Chicago Tribune Highlights Chiropractic

On July 23, 2009 the Chicago Tribune presented an article discussing chiropractic. The article focused on differing views of chiropractic. One view (a "straight" chiropractic view) suggests that chiropractic can help prevent and/or cure nearly every ailment in the body. The other view suggests that chiropractic focus mainly on musculoskeletal issues.

The truth about chiropractic probably lies somewhere in the middle of these 2 views. Chiropractic is a terrific option for those with joint and muscle pains such as low back pain, neck pain, hip pain and shoulder pain. However, there is a lot of anecdotal evidence that supports chiropractics ability to boost the immune system and affect the internal organs of the body. Since every nerve in the body (including those that control the heart, lungs, etc.) passes through the spine, problems with spinal joints could effect how these other tissues/organs function.

At Healing Hands, we primarily focus on the musculoskeletal aspects of chiropractic (along with an emphasis on nutrition). However, we will encourage patients to visit our office at times of high stress and sickness to receive the positive input to the immune system mentioned earlier. It is a quite common occurrence for our patients to report back to us that their GI problems have greatly improved with treatment or their ability to stay asleep has improved leading to more energy.

To read the article from the Tribune, please follow the following link: http://www.healinghandsofskokie.com/tribune-chiropractic.html.

If you have any questions regarding this article or chiropractic care in general, please contact Healing Hands Wellness & Chiropractic Center at (847) 673-6600 or visit us on the web at www.HealingHandsOfSkokie.com/!

Chiropractic & Senior Citizens

Many patients ask me what I can do for their parents and grandparents as they age. The fact is that chiropractic is extremely beneficial to the aging population. As we grow older, staying active and moving becomes more vital! In order for our joints and muscles to stay healthy, we must use them. I tell all of my patients that being sedentary is not the answer to preventing injury.

Joints receive their nourishment by movement. When used, they become lubricated and this lubrication allows for pain-free motion. Joints that are stagnant and not used become rigid and, as a result, the surrounding musculature goes into spasm and becomes sore. One of the major benefits of chiropractic is restoring normal motion to the joints of the body. This does not only include the low back and neck, but any of the extremity joints. These joints include the hips, knees, ankles, shoulders, elbows and wrists. When normal motion is restored to these joints, the muscle spasm will diminish and the joint pain will subside.

In addition to keeping the joints of the aging population moving properly, we at Healing Hands advise seniors about proper nutrition, diet and exercise to keep their bones strong and hearts active. Their is more knowledge today than ever before about the benefits of using resistance exercise to prevent osteoporosis. The problem that many seniors face is that they do not know where to start. We can help you derive a routine outside of our office that can lead to long-term benefits.

For more on the benefits of chiropractic for the aging population, please use the following link: www.healinghandsofskokie.com/senior-citizens.html.

For any additional information, please visit www.HealingHandsOfSkokie.com/ or call us at (847) 673-6600!

FDA advises danger from Acetaminophen use!

This week, the FDA advisory board has came out with stricter regulations on acetaminophen, the active drug in Tylenol. As with most non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), there are risks associated with use. Acetaminophen itself is the drug most often associated with liver failure in the United States. In addition, the board voted to ban the powerful pain-killers vicodin and percocet.

With an apparent reduction in the number of over-the-counter and prescription pain killers available to the public occurring, people should start looking for natural alternatives. Examples of alternative are bromelain, quercetin and fish oils, which are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Natural decreasing the inflammation in your body can drastically reduce chronic pain associated with such things as arthritis, gout and other autoimmune diseases.

For more information on natural anti-inflammatory supplements and pain-killers, please visit www.HealingHandsOfSkokie.com/ or call us at (847) 673-6600!