The effects of poor posture can be serious in terms of health, comfort, and efficiency, causing fatigue.  Many problems can be helped.  If you or a member of your family has what appears to be postural problems, you should seek the advise of a chiropractor.  Unless there is an anatomical (structural deformity) or pathological (disease-caused) disturbance, the chances for correction are excellent.

If not corrected, poor posture can affect the health and well-being of the individual.  Poor posture contributes to shallow breathing, a cramped chest cavity, faulty digestion, poor elimination, and poor venous return.  Each of which affects not only the functions of individual organs, but also the systems.  Lack of energy and reduced coordination are just two of many symptoms of a body that is not functioning efficiently.

What are the benefits of correct posture?
1)  Improves health.
2)  Improves appearance.
3)  Improves coordination.
4)  Increases strength.
5)  Gives more stamina.
6)  Allows clothes to fit better.
7)  Gives confidence.
8)  Gives better body balance and improves agility.
9)  Reduces the possiblity for injury.
10)  Aids in physcial and mental development.

There are many benefits for ensuring correct posture.  If a family member, friend, or yourself needs help with obtaining better posture, feel free to contact our office for more information.  We would love the opportunity to improve your health!   

Many women who are pregnant and experiencing headaches, neck and back pain may be looking for relief and a way to avoid using pain medications. Drugs and surgery are absolutely needed at times, but when pregnant, serious consideration is needed for the safety of both mom and baby. For those who are seeking a natural and effective way of treating a spinal condition, chiropractic care may be right for you. As a chiropractor/acupuncturist serving the Oklahoma City area, I have had the honor of treating numerous expecting moms with great results.

Pregnant bodies need a flexible and balanced spine, hips, and pelvis; internal organs need to be free of postural stress, as well as, nerve stress. During pregnancy, may physiological changes occur within the body as it prepares for the growth and delivery of the baby. Such changes with the growth of the abdomen can include pelvic changes, increased curvature of the back, swelling, and inflammation of the joints. With these changes, a misalignment of a joint or the spine can likely occur. Misaligned joints of the body along with the increasing weight of the growing baby can put a tremendous amount of pressure on the spine and organs.

It has been observed that 50-70% of pregnant women suffer from lower back pain. It is also highly common for pregnant moms to experience headaches, neck pain, and shoulder tension. When it comes to chiropractic care for pregnant moms, there are no adverse effects, unlike those which come along with many medications. The benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy include: a healthier pregnancy and baby, help in the control of nausea symptoms, an easier and safer delivery, and relief of back and neck pain. An adjustment can highly reduce spinal nerve stress, promote healing throughout the body, and increase proper positioning for the delivery. It is also important to remember to continue your chiropractic care regularly after childbirth to ensure good health for yourself as a busy mom and for your growing child.

It is important during pregnancy to seek out options that support your body's natural abilities to function and heal. Chiropractic care will help ensure that all the body's systems are functioning to there best capacity which will promote a easier pregnancy, a safer delivery, and a healthy newborn. Along with a better diet, exercise, and avoiding drugs, alcohol and cigarettes, chiropractic care should be an essential part of a pregnant woman’s healthcare regimen.

*Read this article written by Dr. Seyoung Kim for "BragBook Magazine"  in the Spring/Summer 2011 Issue

Though doctors are unsure of what causes blood pressure to increase, a new study suggest that a specific type of neck adjustment may reduce hypertension for some of the 65 million Americans battling it.  The University of Chicago study, published in the Journal of Human Hypertension, looked at the possibility of a connection between a spinal realignment and a decrease in blood pressure.  The results were intriguing.  The patients who received the chiropractic adjustments saw their blood pressure drop an average of 17 points-a dip that usually takes two blood pressure medications to achieve.


Why it may work?  The idea behind the realignment is that the C-1 vertebra, located at the top of the spine, operates like a fuse box in the body.  When it's twisted, it can pinch arteries and nerves at the neck's base, which not only causes discomfort but also affects the blood flow.  "When the spine is misaligned, it can affect all types of things, all types of disease conditions," said chiropractor Marshall Dickholtz Jr.


The Limitations.  While the study presents interesting ideas, it has its limitations according to "Good Morning America" medical editor Dr. Tim Johnson.  "There are a lot of unanswered questions.  But I'm telling you, this catches our attention because of a significant drop in the blood pressure.  It absolutely deserves more study."
A larger study has been commissioned; in the original study only 50 patients were treated, of which only 25 got the real adjustment, while others received a fake one.  Afterwards there was only an eight week follow-up.  Besides determining which patients would require x-rays to determine whether the procedure could help them, the procedure requires very special chiropractic training, Johnson said.  And no one knows for sure how long the neck adjustments or blood pressure decreases will last.
Johnson said that people with neck pain and hypertension should visit their primary care physician first and not substitute the doctor's visit with a trip to the chiropractor.  "But in talking with their doctor if they are having some neck problems they might want to entertain this idea."


March 25, 2008; Naaman and Ibanga; ABC News Internet Ventures

Various chiropractic care treatments can help you manage chronic pain caused by a neck pain or back pain condition, such as a herniated disc.
Pain Management for 2 Types of Pain
Pain management often deals with 2 broad categories of pain--intractable pain and chronic pain.
Intractable pain is a term that was first used in World War II as a clinical definition of soldiers who required morphine (an opioid) for constant pain.1 People with intractable pain are in severe, constant pain that controls their life. This type of pain is often treated with powerful medications and surgery—not chiropractic care.

Chronic pain is ongoing pain that persists beyond an expected time frame, and it doesn't respond to the typical pain management techniques. Chiropractors can treat chronic pain. They use a variety of non-surgical treatments, such as spinal manipulation, to address chronic pain symptoms, such as inflammation and muscle tension.
How Does a Chiropractor Manage Chronic Pain?
Before you go to a chiropractor to address your pain, it's important to know what exactly is causing your pain.
Your chiropractor will do a physical exam as well as some tests to help him or her diagnose your pain. Once you're diagnosed with a pain condition, your chiropractor will develop a treatment plan. Your treatment plan may include spinal manipulation, manual therapies, and therapeutic exercises.
Follow the links below to learn more about how chiropractic care can help with specific spine conditions:

• Degenerative disc disease 
• Herniated disc
• Kyphosis 
• Sciatica 
• Spondylolisthesis 
• Spondylosis (also called spinal arthritis and spinal osteoarthritis) 
• Whiplash 

Chiropractic Care and Chronic Pain
Work with your chiropractor to develop a treatment plan for your chronic pain. Once your pain is fully addressed, you should be able to gradually increase your daily activities.

https://www.spineuniverse.com/conditions/chronic-pain/chiropractic-care-chronic-pain

Car Accident Chiropractic Care - Many people get injured in minor car accidents every year, and when someone gets rear-ended, they may experience some neck and back pain in the near future. It’s common for people to develop chronic issues as a result of their seemingly minor accident. These problems are normally dealt with by a doctor because many people don’t think about visiting a chiropractor, however, chiropractic care is the best solution for most people because it doesn’t involve drugs or surgery. Here are the top five reasons you should visit a chiropractor after being involved in an accident:
Chiropractic Reduces Inflammation - An X-ray is not going to catch micro-tears that occur in someone’s ligaments and muscles after an auto accident. These microscopic tears in the muscle are one of the main reasons people wake up with severe pain the day after an accident. They are a result of whiplash in most cases; muscles cannot be jerked so quickly without experienced some negative side effects. When you go to a chiropractor, they will be able to manipulate your spine and help your body release IL-6, an important anti-inflammatory substance the body produces to help with acute injuries.
Chiropractic Restores Motion - When your neck and back are injured in an accident, the inflammation that occurs afterward is going to cause even more problems. It will slow the healing process because blood and nutrients won’t be able to make it to the areas they need to. Chiropractic adjustments will mobilize your spine and allow it to begin the healing process faster than normal, which will feel amazing as it’s happening and even better the next day.
Chiropractic Reduces Scar Tissue - Most people think of old wounds on their skin when they hear the words “scar tissue,” but this type of tissue can also form inside the body as well. Muscles will develop scar tissue after an injury because it’s the body’s natural response. However, this tissue will cause someone to feel stiff and uncomfortable for some time, even though it will heal naturally. A chiropractor can target the damaged areas and break up the scar tissue faster than a patient can on their own. This will help someone feel better in addition to healing faster.
 Chiropractic Reduces Throughout the Entire Body - Studies have shown that people who received chiropractic care after an auto injury experience less pain because the physical manipulation of their body releases more pain-reducing hormones. These hormones are going to help the area that was affected by the auto accident, and also help any areas that were causing pain before the injury. Drugs for pain are not a good solution because they are highly addictive and usually cause more problems than they solve.
Chiropractic Care Has Proven To Work - People who receive prompt chiropractic care after an accident are less likely to experience long-term issues. This method of care has been available for decades because it actually provides patients with results. People who continue working and staying active after an accident are the ones who will recover faster than those who stay in their bed all day. There’s no need to think about taking drugs or undergoing surgery unless it’s absolutely necessary. With most minor auto accidents, surgery is not required at all.

https://www.advancebackandneck.com/blog/5-reasons-to-choose-chiropractic-care-after-an-auto-accident

Posture is position of the body while standing, sitting or lying down. Good posture, also referred to as neutral spine, has many health benefits, including the avoidance of injury back pain. Chiropractic can help improve and maintain posture. 
Why is Posture Important - Appearance benefits with good posture are obvious, but there are many less-obvious health benefits you should know. Good posture can:

• Maintain correct alignment of bones and joints
• Reduce stress on ligaments, minimizing risk of injury
• Prevent muscle strain, overuse and pain
• Conserve energy as muscles are used more efficiently
• Decrease abnormal joint wear

Research has shown that poor postures may increase feelings of depression, affect your digestive tract and influence confidence and stress levels.
Signs You have Poor Posture - There are many indicators of poor posture, but some of the more common are hunched shoulders, rounded shoulders, rounded upper back, forward head carriage and arched lower back. Another indicator is back pain. Unsure if you have good posture? Talk to your chiropractor or schedule an appointment for a spinal examination.
Factors that Contribute to Poor Posture  - There are several common factors linked to poor posture:

• Stress
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Weak postural muscles
• Abnormally tight muscles
• High-heeled shoes

How to Maintain or Correct Posture - The first step is awareness! Bring your attention to your posture as you sit, stand or lie down. If you're sitting, keep both feet on the floor or a footrest, don't cross your legs and use low-back support. While standing, keep your knees slightly bent, relax your arms and pull your shoulders back. When lying down it's critical to choose the right mattress and pillow, and avoid sleeping on your stomach.
Importance of Chiropractic Care and Therapies - Your chiropractor can help you to maintain and correct your posture through chiropractic adjustments, exercises and recommendations on proper positions during different activities.

http://www.chiroone.net/how-chiropractic-helps/posture