Detoxifying Cleanse - Chiropractor Billings Montana

It’s DETOX Time!

Well everyone, it’s that time of year….SPRING! And, as the planet cleanses, it’s also time to think about cleansing our bodies. Though often thought of as depriving the body, a detox is just the opposite…it’s an opportunity to give your body exactly what it needs, free of anything destructive.

Why detox? We live in a world flooded with toxins and pollution, and with the advent of synthetic chemicals in our foods, such as herbicides and pesticides which destroy the microbiotic activity in the soil and diminish the nutrients in our food, impurities and contaminants collect inside our body. The cumulative affect of these toxins adversely impacts the functioning of our biological systems. As a result, our bodies have to work a lot harder to effectively rid waste and congestion. And when we don’t provide our bodies with proper and appropriate nutrition, organ function becomes burdened. Sooo, some form of detoxifying cleanse is a good idea for most of us. Some of the many signs suggesting that it might be a good time for a detoxifying cleanse may include allergies, headaches, poor digestion, depression, irritability, memory loss and even joint pain.

A well-planned and successful detox can provide incredible benefits, including improved immunity, greater energy, clearer skin, weight loss, and greater mental capacity. Additionally, it can promote healthy eating, transform lifestyle dependency and improve the overall functioning of the vital systems of the body! Detoxing and cleansing the body can be simple and straight-forward, however if you are new to this, talk to your health care practitioner to get started. Have a comment? Join the conversation, and happy detoxing!

Skijoring - Chiropractor, Billings Montana

Imagine being dragged on skis around a 900 foot course from a tow- rope attached to a galloping horse at 25 miles an hour. All the while screaming tailgaters cheering you on. Congratulations. You’ve just been indoctrinated into the sport of skijoring. Originally developed in the Scandinavian countries as a form of transportation, skijoring has morphed into a popular western sport. It is an unusual combination of western and Norwegian traditions, often blending teams of ‘old-time western cowboys’ with ‘modish’ skiers, negotiating through an outer snow-covered slalom course with gates and jumps on skies, and an often muddy inner course by the horse. The race is timed. The horse gallops around the inside of the track, pulling the skier who grabs onto a rope. The fastest times go home with the trophy. As a chiropractor, it quickly became difficult not to recognize the absolute necessity of my professional skills, for both the skier and the HORSE! Two horses went down trying to navigate a particularly muddy turn at very high speeds. However, despite the wipe-outs, it was definitely a winter adventure sport unlike any other. The skijoring circuit passes through communities throughout the west, including Wyoming, Colorado and Montana, and Red Lodge Montana hosts the national championships. So, if you’re looking for some winter excitement combining athletic skills with sheer strength, be sure to check out next year’s competition. But chiropractors beware…it’s subluxation city!!! Have a comment? Join the conversation!

Movement - Chiropractor, Billings Montana

Movement is a fundamental aspect of life. Forms of movement have been utilized throughout time for everything from healing to promoting the bounty of the harvest. Movement is more than just ‘exercise’ and does not necessarily require effort, though it does require action. Movement affects everything, from circulation to digestion to metabolism to immunity. With movement, our bodies regulate hormone activity, detoxify and respire. Daily movement promotes chemical changes in the body and stimulates neural pathways which provoke the body’s healing capacity and boosts immunity. Movement is essential for learning, and ignites our cerebral capacity and function. Today’s culture promotes sedentary lifestyles. Computers, cell phones, televisions and transportation all encourage a lack of movement. Activities such as shoveling snow and raking leaves have been replaced with snow blowers and electric lawn equipment. Our bodies are becoming inert, compromising our wellness. So, it’s time to move again. Take a walk. Use the stairs. Ride your bike. Spring is upon us, so get outside, and discover what moves you! Have a comment? Join in!

Importance of Neurologic Exam in Your Animal, Animal Chiropractor, Billings Montana

Animal chiropractors understand the importance of a healthy and functioning nervous system for your pet. We also understand that animals act instinctively for survival, so it’s not uncommon for a dog with neurological problems to present with multiple behavioral, cognitive and gait abnormalities. Subtle neurologic problems may be masked by musculoskeletal challenges, and often present as some form of lameness. For example, a quadriceps injury in your dog can adversely affect the femoral nerve, resulting in an inability to bear weight on the affected limb. An injury to the radial nerve can manifest in different ways. A proximal injury may cause your dog to have difficulty when weight-bearing, however a distal injury may result in ‘paw flipping’. Radial nerve injuries are common in dogs that have been hit by a car or those that have suffered other trauma. Neurologic exams can be done quickly and efficiently, and can provide critical information regarding the health of your pet. If you suspect your dog has experienced a nerve injury, talk with your vet or animal chiropractor right away. Have a comment? Join in!

Nervous, Endocrine and Immune System Connection - Chiropractor Billings

Did you know that there is an intricate interconnection between the nervous system, the endocrine system (the one that controls hormones) and the immune system? It’s called the NEI Supersystem. Imbalances in any one of these systems will directly affect the others, and optimal health is only possible when these systems are in balance. Imbalances can occur as a result of physical or psychological stress. Some examples of physical stress include poor diet, toxins such as tobacco, and microbial challenges, such as pesticide influences. Psychological stress can be mental or emotional tension. All three of these systems are affected irrespective of the specific offender because the primary system targeted will activate the others. If this activation persists, imbalances occur, resulting in symptoms such as depression, concentration issues and fatigue. If you’re experiencing low mood, headache, or just plain lack of energy, talk to your health care provider. There may be more to it than you thought! Have a comment? Join the conversation.

'Shoulder Pain' Chiropractor Billings Montana

The shoulder is made up of 3 bones, 2 joints and an intricate arrangement of muscles, tendons and ligaments. It is the most flexible joint in your body and its function is to position your hand in space. It’s considered a ‘ball and socket’ joint, however unlike the hip, also a ball and socket joint, the shoulder has far less stability. This is due to the fact that the ball of the hip is surrounded by the acetabulum, or socket of the pelvis. Conversely, the head of the humerus, or upper arm bone, sits in a very shallow socket, much like a golf ball on a tee. While this anatomy allows for a great deal of movement, it also predisposes the shoulder to inherent vulnerability and injury. The shoulder is susceptible to many consequences, including impingement, instability, tearing, dislocation and even fracture. Perhaps one of the most familiar pathologies involves injury to the rotator cuff muscles. Rotator cuff injury is the most common source of shoulder pain in the aging population and results in decreased ability of tissue to heal in response to everyday use and microtrauma. Depending on the phase of injury, most rotator cuff pathology can be managed nonoperatively with the use of modalities including ice, interferential current, ultrasound, transverse friction massage and gentle range of motion exercises. If the injury is chronic, injection therapies including Regenerative Injection Therapy, Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy or even Steroid Injections may be helpful. If surgical intervention is required, today’s procedures can generally manage complete repair. If you are experiencing shoulder pain, suffer no more. Help is available! Have a comment? Join the conversation!

Stress and You! - Chiropractor Billings, Montana

Stress. We all know it, most of us are ‘under’ it, and we all want to get rid of it. Stress can result from many things, such as deadlines at work, pain, emotional upsets, illness, postural burden and even genetics. Left unattended, you may begin to notice increased heart rate, loss of sleep, and even anxiety. As the body is subjected to prolonged stress, systems can begin to breakdown and malfunction. Your energy becomes depleted, you become fatigued and depressed. Protracted exposure to stress can increase blood pressure, disrupt digestion, instigate skin reactions, as well as affect weight gain or loss. Stress can disrupt the nervous system, causing neurotransmitter imbalances. This can lead to feelings of sadness, headaches and memory interruption or loss. If you’re experiencing stress in your life, there are positive ways to deal with it. Remember to eat healthy food regularly, preferably organic, as no amount of supplementation replaces a healthy diet. Drink lots of water to help flush toxins through your body and help reduce the risk of disease and infection. Exercise and stretch, as movement enhances blood flow to the brain, promotes the flow of body fluids and improves metabolism. And whatever form of ‘calming’ you choose, whether you meditate, pray, or sing, remember to plug that ingredient in. Stress is often invariable in today’s world, but it can be managed. Have thoughts on the subject? Post a comment and join the conversation!