10 Questions Answered about Chiropractic

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10 Questions Answered about Chiropractic, chiropractic, chiropractic care, chiropractic facts, chiropractor, chiropractors, Dr. Tijana DC, Dr. Tijana Sefic DC, healthy.BEing family wellness, nervous system, subluxation, well-being, wellness

There are quite a few misconceptions regarding chiropractic. So I am going to use this platform to explain 10 facts about chiropractic you may have not known. Feel free to ask other questions in the comments below and Dr. Tijana would be thrilled to answer them!

1. “Are you back doctors?” No! We are nervous system doctors!The nervous system is your master controller.Your body is a collaborative network of multiple organ systems, which function dependently on each other and are controlled by the nervous system that controls each and every function of the body. The nerves from the brain and the spinal cord travel to each cell of the body to ensure the appropriate homeostatic state of being. The nerves exiting the vertebra along the spine relate to a specific organ system. If there is a disruption in the biomechanical integrity of the spine and/or other joints in the body, it may result in altered physiological function and the body’s ability to self-heal, described as a subluxation. Consider the diagram below to determine which vertebral level correlates to a specific organ and potential area of dysfunction. Chiropractors assess the levels of the spine that are causing the dysfunction in the body system and perform the chiropractic adjustment to restore the proper nerve flow for the optimal nervous system function. You can see why it is not uncommon for a chiropractor to treat a patient with mid-back pain who also suffers from irritable bowel system, a patient with a subluxated sacrum who has been unsuccessfully trying to become pregnant, or a patient with an upper back fixation and acid reflux.

2. “Do you have to be old to start chiropractic care?” No! Chiropractic serves the young and the old alike, by supporting the overall health and well-being of a body. Chiropractors work on infants right after birth to check their little spines for misalignments following the birth process. Chiropractic enables and encourages healthy nervous system and brain development in children, which continues into old age. As a person gets older, chiropractic encourages proper range of motion, balance, coordination, and overall integration processes to keep the body at optimal function physically, chemically, and emotionally.

3. Should I see a chiropractor if I don’t have any pain? No! Pain is not the first symptom. As a matter of fact, pain is the final manifestation of an underlying problem or dysfunction that may have been present for months or years. However, pain may be what brings many people into chiropractic offices. It is important to remember that absence of pain does not indicate that you are healthy and not having any underlying physical, chemical, and emotional dysfunction.

4. “I’ve tried chiropractic once, but it did not help! Why did it not work?” Trying chiropractic once is similar to going for one workout and expecting to be in perfect shape at that instant! People who have musculoskeletal problems typically did not acquire them overnight; therefore, it would be unrealistic to assume that they will go away overnight as well. In addition, there may be complicating factors affecting your ability to heal, which is why you are evaluated for postural misalignments, diet and nutritional deficiencies, ergonomics, and other lifestyle factors that may impede your ability to see the expected results. Successful chiropractic patients accept responsibility for their health and are pro-active in how they participate in it.

5. “Do I have to go to a chiropractor forever?” No! But you may want to once you’ve started because you didn’t realize how great getting adjusted is. Wellness or maintenance care is recommended following the initial issue or complaint to continue to ensure that proper motion is being maintained in your spine and that your nervous system is functioning optimally. At that point, most people choose to come see their chiropractor weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly based on the needs of their lifestyle.

6. “Can chiropractic keep me from getting sick?” Yes, as studies have indicated that adjustments consistently reduce the production of pro-inflammatory mediators associated with tissue damage and pain, and may also enhance the production of immunoregulatory complexes important for healthy immune system defense. Regular chiropractic adjustments continue to maintain the nervous system function at an optimum and will address any areas of dysfunction that may happen if the immune system is fighting an infection, allowing the body to heal itself from the inside out.

7. “Can chiropractic help me perform better?” Yes, and it is the reason that most world-class athletes use chiropractors as part of their support team. Chiropractic can help prevent injuries, speed injury recovery, improve balance and coordination, and give them a greater competitive edge. Ever heard of Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Michael Phelps, Tom Brady, Evander Holyfield?! All of them, amongst many others including Olympic athletes and all professional sports teams in US and other countries, are treated by chiropractors on a regular basis to stay well and perform better!

8. “Can an adjustment hurt me?” No! While some people are hesitant about the neck adjustments, imagining the action-movie-style maneuver, the adjustment in the neck and all the other joints in the body are delivered with a specifically directed thrust applied to a specific segment in the spine to remove the subluxation at the point of dysfunction. It may be accompanied with a popping or cracking sound, called cavitation, which is created within the joint space as a result of the gasses being released from the joint capsule.

9. “Can I See a Chiropractor if I’m Pregnant?” Yes! Anytime is a good time for a better functioning nerve system. Pregnant mothers find that chiropractic adjustments improve their symptoms during pregnancy and delivery for themselves and the baby, experience significantly reduced labor times, and decrease the need for painkillers. Adjusting methods are always adapted to a patient’s size, weight, age, condition of health, and the stage of pregnancy.

10. “Do newborn babies need chiropractic adjustments?” Yes, even with today’s “natural” childbirth methods, which can affect an infant’s spine. Spinal distress and its effects on the nervous system may manifest as poor appetite, erratic sleeping habits, unusual crying patterns, and colic. Pediatric adjustments are safe and gentle with only very minimal amount of pressure that you would use on your closed eyelid.

Baby D after his adjustment in the Office!
His first one was at 3 days old!

Have additional questions? Contact below in comments, at drtijana.dc@gmail.com, Website, Facebook, or Twitter!

Be healthy & happy, Dr. Tijana

If you do not already have a local chiropractor, call Dr. Tijana at 706.254.4579 to schedule your first appointment for YOU & YOUR FAMILY for a comprehensive health assessment TODAY!

“Why Chiropractic Care for Kids?”

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chiropractic care, chiropractic for pregnancy, Dr. Tijana DC, healthy.BEing family wellness, ICPA, ICPA4KIDS, pediatric chiropractor, prenatal care, prenatal chiropractic care, Why Chiropractic Care for Kids?

Learn when and why you should start your children under chiropractic care!

Video of Dr. Claudia Anrig (ICPA): Chiropractic and how it fits into the wellness lifestyle for today’s families.

Guess what?! You can start your child on the read to health and wellness even in utero! Chiropractic offers a gentle and safe approach to an optimally functioning nervous system and a life of health and wellness!

Don’t have a local chiropractor! Call Dr. Tijana at 706.254.4579 to schedule your first appointment for YOU & YOUR FAMILY for a comprehensive health assessment TODAY!

Have additional questions? Contact me below, at drtijana.dc@gmail.com, Website, Facebook, or Twitter!

Be healthy & happy, Dr. Tijana

 

Less Headaches = Better Health & Life

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chiropractic, chiropractic care, CoQ10, Dr. Tijana DC, food allergens, food sensitivities, grass-fed, headaches, healthy nutrition, healthy.BEing family wellness, Less Headaches = Better Health & Life, magnesium, micronutrients, migraines, nutrition, organic food, whole food, wild-caught

Headaches and migraines are a common complaint among individuals seeking chiropractic care. Millions of people, predominantly women, suffer needlessly. In women, many times headaches and migraines may be hormone-related, especially during the menstrual circle and menopause. Headaches and migraines may have a number of symptoms of varying intensities affecting the patient during an episode, from throbbing and pulsing head and neck pain to light and sound sensitivity, and in extreme cases, nausea and vomiting. The pain and discomfort may last from several hours to several days, which makes life less enjoyable.

Important to remember: If the symptoms persist for an extended time period and have neurological indicators, such as numbness and tingling on one side of the body, vision problems and vision loss, and severe headache ‘like you haven never experienced before’ this time, you should immediately consult your primary care physician.

In the following post, we will discuss a few things you can do to help reduce the intensity and frequency of headaches and migraines.

Two of the major food allergens, wheat and cow’s milk, have been linked to headaches, especially migraines. In addition to those two culprits, other grain cereals, cane sugar, yeast, corn, soy, citrus, eggs, beef, caffeine, and chocolate have also been identified as causative indicators in over 150 different clinical studies. People who maintained a grain-free and dairy-free diets tended to see a decrease in pain and frequency of headaches and migraines.

Besides these major food allergens mentioned above, processed foods contribute to a number of ailments and allergies, even in people who are non-chronic headache sufferers. Processed foods contain a wide variety of chemically altered additives, such as coloring, flavoring (i.e. MSG), preservatives, artificial sweeteners (i.e. aspartame), and other additives, which promote severe symptoms in people with headaches and migraines. Furthermore, food sensitivities may also occur with the following symptoms:

• Bloating, gas, belching, or other digestive distress after meals
• Chronic constipation or diarrhea
• Low energy or drowsiness shortly after a meal
• Nasal congestion and mucous discharge up to 7 days after eating an allergen food

If these are common after you eat, you may need to investigate if you have specific food sensitivities. One of the ways to help is by keeping a daily detailed food diary to determine what specific food seems to induce your headache and migraine symptoms, which in turn will help you heal your gut. The next step would be to eliminate the reactive food(s) from the diets and monitor the progress. It is also important during this time to read the food labels to ensure to avoid chemical food additives as a person can be sensitive to those, just as much as they can be sensitive to specific food items.

So, when choosing the foods TO eat to keep headaches and migraines at bay and overall health: 

• Eat fresh, unprocessed, whole, organic, and non-genetically-modified foods from local sources
• Eat at least 1/3 of your food (vegetables, fruit, and nuts) raw or lightly cooked
• Grass-fed meats and wild-caught fish
• Avoid grains and other products that contain gluten
• Avoid any irritant foods that you’ve determined during the elimination process
• Avoid artificial sweeteners of any kind

When eating a diet of foods listed above, there may be very limited need for additional supplements as these food deliver many micronutrients, vitamins, and minerals. However, here are a few supplements that may be helpful in reducing headaches and migraines, as well as general health:

• Ubiquinol, a reduced form of CoQ10 for improved mitochondrial function in healthy cells, tissues, and organs
• Magnesium for relaxation of blood vessels in the brain and body
• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), B6, B12, & folic acid

Even though, this is an obvious example, exercise plays a very significant role in reducing headaches and migraines. Exercise is one of the best way of increasing oxygen and blood flow to the brain and the body, increasing energy levels, improving the mood, and ultimately reducing headaches.

Dr. Tijana in action!

With Chiropractic, keeping the nervous system at optimal function by allowing the body to communicate to the brain appropriately is a vital aspect of spinal and overall health through a natural, effective, drug-free approach to health that promotes natural healing function and potential. Chiropractic allows the body to release the accumulated physical, mental, and chemical stress and further allows the appropriate alignment and movement in the spine and its structures. Chiropractors work with people of all ages, including newborn babies, pregnant women and children. Talk to your local chiropractor today and start on the path to health to maximize your nervous and immune system function that leads to overall more energy and increased vitality! 

 

 

Have any questions? Have something to add? Contact me below in the comments, at drtijana.dc@gmail.com, Facebook, or Twitter!

Be healthy & happy, Dr. Tijana

SCHEDULE THE FIRST APPOINTMENT FOR YOU & YOUR FAMILY for a comprehensive health assessment TODAY at 706.254.4579!

Chiropractic Care for Pregnancy

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chiropractic benefits, chiropractic care, chiropractic for pregnancy, Dr. Tijana DC, healthy.BEing family wellness, pediatric chiropractor, pregnancy, prenatal care, prenatal massage, prenatal yoga, reduced labor pain, reduced labor time

Chiropractic care can be instrumental before, during, and after pregnancy to maintain a well functioning nervous system for the mother and the baby to prepare for a successful pregnancy. Many times pregnancy discomforts are assumed to be a part of the process, but there is no need to suffer. Chiropractic offers a safe, gentle, hands-on approach to combat pregnancy difficulties, such as nausea, heartburn, constipation, back pain, pubic pain, and others. Being under regular chiropractic care will allow for a subluxation-free pregnancy without joint and nerve dysfunction, allowing the body to transition through the stages of pregnancy and prepare for a successful birth experience with a properly aligned spine.

Maintaining a healthy spine during the pregnancy is extremely important. Here are some tips on keeping the spine in a good and healthy shape with a lower risk of injury to abdominal and pelvic musculature as well as the spine and pelvis:

When sitting up from a lying position: Bend the knees, roll over to one side, and push up with the arms, instead of using, and possibly straining abdominal muscles.

When standing: Keep the knees unlocked. Do not push the tummy forward with the hands on the hips. Wear comfortable, supportive shoes and refrain from wearing high heels. Before standing up, make sure to maintain full contact with the ground by placing your feet firmly first. If twisting the body, move the whole body starting with the feet. Avoid carrying other young children whenever possible to decrease the risk of abdominal injury. If standing for extended time period, place one foot on a small box or something similar to reduce the pressure, and possible pain, on the low back; and switch legs often.

Exercise: Perform regular moderate cardio- and strength-training routine. Keep the pelvic floor muscles strong. Stretch gently every day. Develop a breathing routine, especially concentrating on the lower abdomen and if stressed. Do prenatal yoga to strengthen your muscles, practice breathing, and cultivate a sense of calm. Swim for non-weight-bearing exercise to make it easier on the joints.

Sleep: Place a pillow between the knees and another at the breast level to support the upper body without introducing rotation in the upper portion of the spine.

Allow proper rest and relaxation: Schedule a prenatal massage as often as possible. Avoid lifting heavy objects by asking for help. Do more yoga. Meditate.

Maintain a regular spinal check-up schedule with your local chiropractor for some remarkable benefits:

• Less discomfort in carrying the baby in the third trimester and during the delivery
• Significantly reduced labor times
• Decreased need for painkillers

Chiropractic aids in correcting body’s imbalances, evident in misalignments and overcompensations in posture. The presence of these misalignments,  vertebral subluxation, will interfere with the nervous system’s ability to communicate with the body through distorted brain messages. Allowing the nervous system to meet its challenges with less overall stress will be able to improve the chances of healthier pregnancy naturally. Improving health and well-being from inside out through chiropractic as well as proper nutrition and movement, will help you make significant strides to prepare the body for the New Life.

Have questions? Contact me here, at drtijana.dc@gmail.com, Facebook, or Twitter!

Be healthy & happy, Dr. Tijana

SCHEDULE THE FIRST APPOINTMENT FOR YOU & YOUR FAMILY for a comprehensive health assessment TODAY at 706.254.4579!

Chiropractic for Ear Infections

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chiropractic, chiropractic benefits, chiropractic care, cranial work, craniosacral, Dr. Tijana DC, ear infections, Eustachian tube, healthy.BEing family wellness, inflammation, natural antibiotic, nutrition, otitis media, pediatric chiropractor, pediatrics

One of the most common problems in the pediatric population are ear infections (otitis media). Middle ear inflammation is the accurate description as there is no actual infection present, in most cases.   Almost half of all children will have at least one middle ear infection during their first year, and by age three, over two-thirds of all children will have had at least one middle ear infection.

 

Symptoms include more obvious and some more subtle signs:

• Ear pain
• Fever
• Irritability
• Dizziness, in older children
• Low appetite
• Less than normal activity
• Shaking the head
• Pulling on the ear
• Crying

Causes of ear infections can be complex and multifaceted, including allergy, infection,mechanical obstruction, and nutritional deficiency.

Allergy

Many cases of chronic ear infections are due to food or airborne allergies or hypersensitivity reactions. Allergies can cause significant pressure changes within the middle ear, as well as obstruction of the Eustachian tube. The most common allergens implicated in ear infection are cow’s milk and dairy products, wheat, eggs, chocolate, citrus, corn, soy, peanuts or other nuts, shellfish, sugar, and yeast. Dairy is the number one contributor to childhood ear problems. Proper allergy management, such as elimination and rotation diets, can produce dramatic recovery in allergic children with chronic ear infections.

Infection

If immune function is lowered for any reason, bacteria or viruses from the nose or throat can find their way into the middle ear and contribute to an ear infection. When these germs multiply, pus builds up behind the eardrum and increases the pressure, which leads to pain and swelling in the ear. Often a common cold with a stuffy, runny nose or a cough precedes the ear infection.

Mechanical Obstruction

The obstruction of the Eustachian tube can be due to a mechanical misalignment. This blockage is due to problems of the structural components around the ear and eustachian tube, including the bones of the jaw, skull and neck, which move gently in synchronization with one another. The movement of these bones allows for the proper movement of the fluids in the head, including the fluids connecting between the sinuses, Eustachian tubes and ears. Many things can change the proper movement of the bones in the head, including falls, recurrent infections, and the trauma of birth (especially if tools were used).

Since an ear infection contains fluid that accumulates behind the ear drum, gentle movement of the bones of the head to allow drainage of the fluid can prevent and cure such an infection. Craniosacral work is the gentle movement of the bones of a child’s head and sacrum. Using craniosacral work for treatment and prevention of ear infections is especially helpful. Seek out a pediatric chiropractor, who specialize in cranial work for your child.

Nutritional Deficiencies

An organic, unprocessed, whole foods diet, low in sugar, is essential for creating good health with high immune function. Dietary fats, such as Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs), are essential to normal immune and nervous system function, while reducing the predisposition to recurrent infections and inflammatory conditions. Essential fatty acids are found in flax oil, evening primrose oil, borage seed oil, krill oil, and fish oil. This should ideally be started by the mother while she is pregnant and during breast-feeding. One or two teaspoons per day of flax oil, depending on age, may be all the child needs.

Deficiency of certain vitamins or minerals can weaken a child’s immunity. It is valuable to give children a good multivitamin and mineral supplement. Vitamin C, vitamin A, and zinc are essential to the immune system, protecting against ear infection, and the conversion of fatty acids, respectively.

Supplementation of the diet with intestinal bacteria is important to healthy immunity, especially if a child has been on antibiotics. L. acidophilus is recommended for children over age seven, and B. bifidus for children under seven.

Breastfeeding is important to ensure that a child has a healthy immune system. Mother’s milk contains all the immune protecting complexes the child needs. Also, the sucking action required to breastfeed also helps the Eustachian tubes open and close, which makes a difference in the frequency that a child is likely to get ear infections.

Antibiotics and Other Medications

Ear infections are rarely an emergency and usually will get better without antibiotic treatment, which is what is typically prescribed. A reasonable approach in treating a child with an ear infection, who is otherwise healthy, is to wait four days and see if the body will recover without antibiotics. If after four days, the infection has not gone away, antibiotics may make a difference. Keep in mind that if an allergic child continues to be exposed to an allergen, or if the main cause is not resolved, recurrent infections are likely.

From the perspective of the whole person, giving medications to block and suppress an illness can push the illness further into the body. Anti-inflammatory drugs block the formation of some chemicals that promote inflammation, while also blocking chemicals that naturally prevent inflammation, as well as trigger the release of substances that make inflammation worse.

Prevention Options

Lifestyle habits make a significant difference in recurrent ear infections:

• Allergens: Remove food allergies and hypersensitivities.
• Positioning: A child should not lie down on his or her back to drink a bottle or feed, to be less likely to push fluids into the Eustachian tube.
• Breastfeed as much as you can, even more during a symptomatic period of earaches.
• Utilize nutritional supplements: EFAs, vitamin C & A, zinc.
• Probiotics to promote healthy intestinal bioflora.
• Consult with your holistic physician about use of antibiotics.
• Consult your pediatric chiropractor about gentle craniosacral work.

Have questions? Contact me here, at drtijana.dc@gmail.com, Facebook, or Twitter!

Be healthy & happy, Dr. Tijana

SCHEDULE THE FIRST APPOINTMENT FOR YOU & YOUR FAMILY for a comprehensive health assessment TODAY at 706.254.4579!

Get Happy Naturally!

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anti depressants, blue potatoes, chiropractic, chiropractic care, coconuts, dark chocolate, Dr. Tijana DC, feel good, green smoothie, happiness, happy, healthy.BEing family wellness, honey, hydration, juicing, mussels, natural antidepressants, nature, physical activity, seratonin, smiling, water, wellness

Food can make a significant difference when it comes down to your mood. Healthy food choices can act as natural anti-depressants while making you happy as it increases the level of seratonin in the brain and the rest of the body. Portion of the seratonin in the body is actually produced in the gut, so making the right nutritional choice is essential. Eating food, such as junk food, negatively affects your health as you are not getting proper macro- and micro-nutrients, and in some cases, unhealthy food can actually leach nutrients from the body.

Here we are going to look at foods that meet the qualifications that will make you happy and healthy:

Swiss Chard

This vegetable contains a lot of magnesium. Magnesium is a nutrient that is a vital part of the biochemical reactions that increase energy levels in the human body. A study in 2009 in the “Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry” discovered that lower magnesium levels were associated with higher depression scores.

Blue Potatoes

Blue Potatoes are becoming much more popular at your local grocery store or farmer’s market. They have powerful antioxidants known as anthocyanins; anthocyanins provide neuro-protective qualities, like reducing the brain inflammation that is commonly associated with depression, and boosting short-term memory. Your thyroid gland is maintained, as well, by the iodine found in the peel.

Mussels

Mussels have moderate to high amounts of Vitamin B12, Selenium, Iodine, protein, and Zinc, while being low in calories and fat. The Iodine helps to support the thyroid gland, which helps to regulate mood and weight; the Selenium and Zinc help the thyroid gland, as well. The Vitamin B12 helps to strengthen and insulate a person’s brain cells, which keeps the brain sharp over time.

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate improves the blood-flow to the brain, and provides an instant boost in concentration and mood. This will help you to feel more energetic and vibrant. However, don’t go overboard: The “Journal of Psychopharmacology” says that all you need is a few ounces of dark chocolate each day to reap the benefits. Milk and German chocolate do not have the same benefits.

Greek Yogurt

Calcium – which Greek yogurt has large amounts of (more than milk) – helps a person’s brain by causing it to release happiness-inducing neurotransmitters. Greek yogurt also has more protein than regular yogurt, which makes weight-loss easier. Also, available with goat’s milk.

Asparagus

Asparagus has high levels of folate and tryptophan. Low levels of folate have been linked to depression in half of all cases of depression, according to recent research. Tryptophan is also used by the brain to make serotonin, which is one of the human brain’s main mood-stabilizing neurotransmitters. Turkey is a great source of tryptophan; it does require calories in order to activate its sedative-like effects.

Honey

In regards to health, honey is far better than regular sugar. Honey contains kaempferol and quercetin, which helps to prevent depression (and keep your brain healthy) by reducing inflammation in the brain. It also won’t send your body into “fat-storage” mode, like regular sugar can, by having less of an impact on blood-sugar levels.

Cherry Tomatoes

All tomatoes have a substance known as lycopene. Lycopene is an antioxidant that fights inflammation in the brain and generally protects the brain. For best results, eat them with olive oil; olive oil helps to increase the absorption of lycopene.

Eggs

Eggs contain moderate-to-large amounts of Zinc, Vitamin B, Iodine, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and protein. Not only can eggs keep you energized, they can also keep you full (stomach-wise) for longer! A 2008 study in the “International Journal of Obesity” found that people who had eggs for breakfast lost considerably more weight, compared to those who ate bagels for breakfast.

Coconuts

Coconuts contain medium-chain triglycerides. Medium-chain triglycerides are special fats that fuel better moods and promote general brain-health. Coconut is also a healthy source of fat and can withstand high heat without going rancid.

Few more tips on how to increase seratonin, “the feel good hormone”:

• Chiropractic care – to maintain an optimally functioning nervous system within a subluxation-free spine
• Smiling – the act itself releases seratonin in the brain
• Physical activity – clears the mind, increases blood flow to the brain and body ->boosts seratonin, and increases energy levels
• Water – hydrates all the cells in the brain and body, increases energy, and decreases the stress toll on the body
• Spending time in nature – increases oxygen in the brain and body, promotes a sense of calm, and boosts energy
• Green smoothie/juice – increases level of antioxidants and increases energy while lowering pH to a more alkaline level

Feel free to contact me here with any questions, at drtijana.dc@gmail.com, Facebook, or Twitter!

Be healthy & happy, Dr. Tijana

SCHEDULE THE FIRST APPOINTMENT FOR YOU & YOUR FAMILY for a comprehensive health assessment TODAY at 706.254.4579!

Chiropractic & Childhood Trauma

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childhood trauma, children, children health, children's health, chiropractic, chiropractic benefits, chiropractic care, chiropractic for pregnancy, Dr. Tijana DC, falls, healthy.BEing family wellness, injury, pediatric chiropractor, pediatrics, slips, spinal adjustment, spinal health, spinal trauma, trauma

We’ve discussed why healthy children should be adjusted in a previous blog post. The answer is simple: to keep their nervous system functioning at the optimum level without any interference or distress. Chiropractic throughout pregnancy, birth, and childhood can be instrumental in laying a foundation for life-long health and wellness as it offers better choices for overall lifestyle.

The nervous system is the master controller in the body, contained within the spine and skull, and if its communication pathways (nerves) become distorted, they may result in an ineffective neural input and output. So if the spine is the area of nerve distress then the body is unable to operate smoothly. Chiropractors focus on removing the physical, chemical, and emotional stressors to ensure the nervous system works efficiently and effectively.

“The school of the hard knocks”

Some of these physical stressors in a child’s body can happen from small and large knocks and falls that will affect the child’s health. According to the National Safety Council, by the age of 7, a child will have fallen around 2500 times; and prior to turning 3 years of age (a critical period of brain development), nearly 50% of children have fallen head-first from a high place, such as a bed, a changing table, and a flight of stairs. Unfortunately, the resilience of children at a young age can make immediate symptoms less noticeable to an untrained eye; however, spinal health may have been compromised during these falls that leads to postural, immune, and neurological dysfunction over time as it will affect the structure and function of the whole nervous system.

Children with postural abnormalities, weakened immune system, and compromised neural communication due to undetected and uncorrected spinal injury may suffer from the following subtle symptom manifestations below, which can all lead to health problems later in life:

• Colic
• Irritability
• Inability to suckle and breastfeed
• Poor sleeping habits
• Developmental delays
• Digestion issues
• Asthma
• Behavioral problems
• Low energy
• Inability to concentrate
• Headaches
• And more…

So what exactly happens during a slip or a fall?!

When the child’s body is abruptly jarred in an accident, the muscles that protect the spine and skull automatically contract in order to keep the brain and the nervous system safe, which includes the muscles that attach to the nerve coverings themselves. This jarring motion will tension and subluxate (misalign)  the spine and all of its attached muscles and ligaments in the process, which will affect the nervous system input and output. A subluxated spine, whether large or small, will result in altered structure and function, changing the way the body is able to behave, feel, and think.

Common times for injuries

The birth process: Stress and strain during birth in the upper neck muscles (suboccipitals) in newborns, which can effect the function of the brain stem. In addition, poor handling of babies, development of proper head support, learning to sit up, crawl, stand, and walk can also create spinal and nerve distress during the first year of life.

Playground, preschools, daycare centers in the early childhood up to the age of 5.

Schools and childhood activities, such as sports, bicycles, playgrounds, skateboarding, slides, rollerblading, and horseback riding from age 5 to 8.

Patient in my office, who has been under care 2 weeks after conception

Child’s greatest health asset

As you understand the importance of an optimally functioning nervous system, it make sense that all children, with or without any evident symptoms, deserve a well-adjusted, subluxation-free spine and nervous system. Chiropractic is gentle, safe and effective for children of any age with outstanding benefits, such as:

• Maximizing the child’s brain plasticity and neural development
• Enhancing the child’s overall health and well-being
• Strengthening the immune system for a reduction of incidence of colds, earaches and general illness
• Helping with colic and irritability
• Helping with breathing difficulties, asthma, and allergies
• Influencing postural changes
• Improving the child’s ability to concentrate
• Reintegrating the nervous system to assist with behavioral disorders and emotional stress and anxiety
• Alleviating bed-wetting and digestive problems
• Improving sleep issues

Incorporating chiropractic care will become an important part of a healthy lifestyle for the whole family.

Consider consulting with a local Doctor of Chiropractic on how to enhance your child’s health with an optimally functioning nervous system without interference or distress.

Have questions? Contact me here, at drtijana.dc@gmail.com, Facebook, or Twitter!

Be healthy & happy, Dr. Tijana

SCHEDULE THE FIRST APPOINTMENT FOR YOU & YOUR FAMILY for a comprehensive health assessment TODAY at 706.254.4579!

Greater Well-Being with Chiropractic

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chiropractic, chiropractic care, Dr. Tijana DC, health, modern life, modern lifestyle, modern stressors, stress, stress management, subluxation, well-being, wellness

More people are approaching health and wellness from a proactive stand-point by decreasing the burdens of modern lifestyle. Chiropractic care, in addition to high quality nutrition, exercise, and sleep, are instrumental in allowing the nervous system to function and perform at an optimal level.

Modern life stressors, shown below, can negatively impact the physiological functions in the body:

• Sedentary lifestyle
• Poor dietary choices
• Poor posture
• Chemical toxins
• Stress – physical, mental, and emotional

Taking small steps to alter these lifestyle choices will aid in enhancing appropriate body functions. Incorporating chiropractic care restores proper nerve function to strengthen our health. Allowing the communication channels of the nervous system to flow uninhibited is paramount to healthy function.

Doctors of chiropractic adjust subluxations in the specific areas of joint and nerve dysfunction in order to free up the body’s communication channels, thereby offering a natural, effective, drug-free approach to health that promotes natural healing function and potential. Chiropractors work with people of all ages, including newborn babies, pregnant women and children.

Chiropractic goes beyond offering temporary relief from symptoms, it explores the cause of a problem and utilizes a hands-on approach to correcting the cause and enhancing the sense of vitality and well-being in order to get the most out of life each day by committing to a lifestyle of health.

Chiropractic honors the wisdom of the body’s innate ability for self-healing!

Feel free to contact me here with any questions, at drtijana.dc@gmail.com, Facebook, or Twitter!

Be healthy & happy, Dr. Tijana

SCHEDULE THE FIRST APPOINTMENT FOR YOU & YOUR FAMILY for a comprehensive health assessment TODAY at 706.254.4579!