The following are just a few of the many benefits of exercise.

Improved Heart Health
Cardiovascular exercise gets the heart to pump at a faster rate. Performed on a regular basis, running, brisk walking, swimming, cycling, and all forms of cardio-focused exercise can help improve the function of the heart muscle and make it pump more efficiently. With a heart working optimally, you’ll find yourself to be less winded while tackling everyday tasks such as walking up stairs, lifting heavy objects, or doing household chores. For those who have hypertension, regular exercise can help lower blood pressure to healthier levels naturally without the use of medications.

Increased Metabolism
Along with improving the function of your heart, exercise also increases your metabolism. This can make it easier to maintain your weight or lose weight if necessary. The more intensely you exercise, the larger the increase in your metabolic rate.

Better Hormonal Balance
One of the most beneficial effects of exercise is the release of endorphins, often called ‘feel good’ hormones, and a decrease in the production of cortisol. High levels of cortisol in the bloodstream have been linked to chronic stress and depression.

Management of Diabetes
Exercise helps the body’s muscles utilize glucose more efficiently. Thus, individuals who regularly exercise tend to have better management of their blood sugar levels and have fewer blood sugar swings. For diabetics, exercise can be an essential component to managing symptoms and disease progression.

Flexibility
As we age, muscles, joints and ligaments are more prone to injury. Exercise can help maintain their function. And by adding chiropractic care to regular exercise, many of the often-times painful effects of aging such as muscle pulls and torn ligaments can be prevented.

Both exercise and chiropractic care help circulation and muscle function which can promote healing of body tissues. Combined, they can also prevent back pain by keeping spinal muscles toned and flexible, improve restorative sleep, and reduce overall pain and stress.

If you want to learn more about the benefits of exercise and chiropractic care, contact our office today for a consultation. We’ll be happy to recommend a treatment plan that combines chiropractic therapy and exercise to help improve your overall health.

Dr. Judd Lowrey, D.C. | Lowrey Chiropractic | El Dorado Hills & Folsom Chiropractor | (916) 941-7508

1. Drink water. Everyone has heard the advice, “Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day.” But did you know that water makes up approximately 60 percent of your body weight. Every system in your body depends on water. So, this spring, drink 8-10 glasses of water a day, plus replace soda, juices, and coffee for more water.  After your chiropractic adjustment, it is important to drink lots of water to stay hydrated and help your body with its healing process.
2. Take in fresh air. Make sure you get outside and take advantage of the beautiful weather. Even if it is just for 30 minutes during your lunch break – do it!
3. Try a new workout. Spring represents new things, so why not try a new workout too. There’s no better way to flush your body of built-up toxins than by sweating it out! Exercise helps increase your energy and reduce fatigue.
4. Add color to your diet. Spring is the perfect time to add more vegetables and fruit to your diet. Your body will like you for the extra nutrition and you will feel the extra energy boost throughout your day.

Dr. Judd Lowrey, D.C.  |  Lowrey Chiropractic  | El Dorado Hills Chiropractor

(916) 941-7508

http://www.lowreychiropractic.com

Orthodox medicine does not offer a cure for allergies. The most common treatments are antihistamines to combat histamines that cause eye redness, sinus congestion, and other allergy symptoms. These medications used to treat symptoms of seasonal allergies often have a variety of side effects that can leave some feeling groggy and tired – particularly when they’re taken with alcohol, sedatives, or tranquilizers. More serious side effects of allergy medications include infection, suppressed immunity, and hypertension. A 1994 Journal of the National Cancer Institute also produced research showing a link between certain antihistamines and cancerous tumors in lab rodents.

Unlike medications that have side effects and have been developed solely for minimizing or masking allergy symptoms, chiropractic care helps restore the body’s ability to adapt to allergens by locating and reducing disturbances in the nervous system. As an allergen is introduced to the body, the immune, glandular, and respiratory systems can react inappropriately causing symptoms of allergies. The chiropractic approach to treating this over response by the body is to release stress on the nervous system so that immune system can function more effectively.

By removing stuck neurological patterns, stress can be relieved, and the body can begin to neutralize allergy-causing chemicals. With the nervous system in check, symptoms of allergies often subside. Thus, the focus on chiropractic care for allergies is truly building a healthier body, as opposed to either eliminating allergens or treating symptoms with medications.

Whether or not you’re suffering from allergies this spring, it’s beneficial for your long-term health to have a healthy spine. A spinal checkup can determine if you have stuck neurological patterns that could be contributing to allergy symptoms or other conditions that can affect your health, strength, and vitality. Call Lowrey Chiropractic, El Dorado Hills Chiropractor at (916) 941-7508 today to find out how chiropractic care can help you!

Back Exercise from Lowrey Chiropractic, El Dorado Hills Chiropractor

1. Begin on floor on hands and knees. Hips should be above knees and shoulders above hands. Attain a straight spine position.
2. Round your back upward, stretching mid-back between the shoulder blades.
3. Relax and let your stomach fall downward as you arch your back.
4. Hold each position 30 seconds and repeat 3 repetitions for 3 sets.

Call today to schedule your appointment: (916) 941-7508

Dr. Judd Lowrey, D.C.  |  Lowrey Chiropractic  | El Dorado Hills & Folsom Chiropractor

80% of people suffer from back pain

Eighty percent of people suffer from back pain at some point in their lives. Back pain is the second most common reason for visits to the doctor’s office. In fact, it is estimated that low back pain affects more than half of the adult population each year.

As long as it is healthy and functioning correctly, the low back can withstand tremendous forces without injury. However, if the low back is out of adjustment or has weakened supporting muscles, something as simple as lifting a bag of groceries, or picking something up off the floor can cause a low back injury.

Consumer reports rated chiropractic care number one for the treatment of low back pain for a simple reason – “it works”. In fact, major studies have shown that chiropractic care is more effective, cheaper and has better long-term outcomes than any other treatment. Chiropractic care is the only method of treatment that serves to re-establish normal vertebral motion and position in the spine.  All other treatments, such as muscle relaxants, pain killers and bed rest, only serve to decrease the symptoms of the problem and do not correct the problem itself.

Here is the Piriformis Stretch for you to try out.  It helps to remove tension off lower back, correct hip imbalance, restore function, and increases flexibility, improves joint range of motion, and improves circulation.

3. Grasp uncrossed leg under thigh and gently pull toward chest.

Dr. Judd Lowrey, D.C. | Lowrey Chiropractic | El Dorado Hills & Folsom Chiropractor

(916) 941-7508

March is National Nutrition Month! Learn how to Get Your Plate in Shape with these healthy tips from Academy of Nutrition.

Eating a healthy diet doesn’t have to be difficult. Making a few simple changes to your daily eating plans can benefit you for a lifetime. Here are a few ways to “Get Your Plate in Shape”.

• Make half of your plate fruits and vegetables: Eat a variety of vegetables, especially dark-green, red and orange varieties. Add fresh, dried, frozen or canned fruits to meals and snacks.

• Make at least half your grains whole: Choose 100 percent whole-grain breads, cereals, crackers, pasta and brown rice. Check the ingredients list on food packages to find whole-grain foods.

• Switch to fat-free or low-fat milk: Fat-free and low-fat milk have the same amount of calcium and other essential nutrients as whole milk, but less fat and calories. For those who are lactose intolerant, try lactose-free milk or a calcium-fortified soy beverage.

• Vary your protein choices: Eat a variety of foods from the protein food group each week, such as seafood, nuts and beans, as well as lean meat, poultry and eggs. Keep meat and poultry portions small and lean. And be sure to choose seafood as the protein at least twice a week.

• Cut back on sodium and empty calories from solid fats and added sugars: Compare sodium in foods and choose those with lower numbers, and season your foods with herbs and spices instead of salt. Switch from solid fats to healthy oils like olive and canola oil. Replace sugary drinks with water and choose fruit for dessert.

• Enjoy your foods but eat less: Avoid oversized portions. Use a smaller plate, bowl and glass. Cook more often at home where you are in control of what’s in your food. When eating out, choose lower calorie menu options.

• Be physically active your way: Adults need at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of physical activity every week. Choose activities that you enjoy, and start by doing as much as you can.

What are you doing to get your plate in shape?

Over the past few years, rates of heart disease have been steadily dropping as a result of improved detection and treatment of high blood pressure and high cholesterol, as well as smoking-prevention efforts. These improvements are in large part due to tremendous efforts of the American Heart Association, the CDC and other organizations to improve the prevention and treatment of heart disease.  

Your grandfather, mother, and uncle may have all had heart disease, but even with a strongly inherited predisposition to the condition, you can cut your risks dramatically by pursuing a heart healthy lifestyle — and it’s easier than you think.  What you eat, how much exercise you get, and paying attention to your overall health have a lot to do with heart health; and incorporating a few heart healthy tips into your daily activities can keep your heart in tip top shape.  

1. Don’t smoke or use tobacco – just don’t do it!
2. 30 minutes of moderate exercise at least five days a week
3. Eat a heart healthy diet, high in vegetables, fruits, whole grains and fiber and low in saturated fats and sodium.
4. Maintain a healthy weight (BMI at 25 or lower)
5. Get regular health screenings

OK, you are probably aware that diet and exercise are key factors in preventing heart disease.  However, you may not know that chiropractic care may also help keep your heart healthy!  Research has shown that chiropractic adjustments to the upper neck can actually lower your blood pressure for an extended period of time.  Other studies have shown that adjustments of the bones in the neck and lower back can stimulate particular nervous system reflexes, causing a decrease in overall heart rate and blood pressure!

 A visit to a chiropractor can relieve stress, help your heart, and provide you with the support and guidance you need to change and apply new healthy lifestyles.  This February, make a pledge to have your glass of red wine, a piece of dark chocolate, do some exercise, and call and make your chiropractic appointment!   Chiropractic care combined with positive lifestyle changes, proper nutrition, and exercise can prove to be your best ally in the fight against heart disease!

Chiropractic care can be a vital component to a healthy lifestyle along with the following five New Year’s strategies that will enable you to reduce the chance of painful injuries.

1.       Don’t carry a heavy briefcase, backpack, or purse with the strap over one shoulder, unless placing the strap over your head on the side opposite the bag. Carrying a bag on one shoulder places uneven weight on one side of your body which can cause both back and shoulder pain.

2.       Make an effort to keep moving while at work and take periodic stretch breaks.

3.       Don’t lift heavy objects over your head which can strain muscles and damage nerves.

4.       Don’t turn your torso while lifting heavy objects.

5.       Don’t consistently cross the same leg over the other which can lead to spine misalignment.

By taking these five steps, you can go a long way towards preventing back, shoulder, and neck pain and injury. This translates directly into having to take less pain medication.

The reality is that over the counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can negatively affect your long-term health in a variety of ways.

NSAIDs are a leading cause of stomach ulcers and gastric bleeds. This is particularly true for certain age groups.

They can damage kidneys. According to a New England Journal of Medicine article, up to 10% of all kidney failure was a result of the abuse of NSAIDs such as Advil and Tylenol.

And, the biggest risk for those taking large doses of pain medications is liver damage. This is especially true for those consuming large quantities of acetaminophen. Unfortunately, about 1/3 of the individuals who overdose on acetaminophen didn’t understand the risks before taking more than the recommended amount.

Finally, rebound pain is a common, yet often under-reported symptom of taking NSAIDs. The nervous system continues to generate pain when an individual takes these over-the-counter medications. Thus, pain medications may even contribute to someone getting hooked or addicted.

While there are situations when pain medication makes sense, it’s important to understand the risks and know the alternatives. One alternative to managing pain and taking medication is chiropractic care.  At Lowrey Chiropractic, we have the training and experience to manage both acute and chronic pain. If you’re ready to start 2012 out right – free from pain, give us a call today. You’ll be glad that you did!

Sciatica is a description of symptoms as opposed to a diagnosis of what may be irritating the sciatic nerve which in turn gives rise to the pain.  It is a rather common form of lower back and leg discomfort but what is often misunderstood is that the condition tends to result from general wear and tear on lower spine structures. Some medical professionals falsely interpret this wear and tear as injury-related, when, in fact, it’s a nerve issue.

The most common symptom is a pain that spreads out along the path of the sciatic nerve, beginning with the lower back and extending down one leg. However, there are many other symptoms too, and these can vary widely depending on the exact point at which the sciatic nerve becomes affected. Some sufferers may experience a mild tingling sensation or achiness, while others may feel sharp pain one side of their body. The frequently described pins-and-needles sensation is a common symptom, too, and is usually felt in the foot or toes. Sciatica pain typically begins slowly then gradually becomes unbearable with sudden involuntary actions such as sneezing or coughing bringing on severe pain.

Most sciatica sufferers often respond well to sciatica chiropractic treatment in its various forms. But, it’s important to note that sciatica is a symptom and not a medical condition. Sciatica treatment plans will vary according to the underlying causes of the pain. The American Chiropractic Association (AMA) recommends a non-invasive, drug-free treatment option to ease the pain of sciatica. .  Once there is a full examination, there will be a recommendation of an effective sciatica treatment program that should quickly have you functioning normally again. Treatments may include a combination of electric muscle stimulation, specialized stretching, low back adjustments, and muscle therapies including myofascial release and trigger point therapy to quickly reduce and eliminate pain and get you back on your feet.

To learn more about treatment of sciatica or to schedule an evaluation, please contact us today!

The nerve roots are attached to your spinal cord and exit out through the spinal column through the neck and upper back, traveling through your shoulder, down your arm, to the elbow, wrist, and hand. When nerves are disrupted they will cause a variety of different types of pain such as weakness, numbness, tingling, burning, sharp, dull, or an aching feeling. These symptoms are particularly responsive to chiropractic spinal adjustments designed to treat such problems.

Wrist pain can also be caused by trauma or strain due to repetitive action on the joint. This causes muscle tightness and restriction in the movement of the joint. There are many causes of arm, elbow, and wrist pain. Sometimes, it will only take a single movement and you will feel instant pain. Injuries to ligaments and muscles in your arm will occur when they are overworked over a period of time from activities like sports, work, or home improvement projects. Common sports injuries, such as tennis and golfers elbow, are very common in active adults and can be cared for fairly easily through chiropractic treatment.

While rest, anti-inflammatory medicine, and ice can help manage the pain, they will do nothing to correct your underlying condition. Not having treatment will generally cause the underlying problem to eventually get worse. Each time the pain comes back, it will be worse, and last longer, until your condition becomes permanent. In which case, surgery may become necessary.

Chiropractic care is a much safer and less expensive route to take when dealing with pain. Invasive surgery should be a last resort when all other options are exhausted. A doctor will examine you and conduct diagnostic tests to determine exactly what is causing your wrist or arm pain. The causes and seriousness of conditions can vary so it is important to pinpoint the cause and begin an appropriate treatment plan.  Wrist and arm pain can negatively affect everything from work performance to personal relationships, yet this condition can easily be treated through high quality chiropractic care.

If painful arms, wrists, or hands are slowing you down, call our office today at 916-941-7508 to schedule an exam.