The Importance of Chiropractic Care for Teens

People usually think about visiting a chiropractor after an accident or some kind of sports injury. It is easy to remember to call for an appointment when your back aches or when your neck is stiff. What people forget, unfortunately, is how helpful ongoing chiropractic care can be—for people of all ages. 

Teenagers generally benefit greatly from chiropractic care, and early intervention can set young people on the road to good health. 

Posture Problems

Many children and teens these days suffer from postural problems. This is because so many young people spend a great deal of their day with their heads extended and facing downward to look at a screen. This position puts an enormous strain on the upper cervical spine. 

Many teens suffer from some kind of aches and pains, be it back aches, stiff necks, or headaches. All of these can be due to a misalignment of the spine but few think of telling their parents or doctors until the problem gets severe.

Growing Pains

Growing pains is not just a metaphor for the difficulties of going through common childhood traumas. Teens literally suffer from physical growing pains. As a teen's physical body changes and develops, his center of balance changes. This can lead to misjudgments in how to move or what they are capable of doing. Teens commonly suffer from injuries, falls, muscle strains, and other such problems. 

Pushing Limits

From carrying heavy book bags to taking risks in sports to all-night cram sessions, teens don't always make the smartest choices. These choices can have consequences, unfortunately. They serve to weaken the body and put youths more at risk for injury. 

Benefits of Chiropractic Care

A misaligned spine can cause a wide range of problems. One vertebra out of place can have a domino effect on the rest of the body, leading to all sorts of aches, pains, and health issues. Also, when the spine is misaligned it causes inflammation and swelling, which can compress nerves and disrupt signals between the brain and the body's major systems. 

Chiropractic care helps restore proper alignment to the spine relieving many symptoms that may seem unrelated. It also sets the teens on a good path for those crucial years when their musculoskeletal system is still developing by putting them on the right track. 

Call Us for Teen Chiropractic Care

Dr. Gordon Elder of the Blair Chiropractic Clinic in Lubbock, Texas takes patients of all ages to help create lasting improvements. Dr. Elder is a practitioner of the Blair Chiropractic Technique, a modern technique that is not like the type of chiropractic care you may be familiar with—there are no sudden jerks or abrupt twists. 

Instead, Blair practitioners are upper cervical specialists who rely on state-of-the-art technology to accurately assess each individual's unique anatomy. This is the first step in Dr. Elder's treatment plan—a thorough screening and examination using 3D diagnostic imaging tools. 

Once the doctor has assessed your teen's anatomy, he can apply adjustments with more precision. This allows him to use a lighter touch to make corrections gently and swiftly, without any jarring jolts. 

Dr. Elder's third step is preventative care. He recommends adding regular chiropractic check-ups to your teen's healthcare routine to help nip problems in the bud.

Set your teen on the path to a healthy life, a strong body, and good health habits. Contact Dr. Elder for a consultation. Dr. Elder's areas of coverage include Lubbock, Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, and El Paso in Texas, as well as Hobbs in New Mexico.

Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.

Fibromyalgia Symptoms Can Be Relieved with Exercise

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized areas. This disorder, often accompanied by sleep, mood, and memory issues, is believed to amplify painful sensations by affecting the way your brain and spinal cord process pain signals. While the causes of fibromyalgia remain uncertain, strategies to manage the symptoms have been the focus of extensive research, with exercise emerging as a highly effective method. This article aims to delve into how exercise can alleviate the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Understanding Fibromyalgia and Exercise

The notion of exercising might seem counterintuitive for people experiencing chronic pain. However, numerous studies have shown that regular physical activity can significantly reduce the symptoms of fibromyalgia. It appears that exercise helps by reducing muscle tension and improving the body's ability to respond to stress.

Types of Exercise Beneficial for Fibromyalgia

1. Aerobic Exercise: Aerobic exercises, also known as cardio, raise your breathing and heart rates. They include activities like brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or water aerobics. Regular low-impact aerobic exercise can improve heart health, help reduce depression and anxiety, promote better sleep, and manage fibromyalgia pain.

2. Strength Training: Strength training exercises, like weight lifting or resistance band exercises, can increase muscle strength, combat fatigue, and reduce pain perception.

3. Flexibility Exercises and Stretching: Activities like yoga and tai chi can improve flexibility, enhance balance, reduce muscle stiffness and pain, and promote relaxation.

4. Balance and Coordination Exercises: These exercises can help reduce the risk of falls and improve overall mobility. They include activities like tai chi or simple balance exercises.

Exercise Guidelines for Individuals with Fibromyalgia

It's crucial to approach exercise with care when dealing with fibromyalgia. Here are some guidelines to follow:

1. Start Slow: Begin with low-intensity exercises and gradually increase duration and intensity as your tolerance improves.

2. Consistency is Key: Regularity is more important than the intensity of workouts. Consistent, moderate exercise is more beneficial than heavy, sporadic activity.

3. Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to your body's signals. It's essential to balance activity with rest to prevent symptom flares.

4. Seek Professional Guidance: Working with physical therapists or trained exercise professionals can ensure your regimen is appropriate and safe.

The Science Behind Exercise and Fibromyalgia

Exercise, especially aerobic exercise, has been shown to boost the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, such as endorphins, serotonin, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). These chemicals are known to have positive effects on mood, pain perception, and brain function.

Moreover, regular physical activity can improve cardiovascular health, enhance sleep quality, increase strength and flexibility, and boost overall mood—all of which can alleviate fibromyalgia symptoms.

The Psychological Impact of Exercise

Alongside the physical benefits, exercise also provides psychological benefits. Engaging in regular physical activity can instill a sense of control over the illness. It can also boost self-esteem, promote a positive outlook, and provide an avenue for social interaction, further helping manage fibromyalgia symptoms.

While fibromyalgia presents significant challenges, research demonstrates that regular, moderate exercise can play a pivotal role in managing this chronic condition. It's essential to remember that any exercise regimen should be tailored to the individual's capabilities and should ideally be developed with professional guidance.

Upper Cervical Chiropractic Can Alleviate Fibromyalgia Symptoms

At Bair Chiropractic Clinic, our esteemed practitioner, Dr. Gordon Elder, specializes in upper cervical chiropractic care. He employs the Blair Chiropractic Technique, focusing on the upper cervical spine, to resolve associated ailments. This method involves accurate, minimal-force adjustments to the upper cervical spine, facilitating spinal column function and triggering the body's inherent healing capacities.

In managing fibromyalgia, Dr. Elder adopts a dual-phase approach to detect and rectify possible misalignments in the upper cervical spine. The first step entails a thorough 25-30-minute consultation where Dr. Elder employs various diagnostic tools, including 3D imaging, to accurately identify any misalignments. Following the consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss the findings and pose any questions to Dr. Elder.

Subsequently, Dr. Elder administers a sequence of delicate adjustments to your upper cervical spine. These painless, non-invasive techniques aim to correct the misaligned vertebrae. The total treatment duration spans approximately 3-5 months, with Dr. Elder suggesting 10-15 sessions to guarantee the adjustment is maintained.

If fibromyalgia is getting in the way of your day-to-day life, we invite you to get in touch with the Blair Chiropractic Clinic to make an appointment with Dr. Elder. While the Bair Chiropractic Clinic is located in Lubbock, Texas, we also extend our services to Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, El Paso in Texas, and Hobbs in New Mexico.

Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.

Migraines and Fibromyalgia: What's The Connection?

Migraines and Fibromyalgia Often Go Together

Migraines are not just simple headaches; migraines are a neurological condition that causes severe attacks of head pain that can be debilitating for days at a time. 

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that causes heightened sensitivity to pain, tenderness, stiffness, fatigue, and sleep problems. This is a life-long condition that scientists are still struggling to understand.

One recent discovery is that people who suffer from fibromyalgia also often suffer from migraines. When fibromyalgia and migraines go hand-in-hand, the pain is amplified. Let's take a closer look at these two conditions, and what might be an underlying cause contributing to the problem. 

Migraine-Fibromyalgia Link

One thing fibromyalgia and migraines have in common is an increased level of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This fluid is made in the brain and flows around the brain and spinal cord to provide a cushion that prevents injury. Excessive production of CSF may cause a build-up of pressure, contributing to central sensitization.

The central nervous system (CNS) has many jobs. One job is sending signals to the brain in response to stimuli (pain). When someone has central sensitization, it distorts the signals and makes the brain think pain is a lot worse than it is. 

How the Upper Cervical Spine Plays a Role

The upper cervical spine consists of the uppermost seven vertebrae which run from the base of the skull down the neck. The top two vertebrae—the atlas (C1) and the axis (C2)—protect the brainstem. If these two vertebrae are misaligned, it can cause pressure in the brainstem and lead to distorted signals. 

How We Treat Migraines and Fibromyalgia

At the Blair Chiropractic Clinic in Lubbock, Texas, Dr. Gordon Elder has a three-step treatment plan to help bring relief to patients suffering from migraines and fibromyalgia. Dr. Elder is an upper cervical specialist and an expert in the Blair Chiropractic Technique. The Blair technique involves the use of advanced diagnostic tools and unique manipulations by specially trained practitioners to restore a healthy alignment to the upper cervical spine. 

The first step of Dr. Elder's treatment involves a thorough assessment that includes a consultation and scans with cutting-edge 3D diagnostic imaging tools. This allows the doctor to understand your unique anatomy and calculate the angles of your spine accurately. 

The second step is the healing phase, during which Dr. Elder uses specialized adjustments. Because of the superior technology used during the assessment, the doctor can make adjustments with more precision and a much gentler touch. Once the upper cervical spine is aligned properly, it will reduce inflammation and relieve pressure. 

For the final phase, Dr. Elder recommends regular chiropractic check-ups to help prevent problems in the future. Chiropractic care is a non-invasive, drug-free, natural treatment for fibromyalgia and migraines that bring many patients a great deal of relief from painful symptoms. 

If you're dealing with a terrible combination of migraines and fibromyalgia, or if you're suffering from just one of these conditions, Dr. Elder can help. Call for a consultation. The doctor's areas of coverage include Lubbock, Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, and El Paso in Texas, as well as Hobbs in New Mexico.. 

Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.

Can Upper Cervical Chiropractic Treat Fibromyalgia?

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by musculoskeletal pain and general muscle stiffness. The condition can be triggered by several different factors, including stress, fatigue, or injury. With no conventional cure, fibromyalgia can be debilitating, interfering with routine activities, work, and relationships. While conventional medicine treats the symptoms of fibromyalgia with pain medications and other drugs, upper cervical chiropractic care is proving to be an effective natural treatment for this frustrating condition.

Fibromyalgia Signs and Symptoms

Fibromyalgia is a difficult condition to diagnose as it is characterized by a wide range of generic symptoms. In most cases, fibromyalgia manifests at specific sites around the body, causing a dull aching that can be felt in both the muscle and the bone. In more developed cases, this sensation may progress to sharp and shooting pains. Other symptoms that can indicate fibromyalgia include chronic fatigue, sleep disorders, headaches, morning stiffness, and tingling in the extremities. 

How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Fibromyalgia

The cause of fibromyalgia is fairly ambiguous and can differ significantly from person to person. However, some research has found a strong correlation between fibromyalgia cases and prior whiplash or head/neck injuries. Further studies have found a strong link between fibromyalgia and changes in brain chemistry, namely in cytokine levels. Cytokines are a protein used by the central nervous system to regulate immune system functions. 

When considering how fibromyalgia could be linked to the upper cervical spine, we must look at the position of the cervical vertebrae. Because of the upper cervical spine's proximity to the brainstem and spinal cord, anything that changes the alignment or angle of the cervical vertebrae can have an impact on the muscles and nerve centers surrounding the brainstem and central nervous system. Left untreated, misalignment-induced inflammation, nerve irritation, and muscle strain can disrupt the body's natural release of cytokines, triggering or exacerbating fibromyalgia symptoms.

How Our Treatment Works for Fibromyalgia

Dr. Gordon Elder, of the Bair Chiropractic Clinic, is an upper cervical chiropractic specialist. He uses the Blair Chiropractic Technique to treat issues that affect the upper cervical spine. This technique relies on precise, low-force correction techniques to adjust the upper cervical spine, restoring function to the spinal column and re-engaging the body’s natural healing mechanisms.

When treating fibromyalgia, Blair practitioners like Dr. Elder employ a two-step process to identify and correct suspected misalignments in the upper cervical spine. During the initial 25-30-minute consultation, Dr. Elder will use a range of diagnostic techniques, such as 3D imaging, to pinpoint the location of any misalignments. Of course, you’ll be able to review the results of this consultation and have an opportunity to ask Dr. Elder questions. 

Next, Dr. Elder will perform a series of gentle adjustments on your upper cervical spine, correcting the misaligned vertebrae using painless, non-invasive techniques.  The entire treatment process can last up to 3-5 months, with Dr. Elder recommending between 10-15 appointments to ensure your adjustment stays in place. 

If fibromyalgia is stopping you from living a more fulfilled life, please contact us to schedule an appointment with Dr. Elder. Blair Chiropractic Clinic is based in Lubbock, Texas, but also services Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, El Paso in Texas, and Hobbs in New Mexico.

Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.

Why Is The Atlas Bone So Important? | Dr. Jordan Jensen

Image depicting the Atlas Bone, highlighted in red.

The Atlas Bone is the topmost (or highest) vertebra in the neck. It is the vertebra that is in contact with the Occipital bone– a flat bone located at the back of the head.  It’s named after the Greek Titan, Atlas.  The story of Atlas is based in Greek Mythology.  The short version of the story is this:  Zeus, who was considered to be the ruler of the Greek gods, was known for mistreating and abusing those around him.  He continually humiliated the other gods and cheated on his wife with many lovers, among other things.  Zeus’ treatment of the Titans led to an uprising in the heavens, which included the mightiest Titan; Atlas.  The rebellion was unsuccessful, and as punishment for participating in the rebellion, Zeus sentenced Atlas to forever bear the weight of the heavens on his shoulders, lest they fall and destroy the earth.

The image of Atlas holding up the heavens is one that is recognizable by many people even today. That image is why Atlas the Titan is the namesake for the Atlas bone in your C-1 vertebrae.  The Atlas bone stands on the top of your spine and body, like Atlas standing on the earth. The head and brain sit atop the Atlas bone, just like Atlas balancing the heavens. The function of the Atlas bone is the same as well; as Atlas was responsible for holding up the heavens, the Atlas bone is responsible for holding your head and brain in place at the top of your body.

If you notice the position of Atlas, he holds the heavens in a way that keeps the weight of the ball balanced on his body.  This is important because it’s this ability to balance the heavens that kept them from falling and destroying the Earth.  There’s a similarity here with the Atlas bone, as well. The weight of the human head and brain is roughly the same as the weight of a bowling ball.  If the balance is off-center, it creates stress, forcing the body to reposition.  The conclusion is, if your Atlas bone is not properly positioned or balanced, it can create stress that gets carried to the rest of the body, and up into the brain. 

Being on our phones as much as we are and working long hours at a desk make us more susceptible to this imbalance and unfortunately, it’s linked to a number of unwanted symptoms and conditions including headaches, neck pain, back pain, migraines, nausea, seizures, colic, trigeminal neuralgia, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, and ADHD.  It’s amazing to think about, but every area of your body that has nerves (which is pretty much your whole body) can be negatively affected if the Atlas bone is out of alignment with Occipital bone above or the Axis bone (C2 vertebra) below. 

Thankfully, upper cervical chiropractors primarily study the Atlas bone and seek to restore the bone to its best position; and you don’t need to crack or twist your neck to do it.  Since the Atlas bone connects the head to the spine, the position of the bone can have a significant impact on the body’s nervous system.  Every nerve in the human body leads back to the spine, so there are many things that can be impacted by improper alignment of the Atlas bone.

If you or someone you know is experiencing severe pain or any of the other symptoms and conditions listed above, we would love to see how we can help. Upper Cervical Chiropractic care has shown tremendous success in helping patients get back to normal, without being burdened by chronic pain and debilitating ailments.  At Blair Chiropractic Clinic, we want to fix the problem you’re having.  Our motto is “Find it, fix it, then leave it alone”.  Visit www.blairclinic.com or call (806) 747-2735 today to speak with a member of our staff about scheduling a screening or ask any questions you might have.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and Upper Cervical Chiropractic [Video]

Dr Gordon D. Elder of The Blair Chiropractic Clinic in Lubbock Texas explains how Upper Cervical Chiropractic can help Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue
syndrome often go together.

Fibromyalgia is an interesting diagnosis, often in the past is called the trash can diagnosis. In other words, we’ve ruled out everything else and you’ve got muscle pain. So we’re going to give you a diagnosis that in another language means muscle pain. Chronic fatigue syndrome often goes with it.  The people who have muscle pain in eleven of these eighteen particular points and we can’t find any other reason for it are often chronically tired as well. A scientific study recently in the last few years found that the hole in the bottom of the skull where the brain stem the brain sends all the messages through or most of them through. In many and a high percentage of the population it is smaller than average. What they do is they would surgically bore that hole out larger and would it immediately give them some results but it caused more problems later.

So my feeling on that is your body is made with its own intelligence and that intelligence tells it how to make different things. So usually it’s not going to make things wrong but if you have a small hole for a lack of better word in the bottom of your skull where all the nerves are going through and the bone right directly underneath is not lined up properly, well now that small hole is even smaller. That can cause some severe problems one of which is fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. I have had several patients over the years come in with one or both of those diagnoses. We’ve adjusted them and they’ve gotten better. Sometimes, it’s just that they can manage the muscle pain and the fatigue better. Sometimes it’s cleared up and it seems to go away entirely.

Posted in Chiropractic Clinic and tagged chiropractic adjustment, Chiropractor, chronic fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Lubbock Texas, muscle pain, pain symptoms