Why does Spinal Decompression Feel so Good?

spinal decompression

spinal decompression

Decompression makes sense

Whether you realize it or not, your spine is constantly being compressed- by gravity no less! And during the course of human life, we add in a whole load of other compressive forces that conspire to throw our spines out of balance and degrade the natural structures we were born with. Compression is a signal contributor to degenerative disc disease, herniated discs and nerve conditions such as pinched nerves and sciatica. For people suffering the pain and discomfort of these conditions, it makes sense to try and reverse the harmful forces and the best way we know how to do that is through decompression. 

Read More

Massage Versus Muscle Tension

massage muscle tension

massage muscle tension

Massage fights muscle tension

As an office of chiropractic, we recognize that muscle tension is taking a heavy toll on the average American. Our lifestyles breed muscle tension- the way we sit, the way we work, even the way we relax seems to set us up for chronically tight muscles. Chiropractors also acknowledge that muscle tension is one of the main causes of subluxation; because a tight muscle actively pulls the body out of alignment, subluxation of spinal joints is a natural outcome. So how do we stop muscle tension in its tracks? With massage, of course. 

Read More

Sleeping Well in Sacramento

sleep sacramento

sleep sacramento

Let’s talk about sleep debt

Sleep is a cornerstone of wellness- as you rest, your body is busy pulling a night shift. Recharging your energy is only the tip of the iceberg; as you sleep, cells repair and rebuild, and your immune system and cardiovascular system prepare for another day of action. 

Read More

Movement of the Spine Powers the Brain

spine and brain sacramento

spine and brain sacramento

Keeping the spine healthy is a key to overall brain functioning

Your spine is even more important than you thought: keeping the spine in alignment and keeping it moving is linked to positive maintenance of mental health- indeed, the health of your spine has a significant say in determining your mental health including emotional stability and motor control. Keeping the pathways of communication between the brain and spinal nerves open and free of interference is an essential part of wellness. 

What is the enemy of movement? Subluxation

The brain requires constant input from the nervous system to keep functioning. Movement, reaction and sensory stimulation is responsible for the majority of signalling that occurs between brain and body. Subluxation of the spinal joints has a domino effect of negative health outcomes regarding the spine and the brain. With subluxation, movement of the spine is restricted. 

Chiropractic adjustments mean better health and improved brain function

By aligning the spine, chiropractic effects a whole range of health benefits in the brain. A properly aligned spine maintains and protects the pathways that facilitate the neurological stimulation between spinal joints and the brain. This is important not only know but as we move forward in age. Your brain and spine share a symbiotic relationship- as an office of chiropractic we focus on maintaining the proper alignment of your spine so that your brain can operate to its maximum potential.

If you are interested in finding out more about how movement of the spine influences neurological functioning, give our office in Sacramento a call to schedule an appointment today. 

Keeping your Spine Aligned Day by Day

spinal alignment sacramento

spinal alignment sacramento

Paint the picture of good bodily alignment

Proper alignment of the body refers to a position in which the head, shoulders, spine, hips, knees and ankles, all the major joints of the body are aligned in such a way that causes minimal pressure to the structures and muscles of the body. But the crux of this whole image is the spine, so most of our efforts at alignment will either bear fruit or fall short based on how we manage the alignment of our spine. 

Read More

Heat and Ice: Nature’s Original Painkillers

heat and ice pain management

heat and ice pain management

Choosing heat and ice for muscle pain

Heat and ice fit in with the chiropractic adherence to drug-free pain management. For anyone struggling with chronic muscle pain, heat and ice can do wonders when used correctly. “Correctly” being the operative word; many people don’t know (or don’t care to know) the difference between the two. But understanding the difference helps you to determine when to use heat or ice to maximum effect. Do you know what heat and ice do for you? Read on to find out. 

Read More

Making a Less Painful Pregnancy in Sacramento

Prenatal Chiropractic

Prenatal Chiropractic

Sacramento, is there such a thing as a pain-free pregnancy? 

The answer is no, but there are steps you can take to mitigate the so-called, “standard pains of pregnancy;” the ones that every mother-to-be complains about- pains in the lower back. At Espinosa Family Chiropractic, we specialize in chiropractic care for women at all stages of their pregnancy. 

Why is chiropractic care important for pregnant women? 

As an adjunct to the pregnancy services offered by your doctor, chiropractic is important for managing the body changes that come with pregnancy. We seek to: 

  • Support efficient nervous system and immune system functioning
  • Prevent the aches and pains of pregnancy
  • Create a nurturing environment with plenty of room for the baby to grow
  • Minimize the possibility of surgical intervention during childbirth
  • Prevent dystocia

The changes in a woman’s body during pregnancy in Sacramento

During pregnancy, the reproductive hormone relaxin is released in elevated quantities, loosening ligaments in the pelvis to help make way for the passage of the child. The unfortunate side effect is that this leaves the base of the spine weakened. Then you add on the weight of the growing child and the shifting center of gravity and you have a recipe for lower back pain. 

Chiropractic supports pregnancy in Sacramento

A common result of the aforementioned situation is misalignment in the spine, especially in the lower back. Chiropractic adjustment helps to rectify this situation, utilizing a specialized table just for pregnant women. By maintaining spinal alignment and treating myofascial pain, the following objectives are achieved: 

  • Maintain alignment and proper curvature of the spine
  • Decrease physical tension and mental stress
  • Decrease tension on the womb, known as intrauterine restraint, which reduces the amount of room available to the baby to grow.
  • Increase immune function

If you are interested in finding out more about how our chiropractic care can support your pregnancy, give our office in Sacramento a call to schedule an appointment today.