Can Chiropractic Treatment Be Helpful for Children?

Most people think of adults when they think of chiropractic treatment. Back pain is common in adulthood, whether it’s from an injury, car accident or something else entirely. However, children can benefit from chiropractic care as well. Your medical doctor will check your children’s spines during their regular checkups, which can catch scoliosis (curvature of the spine) early. Chiropractic care in Naples, FL can also help parents stay on top of their child’s spinal health.

Chiropractic treatment is as safe and effective for children as it is for adults. While young children are far less likely to suffer from the kind of back and neck pain that adults often have, their spinal health can still benefit from adjustments and check-ups. Here are some of the benefits your child can receive:

  • Better sleep: Even kids can suffer from muscle pain and tension. One of the biggest benefits of relieving that tension is that it will improve your child’s ability to relax and go to sleep. They’ll also stay asleep longer, and get better rest overall. As you know, a good night’s sleep is crucial to good performance in school and sports, as well as their general quality of life.
  • Treats a number of health concerns: In addition to pain and muscle tension, chiropractic treatment may also help improve the symptoms and root causes of colic, scoliosis, sports injuries, allergies, digestive issues, headaches, asthma and even ADHD, Asperger syndrome and more.
  • Better mood and attitude: When you feel good, you’re much less likely to act out—that goes for everyone, especially children. Helping relieve their physical pain and improve their overall comfort will affect every facet of their lives. This generally results in a better mood and attitude.
  • Improved immune system: When your child’s nervous system is focused on an injury or strain, it can’t work with the immune system as it normally does. These two systems are intrinsically linked. When the nervous system is out of balance, your child is more vulnerable to bacteria, viruses and other ailments. Treating their back and neck pain will help improve their immune system’s function.
  • Drug-free treatment: Finally, your child can get pain relief and adjustments without needing drugs. Few parents want to give their child any medication that’s not absolutely necessary, which is why chiropractic adjustments are so helpful. They’re safe, effective and do not require the use of medications.

Chiropractic care can be performed on infants and children, all the way through adulthood and old age. If your child is complaining of back and neck pain or other ailments, take them to see a children’s chiropractor in Naples, FL. They’ll help address any existing problems, and check to make sure your child’s spine is developing normally through the years.

If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of chiropractic and neurological treatment for your children, reach out to the team at Hiler Chiropractic & Neurology/ Feel Amazing Institute today. We offer a variety of alternative and holistic treatments to address a wide range of conditions.

How to Prevent or Relieve Pain While Working at Your Desk

You’ve probably heard that sitting down all the time isn’t healthy—but for anyone with an office job, there’s not much you can do, except invest in a standing desk. Working at a desk can cause or exacerbate neck, back and shoulder pain. If you make some simple adjustments, however, you’re sure to notice less pain and a better range of motion. And the better you feel, the less likely you’ll suffer fatigue.

With all of this in mind, here’s a Naples, FL chiropractor’s best tips for working at your desk:

  • Make sure you’re sitting properly: Your office chair might be directly causing or contributing to your back pain. OSHA suggests that office workers need a chair that properly supports their entire backside, arms and legs. It needs to be adjustable so you’re not locked into one specific posture. Speaking of posture, make sure you monitor yours throughout the day. Set timers on your phone to get in the habit of readjusting every half hour to hour.
  • Take plenty of breaks: Sitting for long periods of time can lead to a number of serious health conditions, including diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol. On top of that, sitting puts undue pressure on your back and neck. Try to get up and stretch every 30 minutes or so, or take a short walk if you can. The more you can get up and move around, the less impact your sedentary job will have.
  • Consider your desk layout: Even if your desk chair is properly supportive, your desk might still contribute to your back and neck pain. Your desk height needs to be the right height so you can comfortably reach your keyboard and mouse without having to bend or lean awkwardly. Keep all your most-used supplies within reach, and consider adding a foot rest for additional support.
  • You might be typing incorrectly: Finally, you might actually be typing incorrectly—if your hands are in an awkward position or you tend to bang the keys, you might contribute to back and neck pain as well as repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel. Try to keep your hands level with your wrists, and type as softly as possible. Also, avoid keeping your hand on the mouse when it’s not in use—that can also strain your wrists.

Now that the new year is here, it’s the perfect time to reevaluate what’s working in your office space and what’s not. Making some simple adjustments can significantly improve your back and neck pain, and keep you feeling great all day long.

Of course, you might still have back and neck pain even when your office is the pinnacle of ergonomic achievement. In that case, make sure to book an appointment with a chiropractor in Naples, FL. They can help make gentle adjustments so working from your desk is less painful, allowing you to be happier, healthier and more productive at work.

Call Hiler Chiropractic & Neurology today to learn more about our services and book your appointment.

A Brief History of Chiropractic Medicine

You might be familiar with the popping and cracking sounds that accompany your favorite spinal adjustment—and the immediate relief it provides—but do you know the history behind chiropractic medicine in Naples, FL? Starting in the late 19th century, chiropractic adjustments have been used to provide pain relief and improve mobility and function. Read on to learn more about this holistic, complementary practice.

In the beginning…

In 1895, Daniel David Palmer noticed that local janitor Henry Lillard—who was working without a shirt on—had a vertebra out of place. When he asked what happened, Lillard told him that he had moved the wrong way 17 years prior, heard his back pop and partially lost his hearing as a result. Palmer immediately had Lillard lie on the ground, and performed a spinal adjustment to get the vertebra back into place. Lillard’s hearing returned. In fact, he commented that he could now “hear that racket” on the streets outside.

Palmer expanded upon the study of osteopathy, claiming that chiropractic adjustments could provide pain relief without drugs. In the early years, osteopaths sought to differentiate themselves from chiropractors and outlaw the practice. Some chiropractors were even jailed for performing adjustments, including Daniel David Palmer himself.

In response, chiropractors sought to be recognized in all 50 states. This process spanned from 1913 to 1974—Kansas was the first state to license chiropractors, and Louisiana was the last.

The debate continues

Chiropractic medicine has a history of being discounted, at least in America. In the early 1960s, the American Medical Association attempted to eliminate chiropractic treatment. Luckily, they were not successful, although many medical doctors still discount chiropractic care to this day.

The 1970s brought about a National Institutes of Health conference with chiropractors, medical doctors, osteopaths and PhDs, designed to bring together professionals of all backgrounds to study spinal manipulation and its effects. Later in the decade, the first academic chiropractic journal was launched, giving further credence to the practice.

Chiropractic medicine today

Today, there is an increased emphasis on the science behind chiropractic care, with a focus on the musculoskeletal system. By the 1990s, scholarly interest in chiropractic adjustments had increased, which led to establishing clinical guidelines, and increased medical acceptance.

Not every medical doctor believes chiropractic care is helpful. However, given the licensing regulations, educational requirements and increased interest in learning more about the practice, it is more widely accepted than it was 100 years ago.

Visit a chiropractor in Naples, FL today

Chiropractic treatments are safe, non-invasive and drug-free. In fact, people who visit chiropractors soon after sustaining injuries are significantly less likely to need surgeries, and they save up to 20 percent on their medical bills. These gentle spinal adjustments can make a huge difference in your recovery.

If you’re thinking about visiting a chiropractor, there’s no time like the present. Reach out to Hiler Chiropractic & Neurology today to learn more about our services and schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you feel your best!

Treating Symptoms of Whiplash with Medical and Chiropractic Care combined

Maybe you don’t give them enough credit, but your neck muscles are involved in almost every movement you take.

Like all of us, you only realize it once they hurt you, trying to signal that something’s not right in the area.

The pain can become unbearable, and it usually leaves an imprint on everything you do, especially when standing up.

One of the causes of neck pain is whiplash, a common condition that is rarely clinically diagnosed and corrected.

Causes and Lasting Effects of Whiplash

Whiplash occurs most often as a result of a car accident or even heavy braking. The body is strapped and restrained in the seat, while the head and neck is forced abruptly into forward flexion, then hyperextension, followed by a hyperflexion. This leads to an irregular S shape of the spine, which can affect you on the long term.

Even if you didn’t have a immediate symptoms, the symptoms could surface moths or even years later if the underlying damage is not rehabilitated and corrected.

The most common symptoms that indicate whiplash or residual effects of whiplash are:

  • Neck and shoulder pain and stiffness
  • Headaches and fatigue
  • Jaw pain
  • Arm weakness and pain

Although they are often felt right after the impact, you can start to feel the effects of whiplash gradually, over a few days, or even months and years later.

Recovery and Treating the Symptoms

If left untreated, in most cases, the symptoms build up progressively and lead to anxiety, frustration, stress, depression, and insomnia. All of the secondary symptoms that develop are the result of the constant discomfort and underlying weakness and instability of the damaged neck joints, muscles, and ligaments.

The traditional treatments include over-the-counter medicine, and ice on the neck to reduce the swelling. If the pain is severe, you can be requested to wear a neck collar for a short period, or you can get a prescription for painkillers.

When addressed correctly, the recovery can take between a few days and a few months. But that can only happen once you get a proper clinical diagnosis.

Come Visit Us

If you’re looking for efficient whiplash treatment in Naples, stop by Hiler Chiropractic & Neurology and the Feel Amazing Spine and Joint Institute. We are advanced certified by the Spine Institute of San Diego to treat the condition. We offer chiropractic as well as medical procedures all under one roof.

To diagnose whiplash, we use Digital Motion X-Ray to view the structures of the spine in motion. The pain is usually worse with movement, so it makes sense to x-ray the spine 30 frames per second to visualize the underlying damage. To alleviate the symptoms, we rely on alternative remedies such as rehab and chiropractic, or even regenerative therapy provided by our medical staff.

If you’re interested in further information, you can book an appointment or contact us online. We are looking forward to helping you.

Spinal Decompression for Sciatica Treatment

Are tingling, numbness, and general nerve pain causing problems in your leg? These are the symptoms of sciatica, a nerve condition that can have long-term complications if left untreated. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to get the symptoms of sciatica back under control. Spinal decompression therapy at Hiler Chiropractic & Neurology is a good option for anyone suffering from sciatica in Naples, and a few weeks of treatment can relieve your symptoms for good.

What is Sciatica?

Though not a medical diagnosis, sciatica is a term used to describe the symptoms that can occur when the sciatic nerve in the back of the leg is compromised in some way. Common symptoms can include tingling, numbness, sharp pains, or weakness on one side of your leg. This pain tends to come and go, but the symptoms can be debilitating in the long run.

The causes of sciatica pain is usually linked to irritation with the lower lumbar and lumbosacral spine. Degenerative disc disease can also lead to complications, especially if the cartilage cushions between the vertebrae begin to break down.

What are Common Options for Sciatica Treatment?

Medication is often used to relieve the pain caused by sciatica. Over the counter medications like Aspirin or Advil can give temporary relief, and prescription muscle relaxants can ease muscle spasms to prevent the nerve from being pinched.

Often, therapeutic treatment with a chiropractor is the best way to achieve long-term sciatic pain relief. This process often involves removing pressure from the nerve, either through exercise, realigning your spinal column to remove pinching, or other methods like traction or spinal decompression therapy. Even a few weeks of treatment can make a major difference in sciatica pain, meaning that visiting a specialist for sciatica treatment is essential for your overall wellbeing.

How Does Spinal Decompression Therapy Help Sciatica Pain?

For those with chronic sciatica, spinal decompression (known as vertebral axial decompression or VAX-D) is an innovative method for long-term relief. The process involves stretching out the spine to relieve pain and promote overall healing through the use of belts, harnesses, and computerized mechanical table. Each treatment includes sliding the lower body back and forth between traction and relaxation to increase nutrient flow to the vertebrae and possibly relieve tension on discs and on the sciatic nerve.

In most cases, spinal decompression therapy takes roughly thirty minutes per session, and results are usually felt within the first few weeks of treatment.

Interested in seeing what spinal decompression therapy can do for your sciatica pain? Hiler Chiropractic & Neurology in Naples offers this service. We want to work with you to help you find relief for your symptoms so that you can live without nerve pain. To learn more, you can contact us here or book an appointment. We look forward to treating you soon.