What is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic care helps to improve patients’ health by correcting imbalances in the muscular, skeletal, and nervous system. Problems in the spine can interfere with nervous system function leading to an array of potential health problems. Chiropractors have a deep understanding and training of this and believe that maintaining proper alignment in the spine is crucial to health and wellbeing.

Though techniques may vary depending upon the doctor, the chiropractic care in our office usually consists of a variety of spinal and soft tissue adjustments that are used to release pressure in the joints, balance the muscular system, realign the spine, increase blood circulation, and restore proper nervous system functions. We also work with patients to develop healthier lifestyles choices through diet, exercise and stress management. When the body becomes balanced, health can be achieved.

Chiropractic Benefits

Everything in the body depends on proper nervous system function and because of this, chiropractic care can benefit a vast range of health issues.

These are just some of the most common benefits:

• Enhances overall organ function by reducing nerve pressure.

• Improves circulation and reduces blood pressure.

• Strengthens the immune system by removing interference from the nerves.

• Promotes healthy digestion, absorption and elimination of foods.

• Decreases chronic inflammation and reduces pain by increasing blood flow.

• Increases flexibility and reduces the chance of spinal injuries (Most athletes use chiropractic for this reason).

• Prevents long term musculoskeletal problems in children and adults.

• Reduces headaches by aligning the neck bones (Including Migraines).

• Promotes better posture which reduces your chances of getting a hunchback.

• Strengthens bone and helps reduce osteoporosis by maintaining proper alignment.

• Improves quality and length of sleep by helping you sleep more comfortably.

• Reduces asthma, allergies, and ear infection symptoms by reducing cranial nerve pressure.

• Relieves pregnancy and postpartum pain by aligning the pelvic bones which also assists in labor and delivery.

  Chiropractic Adjustment

Chiropractic adjustments can vary depending on the patient’s needs. Chiropractic adjustments in our office will often correct misalignments in the neck, back, hips, and any related soft tissue to achieve the desired balance. This allows for proper blood flow and nervous system function.

Treatments may include massage therapy in addition to the actual spinal adjustment. This is used in preparation for, or to help sustain the effects of the actual chiropractic adjustment by reducing muscular tension.

We also offer lifestyle guidance with stretching, exercises and proper biomechanics to help patients recover quickly and maintain optimum health.

How does stress affect my hormones?

Stress is one of the most significant factors in our well-being. Many people think that stress is only caused by mental or emotional difficulties, but stress can be caused by physical and environmental factors as well. Some examples of physical stress include having certain types of aches and pains, lack of sleep or even disrupted sleep. Environmental stress stems from the foods we eat, the products we use, and exposure to others around us. Over a single day, we are faced with several stresses. Women commonly blame their hormones as a reason for premenstrual syndrome (PMS), hot flashes, night sweats, poor sleep, fatigue and weight gain. Yet, these common symptoms are often linked to a woman’s adrenal glands. The adrenal glands, which sit on top of the kidneys, produce hormones that help our body cope with stress. When these glands are under chronic stress, they become fatigued and thereby impair hormone production and balance. If we do not address the underlying adrenal issue, our hormones will never be balanced without the aid of some type of external hormone booster, such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT). It is essential to correct the adrenal gland function to balance the hormones and resolve symptoms.

How to detect hormone levels?

The most accurate way to detect hormone levels and the output of cortisol, which is produced by your adrenal glands, is through saliva testing or a DUTCH Test. The hormone molecules in saliva reflect the active or unbound portion available to target cells. In other words, the number of hormones in the body usable by our cells. As cortisol levels fluctuate throughout the day, it is recommended that you take a test to analyze your saliva at the following times: morning, noon, afternoon and evening. The salivary hormones that I recommend being tested are Cortisol, DHEA, Estradiol, Progesterone, and Testosterone. This will give you a better assessment of your hormonal activity for a more specific plan of care. There is no wrong age to have your hormones tested. It is just as important in your 20s and 30s, as it is when approaching or even during menopause. The more balanced your hormones are, the longer a woman can ward off menopause. And not only will it be easier to get through it, but the chances of developing heart attack, stroke, breast and uterine cancer decrease as well.

How does proper nerve function affect my hormones?

X-rays are also relevant to understanding why a woman feels the way she does. As a chiropractor, I see many women who have pressure on the nerves that go to their ovaries, uterus, cervix and other related glands that control hormone function—such as the adrenals and thyroid. Since proper nerve function is essential to a woman’s health, it is also necessary to address and correct any nerve interference. Spinal adjustments free the nerves of any interference that keep the body from functioning at 100% and give the body back the ability to heal and function properly in those areas. Additionally, diet, exercise habits, supplementation, as well as work and stress factors, should all be evaluated to attain a healthier lifestyle. Take control of your stress, hormones and nervous system today by letting us help you.

Functional Medicine is a personalized, patient-centered, science-based approach to healthcare that addresses the gaps in the conventional healthcare system. It empowers patients and practitioners to work together to identify and treat the root causes of illness, using a holistic lens that considers personal history, genes, diet, environment, and the social determinants of health. By understanding the full picture, functional medicine helps restore health and well-being.

Often, the cause of disease is an underlying imbalance or dysfunction of bodily systems. Functional Medicine aims to dig deeper to reveal the true cause of the patient’s health problems. Long term relief cannot be achieved by merely treating the symptoms of an ailment, the underlying root cause must be identified.

Functional Medicine’s aim is to find out what disturbs the equilibrium within the body. In other words: what is preventing optimal functioning. The functional approach wishes to identify what causes a malfunction within the body and what the body needs to help it function at its best.

To understand the concept of functional testing in functional medicine, consider the following points:

1. Definition: Functional testing refers to assessments that evaluate how well various systems in the body are functioning.

2. Purpose: It aims to identify underlying imbalances or dysfunctions that may contribute to health issues.

3. Types of Tests: Common tests include blood tests, urine tests, stool tests, and saliva tests.

4. Holistic Approach: Functional testing looks at the body as a whole, considering interactions between systems.

5. Personalized Treatment: Results guide personalized treatment plans tailored to individual health needs.

6. Preventive Focus: It emphasizes prevention and early intervention rather than just treating symptoms.

7. Root Cause Analysis: The goal is to uncover root causes of health problems rather than just addressing symptoms.

8. Integration with Lifestyle: Findings often lead to recommendations for lifestyle changes, diet, and supplements.

9. Patient Involvement: Patients are encouraged to be active participants in their health journey.

10. Collaboration: Functional medicine practitioners often collaborate with other healthcare providers for comprehensive care.

Did you know that you can combine massage therapy and chiropractic care to treat whiplash, fibromyalgia, back pain, arthritis, and several other musculoskeletal issues? Chiropractors often recommend massage therapy to relax the muscles and the nervous system. They can also use massage to enhance the effectiveness of their chiropractic techniques. This can be done prior to a chiropractic adjustment to relax the body, especially for patients with stiff joints. If you are curious about trigger point therapy massage, here are some key points to understand:

• Trigger point therapy focuses on relieving muscle knots, known as trigger points.

• It involves applying pressure to specific areas to alleviate pain and tension.

• This therapy can improve blood flow and promote relaxation in tight muscles.

• It is often used to treat chronic pain conditions, headaches, and muscle stiffness.

• Sessions can vary in duration and intensity based on individual needs.

• Trigger point therapy can be performed by trained massage therapists or physical therapists.

• It may involve techniques like deep tissue massage, stretching, and myofascial release.

• Clients may experience soreness after treatment, similar to post-exercise discomfort.

• Regular sessions can enhance overall muscle function and increase mobility.

Call us today or book an appointment to see how Trigger Point Therapy can benefit you!

Comprehensive Care for Expectant Moms and Children

At Unity Family Chiropractic, we believe in supporting your family’s health at every stage of life. Whether you’re expecting a new addition or seeking care for your child, we provide gentle, natural, and effective chiropractic care tailored to your family’s needs.

Supporting Moms Throughout Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, but it can bring challenges. Many moms-to-be experience discomfort due to postural changes, back pain, and pelvic misalignment. Our chiropractic care offers a safe, drug-free solution for managing pregnancy-related pain and promoting a healthier pregnancy.

Benefits of Prenatal Chiropractic in Each Trimester:

• First Trimester: Early adjustments help manage nausea, fatigue, and tension.

• Second Trimester: As your baby grows, we help alleviate back pain and maintain spinal and pelvic alignment.

• Third Trimester: We ensure your body is properly aligned, potentially making delivery easier and reducing labor time.

Pregnant moms seek our help for four main reasons:

  Breech Presentation: Our doctors are trained in the Webster Technique which was specifically developed to take pressure off the pelvis and lower back. It ensures proper spinal alignment and may reduce the likelihood that you’ll need a birth intervention such as Cesarean Section.

  General Wellness: Many area doulas and midwife practitioners refer their moms to us to ensure that the pelvis is aligned. The result is decreased labor duration and intensity and an increase in the chance of a natural birth.

  Induction: Near the end of your pregnancy, we may help to ensure the best possible labor and delivery. When your body is aligned, you’ll be more prepared for this process.

  Pain Relief: If you’re experiencing discomfort, we can help to alleviate complaints from your altered center of gravity, increased amounts of the hormone relaxin and the extra weight of your baby.

Pain Relief and Improved Posture During Pregnancy

As your body changes, you may experience discomfort due to your shifting center of gravity, weight gain, and increased relaxin hormone. Our care can relieve back pain, sciatica and hip discomfort, helping you stay active and comfortable.

Webster Technique for Breech Presentation

Our doctors are trained in the Webster Technique, a specialized method designed to optimize pelvic alignment. This technique can help reposition a breech baby by reducing pelvic tension, potentially lowering the likelihood of needing a C-section.

Chiropractic Adjustments for Better Labor and Delivery

Our adjustments during pregnancy can help align your pelvis and spine, improving your body’s ability to handle labor and delivery. Studies show that chiropractic care can reduce labor time and the need for interventions during childbirth.

Promoting Healthy Development in Children

From infancy through adolescence, children benefit from chiropractic care by ensuring their spine and nervous system are functioning optimally. Misalignments in the spine can contribute to various childhood conditions, but our care can help correct these issues early on.

Common Conditions Pediatric Chiropractic Can Address:

• Colic in Infants: Our gentle adjustments can relieve tension in the spine and nervous system, potentially alleviating colic symptoms and reducing crying and discomfort in babies.

• Ear Infections: Frequent ear infections can be linked to spinal misalignments. Our care helps improve ear drainage and reduce inflammation, which can lessen the occurrence of ear infections.

• Sleep Issues: Sleep is crucial for growth, and spinal misalignments can interfere with your child’s ability to relax. Our gentle care can promote better sleep habits.

• Growing Pains: As your child grows, we can help ease growing pains by ensuring proper alignment and reducing tension in muscles and joints.

• Scoliosis Screening and Management: Regular check-ups can help detect scoliosis early, and ongoing care can help manage the condition, promoting better spinal health.

Pediatric Chiropractic Care

Our pediatric chiropractic services are designed to support children facing a range of health challenges. By addressing nervous system imbalances, we aim to help children experience relief from:

• Anxiety and Stress: Helps children feel calm and relaxed by reducing nervous system tension.

• Sensory Processing Disorders: Enhances nervous system balance, supporting sensory processing and integration.

• ADHD and Focus Challenges: Improves nervous system function, helping children enhance focus, attention, and self-regulation.

• Chronic Ear Infections and Illnesses: Boosts immune function, helping children resist recurring infections.

• Asthma and Allergies: Supports respiratory health by reducing nervous system stress linked to immune responses.

• Digestive Issues: Helps relieve constipation and other digestive issues by promoting better nervous system communication with the digestive system.

  AND MORE!

Nutrition and Weight Loss

Learn how to look and feel your best from the inside out. Our standard diet plays a major role in the underdevelopment of health. Here you will learn how to avoid the nutritional elements that create disease, how to eat for maximum energy, the style of food intake that causes stress and mental dysfunction and gradual weight loss made easy.

Accelerated Weight Loss and Cleansing

Toxins in the body from commercially grown vegetables, fast foods, breathing dirty air, drinking unpurified water, and loss of natural hormones contribute to weight gain, premature aging and nearly doubles every age-related health problem. Overeating and consumption of the wrong types of food also contribute to weight gain and obesity. In this seminar you will learn how to lose inches and body fat while releasing unwanted toxins from your body and restoring health.

Nutrition For Kids

Everything your children put into their bodies will play a role in both their present and future health and development. A child’s diet plays a strong role in infections, allergies, colds, asthma and learning disabilities. Here you will learn to make better food choices for your children and learn how to get them to eat this way.

The Effects of Stress

In this seminar you will learn the causes of stress; how the body reacts to stress; and the 5 solutions on how to reduce stress in your life.  These tools will help you to prevent adrenal exhaustion, disease, improve energy, enhance your mood and to look and feel your very best from the inside-out.

Get Fit and Stay Fit

This program covers proper exercise habits and techniques that everyone from novice to advance must learn. Also covered will be exercises and stretches that are vital in order to compensate for today’s lifestyles. For people who are in the process of correcting their spine and nerve system, you will receive specific exercises that will help facilitate that process.

Women’s Health and Hormones

This seminar is to provide you with true facts and help you make an informed decision on the various natural ways to help with PMS and menopause along with the risks of Hormone Replacement Therapies (HRT). You will learn the roles of stress, the nervous system, estrogen, progesterone, blood sugar, the adrenal glands and weight loss.