Chiropractic Health & Wellness – Sherman Ross Blog

Hakomi is a mindfulness-based therapy that has been gaining popularity among healthcare professionals in recent years. It is a powerful tool for chiropractors who are looking for effective ways to help their patients heal from physical and emotional pain.

Hakomi is based on the principles of mindfulness, which is the practice of being present and aware of one’s thoughts, feelings, and sensations in the present moment. This approach is particularly effective for chiropractors because it can help patients become more aware of their bodies and the physical sensations they are experiencing. By focusing on these sensations, patients can learn to release tension and stress in their bodies, which can lead to better overall health and wellbeing.

One of the key benefits of Hakomi for chiropractors is that it can help them develop a deeper understanding of their patients’ emotional and psychological states. This is particularly important because emotional stress and trauma can often manifest as physical pain and tension in the body. By using Hakomi techniques, chiropractors can help their patients identify and address the root causes of their pain, rather than just treating the symptoms.

Another benefit of Hakomi for chiropractors is that it can help them develop a stronger rapport with their patients. By taking a mindful and compassionate approach to their work, chiropractors can create a safe and supportive environment where patients feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings. This can be particularly important for patients who may be hesitant to open up about their emotional struggles, but who may be experiencing significant physical pain as a result.

Hakomi can also be an effective tool for chiropractors who are looking to improve their own personal and professional development. By incorporating Hakomi techniques into their practice, chiropractors can develop a greater sense of self-awareness and mindfulness, which can help them become better at their jobs and more effective in their interactions with patients.

For example, a chiropractor who practices Hakomi may be more aware of their own biases and limitations, which can help them provide more empathetic and supportive care to patients from diverse backgrounds. They may also be better equipped to manage their own stress and burnout, which can be common issues for healthcare professionals.

Overall, Hakomi can be a powerful tool for chiropractors who are looking for effective ways to help their patients heal from physical and emotional pain. By taking a mindful and compassionate approach to their work, chiropractors can create a safe and supportive environment where patients feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings. They can also develop a deeper understanding of their patients’ emotional and psychological states, which can lead to better overall health and wellbeing. If you are interested to learn more about this method we invite you to browse Hakomi Events.

If you are a chiropractor who is interested in learning more about Hakomi and how it can benefit your practice, there are many resources available online and in-person. Whether you choose to attend a training program or simply incorporate Hakomi principles into your existing practice, you may find that it helps you become a more effective and compassionate healthcare provider.

Want to learn Hakomi? Start by searching here: Hakomi Trainings

Chiropractic care has always been a topic of controversy. While many have undergone chiropractic treatment and proven that tit is effective in improving their medical condition, some don’t believe its benefits and even question its power to heal. In fact, as it is always a part of many discussions around the world, some myths about chiropractic care has aroused.

Below is a list of myths about chiropractic care and the reality behind them.

Myth # 1: Chiropractic treatment involves breaking of bones.

Fact: The most common procedure being done in chiropractic care is spinal manipulation. It involves adjustment of dysfunctional joints to restore function of nerves, reduce pain, decrease tightness of muscle, and heal injured tissues.  Most of the time, there is an audible sound being heard during an adjustment, but this is not breaking of bones. The sound is caused by the opening of the joint spaces and release of gas underneath.

Myth # 2: Chiropractic is an endless treatment

Fact: With therapeutic exercises, when the pain still exists, you need to do them again until you feel better. Chiropractic care is similar to this. Your chiropractor will advise whether or not a second, third, or fourth session is still required. Remember that regular adjustments will lead to better mobility and healthier lifestyle. If you feel like you’re already healed and don’t want to engage in another chiropractic session, it is always your choice not to go.

Myth # 3: Chiropractors are not doctors.

Fact: Chiropractors are professional primary care practitioners. They act as first-contact medical care specialists, like any other doctors. In Ontario, chiropractors are legally authorized to use the title doctor.

Additionally, in order for a person to practice chiropractic, he has to finish an undergraduate program and complete a 4-year Doctor of Chiropractic program. Moreover, he has to undergo thorough training and practical exercises and pass board exams to be able to receive a professional license. The process of becoming a chiropractor is very similar to the how doctors undergo their training in the field of medicine.

Myth # 4: Chiropractic is not safe for children.

Fact: Chiropractic is generally accepted to be safe for everyone, adults and children alike. In fact recent studies have shown that chiropractic has lower risk compared to traditional medical treatments.

Children, being active as they are, are prone to accidents and injuries as they grow. When this happens, chiropractic care can be your best option to diagnose them of any abnormality and treat it, if ever there is any. Research shows that children engaging in chiropractic treatment are less likely to develop colds and infections. Most importantly, chiropractic care enables children to grow with healthier nerve function and development.

Myth # 5: Chiropractic is for relieving back pain only.

Fact: Chiropractic is designed to heal and treat disorders of all joints found in the body. It just happens that back pain is the most popular reason why patients visit their chiropractors. This is followed by neck pain and injuries, and headaches. Truth is chiropractic care can relieve pain due to osteoarthritis, tendonopathies, carpal tunnel syndrome, forearm fractures, ligamentous sprains, and a lot more.

Although chiropractic care does not focus on back pain, it is actually the most common reason why patients engage in chiropractic treatment. Neck pain and headache only come second and third as the most common reasons why individuals visit chiropractors.

Facts and Statistics about Back Pain

• According to a 2010 study of Global Burden of Disease, low back pain is the top major cause of injuries and disabilities worldwide.
• About 31 million Americans suffer from low back pain at any particular period of time.
• Half of working Americans revealed that they experience symptoms of back pain every year.
• Back pain is one of the most popular reasons why employees and staff miss work. Additionally, it is the second most popular reason why patients go to the doctor. The top reason is upper-respiratory disorders.
• Most cases of low back pain are considered non-organic or mechanical, which is caused by an underlying serious condition, including cancer, fracture, infection, or inflammatory arthritis.
• Americans spend more that USD 50 billion every year on back pain, whether cure, treatment, prevention, rehabilitation, or medication.
• Experts foresee that about 80% of the population will experience from any kind of back problem at some point in their lives.

Common Causes of Back Pain

As it is composed of a complicated structure of bones, muscles, ligaments, and joints, the back can be injured easily. If you fail to take care of your back or do not avoid accidents, you may suffer from strained muscles, sprained ligaments, irritated joints, or ruptured discs among many others. Below are the typical causes of back pain.

• Sport injuries and accidents
• Arthritis
• Obesity
• Poor posture
• Emotional or psychological stress
• Disorder of internal organs, including kidney disorders, kidney stones, blood clot, and bone loss

If you are experiencing back pain and you have identified the reason behind it, you should immediately seek medical advice and look for the best cure.

Manipulation as Treatment for Back Problems

One option you have for back pain treatment is chiropractic. Spinal manipulation, the most common chiropractic procedure being done, is increasingly becoming more and more popular around the world due to its cost-effectiveness and proven results.

Chiropractic spinal manipulation is a pain relief treatment that is considered safe and effective. By manipulating or making adjustments to nerves and joints in the back, this procedure can minimize pain, restore full functionality of the joints, and decreases the use of medication. Additionally, it provides immediate results compared to physical therapy, and requires minimal treatment of other forms, such as bed rest or exercises.

How to Prevent Back Pain

While back pain can be a real hassle and inconvenience, the good news is it can be prevented. Here are some smart ways on how you can prevent back pain:

• Maintain a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
• Remain active and engage in different kinds of sports. However, if you have had a previous case of back pain, make sure to do activities and exercises under the knowledge and supervision of your chiropractor.
• Avoid prolonged idleness such as bed rest and couch potato.
• Do regular exercises and make sure to warm up first.
• Keep a good posture when sitting, standing, and walking. Avoid sitting all day in the office. Get up and move around every once in a while.
• Wear comfortable shoes. Avoid high heels.
• When lifting, carry the object close to your body and lift with your knees.
• Connect with your chiropractor regularly so he can monitor your condition.

Backpack is a popular choice of school bag for children. Not only is it convenient to carry, it also comes in different sizes, colors, and designs. As a parent, you should not only be concerned about the price and preference of your child when it comes to choosing a backpack for school. More importantly, you should also observe how he is carrying it and whether or not it is already causing back pain.

Here are 10 ways on how to maintain backpack safety for children.

1. Ensure that your child’s backpack is not too heavy for him. An ideal backpack weight is not more than 5-10% of his body weight. If the bag is too heavy, chances are, he will have to ben forward so that it’s his back that will carry the weight and not his shoulder.

2. Hang the backpack from the shoulders to the back with the bag hanging not more than 4 inches below the waist. Again, if the bag is too low, your child will tend to bend forward.

3. Choose a backpack with many compartments so you can organize your child’s books and things properly. Make sure to balance the weight among all sides of the bag.

4. Choose the right size for your child. Big bags are usually heavy, while small bags may not be able to accommodate all your child’s belonging. With a small backpack, your child may end up carrying more than 1 bag which may add weight to his arms, shoulder, and back.

5. Make sure that your child is carrying his backpack using two straps to balance the weight between both shoulders. If he does it with one strap only, the weight will be carried by one shoulder only and may lead to low back pain, neck pain, and muscle spasms.

6. Choose a backpack with wide, padded straps to add comfort to the shoulder. Additionally, make sure that it comes with an adjustment mechanism, and adjust the straps to perfectly fit your child’s body.

7. Every time your child leaves for school in the morning, check if the backpack is too heavy for him. If it is, discuss options to your child such as leaving some books in school or leave unnecessary stuff at home.

8. As you have already calculated the weight of your child’s backpack and helped him organize his things, instruct him not to let anyone carry his bag, the same way he should not be carrying someone else’s backpack (which may be a lot heavier than his). This is also to protect other children from acquiring back pain.

Children’s backpacks appear to be of little concern to many parents. What they don’t know is that it can cause serious back and neck injury to them. Let’s all be responsible and keep a close eye on our children.

Do you want to know more about chiropractic care and how it will lead you to a better and healthier life? Discover new knowledge about chiropractic with the following frequently asked questions.

What is chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a natural and alternative approach to health care. It is drugs-free, non-invasive, and proven to effectively relieve spinal disorders, improve vitality, and promote a healthier well-being. The common ailments that respond to chiropractic well include, but are not limited to, back pain, neck pain, tension headaches, arthritis, and carpal tunnel syndrome among many others. It is safe and effective, enabling men and women, young and adults to achieve a more vital and vibrant lifestyle.

Who does chiropractic treatment?

Doctors of chiropractic are called chiropractors. They have undergone a thorough training and special education which involves diagnostic skills, chiropractic procedures, rehabilitative measures, and therapeutic exercises. Depending on the cases of patients, chiropractors are also qualified to provide advice on nutritional requirements, physical exercises, and lifestyle changes.

How does chiropractic work?

Chiropractic promotes a healthy nervous system, by correcting structural distortions, known as subluxations, such as strained nerves, tightened muscles, misaligned joints, and injured tissues. These internal disorders may have been caused by accidents, injuries from sports, too much stress, or repetitive work. In more severe cases, the spinal nerves get irritated and spinal joints misalign.

Chiropractic treatment aims to restore the body and bring back its full form and function. Several procedures are performed to make this happen. Spinal manipulation, for example, is the most common chiropractic practice where a dislocated or misaligned joint is adjusted to back to its original position.

What are the benefits of chiropractic care?

Chiropractic treatment provides a lot of disadvantages to the body and health. For one, it effectively treats patients who suffer from spine-related injuries and dysfunction. It relieves back pain, neck pain, and tension headaches. Chiropractic care does not make use of drugs and does not involve surgery, making it safe and of low risk. The rewards of chiropractic treatment are endless. People who have tried chiropractic care admit to develop better health and well-being.

Who should engage in chiropractic care?

Anyone who experiences nerve dysfunction should go see a chiropractor. It doesn’t mean, though, that he will undergo treatment right away. Chiropractors will diagnose and evaluate his condition first and recommend whether or not chiropractic care should be done. If, however, you are already aware of any spine-related problems that you have, including low back pain, osteoarthritis, or carpal tunnel syndrome, you can already set up an appointment with a chiropractor to schedule your treatment.

Is chiropractic treatment expensive?

Several medical studies show that chiropractic is one of the most cost-effective procedures in the health care industry. Like other medical services, though, cost varies according to provider, location, and treatment requirements.

Is chiropractic safe, especially for children?

Chiropractic treatment is proven to be safe for all patients – both young and old alike. As it is non-invasive and drugs-free, it is actually safer than many traditional medical procedures.

While backpacks provide the greatest convenience in carrying those heavy stuffs we need everyday, they can actually be dangerous to the back. Read on and learn the hazards of carrying a heavy backpack.

Think of how many books, notebooks and other stuffs are put into your child’s backpack. Observe how your child carries this burden five times a week.

It may seem harmless, but that backpack could lead to serious health hazards to your child. At great risk is your child’s spinal cord because a heavy backpack could distort the natural curve of the middle and lower back. This could lead to a serious misalignment of the backbones that will not only restrict movement, but will also affect posture, balance, and spine disorders. This will cause neck pain, headaches, and back pain.

According to Backpack Safety America, several studies also show that heavy backpacks reduce the fluid content of the invertebral discs of the spine. The loss of fluid in these “cushions” could lead to herniation or slipped disc or osteoarthritis, in which cartilages in the joints are breaking down.

Slinging your backpack on one shoulder can result in an asymmetrical spine, strained shoulder and neck. In extreme cases, the nerve that supplies the shoulder muscle becomes pinched, causing what experts day “scapular winging”.

Carrying heavy backpacks causes long-term injuries, too. Do you know that a 12-pound backpack lifted ten times a day for one whole year is equal to lifting six full-sized automobiles?

In order to address the problem, be sure to look for backpacks with design features that would help reduce the risk of back pain. Backpacks made of light materials like canvas, as opposed to leather, are great choices. Individual compartments also help balance the backpack.

Certain features could also reduce the strain like waist belt, hip strap, padded adjustable shoulder straps, and support frame by redistributing the weight from the shoulders, back, and pelvis.

In packing, distribute small items in the compartments evenly and don’t pack bulky and sharp objects directly in contact with the back. Also, heavy objects should be packed first so that they will be carried lower and thus, closer to the body.

Keep the backpack close to the body for proper balance and posture. To do this, adjust the backpack to fit snugly on the back. If possible, leave books that will not be used for the day to lessen the weight.

Moreover, there are types of bags more convenient than backpacks like saddlebags, molded backpacks, and bags with inflatable lumbar support. If you want to keep you child safe from the hazards of using backpacks, you have so many other bag options.

For more tips on how to prevent back pain and other health hazards of heavy backpacks, it is advisable to consult a doctor, chiropractor, or physical therapist.

We put a lot of pressure on our back when we lift heavy loads, carry babies or infants for long period of time, work physical jobs, and even sit all day in the office. To avoid any back pain or injury brought about these daily activities, here are some exercises that can strengthen the back.

Lying Lower Back Hyperextension

Lie flat on your tummy on a firm surface. Bend your arms and place your hands at either side of your head. Now, raise your head and shoulders slightly – not too much. Squeeze your butt slightly at the same time. Do not lift your feet or knees off the floor. Return to starting position.

You will feel this working your lower back towards the end of the first or second set. Remember, if you haven’t trained this area for a while, you will have sore lower back muscles when you first start doing this exercise as this is one of the body’s weakest areas.

Wide Grip / Lat Pulldown Exercise

Seated, facing the pulley machine, place a wide underhand grip on the bar about shoulder width apart. Pull the bar down to your upper chest, squeezing your upper back muscles together for a short pause.

Keep your midsection firm and your chest out, keep your head up. Slowly return the bar back towards the pulley stopping when you feel the stretch, then repeat the exercise until you have completed your reps.

Exercise Tips for the Back

1. Keep your midsection firm, especially when performing your upper back exercises.

2. When performing Lat Pulldowns (behind the neck) make sure you do not arch your back. Only pull the bar down until it reaches the base of your neck, in line with your shoulders.

3. Keep your weights at a moderate resistance to ensure you keep good form while exercising. Training with weights that are too heavy will only encourage injuries.

4. If you have neck problems, stay away from “behind the neck” Lat Pulldowns. Instead, use an underhand grip and pull the bar down to the front of your upper chest.

5. If you suffer from back problems, go for exercises that provide more support. For instance, if you find that dumbbell rows are really uncomfortable for you to perform, use a Seated Supported Row Machine instead.

6. Don’t forget to include your lower back in your “back workout”. You can’t expect to have a strong midsection if you forget about training the back half of it, can you?

7. Once again, train according to your body type. You can make amazing changes to your back and the way it looks by using the correct exercises to enhance it.

8. Allocate twice a week, maximum, for back training. When training your lower back, usually because it’s so easily forgotten about, the unused weak muscles will feel sore, so make sure you give them time to recover.

9. Always perform a warm up before your workout, a cool down after, and then your stretches.

10. Finally, always observe good posture when standing, walking, running, and even weight lifting.

The positive effects of good posture are two-pronged. It brings many positive physical effects on the person and also creates a positive impression on other people. A person with good posture presents confidence, smartness and vitality. Since then, one who has good posture has been perceived to have grown up educated, intelligent, and wealthy.  But more important than the positive image you leave to other people when you have good posture, are the benefits it offers to your physical body as well as to your mental and emotional well-being.

Benefits of Good Posture

Among the physical benefits you can get from having good posture include:

• It promotes a healthy and strong musculoskeletal structure, which includes the spine, muscles and joints. It can reduce physical stress in these areas of your body. Aches, soreness, and pains especially from your head, back and neck can be minimized.
• It facilitates better breathing and better intake of oxygen. If you stand erect, you have lots of room in your chest for breathing. You will have more sources of energy and feel better, as a result.
• It promotes good circulation and digestion.
• It improves frame of mind.

Effects of Poor Posture

Poor posture on the other hand, may cause the following negative effects:

• Muscle stiffness. If posture is poor, a group of postural muscles may be stretched while the opposing muscles tight.
• Joint damage, aches and pains. The imbalance and misalignment in the postural muscles is a cause.
• Back pain and neck pain
• Weak bones and muscles
• Joint damage, aches and pains
• Excessive stress on the back that may lead to more complicated conditions like restricted motion of segments of the spine

How to Improve Posture

Practicing proper posture should be taught early on to children so that as they grow old, it wouldn’t be difficult to change their ways and movement. However, if an individual was not properly educated about the benefits of good posture, it’s not too late to improve.

When standing, make sure that your body weight is distributed evenly between your two feet – on the bottom. Your feet should be parallel to each other with a distance of between three to five inches between them. Your knees should be straight but relaxed. You should feel that your spine follows its natural curve. Let your abdomen in and your chest out. When you stand in front of the mirror at this position, it is as if there is an imaginary straight line from the top of your head all the way down to your hips and between your ankles.

Here’s what you can do to improve your posture:

• Minimize the use of high-heeled shoes. They are not helping your posture.
• When sitting and working in front of a computer, the screen should be at eye-level. The height of the table should be at elbow height. The height of the chair should be adjusted such that your forearms are parallel to the floor when your hands are on the keyboard. This posture will reduce the strain on your neck and back.
• Sit upright in the car seat so you can reach the pedals comfortably, with knees slightly bent.
• When doing household work like vacuuming and ironing, stand with your shoulders level.

There are many more activities that can do when you should not forget about your posture. Always keep in mind the basics of good posture in your everyday life for your health and well being.

Having a good posture leaves a good impression to people. A child who always stands erect is perceived as being confident, alert and full of vitality. The society’s impression of good posture even today, extends even further.  A person with good posture is perceived as being of good stature, educated and smart. Even as people’s impressions are important, it is not so much about them that you should teach good posture to your child. You should place even more emphasis on the health benefits and overall well being that good posture will bring to your child.

Benefits of Good Posture

Some of the physical benefits of your child having good posture are:

• It enhances good development of the young child’s spine, muscles and joints.
• It allows the child to breathe better.
• It provides for good circulation and digestion.
• It improves his frame of mind.

These physical benefits from having good posture may make a better student of your child. A positive frame of mind facilitates easier learning, a pleasant outlook, and creativity. And your child’s active brains will need plenty of oxygen and good circulation.

On the other side, bad posture may bring about the following negative effects to your child:

• Back pain and stiffness of the muscles
• Weak bones and muscles
• More complicated conditions such as restricted range of motion of the spine segments from excessive stress on the back

Causes of Bad Posture

Physical and environmental issues result in bad posture. Bad habits that do not promote good posture negatively affect and gradually weaken structures in a child’s body. The following may cause bad posture in children and may need medical attention:

• Weak back muscles and muscles in the abdomen
• Musculoskeletal system problems
• Disorders in the nervous system
• Eye or ear problem

Tips on How to Teach Good Posture to Your Child

Pay special attention to your child’s postures when he stands, walks, and sits, as he grows. Like many good habits, practicing good posture starts early in a child’s life and comes from the parents’ teaching and supervision. These are some of the effective tips to teach good posture to your child:

• To start teaching your child good posture, make him sit on a stability ball while doing simple activities as playing computer games or watching TV. The ball strengthens stability while strengthening his back.
• Invest in ergonomic chairs and tables that facilitate proper positioning of the child’s back, neck, shoulders, arms and legs when he sits.
• Do not allow the child to carry too heavy load like books and school bag. A rucksack, or even better, a pull-type wheeled bag or luggage carrier should be used.
• Do not let the child carry uneven loads on his shoulders.
• Praise your child when you see him practicing good posture. Positive reinforcements for good behavior will go a long way in teaching good posture to your child.
• Lead by example. Be a good role model to your child in this area. Consistently demonstrate good posture yourself.
• Enroll your child in a yoga, tai-chi or ballet class when you can. These disciplines emphasize body awareness and movements, many of which, allow for deep breaths and proper extension.
• As young as he is, you may want to bring your child to the chiropractor so he can learn and appreciate the need for good posture.

You can play a very important role in your child’s development of good posture that will benefit him well throughout his adult life. The right time is now.

It is not surprising that more children are being brought to the chiropractic office for examination and treatment. The parents who bring these kids to the chiropractors are beneficiaries of the effective treatment of their own nerve-related disorders or dysfunctions in the musculoskeletal system. Their positive experiences are what compel them to let their children receive the same important benefits from chiropractic care.

Could there be reasons for children to be introduced to chiropractic check-up? A lot. And these are caused by the traumas in a child’s daily life. The spinal column consists of 26 vertebral bones which can be misaligned or jammed causing minor spinal disorder called spinal subluxations.

Reasons for Bringing Children for Chiropractic Care

Normally, an infant’s spine develops perfectly by the end of pregnancy. It is at the time of birth and the months after that that the normal functioning of the spine may be upset.

Common causes of a baby’s spinal segments being pushed out of place or jammed are its position in the womb, the trauma of the trip from the womb to the birth canal, long labor and use of forceps during the delivery.

Spinal problems that the infant may have during its first months may come from frequent falls, sudden stop in a car, fall from a bed, and other sudden movements in the head and neck of the infant that may cause excessive movement in the spine inducing vertebral subluxations. Frequent falls from a child’s attempt at walking can induce trauma to the lower spinal segment and the joints of the pelvis. Young children learning to walk may also fall and hit their heads. This, too, may create spinal subluxations.

Recognizing Spinal Problems in Children

It is difficult for parents to fully recognize whether a child has spinal subluxations. An experienced chiropractor would be able to easily do that. Parents should however watch out for signs or symptoms that a child may be needing a visit to the chiropractic office for evaluation.

Common signs parents may look for which are indicators of a child having spinal problems are:

• The child’s head always tilts to one side
• Infant having difficulty nursing at the breast on one particular side
• Feeding difficulties in young infants
• Restricted head or neck motion to one side
• Disturbed sleeping patterns – sleeping only one to two hours at a time
• Persistent soar throat, earaches, headaches, bed-wetting and growing pains

Chiropractic Treatment of Children

The chiropractor will first make a detailed assessment of your child’s spine. Chiropractors are trained to provide chiropractic care for pediatric problems of the spine. They will use specific, gentle skills to identify, assess, and apply treatment to affected spinal areas.

Very light finger-tip adjustments, with two pounds of pressure or less are usually applied for children and infants to correct malfunctioning spinal structures. The treatment does not hurt the child or infant though the latter may be frightened at the moment and cry for a few seconds. Depending on the child’s spinal condition, the chiropractic treatment may take only a few sessions.

The risk of a child suffering a permanent injury form the treatment is extremely rare. Chiropractic has an excellent safety record on child treatment in a century.

There are very justifiable reasons to bring children for chiropractic evaluation and care. Chiropractors are the best specialists to provide health care to children and help them especially with their conditions associated with the spine and nerve functions.