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If you’ve ever had a headache, you know how irritating and frustrating they can be. And you’re not alone: approximately 4.5 million Canadians suffer from recurring migraines and tension headaches. Millions of dollars are spent on over the counter medications and prescription drugs to help combat the pain, but unfortunately for many people, they provide minimal relief. Probably not what you wanted to hear!

But we’re here to tell you that there’s good news. Research has shown that chiropractic care can help relieve some types of headaches. How you ask?

Recent studies have connected certain types of headaches with nerve irritation and muscle tension. When you are stressed, have poor posture, or spend a long time in one fixed position, your muscles become tense and your joints don’t move the way your body intends them to. This is particularly noticeable in your neck and upper back. The combination of tight muscle and misaligned joints can lead to pressure on nerves around your neck, back, and scalp, causing your head to ache. This is where chiropractors come in.

Chiropractors can perform spinal adjustments to areas in the neck and upper back which are not functioning properly. They can also identify tight muscles, and use techniques designed to reduce the tension. And many patients can start to feel an almost immediate relief after their treatment.

It is important to note that not all headaches are caused by the nerve irritation mentioned above. A thorough examination performed by your chiropractor can help you determine what is the likely cause of your pain, and decide on proper treatment – either by them or another healthcare professional. They can also help you modify your diet and lifestyle to help reduce your headache frequency, and figure out any triggers which may be the culprit.

So before you reach for that extra strength migraine pill, give us a call and try chiropractic care!

Are you reading this post on a mobile device right now? If you are– freeze! Check your body positioning. Is your phone near your lap? Is your head bent down to see the screen? Are you slouching?

In today’s tech-savvy day and age, everyone is glued to their smartphones. Studies are showing that 79% of people between the ages of 18 and 44 have their cell phones with them for 22 hours per day. Twenty-two hours! And if you’re not using proper posture when doing so, you’re setting yourself up for a whole bunch of problems. 


“Text neck” or “tech neck,” as some professionals are naming it, can contribute to headaches, neck and back pain, and can even affect your breathing or lead to the early onset of arthritis. So if you’re updating Facebook or checking your Instagram feed, consider also checking in on how you can prevent these potential health problems. And just because the condition is termed “text neck” doesn’t mean it’s limited to only phone use. Handheld gaming devices, e-readers, and computers can all have the same effects.

Try these quick and easy modifications to log out of pain:  


• Take frequent breaks. Looking up from your device regularly can help relieve some of the pressure of constantly looking down.
• Sit up straight. Imagining someone is pulling your body up by a string in the top of your head can help you maintain a better sitting posture, and take stress off of your back and shoulders.
• Stretch. Frequent stretching between phone use can help minimize tension in your neck and back. Try looking up towards the ceiling, or tucking your chin to your chest to relax the muscles in your neck, and making small circles with your shoulders to take some stress off your back.
• Hold the phone higher. By lifting your phone up closer to eye level, you can avoid the “text neck” position altogether.
• Set reminders. Put a small sticker or marking on or near your phone’s screen, and use it as a visual reminder to check your posture. Or use your smartphone to set reminders or alerts that can prompt you to rethink your body positioning.

If you’re still feeling neck and back pain after integrating these modifications, check in with your chiropractor. They can help correct any dysfunction and suggest other exercises to help strengthen your back and neck.

Sciatica. We’ve all heard that word before. Maybe we’ve even been told we have it. But do we actually know what it is? 

Sciatica (pronounced sigh-at-ih-kuh) is a term used to describe pain, numbness, or tingling which can begin in the lower back and travel down the entire back of the leg. Sciatica itself is merely a way to describe symptoms of another underlying condition and isn’t actually a true diagnosis.

Your sciatic nerve is a nerve which forms in the lower back and travels down both lower limbs. It’s the longest and widest nerve in your body, and the source of communication between your brain and your skin and muscles of the back of your thigh, leg, and foot. Without it, our legs wouldn’t work too well. Unfortunately, that nerve can get irritated and annoyed by many different things, causing it to burn, tingle, ache, or feel “numb,” often in and around the buttock.

For many people, something as simple as bending over to tie their shoe or getting up off the couch after the big game can trigger that nerve to get angry. This can be caused by muscles tightening around that nerve, or restricted joints in your lower spine, which can obstruct the path of the sciatic nerve. Other underlying conditions in your lower back and legs can also contribute, such as degenerative disc disease or a disc herniation.

While it can be frustrating and disabling to deal with, it doesn’t always have to be permanent. In many cases, allowing the muscles to relax and get your spine moving properly can reduce the stress and irritation on the nerve, alleviating or getting rid of your symptoms.

As always, a visit with your chiropractor or acupuncturist can help determine the cause of your symptoms and course of action, as well as rule out any serious health concerns.

Don’t let the pain in the butt be a pain in the butt.

Planning on taking a road trip this summer? Going backpacking around Europe? Well before you pack up the car or board your flight, there are a few important things to consider.

Whether you’re traveling for an hour or a full day, the commute (in whatever form) can be rough on your body – especially your back. And if you’re prone to back pain, you might already be wondering how you’ll survive that 8-hour trip. To help make your travel time a little easier, here are some easy tips to help make your ride a little more comfortable:

1. Check in with your chiropractor. And not the day before you leave. Getting your spine checked prior to your departure is essential for preventing aches and pains from showing up during your vacation. But don’t leave it until the last minute! If something is wrong, your chiropractor may want to see you again before you leave, and that may not be possible if your flight departs at 5:20 am the next day.
2. Stretch before, during, and after. Stretching is a good way to warm up your muscles and reduce stiffness during long periods of inactivity. Giving yourself a few minutes to loosen up at each rest stop can save you agony later, and won’t delay your travel time that seriously. If you’re on a plane, make use of the aisle and do some walking and light stretching when the pilot says it’s safe to do so. Sure, people may stare, but you’ll be the one laughing when you sprint off the jet without a calf cramp. If you visit your chiropractor, they can also give you stretches tailored to your body.
3. Drink plenty of water. Sugary beverages or large cups of coffee are almost always the drinks of choice on long trips, but water is always your best bet. It will help you stay hydrated and maintain your fluid levels, preventing stiff muscles. Can’t resist that giant bottle of pop? Alternate between that and a bottle of water at each stop.  
4. Use a lumbar support. Most new vehicles have a built-in lumbar support in the driver’s seat, but if you’re not the perfect height or not the driver, what good is it doing? The best alternative is a t-shirt, towel, or even a hoodie. Roll up the material into a small cylinder and place it in the small of your back. This support will help keep your spine aligned, and prevent the inevitable slouching that happens after sitting for awhile.
5. Don’t hunch. Now that you’ve aligned and supported your low back, let’s not forget about the head and neck. If you’re reading, using a tablet, or texting your way through the long trip, try holding it up in front of you rather than sitting it in your lap. This will prevent hunching, which could lead to a stiff neck – and even headaches – later on.
6. Stay cool. If you already anticipate being sore during your trip, keep some Ziploc bags in your car or carry on. When you get onto the plane, or reach a rest stop, ask to have it filled with ice. Instant ice pack! And when it melts, just empty out the water and start over. It’s really is that easy.

And remember that these tips and tricks don’t have to be reserved just for long trips! You can also use these tips on your daily commute to and from work or school.

As summer arrives and courses start opening up, many golfers are eager to make their way back to the first tee box. Golf is a great way to get outside, enjoy time with friends, and reduce stress, but have you ever thought about the effects it has on your body?

When it’s time to take that first swing, especially if you’ve spent the entire winter away from the green, your body may not be prepared for the movements it’s about to make. Your spine first gets twisted very far in one direction, and then, after a quick pause, twists in the completely opposite direction with much more speed and force. Once you make contact with the ball, eight times your body weight is forced through your spine. Now, imagine the condition of your spine after you’ve finished 18 holes.

It’s not uncommon for golfers – no matter the skill level – to complain about back pain, and it’s easy to see why. Golfing uses specific sets of muscles that may not always be used in other sports or everyday activities and puts repeated stress on the spine. If you’re not using correct posture, or have poor body mechanics during your swing, your muscles might not be in the greatest shape by the time the end of the season rolls around.

Here is a nice checklist of things you can do before and during your golf season to help prevent injury:


• Take a golf lesson from a pro – they can help make sure you are moving properly during your swing
• Warm-up gently before a game to make sure your muscles are prepped. It’s a good idea to stretch afterward, too.
• Push – don’t carry – your golf bag. Those clubs are heavy! Don’t add more stress to your back and spine. And if you must carry your clubs, use a double strapped bag to evenly distribute the weight.
• Stay hydrated by drinking a lot of water. While a cold beer is tempting on warm summer days, alcohol will decrease your fluid levels and can lead to sore or stiff muscles.
• Visit your chiropractor to make sure your joints and muscles are in top shape!

If you’re looking to stay on top of your golf game, we can help. If you’d like to find out more information on how our office can help improve your golf swing, contact us today.