Alternative Wellness Clinic – Sterling Sports & Rehabilitation
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Author: drgauthier

  • Sterling Chiropractor Discusses Different Types of Headaches

    Sterling Chiropractor Discusses Different Types of Headaches

    Headaches are one of those health issues that can be mild and irritating, severe and debilitating, or one of many degrees in between. They can build up slowly or come on suddenly, and no matter how bad it is, almost everyone wants a remedy as soon as possible. There are several different types of headaches that a Sterling chiropractor can treat, so it is important to make an appointment if you suffer from any of the following.

    Tension Headaches

    A tension headache is probably the most common type people experience. Some of the common characteristics of a tension headache include; a pressing or tightening feeling, bilateral location, mild to moderate intensity, pain lasting from 30 minutes to one week. Tension headaches don’t normally include nausea or vomiting, but they may include light or sound sensitivity.  The presence of tension headaches is not attributed to another health disorder.

    Migraine Headaches

    Migraine headaches aren’t as common as tension headaches and they are often mistaken for something else. Quite often, a sufferer will attribute any bad headache pain to a migraine, but this isn’t always the case. Migraine is a condition that can be described as a recurrent headache that lasts up to 72 hours, featuring unilateral pulsating pain of moderate to severe intensity. Migraine pain includes nausea and/or sensitivity to light, and it is often made worse with normal physical activity.

    Approximately 20% of migraine sufferers will experience a neurological symptom known as an aura before they get a migraine. Auras take the form of visual disturbances or other sensory disturbances. Sometimes, auras occur between migraine headache attacks. Migraines aren’t typically associated with any other health issue.

    Cluster Headaches

    Cluster headaches are quite different from both tension headaches and migraines, occurring in only about 1% of the population. While most migraine sufferers are women, men between 20 and 40 are the main recipients of cluster headaches. This type of headache produces severe pain around the eyes or along the side of the head. Attacks usually last from 15 minutes up to 3 hours and have been known to occur 8 times in a single day. Tearing, forehead sweating, and nasal congestion may accompany cluster headaches. The intense pain makes some sufferers restless or agitated during the attack.

    If you suffer from any of the above types of headaches and want a natural, non-invasive approach to ease your pain, a Sterling chiropractor will take the time to assess every aspect of your lifestyle, medical history, and body to find a permanent solution.

    Contact our team today at Alternative Wellness Clinic to schedule an appointment or learn more.  We look forward to hearing from you.

  • Fitness Tips from a Chiropractor in Sterling

    Fitness Tips from a Chiropractor in Sterling

    A chiropractor in Sterling is no stranger to seeing patients that have injured themselves working out or playing sports. Pulled muscles, strains, sprains, ligament tears, and misaligned discs are all part of the practice. Virtually every type of fitness injury can be successfully assessed and treated with chiropractic care, but prevention is an even better prescription. Here are some fitness tips from a chiropractor in Sterling you should take to heart.

    Importance of Your Warm Up

    Quite often the stage is set for an injury even before you begin to exercise. Warming up is an integral part of any safe fitness regimen, but it’s also a step that many people tend to neglect. If your muscles are cold and tight and you launch right into exercise, you increase the risk of pulling a hamstring, straining your lower back, or tearing a ligament. Light stretching or some gentle calisthenics before you exercise will get the blood flowing, lengthen your muscles, and reduce the likelihood of getting hurt.

    Proper Technique to Reduce Injury

    Using the proper technique while performing specific exercise or playing your sport is also a critical element for preventing an injury. Learn how to perform the exercises and movements correctly, then follow those instructions every time you play or practice. Always try to stay within your own skill level and don’t overdo it. Being competitive is great, but pushing yourself too hard may end up putting you out of commission for an extended period of time.

    Flexible Muscles Recover Faster

    Maintaining good flexibility in all your muscle groups will help your athletic ability and it will prevent injury. Develop a stretching routine and stick to it so you won’t have to visit a chiropractor in Sterling with an injury you could have prevented. At the very least, stretch the muscles that you use the most in your specific sport or activity.

    Critical Cool Downs

    Cooling down properly after exercise is another important fitness tip that Sterling chiropractors recommend. After your exercise session or game, make sure you take 10 or 15 minutes and stretch out your muscles and joints before you finish up. Just like with the warm up, cooling down will help you avoid strains, sprains, and muscle pulls.

    Remember to drink water throughout the day to keep your muscles and discs well hydrated. This will also go a long way toward preventing injury. If you do happen to hurt yourself, despite you best prevention efforts, don’t hesitate to call a chiropractor and get the treatment process started. The sooner you begin the sooner you’ll be healed and back at it.  Our outstanding team at Alternative Wellness Clinic is here to help.

  • Sterling Chiropractor Discusses Proper Child Backpacks

    Sterling Chiropractor Discusses Proper Child Backpacks

    Although children are smaller than adults, and their bodies are still growing and developing, parents tend to weigh them down with backpacks that are far too heavy and unbalanced. Lower back pain is the most common health issue suffered by Americans and in many cases, it all starts in childhood with those oversized backpacks. No parent wants their child to suffer so listen to the advice of a Sterling chiropractor when it comes to proper child backpacks.

    Selecting a Backpack

    The first order of business is to select a backpack that will be supportive and won’t put undue stress on any part of a child’s body. Child backpacks should be made of lightweight material and be proportionate to the size of the child’s body. Buying large backpacks with the thought of fitting more into it will only cause problems.

    Look for backpacks that have several individualized compartments to help you balance out the weight effectively. Padded shoulder straps that are at least two-inches wide and a strap that goes around the waist are also features to look for when making your purchase.

    Packing the Backpack

    When packing the backpack, distribute the weight evenly and try to ensure it weighs less than 15% of the child’s bodyweight. If it is too heavy the child will bend forward slightly to try and counterbalance the weight on the shoulders. The heaviest items in the backpack should be packed closest to the body and if it isn’t necessary leave it out.

    Wearing the Backpack

    When a child is wearing a backpack the shoulder straps should be adjusted so that the pack is close to the body. This will distribute the weight of the pack evenly over the spine and prevent misalignment. It’s important that kids use both of the straps on the backpack so the weight distribution remains equal. You should also show your child how to bend at the knees to pick up the backpack and instruct him not to twist or bend at the waist while wearing it.

    Potential Issues

    For some reason we don’t seem to think that children are at risk for the same types of physical issues as adults when it comes to wearing heavy backpacks. Most Sterling chiropractors will tell you this isn’t true and that children can suffer from many of the same issues as adults. Regular use of a heavy backpack can result in:

    • Back and shoulder pain
    • Numbness and tingling in the arms
    • Poor posture
    • Reduced blood flow
    • Headache and neck pain
    • Distorted natural spine curvature
    • Muscle strain caused by overcompensation

    Wearing an improper backpack sets the stage for a host of physical problems later in life. If you’re not sure how to proceed or your child is already showing some of the above symptoms contact our team at Alternative Wellness Clinic today.

  • Sterling Chiropractors May Help Scoliosis

    Sterling Chiropractors May Help Scoliosis

    Among common back conditions, scoliosis is one that has the potential to cause a great deal of discomfort and immobility. Between 5 million and 7 million people in the United States are affected by scoliosis. Sterling chiropractors have the ability to provide relief to many scoliosis patients, making their day-to-day lives more manageable.

    What is Scoliosis?

    Scoliosis is a condition of the spine where a lateral or sideways curvature of greater than 10 degrees develops. Most of the time, the cause of this unique curvature is unknown, but in around 20 percent of the cases things like neurological disease, trauma, or tumors are responsible. Scoliosis with no known cause is called idiopathic.

    If someone has functional scoliosis, it means that a postural issue, muscle spasm or legs that are different lengths is the cause. This type of scoliosis can usually be remedied. If the scoliosis is considered structural, various postural strategies are usually ineffective. Scoliosis is more common among girls and it typically develops between the ages of 10 and 15. It can also be passed down, so if a parent or sibling has it there is a higher likelihood of a younger child getting it.

    Common Symptoms of Scoliosis

    Some of the common symptoms of scoliosis include intense pain, reduced range of motion, reduced lung function, and reduced heart function. Psychological problems including decreased self-esteem are also a common issue with people that have scoliosis. Around 80 percent of people with scoliosis have a curvature of less than 20 degrees, but since it occurs most often during adolescence, it is possible to see large increases in curvature within a short period. Scoliosis is usually diagnosed through physical evaluation and x-rays to determine the extent of the spinal curvature.

    Chiropractic Treatment for Scoliosis

    Some of the most effective treatments performed by Sterling chiropractors for scoliosis include spinal manipulation, electric muscle stimulation, and therapeutic exercise. This is an area that hasn’t received a lot of attention or research, but many patients with scoliosis that have had chiropractic treatment report an improvement in their condition.

    Even if the spinal curvature is not completely corrected, any associated pain or issues that have been adding to the scoliosis discomfort will be addressed. Sometimes the change in posture and gait created by scoliosis causes other areas to overcompensate, causing pain and leading to new issues. Your chiropractor at Alternative Wellness Clinic will search for the underlying cause of all your structural aches and pains and find the solution that works best for your specific situation.

    At Alternative Wellness Clinic our team is here to help answer your questions.  Please feel free to contact us today.

  • Sterling Chiropractor Discusses Herniated Discs

    Sterling Chiropractor Discusses Herniated Discs

    One of the back conditions that patients routinely visit a Sterling chiropractor for is a herniated disc. This type of injury generally responds well to chiropractic treatment so it’s wise to schedule an appointment in the early stages. Herniated disc treatment can help patients avoid prescription pain medications and any side effects that come along with them.

    What Is a Herniated Disc?

    A herniated disc refers to a situation where the outer portion of one of your vertebral discs has been torn. This allows the inner portion of the disc, or nucleus, to protrude through the fibrous exterior. Herniated discs are sometimes called ruptured discs or slipped discs. The herniated portion of the disc can end up compressing nerves that surround the disc.

    Common Causes

    A herniated disc is usually a degenerative condition brought on by the wear and tear of normal aging. Over time, your discs lose moisture content and become less flexible, making them prone to tears and ruptures without a whole lot of stress being placed on them. Some factors that may increase your risk of suffering a herniated disc include being overweight, having a physically demanding job, improper lifting, and even genetics.

    Common Herniated Disc Symptoms

    Many people that have a herniated disc don’t end up experiencing any sort of symptoms, but the ones that do can feel intense pain. If your herniated disc is in your lower back, you’ll be more likely to feel pain in your buttocks, hips, thighs, and calves. If the problem is in your cervical vertebrae you’re more likely to feel pain in your shoulders and arms. Numbness, tingling and general weakness are also symptoms of a herniated disc. Typically, the muscles and body parts that are served by the affected nerves will experience these symptoms.

    When to See a Chiropractor

    If a conventional doctor has diagnosed you with a herniated disc then make an appointment with a Sterling chiropractor as soon as possible. Many patients show up at a chiropractor’s office with symptoms, but no diagnosis. If you have any of the symptoms listed above, or any back pain that’s been undiagnosed, a chiropractor can assess the issue and formulate an effective treatment plan. Since a herniated disc is usually found in the lumbar region or cervical region, and includes tingling and numbness along with the pain, you’ll be able to give your chiropractor a head start if you pay attention to your symptoms and communicate them clearly.

    At Alternative Wellness Clinic our team is here to help answer your questions.  Please feel free to contact us today.

  • Headache Tips from a Sterling Chiropractic Office

    Headache Tips from a Sterling Chiropractic Office

    Just about everyone in Sterling suffers from headaches once in awhile. Most of them don’t require any kind of medical attention and gradually subside with time. It is when a headache starts to interfere with your daily activities or takes them over completely that you need to seek professional attention. Follow these headache tips from a Sterling chiropractic office to find relief and stay one step ahead of the problem.

    Why Does My Head Hurt?

    There are a host of different “triggers” that may be causing your headaches. Some have to do with your lifestyle choices, some are due to an underlying health condition, some are genetic and some are postural. Some common headache triggers include specific foods, certain smells, bright lights, loud noises, obsessive exercise, changes in blood sugar, using an improper pillow at night, poor posture at work, or poor sleeping habits.

    In roughly 95% of headache cases, the headache is not caused by an underlying health issue or disease. Most headaches are the result of muscle tension in your neck and/or upper back caused by spending long hours in one fixed position. This means virtually every headache can be treated by changing your habits and making an appointment with a Sterling chiropractor.

    Help Yourself First

    The most important headache tip you’ll receive from Sterling chiropractors is to take steps to help yourself. If you have a job that requires you to sit in a static position for several hours per day, force yourself to get up and move around every 30 minutes or so. It doesn’t have to be anything substantial. Even a walk around the office or light stretching will do, as long as you aren’t sitting.

    If you are prone to getting dull throbbing headaches you’ll want to avoid engaging in heavy exercise until they are under control. You can still workout, just switch things up to include more low-impact activities. Clenching your teeth during exercise or any time is another thing to avoid because it causes stress to the joints in your jaw. Dehydration is always a big headache trigger so drink water throughout the day and keep yourself hydrated.

    Visiting Your Chiropractor

    If you find that your headaches persist, even after following the self-help tips, make an appointment with our Sterling chiropractic team at Alternative Wellness Clinic. Spinal adjustments are an effective treatment for headaches that originate in your neck or upper back. Once your misaligned vertebrae are back into position and normal function is restored your headache pain may subside.

    At Alternative Wellness Clinic our team is here to help answer your questions.  Please feel free to contact us today.

  • Sterling Chiropractic Clinics Help Joint Inflammation

    Sterling Chiropractic Clinics Help Joint Inflammation

    The human body has several different types of joints, including ball and socket joints, gliding joints, hinge joints, and saddle joints. Considering the complex mechanisms that go into to making it all work together, it’s little wonder that joint pain is a big issue in society. Sterling chiropractors treat cases relating to joint pain on a regular basis, and the primary cause is inflammation.

    What Is Joint Inflammation?

    Inflammation is a normal body reaction that’s part of the immune response. Sometimes when there is an injury, your body benefits from the subsequent inflammation because it aids in the healing process. However, there are times when existing inflammation creates more inflammation, which is not a good situation.

    Arthritis is the most common form of joint inflammation and most people know someone that has it. The two main types of arthritis are known as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis refers to wear and tear in the joints due to injury, overuse, or normal aging. Rheumatoid arthritis happens when there is a problem with immune system function, causing joint inflammation.

    Foods that Cause Joint Inflammation

    There are certain foods that tend to trigger joint inflammation for many patients. If you suffer from joint inflammation, you may be instructed to limit some foods. Some of the main culprits include processed sugars, trans fats, refined flour, MSG, gluten, and alcohol.  Certain eating plans have shown positive results when it comes to reducing inflammation.

    Chiropractic Care for Inflammation

    Our chiropractic team at Alternative Wellness Clinic regularly uses joint adjustments to ease inflammation and treat the cause of joint pain. Since every patient is different, and every situation is different, treatments are customized so they will have the greatest effect. Sometimes, ultrasound therapy or ice treatments will also be part of the overall treatment protocol.

    Reducing pressure on your joints by strengthening the surrounding muscles is another tactic that can help with joint inflammation. Movement therapies like yoga, tai chi, or Pilates can help to strengthen and lengthen muscles at the same time. This will give the affected joints a break and will reduce pain and swelling caused by overuse. The most important step is to book a consultation so your chiropractor can assess the situation and come up with a suitable treatment plan and solution for your joint inflammation.

    At Alternative Wellness Clinic our team is here to help answer your questions.  Please feel free to contact us today.

  • Sterling Chiropractor May Help TMJ

    Sterling Chiropractor May Help TMJ

    Among the areas of the body that Sterling chiropractors are able to help, many people are surprised to learn that the jaw is on the list. It’s easy to associate back pain and neck pain with chiropractic treatment, but people who suffer from TMJ or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder in Sterling can also find relief.

    What Is TMJ?

    Temporomandibular Joint Disorder refers to a group of conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint in the jaw. This joint connects your jaw to your skull, so it stands to reason that if you have issues with the muscles or ligaments that control its movement you may experience problems.

    Some common symptoms of TMJ include pain in your jaw, cheek, teeth or front of the ear when you chew or yawn, clicking noises in the jaw, an inability to open your mouth wide or having your jaw lock when you are able to open it. You also may notice that your upper and lower teeth no longer fit together properly when you close your mouth. Some patients experience headaches, hearing issues, dizziness or earaches as part of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder.

    Causes of TMJ

    TMJ has a myriad of potential causes that your Sterling chiropractors will explore when you book your appointment. Some of the known causes of TMJ include serious jaw trauma or dislocation, physical or emotional stress, or even sitting in a dentist’s chair for long periods of time with your mouth wide open. The emotional stress doesn’t end up causing TMJ on its own, but if you tend to clench your teeth as a result, this may end up causing it. Statistics show that women are four times as likely to suffer from TMJ as men.

    Can Chiropractic Help TMJ?

    Once your chiropractor confirms that you do have TMJ, you’ll be given a treatment plan based on the specifics of your situation. Our team at Alternative Wellness Clinic wants to get to the cause of your problem so every angle is explored before a thorough plan is created. Usually, a treatment plan for TMJ will include chiropractic adjustments, special exercises, and possibly heat or ice to lessen pain if it is particularly painful.

    If you have any of the symptoms of TMJ, schedule a consultation with a chiropractor as soon as possible. It’s also important that you follow any advice or recommendations given during that consultation and subsequent appointments. Every exercise and treatment is designed to remove the underlying cause of the problem and restore your jaw function back to normal.

    At Alternative Wellness Clinic our team is here to help answer your questions.  Please feel free to contact us today.

  • chiropractic-care-helps-whiplash

    chiropractic-care-helps-whiplash

    Sterling Chiropractic Office Helps Whiplash

    One of the most common injuries that people suffer from after an auto accident in Sterling is whiplash. When a chiropractor books an appointment to see a patient after a car accident, it is often to treat the pain that results from a whiplash injury. Find out how our Sterling chiropractic office can help.

    What Is Whiplash?

    Whiplash is a term that is used by the medical profession to describe a neck injury that occurs as the result of a car accident. Being hit from behind or “rear-ended” is one of the most common type of auto accidents and the one most likely to produce whiplash. When you are hit from behind, the head whips back and then forward, causing the injury.

    How Is It Diagnosed?

    When a Sterling chiropractic office diagnoses a whiplash injury, your entire spine will be evaluated to ensure the only injury is in the neck. They will look for any areas that display poor range of motion, muscle spasm, general weakness, and pain. In the acute phase, you probably won’t be able to turn your head comfortably and your head may hurt. Your chiropractor will also feel around your neck and back looking for tender spots and tightness.

    Chiropractic Treatment for Whiplash

    When whiplash is still in the acute stage, a chiropractor may use gentle stretching, ultrasound, and other techniques in an effort to reduce inflammation. You might also be advised to apply ice in order to reduce the swelling. After the initial swelling has subsided and the pain lessens, the treatment will turn to spinal manipulation to restore the normal blood flow and motion to your neck.
    No one likes the thought of getting into a car accident, but you have little control over being hit from behind when you’re driving. If you think you may have whiplash, the key is to seek attention as soon as possible. If you’re not in a medical emergency, book an appointment with our team at Alternative Wellness Clinic so we can assess the situation and get started on the appropriate chiropractic treatment.

    At Alternative Wellness Clinic our team is here to help answer your questions.  Please feel free to contact us today.

  • Sterling Chiropractors May Relieve Migraines

    Sterling Chiropractors May Relieve Migraines

    When a severe migraine headache takes hold, it’s almost as if the rest of the world ceases to exist. The intensity of the pain makes many people lie in a darkened room and do little else. Working or looking after children is out of the question. It’s not even possible to hold a thought for more than a few seconds without the vice-like grip of the migraine taking over. Luckily, Sterling chiropractors are able to provide relief for migraines without drugs or any invasive procedures.

    When someone gets into this state, they will do just about anything to escape. Even the strongest pain medication with the most undesirable side effects is welcomed if it eases the pain. People who routinely refuse prescription medication often change their tune when in the grips of a bad migraine headache.

    Migraine Headaches

    Many people tend to call any intense headache a migraine, but a true migraine sticks to some exact criteria. Typically, a migraine is less common than a tension headache, registering from moderate to severe on the pain intensity scale. It is a recurrent headache that lasts from between four hours to three days, and affects more females than males.

    In order for someone to be considered a “migraine sufferer,” they must have at least five separate episodes that last for the prescribed time frames mentioned above. The headaches must also have at least two of the following characteristics: pulsating pain, unilateral location, nausea or vomiting, visual or auditory sensitivity, and aggravation of the headache by physical activity. Many migraine sufferers, roughly 20 percent, will see visual auras before a migraine headache comes on. This early warning system helps let them know what’s coming, but doesn’t lessen the intensity.

    Chiropractic Treatment

    If you seek migraine treatment from a Sterling chiropractor, you’ll be given a full assessment and evaluation to determine exactly what is going on with your head and your spinal column. You may require x-rays or other tests to paint a complete the most complete picture possible before any treatment begins.

    Your chiropractor will likely perform spinal adjustments to relieve any pressure or stress that could be contributing to your migraine pain. Spinal adjustments can also improve blood flow and help reduce pain. If it’s been determined that you have nutritional triggers that are adding to your migraine intensity, your chiropractor may offer nutritional advice to remove those triggers. Advice on your posture and various relaxation techniques will also be part of the treatment plan.

    At Alternative Wellness Clinic our team is here to help answer your questions.  Please feel free to contact us today.