Originally posted by the Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors

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

Your chiropractor may 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.

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Originally posted by the Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors

Sleep. All of us could probably use more of it with our go-go lifestyles. A good night’s sleep is essential to our overall health and well-being.

It can be frustrating, when we do get around to getting some shut-eye, we can wake up with neck, back or shoulder pain. We should wake up from our slumber refreshed and relaxed instead of in pain.

Changing or altering your position in bed can help you reduce the pain associated with your sleeping pattern and will go a long way in making your slumber that much better.

Changing your sleeping position can be easier said than done. You’ve most likely slept that way your entire life, so breaking that habit can prove to be quite difficult.

Below are some common sleeping patterns and what you can do to improve your sleep for each.

Sleeping on your back – This is the optimal position to reduce pain while sleeping. Sleeping on your back is great for keeping the spine, neck and head aligned and does not force your body into any contortions. This position helps the mattress do its job of supporting the spine. When sleeping on your back, your face should be parallel to the ceiling, not tilted up or down.

Sleeping on your stomach – Sleeping on your stomach is regarded by chiropractors as the worst position for putting stress on your body. This position alters the natural curve of your lower spine, or lumbar and can cause numbness, tingling and pain in your extremities.

If sleeping on your stomach is absolutely necessary, try to shift positions several times in the night to avoid prolonged stress.

Sleeping on your side – Sleeping on your side is an effective way to reduce pain if your mattress is properly suited to your body shape. A good mattress should distribute your weight evenly while ensuring your lower back keeps its proper curvature. Sleeping on your side keeps your body in a relatively neutral position.

Also, for side sleepers, try placing a second pillow between your knees. This helps to keep your hips open. The pillow will help reduce low back pain as well as the strain on the ligaments in your hips.

Sleeping in the fetal position (knees to your chest) – Sleeping this way can be very harmful to your body. This position may be acceptable for pregnant women, but isn’t good for your body in the long run. Keeping your body and spine tightly curled in the fetal position can lead to muscle and ligament adaptations in one of or all of your neck, back or hips.

See your chiropractor if pain persists

If you are still experiencing pain in the mornings as a result of your sleep, see your chiropractor.

Chiropractors are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions of the spine and musculoskeletal system (the body’s bones, muscles, cartilage, tendons, joints and connective tissue). Your chiropractor will first assess your current condition or the source of your problem and then develop a treatment plan for you to help ease your pain.

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Originally posted by the Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors

The Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors has long been a huge proponent of backpack safety for children.

That’s why, as the pencils are sharpened, the smell of fresh Velcro litters the air, and your kids come to the realization their summer is coming to an end, we like to highlight the importance of protecting childrens’ bodies when it comes to what is considered an essential back-to-school purchase.

According to a study by the University of California, 61 per cent of school children analyzed had backpacks exceeding 10 per cent of their body weight. Those carrying the heaviest backpacks had a 50 per cent higher risk of back pain. This goes along with the fact that over 50 per cent of Canadian youth will suffer at least one back pain episode during their school years.

Choosing the right backpack, ensuring your child packs it light, and wears it the correct way, can go a long way in preventing them pain, both now and down the road.

Choosing the right backpack

Upon entering the store, your child may flock to the [insert popular kids movie of the summer here] themed backpacks, but it’s important to help them pick their backpack based on substance, not style.

When looking for a back pack you should look for the following things:

• Choose a bag made of lightweight material, such as vinyl or canvas.
• Pick a bag that has two wide, adjustable and padded shoulder straps, along with a hip or waist strap, a padded back and plenty of pockets.
• Ensure the bag is proportionate to body size and no larger than needed. The top of the pack should not extend higher than the top of the shoulder, and the bottom should not fall below the top of the hipbone.
• Explore other options like bags with wheels and a pull handle for easy rolling.

Packing it with the right weight

The type of backpack your kids are using is key, but the weight your kids are putting in them is of equal importance.

The total weight of the pack should not exceed 10 to 15 per cent of the wearer’s body weight. A typical 10-year-old boy’s weight in Canada is estimated at around 50 lbs. A child this size should only be carrying around 7.5 lbs. maximum.

Also keep in mind that the weight should be distributed within the pack evenly. It’s a good idea to pack the heaviest items close to the body as this reduces the strain because the weight is closer to the body’s own centre of gravity.

Wearing it correctly

It’s important to teach your child the proper way wear their backpack as well. Slinging the backpack over one shoulder can cause stress on the joints and muscles in the mid and lower back. Both shoulder straps should always be used and adjusted so the pack fits snugly against the body. You should be able to slide a hand between the backpack and the wearer’s back.

If you’ve bought a bag with a waist strap, ensure that they do it up as it reduces the strain on the back and transfers some of the load to the hips.

To ensure your child’s back is healthy and strong, consult your chiropractor. They can teach you and your child how to pack, lift and carry a backpack properly to prevent injury.

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Originally posted by the Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors

How many of us loved the sensation of spinning around in a circle to make ourselves dizzy as children? We spun and spun and spun, were dizzy for a few seconds and laughed it off. Vertigo sufferers feel this dizzy sensation constantly and it can last for hours or even days and can come out of nowhere.

Chiropractic has been found to be an effective treatment for certain types of vertigo, which can be very frustrating for suffers.

What is vertigo?

Vertigo is the feeling of being off-balance and dizzy, as if you or your surroundings are moving, spinning, or swaying. Sufferers’ feelings of being off balance can differ greatly, from being barely noticeable to so severe they find it hard to keep their balance doing everyday tasks.

A lot of people misunderstand what vertigo is. Vertigo is actually a symptom rather than a condition itself. This means your dizziness is your body’s way of telling you something isn’t right.

Vertigo is most common in elderly people, but it can affect both sexes at any age.

What conditions is vertigo a symptom of?

Vertigo is most commonly a sign of a problem in an area of your body that plays a role in how your body orients itself and maintains balance. Vertigo may be a symptom of;

• damage to the inner ear
• damage to spinal joints or ligaments
• misalignment or a partial dislocation of the vertebrae in the neck

How can chiropractic help?

Chiropractic is an excellent option for treating certain types of vertigo. Your treatment will depend on what your vertigo is a symptom of.

One treatment option, is an adjustment targeting the joints that aren’t moving properly. In the upper neck, faulty motion patterns can result in mistaken information about body position and movement being communicated from your joints to your brain. A simple adjustment can often correct this problem.

If your problem is inner-ear related, your chiropractor may preform what is called the Epley Maneuver. This maneuver consists of repositioning debris that has collected in the sensitive areas of your inner-ear to a more harmless position. Another option for inner-ear related vertigo is specific exercises targeting the vestibulocochlear (inner-ear) system.

After an initial assessment, your chiropractor will decide the best course of action for you in treating the condition behind your vertigo.

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Originally posted by the Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors

Research has shown, sitting at work accounts for one-third to one-half of sitting time. Sitting at your desk, in meetings and in your car to and from work, are common for most people. You’re most likely sitting while reading this blog.

Sitting for prolonged periods can cause back, neck and shoulder pain.

Most think you’re more likely to injure yourself during activities like golfing or gardening, but sitting for extended periods of time while at work can produce chronic pain and can limit range of motion for many people. There are ways however, to ensure your office job doesn’t mean more pain than productivity.

Move Around

It may seem simplistic, but even getting up and stretching every hour or so can go a long way in preventing pain. Sitting in the exact same position for long periods of time can cause muscles to stiffen and can slow circulation.

A great device created with the intention to keep your blood circulating is a very simple desktop unit that allows you to raise your working surface with just two levers. The entire unit is on hydraulics, making it effortless to go from sitting to standing.

Posture

While it’s important to ensure you get up and move around, it’s equally important to ensure you have the correct posture while you’re sitting. Here are some tips to ensure your sitting posture is correct:

• Always try to sit upright, with your shoulders down and back all the way to the back of the seat. The back of your pelvis should be butted against the back of the chair for support.

• Keep your body weight distributed to both of your feet evenly. Try not to cross your legs as that rotates the pelvis backwards on the side that you are crossing over.

• Try using a lumbar support, which is essentially a cushion for your lower back that rests on the back of your chair. A lumbar support can go a long way in preventing pain.

Your Chair

Your chair can be a big factor in whether or not you experience pain. If your chair height isn’t correct, you’ll have to extend your forearms downwards or upwards to type. This can cause pain to either shoot up to your shoulder blades or sit in your wrists.

Also, you should always try to have your chair under your desk as far as you can, this helps to prevent slouching forwards putting strain on your lower back.

How Chiropractic Can Help

A chiropractor is trained to help you understand how you can prevent and alleviate pain with prolonged sitting.

Chiropractors are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions of the musculoskeletal system (the body’s bones, muscles, cartilage, tendons, joints and connective tissue). Your chiropractor will first assess your current condition or the source of your problem and then develop a treatment plan for you to help ease your pain.

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Originally posted by the Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors

Headaches are a common inconvenience for many Albertans. They can seemingly strike at any time.

Nearly 90 per cent of women and about 70 per cent of men will get a tension headache during their lifetime, while 37 per cent of women and 21 per cent of men experience them regularly.

Most believe the only cure for a pounding headache is simply to just grin, bear it and let it pass. The good news is there are ways to both prevent and treat frequent headaches.

What causes a headache?

A headache is your body’s way of telling you something isn’t quite right. Most of the common causes of the milder variety of headaches stem from something you are either doing or not doing. These include;

• missing meals
• consuming excessive alcohol
• excessive stress
• not getting enough sleep.

In rare cases, headaches can be sparked by more serious problems. It’s important to rule  any significant health issues out as early as possible, if your headaches are becoming a major problem.

Your headaches could also be caused misalignments in your body. These misalignments, which commonly happen in cervical vertebrae (spinal bones within the neck structure) can irritate the nerve roots in the neck and may even cause minor constrictions in some vessels which supply blood to the brain. Your cervical vertebrae can become misaligned for many reasons, which can be anything from excessive physical stress to severe emotional strain.

How your chiropractor can help

Your chiropractor is an excellent source to deduce the cause of your frequent headaches.

They will perform a thorough spinal examination to determine whether the symptoms are coming from misalignments in your body.

On the flip side, they can also rule out misalignments and find out if your headaches are coming from your lifestyle choices (poor diet, alcohol consumption, not enough sleep, etc.).

If misalignments are the culprit, your chiropractor may perform a simple spinal adjustment to improve function and help alleviate your headache.  Other treatment options are also available.

Chiropractic has been proven to help those suffering from chronic migraines. An Australian study found     seventy-two per cent of migraine sufferers in a clinical trial experienced either ‘substantial’ or ‘noticeable’ improvement after a period of chiropractic treatment.

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Originally posted by the Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors

Cycling in Alberta has seen a spike in popularity, trading in the car for a bicycle has become more commonplace than ever. Some cyclists strap on their helmets and ride for exercise or enjoyment while others view cycling as a way to protect the environment from unnecessary emissions.

Although cycling has many benefits, cyclists can be at risk of injury from their sport. The repetitive nature of riding a bike can cause problems with both muscles and joints due to overtraining, poor form, poorly fit bike, or many other factors.

Common biking Injuries and how to prevent them 

Lower back pain

Lower Back pain (LBP) can cause problem for cyclists for a number of reasons. The easiest explanation is the prolonged bending of the back. It doesn’t take a Musculoskeletal (MSK) expert to see that cyclists spend long periods of time in a fixed position.  A poorly fit bike or bad body position on the bike can lead to lower back pain due to abnormal wear to the joints along your spine as well a number of muscular imbalances.

How to prevent LBP – There are a few tools you can use to help fight lower back pain while you hit the road on your bike.

Form – As with anything to do with the spine, posture is important.  While riding, keep a neutral spine by bending at the hips and avoid hunching your mid-back.  Your spine naturally has a curve to it, this should be maintained while riding but not overemphasized or flattened. It is often difficult to evaluate your own posture so it is worth having someone look at your body position on your bike or use a trainer in front of a mirror.

Equipment – A poorly fit bike may also be the cause of your LBP, being either too stretched out or compacted by your bike can result in abnormal stresses to your back.  Most local bike shops have trained staff that can assist you with ensuring your bike is the correct size for you as well as any minor adjustments required to fit the bike to your body.

Knee pain

Pain in your knees can be caused by several factors, most commonly it is due to poorly adjusted cleats or pedals forcing your feet out of alignment with your knees however improper seat height, prior knee injuries, poor cycling form, muscle imbalance or overtraining can cause knee pain.

How to prevent knee pain – There are a few things to look for when trying to determine the cause of your knee pain.

Pedals/Cleats – How your feet sit on the pedals could be the key to preventing your knee pain, especially if you are using clipless pedals that lock your feet in place. Your knee should be pointing straight ahead and your feet should be parallel to the ground while you are pedaling. Riders often have a tendency to tilt their knees out.

Seat Height – A seat height that is either too high or too low will cause stress on the knees.  Too high and you will be hyperextending the knee on every pedal stroke and too low causes a loss in power and excessive load to the knees.  Ideally, your knee should be slightly bent (not locked) at the bottom of your pedal stroke with your feet parallel to the ground.

Prior Injury 

If you have had a prior injury to your knee, hip or ankles your seat height, pedal positioning and other bio-mechanics will need to adapt. If you have been cleared by a health care professional (such as your chiropractor)l to ride it is a good idea to get an assessment from a qualified bike fitter to ensure you are not causing re-injury.

Muscle Imbalance or overtraining

Muscle imbalance is quite common in cyclists since certain muscles will be strengthened by the exercise while other supporting musculature may not. It is a good idea to find an exercise to strengthen the stabilizing muscles in your leg to maintain balance.  For beginner riders it is important to start out slow and not seek massive gains in distance, speed, time or effort too quickly. Your body will need time to adjust to a change in activity.

Shoulder Pain

Pain in your shoulders while riding can be caused by carrying stress in your shoulders while riding, poor body position on the bike or a poorly fit bike.

Wrist Pain

The most common cause of wrist pain is a very aggressive cycling position that causes you to put a lot weight on your handlebars. Try to move your hand position around on your handlebars as much as possible to avoid the same position for extended periods of time.

Visit your Chiropractor

If you’re thinking about taking up cycling talk to your chiropractor before you strap on the helmet and hit the road. Together you will be able to identify potential injury concerns and ensure you get off to an injury free start.  If you are experiencing pain, numbness or tingling or other MSK problems while riding your chiropractor will also be able to provide treatment and advice to treat these problems.

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Originally posted by the Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors 

North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) week runs May 1-7. During NAOSH wekk, anyone in the workplace, whether they work at a desk or on their feet, are encouraged to learn about how to make safety a priority.

We reached out to a guest blogger, Edmonton photographer, communications whizz and mom, Megan Braithwaite, to get her perspective on how she keeps her health a priority with her busy work and home life.

Photography is the art of pausing a moment. In order to catch that open-mouthed laugh, look of astonishment, or mid-air jump, you have to be limber and quick—not only with your shutter finger.

Occasionally twisting your body into the perfect angle or carrying heavy lighting gear to give someone a perfect glow will take a photo from average to spectacular.

You never know what you’re going to get during a shoot—you may spend a day running after a busy bridal party or crouched in anticipation for half-an-hour waiting for a bird in perfect light to take flight.

So, how can you prepare for, well, anything?

I think it begins with two things—moving AND staying still.

Let’s start with moving.

Yoga is my movement of choice, because it helps me be flexible in mind and body. Downward dog helps me stretch out my tight calves so I can chase my subject around, and it allows me to “see” new angles. How often do you look between your legs? Upside down? I try to keep this in mind while I’m shooting. If I look at something a little differently, sometimes I can capture it in a remarkable way.

Another way I choose to move is to take a long walk outside with my baby and my German Shepherd. I know that if I can last an hour minding the stroller and a dog that chases everything, and still notice how the duck’s feathers on the pond are a beautiful oily hue, I can wrangle that bride, pet-as-ring bearer and all 20 family members into one gorgeous shot. I know that my cardiovascular health is up to par to chase that rambunctious one-year-old around their birthday party.

Now, staying still.

Pressing pause on life is an important way to prepare. Sitting still in meditation for a prolonged period of time trains my mind and my muscles for when I have to crouch down and wait for that deer to get just a little closer, so I can slowly press the shutter and capture the moment when curiosity overcomes fear.

Meditation also teaches me to be kind to my body. Just like charging the camera battery, having your SD card empty, and choosing the right lens, it is important to have your mind on the moment and your body able. It is impossible to be present when you’re thinking about joint pain, that tight muscle, a rumbling tummy or the argument you had with your husband last week.

My solution to this is simple self-care. Eat well and healthy, but don’t forget to indulge once in awhile. Express gratitude and joy for the moments in your own life worthy of a photograph. Listen to your body—get a massage, see a chiropractor, do some yoga, sit in meditation, or find a version of movement that brings you joy. Both your body and mind will pay you dividends when you are ready to press the shutter as your friends walk down the aisle, the little girl blows an impromptu kiss at the camera, or the bird on the branch finally spreads its wings.

Happy shooting everyone!

Megan Braithwaite is a mom, wife, communications professional and photographer who enjoys sinking into the background and stopping time with her camera.
See Megan’s work here. 

Originally posted by the Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors

Having a young child is hard. This isn’t exactly breaking news to any parent. Most new parents can foresee the mental exhaustion that comes with the gig; long days, sleepless nights, forever being on your new, tiny boss’ schedule.

What most new parents don’t realize is the physical toll of having a young child.

The constant bending over, lifting and carrying can wreak havoc on your body.

However, there are ways to prevent and treat the pain associated with these new stresses. Here are some tips to protect your body when lifting, carrying or pushing your baby:

Carry your baby correctly

New parents know that everybody has a different opinion when it comes to carrying your baby around. The general consensus among experts is to hold your baby as close to the center of your body as possible. The closer the baby is to your center, the less pressure on your back.

Focus on protecting your spine by resisting the urge to rest your baby on your hip, which can lead to poor spinal alignment, fatigue and eventually leads to hip, back and shoulder pain.

Wear a baby carrier

No, you won’t see models gracing the runaways of Milan with them, but many popular baby carriers have strapping systems meant to evenly distribute weight, which eases the fatigue and repetitive strain felt on your back.

The best way to place your baby in one of these carriers is to place them front facing in.  This means the baby’s face is close to your chest with a frog leg position. Placing your baby front facing out, where the baby’s back close to your chest with legs dangling, can be harmful to your baby. Front facing out forces the baby’s spine up against the hard breastbone of the adult who’s holding them. This can affect the development of their spine.

Make sure your front carrier’s straps are tight around your waist and shoulders. Some carriers have a tendency to pull your shoulders forward.

Sit correctly when feeding 

For mothers who breastfeed, if you’re sitting to nurse, focus on sitting straight and tall and be sure to bring your baby to your breast. Don’t hunch over to reach your baby, as this can harm your back and neck. Try using a nursing pillow. They can help raise your child to breast level and offer much needed support for you.

Choose your diaper bag wisely

New parents know that as they go, their diaper bag goes. Choosing the right bag is important. The best kinds to consider are the messenger style bags, where a strap goes from your hip to your opposite side shoulder.  A messenger-style bag distributes weight more evenly across the body.

Also, if your diaper bag is loaded down with more than 25 pounds of baby gear, you should switch to a backpack style to prevent injury.

If you’ve already purchased a single-shoulder style bag, be sure to switch sides frequently.

How can chiropractic help?

The most common problem area for new parents is the lower back. Babies may look light, but the constant bending over and picking up can cause problems. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, postpartum parents may be lifting their child, who usually weigh between seven and 10 pounds, up to 50 times a day.

Your chiropractor will assess your spine and if they find any misalignments, a simple adjustment will put them back in place. This will ensure your back is ready for the added stress.
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Originally posted by the Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors

Golfing season is upon us. With the weather heating up, some of us will be dusting off our clubs and refocusing on our short games.

As frustrating as the game of golf can be, it can be even more frustrating to develop a painful injury as a result of hitting the links.

What are the most common injuries golfers suffer?      

Golfers elbow – Golfers elbow causes significant discomfort in the elbow region of the arm. The pain centers on the bony bump on the inside of your elbow and can radiate into your forearm. While the injury can be caused by things other than golf, for golfers, it’s commonly caused by switching between a variety of grips and stances or gripping your club too tightly.

Lower back pain – Lower back pain is the most common back injury for those who golf frequently. The perfect golf swing is what all those who hit the links strive for, but even the perfect fundamental swing can wreak havoc on your lower back if you’re an avid golfer. Bending and other loose movement during the downswing can cause lower back pain.

Wrist pain – Hitting the ground first before making contact with the ball or simply taking a lot of swings in a limited amount of time can put a lot of strain on the wrist and cause injury.

Shoulder pain – It’s common for golfers not named Tiger Woods or Annika Sörenstam to swing incorrectly. Many golfers use their arms too much when they swing. This causes irritation of your AC joint and of the lead (or front) shoulder.

How do I prevent golfing injuries?

Proper Swing Mechanics – You use your entire body to swing a golf club. Even on a regular 18-hole round, you’re swinging your clubs, on average, almost 100 times. If you don’t have the proper swing mechanics, that can take its toll on your body. The following swing corrections can help you avoid injury:

Use proper posture –   Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and rotated slightly outward, and with your knees slightly bent. Avoid hunching over the ball, which may contribute to neck and back strain.

Transfer energy through your body smoothly – The power of a golf swing comes from force transferred smoothly through all the muscle groups. If most of the power is coming from one place, i.e. your back, wrists, shoulders, you are going to prone to injury.

Don’t over-swing – Many golfers, especially new ones, tend to think the harder they swing the further the ball will go. Swinging the club with maximum strength can cause a lot of stress on your joints.  The best golfers have consistent, not necessarily the fastest, swing tempos.

Stretching – It may sound cliché, but a good stretch can do wonders in preventing injuries. Never go straight into any kind of physical activity without preforming some type of dynamic stretching first. If you need a good program, try StraightenUpAlberta.com.

Take it slow – For beginner golfers, start out slow.  You might start out thinking that taking hundreds of swings at your local driving range is helping your game. But if your body isn’t conditioned for the strain, repetitively practicing your golf swing may do more harm than good. Work up slowly to your desired level of activity.

Lift and carry your clubs carefully – The way you carry your bag can have a profound impact on your back and shoulders. (Yes, even if you prefer to travel by golf cart.) Sudden movements when you lift heavy clubs out of the trunk of your car and onto cart could result in you injuring yourself before you even tee off. Use proper lifting technique when lifting and carrying your clubs, which means keeping your back straight and using your legs to lift.

How can chiropractic help with injuries I got while golfing?

As mentioned before, a golf swing engages your entire body. This means there are several ways a chiropractor can offer help to injured golfers. These methods, both preventative and post-injury, include:

• spinal adjustments
• rehabilitation exercises
• anti-inflammatory nutrition

If you’re serious about adopting golf as a hobby, talk to your chiropractor before you start bombing balls down the fairway. Together you will be able to identify areas of weakness and ensure your swing will not aggravate these areas.

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