3 Reasons to See a Chiropractor After An Auto Accident

By Barton Chiropractic Clinic | August 29, 2018

If you’ve been in a car accident, whether it was your fault or not, you may have experienced an injury. You might not be feeling any symptoms, but all sorts of problems can result from a car accident, especially those of the back, neck, and spine.

Read on for a few reasons why, after a car accident, you should definitely schedule an appointment to see a chiropractic care specialist. For an experienced chiropractor in Homewood, IL, contact Barton Chiropractic Clinic today.

You Could Have an Injury and Not Know It

People who endure auto accidents might not feel anything initially after the incident, due to the fact that there is no acute pain. This doesn’t mean that there’s no injury and that said injury doesn’t need treatment.

To Prevent Long-Term Injury

Whiplash is a common injury that results from an auto accident.  after an auto accident. When you leave this untreated, this can significantly reduce body strength and mobility.

Because You Need to Treat the Cause, Not the Symptoms

Maybe you do feel pain. Don’t simply pop an aspirin. Instead, contact Barton Chiropractic Clinic today for treatments that give you lasting results. We offer drug-free treatments that will get you back to feeling great and staying active.

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How to Detect a Vertebral Subluxation

By Barton Chiropractic Clinic | August 22, 2018

A vertebral subluxation is defined as a misalignment of the vertebra, which has no proven scientific link to health defects or disease, but it has been shown to be linked to all sorts of physical maladies.

Read on for a few telltale signs of vertebral subluxation from Barton Chiropractic Clinic.

Misalignments in the spine lead to nerve compression, which can result in neck and back pain, but also these additional symptoms:

  • Increased Dizziness
  • Problems with Balance
  • Spasms in the Spinal Muscle
  • Muscle Tightness or Weakness
  • Pain
  • Numbness
  • Tingling in the Extremities
  • Joint Pain
  • Joint Tenderness and Stiffness

How to Treat Vertebral Subluxation

Chiropractic care (also termed as chiropractic manipulation) has grown to become a widely accepted alternative to surgery. It’s been shown to effectively treat subluxations as well as degenerative spine conditions like osteoarthritis, and degenerative disc disease.

Chiropractic care can be used in conjunction with other drug-free, holistic treatments, not to mention exercise — like yoga, for instance. If you’ve experienced vertebral subluxation that persists for weeks or even months, then it’s likely time to make an appointment with us.

Barton Chiropractic Clinic has a long history of providing effective, conservative, drug-free treatment to patients suffering from neck, back, and leg pain. We’ll get you back to active in no time.

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Biggest Back Offenders: Jobs that Put the Most Pressure on Your Back!

By Barton Chiropractic Clinic | August 17, 2018

Some of us have to work jobs that put pressure on different parts of the body. A pitcher’s arm, for instance, after the end of a long career, is likely going to have a lot of wear and tear — much more than someone who only engaged in normal, everyday activities.

The same is true for a gardener, who spends much of their time hunched down, which can put pressure on the spine.

In 2016, the North American Spine Society (NASS) surveyed its members, asking them to indentify the worst vocations for your back. Some of the answers are a bit surprising, too.

Below we’ll discuss some of the worst jobs for your back as well as go over some ways that you can ease the tension in your back, neck, and spine.

Being a Mom or Performing “Mom-ly” Duties

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and care-giving can take a serious toll on your spine health. This might come about from the day-to-day activities of being a Mom, or the daily grind of running or working at a daycare.

Even the little things like lifting a child all day and hauling around a cumbersome diaper bag puts undue pressure on your spine.

In order to remedy this, try an ergonomic, backpack-style diaper bag instead of its over-the-shoulder counterpart. Try to also invest in an easy load stroller or carriage device to make life easier on yourself.

Dentists, Doctors, and Nurses

Believe it or not, being an orthodontist, endodontist, and even a general practitioner can put you at increased risk for neck and back problems. Dentists spend much of their time hunched over their patients, trying to create Hollywood-level smiles.

Nurses also spend a lot of time on their feet, transferring patients, lugging heavy equipment. It’s also a high stress situation — all of which make a person more susceptible to pain and injury.

Stretching yourself out during a shift — let’s say once every hour or so — can go an extremely long way in preserving your back, neck, and joints. Try shoulder and neck rolls, neck bends, and hamstring stretches!

Office Workers

Office workers spend much of their days hunched over a computer, staring at a computer screen. More often than not, a person’s office usually isn’t springing for top-of-the-line ergonomic options when it comes to chair and desk setup.

The day-to-day inactivity also takes its toll on the common office worker as well, so be careful to mix things up whenever you can.

This might mean standing up to do a stretch routine, retreating to the breakroom to do some push-ups when nobody’s watching (even if people are — who cares; it’s your spine health!), or simply getting up from your desk and walking to the water cooler at the top of every hour.

If your job has you experiencing back or neck pain, don’t spend another day in discomfort. Contact Barton Chiropractic Clinic today to schedule your consultation.

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Using a Weight Vest: Is it Bad for Your Back?

By Barton Chiropractic Clinic | August 15, 2018

As many folks continue to push their limits out there when it comes to “getting after it,” Barton Chiropractic Clinic sees more and more patients who might have taken their bodies a little too far.

Lately, you might see people out (either early in the morning or in the afternoons after work) running — it’s a simple, affordable, cost-effective way to get in shape.

Benefits of Using a Weight Vest

As people go along and start to build muscle and endurance, many might be looking to shave some seconds (or even minutes) off of their mile times. A weight vest is a popular option that people utilize for running and training — it’s an effective way to build strength. That way, when a person isn’t wearing the vest, they feel lighter on their feet, since they’re used to carrying the extra weight around.

Weight vests aim to help make people faster, jump higher, perform at a higher level — all good things.

However, there are a few drawbacks to training with a weight vest we’d like you to be aware of.

Weight Vest Drawbacks

While that same weight vest might be increasing your fitness and strength, it might also be increasing your potential for injury. Since a weight vest rests on your shoulders and is strapped to your waist, it puts a ton of pressure on your spine. Compression of your intervertebral discs can occur, which can lead to back pain and back/spine injury. If your weights are not evenly distributed throughout the vest, this can put undue stress on certain areas and muscles of the body.

Avoiding Injury with Weight Vests

Try to minimize your risk of injury if you do decide to train with a weight vest. Make sure that yours fits snugly, so that the weights are as close to the body as possible. Try to avoid high impact activities with your weight vest, but, if you must engage, again, make sure the vest fits snugly and that the weights aren’t bouncing around or moving left to right.

If you experience back pain due to using a weight vest or from engaging in strenuous activity (or even pushing yourself a little too hard), contact Barton Chiropractic Clinic today. We have a long, proven track record of getting patients back to active.

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Chiropractic Care Your Way Through Pregnancy

By Barton Chiropractic Clinic | August 10, 2018

When it comes to Chiropractic Care, you can never really start too early. And, unlike with many women and their vocations, a comprehensive chiropractic care plan does not have to stop during pregnancy. Chiropractic care has to do with the health maintenance of the spinal column. At Barton Chiropractic Clinic, we stress the many health benefits of adjusting misaligned joints.

One aspect of chiropractic care that is especially pregnancy-friendly is the fact that It doesn’t involve drugs or surgery of any kind. It’s a completely holistic approach to health and wellness. Instead of something to only consider post-injury, think of chiropractic care as a form of physical therapy and preventive medicine that can reduce spinal nerve stress (which accentuates during pregnancy) and promote health — throughout the entire body!

Chiropractic Care by the Numbers

It just so happens that more than 1 million chiropractic adjustments are given each day — all over the world. It is extremely rare that any complications arise during chiropractic care in general, as well as with patients who are expecting. During pregnancy, chiropractic care has been shown to be safe over several million cases.

Approximately 50% of pregnant women experience some form of back pain at some stage during pregnancy, all the up to delivery. In such cases chiropractic care is a healthy, safe option to explore.

Consult with a Chiropractic Care Specialist in Homewood, IL

Of course there are certain circumstances when chiropractic care might not be suitable in some patients, which is why it’s important to schedule a consultation with a chiropractic care specialist in Homewood, IL. At Barton Chiropractic Clinic we carefully consult with each patient to ensure most effective possible treatment. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

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2 Unexpected Benefits of Chiropractic Care

By Barton Chiropractic Clinic | August 8, 2018

We all know how much good chiropractic care can do for your back and neck, but there are other less-spoken-of benefits that we all get from making chiropractic care a part of are overall wellness plan — instead of just reserving it for therapy or recover from injury.

Chiropractic Care and Your Immune System

We’ll be you didn’t know that chiropractic care can also help boost your immune system. Your nervous system controls the functions of your organs, tissues, even your cells, and a misalignment can certainly reduce your body’s ability to ward off any potential invader or infection. Taking steps to realign the spine can often free up the immune system to take care of its job. Many studies also support that patients who engage in chiropractic care generally have fewer colds than those who do not.

Improve Your Digestion

Over 60% of our energy goes toward food digestion. Since food and drink intake are such big parts of our lives, chiropractic care is also here to aid digestion. You happen to have nerves Which run through your spine t hat have control over your stomach functionality. Improper alignment can lead to dysfunction like increased acid production, which results in gas, heartburn — you get the idea. We might suggest a chiropractic adjustment that targets and corrects the thoracic spine, which can help eliminate your stomach problems.

Experienced Chiropractor in Homewood, IL

If you’d like to unlock the hidden health benefits that consistent chiropractic care brings, contact Barton Chiropractic Clinic today. We’ll schedule your consultation and set you back on the footpath to wellness.

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The Philosophy Behind Chiropractic Care

By Barton Chiropractic Clinic | August 2, 2018

There is a definite philosophy behind what we do at Barton Chiropractic Clinic. Our practice blends an effective combination of critical, practical thinking, a certain open-mindedness, and an appreciation of nature as well as natural order. It’s a holistic solution to our prescription-heavy culture.

Chiropractic care, when practiced effectively, focuses on the establishing a wellness practice and making chiropractic care a part of that protocol. It’s a great way for those who take advantage to get in touch with their body as well as their environment — creating a full-functional sense of well-being.

Chiropractic Philosophy

Chiropractic care specialists put an de-emphasize surgical procedures and focus instead on a patient’s recuperative abilities, setting forth a balance between lifestyle, health, and the surrounding environment. Chiropractic care is about treating underlying problems and underlying causes, not simply relieving symptoms.

The Center of Things

Chiropractic care puts an emphasis on the central nervous system, treating the neck, spine, and more, investigating their intimate relationships and the capacities they unlock in the rest of the human body. Balance is another central theme here — especially when considering the benefits along with the risks of more clinical or surgical interventions.

Barton Chiropractic Clinic also focuses on early intervention and preventive medicine that keeps patients active and free of injury. We have a long track record of getting patients back to active and a lot of it is due to keeping true to these ideals. Contact Barton Chiropractic Clinic to learn more about our process and treatments today.

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3 Reasons to Stay Hydrated this Summer and Beyond

By Barton Chiropractic Clinic | July 28, 2018

As we continue through the dog days of summer, it’s important that we remind ourselves to stay hydrated. It’s easy to forget for long periods of time to drink water — and please don’t consider your morning coffee as your first glass of water. 

Instead, drink half your body weight in ounces — which is the requisite amount of water to consume in a day. You want your urine (sorry) to be mostly clear. If it’s intensely yellow or even brownish in color, you’re already dehydrated.

Below are a few reasons why it’s a good idea to stay hydrated — for your health!

1.) It’s Good for Your Joints

If there’s ever been such a thing as a magical elixir, it’s H2O. Making sure you’re properly hydrated ensure toxins get flushed out of your body. Water helps your joints stay well-lubricated — it even helps prevent bouts with gout! 

2.) Staying Hydrated Fight Inflammation

Because staying hydrated helps flush toxins out of your body, this reduces the body’s inflammation. Inflammation can lead to all sorts of health problems, 

including (but not limited to) certain types of cancers as well as rheumatoid arthritis.

3.) Dehydration is Hard on Your Heart

When you’re dehydrated, your blood volume gets lower, so that means your heart has to work harder in order to pump this reduced amount of blood to supply your cells with oxygen. Everyday activities become harder when you’re dehydrated — simple tasks like walking up stairs, not to mention exercise.

So stay hydrated out there as a part of your overall wellness plan. Another part of your overall wellness plan is regular visits to your chiropractic treatment specialist in Homewood, IL. Contact Barton Chiropractic Clinic to schedule your consultation today.

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3 Reasons to Take Up Paddle-boarding

By Barton Chiropractic Clinic | July 23, 2018

In the spirit of the summer season (which is still very much in full swing), we’d like to talk about one possible outdoor activity that is great for your back and core — both of which are instrumental in your spine health.

Today’s blog goes over a few reasons why paddle-boarding is worth your consideration. Read on and maybe we’ll make a believer out of you.

1.) It’s a total body workout

All of your main muscle groups become activated as you paddle and stabilize yourself on the board. Your mid back muscles (latissimus Dorsi), abs, arms (biceps and triceps), and shoulders (deltoids) are all incorporated, not to mention your thighs and calves. Paddle-boarding really is a workout that incorporates your entire body — all you’re doing is reaping physical rewards from engaging your core.

2.) It’s soothing

Usually, paddle-boarding will have you out on a scenic lake, taking in the visuals, breathing fresh air, and becoming one with mother nature. Stress is a key contributor to subluxation (spine misalignment), so it’s important to take some time out from the daily grind to do something good for yourself.

3.) It’s a well-balanced activity

Getting outdoors and in nature will help your mind and your spirit. The rigorous activity will help your body. It’s a great activity to strengthen your back and your core, which will help you enjoy lasting wellness and spine health.

If you’re feeling anything less than 100% when it comes to your back, neck, or even your legs, contact Barton Chiropractic Clinic today. We’ll schedule your consultation and get you back to active!

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Avoid These Two Exercises if You Have Lower Back Pain

By Barton Chiropractic Clinic | July 20, 2018

Barton Chiropractic Clinic is a big proponent of preventive medicine, which involves strength training and conditioning as a way to avoid pain and costly injuries down the road. Though we are happy and capable of providing comprehensive, drug-free chiropractic care to get our patients up and running again, we also like to provide education as a means of prevention.

Below are a few exercises to avoid, especially if you’ve been experiencing lower back pain — which might come as a result of sitting at work too much, carrying something or lifting something in an improper way, automobile accidents, and a number of other possibilities.

Toe Touch? No Thanks!

Toe touches are sort of an outdated exercise. It puts a lot of pressure on your back and often has you in a poor posture position. And what does this exercise or stretch benefit? Mostly just your hamstrings. However, a standing toe touch stretch can be beneficial in a yoga setting when you slightly bend the knees — as long as you’ve warmed up over the course of an intelligently designed routine. Otherwise, standing toe touches tend to put a greater amount of stress on your discs and ligaments. You can also end up overstretching your lower back muscles as well as those hamstrings you were trying to give some TLC. 

Say “No” to Sit-Ups

Talk about an outdated exercise. Sit-ups might still be an exercise you’ll have to do if you join the military, but if you’re trying to devise a rigorous strength training routine, you can leave this one out. Besides, most people tend to utilize their hip muscles when doing this exercise more than their abdominals. Sit-ups also put a great amount of pressure on the discs in your spine. Try partial crunches instead to achieve more optimium benefits!

Experience Chiropractor in Homewood, IL

We could go on, but we’ll save it for another blog. And if you experience any sort of back pain that persists in the face of exercise and stretching, then maybe it’s time to enlist the services of an experienced chiropratci care specialist in Homewood, IL. Contact Barton Chiropractic Clinic today to schedule your consultation.

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