Chiropractic care, massage, and TMJ

Chiropractic and massage care can be beneficial for managing Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder, a condition that affects the jaw joint and the muscles controlling jaw movement. Here’s how each approach works:

1. Chiropractic Care for TMJ:

   Chiropractors can help by addressing misalignments in the spine and neck that may contribute to TMJ pain. Specific chiropractic adjustments aim to:

   - Relieve pressure on the TMJ: Misalignments in the neck or spine may affect how the jaw moves, and adjustments can restore proper alignment.

   - Improve joint mobility: Chiropractic manipulation can increase the range of motion in the jaw.

   - Relax tight muscles: Adjustments can help relax muscles around the jaw, reducing pain and tension.

   - Correct posture: Poor posture can contribute to TMJ issues, and chiropractic care may focus on improving posture to reduce strain on the jaw.

2. Massage Therapy for TMJ:

   Massage therapy focuses on the muscles surrounding the TMJ and helps reduce tension, inflammation, and pain. Techniques may include:

   - Myofascial release: A type of deep tissue massage that targets trigger points and tight areas in the muscles around the jaw, neck, and head.

   - Intraoral massage: In some cases, therapists will work inside the mouth to relieve tension in the muscles directly connected to the jaw joint.

   - Trigger point therapy: Massage therapists may apply pressure to specific points in the muscles to relieve pain and reduce muscle spasms.

   - Relaxation techniques: Massaging the neck, shoulders, and upper back helps improve overall relaxation and reduce stress, which can exacerbate TMJ pain.

Benefits of Combining Chiropractic and Massage for TMJ:

   - Enhanced relief: Chiropractic adjustments address the alignment of the jaw and spine, while massage focuses on relieving muscle tension and improving circulation. Together, they can provide more comprehensive pain relief.

   -Improved healing: Both therapies can help reduce inflammation and promote better blood flow, accelerating recovery from TMJ pain.

   - Stress reduction: Since stress is a common trigger for TMJ pain, combining massage and chiropractic care can help manage both the physical and emotional aspects of the condition.

It’s important to work with qualified practitioners who have experience treating TMJ, and they can customize a treatment plan to suit your needs.

Why you should drink water after chiropractic care

Drinking water after chiropractic care is crucial for several reasons:

1. **Toxin Release**: Chiropractic adjustments can release toxins stored in muscles and tissues. Drinking water helps flush these toxins out of your system.

2. **Joint Lubrication**: Staying hydrated keeps your joints lubricated, reducing stiffness and promoting better mobility.

3. **Hydration and Recovery**: Proper hydration aids in overall recovery, preventing dehydration and muscle cramping, especially if you exercise regularly.

By ensuring adequate fluid intake, particularly water, after chiropractic sessions, you support your body's healing and overall well-being.


Mental Health Awareness Month

How Can Chiropractic Care Help With Anxiety and Depression?

It might seem surprising, but there’s a strong connection between your spinal health and your mental well-being. Here’s how chiropractic care can make a difference:

·         Chiropractic Adjustments: Misalignments in your spine can affect your nervous system and, in turn, your mental health. By correcting these misalignments, chiropractic care can help reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. This includes improving mood balance and increasing levels of serotonin, a chemical in your brain that contributes to feelings of happiness.

·         Stress Reduction: High stress is a common trigger for anxiety and depression. Regular chiropractic adjustments can help reduce stress levels by calming the nervous system, making it easier to manage daily pressures.

·         Improving Sleep: Many people with anxiety and depression struggle with sleep problems. Chiropractic care can aid in better sleep by addressing physical discomfort and promoting relaxation, essential for mental health recovery.

 

Complementary Therapies:

In addition to spinal adjustments, chiropractors may recommend complementary therapies to manage stress and anxiety. These may include:

1.     Massage Therapy: Massage helps relax muscles, improves circulation, and promotes a sense of relaxation. It can be a valuable addition to chiropractic care for stress and anxiety management.

2.     Lifestyle Modifications: Chiropractors often guide stress reduction techniques, exercise, nutrition, and sleep hygiene to support overall well-being and stress management.

3.     Mind-Body Techniques: Chiropractors may suggest incorporating mind-body techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga to further enhance the benefits of chiropractic care.

FOUR REASONS FOR INFANT CHIROPRACTIC CARE

  1. BABY SLEEPS BETTER

    This is the biggest for a new mom. When mom gets to sleep everyone has a better day. When the spine is align the baby can sleep comfortably.

  2. PROMOTES BRAIN DEVELOPMENT

    The spine is where many of your body’s nerves meet and so when you are adjusted, it’s almost like resetting your nervous center. Chiropractic care really promotes healthy brain and nerve development.

  3. SUPPORTS A HEALTHY IMMUNE SYSTEM

    The hardest part of parenting may be to watch your tiny baby get sick. They can’t verbalize what is going on with them. Chiropractic care creates and immune system response of the T cells which overtime can decrease your babies sick days. That’s a win for momma!

  4. EASES GAS AND COLIC

    Although there is no clear cut answer to what creates colic, gas seems to be a huge part of it. With gentle movements to the spine, the baby can feel relief of gas pains caused from a misalignment.

a newborn baby is really a guessing game sometimes when trying to figure out their needs. Adding chiropractic care to your babies health regimen can help elevate some worry and help mom and baby in the long run.

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Come Decompress at Courthouse!

It’s officially here! After some waiting, we finally have our Decompression table set up! Did you know that Decompression Therapy can help you heal from Chronic Pain and relieve nerve pressure? As you lay on the table you are gently stretched. This helps to remove pressure on your spine. Are you ready to try it? Don’t forget to ask Dr. Stewart at your next appointment!

New office update!

We are officially moving! But have no fear, it’s just right across the street. If you look right across from the old office w are in the White House. The address is 9104. It’s a bigger and better space and we plan to offer a lot more in terms of massages and availability. Take a look at our tour.

We will see you soon!

We will see you soon!

Brief history in the establishment of chiropractic care.

•Chiropractic care wasn’t officially developed until the late 1800s by Dr. Daniel David Palmer. A patient was complaining of hearing loss after a weird pop in his back. Dr. Palmer had the patient lay face down and proceeded with the first ever adjustment. The next day, the patient could hear again. Dr. Palmer opened up the first chiropractic school two years later.

•As the saying goes, the rest is history. 

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Why you should get adjusted even if your not in pain.

We here questions like this all the time; if I’m not in pain why should I have to go to the chiropractor?

Isn’t a chiropractor just for your back? They can’t help with leg/arm/head pains right?

WRONG.

The spine is made up of 24 individual working and movable bones. At each entry of these bones there are nerve ending that send impulses or pain receptors to different parts of the body. If one these 24 parts are not in correct positioning then the body sends out pain responses to the nerves or muscle groups that are associated with each section. So inherently, it’s all connected.

EXAMPLE

IF YOU HAVE A LOOSE BRICK IN A WALL, THE MORTAR AROUND ALL THE OTHER BRICKS SLOWLY STARTS TO CHIP AWAY CAUSING MORE SYSTEMIC PROBLEMS TO ARISE WITH THE WALL.

Chiropractors are here to help you strengthen that wall; your Spine. Chiropractic care allows gentle movement within the spinal column to restore your wall back to health.

But let’s think of regular maintenance adjustments-

When you think of what we can do in time of distress, think of what would happen if you routinely visited the chiropractor before issues arise.

Routine check ups with a chiropractor can help ensure the spine is moving effectively to prevent issues such as arthritis; bone spurs, pinched nerves, sciatica etc.

how often you need to check up with the chiropractor is different for everyone but everyone can benefit from routinely visiting your favorite chiropractor.

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Let your body do the healing.

One reason many patients favor chiropractic therapy is that it is natural and noninvasive, avoiding surgery and pills. The basic philosophy of doctors in this field is simple: by removing impingements to the communication system that sends messages to and from the brain, health is improved. Through spinal manipulation, chiropractors allow your body to access its own innate power to heal itself – optimizing the alignment within your body rather than introducing external chemicals

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Heavy bags could be a pain culprit.

Carrying around a heavy purse or laptop messenger style bag everyday? You could be really messing up that shoulder and alignment. If you’re experiencing migraines, aches and pains through out your back and shoulders your bag could be the culprit. Instead try carrying a backpack that is minimal and is no more than 5-10 percent of your body weight.

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Beware of basic flip flops!

Boy it’s a hot one today! While you are trying to escape the heat and stay cool, like wearing those flip flops, make sure your not doing more harm than good! 

Your feet are your biggest support systems. Make sure to choose flip flops that have a good arch support. Stay away from one size fits all!

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Boating Injuries

Feeling a little sore from your weekend on the lake? Boating and water sports can lead to whiplash, muscle and ligament damage and misalignment in the cervical vertebrae.  So if you are experiencing a stiff neck, sore back or headache after your weekend, come see us!

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Proudly Serving Spotsylvania, Lee Hill, Thornburg, Post Oak, and surrounding areas.