Month: November 2020

Are you constantly complaining of neck pain? What methods have you tried to alleviate the pain? Most people rely on over-the-counter painkillers to relieve the discomfort. Unfortunately, long term use of painkillers is not healthy. According to science, although opioid medications do wonder when treating pain, they can be hazardous. When taken at low doses, these medications can make you feel groggy but when taken in higher does, these opioids can slow down your heart rate and your breathing. The misuse of opioids have led to thousands of deaths. Another downside to taking opioids is it gives you a pleasurable feeling or feelings of elation that can be dangerously addictive. In order to achieve that pleasurable state, people tend to get hooked to the drug. To address pain, you may want to consider a natural pain relief method like seeing a chiropractor. Let’s find out why regular visits to a chiropractor is a good idea.

What is a chiropractor?

Just to be clear, chiropractors are not considered medical doctors but they did undergo extensive training in chiropractic care making them qualified and licensed to safely execute chiropractic care. They are required to complete an undergraduate degree that are focused on science. After their graduation, they will be required to complete a chiropractic program for 4 years. Besides theory, they will be exposed to hands-on training. All the states in America require chiropractors to secure a doctor of chiropractic degree from a Council on Chiropractic Education in an approved college.

What is chiropractic care?

During your initial visit to your chiropractor, you will undergo a physical exam and a thorough medical history taking. Additional tests may also be ordered like X-ray. After completing all these, your chiropractor will start adjusting your spine. You will either be asked to lay down or sit upright depending on your condition. You may also be asked to move in various positions to treat different parts of your body. It’s normal to hear a cracking or popping sound. After the session, you may feel tired or have a minor headache. Don’t worry, these are normal side effects of the treatment and are only temporary.

What Are The Benefits of Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic care offers numerous benefits. Some of its benefits are as follows:

Pain Management

Chiropractic care is mostly known for pain management. It’s a pain relief method that’s 100% natural. Aside from reducing pain in your back, this type of therapy will also help reduce pain from all parts of your body including neck pain. When your spine is correctly aligned, the pain will be relieved. It’s a great way to treat pain without depending on opioids because it’s natural and it’s definitely not addictive. It’s also non-invasive. The goal of chiropractic care is for your own body to naturally heal itself through spinal manipulation.

Improved Balance

Do you know that you could lose your balance through aging or inactivity? A time-tested method of restoring your body’s balance is through chiropractic care. By manipulating your spine and correcting misalignment, you will be able to have a stronger and more stable skeletal structure and your posture will be improved. These two are essential in maintaining balance. People who received chiropractic care say their balance was restored after several treatments.

Enhanced Flexibility

Chiropractic patients also noticed a vast improvement in their range of motion after a series of appointments with their chiropractor. When your spine is properly aligned, it will be easier for you to move. The reduction of pain will also improve your flexibility allowing you to move freely without inhibitions.

Takeaway

Videos of chiropractic care may scare you especially if you hear the loud popping sounds but you don’t have to worry as long as the chiropractor is licensed and qualified because they know the moves and the techniques needed to correct your problem without causing you any injury or harm. Improve your quality of life today by getting chiropractic care.

If your job requires you to stare at the computer screen for more than 8 hours a day you need to see an eye care professional on the regular. In today’s digital world, almost everyone is hooked on the Internet, whether it’s a desktop, laptop, tablet or smartphone. If this is you, make sure you don’t compromise your eye health. According to a report by the Vision Council, a normal person blinks 18 times every 60 seconds on average but when that person is staring at the screen, the blink rate significantly decreases leading to itchy, burning and dry eyes. Studies also show that people whose work involves the use of computers experience eye strain. What is eyestrain? What are the symptoms of eyestrain and how can this be prevented?

What Is Eyestrain?

Eyestrain is an eye condition that occurs when a your eyes feel tired from prolonged use like when you’re out on a long drive or when you’re using the computer or smartphone. The good news is that eyestrain isn’t considered a serious eye problem and it usually resolves when you try to rest your eyes. There are also other ways to lessen the discomfort. However, there are signs and symptoms of this condition that are indicative of a more serious problem that requires immediate treatment. Let’s learn more.

What Are The Signs and Symptoms of Eyestrain?

Some of the signs and symptoms of eyestrain include double or blurred vision, dry or watery eyes, sore or tired eyes, itchy eyes, eyes that are sensitive to light, sore neck and shoulders, difficulty concentrating and a feeling that you can’t keep your eyes open.

When Is It Time To Call An Eye Doctor?

Eye doctors recommend that you seek professional treatment if the symptoms do not go away.

What Are The Causes of Eye Strain?

Some of the causes of eye strain include prolonged use of digital screens, reading without pausing, driving long distances, being exposed to bright light, an underlying eye condition like uncorrected vision or dry eyes and being fatigued.

How Can You Prevent Eyestrain?

There are several ways you can protect your eyes from eyestrain.

One, you could adjust the lighting. Like when you are watching TV, it would help your eyes if the room is lightly lit. When you’re reading books, make sure the light source is right behind you instead of directing it on the page. When you’re reading at the table, position the shaded light at your front so that it will not directly hit your eyes.

As much as possible, take breaks. When you’re engrossed with work, set the alarm so you’ll be reminded to rest your eyes. How do you rest your eyes? You can look away for a couple of minutes before going back to work.

You should also limit your screen time especially among children. Establish a rule that they are only allowed to use gadgets for a limited time and that they should occasionally rest their eyes.

You may also use artificial tears. There are artificial tears that you can buy over-the-counter to relieve symptoms of dry eyes. You can use these artificial tears even when your eyes don’t hurt to keep the symptoms away. Eye doctors often suggest eyedrops to lubricate your eyes.

Takeaway

When you’re always in front of the computer, try to blink as often as you can because if you blink less you’ll likely experience dry eyes. Blinking will help create tears that will lubricate your eyes. You should also take breaks from work. You don’t have to go anywhere, you just need to stop looking at your monitor for 20 seconds. Again, whether you exhibit these signs or not, it is imperative that you visit your eye doctor at least once a year to check and monitor your eye health.