It can be difficult for many people to find relief from aches and pains. While soreness can often be a symptom of an underlying health condition, many people experience some degree of aches and pains after performing everyday activities, such as physical labor and exercise. No matter the cause, aches and pains can often be successfully alleviated by an upper cervical chiropractor in Hickory. Upper Cervical chiropractors are healthcare professionals who specialize in naturally helping problems related to the structure of people’s bodies. UC chiropractic focuses on the realignment of the body to improve functionality, promote healing, and relieve aches and pains. UC Chiropractors also educate on other therapies including ergonomic training, educating patients about good posture, exercise habits, and dietary recommendations.
 
Below are a few symptoms and conditions that Upper Cervical chiropractors can help.
 
Lower Back Pain in Hickory
Back pain in Hickory is the most common reason people in the area visit an upper cervical chiropractor. Before beginning this treatment, UC chiropractors typically perform a physical examination and review a patient’s medical history. X-rays and needed to ascertain whether an upper cervical spinal misalignment is present. Research shows that an upper cervical chiropractic correction can bring patients significant relief from soreness.
 
Frozen Shoulder Syndrome
Most people associate chiropractors with back pain in Hickory, but these professionals also have success naturally helping shoulder problems. People with shoulders that are stiff and painful may suffer from a condition known as frozen shoulder syndrome. This is caused by a gradual thickening and tightening of connective tissue around the shoulder joints. The tightening of tissue around the joint can lead to severe stiffness in the shoulder, making it very painful to move. Chiropractors can help relieve the symptoms of this syndrome by stretching the muscles around the shoulder. They can also show patients a set of stretches to perform at home between appointments.
 
Severe Headaches
A chiropractor for migraines in Hickory can help people with this condition find relief from symptoms. Studies have shown that an upper cervical adjustment can reduce the frequency and severity of many types of headaches. While the exact reason why chiropractic care helps with headaches is a subject of study, some researchers have theorized that restoring proper alignment can reduce stress, which in turn lowers the occurrence of severe headaches. Another factor may be related to diet. Many people who suffer from severe headaches find that certain foods can be triggers. A chiropractor for migraines in Hickory can make dietary recommendations that can help care for this condition.
 
Knee Osteoarthritis
Over time, the wear and tear of daily activities on the knee joint can lead to osteoarthritis. This condition is caused by the wearing down of the cartilage around the joints between bones. As the cartilage wears down, the joints can become painful and stiff. Osteoarthritis is more prevalent among patients over 45. Some patients report having better movement after they receive an upper cervical chiropractic correction.
 
Whiplash
Patients recovering from car accidents often experience the painful symptoms of whiplash. People with this condition often feel intense stiffness in their necks, which they may have trouble moving. Some patients also feel nauseous or dizzy. Whiplash is caused by the sudden jolt suffered by the body during an accident. This jolt injures the tissues and nerves in the necks of patients. Recovery from this injury can be a long and slow process.

Fortunately, there are upper cervical chiropractors who can naturally help neck pain in Hickory. These professionals help patients find relief from the feelings of soreness and stiffness caused by whiplash. Chiropractors can guide whiplash patients through every step of the healing process. Upper Cervical chiropractic adjustments are often successful at relieving some of the symptoms of whiplash. For follow-up care, chiropractors can show patients how to perform certain stretches and exercises that help reduce stiffness.
 
Sacroiliac Aches and Pains
The sacroiliac joint is a large joint located at the bottom of the spine. Problems with this joint cause some types of back pain in Hickory. Patients having issues with their sacroiliac joint may experience soreness in their buttocks or the backs of their thighs. Sometimes these problems are caused by a poor alignment of the spine.
 
Chiropractic can naturally help this problem by returning the spine to its proper alignment with the body. Chiropractors can also teach patients how to perform work and do exercise in ways that reduce the risk of spraining the sacroiliac joint. They can also introduce patients to certain exercises that help strengthen the core muscles that support the area at the bottom of the spine.
 
Widespread Chronic Soreness
People suffering from chronic soreness over their whole body can seek natural treatment by making an appointment with a fibromyalgia chiropractor in Hickory. Patients diagnosed with this condition often face a significant challenge finding relief from constant aches and pains. They are typically more sensitive to soreness due to a malfunctioning nervous system that raises the intensity of certain signals in the brain, which process the sensations of aches and pains. Instead of relying only on traditional painkillers, many people with this condition choose to have their symptoms naturally treated by a fibromyalgia chiropractor in Hickory.
 
Chiropractic care has worked well for numerous people suffering from aches and pains. Patients experiencing soreness and stiffness can find relief from symptoms by working with a chiropractor in Hickory. A licensed upper cervical chiropractic professional can align your spine and allow your body to function at its optimum. These non-invasive techniques can help patients along the recovery process without depending solely on pharmaceutical drugs.

Everybody knows that work can be stressful. You may have multiple deadlines, a demanding boss, or a stream of clients you need to attend to. Not to mention, if you are working from home, you have all of the distractions surrounding you. Over time, these external stressors will take their toll on your body. If you are starting to feel the weight of literally all of your stress and affecting how you work, you may want to call an upper cervical chiropractor in Hickory.
 
Whether chiropractic care or massage, physical therapy can be highly beneficial to tackle an assortment of issues. If you do not take time to treat some of your pains and physical ailments, it will decrease your performance at work, increase stress levels, and lead you toward a mental breakdown. Outlined below are three ways that physical therapy can enhance your work each day. It's time for you to give yourself the gift of self-care. If you're dealing with a specific issue like back pain, Hickory professionals can help.
 
Limits Distractions
It's easy to get distracted when working. If you work at home, the distractions are even more prevalent. However, for even those who are working in the office, distractions will present themselves. You have employees working around you, and there are lots of noises and external elements that can demand your attention. These distractions can become problematic, especially if they prevent you from getting your work in on time. Should you consistently be distracted at work, it can even lead to your dismissal. One big distraction that can arise is physical discomfort. If you start seeing a physical therapy professional to tackle your issues, you will notice you are less distracted. You no longer notice the pains, and instead, you can stay on task.
 
A common problem is neck pain, which Hickory doctors can help you with. If you're constantly leaning over your keyboard or hunched over, you're going to start to develop issues that will become permanent if you don't take action. The more time you wait to get these issues looked at, the more likely you're going to become very distracted at your job. Do yourself a favor and prevent issues from getting out of hand by seeing a physical therapy professional. There are all kinds of physical therapists, including chiropractors, for migraines in Hickory.
 
Improves Work Relationships
 Over time if you're constantly dealing with pains in your body, it can affect your interpersonal relationships. Things can be stressful and increase your cortisol levels. When your cortisol levels increase, you are more likely to lash out at someone. You no longer can think things through clearly and instead will be quick to anger. When you are at work, there are many different people you're going to be interacting with. There are your colleagues, your clients, and your boss. If you are working on a project with another colleague or in the midst of a conversation with a client and something doesn't go exactly as you want, you may find that you end up saying something you regret. Soon, this will cause your relationships to start to diminish.
 
People will not want to work with you because they will be nervous about how you may react to something unpleasant. You need to be able to handle quick changes and be flexible. If you are constantly dealing with the stress and agony of your physical ailments, you're not going to have the capacity to be flexible or communicable. If you invest in a physical therapist to assist with your ailments, your relationships at work significantly improve. You will be more cordial, communicable, and understanding should something go wrong. Over time people recognize you as someone they can come to with your problems and be patient enough to help them through it. If you're worried about more severe issues, a fibromyalgia chiropractor in Hickory can assist you in dealing with the chronic issues that plague your day today.
 
Gives You Energy
If there's one thing you've probably heard around the office, it's "I'm tired." Exhaustion is standard in every industry, and working a 9 to 5 sometimes can make you feel exhausted and affect your sleep. If you are dealing with physical pains every day, you may be using most of your energy to focus on these pains. When you receive treatment from a physical therapist like a chiropractor in Hickory, they will release a lot of tension. The tension in your muscles and body can lead to a broader range of issues, including poor circulation. When your circulation is low, your energy levels can be low, and you will be more tired even if you are sleeping eight hours every night.
 
When you go and see one of these professionals, they will assess your body and figure out where you're holding the most tension. He will administer the proper treatment to ensure that these issues you're dealing with are taken care of. You will notice after one treatment, you start to feel better, and your energy levels increase. At your workplace, this will allow you to take on more tasks and perform like you would have when you were younger. Soon, you may be on the path to a promotion.
 
If you notice that your work life is suffering because of physical ailments, you need to start taking action to feel better. Physical therapy not only makes you feel less distracted at work, but it will also help your interpersonal relationships. If you stay on top of that, your energy levels will increase, and you will impress your boss and clients in no time.

Millions of people may be affected by this injury that only very few would be able to name: diagnosing fibromyalgia (FM) can be tricky. Part of the reason for that is that its symptoms are seldom identified in combination with each other by those suffering from the condition and often shrugged off. Even when patients are looking for root causes in their chronic headaches or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), FM may not be on top of the list for suspected causes. Thankfully, treatment may be available.

To better understand FM, we want to take this opportunity to look at what causes the condition initially, what symptoms are most commonly associated with it, how it is diagnosed, and what treatment options there are.

What Causes Fibromyalgia (FM)?
For most people, symptoms of FM begin to show after a “trigger event.” This can be an accident, a surgery, an infection – anything that might affect and result in severe neck pain. FM can sometimes even be triggered by elevated stress levels or even a psychological event like losing a loved one. Whatever the case may be, the “trigger event” is then followed by an onset of various symptoms, most commonly musculoskeletal aches, fatigue, headaches, sleep, and memory issues.

However, since FM often runs within families, there is good reason to believe that the condition may also be inheritable genetically. So if one of your family members has been diagnosed with FM, make sure to speak to a chiropractor in Hickory right away. Another aspect that should be kept in mind is that FM affects more women than men.

So while the causes of FM are not entirely clear yet, most researchers and doctors connect the onset of FM to the brainstem. The brainstem is located in the weakest region of the human spine, right underneath the back of the head. The region is very vulnerable to injury, with potential tears of connective tissue, ligaments, and muscles that are responsible for head movements and a healthy posture. However, the brainstem’s influence extends into the spine and is a central element to the nervous system, connecting numerous nerves from the body to the brain. Damage or trauma to the brainstem might therefore cause long-term effects such as chronic fatigue syndrome.

What Are Common Symptoms of FM?
Symptoms of FM can be wide-ranging. Because it originates in events causing traumatic neck pain, initial symptoms will revolve around this area and may spread out onto the shoulders. But as the condition progresses, further symptoms will begin to show. This includes body-wide aches and sleep-related symptoms, which may include fatigue, restless leg syndrome, and sleep apnea. But not only might your nightly rest be affected. Other symptoms can include muscle stiffness, “brain fog,” irritable bowel syndrome, chronic headaches, anxiety, mood issues, and even depression. While all of those can be associated with FM, they may not necessarily be associated with it. It is therefore very important to diagnose the root causes for any one of these. However, if you experience any combination of these symptoms, you may also want to make sure to talk with your upper cervical chiropractor in Hickory.

How to Diagnose FM?
As previously mentioned, diagnosing FM can be difficult since a lot of the symptoms can also hint at other disorders, like chronic fatigue syndrome. It is therefore essential for any medical practitioner to eliminate any other options before diagnosing a patient with FM. There are a number of criteria that have to be met and that may indicate a positive FM diagnosis. Those are:

• severe soreness in at least three tender point areas of the body or milder versions in at least seven tender point areas
• symptoms must have lasted for at least three months
• all other potential causes for symptoms have to be discounted

“Tender points” are areas in the body that feel sore when pressure is applied to them. They are a key element in diagnosing FM. Their location varies with every individual. There are 18 different areas in total, but those that are most frequently affected are joint areas like the back of the head, shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees.

Treatment Options
Upon diagnosing FM, a regular family doctor might recommend treatment with any mix of antidepressants, painkillers, anti-seizure medication, depending on the patient’s most significant symptoms. He may also suggest counseling, exercise programs, and relaxation techniques. While exercise and relaxation are recommended and will help your long-term health and wellbeing, prescribing medication often only presents short-term solutions. Even worse, painkillers can be very addictive, especially for long-term conditions like FM. Their prescription in those cases can therefore lead to substance abuse, which should obviously be avoided at any cost.

A fibromyalgia upper cervical chiropractor in Hickory presents an alternative treatment option. Using spinal alignments, a chiropractor in Hickory, NC can not only address your immediate areas of back pain but also help by realigning your spine, alleviating pressure on spinal nerves. An upper cervical correction addresses the core issue of FM by realigning the top two bones in your neck. Together with a healthy exercise regimen and active relaxation techniques, it can improve symptoms of FM significantly and presents not only a short-term fix but a long-term solution.

Contact Help Today
If you are suffering from various body aches or are looking to alleviate your pain, contact our office in Hickory today. Realigning your spine and alleviating certain nerves and your upper vertebrae can do wonders for your overall health. You may even want to consult a chiropractor for migraines in Hickory – the root cause may be FM. A professional can help you with your overall health and improve your life quality.

A Basic Guide to Breathing for Health
The body is a complex system, regulated by external factors like environment, exercise, diet, and more. Sometimes, something as simple as breathing can have a major impact on wellbeing. Of course, it’s not always enough to breathe your way through something. There are times when it is highly appropriate to call an upper cervical chiropractor in Hickory to get expert help with your injuries or misalignment.
 
However, proper breathing techniques are a great augmentation to treatment from a trained professional. Not only can good breathing speed up healing when you have been through trauma but it’s also a great way to keep the body in good health on a daily basis. Good breathing can help flush out toxins and provide much-needed oxygen, allowing circulation to do its job and promote healing.
 
You might think breathing is the most natural thing in the world. Who needs a guide to breathing? Let’s cover a few basic techniques and their benefits. They’re easy to learn and incorporate into your daily routine. The benefits include living longer, better overall health, and improved recovery from injury. Even a few minutes each day can create big impacts on your well-being. You have nothing to lose!
 
Breathing through your nose, not your mouth
This is advice for daily life, not for exercising. Studies show that breathing through your mouth regularly is not conducive to optimum health. It can actually increase your blood pressure and bring on sleep apnea, which can make rest very difficult.
 
If you’re unable to breathe comfortably through your nose in daily life, it might be worth consulting a doctor. There could be many causes for this, ranging from asthma to excess weight or other diseases. Many people simply don’t realize that they’re doing it.
 
Make a conscious effort to breathe deeply through your nose. Retrain your muscles to move air through your nose rather than your mouth, and you’ll experience better circulation and lower blood pressure. You might even experience better sleep patterns! It’s all thanks to a simple breathing technique.
 
Slow breathing is very beneficial
If you’ve ever taken a yoga class, you have probably experienced the deep, slow breathing we’re talking about. Usually, you will be instructed to breathe in for five seconds and out for five seconds. Sometimes, as you build your lung capacity, you can inhale and exhale for ten seconds each or even longer.
 
In our daily lives, many of us spend far too many hours hunched over desks and computers. Not only does this create chronic discomfort due to poor posture, but it limits the capacity of our lungs to fully expand. Shallow breathing can limit the amount of oxygen in our blood and contribute to poor health. If you’re experiencing back pain in Hickory, you may also have bad breathing habits because of this.
 
Regular slow breathing is a great antidote. You don’t have to be incredibly vigilant about changing every breath to a slow, deep breath. Even a few minutes every day of focused, slow breathing can be life-changing. Sometimes our lungs simply need a reminder to operate at their full capacity.
 
Lung capacity is linked to long-term health
This might surprise you, but lung capacity is actually a leading predictor of long-term health and lifespan. It’s even more accurate than genetics, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Breathing is the thing that keeps us alive, at a very basic level. How well you breathe is a great indicator of how healthy you are.
 
Professional athletes work very hard to increase their lung capacity, and they’re often some of the healthiest and longest-living people on the planet. The good news is that lung efficiency can be improved, and you don’t have to train at high altitudes to improve your health.
 
One excellent way to improve lung capacity is with chiropractic. An upper cervical adjustment may allow the body to function better and create more room in your chest for these organs to inflate and process. When your rib cage can open comfortably, you can breathe deeper—and live longer! How’s that for a simple formula?
 
Posture has a big impact on breathing
Your posture can open up your lungs or constrict them. By focusing jointly on improving your posture and filling your lungs, you will see an improvement in your health. You’ll probably also experience additional benefits, like increased spinal health and flexibility.
 
Breathing properly does require muscles. Your chest and stomach muscles must be able to move comfortably, with strength, to facilitate deep breathing. Gentle strength training, stretching, and chiropractic adjustments are a great strategy for improving your posture—and thus, your body’s ability to breathe more deeply.
 
Neck pain in Hickory while breathing can be an indicator of bigger problems
If you’re experiencing neck pain in Hickory, it could be the result of an injury. Sharp aches while breathing are not normal for anyone. At the first sign of head or shoulder discomfort, seek an upper cervical consultation. A good idea is to contact an upper cervical chiropractor for migraines in Hickory. You never know what breathing aches could indicate. You might have bigger problems than just lung capacity, so pay attention to the signs that your body is giving you.
 
A fibromyalgia UC chiropractor in Hickory is trained to look for signs that your aches are related to this disorder. Don’t assume your discomfort is normal! Seek a consultation and you’ll be glad you did. A trained specialist can work with your body to return you to a healthy state.
 
Overall, breathing is a great way to augment a healing process. It’s also a great way to improve your general state of health as a daily practice. Apply these tips and make sure to call a professional if you need assistance. It may take a few weeks to see any results if you’re new to deep breathing. But stick with it. The body needs to learn what to expect. With regular training, deep breathing, and loving attention, you can enjoy increased health due to proper breathing techniques. Remember, discomfort and aches aren’t normal. Get help—come to us for a great place to start and holistic care on your healing journey.

Feeling pain in one area is a hassle in itself. Feeling pain all over your body is a harrowing experience, worse when there’s no cure to eradicate it completely. This all-around pain is caused by a disorder that leads to musculoskeletal discomfort across the body and is more common in women than in men. Flare-ups are common as you try to deal with it, with the condition decreasing one’s quality of life while issuing the ultimate test to one’s pain threshold.
 
While there is no cure for this debilitating condition, there are measures you can take to help you prevent the pain from worsening while keeping you as mobile as possible. One such method is physical therapy. A fibromyalgia chiropractor in Hickory may provide some relief as you try to navigate your body and livelihood through this tough-to-handle disorder.
 
What is Fibro?
This disorder is characterized by widespread pain that affects the muscles and bones. It is usually accompanied by notable symptoms such as fatigue, sleep, mood swings, and memory loss. It also triggers painful sensations that send mixed messages to your brain and spinal cord whenever they process both painful and non-painful signals. It can be frequent due to an abnormal perception and processing of pain, caused by those mixed signals that tap two of your body’s most crucial areas.
 
Other symptoms accompanying this condition include anxiety, jaw pain, irritable bowel syndrome, headaches/migraines or stiffness throughout the body. While some symptoms are triggered by a major event such as surgery, physical trauma or significant psychological stress, some accumulate over time with no trigger causing it. The disorder can also be genetic, with certain mutations leaving you more susceptible to developing it.
 
How Is This Diagnosed?
Doctors will tend to use X-rays, blood tests, a thorough physical examination or look over your medical history to determine if your symptoms are tied into this condition. If you’re feeling neck pain in Hickory or back pain in Hickory, those things do not necessarily indicate that you have it. Fibro pain involves a constant dull ache that has been persistent for months and is felt on both sides of your body, above and below your waist. Furthermore, you may have sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and often awaken tired. You may also have noticeable cognitive difficulties that diminish your attention span. All these factors can lead to frustration, anxiety attacks and depression if it’s not diagnosed or addressed properly, making the simplest tasks more taxing. Not all discomfort is long-lasting, but proper treatment for it can ensure that you won’t have to feel it consistently.
 
While medication and exercise are recommended measures to combat the condition, seeing an upper cervical chiropractor in Hickory is one of the most reliable and effective methods you can use to ease the effects of fibro. It will help you manage the pain and understand your body’s limits better as you age.
 
How Can A Fibromyalgia Chiropractor in Hickory Help You Manage?
Seeing an upper cervical chiropractor in Hickory is one of the most effective measures you can employ to tackle this grueling condition. One of its main goals is to promote sensible nervous system function, improving your overall health and wellness. A chiropractor in Hickory can use adjustments or corrections, realigning your body and connecting your nerves and nervous system, resetting the system so your brain processes things with greater precision. This combats the mixed signals often set to the nervous system, which leads to the widespread pain associated with fibro.
 
Another treatment option is physical therapy, including exercise as well as managing the pain without using medication. He or she may also recommend nutritional changes, including introducing new diets and supplements. This helps you cope with the physical and psychological effects that the condition causes. Taking periodic walks and physical therapy may also be advised to keep you active while training your body to handle the effects. Increased spinal management and massages also ease tension and stiffness in the body, allowing you to take on greater physical exertion.
 
What Benefits Do Such Care Offer?
Care provided by an upper cervical chiropractor in Hickory can prove effective, both in the short and long-term when dealing with the effect of fibro. A significant decrease in physical discomfort can be felt in one go due to the therapy applied to the nervous system, which positively affects the rest of the body and its functions.
 
It allows you to treat the issue without the need for prescribed drugs or pain medication. It makes you more mobile and lets you trust your body more without having to make any drastic adjustments. The therapy and exercise involved can improve muscle tone, which is important as a lack of movement can exacerbate the condition. Essentially, chiropractic treatment makes you more mobile and able to put less pressure on your limbs whenever you’re moving around. This kind of treatment boosts skeletal strength, can prevent spinal compression and gives you more energy because your bones feel more comfortable.
 
These methods are tried and tested when handling such a delicate problem. Such care may not fully eradicate the pain but the longer you are able to hold your spinal alignment, the less stress you will end up putting on your body. And, you’re more mentally equipped than before to handle the pain.

Such Treatment Can Change Your Life
If you have this condition or any distress in your body, professional care is highly recommended to cure your physical ailments. An upper cervical chiropractor for migraines in Hickory, or for any other ailing body part, can make a big difference in your life, taking away the tension and adding back some confidence to your physical and mental state. Inquire about getting such care as soon as possible to get the care you require.
 
 
Keywords: chiropractor in hickory, back pain hickory, neck pain hickory, chiropractor for migraines hickory, fibromyalgia chiropractor hickory, upper cervical chiropractic

The thought of going to a back doctor is intimidating for many people. But, if you live with persistent discomfort in your body and want to restore it to a healthier state, an Upper Cervical Care specialist might be exactly what the doctor ordered. An Upper Cervical Care specialist offers numerous health benefits for people experiencing a wide range of physical discomfort. If you're unsure whether to invest in a chiropractor in Hickory with an Upper Cervical Care practice, here are just a few of the health issues they can help you with. 
 
Chronic Backaches
If you suffer from chronic back pain in Hickory, it's time to see a specialist. “Chronic” refers to discomfort that lasts at least 6 months and has a negative impact on your physical and mental health. Numerous factors that can contribute to discomfort in this part of the body, including posture, computer use, and even mood. By restoring balance to the central nervous system via a targeted upper spine adjustment, you can help your body heal naturally. 
 
Computer Use
Frequent computer use is an ongoing source of both lumbar and neck pain in Hickory. Lack of spinal support exacerbates the problem; the importance of a proper desk chair can't be overstated. A chair should be designed for prolonged sitting and raised to the appropriate height. Moreover, laptops have made it far too easy to sit on couches, beds, or the floor to work. This can lead to slouching. Over time, slouching becomes a habit—and because the muscles on either side of the spine aren't being engaged, they weaken, which leads to aching in this region.
 
A chiropractor in Hickory will ask about your work habits and offer ergonomic solutions to help relieve discomfort. They will also do a scoliosis test to check for any presence of spinal curvature. The sooner you diagnose scoliosis, the faster you can treat it. Teenagers, in particular, are known to have less-than-stellar posture. Oftentimes, parents equate this with adolescence, but poor posture in young people can lead to far greater problems as they grow.
 
An increasingly common aid for sitting to engage spinal muscles is yoga balls. By their nature, they force people to sit up straight, thereby strengthening this region and ultimately reducing discomfort. Varying your routine between sitting and standing is also a good strategy.
 
Less frequently, backache can signify something more serious, such as osteomyelitis or metastatic cancer. As with all serious health conditions, early detection is key. By visiting a chiropractor in Hickory as soon as you notice unusual aches, you are investing in your overall health.
 
Headaches
Headaches are incredibly common. In fact, they are so prevalent that many people normalize them, preferring to pop an aspirin rather than address the source. This is a mistake, both because constant headaches greatly reduce quality of life and because they can be the symptom of a more serious illness.  A specialist can help relieve headaches by implementing gentle, targeted adjustments. Upper Cervical Care has proven to be extremely effective in treating chronic and complex conditions that have failed to respond to more conventional treatments.
 
If you're looking for a chiropractor for migraines in Hickory, be sure to find one with proper credentials. A migraine differs from a headache in how it presents: a migraine can last hours to days and is characterized by throbbing soreness or a pulsing sensation. Sufferers can also experience nausea, vomiting, and heightened light sensitivity. This condition can greatly interfere with someone's ability to function.
 
What Sets Upper Cervical Care Apart?
Upper Cervical Care is a discipline within chiropractic that focuses exclusively on the top two bones in the neck: C1 and C2. A chiropractor specializing in Upper Cervical Care concentrates on the alignment of these two bones in relation to the Central Nervous System. This relationship is key to health and wellness. An Upper Cervical Chiropractor uses a very gentle force at the top portion of the neck to unlock the vertebrae.
 
If you’re looking for a Fibromyalgia chiropractor in Hickory specializing in Upper Cervical Care, you are in the right place. This condition causes severe musculoskeletal discomfort and is often the result of physical or emotional strain placed on the body. Symptoms of this debilitating disease vary from person to person. An Upper Cervical Chiropractor will employ techniques not found in a more traditional practice.

Upper Cervical Techniques include: Grostic Technique, Knee Chest, Orthospinology & Toggle Recoil
Upper Cervical Care is a gentle and natural way to achieve complete health.

We can all agree that working from home has its perks, like avoiding the dreaded work commute. Increased flexibility to work the hours you want. But with all good things, it has its disadvantages.  Anyone who’s had to transition to telecommuting or running their own business from home will tell you it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Lack of motivation, being away from other grownups, and not having any colleagues to chat with are all problems to face. While studies have shown that employees tend to be more productive at home, they are also vulnerable to working longer hours and, in some cases, more stress. Whether you’re already working from home or looking for a new remote career, these tips will help you overcome some of the most common challenges facing remote workers.

1.    Overworking
One of the most common challenges and a reason many managers don’t typically approve of working from home is employees not being as productive as they would be in the office. However, studies have shown the opposite tends to be more realistic. When you work in an office, it’s a lot easier to switch off at the end of the night and leave work behind. When should we start? End? The lines between work and personal life become harder to see. You could be continuously left feeling plugged in, which is exhausting for those who work for themselves. Being overtired and overworked can lead to problems in the body due to lack of mobility. A chiropractor in Hickory can help reduce tension and bring alignment back into your body so you can focus on work and not body pains.

2.    Blurred lines between work and personal life
Anyone who already works from home will agree that it’s harder to establish a clear division between workspace and personal space. In an ideal world, our homes are a place to feel safe and secure to relax. But with the changing economic landscape, many of us have been forced to bring our work home. Working from home has inevitably resulted in people having a more challenging time finding solutions for this mental division in the house. Long hours sitting while at home has led to an increase in people requiring a chiropractor for migraines in Hickory. Finding ways to unplug and disconnect from the job has also led to a rise in back pain across Hickory. Telecommuters typically need to check their emails or continue working way past their standard 9-5 requirements. Establishing more explicit boundaries between your work and home space will help eliminate the constant need to stay connected, even when your body is screaming at you to relax.

3.    Prioritizing work
To successfully balance remote working, you’ll need to develop some expert time management skills. Being home adds an added layer of distraction. The constant temptation to watch the latest episode of your favorite show or toss in a load of laundry, walk the dog or clean the house. Next thing you know, it’s dark, and you’ve only completed a fraction of the work you set out to do during the day, resulting in more overtime and less relaxation time. An excellent way to avoid falling into this trap is to set aside a schedule and limit the number of tasks you undertake in a day. Try to restrict non-work-related tasks to one or two additional tasks during the day. By making small changes like this, you’ll be able to better focus on your daily work tasks without working until midnight, unless you want to.

4.    Handling interruptions at home
Even the most disciplined person may find it challenging to stay focused and productive at home can prove to be challenging. Physically removing yourself from a distracting situation by using noise-canceling headphones can help overcome various auditory distractions, like kids, pets, and spouses.

5.    Social Isolation
One of the biggest challenges facing telecommuters is the feeling of isolation. The ability to interact with other people is a positive aspect for most in many jobs. Not only is social interaction important for social contact, but it can also lead to an increase in productivity. Happy employees equal more productivity, or at least that’s what many studies have shown over the years. Adding some non-work-related podcasts to your favorite apps like Spotify or establishing weekly Zoom parties with your co-workers is a great way to reduce stress and also add more social interaction back into your daily lives.

6.    Take breaks
An easy trap to fall into while working remotely is forgetting to take regular breaks, unlike when we’re in the office where we have time scheduled throughout the day for lunch and breaks. While at home, many of us fall into the cycle of plugging away at work without ever coming up for air until we log off. The lack of breaks in our remote working days can lead to decreased productivity and mental wellbeing. Try setting an alarm on your phone reminding you to take breaks throughout the day. The same can be done for those struggling to stay hydrated throughout the day. You can download many apps that will help encourage you to drink more and stretch more throughout your busy day.

7.    Physical exercise
Diet and exercise play a vital role in maintaining a healthy body and mind. However, with so many of us telecommuting these days, we lack the minimal daily routine most of us only got while traveling to and from the office. Creating a home/office space that is ergonomic and safe will help reduce ailments in the body that has led to an increase in issues like neck pain across Hickory. For those who already suffered from conditions that stem from musculoskeletal pain, consider a fibromyalgia chiropractor in Hickory who is specifically trained to handle unique disorders that result in chronic back pain and fatigue.
 
As we continue to navigate in a new direction in our personal and professional lives, it’s important to remember that you matter too. Taking the steps towards maintaining better mental and physical health while working remotely can help reduce body pain and help you live a more balanced lifestyle.

Living with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is no walk in the park. This common disorder affects the functioning of the large intestine and may manifest as a variety of uncomfortable symptoms including bloating, gas, abdominal cramping and soreness, stress, anxiety, constipation, or diarrhea.
 
While there is no medicinal treatment for irritable bowel syndrome, with the help of a local chiropractor in Hickory, sufferers can work to correct the imbalances that lead to this uncomfortable condition at the source by addressing the neck pain in Hickory that affects the way that the brain stem interacts with the gut.
 
That said, there are also plenty of healthy lifestyle choices that people living with irritable bowel syndrome can make to help reduce their discomfort and enjoy a fuller, more relaxed life on a day to day basis. Here are some great places to start.
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1. Identify and Cut Out Triggers
In order to understand how to best address irritable bowel syndrome, people need to learn to identify the patterns that lead to adverse reactions. The best way to do this is to keep a detailed diary for at least a couple of weeks.
 
This is a good place to note not only what was consumed and when, but also the amount and type of daily exercise, stress levels, bowel habits and stomach and back pain in Hickory. Be sure to record any over-the-counter medications or dietary supplements as well. Keeping a diary will not only be useful in terms of identifying what triggers a reaction, but will also help a chiropractor in Hickory to best address the condition.
 
Things like fried or fatty foods, dairy and caffeinated beverages, and alcohol all tend to be common triggers, but different people will find different foods or lifestyle habits more or less irritating. This means it is important to evaluate the condition as a whole from a personal perspective and take the initiative to cut out those things that tend to lead to unpleasant symptoms.

2. Eat Less Food More Frequently
A lot of people who live with irritable bowel syndrome will notice that their symptoms tend to get a lot worse right after they eat, and this is especially true with heavy meals. This is because the more that a person eats in one sitting, the more the digestive tract becomes stimulated, and for people with IBS, their gut is already prone to over-stimulation.
 
So essentially, it is important to resist the urge to eat a lot in one sitting, and rather, opt for smaller, more frequent meals instead. This way, the digestive system will function in a more continuous, predictable way, as opposed to going through the uncomfortable jumps and starts that come with a lot of food in one short sitting.

3. Easy Does It
Irritable bowel syndrome is an unpredictable condition, and this in turn causes a lot of stress. This is totally understandable. Nobody wants to end up having to make a dash for the bathroom or deal with gas in a public setting. However, the rub here is that people who are stressed or anxious tend to take shorter, more rapid breaths and maybe even drink and eat more quickly, which in turn, will make it more likely the digestive tract will become irritated.
 
One of the ways that sufferers can help take control of this unpleasant cycle is to make a conscious effort to breathe fully, chew their food fully and carefully consume beverages in moderation. Cutting out chewing gum and cigarettes can also help, as can making a point of not speaking while chewing. Mindfulness meditation can be a useful tool in terms of both reducing stress and encouraging more conscientious habits.

4. Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Yet another vicious cycle that tends to exacerbate the severity of IBS is sleep deprivation. A lot of people who suffer from IBS will literally lose sleep because of the discomfort or stress they experience because of the condition, and this, in turn, will only increase the possibility of a negative reaction.
 
One of the best ways to counter stress-related insomnia is to create firm routines and stick to them. Go to sleep at the same time every night, set the alarm clock for the same time every morning, avoid screens when winding down and never use the bed for work-related activities. Exercise can also help mitigate insomnia, as can taking regular naps when feeling tired.
 
Cutting out caffeine is also one of the most effective ways to combat chronic restlessness, and it is also one of the primary triggers for IBS-related discomfort. As painful of a sacrifice as it may feel to be at first, most people also report feeling more alert and productive throughout the course of the day when they learn to kick their coffee habits to the curb.

5. Prioritize Self-Care
A lot of people who live with IBS also struggle to relax. This is totally understandable, given that the uncomfortable nature of the condition itself is inherently stressful. However, stress is also a major trigger for irritable bowel syndrome-related reactions, and this means that it is important for anybody living with IBS to learn to unwind.
 
One of the best ways to combat stress is to do things that make a person feel comfortable or happy. Otherwise known as self-care, these types of activities include taking a bath, reading, meditating, gentle yoga, massage, pampering, enjoying a warm cup of herbal or tea or really partaking in anything else that just feels good for the soul, will really help the stress of the day just melt away.
 
As counter-intuitive as it may feel, setting aside some concrete time for self-care, is actually especially important for those who already lead busy lifestyles. It is a must for anybody who lives with IBS to make relaxation a priority.

Summing It Up
When it comes to living with irritable bowel syndrome, there is no need to feel discouraged. Those who commit to good lifestyle choices while working with a fibromyalgia chiropractor in Hickory often experience a significant reduction in symptoms.
 
For some, they might even be able to gradually integrate certain trigger foods into their diets again as their symptoms diminish. However, they will want to be sure to consult with a chiropractor for migraines in Hickory first. Lifestyle choices can go a long way, but only a trained practitioner can address the issues from a neurological perspective right at the physical source. Be sure to reach out to find out more.

It's commonly emphasized how important moving and physical activities are for a person's general well-being. Considering that it's one of the most basic sources for good health, how could anyone turn it down?
 
Well, life can get in the way. Monthly gym memberships can get expensive, especially for North Carolinians with bills to pay and perhaps other people in their household to support financially. Or, work hours soak up one's time and energy until they don't have much left for anything beyond eating and sleeping.
 
Exercising, unfortunately, is put aside, as people prioritize their work life, social life, family life, or opt for inactivity. Everything is put on the to-do list ahead of exercise, until they just give up on doing it at all. The less they do it, the more daunting the activity feels, as it can be challenging to do when someone isn't regularly active. So, consequently, they choose not to push themselves and stay in the comfort zone of inactivity. This is a problem, as it could lead to many health issues that could have been prevented with a proper fitness routine.
 
Some who avoid physical activity may do it for other understandable reasons. One common issue often brought up by a fibromyalgia chiropractor in Hickory is that those with this condition fear exercise cause a flare-up and lead to more hurting. Other conditions can get in the way, like for those with back pain in Hickory who avoid too much movement in fear of straining it more or leading to an irreversible injury.
 
Whether too busy, too tired, or experiencing physical conditions that get in the way, there are methods to squeeze in a solid exercise routine without too much suffering involved. That way, these people can gain total health benefits without too much sacrifice.

Walk
While most people do this regularly throughout their day anyway as they take steps to get around the house or walk to the bus stop, it's best to walk consistently for a certain amount of time to feel the effects. Fortunately, this can be simple to do.
 
By substituting a drive or transit trip, opt for walking. Leave the house earlier and if at a proper distance, try walking to work, or the store. By adding this activity to something that was already being done, like visiting a chiropractor in Hickory, meeting with friends, or going to the office, it doesn't become something that people have to go out of their way to add to the list of things to do. Walking is what gets a person where they need to go, and then they no longer need to worry about exercising for the day.
 
The great thing about relying on walking for fitness is that people can choose their own pace. To gain the benefits of walking, one doesn't need speed. The heart will get pumping after a short period of time, like around ten minutes, which fuels the body with blood and oxygen flow.

Stay Home
Some may turn away from exercise because it's often perceived as a social activity. Working out in front of people who are fitness junkies can be very intimidating, especially for beginners. Fortunately, there's no need to leave the comfort of one's home to get exercise.
 
A person can start their own home gym. This doesn't mean they must invest thousands of dollars into the same equipment at those facilities, but they can purchase small weights, workout mats, jump ropes, and other home-friendly equipment that can be stored away and not take up too much space.
 
There are plenty of online resources available for those who opt to workout from home. They can find a variety of workout plans or ideas for their daily fitness. Those who need more guidance, or perhaps the voice of another person to keep them motivated, can refer to mobile apps, websites, or youtube videos full of fitness classes for beginning, moderate or advanced levels. Participating in these classes in the privacy of the home can alleviate the fear of others' judgment. This option also saves plenty of time and money, making it easier to stay active consistently.

Keep It Slow
Another impression around physical activity is that it must be intense, challenging, and fast-paced. Those with physical ailments like an injury or neck pain as Hickory residents commonly face every day would rather avoid the risk of straining themselves further, and therefore, avoid activity.
 
Yoga is a great solution for seniors or those with conditions that could worsen from intensely working out. It's slower-paced, gentler, yet just as effective. The heart will get pumping and muscles properly conditioned as those practicing it must rely on their strength or breathing to get through a yoga workout. Chiropractors for migraines in Hickory recommend this approach for those with these headaches as yoga can help relieve tension without too much movement.
 
There are also low-impact options that don't involve too much movement. Rather, they focus on specific muscles to build strength. Those who try this or yoga will find themselves feeling the same as if they just ran a mile as it offers mental clarity and proper body functioning with the risk of straining the body.
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Don't Give Up
Some may lose hope on their physical activity journey because life could impede on their gym visits, marathon running, and all the extremes. But, there is always a way to include movement for those with insecurities, physical conditions, busy schedules. That way, they will be in the right mental and physical state to live the life they want.