Monday, May 1, 2017

The Science Behind Cracking Your Knuckles

We've all heard the familiar pop of cracking joints. Some people find great satisfaction in cracking their knuckles and other appendages, while others are supremely irritated by the noise. Regardless of your reaction, the science behind the sound may surprise you!

A joint can be defined as any point of contact between bones. Each one of your joints has a joint capsule between these two bones that helps to cushion the joint; this capsule is sealed in a kind of vacuum seal. When a joint is cracked gas is removed from the joint capsule, which is what makes the popping sound. The sound comes from the release of the gas, not from contact between bones. Here's what the release of gas in a joint crack looks like in an MRI: 



Studies show that the best way to pop your knuckles is using traction; when cracked correctly, a finger should not be bent or extend past its normal range of motion. To crack a knuckle using traction, simply pull the finger away from your palm. When done incorrectly (bending the fingers against the palm) or too often (more than 10-12 times per day), cracking your knuckles can cause arthritis. However, done the right way (with traction and just a few times per day) cracking your joints can actually help to prevent arthritis!

The pops you may hear during a chiropractic adjustment come from the release of gas between a joint, just like when you crack your knuckles. Inside your spine there are over 76 joints; that’s a lot of possible popping!

To learn more about joint cracking, see this Youtube video by Vox, or this article from the Cleveland Clinic.

Thursday, April 13, 2017

Kittens & Chiropractic


Holding any tension in your neck or back? Getting adjusted can help you rest just as easy and relaxed as Minnie!

Thursday, February 23, 2017

Elevate Health Chiropractic Explains Infant Adjustments

Why take your infant to be adjusted? To begin with, babies have suffered a great deal of stress on their body during birth. A current study shows that 90% of newborns suffer some degree of trauma during birth, including strain on the neck and cranial areas. If these imbalances are left uncorrected, they can have serious implications on the newborn's health later in life.

Dr. Paul Samuel, DC, recommends bringing your newborn to be adjusted within the first 4 months of their life. The first year of life is the period of greatest growth for a baby's spine; the spine grows by 50% just in this year! The spinal curves that make up a well functioning spine are also formed within the first year of life.

Adjustments help optimize the function of the nervous system, which controls growth and development. Removing subluxations in this critical system helps boost a baby's health growth. Some symptoms that may indicate that your child is experiencing an imbalance and could benefit from an adjustment include reflux/frequent spitting up, colic, difficulty nursing, and balance issues. A recent study of infants in chiropractic treatment shows that 94% of babies adjusted by chiropractors showed a successful rating after just two weeks.

Some parents may fear that a chiropractic adjustment is too strenuous a procedure for their newborn; however, treatments for newborns are very gentle. Very light touches are used to correct misalignments. Chiropractors can also use cranio-sacral massage to open up sinuses and ear canals. Chiropractic care helps ensure that your infant's skull will grow and develop evenly, preparing them for a lifetime of wellness.


Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Be Good to Your Body at Work!

The average American adult spends eight hours a day sitting down. Research links prolonged time spent sitting with a variety of detrimental health effects, including increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, obesity, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer (see the Mayo Clinic's article here). Sitting for too long also slows your brain's function, strains your neck, and can damage your discs (see this article).

It's important to try to reduce time spent sitting, but people who are employed in offices may find it difficult to reduce time at their desk. Experts suggest several ways to counteract the stresses of sitting, including sitting on something wobbly such as an exercise ball to engage your core muscles, walking around for a few minutes every hour, and alternating between sitting and standing at your work station.

We know how challenging it can be to find time to get up and out of your desk chair, so we've assembled a guide to four easy exercises you can do right at your desk! These stretches will help reduce tension, soothe stiffness, and increase your body's performance. Be good to your body, even at work!




Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Elevate Health Chiropractic wishes you a happy New Year!

It's a brand new year! Hoping everyone had a fun & safe holiday. As we start 2017, here are five good reasons why chiropractic care should be included in your New Year's resolution! 
#chiropractic #health #wellness #newyearnewyou


Friday, December 2, 2016

Deflaming with Nutrition

South Burlington chiropractor Dr. Paul Samuel has some tips for you on how to deflame your diet and reduce inflammation! Eating anti-inflammatory foods helps boost your health and wellness and keeps your body functioning at optimum levels. We at Elevate Health Chiropractic will be adding more information to this continuing series on eating healthy so be sure to check back in! #health #wellness #chiropractic #burlington #vermont

www.elevatehealthchiropractic.com
(802) 557-8568