Straight Versus Backwards Neck Curve

“What Causes You To Have a Straight or Backwards Curved Neck?”

Last time we discussed why it is very important for everybody to have a normal 42 degree forward curve in their neck, and today we will learn how you can end up with a straight neck or a neck with a backwards curve.

How this can happen is from a subluxation of 1 or more of the vertebrae in your neck.

And remember that a subluxation is a partial or incomplete dislocation of a vertebra. We all have them …. it is virtually impossible not to!

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And when a subluxation is left undetected and uncorrected it will cause your spine to assume an unhealthy posture.

An unhealthy posture will cause your spine to degenerate and become arthritic.

Now what is it that can cause you to get a subluxation in your neck?

A difficult birth can especially if forceps were used or the vacuum assist was used.

Sporting injuries where you may have suffered a whiplash or a concussion.

A compressive neck injury where something falls o the top of your head.

Car accidents.

But the biggest thing lately is modern technology repetitive strain injuries.

These are the result of playing video games for hours and hours, texting on a cell phone or sitting in front of a computer.

All of these activities will cause a forward head posture subluxation pattern which will force your neck to become straight or curved backwards.

I am seeing forward head posture subluxation patterns in 60 – 70% of kids under 10 years of age now which is an alarming statistic.

Next time we will discuss what you can do to correct a straight neck or a backwards curved neck, but in the meantime if you have any questions or comments about this topic or any other health concerns you may have, you can send us an email or give us a call at 905 335 5433.

Remember that consultations are always free of charge and family appointments are always available because subluxations tend to run in families.

Life Chiropractic … helping families just like yours build vibrant, healthy, drug-free lives for over 25 years in Burlington.

Click Here To Book a Free Initial Consultation With Dr. Brad at The Burlington Clinic

Proper Neck Curve

“Here’s Why Proper Neck Curves Are Important”

Today I would like to discuss reversed cervical curves and why it is important to correct them if you have one.

You can see what I mean if you look at the picture of the xray on the right hand side of our home page.

A reversed cervical curve means that your neck is either straight or curved backwards when it should normally be curved frontwards at a 42 degree angle.

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If your neck is straight or curved backwards, this is going to stretch the spinal cord in your neck.

And just like when you stretch an elastic, the more you pull on it the thinner it gets.

But just imagine if this is happening to your spinal cord?

The thinner your spinal cord gets, the less ability it has to transmit your vital nerve energy that goes from your brain, through the spinal cord in your neck to every single part of your body.

Remember that the spinal cord in your neck is a bundle of every single nerve fibre in your body.

And for all these nerves to be relaxed so that they can freely transmit your nerve energy at full capacity, you must have a 42 degree curve in your neck in the frontwards direction.

Next time, we will discuss how you get a straight neck or a neck with a backwards curve, but in the meantime if you have any questions about this topic or any other health concerns that you may have, all you have to do is shoot us an email or give us a call at 905 335 5433.

Remember that consultations are always free of charge and family appointments are always available because spinal problems tend to run in families. And the sooner we can get at them, the better the correction we can achieve.

Life Chiropractic … helping families just like yours build vibrant, healthy, drug-free lives for over 25 years in Burlington

Click Here To Book A Free Initial Consultation With Dr. Brad

Chiropractic Care For Life

Is It True That Once You Go To a Chiropractor, You Will Have To Keep Going For The Rest Of Your Life?

I have had many people and patients ask me this question over the years, so I would like to take the opportunity to clarify this for you.

To be quite honest with you, most of my patients would tell you that they need their chiropractic treatment every 2 to 3 weeks.

Some a little more frequently and some a little less frequently.

And I myself prefer to be adjusted once or twice a week because it helps me keep up with life in general.

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But when you think about it this way, would you rather need 3 alcoholic drinks per day, or half a pack of cigarettes or 6 tylenol?

Remember that adjustments are totally natural, non-toxic, they serve to keep you feeling good, help all your organs to work properly, help you maintain good spinal posture and prevent spinal arthritis.

And if this requires 1 or 2 adjustments per month, I don’t really see anything wrong with that.

And neither should you.

I have rarely seen a patient that needs to go for chiropractic adjustments because they have to. Remember it is your body and your health so you do not have to do anything that you do not want to do.

So, it is more like patients keep going to the chiropractor because they choose to and many patients will tell you that they could not imagine their life without chiropractic care because of the many benefits it provides them and their family.

But, always remember the choice is up to you. Do only those things that are good for your health for only as long as you want to stay healthy.

If you have any questions or comments about his topic, or any other health concerns that you may have (including your family), please shoot us an email or you can call us at 905 335 LIFE (5433).

Remember that consultations are always free of charge and  family appointments are always available.

Why? ….. because spinal problems tend to run in families.

Life Chiropractic…. helping families just like yours build vibrant, healthy, drug-free lives for over 25 years in Burlington.

Click Here To Book a Free Initial Consultation With Dr. Brad

Chiropractic Treatments For Long Term Health

“How Long Do I Need To Keep Going To The Chiropractor?”

Often times people ask me how long do they need to keep coming to the chiropractor for. And I have also heard people say that once you start going to the chiropractor, you will have to keep going for the rest of your life.

Let me add some clarity to these issues …

Let us say that you have decided to change your diet. You want to eat healthy foods. No more junk food or fast foods or dairy or anything that contains wheat or anything that contains pesticides, growth hormones or antibiotics.

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Now how long would you want to do this for? You would do it for only as long as you want to stay healthy.

What if you have decided to stop smoking and drinking? How long would you want to do this for? Well, you would stop smoking and drinking for as long as you want to stay healthy.

What about exercise? You have realized you are overweight. Your heart and lungs are not fit. In fact they are sluggish. You commit to exercising 2 to 3 times per week.

How long would you want to keep exercising for? You would continue to exercise for as long as you would want to stay healthy.

Wouldn’t you?

Well, the same thing goes for chiropractic care! Once you have completed your corrective care, how long would you want to continue with your wellness care for? Only for as long as you want to stay healthy.

So you can see that this is my answer for everyone who asks me that question. Do the things that are good for you and healthy for you for as long as you want to stay healthy.

Next time we will discuss the issue that once you start chiropractic care, you won’t be able to stop but in the meantime if you have any questions about this topic or any other health concerns that you may have, please call us at 905 335 LIFE (5433).

Remember consultations are always free of charge and family appointments are always available.

Click Here To Book a Free Initial Consultation With Dr. Brad

Family Chiropractic Appointment

“What Exactly Is a Family Chiropractic Appointment?”

For those of you who visit this website on a regular basis, I have often times mentioned family appointments so today I would like to clarify what a family appointment is and why we encourage them here  at our chiropractic office.

One reason is when  I consult with adults about their aches, pains and other health issues, almost everybody tells me that they can remember having them as far back as childhood.

But the unfortunate thing is that for many of them this was also when they were told that medication was the only solution to their problem.

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Another reason is that subluxations and spinal problems tend to run in families.

This is an observation that I have made time and time and time again over the past 27 years in practice.

As a parent, when you look at your children you will recognize that they may have the same hair color as you, the same eye color as you, even the same body shape as you.

You need to understand that the similarities do not end there. There are similarities on the inside that you cannot see especially when it comes to their spinal posture and spinal health.

And we can easily detect these potential problems by doing a proper postural assessment and a computerized posture scan which only takes a few minutes to do.

This can save your children from years and years of aggravation, poor health and permanent spinal damage.

As a parent, this will certainly save you from the escalating costs of health care.

So when you call our office to schedule an appointment for your free initial consultation, please remember to include your spouse and all your children as well.

Choosing chiropractic care for you and your family will be one of the best decisions you will ever make.

Our phone number is 905 335 LIFE (5433) and we have office hours on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and most Saturday mornings.

Please give us a call today!

Click Here To Book A Free Initial Consultation With Dr. Brad

Public Vs Private Chiropractic Practice

“What Is The Difference Between a Public Chiropractic Practice And a Private One?”

Today I would like to explain to you the difference between a public practice and a private practice when it comes to choosing a chiropractor which will save you and the chiropractor both potential aggravation.

When you go to a chiropractor, you will notice 1 of 2 very distinct means of patient management.

Some chiropractors choose not to manage their patients. And what I mean by this is they let their patients decide if and when they need care, and how often they need care.

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I define this as a ‘public practice’ because it is no different than using your gym membership.

The patient can come and go as they see fit.

On the other hand, there are chiropractors who will actively participate in the management of their patients.

Treatment plans are structured and scheduled in advance.  This is what I would define as a ‘private practice’.

The patient needs to be compliant, participate and be partially responsible for their care. After all it is their spine and their health.

This is the type of relationship I personally choose to build with my patients because this is the only way for them to realize the long-term benefits of chiropractic care.

Regularity is the key to getting the most out of your adjustments otherwise they are no different than popping a pill every time you have an ache or pain or  you’re feeling sick.

So the thing that you need to decide before going to a chiropractor is do you want to manage yourself, or do you want the doctor to assist in managing your spinal care.

And there is nothing wrong with interviewing the chiropractor before starting care to make sure you are both on the same page.

When the chiropractor cares more about your spine and your health than you do, these types of doctor-patient relationships rarely work out.

If you would like more information on this topic or any other health concerns you or your family may have, all you need to do is give us a call. Remember that consultations are always free of charge and family appointments are always available because subluxations and spinal problems tend to run in families.

Our phone number is … 905 335 LIFE (5433).

Please call today.

Click Here To Book a Free Initial Consultation With Brad

Chiropractic Wellness Care

“What Is Chiropractic Wellness Care?”

Last time we learned about treatment plans for spinal decay so now I would like to explain to you what you can do once you have successfully completed your corrective program of chiropractic care.

At this point most patients choose to do some sort of maintenance schedule because by now they have realized how much their health has improved.

In my view, maintenance is for lawnmowers and automobiles so this is why I like to call it wellness care. Wellness care not only maintains your spinal correction but the biggest benefit to you is that it keeps you in a state of wellness.

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So what is wellness exactly? Wellness means that all 11 of your body’s systems (eg. cardiovascular system, reproductive system, digestive system, nerve system etc.) are working together harmoniously so that you experience the very best of health possible.

This not only benefits you now, but more importantly it sets the stage for optimal health as you grow older.

Then there is less chance that you will need medication or develop aches and pains or dis-ease.

Your next question will be … “ how often do I need to come in for wellness chiropractic care?”

And my answer is – anywhere from once a week to once a month, but this really depends upon your current lifestyle.

And another thing that I know you are wondering … “ how long does wellness care last for?” And my answer is – it lasts for only as long as you want to remain healthy.

If you would like to find out more about wellness care and corrective care, you are more than welcome to attend one of our Doctor’s Reports.

We hold these most every Wednesday evening from 630 to 7pm right here in our office.

All we ask is that you call 905 335 5433 to confirm your attendance.

Life Chiropractic … helping families just like yours build vibrant, healthy, drug-free lives for over 25 years in Burlington.

Treatment Program For A Decaying Spine

“What Is A Chiropractic Treatment Plan For Spinal Decay?”

Last time we discussed what you can do to minimize the chances that you or your children develop spinal decay.

So now I would like to explain to you what is involved in a chiropractic treatment plan if it has been confirmed that you do have decay in your spine.

The treatment plan is a 3-pronged approach.

One component is the chiropractic adjustment.

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The second component is spinal traction and the third component is home exercise.

The chiropractic adjustment is what actually corrects the position of your misaligned vertebrae ( subluxations ) which are what cause your spine to decay in the first place.

These are usually done manually by hand or with a hand-held instrument called an Activator.

The adjustment only takes a couple of minutes to do.

The second component which is spinal traction is to assist in correcting your posture and to promote re-hydration of any degenerating spinal discs that we find in your spine.

Traction takes at most 5 minutes to do and is usually done immediately following your adjustment.

The third component which is home exercise is to strengthen the muscles surrounding your spine so that they hold your spine in its proper posture.

Home exercise does not begin until we see your posture start to improve and is done 3 – 4 times per week for 15 minutes per session.

Progress checks and comparative xrays ( if necessary ) are also part of the treatment plan and these are to make sure that we are achieving the desired results.

Each treatment plan is based upon what phase of decay your spine is in and this is discussed when reviewing your xrays at the Doctors Report.

Next time we will discuss what you can do once you have successfully completed your corrective chiropractic treatment plan and you have a healthy spine once again, but in the meantime if you have any questions about this topic or any other health concerns that you may have, all you have to do is give us a call.

Remember that consultations are always free of charge and family appointments are always available because subluxations and spinal problems tend to run in families.

Our phone number is 905 335 LIFE (5433).

Please give us a call today.

Click Here To Book a Free Initial Consultation With Dr. Brad

 

How To Prevent Decay Of Your Spine

“How To Prevent Your Spine From Decaying And Maintain Good Spinal Health In The Process”

You now have a pretty good idea about spinal decay so today I would like to let you know what it is you can do to make sure you minimize the chances of you or your family ever developing spinal decay.

All you need to do is call us to schedule an appointment for your free initial consultation and remember that family appointments are also available because subluxations and spinal problems tend to run in families.

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What we would do is a computerized posture scan and take a spinal xray if necessary as this is the only way to determine what phase of decay your spine is in, if any.

I would then review the results of the posture scan and any xrays with you before recommending a treatment plan.

A treatment plan for a phase 2 spine would be more involved than a phase 1 spine because the problem has obviously been there a lot longer.

If nothing else, this would be a great educational experience for you and an opportunity for you to see what you really look like on the inside.

Our phone number is 905 335 LIFE (5433) and we have office hours on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and most Saturday mornings.

Please call today.

Click Here To Book A Free Initial Consultation With Dr. Brad

 

The Stages Or Phases Of Spinal Decay

“What You Need To Know About
Spinal Decay”

Last time we talked about what cause your spine to decay and as promised, you will now learn about the different Stages or Phases of spinal decay.

When you get a subluxation and it is left undetected and uncorrected ( which is very unfortunately the case with most people ), this will cause the spine to lose its normal posture.

This would be a Phase 1 spinal decay (or degeneration) and in your neck it is typically characterized by a straight neck or a neck with a reversed or backwards curve. The normal forward curve has been entirely lost.

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There is picture of the different stages of spinal degeneration.

 

If a Phase 1 is not corrected it will advance to a Phase 2.

The difference with a Phase 2 is now there is a thinning spinal disc and the growth of bone spurs on the vertebrae.

When a Phase 2 is not corrected this whole destructive process will affect more and more levels of the spine ( Phase 3 and beyond ) and the spine will inevitably end up fusing together.

Throughout this whole process there is more and more pressure and damage to your spinal cord.

What most people do not realize however is the spinal cord in your neck is a bundle of every single nerve fibre in your body.

So when your neck starts to decay, it is affecting every single nerve in your body.

And this pressure and damage to your spinal cord can result in a multitude of health problems.

All you have to do is refer to the Chart of Effects of Spinal Misalignments found on our home page to understand why.

Next time we are going to discuss what you can do to make sure this never ever happens to you or your children ( especially ) but in the meantime if you have any questions about this topic or any other health concerns you may have, all you need to do is give us a call.

Remember consultations are always free of charge and family appointments are always available because subluxations and spinal problems tend to run in families.

Our phone number is 905 335 LIFE (5433).

Life Chiropractic…. helping families just like yours build vibrant, healthy, drug-free lives for over 25 years in Burlington.

Click Here To Book a Free Initial Consultation With Dr. Brad.