3 minute read
contrary to popular belief, “chiropractors don’t ‘crack’ anything,” says dr. debbie wright, chair of the canadian chiropractic association . “the noise you sometimes hear that is associated with adjustments is caused by the formation of gas bubbles in spinal joint fluid and when the joint is quickly stretched, you may hear that sound.”
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a 2008 canadian study found that most patients who suffered a stroke following a chiropractic adjustment had experienced symptoms prior to the treatment. but whether it’s linked to a pre-existing condition or chiropractic treatment, signs to watch for include difficulty speaking and walking, weakness or clumsiness in the arm or leg, vertigo, trouble swallowing and neck pain, all of which require immediate medical attention. vertebral artery dissection can be treated with aspirin and lifestyle modifications that include avoiding aggressive activities and sports, but getting immediate medical help is critical and can ensure the best possible outcome.
according to the canadian chiropractic association , roughly 7.3 million people suffer from chronic pain. and working from home is making it worse. a recent report suggests that more than half of employees who work remotely are experiencing new aches and pains, including shoulder and back pain. in fact, poor musculoskeletal health is the primary cause of lost-time work injury, costing the canadian economy nearly $14 billion in productivity losses.
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all those body aches and pains prompted 4.7 million canadian adults to turn to a chiropractor for symptom relief and guidance on muscle and joint injury prevention. and while patient experience may vary, one study found that participants who received chiropractic care for a period of six weeks reported improvement in pain and movement.
while relief from aches and pains can be achieved with chiropractic treatment, caring for yourself at home is equally important. if you spend long hours slumped over your computer, consider putting a pillow behind your lower back to help improve your posture. also, ensure your monitor is at eye level and hold your head up to avoid the dreaded tech neck . if you’re on your feet throughout the day, try remedies such as orthotics, stretching exercises and alternating between hot and cold compresses. losing weight and stretching can also help manage and prevent symptoms.
