Routine visits with a chiropractor help support an overall healthy lifestyle.
Research shows that spinal adjustments aid us in maintaining a healthy spine, reducing the stress hormone cortisol in our bodies, and boosting our infection-fighting antibody levels. While routine visits to a chiropractor have numerous health benefits, this is only one component of the lifestyle habits a chiropractor will recommend as an integrative approach for overall health and well-being.
Exercise Daily
Exercise is one of the best things we can do each day to help our bodies live longer and become healthier and stronger in the process. Twenty to thirty minutes of exercise at least five times per week is a great goal to start with. The exercise doesn’t have to be exhausting; rather, it should be moderate and tied to an activity that you enjoy, such as taking a brisk walk, riding a bike, gardening, playing a sport you enjoy, or swimming. This will help you to maintain a healthy exercise habit and have an overall more enjoyable life.
Those who have a condition that is being managed by a chiropractor will likely be given some specific exercises designed to help improve their condition. It’s important to stay consistent in doing these exercises. Also, make sure you are using proper form when working out or lifting heavy objects in an effort to avoid excess stressors on the spine and muscles. Your chiropractor may also recommend taking a break from rigorous exercise or from a certain exercise that may be contributing to your pain.
Follow a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet is an essential element in maintaining an ideal body weight as well as overall health. When determining whether or not your diet is healthy, it can help to start a food journal or simply write down the types of foods you tend to purchase from the store or order at restaurants along with how often you eat these foods and the typical portion size. Once you have this laid out in front of you, it will be easier to determine where you can start making healthy adjustments. The goal is to adopt a lifestyle change that stays with you over the years rather than going on a crash diet in order to lose weight fast.
While trying to establish a healthy lifestyle change, it is usually counterproductive to suddenly cut certain foods out of our diet that we are used to eating. When we eliminate these foods from our diets completely, we’re more likely to overindulge in them later on. Rather than doing away with indulgent foods altogether, it helps to simply limit how often they are consumed, as well as the size of the serving. A good rule of thumb is the 80/20 rule of consuming at least 80% of our calories from healthy foods, and no more than 20% from indulgent foods. It also helps us to eat only until we are 80% full and to focus more on putting good, healthy foods into our bodies than on counting calories each day. Research has shown that eating more slowly is associated with feelings of fullness; this supports the logic of stopping our eating before feeling completely full and allowing our hunger sensations to catch up.
Drink Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated is an important component in maintaining overall health. Drinking plenty of water helps our bodies to remove waste through urination, bowel movements, and perspiration. It also helps us to keep our body temperature normal, lubricates and cushions our joints, and protects the sensitive tissues in our body. Typically, 20% of our daily fluids come from the foods that we eat, while the other 80% must come from fluids that we drink. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends that men drink 3.7 liters of water per day and that women drink 2.7 liters. Factors that increase our need for water each day include perspiration from heat, humidity or exercise, vomiting, diarrhea, pregnancy, and breast-feeding.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is an important factor in maintaining good health. But according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in three adults isn’t getting enough sleep each night. Sleep deprivation can have numerous adverse effects on both our physical and mental well-being. It is also the leading cause of work-related accidents. Most adults need between 7-9 hours of sleep each night, depending on age. This sleep should be uninterrupted and accompanied by a supportive mattress and pillow to keep the spine in a proper position.
If you would like to start making lifestyle adjustments to help increase your quality of life and extend it, visit a chiropractor to discuss your options. Upon your visit, you will be examined, and your medical history and lifestyle habits will be discussed. Your chiropractor will then recommend any tests to determine any physical conditions that need attention and will recommend healthy lifestyle changes and exercises to best support your unique needs.
Understanding Lifestyle Chiropractic
Welcome to the world of lifestyle chiropractic, where the focus is not only on treating pain and injuries but also on promoting overall wellness and a healthy lifestyle. In this article, we will explore the role of chiropractors, the benefits of lifestyle chiropractic, and how you can get started with a new chiropractor.
What is a Chiropractor and What Services Do They Offer?
A chiropractor is a healthcare professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, with an emphasis on the spine. They are trained to perform chiropractic adjustments, which are manual manipulations of the spine and other parts of the body to restore proper alignment and function.
Chiropractic Adjustments Explained
Chiropractic adjustments, also known as spinal manipulations, involve applying controlled force to a specific joint to improve range of motion and alleviate pain. These adjustments can help address issues such as back pain, neck pain, and headaches by realigning the spine and reducing inflammation in the affected areas.
Dealing with Chronic Pain through Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care has been shown to be effective in managing chronic pain, offering a drug-free alternative to pain management. By addressing the underlying causes of pain and promoting the body's ability to heal, chiropractors can provide long-term relief for patients suffering from conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and migraines.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help You Recover from Injuries
For individuals recovering from injuries, chiropractic care can play a vital role in the rehabilitation process. Chiropractors can customize treatment plans to support the body's natural healing process, helping patients regain mobility, improve function, and prevent degeneration of the affected areas.
Exploring the Benefits of Lifestyle Chiropractic
One of the key benefits of lifestyle chiropractic is its focus on promoting overall wellness. By addressing spinal health and ensuring proper nervous system function, chiropractic care contributes to a healthy lifestyle and enhances the body's ability to adapt to stress and maintain balance.
Promoting Wellness through Chiropractic Care
Regular chiropractic care can help individuals make positive lifestyle choices by supporting their overall well-being. Chiropractors provide hands-on care that focuses on addressing the root causes of health issues, rather than simply treating symptoms, empowering patients to take an active role in their own health and wellness.
Addressing Spinal Health for a Healthy Lifestyle
A healthy spine is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Chiropractors work to ensure that the spine is in proper alignment, which can positively impact the entire body, from improving posture and range of motion to reducing inflammation and enhancing the body's natural ability to heal.
Managing Headaches and Neck Pain with Chiropractic Treatment
Chiropractic treatment has been shown to be effective in managing headaches and neck pain, offering a non-invasive and drug-free approach to addressing these common issues. Through chiropractic adjustments and other therapeutic techniques such as massage therapy, chiropractors can help alleviate discomfort and improve overall quality of life.
Getting Started with a New Chiropractor
If you are considering chiropractic care, it's important to know what to expect when getting started with a new chiropractor. From navigating office hours and scheduling appointments to understanding the initial consultation and examination process, here's what you need to know.
Navigating Office Hours and Scheduling Appointments
When choosing a chiropractor, consider their office hours and location to ensure that it aligns with your schedule and preferences. Scheduling appointments in advance can help you establish a regular chiropractic routine, ensuring that you receive the care you need to maintain optimal spinal health and overall wellness.
Understanding the Initial Consultation and Examination for New Patients
New patients can expect an initial consultation and examination during their first visit to a chiropractic office. This process allows the chiropractor to gather essential information about your health history, lifestyle choices, and specific concerns, enabling them to create a personalized treatment plan to address your individual needs.
Accessing Featured Articles and Newsletter for Patient Care Information
Many chiropractic offices provide valuable resources for their patients, such as featured articles and newsletters that offer insights into chiropractic and wellness. These resources can enhance your understanding of chiropractic care, providing you with valuable information to support your journey towards improved health and well-being.
More about Wellness Care
- Stress Relief
- Sleep Quality
- Posture
- Introduction to Wellness And Prevention
- Inflammation Management
- Lifestyle
- Children and Chiropractic Care
- Ergonomics
- Exercise and Stretching
- Anxiety and Depression
- Aging and Your Spine
- Family Chiropractic
