2016 February

Chiropractic care for skiing and snowboarding injuries. News from Fletcher Chiropractic Center, Boise, ID.

There is still plenty of time left for skiing and snowboarding this season, and many of you have been taking advantage of the beautiful weather and great snow conditions around the area for a while now. Whether snow sports are a vital part of your winter activities, or just a fun hobby to partake in once or twice a season, there’s no denying that the sport can take a toll on your muscles and joints. From beginners to advanced athletes, falls are sometimes unavoidable. We know that even the most minor tumble can cause muscle soreness and bruising, but how do those falls affect our joints and spine in particular?

When we have a major impact with the ground, whether falling backward (more common with snowboarding) or falling forward (more common with skiing), the spine is forcefully compressed and jolted. The discs in our spine act as a shock absorber, and to an extent are intended to withstand a certain amount of force. The bones in our spine (called vertebrae) will also react to a fall, and can actually shift out of place with sudden impact. When these vertebrae become misaligned (or subluxated) they may put pressure on the sensitive nerves of the neck, mid back, or low back causing pain or discomfort in these areas.

Fortunately, subluxation is 100% a chiropractic problem. Chiropractors are trained specifically to locate, diagnose, and treat spinal subluxations and are experts in returning proper alignment to the neck and back. A chiropractor uses techniques to gently move the spine off of the delicate nerve, helping to alleviate symptoms and increase joint function. A properly aligned spine not only feels better, but heals better as well, and can keep you on the slopes for years to come!

If you, or someone you care about, may be suffering from aches and pains associated with their love of snow sports, call our office to schedule a free consult and exam (normally a $70 value).

In Good Health,

The team at Fletcher Chiropractic

Chiropractic care during pregnancy… Is it safe? Is it effective? News about chiropractic care during pregnancy from Fletcher Chiropractic Center, Boise, ID

Low back pain, pelvic pain, and radiating leg pain are common complaints during pregnancy. As a baby develops and grows, much more stress is placed on the bones of the spine and pelvis, as well as the muscles which surround these areas. It is very often a “normal” part of pregnancy to feel tightness, achiness and pain in the low back, or even sciatic pain down one or both legs. Because it is generally recommended not to take any over the counter medications during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary, it is important to know that there is an option to dealing with pregnancy-induced low back pain which does not involve pills.

Chiropractic adjustments have been utilized for years as a primary source of relief for low back pain in pregnant women, and a high percentage of women undergoing chiropractic treatment report improvement after just one week of care. Our clinic has treated many women from the time they become pregnant all the way to their due date, helping them remain as pain-free as possible throughout their entire pregnancy. The adjusting techniques used are safe and effective at gently moving the spine into proper alignment and taking pressure off of the nerves and muscle tissues in the low back. Chiropractic care is one of the only natural and conservative means of treatment available to a woman during pregnancy, and should definitely be considered if and when low back discomfort arises.

If you or someone you care about may benefit from chiropractic treatment, please call our office to schedule an appointment.