The Basler Blog

Apr 16
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My Body Aches, Is It Stress?

By | Benefits of Chiropractic | No Comments

My Body Aches, Is It Stress?

Do you regularly experience tension in your back, neck, and shoulders that also get worse as the day goes on? Do you suffer from headaches and migraines too often? Are digestive issues such as constipation, bloating, diarrhea affecting you? Do you often feel anxious and have a hard time falling asleep and staying asleep? If you’ve answered yes to this on a regular basis, your body is telling you that you are stressed. Although stress in the body can be healthy such as physical stress from physical activity, and small amounts of stress can help with the immune system, constant stress can have detrimental effects on the body.

Stress is an inevitable part of life, whether it be physical stress, chemical stress (from food or additives), or emotional stress. When the body experiences stress it activates the “fight or flight” response releasing physiological reactions such as stress hormones of cortisol and adrenaline. The prolonged presence of stress hormones can lead to muscle tension in the neck, shoulders and back which are some of the common areas of muscle tension from stress.

Muscle tension from stress often leads to subluxation (misalignments) in the spine. These subluxations interrupt nerve functions, leading to pain and discomfort and a decrease in overall health. According to a study published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, chronic stress can contribute to the development of spinal misalignments, resulting in back pain and discomfort (Gleberzon, 2007).

Chiropractic care is centered on restoring proper alignment to the spine. Through spinal adjustments, misalignments can be corrected to alleviate muscle tension, and help the body return to a state of balance. Spinal adjustments can significantly reduce pain and improve function in patients suffering from stress-induced musculoskeletal issues (Rubinstein et al., 2011).

Healthy Spine, Healthy Mind

-Dr. Tyler

Citations:

Rubinstein SM, van Middelkoop M, Assendelft WJ, de Boer MR, van Tulder MW. Spinal manipulative therapy for chronic low-back pain: an update of a Cochrane review. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2011 Jun;36(13):E825-46. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0b013e3182197fe1. PMID: 21593658.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/journals/?term=%22Journal+of+Chiropractic+Medicine%22
Mar 31
0

New Seasons

By | ADHD, Asthma, athletes, Benefits of Chiropractic, immune system, inflammation, kids chiropractic, migraines, posture | No Comments

With the weather finally warming up, the opportunities to get outside increase. Don’t let your spine and nervous system hold you back from doing the activities you love. Whether it’s hiking, biking, or gardening, regular chiropractic care can help your body function more optimally to keep you doing the activities you love. Getting back into some of these outdoor activities after a sedentary winter can put your spine and nervous system at risk for injury. These injuries can include low back pain due to improper posture or biomechanics, muscle injury due to a lack of recovery, and most importantly nerve interference due to vertebral subluxation. Nerve interference then opens you up to a wide range of negative symptoms like reduced function and pain.

Good news for you, getting checked to make sure you don’t have misalignments and that your nervous system is functioning optimally can help you prevent you from experiencing these injuries and keep you doing what you love.  A recent study performed by the New Zealand College of Chiropractic found an improvement in patient’s whole-body perception, emotional control and functions, pain intensity, and improved sleep among many other outcomes after a 4-week intervention of chiropractic care. These findings are invaluable when it comes to supporting your body through your hobbies, as well as during your recovery time to give your body the best opportunity to heal and prepare for the next endeavor.

 Support your body through all seasons of life and get check for your best chance at optimal spinal health. As Socrates said, “If you would seek health, look well into the spine.”  After all, your nervous system is the gateway to a limitless life.

Haavik, H., Niazi, I. K., Amjad, I., Kumari, N., Ghani, U., Ashfaque, M., Rashid, U., Navid, M. S., Kamavuako, E. N., Pujari, A. N., & Holt, K. (2024). Neuroplastic Responses to Chiropractic Care: Broad Impacts on Pain, Mood, Sleep, and Quality of Life. Brain Sciences, 14(11), 1124. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14111124

Mar 24
0

Of Shamrocks and Spines

By | Benefits of Chiropractic | No Comments

Of Shamrocks and Spines

“Chiropractic is a philosophy, science, and art of things natural, and a system of adjusting the spinal column, by hand only, for the correction of the cause of dis-ease.”

  • Ralph W. Stephenson, D.C., from The Chiropractic Textbook

 Saint Patrick, whose life was memorialized earlier this month, was an influential Christian missionary to Ireland in the 5th century A.D. His beliefs about the triune nature of God and his connection to Ireland have led to the use of shamrock leaves for Saint Patrick’s day celebrations. Luckily (pun intended), the shamrock’s shape can also be used to represent the three core elements of chiropractic: Chiropractic is the whole shamrock structure, and it’s three leaves can symbolize the philosophy, science, and art of chiropractic.

Chiropractic philosophy holds to the understanding that the body is a self-regulating organism that is governed by internal or “innate” intelligence. When the body works as it was designed to, it is able to adapt in response to it’s environment to maintain itself in a state of ease, homeostasis or balance. When it doesn’t function optimally, the body is in a state of “dis-ease” or lack of ease. One of the primary causes of dis-ease is a subluxation, a spinal misalignment that causes nervous system dysfunction. Since the nervous system controls and regulates all other systems, the impact of a subluxation can have far-reaching health consequences.

The science of chiropractic includes an understanding of the causes of subluxation: emotional, chemical and physical stresses. It studies how these stresses of life affect the brain, nervous system and the rest of the body. This includes discernment on bone, muscle, and organ function and how dis-ease may impact the structure and function of the body.

Chiropractic as an art refers to the sensitivity and care in a relationship between doctor and patient. It also includes creative and thorough analysis of the patient’s specific needs and attentiveness to the way each patient’s body responds best to being adjusted. A focused chiropractor will make it a lifetime goal to constantly improve the beautiful art of a perfect, spinal adjustment.

Similar to it’s use in modern Saint Patrick’s day celebrations, the whole “shamrock” of all three elements is needed to keep chiropractic TRUE (philosophy), STRONG (science), and BEAUTIFUL (art).

Mar 11
0

Control Your Spring Allergies

By | Benefits of Chiropractic | No Comments

Control Your Spring Allergies, Don’t Let Them Control You

As the snow melts, and the season changes, we are often greeted with greener grass, blossoming of flowers. But, as beautiful as spring is, sneezing, irritated eyes, runny nose, and congestion can make it difficult to enjoy your day. Normally when we talk about allergies we think of pollen if it’s seasonal, but did you know that a weak immune system, increased stressors and poor respiratory functions can be a major factor? So here are some tips to control your spring allergies before they control you.

Support your immune system through a healthy diet

Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables offers a variety of natural antihistamines, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory nutrients necessary to strengthen your immune system. Vitamin C is a good example of natural antihistamines and antioxidants, and vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits, spinach, and kiwi. Probiotics is also another one of those we don’t think about, but it has immune system strengthening properties.

Staying Hydrated

Drinking enough water can be beneficial for flushing out allergens. It is beneficial to help thin mucous out when it is thick, and proper hydration throughout the day can strengthen your immune system and decrease the severity of your allergies. Did you know that the best method to monitor hydration of your body is by monitoring urine color? If it’s clear then you are well hydrated. The recommendations for water intake we see online such as “8 cups a day” is not for everyone, because people come in different body types or needs with water.

Chiropractic Care

Spinal subluxations play a crucial role in allergies as well. Misalignments (subluxation) in the spine can cause a disruption in communication between the brain and body, thus, weakening the immune system. A well-functioning immune system is less likely to react to allergens or not as severe.

Don’t wait for spring to creep up on our bodies, take note of some of these tips and get your spine checked.

-Dr. Tyler Chan

Balon JW, Mior SA. Chiropractic care in asthma and allergy. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2004 Aug;93(2 Suppl 1):S55-60. doi: 10.1016/s1081-1206(10)61487-1. PMID: 15330012.

Poncet P, Sénéchal H, Charpin D. Update on pollen-food allergy syndrome. Expert Rev Clin Immunol. 2020 Jun;16(6):561-578. doi: 10.1080/1744666X.2020.1774366. PMID: 32691654.

Haas A, Chung J, Kent C, Mills B, McCoy M. Vertebral Subluxation and Systems Biology: An Integrative Review Exploring the Salutogenic Influence of Chiropractic Care on the Neuroendocrine-Immune System. Cureus. 2024 Mar 15;16(3):e56223. doi: 10.7759/cureus.56223. PMID: 38618450; PMCID: PMC11016242.

Feb 23
0

Blessed, Not Stressed

By | Benefits of Chiropractic | No Comments

Blessed, Not Stressed  

“The natural healing force within each of us is the greatest force in getting well” -Hippocrates

Stress. Everyone experiences it, and it isn’t always a bad thing. However, is it ruling your life and mind? Society has programmed our thoughts to believe stress is bad, and yes, like most things, too much of anything can become a bad thing. Stress is one of the many unique designs created by the body as a response mechanism to maintain homeostasis, but when a constant overflow of stress occurs, our body can get stuck in a constant state of fight-or-flight.

This is better known as a response by your sympathetic nervous system. When your body is stuck in this sympathetic response, it can no longer adapt to the best of its ability. This lack of adaptability can manifest in a variety of different ways throughout the body. In relation to stress, symptoms like a lacking immune system, sweating, shortness of breath, and many others can occur.

These responses are controlled by a part of your brain called the hypothalamus, which acts as a command center in the brain and sends signals to release epinephrine. Epinephrine initiates sympathetic nervous system activation that in turn controls those symptoms. There are a variety of ways to get this over run stress response in check. First and foremost, get your spine checked! Your spine houses your spinal cord which is made up of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. By adjusting SPECIFIC segments tailored to your spine and symptoms, interference of the nerve communication to the rest of the body can be removed.

This in turn helps your body return to its natural state of homeostasis, and function properly to adapt to the stress being induced. Tools like mindfulness techniques, breathing exercises, getting outside, and exercise should be used in conjunction to regular adjustments to help your nervous system properly adapt. If you feel like chronic stress is overrunning your life, consider the role chiropractic care can have as a natural solution to facilitating a positive change in how your body handles stress.

Welch A, Boone R. Sympathetic and parasympathetic responses to specific diversified adjustments to chiropractic vertebral subluxations of the cervical and thoracic spine. J Chiropr Med. 2008 Sep;7(3):86-93. doi: 10.1016/j.jcm.2008.04.001. PMID: 19646369; PMCID: PMC2686395.

Understanding the stress response. Harvard Health. (2024, April 3). https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-the-stress-response 

Feb 14
0

Valentine’s Day …. or Vitamin’s Day?

By | athletes, Benefits of Chiropractic, Ear Infections, emotions, energy, fibromyalgia | No Comments

Valentine’s Day….or Vitamin’s Day?

In the present day many of us spend majority of our time indoors whether that is working, being on screens or hiding from the frigid weather. For many people, especially in Montana with long winters, we tend to forget about an important aspect of health, vitamin D intake.

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in the body maintaining strong bones and overall health. It’s known for its role in absorbing calcium, maintaining bone density and supporting the immune system. Additionally, vitamin D affects mood regulation, muscular functions and can even reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as osteoporosis or autoimmune diseases. Something unique about our body is that we can produce it naturally when exposed to sunlight because UV rays trigger production of vitamin D in our skin. The good news is that most people are not deficient in Vitamin D, instead, they are deprived of it for various reasons such as low light environments, long workdays inside.

Although chiropractic care does not directly impact vitamin D in our bodies, it supports overall health and wellness as you manage your vitamin D intake. In people who suffer from Vitamin D deficiency they may become more susceptible to pain and fractures, chiropractic care can improve the function and mobility of the spine and joints, which can reduce musculoskeletal discomfort.

Your body’s immune system relies on adequate Vitamin D levels, and low levels can leave you more susceptible to sickness and infections. Chiropractic care helps to optimize the function of the nervous system which is responsible for coordinating your body’s immune response. By adjusting the spine, and relieving nervous system interference, we improve the body’s ability to strengthen our immune system.

One of the many forms of love is SELF LOVE. Treat your body right by investing in all aspects of health, like taking your vitamins and getting spinal check ups!

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) (2022). “Vitamin D Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.”

Haas, M., & Nugent, F. (2010). “The chiropractic profession’s approach to pain and dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system.” Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 33(1), 31-45.

Holick, M. F. (2007). “Vitamin D deficiency.” The New England Journal of Medicine, 357(3), 266-281.

Mior, S., & Lee, J. (2015). “Chiropractic care for musculoskeletal conditions.” The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 45(4), 254-264.

Weaver, C. M., & Heaney, R. P. (2006). “Calcium and vitamin D in bone health.” The Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 25(2), 110-121.

Feb 07
0

“Believe it or not…”

By | Asthma, athletes, Benefits of Chiropractic, gonstead chiropractic, High Blood Pressure, immune system | No Comments

“Believe it or not…”

“Have you more faith in a spoonful of medicine than in the power that animates the living world?”

  • B.J. Palmer, the “developer” of chiropractic (1882-1961)

Ever heard someone say, “I believe in Chiropractic”? What about pills? Xrays? Do you believe in them? Is belief in gravity necessary for it to work? Do you believe in the effects of exercise or a healthy diet? What changes might you see immediately with starting a new regimen? How about after six months of healthy eating and physical activity?

Chiropractic isn’t a religion that you have to “believe in” for it to work. Children and animals get adjusted, and they don’t know enough to be able to “believe in” chiropractic any more than most of us are able to deeply understand the law of gravity. It just exists, and we see its effects every day. An ideological debate isn’t necessary or helpful because the effects tell the story.

The human body is designed and given intelligence (“power” according to B.J. Palmer) to function and maintain itself with great complexity. When the nervous system is functioning at its peak potential, we are able to adapt to internal and external changes in environment. Chiropractic is the philosophy, science and art of removing interference to enable that peak potential. Modern scientific research is slowly catching up with what the founders of chiropractic knew over a century ago, even though they were considered quacks for “practicing medicine without a license.” And patients all over the world are gaining an understanding and respect for what chiropractic has to offer in long term, natural health care. We don’t have to “believe in” chiropractic to receive the scientifically valid healing and improved quality of life. Chiropractic provides a viable alternative to drugs and surgery – a healing that flows from an intelligent nervous system that is fully-functioning. This quiet confidence frees the mind to explore other ideas and experiences in LIFE.

No, you don’t have to “believe in” chiropractic. Faith and trust in the unknown should be a part of all our lives, but chiropractic exists and the results speak for themselves.

Jan 27
0

It’s Cold and I Have a Cold

By | Benefits of Chiropractic | No Comments

It’s Cold and I Have a Cold

Here in Montana, we are used to different seasons. Spring, summer, fall and winter, the only season we are not used to is cold and flu season. When cold and flu season hits, many of us turn to over-the-counter remedies and stay home to rest. But did you know this is the best time to get a check-up? Chiropractic care is great when flu season arrives, those stuffy nose and clogged sinuses, let us take care of that.

Chiropractic care focuses on subluxations of the spine, particularly the relationship between the spine and the nervous system. Chiropractic treatment is effective for colds and flu because spinal misalignments, or subluxations, can interfere with nerve function, directly affecting the nervous system. By correcting these misalignments, we can help optimize the body’s ability to fight off infections.

Several studies have explored the connection between spinal adjustments and immune function. For example, a 2011 study published in Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic adjustments led to improved immune system function by increasing the number of white blood cells, which are crucial in fighting infection. Another study indicated that spinal manipulation enhances the body’s response to viral infections, playing a role in reducing both the duration and intensity of symptoms.

Although chiropractic care may not directly cure the cold or flu, many patients report experiencing fewer symptoms or shorter illness durations after receiving adjustments. Additionally, regular chiropractic treatments help strengthen the immune system over time, reducing the frequency of infections.

Additionally, to getting checked-up, here is a recipe with immune boosting properties. Using fresh sliced ginger, we can boil it in water and honey to make a ginger and honey bomb. Ginger has some of the best anti-inflammatory and immune properties and so does honey.

“Healthy Spine, Healthy Mind”

-Dr. Tyler

https://www.clinicalkey.com/#!/browse/journal/01614754/latest
Jan 20
0

Inflammation The Body’s Silent Alarm

By | Allergies, athletes, Benefits of Chiropractic, gonstead chiropractic, gut problems, High Blood Pressure, immune system | No Comments

Inflammation The Body’s Silent Alarm

Understanding Inflammation and How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Inflammation is a natural response by your body to injury or infection: When it becomes chronic, it can lead to pain, discomfort, and other health issues. Whether it’s from an injury, repetitive stress, or even poor posture, inflammation can cause the body to react in ways that affect your overall well-being. As chiropractors, we focus on helping the body restore its natural balance, and understanding inflammation is key to that process.

Inflammation is characterized by redness, heat, swelling, pain, and sometimes loss of function. While acute inflammation is a protective mechanism, chronic inflammation, when it lasts for weeks, months, or even longer, can contribute to a variety of health conditions such as arthritis, digestive issues, cardiovascular diseases, and more.

Chronic Inflammation and Its Effects

When inflammation lingers, it can lead to long-term pain, stiffness, and dysfunction in the body. For example, if you have misaligned joints, nerves may become irritated, which can trigger inflammation and exacerbate symptoms like back pain, headaches, or sciatica. Over time, this can create a cycle, where the body is in constant stress, making it harder to heal.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Chiropractic care offers a natural approach to managing inflammation. Through spinal adjustments, chiropractors can help reduce nerve irritation, improve joint mobility, and promote healing. By restoring proper alignment, we can reduce the inflammation that often causes pain and discomfort. In addition, chiropractic care helps improve circulation, which supports the body’s natural ability to heal and reduce inflammation.

If you’re struggling with chronic inflammation or pain, now is the time to see a chiropractor to help address the root causes and start your journey towards a healthy body.

“Healthy spine, healthy mind”

-Dr. Tyler

Gevers-Montoro, C., Provencher, B., Descarreaux, M., Ortega de Mues, A., & Piché, M. (2021). Clinical Effectiveness and Efficacy of Chiropractic Spinal Manipulation for Spine Pain. Frontiers in pain research (Lausanne, Switzerland), 2, 765921. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpain.2021.765921