Why Are Chiropractic Patients Healthier

Research has shown that patients who are under consistent chiropractic care get sick much less often that people who are not.  With this post, I am going to attempt to show why this is the case.
The brain and the nervous system controls and coordinates all the  functions of the body. From your heart beating, to your breathing, to your immune system fighting off disease, to your gall bladder digesting fats to your kidney and liver filtering out toxins from the body.  Each activity is controlled by the brain sending it’s signals through out vast nervous system.  So, the first reason chiropractic patients are healthier is because chiropractic directly affects the nervous system.  Pressure on a spinal nerve will not only cause pain and muscles spasms, but it also affects whatever organs that nerve goes to and controls.  If the brain can’t get 100% of its signals to a particular organ, it only makes sense that the organ cannot function at 100%.  By removing pressure on the nerve through an adjustment, we are also allowing the body to function at a higher level.
The second reason chiropractic patients are healthier is because of the intimate relationship between the nervous system and the immune system.  There is an entire field of study now called psychoneuroimmunlogy which looks at this connection between the mind, the nervous system, and the immune system.  Researchers are finding that it is almost impossible to separate the immune system from the nervous system. This fits perfectly with chiropractic because, again, we are the only discipline that can remove pressure on spinal nerves through an adjustment.  It makes sense that when the nervous system is function better, the immune system will also function better.  Germs don’t make us sick.  There are germs EVERYWHERE.  If germs made us sick, we would be sick all the time.  It’s our body’s ability to fight off the germs that keep us healthy.  When our immune systems aren’t functioning at the highest level is when the germs are able to invade our bodies causing dis-ease.
The final reason chiropractic patients are healthier is because chiropractic patients tend to lead healthier lifestyles.  People who are concerned about their health tend to eat a little bit better.  They tend to exercise a little more.  They tend to take less prescription and over the counter medications.  All of these things, along with getting adjusted regularly, lead to better health.
Obviously, I am not saying that all you have to do is get adjusted consistently, and you’ll never have any health problem.  There are many factors that affect health…your attitude, your diet, your rest, your stress levels, your exercise, and your environment. However, I don’t believe that any one of those things is more important than taking care of your nervous system and getting adjusted.  I get checked once a week just to make sure I keep myself tuned up.
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Overworked and Under Pressure — Stress on the Job

Overworked and Under Pressure – Stress on the Job
by Michael Taylor, D.C.

Read Overworked and Under Pressure – Stress on the Job by Dr. Michael Taylor to learn more about MIchael Taylor Chiropractic and our Chiropractic office in MOdesto, CA.

We look forward to serving you! Call – 209-521-1122.

Columbia Work Stress

Stress has been called the spice of life, the common cold of the psyche, and even a socially acceptable form of mental illness. No doubt, stress can be beneficial—for example, a deadline can help us focus and become more alert and efficient. Persistent or excessive stress, however, can undermine performance and make us vulnerable to health problems, from cancer and heart disease to substance abuse and obesity.

Stress is a physical and mental response to the difference between our expectations and our personal experience, real or imaginary. While reacting to stress, the body goes through alarm, resistance, and exhaustion. Released hormone epinephrine, or adrenaline, prepares the body for physical action (“fight or flight”) by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels. Then, the body releases glucocorticoid cortisol, or hydrocortisone, producing anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressing effects.

Consequences of Chronic Stress

Although occasional stress can be of benefit, too much stress is taxing on the body. Excessive levels of glucocorticoids can hinder growth, delay wound healing, and increase risk of infection. Chronic stressors—or their constant anticipation—can make us believe that we must always be on guard, leading to anxiety. Feelings of hopelessness or avoiding solving our problems can spark depression.

Past or present psychological distress can also lead to pain, particularly low-back pain, which often comes with leg pain, headaches, sleep problems, anxiety, and depression. Stress may even be a more powerful pain generator than strenuous physical activity or repetitive motion. Research shows, for example, that pain in adolescents is associated with depression and stress, but not with computer use or physical activity.

Stress is highly individual and depends on our circumstances. For example, we react to stress better if we can vent our frustrations, feel in control, hope that things will change for the better, and get social support.

Gender also determines how we handle stress. Women are easily stressed by household problems, conflicts with people, or illness in people they know. Men get more significantly affected by job loss, legal problems, and work-related issues. Men are also more likely to get depressed over divorce or separation and work problems. Depression in women, however, is more likely to spring from interpersonal conflicts or low social support, particularly from family.

Stress on the Job

The workplace has become a major stressor, contributing to the risk of hypertension and heart disease. Recent studies have shown, however, that what stresses us out is not so much the job demands, but our attitude toward them. For example, people who react with anger to their high job strain or who are worried about their chronic work overload have much higher morning corsisol levels. Lack of a sense of control over a job is also associated with higher blood pressure, especially in women and in people with higher socioeconomic status.

Stress Relief Is Important

No matter what stresses you out, consider taking active steps to change your attitude toward stress and to reduce stress in your life

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Generation “R”italin -Attention Deficit Disorder and Chiropractic

Generation “R”italin – Attention Deficit Disorder and Chiropractic
by Michael Taylor, D.C.

Read Generation “R”italin – Attention Deficit Disorder and Chiropractic by Dr. Michael Taylor to learn more about Michael Taylor Chiropractic and our Chiropractic office in MOdesto, CA.

We look forward to serving you! Call – 209-521-1122.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ColumbiaADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and is most commonly diagnosed in children who are in their early years at school.

The most obvious signs of ADHD are:

  • Inability to pay attention
  • Hyperactive behavior
  • Impulsive behavior
  • Difficulty in concentrating

Between 3 and 5% of children in the United States (around 2 million kids) are thought to have ADHD, and more boys suffer than girls. That equates to at least one child in every class of 25 to 30 children, although many more are labeled as having ADHD who may simply be badly behaved. For this reason, proper diagnosis is recommended so that children are not needlessly treated and perhaps medicated for a condition they do not have.

Research is ongoing into the causes of ADHD, and current thinking suggests it is down to an overactive nervous system, combined with the brain’s failure to properly filter out unnecessary sights, sounds, thoughts and emotions. Chiropractors are not in the business of directly treating ADHD, but they are able to help rectify certain elements that may be stressing the nervous system, such as:

  • Removing spinal subluxations that interfere with the nervous system
  • Offering dietary advice to eliminate common trigger foods
  • Testing for allergens that may stress the nervous system
  • Suggesting ways to eliminate or reduce problem chemicals in the home

Conventional medicine tends to treat ADHD with a chemical called methylphenidate, commonly known as Ritalin. Although this is a stimulant that acts to speed up the nervous system, its net effect is to calm the sufferer, possibly because it activates the filtering out process in the brain. The problem is that Ritalin does nothing to cure ADHD; it only hides the symptoms. And when Ritalin is taken for an extended period, it can actually damage the brain’s proper functioning.

It is therefore important to look at less drastic options if your child has ADHD, and one of these is chiropractic treatment to de-stress the nervous system.

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Wake Up Your Hands – Chiropractic and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

By: Michael Taylor, D.C.

Read Wake Up Your Hands – Chiropractic and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome by Dr. Michael Taylor to learn more about Michael Taylor Chiropractic and our Chiropractic office in Modesto, CA.

We look forward to serving you! Call – 209-521-1122.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ColumbiaCarpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is caused by pressure on the median nerve, located just above the wrist. It is one of the most common occupational health problems, affecting millions of people every year, largely thanks to our ever-increasing use of computers. Anyone can develop CTS, however, even if they are computer-phobic, as it is essentially a repetitive stress injury. This means anyone involved in repeated actions for extended periods may suffer from it, or it may be brought on by a trauma to that area.

Common symptoms of CTS include wrist pain, weak grip, numbness, tingling, and burning. The pain may also cause problems sleeping. Treatments vary, and can include drugs and invasive surgery, but one that is both conservative and very effective is chiropractic. Adjustments made to the affected area can help resolve the issue, as can work on certain areas of the back or neck, where the nerves are being impinged upon and referring pain to the wrist. Chiropractic treatments may also include physical therapy, and stretching and strengthening exercises. Many people with CTS have found that they experience great relief from their symptoms after visiting a doctor of chiropractic.

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Baby on Board – Pregnancy and Chiropractic

Baby on Board – Pregnancy and Chiropractic Care
by Michael Taylor, D.C.

Read Baby on Board – Pregnancy and Chiropractic Care by Dr. Michael Taylor to learn more about Michael Taylor Chiropractic and our Chiropractic office in Modesto, CA.

We look forward to serving you! Call – 209-521-1122.

Pregnancy Columbia ILA woman’s center of gravity shifts forward to the front of her pelvis during pregnancy. This extra upfront weight causes stress on the joints of the pelvis and low back. This gets worse as the baby grows heavier, causing an increased curvature of the lower back, badly stressing the fragile facet joints on the outer edge of the spine. Women who have pre-existing spinal problems will find these changes even harder and more painful to cope with as the spine and pelvis become seriously overtaxed.

Studies show that around 50% of expectant mothers will develop low-back pain at some point during their pregnancies. This is more of a problem when the baby gains the most weight during the third trimester. Regular chiropractic care throughout pregnancy to condition the spine and pelvis helps to ease and may even prevent the pain and discomfort, creating the conditions for an easier and safer delivery. Most women who undergo chiropractic care during pregnancy find that they more easily forgo pain medication and experience reduced time in labor. Beside the adjustments, your chiropractor can also help with advice on nutrition, ergonomics and exercise.

Chiropractic Advice for the Pregnant Woman

  • Seek regular adjustments to ensure a healthy skeletal structure and nervous system throughout pregnancy.
  • Exercise gently each day. Cardiovascular exercises such as walking, swimming, or stationary cycling are all relatively safe for pregnant women. Activities that cause any jerking or bouncing movements should be avoided. Any nausea, dizziness or weakness during exercise is a sign that you should stop straight away.
  • Wear flat shoes with arch supports to offset the extra burden of weight during pregnancy, and to avoid foot injuries from weakened ligaments.
  • When picking up children or anything else, bend at the knees, not at the waist, to better protect your more vulnerable low back.
  • Lie on your side when sleeping, with a pillow between your knees to ease the pressure on your lower back. Full-length body pillows are specially designed for pregnancy.
  • Swap your three large meals a day for several small meals or snacks every few hours. This will counter feelings of nausea, stabilize blood sugar, and make it easier for your body to absorb more nutrients.
  • Increase your intake of folic acid from the moment you start trying to get pregnant, and during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Foods high in folic acid include spinach, sprouts, broccoli, green beans, and potatoes, but a supplement ensures a decent supply. You should aim for a minimum of 400 micrograms a day, but preferably 800. Studies have shown this significantly reduces the risk of your baby developing neural tube defects, such as spina bifida.
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