Highland Chiropractor

Air and water are the Big Two for human survival. We humans cannot live long without either. Now, most adults probably haven’t tried to hold their breath to see how long they could go without breathing (or in order to see if mom or dad would give in and give them what they wanted) since they were children. But, how often do we, adults, forgo the other necessity of life…drinking water? And, not just drinking water, but drinking enough water. Water is absolutely essential for the human body to function optimally. Every cell, tissue, organ and system in your body relies on the water you drink. Would it surprise you to know that your saliva, and the fluids surrounding your joints, are essentially water? So, in addition to causing dry mouth, dehydration often causes make your joints ache. Furthermore, water moderates the temperature and metabolism of your body and keeps your blood circulating. And, there are many more wonderful reasons to drink sufficient water, such as the improvement of nutrient absorption and toxin removal, as well as the reduction of heartburn, hypertension, exhaustion, headaches. Even back pain has been attributed to staying well-hydrated. As a Highland Chiropractor it is my practice to ask my patients with back pain and joint pain if they are drinking sufficient water each day, and I advise all of my patients to drink plenty of water every day.

When it comes to staying well-hydrated, “water on the brain” is a very good thing! Drinking enough water is critical for good health in all the areas described above one day medical science may find even more. Now, most humans would not be foolish enough to try to go through the day without breathing, yet all too often many of us go through our day either not drinking water at all or not drinking a sufficient amount. No matter what phsycial activity a person may engage in, the human body needs proper hydration. Athletes (and you’d think they’d be far more cognizant of the importance of hydration than non-athletes!) are decidedly at risk when it comes to functional challenges caused by dehydration. “Physiologically, the core body temperature of an athlete could be higher than it should have been if they were hydrated. Their heart rate will be higher, and they’re going to perceive that they’re working harder than they actually are,” says Researcher, Susan Yeargin, assistant professor of athletic training in Indiana State’s College of Nursing, Health, and Human Services.

People often ask how much water is sufficient. Chiropractors like me, your Highland chiropractor, agree with most health care professionals in advising at least eight, 8-ounce glasses of water per day for most of our patients. However, we advise even more for our patients who are athletes, or for patients who carry around excess weight or exercise or work where it’s hot. So, how can you tell if you’re drinking “enough” water? It’s simple! The answer is in the color of your urine. If you’re well-hydrated, your urine will be a light, pale yellow!

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Tension headaches: Let’s face it, life can be a pain, now and then, and end up as a tension headache. The majority of us have experienced more than one. If you are someone who’s had a tension headache, then you know that it usually feels like a dull, aching head pain that is commonly accompanied by a feeling of tightness or pressure along your forehead or on the sides and back of your head. Sometimes, you might feel a tenderness of your scalp, neck and shoulder muscles, and occasionally you may experience a loss of appetite.

Tension headaches are generally characterized as mild to moderately intense. The severity of the pain varies from one headache to another in the same person, as well as from one individual to another You may experience tension headaches regularly or they may take place infrequently. If your headaches occur fifteen or more days a month for a minimum of three months, they’re considered chronic. If tension headaches are interrupting your life, chiropractic management may be the answer. Give your chiropractor a call.

Migraine Headaches: Migraine headaches are distinct from the average tension-related headache. According to the National Headache Foundation, migraines frequently take place on one side of the head only. They throb or pulsate and are accompanied by nausea or vomiting. One-fifth of migraine sufferers have auras, visual symptoms an hour before a migraine attack, and distrubances such as pulsating light, lines or dots.

Do you experience the painful symptoms of migraines? If you do, you know the upsetting, debilitating effects that this kind of challenge can have on your life. The pain of a migraine headache can incapacitate you for hours, for days, for a lifetime, and standard over-the-counter medications are not only ineffective but, like prescription drugs, they generally have alarming side effects. It’s time to really do something about the pain and get your life back! Chiropractic care has been proven to be powerful in relieving and eliminating migraine headaches. Get in touch with your chiropractor today!

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