The Importance of Chiropractic on Overall Health

At the heart of chiropractic medicine is an understanding that the alignment of the spine affects the nervous system in a big way. The spine houses the spinal cord and nerves extend from the brain to the body and back. Therefore, it is crucial that this flow is uninhibited and able to carry messages that affect how we function. For this reason, chiropractic care is capable of improving a variety of conditions and disorders including anything from migraines to foot pain.

Here’s information you need to know about what your spinal cord consists of. Your spinal column, made up of 24 independent vertebrae, is what allows your body to move, twist, and bend through every motion of your busy day. It also encases and helps protect the delicate central nervous system that controls and coordinates every muscle, tissue and organ of the body. This is why chiropractors believe the first step to an active lifestyle is a properly functioning spine.

When two or more vertebrae aren't functioning together properly, it is what many chiropractors refer to as a subluxation or a misalignment. These subluxations are actually joint dysfunctions that can cause you to experience pain, discomfort, decreased mobility, or many other symptoms and conditions. Imagine all of the pain you could possibly experience from subluxations, not only will you suffer from pain, but as well as limited mobility on a daily basis. Stressing your spine will only make the situation worse and could leave you in a vulnerable position. Joint dysfunctions often go unnoticed and can cause miscommunication between your brain and body.

Joint dysfunctions in the spine may eventually lead to symptoms in other parts or joints of the body as well. These symptoms are your body’s only way of letting you know something is wrong. Unfortunately, the absence of pain is not an indication of health. By the time pain and symptoms appear the problem may have been present for months, even years. However, the great news is that you can help prevent these types of symptoms and conditions with routine chiropractic care.

If you’re tired from suffering from chronic back pain, you might want to consider visiting the Gonzaba Medical Group in San Antonio, as their chiropractic care will do their best to get rid current back pain and eliminate any chance of the pain reoccurring. An examination of the spine to evaluate structure and function is what differentiates chiropractic from other healthcare procedures. Chiropractic Services are a part of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation department at Gonzaba Medical Group.

Here is a list of the following treatments that Gonzaba Medical Group offers:

• Gentle, effective spinal manipulation
• Evaluation of spinal conditions, including nerve, muscle, bone and connective tissue
• Joint-related conditions
• Auto-accident injuries
• Back-pain relief
• On-the-job injuries

No matter how the patient develops spinal complications, Gonzaba Medical Group is capable of treating any sort of back pain. Many patients fear there might not be an effective solution or treatment for them to utilize in order to get rid of their back pain. Which no one can blame them for since back pain is the second most common injury.

Not only can back pain be a struggle to experience, but the injury can be life-changing. Not for the better, but for the worst as you will not be able to perform certain tasks like you used to in the past. Patients who are still young should consider getting the treatment they need to prevent any more back pain. If patients decide to get rid of their back pains at a much later age, the complications will be greater as well as adapting to different treatments.

The chiropractic professionals at Gonzaba Medical Group also provide and/or prescribe:

• Electrotherapy
• Therapeutic exercise
• Ice/heat therapy, including ultrasound
• Lifestyle and nutritional counseling
• Massage therapy
• Physical rehabilitation

It’s important for patients to continue their physical rehabilitation as well as massage therapy. Any progress they make with the two treatments can be lost if they are not consistent. No good will come out of that and will eventually bring them back to square one or even worse, develop more back problems than they can handle. The process for patients to return to their normal state of having healthy spines will be challenging only because of how fragile the spine can become after an injury. Gonzaba Medical Group is not only seeking to provide the treatment and services needed to get rid of back pain, but they are interested in going through each step of the rehabilitation process with their patients.

 Don’t suffer from back pain like the millions of Americans do nowadays, with the help of the chiropractic care from the Gonzaba Medical Group, you can prevent yourself from unnecessary pain. Take the first step and call 210-921-3800 to set up your consultation with one of the chiropractors at Gonzaba Medical Group and eliminate your back problems today.

6 Ways You Can Stay Hydrated for Summer ‘16

Summer is here. There’s nothing better than relaxing in a pool and enjoying a cooled beverage. Even though we look forward to the sunny days during the summer, you can’t forget about the heat that comes along with the bright weather. In certain parts of the country, you’ll have state's reach as much as 90 to 110 degrees. That is why it is probably not the best idea for you to head out for a run during the peak hours between 1 p.m. to 4 p. m. The chances of withstanding the heat at those times is low. It can be unbearable and can leave you dehydrated throughout the rest of the day. Now that summer is here, what can you do to prevent yourself from experiencing dehydration?

1. Water

The first thing to come to mind is drinking water, of course! Water is probably the most reliable why to remain hydrated throughout a hot summer day. If you didn’t know already, water is non-caloric, it plumps up your skin, and it hydrates your muscles. It’s recommended for a person to drink at least eight glasses of water each day. Quite frankly, it wouldn’t hurt to exceed that limit once the summer time comes around. If you know you’re going to be out for a while whether it would be indoor or out, be safe and always take a water bottle with you. The last thing you would want is to suffer from dehydration and putting your health at risk. Speaking to your doctor about the importance of staying hydrated is always a benefit. 

2. Sodas and Caffeine & Energy Drinks

If water isn’t your first choice that comes to mind, beverages such as sodas, iced tea, coffee, and other drinks that contain caffeine are second best to good old-fashioned water. Caffeine drinks and flavored water act as diuretics, even though you’re getting water, you’re also pulling a little extra fluid from your body because of the caffeine. Do you notice when you’re out at a restaurant, more than likely you’re interested to ask for a soda or iced tea and maybe even fruit juice? It’s understandable if you get tired of drinking water, due to the fact that it’s available everywhere. However, if you happen to be an athlete, you will likely rely on energy drinks and water since those beverages are considered main sources of hydration.

3. Fruit

Let’s not forget about fruit! It’s hard to resist it since they contain a significant amount of sugar and flavor. You might want to consider eating fruit the next time you spend majority of the day doing outdoor labor work because of how much water it contains. Include as much fruit as you can into your meals in order to not only gain hydration from what you drink, but what you choose to eat as well. If you’re not sure which fruit offers the most hydration, you’ll recognize that grapes, grapefruit, and watermelon are filled with more than enough water for you to enjoy.

4. Soup

Sometimes you may become the unfortunate one of getting sick during the summer time which can be challenging due to how dehydrated you can become. Usually when you’re sick, you’re limited to eating and drinking certain things. Believe it or not, you can benefit from eating soup because of how much water it contains. Eating soup may very well be the best reasonable option for you to eat if you’re trying to recover from your illness. One thing to consider, you want to avoid eating soup with solid foods such as saltine crackers or bread due to how much water those foods absorbs which can limit you from receiving the water you need.

5. Meat

The summertime is a good excuse for everyone to grill their own hamburgers, chicken breasts, steaks, and brisket. Is there a certain amount of meat you need to eat in order to stay hydrated? If you happen to be a meat lover, then you’re in luck! Amazingly, meat contains a high percentage of water, as much as 60 percent. Keep this in mind, if your family or friends invites you over to their cookout, don’t be shy to stock up on your meat for the summertime. There’s nothing better than staying hydrated by simply eating your favorite choice of meat and a nice cooled beverage.

6. Smoothies

Who would ever begin to think that smoothies were actually a good source of hydration? There’s many combinations of fruit and flavors that are incorporated into a single smoothie. The great thing about smoothies is you don’t always need to pay someone to make it for you. However, when you create your own smoothie at home, you are given the chance to put as many things as you’d like in order to stay hydrated. Usually, the preferred smoothie to make for the summertime would be fruit smoothies. It’s the healthiest choice and easiest to make since you can purchase the certain fruits you want included in your smoothie.

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the heat will get to your or a family member. If that happens, seek help! The Gonzaba Medical Group can offer support when you need it this summer.