Chiropractic
Chiropractic is a health care specialty focusing on the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. While considered alternative treatment or complimentary medicine in the United States, chiropractic care has been gaining more acceptance, especially for musculoskeletal problems like low back pain, the most common reason people seek out chiropractic physicians. Increasingly, insurance companies are covering chiropractic care for certain conditions, and consumer demand remains high.
Common conditions treated by chiropractic include:
- Headaches, migraines
- Upper, mid, lower back pain & stiffness
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Pinched nerves, muscle spasms
- Leg and arm pain, tingling, numbness, weakness
- Sports injuries
- Leg and arm joint pain or dysfunction
- Carpal or Tarsal tunnel syndrome
According to the American Chiropractic Association, chiropractors “practice a drug-free, hands-on approach to health care that includes patient examination, diagnosis and treatment.” Trained in nutrition and rehabilitative therapies, chiropractors perform joint manipulations – or adjustments – in order to restore joint mobility. Appointments require no special preparation. Generally first visits include a thorough health history and a physical exam paying special attention to the spine. The chiropractor may recommend x-rays or other diagnostic tests. Other treatments may include: Heat and ice, Electrical stimulation, Relaxation techniques, and Dietary supplements.
Considered generally safe, most side effects of care – any pain or soreness – usually disparate fairly quickly. The non-invasive, drug-free, whole-person approach has been derided by much of the mainstream medical community since chiropractic was developed in the late 1800’s. In fact, in a federal antitrust case that went on during the 70’s and 80’s, a group of chiropractors had to sue the American Medical Association to effectively end a boycott of the profession. The judge sided with the chiropractors, and now doctors were free to refer people to chiropractors for appropriate conditions.
You can learn more at the following links:
http://www.acatoday.org/level2_css.cfm?T1ID=13&T2ID=61 http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/chiropractic.html
http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/guide/chiropractic-pain-relief
Apple Almond Butter Smoothie
- 1 med organic Granny Smith apple – refrigerated
- 2 Tbsp almond butter or other nut butter of your choice
- 1 cup almond milk or other non-dairy milk of your choice
- 1 tsp raw agave (optional)
- 1 cup ice
Instructions: Core and peel the apple then cut in large chunks. Blend all of the ingredients except the ice together. Add ice and blend until smooth and creamy. Enjoy.
Yield: makes 1 serving.