 How to Avoid Backpack Pain | Best Backpacks For Back Pain’Tis the season yet again. No, not holiday season. This season is arguably more exciting for parents — I’m speaking of course about back-to-school season! As we all finish up our last-minute shopping for new clothes, accessories and school supplies, it’s important to be aware of the impact heavy backpacks have on our children. Kids wear backpacks packed with textbooks and supplies to, from and during school for hours on end, 5 days a week. It truly does take a toll on kids’ posture and spinal health. In fact, during a study in Riverside, CA, an estimated 64% of children aged 11–15 complained that they had experienced back pain at some point due to their backpack — 2 of every 5 kids said they experience regular pain WHILE wearing their backpack. This pattern of behavior is not only painful in the short term, it has serious ramifications later on in life. Back pain is a serious matter, so it’s important to avoid bad habits — the earlier the better. Here are some tips to save your child’s spine this school year. Lighten UpStudies have shown that backpack weight really starts to become harmful when it exceeds 20% of the carrier’s body weight. Most experts recommend sticking to 10–15%. So try leaving the heavy textbooks in the locker if they’re not needed for homework; and if they absolutely ARE needed, try to place the heavier books as close to the back as possible. If the majority of weight is placed away from the spine, the body tends to naturally bend forward to compensate. Over time, this leads to spinal subluxations and can do some real damage to the back muscles. Get A Rolling BagThe most significant thing you can do is to completely eliminate the need to carry large amounts of weight on your back. That’s where rolling bags/backpacks come into play. Students are able to carry everything they need without having to endure back pain day in and day out. Best Rolling BackpacksBuy a Higher Quality BagGet a backpack that’s made of sturdy, lighter material. Ensure that the straps are padded and that your child always wears the bag with two straps on the shoulders. Using only one strap will cause uneven weight distribution and such lopsided weight will cause problems in the spine. Additionally, be sure to adjust the backpack straps so that they’re fit snugly around the shoulders, so the bag can’t sway or flop around. Best Ergonomic Backpacks For Back PainThese simple steps are easy to take and they’ll help your child’s spine in the long-term. If your child has already complained about back pain, they may need extra help. As a family-oriented chiropractor, my practice is viable for people of all ages — from toddlers to kids to teenagers to adults. Get in touch to schedule a consultation today!
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 The History of ChiropracticAccording to the American Chiropractic Association, "The word ‘chiropractic’ comes from the Greek words cheir (meaning ‘hand’) and praktos (meaning ‘done’), i.e. Done by Hand." But how did it get to be one of the leading non-invasive forms of neck and back pain relief that it is today? Here we will explore the origins of chiropractic as a practice, how it developed, and give a brief historical background of the practice's founder, Danial David Palmer. Who is Daniel David Palmer?Daniel Palmer was born in 1845 in Ontario, Canada. After emigrating to the US as a young adult, he held many jobs including teacher, beekeeper, and grocery store owner. Throughout his life, he believed in various health philosophies, and tried to blend the scientific method with concepts of metaphysics. He saw that physical manipulation had been used for hundreds, maybe even thousands of years, but no one actually scientifically or philosophically looked at what was being done and made sense of it all. He then began to study these ways through anatomy and physiology ultimately developing the philosophy, art, and science we call Chiropractic today. How Did Chiropractic Start?Before this, he was a practitioner of what was know as “magnetic healing,” where magnetic fields around a patient’s body were manipulated to heal ailments. As a spiritual man, the formation of Chiropractic was a spiritual journey for Palmer. In 1895 on a summer day, Daniel Palmer was returning to his magnetic healing office, where he ran into the building's janitor, Harvey Lillard. Palmer noticed that he had a visible bump on his back and inquired about it. Lillard replied that while he was working one day, he felt a painful pop in his back, which he presumed was a slipped disc, and from that point on had hearing difficulties. Daniel then performed the very first chiropractic adjustment on Lillard, realigning his spine. Lillard then claimed that his hearing had improved. Chiropractic was born. Palmer then went on to form the Palmer School of Cure in 1897. People became fascinated with this innovative healing art Palmer was practicing and wanted to learn about it. The institution still exists today and is called the Palmer College of Chiropractic. Located in Davenport, Iowa, it stands proud as the trusted leader in chiropractic, the first chiropractic college and continues to have the highest enrollment amongst other chiropractic colleges. Many skillful and talented chiropractors have studied at this institution including Dr. Steve Petrak. In 1913, the first state law licensing chiropractors was passed in Kansas. By 1931, chiropractic was legally recognized in 39 states. Today, the practice is recognized in all 50 states and even internationally in places like Canada, Mexico, Great Britain, Australia, Japan, and Switzerland. Palmer left a monumental mark on the medical world. His legacy carries on through chiropractors, who aid the roughly 30 million people worldwide who seek chiropractic care annually.  Above: Thompson Drop Table. Image courtesy of Chirocity. Palmer Method of ChiropracticThe Palmer method is named after Daniel Palmer and involves combining several different techniques for more efficient healing:
If you're considering chiropractic treatment for pain or other conditions, schedule a consultation below.  Benefits of Chiropractic in WinterThis winter, slip into a chiropractor's office! It’s that time of year again. As the weather gets colder and the snow gently falls, it’s easy to be lulled into tranquility by the peacefulness that comes with winter. Unless, of course, you slip on the ice. An unfortunate byproduct that comes with these freezing Midwestern temperatures is frozen, hazardous patches of ice scattered throughout the streets and sidewalks. The last thing you need as you walk out of your house on your way to work in the morning is to slip and create a surprise snow angel in your driveway. But it still happens. In 2014 alone, there were over 42,000 workplace injuries due to falling on ice. That’s just in the workplace; who knows how many falls happen at home that never get reported or treated. When you slip and fall (whether on ice or not), your body is susceptible to serious injury. If you experience an unexpected impact without bracing yourself, especially on the spine, it can cause serious subluxations, or misalignments, that lead to pinched nerves, vertebrae dislocation, and/or other issues. Ironically, your first reaction to slipping on ice would probably be to put ice on the injured area. And while that definitely helps with inflammation and may relieve some pain temporarily, it doesn’t help to correct the root of the problem. The spine is connected with the nervous system, so problems within them can cause significant, sometimes debilitating, conditions. I have extensive experience with treating injuries of all kinds. My individualized approach will:
Winter is notorious for causing an increase in accidental fall injuries. Take extra precaution this season by adequately salting your driveway, sidewalk and porch — but most of all, don’t rush. Take your time and watch your step when you’re not on your own property. You can’t always count on others to be as responsible as yourself. But if you do wind up taking an unexpected winter tumble, schedule a consultation. There could be subtle injuries to your spine that you may not notice now, but will become worse over time. It’s better to be safe than sorry and nip those injuries in the bud before they become serious.  When To See A Chiropractor For Neck Pain & Back PainOver 80% of the US population will experience some form of lower back pain at some point in their lives. Sometimes, it is only temporary. Maybe you slept funny; maybe you strained yourself working out. Any number of things can cause pain and irritation in the back and neck. But at what point does the pain become such a burden that it's time to see a professional? Unfortunately, your back can not speak for itself, so you need to understand the warning signs that your back pain is something that needs to be treated. Here's how to know when to see a chiropractor.
Chronic Pain. When we experience pain, often our first instinct is to turn to the medicine cabinet. However, pills will only treat pain temporarily and can be dangerous if you become dependent on their aid. A chiropractor provides non-invasive, drug-free treatment that tackles the root of your pain, rather than just the pain itself. Taking pain relievers is like trying to mop up a puddle under a leaky pipe: it works momentarily, but you're not addressing the source of the issue. Radiating pain. If the pain in your back or neck travels down your arms, legs or lower back, or if you experience numbness/weakness in your feet or legs, you could have irritated nerves. Your spinal cord houses the central nervous system, which is the powerhouse to the many functions of your body. If you have a slipped disc, it could cause a pinched nerve, leading to pain and other irritating sensations in your extremities. Night pains. If your pain worsens at night, that is not normal and could be indicative of serious health issues such as disc degeneration, spinal fractures, or even spinal tumors. The worst thing you can do is take sleeping medication or painkillers. This only addresses the issue on a surface level, when real problems could be at large. Changing the way you walk to avoid pain. If you suffer from back or neck pain and you're changing the way you walk in order to avoid it, a trip to the chiropractor is long overdue. If you have difficulty walking more than a block and find that you are leaning a certain way to alleviate the pain, there is a chance you have stenosis, which causes your spine to narrow, putting extra pressure on your nerves. Treatment is VERY necessary if you've been experiencing this for extended periods of time. Recent trauma. If you have recently been in a car accident or a situation that caused strain on your body and new back pain occurs, it’s best to see a chiropractor. The sooner you make an appointment, the better off you will be in the long run.  How to Stop Cracking KnucklesAn estimated 25-54% of people crack their knuckles on a daily basis, most of them males. To some, waking up and stretching, cracking and popping their knuckles, back, neck and other parts of the body just feels good and comes naturally. "Don't do that, you'll get arthritis!" you may have heard people say. It comes off as an old wives' tale, but does it actually hold any weight? Does cracking your knuckles (or other parts of the body) actually do long-term damage? I'm a chronic knuckle popper -- how do I stop? What Causes Cracking in Joints?First and foremost, it's important to understand what causes the popping sounds when you crack your joints -- a mystery that still isn't 100% solved, but there are a couple of leading theories. The first one involves synovial fluid bubbles. Synovial fluid is a viscous fluid found in synovial joints, which are the most movable types such as the shoulders, knees, wrists, etc. When a joint is pulled, gas present inside of the join is released, forming gas bubbles within the synovial fluid. The presence of the bubbles and the sudden change of pressure causes them to burst, which in turn cause the popping sound you hear when you crack your knuckles. Another, more probable, theory involves something called cavitation. This is when cavities form inside of a joint when pulled, bent, twisted or otherwise manipulated. These cavities are formed within the synovial fluid and then rapidly collapse, creating the sharp audible popping sound. Is it Safe to Crack Your Knuckles (or Other Joints)?The claim that cracking your knuckles leads to arthritis is not supported by any scientific evidence. However, in a study done in 2011, it was found that knuckle crackers are more likely to have chronic hand swelling and lower grip strength than those who do not habitually crack their knuckles. That being said, the study also failed to acknowledge that since knuckle cracking is often used as a stress reliever, habitual knuckle crackers were also more likely to take part in other activities such as manual labor, smoking, nail biting and alcohol consumption which may be the main factors in swollen hands and grip strength. This means that cracking your knuckles is correlated with hand issues, but is not necessarily the cause of them. But all in all, no, cracking your knuckles will not give you arthritis. How to Stop Cracking Your KnucklesHowever, even though cracking your knuckles may not give you arthritis, it can still have other negative effects. It can cause joint swelling, negatively impact hand strength or could be a side effect of anxiety. But most of all, it probably annoys the people around you. So if you look at it from a behavioral perspective, you may still want to try quitting cracking your joints -- here's how.
While cracking your knuckles is mostly relatively harmless, other things can cause a snapping or popping sound, such as when tendons snap over joints. For instance, if you feel/hear your shoulder popping over and over again as you lift weights, it could indicate that the muscles are tight and some extra stretching may be needed before you begin your workout. If the snapping becomes painful and radiates to other parts of the body, cease strenuous activity immediately, take a warm shower to loosen the muscles, and visit a chiropractor. Painful popping in the joints could indicate a torn muscle or other injury. Your chiropractor can help to heal it to get you back on track. For any further questions or to schedule a consultation, give me a call. I'll help to develop a personalized treatment regimen that will help you become more limber, coordinated and balanced.  Frequently Asked Questions About ChiropracticThroughout the years of my chiropractic practice, I've fielded a lot of questions from patients. I've found that many of the questions are rooted in misunderstandings and misinformation surrounding chiropractic care, so here I've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions I get from both potential and existing patients, and answer them to the best of my ability. Q: What is chiropractic care?A: Chiropractic is a non-invasive, drug-free method of physical treatment to alleviate a myriad of conditions, although it is most commonly sought after for back and neck pain. Chiropractors physically manipulate specific areas of the body in order to fix subluxations (spinal misalignments) that negatively affect nerves, muscles and organs which can lead to other physical complications. Q: At what age is it safe to start receiving chiropractic?A: The short answer is: any age. Now for the longer answer; my practice is family-oriented, meaning I am licensed to treat people of all ages -- from toddlers to young kids and teenagers to the elderly. Q: Is chiropractic painful?A: No. While you may feel some pressure or some very temporary discomfort, but chiropractic treatment very rarely painful. There may be some soreness the day after your first couple of sessions, but your body will get used to it and over time the soreness fades. However, if you've recently undergone surgery or experienced some sort of injury, tell your chiropractor before you begin treatment. If treatment starts to become painful, immediately let your chiropractor know. Q: What kind of conditions can chiropractic treat?A: While chiropractic treatment is most commonly used for back and neck pain, it can be used to treat a wide variety of ailments including:
Q: Will insurance cover chiropractic care?A: Yes, most insurance policies will cover chiropractic care. According to the American Chiropractic Association, an estimated 87% of insured American workers have policies that will cover it. Q: Is chiropractic safe to receive after an injury?A: Eventually, after the healing process, yes. It also depends on the injury. Breaking an ankle shouldn't have too much effect on treating back pain. But recently undergoing back surgery will. Before you begin treatment, be sure to inform your chiropractor of any recent surgeries or injuries you've had during the initial consultation page. Q: When should I see a chiropractor?A: Any time! While chiropractic care is most often used for treating pain, seeing a chiropractor regularly even without pre-existing pain is a good idea. It strengthens the core muscles and preserves the spine and promotes a healthier lifestyle that includes stretching, exercise and balanced diet.
 Seminar: Arp-Wave NeurotherapyJoin us on July 8th from 12:30-2PM for a new, informative seminar and demonstration on the benefits of using Arp-Wave neurotherapy to reduce or eliminate chronic pain!
Light refreshments will be served. The 8 Great Benefits of Arp-Wave Neurotherapy We offer patients a level of improvement to strength, mobility and chronic pain relief that is unmatched by any traditional rehabilitation procedure. ARPwaveUSA's Neuro Therapy offers almost immediate relief from chronic pain, better muscular performance and a return to the life that patients could only dream about prior to treatment.
 Everything You Need to Know About Text NeckIf you keep up-to-date with the latest medical trends and afflictions, you may have heard about the aptly named 'text neck'. But if you haven't heard of it, it is pretty much exactly what it sounds like -- soreness/stiffness in the neck caused by repeatedly looking down at a mobile device for long periods of time. This condition is a modern issue (obviously) and is getting worse. As cell phones become more prevalent among younger and younger people, text neck and poor posture will become significant issues. Recent studies have shown that 87% of teens in the US and 79% of teens in the UK own and use smartphones each day. Text Neck Symptoms Contrary to what you may be thinking, your neck isn't the only thing that will hurt, depending on the severity of text neck. You may also feel one or more of the following symptoms:
More serious conditions associated with text neck:
 How Do I Fix Text Neck?
First and foremost, avoid using a mobile device for long periods of time. If you have to look at your phone for prolonged periods of time, put it on a stand or hold it evenly with your eyes. This will make it easier to sit up straight and avoid bad posture habits while on your phone. For more severe cases of text neck, apply an ice or heat pack to the back of your neck, try out massage therapy and be sure to do stretches and chin-tuck exercises every day. One of the best things you can do to cure or even avoid text neck entirely is regularly seeing a chiropractor. A qualified chiropractor will be able to more accurately diagnose the issue and give a treatment regimen custom-tailored to your needs. As a family chiropractor, I'm able to treat all sorts of afflictions -- including text neck. Schedule a consultation to get started today! 
Back Pain Statistics in The United StatesChronic back pain is a serious affliction that can greatly impact not only your physical health, but also other aspects of your life. It affects millions of Americans each year; and while there are numerous causes to each case, one thing is certain: lower back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide, according to the Global Burden of Disease. Far too many people turn to harmful painkillers for relief, unaware that there are sufficient, drug-free alternatives. Painkillers merely treat the symptoms — it doesn’t acknowledge the root of the problem. It’s important to recognize how common chronic back pain is in order to raise awareness about feasible, non-invasive and drug-free remedies such as chiropractic. Back Pain By The Numbers
Most Common Causes of Back Pain
Fitness level: back pain is more common in those that don’t exercise very often. Constant exercise helps to strengthen the core muscles that support the spine. Even going for a walk every day will go a long way in maintaining spinal health. Rapid weight gain: obesity and sudden weight gain can put a lot of stress on the spine and neck. Smoking: smoking restricts oxygen flow to the spinal tissue. Inactive lifestyle: desk jobs with uncomfortable seats or those with poor posture are more susceptible to back pain. Genetic disorders: arthritis and other genetic disorders can be at play when it comes to back pain. Bulging or ruptured disks: since these disks are protective cushions for the vertebrae, ruptured or bulging ones can cause nerve pain within the spine. Improper lifting: always lift with your legs, not your back. Repetitive, strenuous and improper movement will put you at higher risk.
If you suffer from back pain, it could be temporary or it could be a more serious underlying issue. Either way, it's never a good idea to let these things fester and worsen, so schedule a free consultation to be sure. Petrak Family Chiropractic offers many variations of chiropractic care for any situation at any age.
 What It Means to Be a Family ChiropractorAs a chiropractor, I often get asked questions about my practice, the conditions I can treat, and to whom the treatments may apply. I always tell people that I am a family chiropractor, meaning...well, exactly what it sounds like: I can treat the whole family. Yes, including the kids. Yes, including infants and yes including seniors. The human body is constantly changing and developing; and having a chiropractor will help to ensure everything is in the right place. Additionally, it strengthens the spine to improve range of motion and balance in order to prevent injuries from occurring later on.
Whether that means helping a young child in development avoid future back and neck pain, disc problems, or sciatica -- or if it means helping an adult get into shape or improve recovery from an injury, as a family chiropractor, I'm ready to meet all of your needs. Chiropractic Care For Children Kids experience rapid bone growth throughout the first years of their lives. That's why we give them the apt name 'growth spurts'. And while we may tend to think about kids as being fragile, the fact of the matter is that chiropractic treatment is perfectly safe and even beneficial to toddlers and young children. Kids are like blank slates that are constantly learning and exploring the world around them. In their early years, while they are learning to walk, tripping and tumbling sort of come with the territory. Periodic chiropractic exams will ensure that bones are developing properly and that hard tumbles don't cause any subluxations (spinal misalignments) or nerve stress during development. Once they get a little older, they might get into sports -- little league, gym classes, ice hockey and peewee football leagues, etc. This is when it's especially important to ensure that everything is in place and unharmed. When it comes to sports, especially full-contact ones, injuries are prevalent. And proper chiropractic care makes injury recovery smoother and even strengthens core muscles to prevent future incidents. Chiropractic Care For Seniors As we age, our bodies naturally begin to gradually degrade in terms of mobility and range of motion. Many people loathe the idea of becoming a senior citizen, but as a wise person once said, "do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many." and chiropractic care is one of the most effective ways to make the aging process a bit easier, physically. It offers pain relief, improves balance, range of motion and coordination, and studies have shown that seniors who regularly visit chiropractors have lower rates of arthritis. It's never too late to seek treatment for an injury, growing pains, or just to check in to make sure everything is in the right place. Chiropractic care is the best non-invasive and drug-free pain relief method. Coupled with massage therapy and at-home stretching/exercise recommendations, family chiropractic visits will help everyone you care about stay healthy. If you're ready to take a step in the right direction to pursue a healthy you, then schedule a consultation. I begin with each patient by doing diagnostics, discussing your health history, and running other tests to develop a treatment plan that best suits your individual needs. Give me a call today! |
