Barton Chiropractic Clinic would like to remind our patients and readership that we also treat neck pain. We have some suggestions and ways that you can improve the way you move, the way you work, and the way you sustain and nourish your body that will go a long way towards spine health.

Stay Hydrated

We think about staying hydrated for the sake of our skin. Maintaining proper water levels helps maintain disc height and spinal alignment. This takes much needed pressure off of the spine. Drinking the proverbial 8 glasses daily or more will also prevent cervical disc degeneration, which also helps reduce neck pain over time.

Swim, Swim, Swim

Swimming is great because it’s low impact, but it also strengthens your muscles. We like it a lot because of its therapeutic effects for your back, neck, and spine. Reduce inflammation and ease neck stiffness by taking a dip 3 times a week or more. If you can use a heated pool, it’s ideal, because the heat makes your muscles and joints more pliable.

Don’t Just Think Back When it Comes to Your Work Chair

There are also neck-supporting chairs that do a good job of keeping neck pain at bay. A quality headrest will keep your cervical spine in a nice, neutral position.

Another fantastic move you can make in support of your neck would be to establish a relationship with a chiropractor near you. Barton Chiropractic Clinic specializes in ice therapy, heat therapy, spinal adjustments and more. We’re committed to ridding our patients of neck, back, and spine pain — that’s what we do. We’re here to get you active and healthy again. Call (708) 922-1400 to schedule your initial consultation. 

Often, when we think of celebrities, we think of dashing smiles, perfect skin, and fantastic hair styles. This is especially true of Hollywood’s most important night — The Oscars Ceremony. But did you know that many actors and actresses also keep their bodies finely tuned, which includes regularly-scheduled trips to the chiropractor?

Famous Names Taking Advantage of Chiropractic Care

Everybody does it. Leonardo DiCaprio. Cindy Crawford. Hugh Jackman. The Rock. Even high performance athletes like Tom Brady and Tiger Woods seek chiropractic care to take care of their bodies, which they push to the limit day in and day out.

Stunts Can Hurt Your Spine

Many actors and actresses perform their own stunts. Charlize Theron, Angelina Jolie, Gina Carano, and Jennifer Lawrence are examples of women who go above and beyond their job description to make the movies they take part in seem as real as possible. That might involve taking a spill, throwing a kick, or engaging in a choreographed automobile crash, which can put some serious pressure on your spine and discs. 

Among Harvey Weinstein’s many horrific allegations include Uma Thurman’s, where she reported injuries sustained during a car crash scene in Kill Bill Vol. 2. Uma had to undergo months of physical therapy, which can often include chiropractic care, spine adjustments, heat therapy, cold therapy, and more — all services supplied by Barton Chiropractic Clinic.

Get Your Back Red Carpet Ready

Even if you’re not in front of the camera, it’s important to take care of your back. Barton Chiropractic Clinic provides treatments and services that keep our patients healthy, happy, and active.

Attention all runners and running enthusiasts. Are you looking to relieve spine and lower back pain you experience after clocking many miles during the week? Barton Chiropractic Clinic specializes in chiropractic care services, treatments that benefits high performance athletes and people looking to get a few runs in a week to boost their fitness alike.

We also provide preventive medicine, which involves educating our patients and readers about ways that they can avoid costly injuries down the road by getting some standard chiropractic treatments now.

Be Proactive Over Reactive

Elite runners have been using chiropractic care as a supplement to their vigorous training methods for decades. Even if you  just run a few miles a week to maintain health, hoofing it, whether you do it on the treadmill, on the hard pavement, or on uneven mountain trails — it’s all taking a toll on your back, neck, spine, and more. Scheduling an appointment with your chiropractor could save you thousands as a result.

Chiropractic Care Promotes Quicker Healing

But what happens if you did get injured? If you’re injured or just looking to give yourself the gift of concentrated chiropractic treatment, focusing on parts of the body, using manipulations and adjustments from other areas of the body will drive blood flow to sore or injured areas.

What could be better than stretching it out, getting a proper adjustment from a skilled physician? Couple chiropractic care with a professional massage here and there, and your body is going to feel like a million bucks, you’ll see.

Chiropractic Treatments Reduce the Risk of Getting Injured Again

Don’t be one of the millions of Americans curbed at home from back pain, sidelined from enjoying their favorite outdoor activities. Or, even worse, sidelined from work, which can affect your ability to earn and support yourself. By making sure your spine is aligned and your body is functioning at 100%, we’ll reduce your risk of injury in the future in addition to treating any injuries you have now — injuries you might not even know you have.

Contact Barton Chiropractic Clinic if you’d like to start benefitting from our innovative treatments that will open up new doors to flexibility, fluidity, and comfort, unlocking new potential in you in the process. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Barton today to get started.

Whether you’re a licensed physical therapist or a student in PT, your background makes you quite an attractive candidate to practice chiropractic care. Surprised you didn’t know that.

Chiropractic Care and PT Both Have Similar Goals

If you’ve been studying or practicing physical therapy, then you’re already helping others improve their overall wellness. Both physical therapy and chiropractic care avoid risky surgeries and take holistic approaches toward getting patients active again. That’s the end goal of both practices.

You might have taken courses that actually meet many chiropractic school prerequisites, which makes it an easy and feasible transition.

Both Focus on the Body, Muscles, and Joints

Both PT people and chiropractors have a deep understanding of the human body. A chiropractor specializes in the back, neck, and spine, in addition to providing a wide range of services, like diet consultation and preventive medicine.

Physical therapy deals with musculoskeletal injuries, which might involve:

• Muscles

• Bones

• Tendons

• Fascias

• Ligaments

PT addresses and helps treat fractures, sprains, conditions like tendonitis, bursitis, as well as chronic medical conditions. Both PT and chiropractic caregivers have the end goal of rehabilitation or recovery from either surgery or injury.

If you’re wondering about a career in chiropractic care, it’s a rewarding field. Contact Barton Chiropractic Clinic today if you’re interested in learning more or feel that you’d benefit from chiropractic care. We’re always happy to answer any questions. Patients who often take an interest in our work. Heck, we might even give you a reference!

Of course if you do go to chiropractic school and the postgraduate workload or hauling around books all day gets your spine out of line, we provide treatments with little risks that gain fantastic results. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Diane Barton today.

It’s the dead of winter, so maybe the last thing you’re thinking is what to do for less obvious forms of exercise that get you outdoors. Or, maybe you’re an outdoor enthusiast who doesn’t let the fickle seasons dictate whether or not you get your daily dose of mother nature.

Get Outside While Being Good to Your Back

If you engage in certain activities safely, you can benefit your spine and back at the same time. We’re not talking about bungee jumping or hang-gliding when we say outdoor activities, either (neither of which are good for your spine).

Here are some activities that incorporate spine health into your routine.

Cycling

Cycling is a great activity, as long as you’re not riding on uneven or rocky surfaces. Notice how we didn’t say mountain biking, which will often put a lot of undue stress on your back and your discs. Keep your back straight and make sure your seat is at the proper level.

Swimming

Swimming we highly recommend because there is no impact whatsoever. Sure, there will be a little bit of pressure on your bones, joints, and muscles, but your movements underwater will help build muscle and increase flexibility. There’s a reason why many physical therapists have their patients swim during recovery.

Hiking

Stay mindful of rocky surfaces. Make sure you get a good stretch in before you hit the trails. Use a backpack that is designed for support, wear the right hiking boots, and incorporate any protective equipment you might need (walking poles, gloves, etc.).

Stay mindful of rocky surfaces. Make sure you get a good stretch in before you hit the trails. Use a backpack that is designed for support, wear the right hiking boots, and incorporate any protective equipment you might need (walking poles, gloves, etc.).

These are 3 great ways to stay active, to avoid the humdrum of the gym, and to set your spine up for success. We’d like to give an honorable mention to paddle boarding, which is great for your back and core, and low-impact at that! 

If you’re ever having trouble with your back, or if your spine is keeping you anything less than active, contact Barton Chiropractic Clinic today.

Chiropractic care and pregnancy go hand in hand.

One of the strongest connections that chiropractic care has with health maintenance during pregnancy is the fact that it relieves conditions of the spinal column and treats compromised discs, related nerves, and bone geometry — all without drugs or surgery.

Of course while we’re pregnant we want to stay away from drugs and toxins for the sake of the baby, so it makes sense that if you experience leg, back, or neck pain due to pregnancy that you would seek the care of a doctor of chiropractic.

All Chiropractors Are Trained to Work with Pregnant Women

Any chiropractor worth their salt has experience working with women in every stage of pregnancy. Some chiropractors will even take a special interest in prenatal and postnatal care, seeking additional training whenever possible. Investing time into infusing pregnancy wellness into our practice has served our patients well at Barton Chiropractic Clinic.

Look for your doctor chiropractic to have certifications and designations. Here’s a few:

• DACCP

• CACCP
• Member of ICPA reflecting a special interest in pregnancy wellness
• (special training to work with pelvic balance during various stages of pregnancy)

Benefits of Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

So now that we know chiropractors can work with you during pregnancy, what benefits do you stand to gain?

You’ll be able to maintain a healthier pregnancy You’ll feel better knowing you have an experienced ally on your side. We can help you control symptoms of nausea; we can help you relieve back, neck, and joint pain, as well as prevent potential cesarean deliveries.

Contact Barton Chiropractic Clinic to schedule your consultation today. If you’re pregnant and feeling less than 100%, we can help.

When it comes to chiropractic care, most people have their own set of preconceived notions. The thing about preconceived notions is that they aren’t reliable, because they are not founded on empirical data. Today, Barton Chiropractic Clinic would like to shed some light on a few myths about the chiropractor near you that you might be harboring, to put any misgivings you might have to rest.

Myth #1: Chiropractic care is expensive.

More than one study has proven this false. The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics actually asserts that back pain treated by a doctor of chiropractic is actually 20% cheaper than the same treatment initiated by a medical doctor. Seeing a chiropractor also serves as preventive medicine, helping you avoid costly spine surgeries down the road.

Myth #2: Children shouldn’t get chiropractic care.

This myth is especially heartbreaking, should parents subscribe to it, because this means a child is experiencing unnecessary pain that can be avoided. Growing pains are one reason a child can benefit from a visit with the chiropractor. Not only that, kids are just as susceptible in this life to injury as adolescents and adults, perhaps even more so.

Myth #3: Chiropractors don’t have the same level of schooling as other doctors.

This is fervently untrue. The average chiropractor has 4 years of pre-med college education, then 4-5 years of study at an accredited college of chiropractic care. This includes a minimum of 4,200 hours of study.

It’s time to learn for yourself the benefits of chiropractic care in Homewood, IL.

We could spend all day going over unfortunate myths that stigmatize the chiropractic trade and craft therein. The honest truth is, chiropractic care is good for your back and so much more. Seeing the right chiropractor can help you relieve a wide range of symptoms and conditions, like headaches, leg pain, neck pain, and compromised hearing and vision.

We don’t just stop with your back, either.

Barton Chiropractic Clinic offers a wide range of treatment programs suited to each patient’s unique needs. We provide chiropractic care, taking a holistic approach to human physiology and lifestyle, helping our patients live active, healthy, optimized lives.

Barton Chiropractic Clinic would like to go over some great exercises for you back, since we’ve already discussed activities that aren’t great for your back in a previous blog (apologies for being self-referential).

Are you feeling back pain at the moment? If you think bed rest is the best remedy, you may be mistaken. Sometimes exercise is a really great way to get rid of back pain. Maintaining a healthy exercise routine will also keep your back pain from coming back in the future.

Exercise for Back Health and as a Remedy

Doesn’t matter if you’ve experienced an injury or you live with a degenerative disease (like osteoarthritis), more and more conclusive studies find that incorporating a regular exercise program will cut down on back pain, so you can live an active life again.

Here are some great exercises for your back for your consideration:

• Tai Chi — This is a great exercise because it incorporates the mind and body. You’ll quickly find once you start doing Tai Chi regularly that it’s a meditation of sorts. Tai Chi relieves pain and strengthens the muscles while improving stamina.
• Cycling (stationary for safety purposes) — Biking doesn’t necessarily incorporate your core as much as it does your leg, but it still helps alleviate lower back pain.
• Climbing — Physical therapists are just now beginning to explore the benefits of therapeutic climbing. It’s best to climb in a controlled, indoor environment, especially as you just start out.
• Resistance Exercises / Band Training — As long as you practice good form and don’t go crazy with the weight, resistance and band training are great for your back. There are specialized exercises that incorporate your core.
• Yoga — We talk about yoga a lot, so we’ll spare you here.

Experienced Chiropractor in Homewood, IL

We hope some of these exercises help in either relieving back pain or preventing back pain. At the very least, if you’re fortunate enough not to suffer from back problems, these are some creative ways to get a good workout in. If you experience back pain that none of these exercises can remedy, it may be time to call your local chiropractor. Contact Barton Chiropractic Clinic today to schedule your consultation.

Leg pain can put a real damper on anyone’s day. Most of us take our legs for granted every day, only realizing how delicate the balance of our body is when it gets thrown out of whack.

If you’re experiencing leg pain, it could be due to a problem with your back, as a matter of fact.

Barton Chiropractic Clinic runs into many cases where our patients experience pain that is not limited to just areas of their back or spine. The sciatic nerve is actually the largest nerve in the entire human body. Problems with the sciatic nerve happen to be the number one cause of leg pain.

Sciatica and Leg Pain

Sciatica is believed to be caused by nerve dysfunction, which is likely caused by compression of one or multiple lumbar or sacral nerve roots brought on by herniated disc (when the disc’s liquid center swells and bulges). These bulging discs push against external ring fibers, making contact with the spinal canal, compressing the nerve root against the lamina or pedicle of a vertebra.

Sciatica can extend all the way down to the foot. Patients often experience numbness, tingling, even burning or pricking sensations.

Radiculopathy is So Not Radical

Radiculopathy is another condition that can result in leg pain caused by nerve root problems. It can be caused by direct pressure from herniated discs or degenerative conditions in the lumbar spine. Irritation and inflammation occurs.

Herniated Disc and Pinched Nerve

Herniated disc and pinched nerve can also result in leg pain. Discs can not only bulge, they can rupture or even tear. This also results in leg pain that can happen while walking, or when immobile.

We think we’ve made our point. Leg pain can mean there’s a lot more going on than just problems with your legs. If you’re experiencing leg pain, maybe it has something to do with your back. Don’t accept living in pain. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Diane Barton today. During your initial visit we’ll discuss our wide range of treatments and solutions that will increase your quality of life.

We know you’re likely planning a big Super Bowl soiree for the big game this coming weekend. Luckily, you won’t have to step foot on the gridiron and risk doing damage to your back and spine, like every football player who decides to take part in the sport in fact does.

The Heart Wants What it Wants, But Your Back Needs TLC, Too

It is in the spirit of sport that Barton Chiropractic Clinic would like to go over some of the most risky athletic endeavors when it comes to back and spine health. Of course we would never tell someone they can or can’t do something. But we can, however, strongly urge against it. So, the next time you find yourself with the prospect of taking part in one of these sports, maybe you will think twice, or, at the very least, take strong precautions to ensure your safety and the safety of others. That can mean doing a stretch routine to get your body ready before the contest, or it can also mean playing by the rules and looking out for your teammates and your opponents as well.

Common Sports that Make Your Back Cringe

Football — Sorry to say it, but what some call “the sport of kings” is understandably a serious risk to your spine. You might see dramatizations of quarterbacks losing the ability to walk after getting hit in the big game — Varsity Blues, and Friday Night Lights (the series) come to mind. There are cowboy collars available that can provide support and protection for your neck, but there really isn’t anything that protects your spine.

Rodeo — Rodeo riding is just bad for your entire body. Check out this study to take a look at the aftermath of a rodeo career. As if it’s not enough that you’re going to get thrown from the bull,  you also could get trampled or gored. Nobody wants that.

Cheerleading — Believe it or not, cheerleaders need to watch out for the well-being of their spine. That might mean the gal at the top of the pyramid who could fall and injure herself, or the male cheerleader holding her up, suffering from a bulging disc.

Hockey — Hockey is one of the most brutal sports out there. Refs let these guys fight each other for entertainment; it doesn’t get much hard-core than that. Getting hit on the open ice, or getting checked against the boards can have serious adverse effects on your back and spine.

So be careful out there, folks. And be extra careful this Super Bowl weekend. Barton Chiropractic Clinic would like to issue a word of caution to be safe and drive safe over the weekend and always. If you’re experiencing back or spine pain, contact us right away.