Author: Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors

Chiropractic for TMJ pain

When most people think of the work a chiropractor does, their thoughts immediately go to correcting problems with the back, neck, spine, etc.

Perhaps the last place you’d expect a chiropractor to relieve pain is in your jaw.

Your chiropractor may be able to relieve pain in your jaw, specifically your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which can be a common sore spot for many people.

A study showed that specific adjustments of the TMJ may be appropriate for the conservative treatment of temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD).

What is the TMJ?

The TMJ connects the lower jaw to the skull in front of the ear. Certain facial muscles that control chewing are also attached to the lower jaw. You can easily find your TMJ by placing your fingers in front of either ear and opening your mouth. You should feel changing shapes beneath your fingers.

Problems with the TMJ or the surrounding structures cause TMD.

What are some of the problems that cause TMD?

There are number of causes for TMD. The most common is clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth during sleep. These moments overwork the jaw muscles and put pressure on the joint.

TMD can also be caused by the following:

  • disc dislocation
  • when ill-fitting dental fillings, crowns, dentures, etc. make the bite uneven
  • trauma to the mouth i.e. a fall directly on the jaw or dental surgery
    hereditary issues
  • specific diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout or fibromyalgia

What are the symptoms of TMD?

TMD can have many symptoms that can be present all the time, or come and go. Some of these include;

  • trouble opening and closing your mouth
  • jaw locking, clicking or popping
  • headaches
  • pain in the jaw
  • pain in the neck or face
  • difficulty chewing
  • ear pain

How can my chiropractor help?

Your chiropractor will first assess the cause of your TMD. Most TMJ conditions respond well to conservative treatment like chiropractic.

If your chiropractor decides your specific case of TMD can benefit from chiropractic treatment, they may proceed with a few different methods, such as chiropractic adjustments, Myofascial Release, which works to relax muscles and soft tissue in order to optimize their function, or active release therapy, which is meant to release scar tissue.

Your chiropractor may also work with your dentist to ensure that the treatment chosen is the correct one for you.

Your chiropractor might also advise you of certain postural changes you can make, especially in the upper-neck, which could be causing or contributing to your TMD as well.

For more blogs and information like this, follow us on Facebook or like us on Twitter.


Originally posted by the Chiropractors Association of Alberta

Food for thought: nutritional counselling in chiropractic practice

We all know nutrition is an essential part of a healthy, active lifestyle. It’s been ingrained in us. “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” “You are what you eat.” What may seem foreign to you though is how nutrition and chiropractic go hand-in-hand.  The promotion of healthy lifestyles is an important goal of chiropractic care. Nutrition is a great example of this.

Proper nutrition is essential in keeping your musculoskeletal (MSK) system operating to its full potential. If you are seeking chiropractic care to recover from an injury or just to maintain MSK health, nutrition becomes even more important.

Watch your caloric intake

Although it has almost become cliché to talk about caloric intake, the foods you put in your body can go a long way in prolonging an MSK issue or putting extra strain on your muscles or joints. The more high caloric foods you eat, the more weight you’re going to gain. The more weight you gain, the more pressure your muscle or joints come under. It’s simple logic really, that most don’t think about.

Tailored diets

Your chiropractor has the education and expertise to tailor a diet or suggest foods that can directly address your injury or lifestyle.

For instance, those suffering from pain in a muscle or joint may be given an anti-inflammatory diet that avoids foods like white bread and french fries. These foods are recognized as a foreign invader by the body, leading to an increase in inflammation as well as a host of other problems.

Lifestyle nutrition is also something your chiropractor can assist you with. If you or your child are into athletics a diet rich in complex carbohydrates is essential to provide the energy source to fuel your intense training and competition. Your chiropractor can assist you in developing a meal plan to meet your needs.

Chiropractic expertise in nutrition

Your chiropractor has received the training necessary to provide you with nutritional advice in conjunction with your chiropractic treatment. Students on the road to becoming DCs (Doctors of Chiropractic) will receive classes in physiology, biochemistry and nutrition as part of the core curriculum.

Together, with other courses that focus on a healthy lifestyle and whole-body wellness strategies, your chiropractor can be an excellent resource to assist you in your quest for healthy choices and better all-around health.

Many chiropractors also choose to further their education in the field of nutrition as well, through post graduate programs and advanced education.

For more blogs and information like this, follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook.


Originally posted by the Chiropractic Association of Alberta

Heat vs. ice: which works best for treating injuries?

Heat vs. Ice … It may sound like the title of an upcoming blockbuster movie, but it’s a question most active people have mulled over during their life after they’ve sustained an injury. Like most dilemmas, there isn’t really an easy answer to this question. Whether to treat an injury with a hot pad or an ice pack depends largely on the situation.

Ice

How cooling an injury works

Applying ice or a cold pack works by reducing blood flow and pain sensation to a particular area. Cooling an injured area, especially a tendon or joint, can reduce inflammation and swelling that causes pain.

When is it best to apply ice to my injury?

Ice is meant to calm down damaged surface tissues that are inflamed, red, hot and swollen. Think of icing as a way to simply dull the pain, and reduce inflammation, nothing more or nothing less. Ice therapy is most beneficial in the first 24-72 hours of sustaining an injury.

After you’ve sustained your injury, you should aim to apply ice to the inflamed area as soon as possible.

Use cold therapy for short periods of time, several times a day.

It’s important not to treat an area with ice for too long. Ten to fifteen minutes is fine, but no more than 20 minutes of cold therapy should be used at a time.

Also, don’t cool an area to the point where you are shivering. If you are already shivering, you should discontinue applying ice until you warm up. The brain interprets an excess of cold as a threat and when the brain thinks there’s something wrong going on it may actually amp up your area of pain as a defense mechanism.

How to apply cooling therapy

Before you apply ice or a cooling pack to the injured area, always make sure there is some sort of barrier between the ice and your skin. Whether it be a Ziploc bag or a washcloth, it’s imperative that the barrier exists. Applying ice directly on the skin can cause damage to the skin and tissues.

Heat

How applying heat to an injury works

Heat therapy works by improving circulation and blood flow to a particular area. Heating an affected area can soothe discomfort, increase muscle flexibility and help heal damaged tissue.

When is it best to apply heat to my injury?

Heat therapy is most effective for sore muscles, chronic pain and repetitive stress injuries. A comfortable, not scalding, heat can take the edge off symptoms like muscle aching and stiffness.  Heat can be most beneficial 36-72 hours after the injury is sustained.

How to apply heat therapy

When applying heat therapy to a small, afflicted area you could use small heated gel packs or a hot water bottle.

There are certain cases where heat therapy should not be used. If the area is bruised or swollen, it may be better to use an ice pack. Heat therapy also shouldn’t be applied to an area with an open wound.

Heat therapy, unlike cold therapy, is most beneficial when used for long periods of time.

Minor stiffness can benefit with only 15 to 20 minutes of heat therapy. Moderate to severe pain can benefit from longer sessions of heat therapy lasting between 30 minutes and two hours.

When to see a chiropractor
Whether you go the ice or heat route, both treatments are meant only to mask the discomfort of your injury. If your pain hasn’t subsided after a few days of either heat or cold treatment seek advice from a chiropractor.

Doctors of Chiropractic are highly educated and specially trained musculoskeletal experts. If you experience stiffness or pain related to sport or active living, consult your chiropractor. If you don’t have a chiropractor, find one near you.

For more blogs and information like this, follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook.


Originally posted by the Chiropractic Association of Alberta

Chiropractors as part of the opioid reduction strategy in Canada

It is hard to live in Canada and not be aware of Canada’s current Opioid Crisis. An estimated 2,000 Canadians are dying annually from prescription opioids. Our country is facing a national crisis. Currently, Canada is the second highest consumer of prescription opioids in the world. Evidence points to back pain and other musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions as one of the key drivers.

Headlines related to chronic pain and fentanyl overdose are rising in frequency and urgency. Many chronic pain patients have been universally mismanaged by all health professions even with the best intent and the best minds clamoring for solutions.

Chiropractic can be a piece of the puzzle in the development of an effective opioid reduction strategy. By providing prompt access to effective health care options, like chiropractic care, evidence suggests that we can reduce reliance on opioids to treat acute and chronic MSK-related pain.

In fact, new guidelines released by the Canadian Medical Association Journal, recommend a coordinated multi-disciplinary healthcare team, which includes chiropractic, be used to help manage pain and avoid the dependency of opioids.

Albertans and all Canadians deserve earlier access to conservative chiropractic care for their MSK health issues before they become chronic pain sufferers. It is now understood that current solutions in the pain management of non-cancer conditions affecting the MSK system (bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles and joints) have become too reliant on opioids.

Chiropractic is a safe, evidence informed option to treating chronic pain, and our high patient satisfaction levels make chiropractic a popular option for patients looking to address pain and improve function.

Federal and provincial governments are widely recognizing the crisis that exists with opioid addiction and overdose. The Canadian Chiropractic Association (CCA) has engaged in months of advocacy with the federal government and other health professions to build awareness and understanding that available evidence points to back pain and other MSK conditions as a leading reason for opioid prescribing. We have also had the opportunity provincially to discuss how conservative treatment options like chiropractic can contribute significantly to the health care of Albertans who suffer from pain.

As the national media discuss the link between over-prescribing and the opioid crisis, it appears that the public needs the expertise of chiropractic services more than ever.


Originally posted by the Chiropractic Association of Alberta

Your feet may be causing your lower back pain

Can’t seem to find an answer as to why your back is aching? The answer might lie right below you … your feet.

It’s easy to assume aches in pains in our backs are originating from where you are actually feeling it. So if your back hurts, it must be coming from an issue within your back, right? This is not necessarily the case. Everything in our bodies is connected through tissue and our nervous system.

How are my feet inter-connected to my back and why does this cause me pain?

Your body has three main shock absorbers: your feet, your knees and your spine. The shock of walking, running, jumping etc. is first felt by your feet. If your feet can’t handle the shock, it passes the impact absorption to your knees. When your knees are ill-equipped to handle the shock it passes the absorption to the last stop on the chain, your back. Your back will eventually fatigue and begin to cause you pain, especially if there is a misalignment in the lower region or the pelvis.

Why can’t my feet handle the shock in the first place?

Most of the problems associated with our backs caused by our feet are simply because of the surfaces we walk on. Our feet were designed to walk on grass, sand, dirt, mud and other natural terrain. Human innovation has brought us cement, tile, wood, etc. which are actually detrimental to the health of our feet and in turn our back. Natural terrain is suited to the shape and structure of our feet. This causes our arches to be supported and causes the muscles, ligaments and tendons of the foot and ankle to work in a supportive fashion.

How can I prevent this cycle of pain?

Shoes: Find the right kind of shoe to support your foot type. If you have flat feet or have a minimal arch, shoes that have a good amount of cushioning or stability will work best to absorb the shock.

If you have a pronounced arch, “Minimal” shoes are a specialized option to consider. These shoes are designed to promote the foot striking the ground with the front or middle of the foot rather than the heel.

Sorry folks, there are no high-heels on the planet that are going to do anything good for your feet or back, so try and wear them as sparingly as possible.

Chiropractic adjustment: A visit to your chiropractor can do wonders. First, they will check the joints in your feet and ankles are working properly. Your chiropractor will perform an examination, which could include examining your feet, analyzing your gait and posture, requesting an x-ray and checking your shoes for improper wear.

If it’s determined that your feet are the cause of your back pain, your chiropractor  will develop a program, which may include an adjustment of the foot to stabilize your postural foundation and to help relieve related stress/pain to the rest of your body.

Custom Orthotics: Your chiropractor may also suggest individually fitted, orthotic arch supports if they’ve determined your feet to be the cause of your back discomfort.

Orthotic arch supports are heat moldable plastic shoe inserts designed to support the arch on the inside of the foot. Orthotics also help in realigning your foot’s ankle joints and bones.

For more blogs and information like this, follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook.


Originally posted by the Chiropractic Association of Alberta

Arthritis? Chiropractors can help

This blog is brought to you by the Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors, in partnership with the Arthritis Society. Cindy Stephen is a 61-year-old Calgarian, professional communicator, mother of six and grandmother of seven. Below is her experience as someone who suffers from arthritis and uses chiropractic treatments to help alleviate the symptoms.

Many people my age have arthritis in a variety of joints.

Folks over 60 who have led active lives find themselves with arthritis of the knee or hips, maybe a touch in the joint of the thumb or in the ankles. Professional athletes are prone to arthritis in their shoulders and elbows from years of repetitive motion activities like shooting pucks, throwing balls or taking hits from other players.

The arthritis I suffer from, in the back of my neck and lower spine, came from decades of sitting at a desk job, bad posture and giving birth to six children. My issues with pain began in my mid-30s; by the time I was in my late 40s it was difficult to get out of a chair or car. By my mid-50s I began to experience pain in my legs and walking up stairs was difficult. At that point, I consulted with a chiropractor. It was he who not only found the arthritis through an X-ray but was able to explain all the muscle and ligament dysfunction that caused it in the first place.

There are over 100 types of arthritis.

Two you may have heard of are Osteoarthritis (OA) which is a degenerative, wear-and-tear type of arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) which is inflammatory; an auto-immune response which can affect people of any age. I have OA, and the good news is that with proper treatment and management many types of OA can be prevented.

When I was 20, I had a boyfriend who pulled a chair out from under me as I was sitting down to dinner at a fancy restaurant. I landed hard on my rear end. (He landed hard on his when I dumped him the next day).

I suffered pain in my tail bone for years afterward. Doctors took X-rays and saw no break, yet I had pain in my backside for years afterward, especially during each pregnancy. What no one was able to detect was that the true injury was to the ligaments around the sacroiliac joint, which were stretched because of the fall.

Loose ligaments combined with prolonged sitting, poor posture, the aging process and inactivity meant the muscles surrounding the joint in my lower back weren’t doing their job of holding my body in position. Or, as my chiropractor says, “ligamentous laxity which allows painful abnormal motion”. Despite the damage occurring in the lower back, my hips were out of place which created more pain and stiffness while walking.

Flash forward 40 years later:

My chiropractor detected the arthritis in my spine. It might have been prevented if the true damage from my fall had been discovered, if I had practised better posture while sitting at my desk or in front of the television and if I had maintained a consistent exercise program and kept active.

Today, I visit the chiropractor twice a month for regular adjustments. He says my ligaments can be repaired through surgery if it gets to that point, in consultation with my family physician, but with exercise the muscles in my back can be strengthened to better support my spine, and daily walking will assist with the muscles in my hips and upper legs.

My chiropractor also uses Active Release Therapy on the muscles around my lower back and hips which have been impacted by poor ligament structure.

My OA isn’t reversible at this point but chiropractic helps.

I’m able to slow the progression of the disease by keeping up in my chiropractic appointments and following his advice to keep active. It assists with reducing pain, because my chiropractor aligns my spine which decreases the stress that aggravates the pain generated by the arthritic joints.

When the spine isn’t aligned properly, there’s increased stress. When everything is in alignment, the stress is reduced and there is less pressure on the joints.

One of the biggest benefits for me of chiropractic care is the increased range of motion I experience. OA is uncomfortable – I’ve had years of stiffness which I attributed to growing older, not with how my body was functioning mechanically.

As you age, degeneration of your joints can begin silently and your body can begin to compensate for it slowly until suddenly, the pain creeps up on you.

Chiropractic care won’t stop you from getting older, but it can certainly help you from feeling old!


If it hurts, see a chiropractor.

Chiropractors are educated to assess, diagnose, treat and prevent problems of the spine and muscloskeletal (MSK) system (joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves).

While there is no cure for arthritis, chiropractors can help manage the chronic pain associated with the condition, as well as work to restore and maximize the function of an arthritic joint. The goal is to help arthritis pain sufferers improve their overall health and well-being so that they may return to the activities they enjoy.

Consult with your chiropractor or find a chiropractor near you.

For more information about how chiropractic can change pain and help arthritis, as well a tip for how you can manage the symptoms of arthritis, try this easy-to-print document.


Originally posted by the Chiropractic Association of Alberta

Setting the record straight: scoliosis and chiropractic

You don’t have to be a chiropractor to know that our backbones are some of the most important bones in our bodies. They protect our spinal cord and for most people, they keep us walking straight and tall. For a person with scoliosis, however, the spine can also be the source of a number of challenges.

While scoliosis is a common condition, affecting 1 in every 25 people, there is not a lot of awareness about the condition. In recognition of this month being Scoliosis Awareness Month, we are taking this opportunity to shed some light on scoliosis and how chiropractic can provide support and relief to those who have it.

What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a common spinal deformity in which the spine develops with one or more abnormal curves. While most cases of scoliosis are mild, severe cases can require surgery to prevent the condition from worsening. Depending on how badly the spine is misaligned, symptoms of scoliosis can include uneven posture, pain, reduced flexibility, difficulty breathing, organ damage and in severe cases, death.

Who can get it?

Anyone can get scoliosis. The most common type of scoliosis, idiopathic scoliosis, generally develops in children and more often in girls than boys. There are a number of factors that can prompt scoliosis to develop, such as neuromuscular conditions, birth defects and old age but there is uncertainty about what causes idiopathic scoliosis.

Who can screen for scoliosis?

A physician, chiropractor or other healthcare professional can assess whether or not you have scoliosis.

Scoliosis care

There are three main components to scoliosis care; assessment, diagnosis and treatment.

Assessment: This is composed of a screening to determine if a patient has scoliosis, and if they do, how severe. A scoliosis screening is a non-invasive physical exam that can take as little as 30 seconds. The healthcare professional examines the patient’s body for any signs of uneven posture or irregular curves in the spine.

Diagnosis: Once a scoliosis of the spine is detected, healthcare professionals can begin conversations about ongoing monitoring, and treatment. Ongoing monitoring of scoliosis is a critical component of scoliosis care.

Treatment: The primary goal of scoliosis treatment is to maximize the mobility and function of the patient’s body. The abnormal curves associated with scoliosis can cause stresses on weight-bearing joints. This can cause pain throughout the patient’s body, not just the spine. Some examples of treatments include bracing, exercise and chiropractic adjustments. Very severe cases of scoliosis may require surgery to correct the curve.

Scoliosis and chiropractic

When a condition causes the backbone to develop abnormally, people can be unsure whether chiropractic treatment is safe and effective. Dr. Brian Gushaty, Registrar of the Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors provided the following explanation about how chiropractic can help.

“With their educational background, chiropractors are especially well-equipped to work with individuals with scoliosis,” Dr. Gushaty says. “They can assess and safely treat people with scoliosis. They can also monitor the scoliosis, order x-rays and refer patients directly to a medical specialist when necessary.”

How can chiropractic help people with scoliosis?

Chiropractors spend over seven years studying how to assess, diagnose, treat and prevent problems of the spine and musculoskeletal (MSK) system (joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves). This educational background can make them ideal healthcare providers for the management or co-management of conditions like scoliosis.

Chiropractors can provide support to patients on a number of different fronts, from lifestyle counselling to alleviating pain and restoring levels of mobility.

Here are three specific ways that chiropractic treatment is beneficial:

  1. Expertise in monitoring scoliosis.
    In some cases, the scoliosis can worsen and cause additional challenges to a patient’s quality of life. A chiropractor has the ability to track the progression of the scoliosis, which is especially important in adolescents. Since their bodies are still growing, there is a chance that their scoliosis will become more severe during growth spurts. If this is identified, chiropractors can refer directly to the appropriate medical specialist.
  2. Treatment for functional support.
    “Functional support refers to other related conditions that may present in relation to scoliosis, not just the treatment of the spine,” Dr. Gushaty explains, “For example, a patient with scoliosis may experience more discomfort in one side of their hip due to an uneven posture. Chiropractic treatment can alleviate that pain and support full function of these other joints.”
  3. Direct referral to medical specialists when appropriate.
    Chiropractors regularly work in collaboration with other healthcare professionals. If a chiropractor notices a condition worsening or if their patient requires specialized care, they will refer them to other professionals in the medical community who can provide additional support or optional treatment.

If you have scoliosis and are interested in trying chiropractic, here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Let the chiropractor know that you have scoliosis and any prior treatment you have received.

    In most cases, the adjustments are nearly identical to what a patient without scoliosis will receive, but special consideration is given to immobilized parts of the spine and weight-bearing joints.

    “Your chiropractor will be able to treat you more efficiently and effectively if they know ahead of time that you have scoliosis,” says Dr. Gushaty, “In addition, patients who have had corrective surgery and have implants in their spine will need to have their treatments customized to fit their needs.”

  • Ask about the chiropractor’s approach to treating scoliosis and their relationship with related medical professionals.

    Asking this question will help you understand what kinds of treatment the chiropractor can offer you and will demonstrate their understanding of scoliosis management. You will also be able to determine whether they have the resources to refer you directly to the appropriate medical specialist if you require specialized treatment.

  • Listen to the chiropractors’ recommendations for care.

    Recommendations should sound sensible and include specific re-evaluation intervals. Re-evaluation is important because it will help track whether the scoliosis is progressing. It also helps ascertain whether the patient is gaining function and eased ability to perform daily activities.

    For more information about how chiropractic can change pain and help people with scoliosis, consult with a chiropractor, or click here to find a chiropractor near you.

Resources


Originally posted by the Chiropractic Association of Alberta

Back health beyond the classroom

Let’s face it: the long hours spent sitting for class, hunched over a computer or bent over homework isn’t good for anyone. Whether you’re preparing your child for the new school year or you yourself are heading back to the classroom, there are some things you should keep in mind about two everyday items every student uses; backpacks and handheld devices.

Backpacks and messenger bags have often been at the centre of student health conversations since they can easily contribute to injuries. Carrying an overweight backpack unevenly or improperly can result in a number of different issues, including poor posture, joint pain, muscle strain and headaches.

And, while handheld devices have only joined the conversation on student health recently, they have just as significant an impact on spinal health. It’s estimated that for every inch forward that you crane your neck, an additional 10 pounds of pressure is being applied to your neck. That adds up fast and can harm your spine in several ways, from hunched shoulders to poor posture and headaches.

As spinal and musculoskeletal system experts, chiropractors are acutely aware of how damaging this can be, especially on young, developing bodies.

Here are two information-packed infographics, full of chiropractor-approved ways you can plan ahead and respond to school demands through creating healthy lifelong habits.

Pack it Light, Wear it Right

Tech Neck


If it hurts, see a chiropractor.
If you or your child already have recurring aches and pain, it is important to consult with a health care professional. Chiropractors are trained to assess, diagnosis and treat musculoskeletal health throughout the body; not just the spine.

Additionally, chiropractors are proficient at treating all age groups, including children, and can provide advice to help bodies of all ages function at their optimum level. Consult with your chiropractor or find one near you.

For more news and tips, visit us on Facebook or on Twitter.


Originally posted by the Chiropractic Association of Alberta

A tool for your self care kit: chiropractic for optimal well being

Chiropractors have a role to play in their patient’s general well being and self care. One way that chiropractors do this is through maintenance care.

Most people associate a visit to the chiropractor with injuries like whiplash, thrown backs and other kinds of pain that require immediate treatment. That is only one part of a much bigger picture.

What is maintenance care

The goal of maintenance care is to maintain optimal function and movement, keep your body balanced and to prevent future injuries.

“Think of it like when you go to the clinic for an annual check up.” Explains Dr. Taylor Cooksley. “When you go to your chiropractor for maintenance care, they will assess your posture, movement and general musculoskeletal health. This kind of care is beneficial for everyone, not just people who are physically active.”

Based out of the Brentwood Chiropractic Clinic in Sherwood Park, Dr. Cooksley regularly sees patients of all ages for acute and maintenance treatment.

“When we examine younger patients, we can monitor how their bones are developing and ensure their movement patterns are correct and normal. When we see senior patients, we often work to keep our patients mobile and help prevent future falls and injuries.”

Maintenance care goes hand in hand with self care

The end goal of maintenance care and self care is the same: to ensure you are healthy. Maintenance care focuses your physical well being, which is one part of the bigger picture of your health.

“Good self care and health is a balance between looking after your physical health, as well as your emotional health and mental health.” Says Dr. Cooksley.

It isn’t hard to incorporate self care into your day. Maintenance care, getting restful sleep and eating well are just a few ways to keep you at your best. Dr. Cooksley maintains her own self care in a number of ways.

“My own self-care practice includes deep, belly breathing throughout my day to help calm my mind and relax tension from my muscles. I also try to get at least 20 to 30 minutes of physical activity a day, something I recommend to all my patients.”

Maintenance care extends beyond the chiropractic clinic

A maintenance and injury prevention-style treatment plan is unique to each patient, just like self care. After an assessment, chiropractors work with their patients to set health goals and make recommendations on treatments. Often, patients are able to fulfill these recommendations independently.

“It’s common for chiropractors to teach their patients stretches and simple exercises to build into their lives,” Says Dr. Cooksley. “These activities can help build strength, loosen stiff muscles and joints, improve your quality of movement and help break unhealthy movement habits we get into during our daily life.”

Maintenance care does not mean you will need to visit your chiropractor forever

“We are here to support you when you want to change your activities or lifestyle and need new tools to get you to your goals.” Explains Dr. Cooksley.

Maintenance care can include teaching patients stretches, helping to monitor existing physical conditions, nutritional counselling and providing advice to empower patients.

“A good chiropractor wants to give you the tools to become self-sufficient and in control over your aches and pains, not have you rely on his or her services for the rest of your life.”

How do I know if chiropractic is a good choice for me?

It’s important to keep in mind that self care requires different tools to successfully support your health. Chiropractic is a great way to keep your body flexible and relieve pain, and it fits well with other kinds of self care activities.

The best way to determine whether chiropractic care is for you is by having a conversation with a chiropractor. Depending on your needs, your chiropractor may work with another health care professional, or refer you for a different kind of treatment.

“Seek out health-care professionals that are dedicated to helping you live a healthier, happier life. That may be a chiropractor, and it may be massage therapists, acupuncturists, nutritional counsellors and physiotherapists,” Suggests Dr. Cooksley.


If it hurts, see a chiropractor.

Maintenance care can help prevent pain and keep your joints functioning to the best of their ability but injuries can still happen. If your pain is persistent, seek advice from a chiropractor.

Chiropractors are highly educated and specially trained musculoskeletal experts. Your chiropractor can treat aches and pains, as well as build customized stretching routines and whole-body wellness strategies in conjunction with your chiropractic treatment. Consult with your chiropractor or find a chiropractor near you.


Originally posted by the Chiropractic Association of Alberta

Chiropractic care for arthritis

Chiropractors see many patients who present with various forms of arthritis. Here are some things people don’t typically know about arthritis and how chiropractic may help relieve the associated pain they are experiencing.

First off, let’s define arthritis

‘Arthritis’ can sometimes seem like a catch-all term. It literally translates to ‘arthro-‘, meaning ‘pertaining to the joints’, and ‘-itis’, meaning ‘inflammation of’.

The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which is also referred to as degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis tends to be localized to individual joints, where the protective cartilage between bones begin to wear down. This may occur in a singular location, or in multiple locations.

Chiropractors can treat your arthritis whether it’s in your back or not

It’s a common misconception that chiropractic treatments are only for neck and back conditions. Chiropractors can help with arthritis, whether it’s in your back or not! Your chiropractor will work with you to create an appropriate plan for each area of the body arthritis is affecting.

If you’re curious about chiropractic and how it can help you, have a conversation with your local chiropractor for an individual assessment. Your chiropractor will then be able to give recommendations to help serve you in a way that appropriately meets your needs.

It is safe to see a chiropractor if you have arthritis?

Chiropractors have the expertise and knowledge to be able to assist patients with all kinds of new or pre-existing conditions. Chiropractors are trained to differentiate the various forms of arthritis, with joint problems being one component of health management by chiropractors.

Chiropractors will assist patients with mobility and other health challenges at many different stages of their life. The care for patients may span from education to lifestyle modifications to hands-on body work.

There is nothing special or different that a person with arthritis needs to do to prepare for a visit to the chiropractor. When you visit a chiropractor, they will have a conversation with you about your unique needs and then perform an assessment to ensure chiropractic is a safe treatment for you.

Chiropractic care can help support a patient in several ways

One of the benefits of chiropractic care is the focus on improving joint mobility and helping patients move more. This is done primarily through manual adjustments to a joint or joints, along with corrective exercises like the program available through Straighten Up Alberta. Patients often report improvements to pain and increased quality of life.

Another component of care can involve lifestyle modifications, such as advice on diet or sleep modification, which can have a positive influence on the overall health and wellness of an individual.

Chiropractic adjustments of the spine are shown to not only restore movement to the affected joints, but also influence the surrounding tissue and muscle tone to help re-engage the spinal stabilizers, restore ease and improve posture.


If it hurts, see a chiropractor.

Maintenance care can help prevent pain and keep your joints functioning to the best of their ability but injuries can still happen. If your pain is persistent, seek advice from a chiropractor.

Chiropractors are highly educated and specially trained musculoskeletal experts. Your chiropractor can treat aches and pains, as well as build customized stretching routines and whole-body wellness strategies in conjunction with your chiropractic treatment. Consult with your chiropractor or find a chiropractor near you.


Originally posted by Chiropractic Association of Alberta