Local Adventure: The Valley City Frog Jump

For those that aren’t aware, our region is overflowing with awesome attractions. While our office in Brunswick may seem quiet and tranquil, we really do love getting involved in the community and keeping active. One of the upcoming events we’re super excited to be involved in is the Valley City Frog Jump.

The event takes place August 19, and it’s exactly what it sounds like. Locals capture frogs, assign them inspirational names like Lollihops or Jeremiah (cue the soundtrack), and then they see whose frog can jump the furthest. Festivities begin around 11 a.m. and should conclude by 6 p.m.

And, if you’re wondering, mistreatment of these gorgeous creatures is grounds for disqualification.

The event takes place at Liverpool Mill Stream Park, which can be found at  1200 Maple Street. Admission and parking are, of course, free.

We’ll be at the event for the first time this year, and we’ll be offering chair massages to those that visit with us. However, if this is your first time visiting, you may be wondering just how such an unusual event was started.

According to the Frog Jump Official Site, the event has a long history:

In 1962 a group of residents was planning for the Sesquicentennial (150th) Celebration of the settling of Liverpool Township (Valley City).   They discussed the desire for some event for the children.  Andy Neff suggested Mark Twain’s famous story, “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County”.  Duane Naftzger thought this was a fine idea.  And so a tradition was begun.

So there you have it! Mark your calendar, because this is one event you won’t want to miss.

5 Reasons You Should Try Acupuncture

Have you ever considered acupuncture? Many are fearful of the process, solely for one reason: it is unfamiliar to them. The truth of the matter is that acupuncture is a great form of pain relief for many chiropractic patients, and it may make a world of difference for you, too. If pain relief isn’t convincing enough, let’s walk you through what acupuncture is and why you should try it. Soon, you’ll go from feeling wary to extraordinary!

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1. There are different types of acupuncture out there, and there is a treatment that’s perfect for you. 
   Dr. Nick Cambouris practices Traditional Chinese Medicine with acupuncture needles, Moxabustion, Gua-Sha, Cold Laser, Electric Stimulation, Cupping, and Tei-Chin. With so many options, there is something out there that is perfect to treat your ailments.
2. It is an incredible way to fight chronic pain.
   One of the most extensive surveys on acupuncture was conducted by the Archives of Internal Medicine in 2012, and it included a whopping 17,922 participants. It found that acupuncture is an incredible outlet for treating chronic pain, and it included “placebo” type treatments to compare reported pain relief. As the results would show, many have found that it makes a difference!
3. The side effects of acupuncture are nothing short of incredible.
   Acupuncture can help some people break bad habits, as in the case of auricular (ear) acupuncture to aid in smoking cessation. However, you may also notice a decrease in stress, alleviated headaches, and you may even find yourself falling asleep with more ease. When acupuncture releases that electrical impulse from the brain, you may find that it benefits you in more ways than you initially anticipate.

   

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4. The needles are a lot less frightening than you may believe.
   Needles can be a frightening thing, but acupuncture needles are an entirely different animal than the hypodermic needles so many associate with medicine. When it comes to the tiny hair-thin acupuncture needles, few people experience pain when they are inserted. No pain and oodles of relief? Sign me up!
5. Acupuncture is a treatment that has withstood the sands of time.
   Acupuncture has been used by humans to relieve pain for thousands of years, and the practice has been passed down throughout the centuries. It has been dated to before 2500 BCE, and many still practice Traditonal Chinese Medicine with the integration of acupuncture. You’ll love discovering the benefits of this ancient art!

 

ChiroFACTic: 10 Things You Never Knew About Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic is a field in which patients are constantly learning, both about their own health and about the wonders of holistic healing.

In the spirit of learning, let’s explore some chiropractic fun facts that will leave you amazed!

All mammals have seven distinct cervical vertebrae. These provide flexibility and range of motion, and they are only a small part of a spine made of 120 muscles and 220 ligaments.

Your chiropractor went through a lot of training. Doctors of chiropractic must go through four-year doctoral graduate school programs that include a minimum of 4,200 hours of study. This includes classroom time, internships, and laboratory time.

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Chiropractic is a word derived from Greek, and its translation is fascinating. Cheir is a word that means hand, and praktos roughly translates to done. So, essentially, the word means done by hand.

It is estimated that over a million adjustments take place each day. All across the globe, patients are seeking out holistic relief by visiting their local chiropractor. That’s an amazing number considering that there are about 95,000 doctors of chiropractic throughout the world.

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Spinal manipulation is a very old technique. For thousands of years, humans have been using their hands to manipulate spines for therapeutic relief. The field we now know as chiropractic, however, has only existed for about a century.

The average chiropractic office is very clean. Of course, with over a million people being treated each day, quite a number of germs come in contact with our equipment. However, with cleanings between each client and the use of paper sheets, the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College has found that sanitizing keeps our environment nice and healthy.

Photo by Michael Dorausch, Wikimedia Commons, Creative Commons  

Chiropractors aren’t immune to injury. Just because they’re experts doesn’t mean they don’t make error! It is actually quite common, according to the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic, for chiropractors to injure themselves during adjustments.

Chiropractors also know about much more than just your spine. Clinical nutrition, lifestyle advice, and, sometimes, screenings for particular conditions are areas in which many chiropractors specialize. At the Chiropractic Spine Center, one may utilize acupuncture, medical massage, physical rehab, nutritional support, and non-surgical spinal decompression.

Photo by Joy Maxwell Loban, Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain  

Only 4 out of 10 Americans would approach a chiropractor before a doctor to treat back pain, according to one study. However, the American Chiropractic Association has found that 94 percent of chiropractic patients report a decrease in pain after a month of treatment, whereas only 56 percent of medical care recipients reported a decrease in back pain after receiving pharmacological therapies.

As you now know, chiropractic is an old field, but there is still much that we have to learn. Which fact surprised you the most?

Gardening For The Health Of It

Step aside, beach body! This year we’re celebrating Greater Cleveland’s warmer months in a more practical way. We’re going to enjoy a full range of motion as we tackle the most tedious (and arguably most rewarding) chore: yard work!

Whether you’re growing your own fruits and veggies or transforming your space into a flawlessly landscaped escape, yard work includes a lot of ups and downs, a lot of standing and kneeling, and oodles of strain on the neck and back. How can you stay in tip top shape this summer?

Photo by Jennifer C., Creative Commons

Start with some supportive shoes! The proper support can prevent or ease back strain, saving you from the aches that come with activity.

When you’re active, try to keep your head up. Maintaining a straight posture will help you keep strain off of your neck and lower back. As you’re mowing, raking, or shoveling, make an active effort to maintain a healthy posture that doesn’t cause too much strain.

Remember not to lift using your back. This is an error that is often made, and it can result in a painful injury. Use proper form when lifting, and take care to bend your knees instead of at the waist. And, remember to keep whatever you are lifting close to you and your center of gravity!

 

Photo by MICOLO J Thanx, Creative Commons  

Photo by MICOLO J Thanx, Creative Commons
A warm up and cool down is just as important in gardening as it is in work out sessions. Gardening is a demanding physical activity, and the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) Council on Occupational Health reminds that stretches will help alleviate stiffness and prevent injury.

When using equipment, be sure to switch back and forth between both sides. The goal is to balance out the muscles being used on the right and left side of the body to reduce strain and prevent injury.

If you do feel a bit stiff after your work, be sure to ice. A cold pack will help reduce swelling while numbing the pain, but if that’s not enough, a visit to your chiropractor may be in order.

Photo by Sommerfeldt, Creative Commons  

Perhaps most importantly, remember to take frequent breaks. If your body feels like it needs a break, do not keep pushing yourself. Yard work is hard work, so listen to your body!

A Multi-Generational Discipline

Chiropractic care is a discipline that is gaining attention in the U.S. health market, as it avoids the use of invasive surgical methods and unnecessary drugs. In fact,  the Bureau of Labor Statistics has noted how dramatically the field has grown. It is no surprise, as studies have shown that Americans of all ages and backgrounds experience back pain.

According to the Global Burden of Disease 2010, lower back pain is the leading cause of disability.

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The majority of the U.S. population will complain about back pain at some point in their life. The good news is that most of it is not caused by a serious condition and can be easily treated by a chiropractor.

As you probably know, a Chiropractic Physician stabilizes the musculoskeletal framework of the body to help healing without the use of drugs. There are so many injuries that a chiropractor can treat, including strained muscles, ruptured disks, and general discomfort. One can injure their back under the simplest of circumstances, or a serious condition may go years without ever being addressed. Your lifestyle, including dietary habits, your weight, and how active or inactive you are may contribute to the pain. As the back is a complex conglomerate of musculature, ligaments, and joints, many factors contribute to overall discomfort.

It is estimated by the American Chiropractic Association that 35 million Americans are treated by a Chiropractic Physician each year.

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That number includes adults and children, both of which can benefit from chiropractic care. In fact,  the American College of Physicians recommends that individuals suffering from back pain receive natural, drug-free treatments, such as in the case of spinal manipulation.

Spinal manipulations can benefit persons of all ages, even benefiting infants and young children. A Systematic Review published by the American Chiropractic Association demonstrates that adverse events in the treatment of children are incredibly rare, as pediatric chiropractic care is much more gentle than adult care.

What does this mean to me?!

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Chiropractic care is an individualized experience that addresses your unique health needs. People of all ages may experience back pain or discomfort, meaning that chiropractic is an option that is well worth considering.

Ready to begin your path to better health? It’s never too early or too late to begin healthy living! Request an appointment with us, and let’s get serious about health!

Chiropractic: A Home Run!

In 2016, 28 Major League Baseball teams provided their players with chiropractic care. Both during the season and during spring training, these players consider chiropractic to be a vital component in their professional career.

You don’t have to be a professional to take advantage of chiropractic care! Athletes of all ages and builds can benefit from maintaining and improving their health.

Photo by Erik Drost, Creative Commons

Not only does chiropractic care treat injuries, but it also enhances performance throughout a given season by improving your body’s range of motion and strengthening the joints and muscles in your back.

Aside from visiting a chiropractor to maintain your overall wellness, you may choose to come in if you encounter any of these risk factors during this baseball or softball season:

• Fatigued pitching. If the pitcher is showing signs of exhaustion, this can lead to injuries in the shoulders and elbows. The American Sports Medicine Institute found that players that pitch more than 100 innings per season are at a greater risk for injury. So, if you are a coach, remember to set realistic limits for your players to maintain the health and longevity of your team.
• Pitching with other injuries. That foot injury may not seem to throw anything off, but it definitely has the potential to. If a pitcher’s biomechanics are thrown off, the way they move may change slightly. This change can place stress on the pitch, which can result in painful injuries.
• Aches in the legs or arms. Each year, more than half a million people are injured playing baseball. About a sixth of those individuals are youth aged between 5 and 14, so listen if your child is complaining of “cramps.” Muscle sprains and spasms result from overuse of said muscles, and the area will often swell painfully. To prevent overstretching or tearing the muscle, allow for a period of recovery.

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Baseball is a beloved American past time, but accidents happen. Don’t let the aches and pains of athletics keep you down! Getting in touch with your local chiropractor can help you increase flexibility, manage pain, and heal naturally.

Don’t let pain keep you down this season. Chiropractic care is going up to bat, looking out for local and professional athletes, and helping you feel great!

Help Us Help You!

We’re striving to provide education on chiropractic services to our community, but we need your help. What would you be most interested in learning about?

Living A Healthy Lifestyle

Chiropractic and healthy lifestyle habits go hand-in-hand. Many people will adopt a healthier lifestyle to help address direct problems, such as strain induced by extra weight, but what you eat also correlates with the type of lifestyle that you live.

Did you know that certain foods can actually reduce inflammation? There are all sorts of delicious ways to start feeling better, thanks to anti-inflammatory phytonutrients that exist in a number of delicacies.

What to eat:

1. Tomatoes and olive oil

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Break out the bruschetta, because tomatoes and olive oil can help make you feel great. Tomatoes contain inflammatory-fighting lycopene, and olive oil contains a chemical called oleocanthal that has a similar effect to ibuprofen.

2. Nuts

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Cheers to Vitamin E! You can find this nutritious anti-inflammatory in nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, and peanuts.

3. Cherry juice

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Whether you are battling arthritis or post-workout pains, this tart treat can help remedy the discomfort. Some studies cite cherries as being the best fruit for anti-inflammatory relief, thanks to anthocyanins. These are much more abundant in tart cherry juice versus the sweeter alternative of black cherry juice. No worries, though! Tart cherry juice can be sweetened with the addition of orange slices, which are abundant in flavonoids.

4. Coffee

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The verdict is in: coffee makes crummy days better in so many ways! Not only is it a delicious way to kick start your day, but it is also packed to the brim with inflammation-fighting polyphenols. What you add to your coffee, however, can have negative health effects. Be weary of overusing heavy cream and sugar.

5. Celery

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Celery is a super food! It is rich with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients, which are delicious and nutritious. Flavones and flavonols are abundant in this green treat, both of which contribute to its anti-inflammatory properties.

What not to eat:

1. Refined carbs

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Refined carbs have a tendency to strip away fiber. These “bad carbs,” such as white rice, white bread, and pastries, are digested quickly, driving overeating and also causing blood sugar levels to rapidly change. While weight gain itself is a large contributor to inflammation, cutting out “junk food” will help change the way you feel in some surprising ways.

2. Red meat

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While a bit of organic red meat won’t hurt here and there, its saturated fats are known to contribute to adipose, or the swelling of fat tissue. This is famously known as a contributor to heart disease, but it also contributes to joint inflammation. Feeling a bit of pain? As yummy as that steak may look, it’s probably best to avoid it if you’re hoping for less inflammation.

3. Fried foods

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Mmm, we love our fried food. Of course, we know that it’s exceedingly bad for us, but most of us do not realize that greasy goods can cause inflammation. Fried foods like french fries and onion rings contain advanced glycation end products (AGEs), a nasty byproduct of cooking at high temperatures. These trigger inflammation, and the effect is thought to be detrimental on vascular
health.

4. Bacon

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Bacon is one of many processed foods to avoid. We should also be weary of hot dogs, jerky, bologna, and similar processed meats. Not only are these often made with red meats using techniques that create advanced glycation end products, but many processed meats contain “mystery meats,” artificial flavors, and sometimes even food coloring agents that aren’t good for the body. In fact, the International Agency for Research on Cancer has labeled processed meats as a carcinogen, meaning that they may contribute to cancer. Check your local grocer for some delectable meat-free alternatives to bacon!

5. (More) Beer

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Beer here and there won’t hurt anyone… studies actually show that a glass of beer can help lower inflammation. It’s the excess of beer and wine that is so troublesome. You see, the process by which alcohol breaks down not only famously takes its toll on the liver, but it triggers inflammation.

Ready to begin your path to a healthier you?! You can request an appointment online, and you should definitely consider attending one of our free healthy lifestyle seminars on the first Monday of each month.

“Swing” By Our Office This Spring!

Here in Northeast Ohio, golfing is a way of life. Summers are filled with pleasant days on the golf course, but even the most seasoned golfer may fall victim to a psychological slump. One moment, you’re slightly frustrated by the game—your guard falls, you move wrong, and suddenly you’re injured.

With the amount of force required to swing, the spine is exposed to a tremendous amount of pressure. So, too, are the joints. Whether you’ve over-extended your swing or accidentally bend your elbow during a back swing, injuries on the golf course will occur. What you may not realize, however, is that chiropractic treatment may improve your full-swing performance and lessen the chance of injury on the golf course.

Photo by Brian Patrick

While chiropractors are often sought out to treat injuries, they are a particularly valuable resource for athletes of all ages and physiques. Low back pain and musculoskeletal injuries are common in athletes, and their early detection and treatment can improve performance.

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“I’ve been going to a chiropractor for as long as I can remember,” Tiger Woods has been quoted saying. “It is as important to my training as the practice of my swing.” Stabilizing the musculoskeletal framework is a form of physical rehabilitation that stimulates healing from the inside out and improves flexibility, removing pain without the use of invasive procedures or drugs. Athletes value this procedure, as the treatment and healing process are tailored to their lifestyle and habits. And, chiropractic care can improve balance and posture in the long run, and proper alignment helps you swing with more stability, comfort, and confidence.

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Between intense swings, lugging heavy equipment, and twisting and turning as you traverse uneven terrain, many a golfer has suffered an injury while out on the green. While one may imagine that better equipment may help improve your performance, the truth of the matter is that your body is the most invaluable piece of equipment. When you are able to swing without straining your muscles and with an improved range of motion, there is a much lower chance of recurring injuries.

Photo from the Chiropractic Spine Center’s Facebook Page

Whether you are seeking out a sports physical to assess likelihood of injury on the course or hoping to treat an existing injury and prevent it from resurfacing, Chiropractic Spine Center is here to help you heal. With the use of chiropractic care, spinal decompression, acupuncture, medical massage,and nutritional support, you’ll be well on your way to a healthy lifestyle.

The 3 Phases of Chiropractic Care!

Chiropractic care is structured to provide long term relief and wellness. It is important to follow the care plan created by your chiropractor to give your body the best chance for complete healing.  It is important to come in for periodic chiropractic adjustments to avoid further problems in the future.

Photo from ChiroHealthUSA & Marshalls Creek Chiropractic