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There are two major categories of painkillers: non-narcotic
and narcotic. |
Ageing of the spine During our lifetime, our spines are required to
withstand considerable weight-bearing stresses resulting from activities
of daily living. As a result of these stresses, “wear-and-tear” or degeneration
occurs in all parts of the vertebral column. Degeneration which occurs
in the spine as a consequence of daily living is considered part of the
normal ageing process. |
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An apple a day Your diet Unfortunately today our fruit and vegetables are of lower quality than it was even 20 years ago. Due to intensive farming and better storage by the time we eat it many vitamins and minerals are destroyed. Food is more adulterated with harmful chemicals. |
Osteoporosis is the medical term given to the
thinning of the bones. This condition can be due to hormonal changes during
the menopause, due to ageing or due to underlying disease processes. Although
osteoporosis is approximately 8 times more likely to affect women, it
is important to be aware that men can suffer too. |
| Asthma and chiropractic Asthma – what is it? |
Posture Posture is the way we
sit, stand, kneel, squat or walk and is determined by the body’s structures,
but it can also be influenced by genetic and emotional factors. Normal
spine posture helps to reduce potential strain. However, our modern lifestyles,
combined with forces of gravity, often ruin our healthy upright posture.
The habit of slouching begins in childhood when we sit in front of the
television and at school desks, slouching then continues into adulthood
when we sit in front of computers and laptops. As we become older, osteoporosis
(the thinning of the bones) and osteoarthritis (wear and tear) often results
in poor posture. Sitting and inactivity automatically worsens our posture,
making pain inevitable. |
| Good Nutrition for Bones, Muscles
& Joints Choosing a balanced
diet containing the right vitamins and minerals decreases our chances
of developing deficiencies later on in life. The body’s structure relies
on vitamins and minerals to ensure muscle tone (including the heart),
healthy functioning of nerves; correct composition of body fluids; and
the formation of healthy blood and bones. Any joint that is not
being used correctly will be susceptible to stresses and strains. Regular
chiropractic checks and advice on posture and exercise all help to keep
the bones, muscles and joints in good health. |
Role of X-rays in chiropractic X-rays (or diagnostic images) play a vital role
in chiropractic. They allow chiropractors to view your bones and joints
with clarity, and to some extent, the related soft tissues. With the help
of x-rays, chiropractors can evaluate the health of your bones and derive
an accurate diagnosis. However, x-rays are not always necessary… The
purpose of this information sheet is to answer some frequently asked questions,
and clarify some common misconceptions, of the role of x-rays in chiropractic. |
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Osteoporosis What is osteoporosis? All
bones can be affected, but hip and spine fractures cause the most concern.
A hip fracture almost requires surgery and a long convalescence. It can
inhibit being able to walk unassisted and may cause permanent disability,
or even death. Spinal fractures also have serious consequences, including
loss of height, severe back pain, and deformity.
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The mind body link An understanding
of how the mind affects the body, and vice-versa, requires a combined
knowledge of PSYCHLOGY (the mind), of NEUROLOGY (the nervous system) and
of IMMUNOLOGY (the body’s natural defences)
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