:11:00.000-07:00

Consumer Reports published this month an article rating Chiropractic as the number 1 provider/treatment for back pain. It was a satisfaction survey taking into account how invasive the treatment as well as how well it was implemented. Chiropractors have consistently been rated with a higher patient satisfaction than other health models for many years. Most of the respondents in this survey had tried many different methods of care.

Click HERE to view the link.

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Lake Chiropractic

Chiropractic Care Increases

2009-03-15T13:58:00.000-07:00

Americans Use Of Non-Medical Care Increases

According to a new nationwide US government survey, 38 percent of adults in the United States use some form of what the study called, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). The survey conducted by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) was released on December 10, 2008. In older adults ages 60 to 69 the percentage is slightly higher with 41% using some form of CAM procedure.
Josephine P. Briggs, M.D., director of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), part of the NIH, defines CAM by saying, "CAM covers a wide range of therapies and practices not currently considered part of conventional medicine. Thus, it’s important to be well informed if you are considering using any."
Of those non-medical procedures considered "CAM", one of the most used and most accepted is chiropractic. Although not entirely accurate by chiropractic standards, the National Institutes of Health senior website explains chiropractic by saying, "The goal of chiropractic medicine is to help the body heal by correcting its alignment. Doctors of chiropractic, who are also called chiropractors or chiropractic physicians, use a type of hands-on therapy called manipulation, or adjustment, as their main type of procedure. Adjustments are done to increase the range and quality of motion in the area being treated."
Dr. Robert Braile, a chiropractor in Georgia and past President and Chairman of the Board of the International Chiropractors Association notes that chiropractic usage continues to be on the increase. He states, "We are in an economy where times are tough, and nearly 50 million Americans are without health care insurance. Certainly many of these people are going to look for more affordable ways to deal with their health care concerns. Chiropractic has always represented an affordable and safe alternative to more expensive and risky forms of medical care."
NCCAM Director Dr. Josephine Briggs noted the reasons why more Americans are turning to non medical forms of healthcare by saying, "The most common reason why people turn to complementary and alternative medicine in our survey results is chronic back pain - far and away, the leading reason to use complementary and alternative medicine," she says. "Neck pain, joint pain, headache: All these other conditions are also given as common reasons. But chronic back pain is the leading reason, a very common and difficult condition to treat."
In a December 12, 2009 release by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), they also noted that an increasing number of older Americans are turning to the Internet for health information. They noted that 68 percent of online seniors look for health and medical information when they go on the Web.

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Palmyra Chiropractor : Rick Wells, DC

Bad Habits Lead to Bad Health

Train Smarter, Not Harder

Good Nutrition & Lots of Exercise for Healthy Kids

Get Started Running | Simple Guidelines Everyone Can Follow

A Few Energy Boosting Tips

What's Your BMI ?

Its important for healthy lifestyles to have a decent BMI score. Check yours at the margin, right of the post, and see how you score.

BMI For Adults Widgets

Four Things To Do for a Healthier Back

Spring Back with Fresh Air, Sunlight, and a Little Perspiration

General Explaining the Benefits of Chiropractic and the Military - Video

Lake Chiropractic|Chiropractor in Palmyra,VA & Charlottesville, VA|22963|22901

Developing Your Core

ACA Back Pain Facts & Statistics From Your Charlottesville Chiropractor

Snow-Shoveling Safety Tips From Your Charlottesville Chiropractor

The NFL's Indestructible Man

What You Speak About You Bring About !

Doctor of Chiropractic Helping Colicky Babies

Consumer Reports Ranks Chiropractic #1 For Back Pain

Chiropractic Care Increases

Americans Use Of Non-Medical Care Increases