Chiropractic

A natural health care profession focused on the relationship between the spine and the central nerve system with the goal of maintaining proper spinal alignment (posture) supporting the body’s natural ability to function and heal.

Nerve System

The brain, spinal cord and spinal nerve roots which control every single function of your body. Two parts: sympathetic (fight, fright, flight) and parasympathetic (rest, digest, repair). These need to work harmoniously; too many people are in constant sympathetic overload.

Subluxation

A partial or incomplete dislocation of a spinal vertebra (caused by stress) which will impair the movement of a spinal joint, distort posture and compress the associated nerve root. Three types of stress; physical, mental/emotional and chemical.

Adjustment

This is what chiropractors are specifically trained to do. An adjustment is a precise and gentle force applied to a spinal vertebra (or an extremity) usually by hand (or sometimes by a hand-held instrument) to restore proper alignment/posture/spinal movement to facilitate nerve system function for healing and overall health. Adjustments are tailored to help people of all ages taking into consideration any co-existing health conditions that may be present.

Spine

The major components of the spine are the occiput (skull), cervical area (neck- 7 vertebrae), thoracic area (middle part where your 12 ribs attach), lumbar area (lower back- 5 vertebrae), pelvis (sacrum, sit bones and coccyx).

Extremity

Upper extremity; arms (shoulders, elbows, hands, wrists, fingers). Lower extremity; legs (hips, knees, ankles, toes). The nerves from the neck (cervical) control the arms. The nerves from the lower back (lumbar) control the legs.

Posture

Posture is the alignment of the body while it sits, stands and moves. It is more than just appearance. Posture influences your spinal health, breathing, energy, confidence and long-term well-being. Good postural hygiene is marked by the following; a straight spine when looking at the back, and when looking from the side; a gentle frontwards curve in the neck & lower back, and a gentle backwards curve in the middle back (thoracic).

Posture Distortions

These are the result of long-standing subluxations; those that are left undetected and uncorrected. Scoliosis (C-curve or S-curve of the spine), tech neck (forward head posture) when the head and neck reach out in front of the shoulders, alordosis (loss of normal frontwards curve in the neck; straight neck), thoracic hyper-kyphosis ( hump back, slouchy posture, often accompanies tech neck).

Spinal Disc

The cartilage spacer found between the vertebrae. When healthy, these cushions are thick and plump which allows adequate space for the nerve root as it branches off of the spinal cord and exits the spine. The nerve root then branches into many individual nerves which travel to all parts of your body.

Degenerative Disc Disease

This is when the spinal discs become weak, brittle and thin. This is the result of spinal subluxations/posture distortions that been left undetected and uncorrected. As the disc collapses, a few things can happen; spinal nerve root compression, spinal joint irritation (the little joints between each pair of vertebrae-highly sensitive), spinal joint arthritis (the spinal joints and vertebrae can start to fuse together).

Sciatica

Pain, cramping, muscle tension, numbness and/or tingling that travels down into the leg/foot that stems from nerve pressure in the lower back. This can happen with or without back pain.

Thompson Technique

This is a method of adjusting that utilizes a drop table. This means that the cushions on the table drop one half inch under the weight of your body as the adjustment is being delivered. It is a very comfortable, low-force technique which is most excellent for lower back and pelvic alignment correction, as well as cervical spine (neck curve) correction. This is our go-to technique here at Life Chiropractic Centre. Both chiropractors here have studied with Dr Clay Thompson himself who developed this technique in 1957.

Activator Methods

This is another low-force adjusting technique that uses a hand-held instrument called an Activator. We also use this technique for people who prefer this method and special cases.

Upper Cervical Specific

This is another low force, hands-on adjusting technique that focuses primarily on correcting alignment of the top 3 vertebrae in the neck; C1, C2 and sometimes C3. We do practice this technique as well for those who prefer the purest chiropractic adjustment. Adjustments here focus on relieving any tension and torque on the brainstem which controls all vital functions within the body.

Innate Intelligence

You will hear some chiropractors use this terminology, especially those who practice pure chiropractic. Innate intelligence is the built-in wisdom inside your body (everyone’s body) that controls adaptation, self-regulation, homeostasis and normal function. Innate intelligence is best expressed within your body when your upper cervical spine (especially) is in good alignment and there is minimal torque and tension on the brainstem.

Detailed Posture Scan

This is a complimentary service we offer here at Life Chiropractic Centre for the members of our community. It’s a quick and easy hands-off scan designed to measure several different postural parameters which will identify and locate your major subluxations and posture distortions. It is an excellent tool for making sense of your current health issues and possible future health issues. You will be able to see for yourself right then and there. We also recommend scanning your whole family because spinal problems do tend to run in family’s.

What is NOT Chiropractic

Even though some chiropractors choose to incorporate these into their practice, they are not chiropractic and do not replace the chiropractic adjustment. These include massage, acupuncture, fascia release techniques, ART (active release technique), vibration plates, heat therapy, ice therapy, ultrasound, cupping, TENS, shockwave therapy, laser therapy and any kind of electrical therapy (most of these are modalities common the the practice of physiotherapy). Physiotherapy is a practice unto itself as is osteopathy.

It is important to understand these because you need to know the exact nature of the treatment you are consenting to; the risks and benefits.

Conclusion

Another thing to be clear about is chiropractors DO NOT crack your back or neck. When you crack something, it breaks! That’s not the intention of any chiropractor. With some adjusting techniques, you may hear a popping sound which is either gas being released from a spinal joint (similar to the opening of a pop bottle) or adhesions (little pockets of scar tissue) releasing in the surrounding soft-tissues (muscles, tendons). None of these are detrimental.

Remember that we are always here to help and educate you about chiropractic. You can reach out to us by email; info@lifechiropracticcentre.ca or calling us at 905-335-LIFE (5433).

We’d be honored to have you join our chiropractic family.

Any pediatric chiropractor will tell you that every child should be checked immediately after birth. This is arguably one of the most traumatic events of our lives and when we are the most sensitive and delicate physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Our entire posture system, neurology and musculoskeletal system are beginning to interact and respond to the real world. What better time is there to start taking care of what will ultimately have a huge impact on our lifespan and health-span.

Aside from c-sections (which have their own and different set of consequences), the presentation of the baby can lead to difficult circumstances during the birth process. Head first and face down is ideal but here is a list of other presentations that can lead to birth trauma’s:

• head first face up
• butt first breech
• feet first breech
• sideways (transverse)
• shoulder first
• forceps delivery
• induced labor
• vacuum assist
• in utero traumas
• generational traumas (what is mom passing on to her kids?)

Normal Uncomplicated Birth

Under normal circumstances, the head and neck are used as a lever to pull the baby out of the birth canal with the assist of the mother’s contractions. Remember what a subluxation is; a misaligned vertebra. The most common vertebrae to subluxate during birth are C1, C2 and C3 which are right at the top of the neck underneath the cranium (skull). All the surrounding supporting tissues here (muscles, ligaments, tendons) are soft and supple yet there can be upwards to 60 lbs of force used to deliver a baby. Even more if the mother is induced and/or forceps or vacuum assist are used. Not even an adult would enjoy if someone pulled and twisted their head and neck with 60 pounds of force.

Houston Control

There is a part of the spinal cord called the brainstem. The brainstem connects your cerebellum (brain) to your spinal cord. Your brainstem resides inside C1, C2 and C3; those 3 vertebrae right at the top of the neck. The brainstem is the Houston Control of your central nerve system. It is responsible for vital, involuntary functions essential for survival; heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, consciousness, sleep-wake cycles and your immune response. You can now see how a subluxation in the upper cervical area (C1, 2, 3) can have some pretty serious health consequences because there is the potential here to impair the function of the brainstem. You do not want your baby to start their life with any compromise to brainstem function. And this makes a pretty strong case for every single person to have their upper cervical alignment checked on a regular basis throughout their lifetime. It’s all about keeping that part of your nerve system healthy which in turn keeps you healthy.

How do we Adjust Newborns and Babies?

It goes without saying that we do this very carefully. We first of all do some very gentle testing and examining to identify where there may have been birth trauma (skull, shoulders, collar bone, pelvis, hips etc.) and of course palpate the spinal vertebrae to locate any spinal misalignments (subluxations). This is with the softness of our fingertips and many years of experience dealing with pediatric patients. Both the chiropractors at Life Chiropractic Centre are certified in pediatric adjusting. When we identify where the subluxations are, it is nothing more than finger tip pressure ( not much more than 2 pounds of pressure) to gently coax the vertebrae back into a healthier anatomical position. It would be similar to the amount of pressure you would need to detect the pulse in your wrist. And then we would post-check to ensure that the correction has been made.

How many adjustments does it take? This is on a case by case basis and depends upon many factors which is why we do a detailed health history (for both mother and baby) and complete examination before any treatment is rendered.

The 6 Landmarks

Aside from having your infant checked soon after birth, here are the 6 developmental landmarks when every infant should have their spine and skeletal system checked:

• When they first start to roll over
• When they first start to hold their head up (tummy time)
• When they first start to sit up
• When they first start to crawl
• When they first start to stand
• When they first start to walk

And if you observe your baby is struggling with any of these, for certain a spinal check-up is in order.

Other symptoms that may also indicate spinal misalignments (subluxations):

• colic
• constipation
• baby will not latch
• baby will only latch on one side
• head (cranium) does not appear symmetrical after birth
• bruising around the head, face, neck and shoulders (collar bone)
• spitting up after feeding
• internal clock is reversed (awake at night, sleeping during the day)
• tongue tie

Our mission here at Life Chiropractic Centre is to help the families in our community build vibrant, healthy and drug-free lives. If this resonates with you, we’d love to have you join our chiropractic family. We have grandparents, parents and children all enjoying the benefits of the tender, loving chiropractic care that we are honoured to provide.

Remember that consultations and posture checks are always free of charge as we offer these as a way of giving back to our community.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, you can always give us a call at 905-335-5433 or email us at at info@lifechiropracticcentre.ca.

In today’s technological age (cell phones, laptops, tablets etc.), slouchy posture or thoracic hyperkyphosis (humpback) has become a pervasive health issue. Far from just an aesthetic concern, this condition is associated with chronic pain, respiratory compromise (decreased lung capacity), functional disabilities and even increased mortality rates amongst our older population.

Traditional treatments primarily focus on symptom management through pain medication and/or physio, frequently failing to address the root structural cause which is postural collapse due to posture distortions of the neck and thoracic spine. Posture distortions are the result of vertebral subluxations (misaligned vertebrae) left undetected and uncorrected. Over the course of time as posture collapses, there is a cascading sequence of events; onset of degenerative disc disease, spinal joint irritation and spinal nerve root compression. This causes further postural collapse as the individual is forced to compensate even further and the sequence begins to feed upon itself. Symptomatology begins to intensify and expand.

Curves Exceeding 50 Degrees

Thoracic hyperkyphosis is characterized by an excessive forward curvature of the upper back (upper thoracic spine). A normal thoracic curve measures approximately 44 degrees but curves in excess of 50 degrees are considered hyperkyphotic (hunched/slouched). This deformity places immense mechanical stress on the spine leading to muscle fatigue, vertebral wedging (compression fractures), and nerve system tension.

Indicators of Slouching Posture

Other than someone alerting you or you yourself notice hunching of your shoulders and upper back, you may experience the following:

• headaches
• mood swings
• shortness of breath (lung capacity can be reduced by up to 30%)
• neck stiffness
• upper back ache (mid-scapular pain)
• lower back ache
• rapid pulse rate
• elevated blood pressure
• vertigo
• loss of balance/falls/poor coordination

What can you do?

Even severe long-standing postural issues in adults can be improved with the right treatment plan. Improving the spine’s alignment/posture directly correlates with pain relief and improved organ function. I have seen this with dozens of my practice members over the years who have committed to a prescribed treatment plan to address this issue.

Passive treatment is rarely enough. Specifically applied chiropractic adjustments coupled with spinal traction, reverse/corrective posture exercises and postural fitness education offer a viable, non-invasive alternative for managing postural deformities like thoracic hyperkyphosis. (ref.Chiropractic BioPhysics)

Please understand that most people will be interacting with technology and be in a ‘sit job’ for the rest of their lifetime. Being proactive here will have far-reaching health benefits.

We have been helping people in our community with postural issues for years.

We’d be honoured to help yours.

Well, the answer to this question is both yes and no. Yes, it is normal to have some back stiffness and slight achiness after you do yardwork for the first 2 or 3 times in the springtime for example. Why? Because of the unusual bending, twisting, active postures and the demands on your muscle tissues that support your spine and the many different postures it assumes while doing all the tasks associated with yard maintenance. And these should dissipate quickly after your body has acclimatized to the tasks of gardening/yardwork after a few sessions. But, on the other hand no, some things are not normal and indicate a deeper issue.

These things are not normal:

• relentless back pain
• cannot sit, stand or lie down comfortably
• you shuffle along instead of walking normally
• pain and/or burning into either butt cheek or both
• pain down in either leg or both (sciatica)
• cramping in the hamstrings, calves and feet
• burning, tingling, pins and needles in the feet
• cannot stand up straight
• cannot walk with upright posture
• body appears crooked; pelvis is going east and shoulders are going west (this is called antalgia and signifies a spinal disc problem)

What do these things mean?

A few things are indicated here that you need to be aware of and should never be ignored or masked with analgesics.

• a pinched nerve in the lower back (subluxations/one or more misaligned vertebrae)
• inflamed spinal joint (the joint between the vertebrae) in the lower back
• inflamed sacroiliac joint which is part of the pelvis (you have 2, right and left)
• subluxation (misalignment) of the sacroiliac joint
• a bulging spinal disc (the ever important pads between the vertebrae)
• degenerative disc disease in the lower lumbar spine (spinal discs are getting thin and weak)
• scoliosis (spinal curvature)
• spinal cord stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal in the very lower back)
• degenerative changes of one or both hip joints

Chiropractic care can help you with most of these. But if not, your chiropractor will refer you to the person who can.

What should I do?

In the immediate circumstance, you should stop whatever you are doing, apply an ice pack and rest. NEVER use heat as heat will promote inflammation. There has to be inflammation for you to feel pain so heat is the last thing you want to do. Ice is a natural anti-inflammatory which will not harm your stomach lining, liver or kidneys. Fifteen minutes on every hour until you feel relief. If you have a chiropractor, please check in with them for an assessment to see if you need an alignment (adjustment). If you are in excruciating pain (lower back and/or legs), feel numbness along the inside of both thighs with loss of bladder and/or bowel control, get yourself to emergency asap! Please do not make the assumption that if the symptoms go away because you have loaded yourself with painkillers, the problem has resolved. It has not.

Helpful Hints

I have been recommending these to my practice members for years, and they find them extremely helpful.

• Warm up your back before you start your tasks. (see below)
• Rotate between 2 or 3 different tasks. Spend 30 min on one then change to another. This is a huge back-saver as you are are avoiding repetitive strain on your back by doing the same thing for hours.
• Take a 5 min break between changing tasks and hydrate. There usually isn’t any rush and your body needs water to keep your muscles working well.
• If something doesn’t feel right, stop! Be mindful of the things we discussed above.

How to warm-up your back

I can explain these to you right here. They are usually safe for most everyone to do. If any of them do not feel comfortable, then eliminate them from the routine. More specific exercises can only be prescribed after a detailed posture analysis. There are certain deeper stretches you should and should not do depending upon the way your posture is distorted (crooked). As a CPE (Certified Posture Expert), I can certainly help you with this. You can contact me at 905 335 (LIFE) 5433 or info@lifechiropracticcentre.ca

Warm -ups: stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Slightly bend your knees with hands on your hips. Bend forwards until the point of tension. Stop and hold for 15 seconds. Bend backwards, stop and hold for 15 seconds at the point of tension. Do the same for side bend right and left. Do the same for rotation right and left. There are a total of 6 moves. Do not change position of feet, knees or hands. Do not over-stretch! Stop and hold at the point of tension. Do this routine 3 times before onset of yard-work and anytime throughout your session. It is always wise to do these again once you have finished for the day.

Conclusion

Gardening/yardwork should be fun and enjoyable. It is a good source of physical exercise, mental stress- relief as well as greenspace time. A lot of us do not get enough of these as we are desk-bound and interacting with technology most of the day due to our jobs. Just like with any activity, proper preparation and body-awareness is the key. And do not ignore your spinal health. It is yours for your lifetime.

Maintaining long-term health is a priority for many families in Burlington. From children growing up to seniors wanting to stay active, having a reliable wellness partner makes all the difference. Life Chiropractic Centre has earned the trust of Burlington families by providing consistent, effective, and family-focused chiropractic care designed to support health at every stage of life.

Comprehensive Care for Every Family Member

Life Chiropractic Centre offers personalized care for children, adults, and seniors, helping families maintain:

• Proper spinal alignment and posture
• Relief from chronic or recurring pain
• Improved mobility and flexibility
• Enhanced energy and overall wellness

This family-centered approach ensures that each member’s unique needs are met while promoting long-term health and prevention.

Pediatric Chiropractic: Supporting Healthy Growth

Parents in Burlington choose Life Chiropractic Centre for their children to:

• Encourage proper spinal development
• Prevent posture-related issues from school and sports
• Reduce growing pains and minor injuries
• Improve focus, sleep, and overall vitality

Gentle, age-appropriate adjustments provide safe, effective care for growing bodies.

Adult Chiropractic: Pain Relief and Wellness

For adults, chiropractic care addresses common concerns caused by work, stress, and lifestyle:

• Neck and back pain from long hours at desks or commuting
• Muscle tension and headaches from stress
• Postural corrections for improved daily comfort
• Preventive care to avoid future injuries

By combining adjustments with lifestyle guidance, adults can maintain optimal health and prevent chronic issues.

Senior Care: Staying Active and Independent

Seniors in Burlington rely on Life Chiropractic Centre to:

• Preserve mobility and flexibility
• Reduce joint stiffness and pain
• Improve balance and reduce fall risk
• Enhance overall quality of life

Regular chiropractic care helps seniors remain active and independent for years to come.

Why Families Trust Life Chiropractic Centre

Burlington families consistently choose Life Chiropractic Centre for long-term care because:

• Personalized treatment plans for every family member
• Focus on preventative and holistic wellness
• Experienced and compassionate practitioners
• A welcoming environment for all ages

Our goal is to help every family member thrive naturally, safely, and comfortably.

FAQs About Long-Term Family Chiropractic Care

Is chiropractic safe for children and seniors?
Yes. Care is tailored to each age group using gentle and effective techniques.

How often should families visit for long-term care?
Visit frequency depends on individual needs, but regular adjustments support ongoing health and prevention.

Can chiropractic care prevent future health issues?
Absolutely. Maintaining spinal alignment and overall wellness helps prevent chronic pain and mobility issues.

Conclusion: Committed to Family Wellness in Burlington

Life Chiropractic Centre is dedicated to supporting Burlington families through every stage of life. From children to seniors, our comprehensive, long-term chiropractic care promotes health, comfort, and vitality.

Schedule your family’s consultation today and experience the benefits of trusted, long-term chiropractic care in Burlington.

Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it also places new demands on a woman’s body. From back pain to posture changes, many Burlington mothers experience discomfort before and after childbirth. At Life Chiropractic Centre, we provide safe, gentle chiropractic care designed to support women through every stage of pregnancy and postpartum recovery.

Why Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy Matters

As the body changes, so does the spine and pelvis. This can lead to:

• Back pain and pelvic discomfort
• Poor posture and balance
• Sleep difficulties
• Sciatica and nerve pressure
• Increased stress and fatigue

Chiropractic care helps restore alignment, reduces discomfort, and promotes overall wellness throughout pregnancy.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Pregnancy in Burlington

Expecting mothers who receive chiropractic care often experience:

• Relief from lower back and hip pain
• Better posture as the baby grows
• Improved pelvic alignment for a smoother delivery
• Reduced stress and improved relaxation
• Better sleep and energy levels

Our techniques are gentle and specifically designed for pregnant women, ensuring safe and effective care.

Postpartum Chiropractic Care

After childbirth, a woman’s body continues to adjust. Hormonal changes, breastfeeding posture, and caring for a newborn can all place stress on the spine. Chiropractic care during the postpartum period may help with:

• Faster recovery and improved mobility
• Relief from back, neck, and shoulder tension
• Better posture while feeding and carrying a baby
• Reduced stress and enhanced energy
• Support for emotional well-being

With proper care, mothers can recover more comfortably and focus on bonding with their newborn.

FAQs About Pregnancy & Postpartum Chiropractic Care

Is chiropractic safe during pregnancy?
Yes. At Life Chiropractic Centre in Burlington, we use specialized techniques tailored to expectant mothers.

When should I start chiropractic care during pregnancy?
You can begin at any stage, but many women find relief starting in the second trimester.

Can chiropractic help with postpartum recovery?
Absolutely. Chiropractic care supports healing, posture, and stress relief after childbirth.

Conclusion: Supporting Burlington Moms Naturally

Pregnancy and postpartum life bring incredible changes—and chiropractic care can help mothers navigate them with greater comfort and health. At Life Chiropractic Centre, our focus is on safe, gentle, and supportive care for women before and after childbirth.

Book your consultation today and discover how chiropractic care can help you through pregnancy and beyond.