Health Goals for 2019

It’s the very end of 2018, another year behind us, and we’re almost through two decades of the twenty-first century. Time flies, and society seems to be changing faster than ever. We live in a fast-paced world full of stress and pressure, and nobody seems to have time to relax and enjoy life. This unfortunately leads to people living lives that aren’t as healthy as they should be. In fact, the United States is one […]

The post Health Goals for 2019 appeared first on ACT Wellness Center.

from ACT Wellness Center http://bit.ly/2BUvktd

More Than a Chiropractor: Services for Health and Wellness

When people hear the term “chiropractor,” they tend to think of a healthcare professional who adjusts the back. Despite the growing awareness of the role chiropractic can play in the overall health and wellness of patients, this unfortunate generalization persists today. In truth, chiropractors do a lot more than just adjust the spine, though that is the core of the health and wellness services they provide. Your spine is the center of your body’s function. […]

The post More Than a Chiropractor: Services for Health and Wellness appeared first on ACT Wellness Center.

from ACT Wellness Center https://ift.tt/2EqFkNn

An Overview of Your Vertebrae and Spinal Column

Your backbone is one of the most essential parts of your body, and while we colloquially call it the backbone, it’s actually made up of 33 specific bones, each one called a “vertebra,” or collectively referred to as “vertebrae.” These bones protect your spinal cord, the vital bundle of nerves that run from your brain to the rest of your body and is the core means by which your brain-body communication happens. Every single signal […]

The post An Overview of Your Vertebrae and Spinal Column appeared first on ACT Wellness Center.

from ACT Wellness Center https://ift.tt/2KIQI8J

What Does a Chiropractor Treat?

Chiropractors are focused on attending to a wide variety of chronic pain and even medical conditions that result from misalignments in the spine, which are called subluxations. When your spine is out of alignment, it can result in all manner of pain and health issues, from back and neck pain to problems in the extremities – as far as your fingers and toes. Many medical conditions are often related to spine problems. These include issues […]

The post What Does a Chiropractor Treat? appeared first on ACT Wellness Center.

from ACT Wellness Center https://ift.tt/2PKZ3KM

Vertebrae of the Week: Coccyx

As the bottom bone in your spine, the coccyx is more commonly known as the tailbone. It’s a triangular bone arrangement and consists of anywhere from three to five fused or semi-fused bones. One interesting thing about the coccyx is that it represents a vestigial tail. That is, once many hundreds of thousands of years ago, we had a tail, and this bone arrangement represents what’s left of it after evolution!

Function

While we no longer have need of a tail, the coccyx still does have a function. It helps to support you when you’re sitting down, distributing your weight evenly to provide for stability and balance. It’s also the connecting point for many of the muscles in your pelvic area. These muscles support many bodily functions as well as help you move your legs, walk and run.

Injuries

Coccydynia is a term that refers to persistent tailbone pain. It’s a very common injury and manifests as localized pain which tends to worsen when you sit or perform activities that put pressure on the spine.

Women tend to suffer coccydynia more commonly than men. In fact, some literature shows that women are about five times as likely to suffer this condition. This is because women tend to have a broader pelvic structure, which can reduce the amount of pelvic rotation, as well as leave the tailbone exposed to harm.

In addition, women tend to place more weight on the tailbone when they sit. Finally, childbirth can cause acute damage to this region when the baby moves across the tailbone.

Your Tailbone and Chiropractic

A chiropractor can address the root cause of your tailbone pain, whether it’s a sprain, pinched nerve or some other problem, and can help to address the issue. They will usually begin with a physical exam, followed by dynamic X-rays to look at the position of your tailbone when sitting and when standing. This will help them to determine the proper course of adjustment and treatments that can eliminate the pain and restore your optimal mobility.

For over nine years, ACT Wellness Center has been the premiere chiropractic provider in the Woodbridge area. If you’re experiencing pain at the base of your spine, we can help. Give us a call for an examination today!

The post Vertebrae of the Week: Coccyx appeared first on ACT Wellness Center.

from ACT Wellness Center https://ift.tt/2B16ome

Vertebrae of the Week: Sacrum

One of the lowest bones in your back, the Sacrum is a large, triangular bone that connects to the base of your spine. It forms when you reach between 18 and 30 years old when your S1-S5 sacral vertebrae fuse together. It’s located at the back of your pelvic cavity, between its wings, and forms important joints with your other bones.

The sacrum is a very complex bone that helps to provide support for the spine and protection for the spinal nerves, as well as articulates with your hip bones. Among the most common injuries suffered in the sacrum region is a sprain to the sacroiliac joint that articulates at the ala, or side-base projections, of the sacrum.

Sacrum Articulations

The sacrum articulates (forms joints) with four different bones. The first is the lowest lumbar vertebra. The second is the tailbone, which is directly below the sacrum, and the third is the hip bone at the ilium region. In humans, the sacrum is able to move slightly on its own along the sagittal plate to bend backward and forward.

Disorders in the Sacrum

Besides the sacroiliac sprain and joint dislocations, a number of types of disorders can develop in the sacrum. While it doesn’t subluxate specifically like other bones in the vertebra, it can be subject to congenital disorders like spina bifida and sacral agenesis, or caudal regression syndrome. Fractures can also develop in the sacral region, and it’s one of the major areas where sarcoma cancers can develop.

How a Chiropractor Can Help

Chiropractors can help address many problems in this region. Sprains and dislocations in particular can often be corrected with spinal or extremity manipulations. In addition, the pressure that these dislocations place on nerves can create all manner of issues. Chiropractic has been applied for many different reasons with very effective results, ranging from back pain to cancer and even AIDS symptoms.

For nine years and running, Dr. C at ACT Wellness Center has provided the very best chiropractic care to the Woodbridge, VA, area. If you’d like more information about the sacrum or you need treatment for a spinal ailment, get in touch with us to schedule your appointment today!

The post Vertebrae of the Week: Sacrum appeared first on ACT Wellness Center.

from ACT Wellness Center https://ift.tt/2LQajHT

The Unique Relationship Between Pain and Stress

Stress and pain share a deep connection. Many people who suffer from unexplained chronic pain find that the source is that they’re under a lot of pressure in their lives. Whether it’s family troubles, money problems, work issues or any other reason, the more stressed out you are, the more your body gets out of sync and the more likely you are to suffer pain.

The problem with stress-related pain is that if you don’t know what you’re looking for, it can be very hard to identify it. The truth is, stress can be at the root of headaches, back pain, neck pain, shoulder and muscle aches, stomach pain and all manner of problems. Discover the unique relationship between stress and pain, tips to lower your stress, and how a chiropractor in Woodbridge, VA can help manage the pain.

Stress and Pain

Stress causes our body to tense up, which can lead to the pain you experience in your neck, shoulders, back, muscles, stomach and head. It can also cause your body’s hormone responses to be off, which in turn lowers your immunity to illness. It can cause you to have sleepless nights, affect your memory and focus, and make you irritable.

It can cause overeating, fatigue, mood swings and more. Every one of these stress-related conditions can, in some way, contribute to the development and worsening of pain in the body. As you hunch, it creates unhealthy positioning in your spine, which can lead to subluxations. These in turn put stress on nerves that cause other issues. It becomes a vicious cycle from which it’s tough to escape.

Managing Pain, Managing Stress

The first step in managing your pain in these cases is to manage your stress. That means first admitting that you’re stressed out and that you’re not coping well. Only you can fix you, by eliminating the conditions that are causing you discomfort. After this realization, look towards activities that can help you burn off some of the stress you feel.

Go to the gym. Take a martial arts, yoga or self-defense class. Go for a walk or a run. You should be getting at least 30 minutes to an hour of exercise, at least three times a week, anyway. Don’t tell yourself that you don’t have the time, and don’t let it become another stressor. Just make the time and do it!

Don’t ever be afraid to take time away. Whether it’s a vacation, a long weekend, or just a few hours a week in a room by yourself pursuing a hobby, you’re entitled to some “you” time, even if you have a family to take care of. In fact, it’ll be better for them as well!

Visit Your Chiropractor in Woodbridge, VA

When your stress causes physical issues, a visit to your chiropractor in Woodbridge, VA, can be a perfect addition to your health and wellness routine. Not only can Dr. C. at ACT Wellness adjust the subluxations in your spine that can be making your pain worse, we can give you advice on nutrition, healthy living and stress management.

If you’re in need of health and wellness counseling and chiropractic services, we’ve been the best in the region for nearing a decade. Give us a call for a consultation today.

The post The Unique Relationship Between Pain and Stress appeared first on ACT Wellness Center.

from ACT Wellness Center https://ift.tt/2NYTVRY

Vertebrae of the Week: Review of Your Lumbar Region Vertebrae

Over the past few weeks we’ve explored the lumbar, or lower back, vertebrae. While these don’t protect root nerve bundles like your upper and middle spine, they do bear the weight of almost your entire back above them. They also do protect the largest nerve in your body, the sciatic nerve.

They are, as such, particularly vulnerable to compression injuries and various conditions related to age, wear and tear. Let’s take a look at each of the lumbar region vertebrae, from the top L1 vertebra through the lowest L5 vertebra, see what function each has, and the dangers of injury for each.

L1 Vertebra

The L1 vertebra is the highest bone in your lumbar region. It is what is known as a “transitional” vertebra, serving as the point where your thoracic region becomes the lumbar. Injuries to the L1 region are most often related to compression issues, with one of the most common being spondylolisthesis.

L2 Vertebra

Next down in your spine is the L2 vertebra. At this level, we see injuries to the sciatic nerve, such as sciatica, becoming common. Other injuries to the L2 include degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, osteoarthritis, and spinal stenosis, among others. Injuries to this region can cause weakness, pain, tingling, and loss of function.

L3 Vertebra

The L3 region sees many of the same sorts of injuries as the L2, including bone spurs, spondylosis, spinal arthritis, bulging discs and others. Sports injuries from spinal compression are common at this level. Symptoms of L3 injuries involve radiating lower back pain that moves through the buttocks and legs. Feet and lower legs can be affected as well.

L4 Vertebra

The L4 region carries much of the weight of your body above, and protects the sacral and lumbar plexus nerve endings. These nerves are responsible for sensory and motor functions, and they include the sciatic nerve. Additionally, the quadratus femoris, femoral, obturator and superior gluteal nerves run through this region. These impact your hip and pelvic muscles. Common injuries at this area include osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease and others.

L5 Vertebra

Finally, we reach the lowest vertebra in your spine, the L5. As with the other vertebra in this region of your back, the sciatic nerve runs through this area, which means sciatica can be a common condition arising from injuries in this area.

Symptoms of sciatica include pain that is both localized and radiating. Numbness, tingling and weakness in the muscles and legs can also result, and can affect all the way down into the patient’s feet. Such injuries can be extremely disruptive and even debilitating. Paralysis or lesser function loss can result.

Chiropractors and the Lumbar Region

Many of the injuries in your lumbar region are the result of compression, or the cartilage between your bones wearing down with age. Others involve herniated or bulging discs. Misalignments and subluxations can result.

When this happens, your best bet is to visit a knowledgeable and qualified chiropractor. The right chiropractor can address the problem and even improve your overall wellness. If you’re in the Woodbridge area, ACT Wellness has been the leading chiropractor for almost a decade. Give us a call for an examination today.

The post Vertebrae of the Week: Review of Your Lumbar Region Vertebrae appeared first on ACT Wellness Center.

from ACT Wellness Center https://ift.tt/2uRvkXX

Eating Healthy While Eating Out

The one thing you always hear from people when you’re trying to live healthy or lose weight is, “Stop eating out.” We live in a world rich with fried foods, fatty meals, and way too many carbohydrates. Still, you have to live a little, and it is absolutely possible to eat out and make the right choices.

The biggest trick is looking past the rich, fatty, sugary foods and finding the options on the menu that are still appetizing, but won’t put an end to your quest to healthy living. Learn about making the healthiest choices when you and your family eat out, and how a chiropractor in Woodbridge, VA, can help you live a better life.

Don’t Drink Your Calories

This is a huge factor for many people. There are 150 calories and 52 grams of sugars in a 16-ounce glass of soda pop. Now think about those free refills and consider you’re probably drinking 2 or 3 of those.

Cut out the sugary soda, stay away from alcohol—especially sweet mixed drinks, and above all, avoid milkshakes. Diet soda, unsweetened tea, lowfat milk, and even water are excellent choices when you’re eating out.

Eat the Salad

If your meal comes with a side salad, go for it. It will help to fill you up and you’ll eat less of the rich stuff as a result. Just avoid heavy, fatty dressings, and go light on things like croutons and bacon bits. Stick with the greens, tomatoes and cucumbers and you’re good to go!

Go for Smaller Portion Sizes

We eat too much, and that’s a fact. Go for a side-dish, appetizer or senior sized portion. It’ll come on a smaller plate, which will still make it look like plenty of food and you’ll be surprised at just how satisfying a smaller portion is when you go home sated, but not stuffed.

Stock up on Fruits and Veggies

Go for fruits, vegetables, and the like when you choose your meals. Pick things like stir-fry, kabobs, and similar. When it’s time for dessert, consider a fruit cup instead of that cake or ice cream.

Read the Nutrition Facts

Restaurants are required to make the nutrition information available for their menus. Take the time to look at the numbers on the meals you’re considering. That alone can be a major motivator to order something healthy.

Take Leftovers Home

We all grew up on our moms telling us to “clean your plate!” You don’t have to do that now that you’re an adult (and you probably shouldn’t have when you were a kid). Once you’re sated, stop eating. You can always ask for a take-away box or bag if you don’t want to waste the leftovers. Never let guilt about leaving food make you overeat.

How a Chiropractor in Woodbridge, VA Can Help

Chiropractors can be a great way to start on the road to wellness. Your local chiropractic clinic is far more than a place you go for spinal adjustments. These wellness centers will also provide healthy living advice, including nutritional coaching. If you’d like more information about bio nutrition services, call your chiropractor in Woodbridge, VA, at ACT Wellness today.

The post Eating Healthy While Eating Out appeared first on ACT Wellness Center.

from ACT Wellness Center https://ift.tt/2JOOClj

Best Chiropractor in Woodbridge for 9th Year

Every year, residents of Prince William County, VA, vote on their local “Best of,” awards, with thousands of voters participating in electing everything from the best local food to the best yoga study, from best boss to worst traffic hazards. These awards are a guide to all that is Prince William. For the past eight years, ACT Wellness has been voted Best Chiropractor in the region in these awards, a position we’ve been proud to hold.

With the 2018 awards about to be announced, we are pleased to deliver the news that this year makes it nine! We have once again won Best Chiropractor, and in two other categories as well. Check out the awards we’ve won this year besides Best Chiropractor in Woodbridge, and why we’re so proud to be a continuing addition to the health and wellness of the people of this area.

Best Chiropractor in Woodbridge, Nine Years Running

For the ninth year running, ACT Wellness has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious “Best of Prince William” award as Best Chiropractor in Woodbridge. For almost a decade, now, ACT Wellness has stood as the most respected clinic for chiropractic care in the Prince William County region.

This means that ACT Wellness has remained the undisputed best chiropractor in the area every year since 2009. That’s not all, either; our clinic has also been granted awards by the residents of this great community as Best Other Medical Doctor and Best Alternative Medical Provider.

A Proud Part of the Community

Our staff and wellness providers are proud not just to be given this award, but to be a part of this community. Since 1998, ACT Wellness has been known for providing not just chiropractic and spinal adjustments, but complete health and wellness services from dietary counseling to bio nutrition, from pulsed energy therapy to cold laser therapy, detox foot baths, ear reflex points, and more.

Dr. C is the not just director of the clinic but a leader among chiropractic providers. With 20+ years of experience and celebrating 20 years at ACT Wellness Center, he is focused on offering the most innovative and current treatments using the most advanced technology available. His doesn’t just treat symptoms; he seeks to educate patients about the benefits of chiropractic and its role in whole body health.

Other Awards

It’s very exciting to win the Best Chiropractor award for nine years running, and the clinic is very proud, residents have also awarded us the Best Alternative Medical Provider and Best Other Medical Doctor awards, showing increased confidence and respect in our clinic. Gaining this award in a selection process of around 90,000 votes and more than 8,500 voters is a great honor.

Originally established in 1998 in Woodbridge, VA, ACT Wellness is a full-service chiropractic and wellness center dedicated to ensuring patients get the best available chiropractic care. We use the most current approaches to full-body, holistic medicine and utilize the modern equipment available in combination with as well as diet, nutrition and lifestyle advice. We are also quite active in the Woodbridge community with our outreach efforts.

If you’re looking for the best chiropractor in Woodbridge, look no further than ACT Wellness. Give us a call to schedule your appointment today!

The post Best Chiropractor in Woodbridge for 9th Year appeared first on ACT Wellness Center.

from ACT Wellness Center https://ift.tt/2JNwhW6

L5 Vertebra

The lowest vertebra in your lumbar spine is the L5. It’s the bone that rests right above your sacral spine, and it’s the most common region of the back to suffer a range of common ailments, from herniated discs to spondylolisthesis. The lumber spine is what’s commonly just called your lower back, and is responsible for support and flexibility in your entire upper body.

Because this region of your back bears so much weight, it’s also very vulnerable to degenerative conditions due to normal age-related wear and tear. Let’s look at the L5 vertebra, the conditions associated with injuries to this region, and where you can find the best chiropractic care to address such problems.

L5 Vertebra Injury Symptoms

Among the nerves that are associated with the L5 vertebra is the sciatic nerve, the source of the common injury known as sciatica. This is the largest nerve in the body, and when it gets irritated or compressed, the patient can experience a range of unpleasant symptoms.

Symptoms of an L5 injury or compression include localized and radiating pain, tingling and numbness, and weakness in the muscles and legs. Symptoms can travel as low as the front of the lower leg or even into the feet. These conditions can be extremely debilitating and disruptive. Some patients may find they are no longer able to wiggle their toes, and could even experience loss of function or paralysis.

Common L5 Spinal Conditions

Common conditions that affect the spine at the L5 region include herniated or bulging discs, generation of bone spurs, and the condition known as degenerative disc disease. Osteoarthritis is also a common condition developing in this region. Many such injuries can be caused by the loss of fluid and elasticity due to the wearing out of the disc that cushions the spine.

Woodbridge, VA, Chiropractors

If you’re suffering from any of the above conditions associated with the L5 vertebra, you should seek help from a qualified professional. For almost ten years, ACT Wellness has been the leading chiropractor in the Woodbridge, VA, area. Give us a call for an evaluation today!

The post L5 Vertebra appeared first on ACT Wellness Center.

from ACT Wellness Center https://ift.tt/2Lu8mN3

Choosing the Right Walking Shoe

Did you know there’s a good reason to own multiple pairs of shoes? It goes far beyond style and appearance, though that’s certainly a part of it. In fact, the shoes you choose to wear should fit the activity you’re undertaking. Walking shoes, for example, have specific features related to posture and support that other shoes don’t share.

The right walking shoes are comfortable and can help to prevent injuries, while the wrong walking shoes can lead to everything from blisters to back problems. Learn how choosing the right walking shoe will make all the difference in your posture and pain management, and find back pain relief in Woodbridge, VA.

Choosing the Right Walking Shoe

The right walking shoe is going to keep your feet comfortable and largely pain-free even on long walks. It will protect your foot from injury, from blisters, and calluses. It should also provide the right arch support and shock absorption that will not only protect your knees and legs, but your hip and back as well.

What Features to Seek

The build of the shoe makes a huge difference in the function and fit it provides. You should look for features that will reduce the stress on your Achilles tendon, by locking the shoe around your heel. A heel collar should cushion your ankle and keep your foot from moving inside the shoe.

Look for an upper that is made of a breathable mesh to allow for airflow and ventilation. The insole is vital to protect your feet and provide arch support, and the midsole should be comprised of either air cushion, gel, or foam padding to absorb shock and impact when your foot hits the ground. Finally, you want a round and roomy toe box to prevent calluses and toe blisters.

Know Your Feet

While the above are basic and general guidelines, you need to know your feet to choose the right shoe. If the shoe is too wide or narrow you’ll end up blistered or callused. You also need a shoe with enough room for your toes to prevent aggravation of disorders like hammertoes or bunions.

Your arch type is essential to choosing the right shoe. Different people have different arch heights. Neutral arches are those that require firm midsoles, semicurved or straight sole and footprint shapes (lasts) and moderate stability in the rear. Low arches, also called “flat feet” could contribute to joint stress and muscle pain. Straight lasts and motion control are recommended.

Finally, feet with high arches can cause a great deal of strain on muscles and joints, because the feet don’t absorb shock particularly well. These need extra cushioning and curved lasts.

Back Pain Relief Woodbridge, VA

In the end, find shoes that fit well, are comfortable, and provide ideal support. Replace worn-out shoes as needed. If you are in need of back pain relief in Woodbridge, VA, the right chiropractor can give you the help you need. For over eight years running, ACT Wellness has been the leading chiropractic clinic in the region. Give us a call for an appointment today!

The post Choosing the Right Walking Shoe appeared first on ACT Wellness Center.

from ACT Wellness Center https://ift.tt/2zIVUr7

L4 Vertebra

The fourth vertebra down in your lumbar region, the L4 holds the responsibility of bearing the weight of your torso above it just like its sibling vertebrae. Your lower back is the portion of your body that’s most responsible for your ability to stand, twist, and move properly and as a result it’s among the strongest areas of your body, while at the same time being the most prone to injury.

Since the kinds of nerves to be found in this region have different functions than those further up, injuries to the lumbar region present a bit differently than those above. While nerves do travel through this area, you are much more prone to experience pain, weakness and numbness from lumbar injuries, than you are to experience other seemingly unrelated health problems. The most common and notable of these is sciatica.

L4 Vertebra Conditions and Injuries

The nerves that travel at the L4 vertebra level are the sacral plexus and lumbar plexus ends. These provide sensory and motor nerves. Among the most important of these nerves is the sciatic nerve, which is the largest nerve in the body, and can be the source of a painful and common injury known as sciatica.

Other nerves in this area include the superior gluteal, the quadratus femoris, the femoral and the obturator nerves, which impact pelvic and hip muscles. Nerve compressions and injuries in this region can take a number of forms, including osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and bulging or herniated discs.

Symptoms and Treatment

Most L4 injuries and conditions result in chronic lower back pain, a numbness, tingling or “pins and needles” feeling, and muscle weakness which can radiate through the buttocks, hips and even into the inside of the lower leg. When you’re feeling these symptoms, you should seek help from a qualified chiropractor.

For years, ACT Wellness has been the leading chiropractor in Woodbridge, VA. We specialize in treatments for spinal injuries at all levels, including the L3. Give us a call to schedule an appointment and evaluation today!

The post L4 Vertebra appeared first on ACT Wellness Center.

from ACT Wellness Center https://ift.tt/2maIj2g

4 Benefits of an Ionic Detox Foot Bath

Chiropractic and wellness care is an outstanding way to approach your whole body health from an all-natural, holistic and whole-body standpoint. It’s a way to live a better, stronger, healthier lifestyle without pumping your body full of chemicals and without engaging in invasive procedures. Best of all, it’s a focus on treating the root of injury and illness, and on not getting sick to begin with, rather than treating the symptoms after they pop up.

One of the more popular holistic preventative treatments is the ionic detox foot bath. This is a great way to remove heavy metals and other toxins from your body, and it’s also one of the most relaxing activities there are. Discover four benefits of an ionic detox foot bath, and learn where to find a wellness center in Woodbridge to get you on the path to better living.

4 Benefits of an Ionic Detox Foot Bath

There are many benefits you can get from an ionic detox foot bath. These include purging of heavy metals from your body, reducing inflammation, detoxifying your liver, and enhancing your immune system.

It’s a completely safe therapy for most people over the age of ten, and can be especially beneficial for those who are on a lot of medications. It’s also suggested for those who have overworked liver, kidney and spleen functions and are incapable of effectively removing toxins from the body.

Who Shouldn’t Have a Detox Foot Bath?

People who have pacemakers, those who are under ten years of age, and people who suffer from seizure disorders should not have ionic detox foot baths. While they are generally safe, the risks for people in these categories have not been effectively established. In any case, you should speak with your healthcare professional or wellness provider before any procedure.

How Does the Foot bath Work?

The patient places their feet into a foot bath tub filled with a special sea-salt water blend. Also in this tub is a module consisting of conductive plates through which a low-level electrical current passes, enabling ions to pass over the feet. This energizes the body and blood cells, eliminates toxins from the kidneys, bowels, liver, skin and fat tissue, while triggering the body’s lymphatic system and continues the detox process for up to 48 hours after the session completes.

As your feet soak, the water will change colors as the toxins are drawn from your body into the water. You’ll actually see the process working.

How Many Sessions Are Required?

It varies from person to person, but it is recommended that most people begin with a course of six sessions, conducted over a period of three to five weeks. This will maximize the detox efforts. After this, monthly maintenance sessions are often indicated.

You should begin to see results fairly quickly, but the level of results you experience will largely depend on several factors. These include your lifestyle, physical condition, and willingness to make the lifestyle changes needed to live a better life.

Wellness Services in Woodbridge, VA

If you’d like to see for yourself how an ionic detox foot bath can improve your health, ACT Wellness Center is ready to help. Give us a call to schedule an appointment today!

The post 4 Benefits of an Ionic Detox Foot Bath appeared first on ACT Wellness Center.

from ACT Wellness Center https://ift.tt/2KN6ra0

Vertebrae of the Week: L3 Vertebra

Next up in our ongoing series about each of the bones in your spine is the L3 vertebra. The third bone down in your lumbar, or lower back area, the L3 is the central bone in this region. Like the other lumbar vertebrae, this bone carries a substantial role in bearing the weight of your torso.

Also like the other bones in your lumbar spine, this vertebra does not protect specific nerve bundles, which means that problems arising from injuries to this region present differently than in your middle or upper back. Learn about the L3 vertebra, the role it plays in your spine, and how a chiropractor in Woodbridge, VA, can help to deal with injuries and issues from this important bone.

L3 Vertebra Conditions and Injuries

There are a range of spinal injuries that can affect or be caused by the L3 vertebra. These include herniated or bulging discs, bone spurs, spondylosis, spondylolisthesis, and spinal arthritis, among others. A number of common conditions, including sports injuries, can result in spinal compression injuries.

When a spinal condition occurs at the L3 level, the symptoms usually include radiating pain from the lower back through the buttock and leg of the affected side. Chronic lower back pain also generally results. The leg and foot of the affected side can also develop numbness and weakness from impacted nerve communication.

Treating L3 Injuries and Back Pain

Your best bet to seek treatment for an L3 vertebra injury is to talk with a local chiropractor. For almost a decade, now, ACT Wellness has been the leading chiropractor in Woodbridge, VA. We’re ready to tackle any problems you’re having with back pain in any region, and get you feeling healthy and well again. Contact us today to get back on the path to living a happy, strong and healthy life without pain and without invasive procedures.

The post Vertebrae of the Week: L3 Vertebra appeared first on ACT Wellness Center.

from ACT Wellness Center https://ift.tt/2NsO4F0

5 Fun Ways to Sneak Exercise into Family Day

We hear it constantly—exercise more. Exercise at least a half hour a day. Hit the gym at least three times a week for vigorous strength training and aerobic exercise. We also all know that who really has the time for all that if you’re not a fitness junkie? We all live busy lives, no doubt, but it’s still important to find ways to get some exercise in.

Fortunately, there are great ways you can sneak exercise into your family fun time and still have a great time doing it. Let’s look at five fun ways you can sneak some exercise into family day, get all the activity you need to stay fit and live a better, healthier overall lifestyle, and how chiropractic in Woodbridge, VA, can help you stay that way.

Go to the Playground!

What kid in this world doesn’t love a playground, and what grown-up doesn’t secretly long for the days when they were climbing on the jungle gym? Going to the playground can be a great deal of fun, and you can get in on the activities with your kids to get some strength training in. Climb the mini-rock wall, use the monkey bars, and jump around the climbing structures for strength training.

Play Sports

There really is no better exercise than a good pickup game of soccer, basketball, or tag football. Even a game of tag or capture the flag is outstanding exercise. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you’re too old to play. We all need fun, and we all need activity.

Hiking and Biking Trails

Hit the trails for family day! Hiking and biking are some of the best all-natural exercise you can undertake, and every city and town has trails for just that purpose. Lace up your boots and hit the trails. You’ll get some relaxing time out in the peace and quiet of nature while strengthening your endurance and core.

Take a Fitness Class Together

When most people say they don’t’ have time for the gym, it’s largely a factor of motivation more than time. Sign up you and yours for a fitness class, and you’ll suddenly find it becomes an obligation to which you can stick, while also being a fun way to build strength and lose weight.

Backyard Games

Dig horseshoe pits in your back yard, get a bocce set, a croquet set, or even try the traditional Viking game of Kubb! These are all easily available backyard games, as well as being great ways to boost your strength, get some cardio, improve your balance and coordination and increase flexibility at the same time.

Chiropractic in Woodbridge, VA

Of course, regular visits to your chiropractor are essential to maintaining your healthy lifestyle. In addition to addressing back problems and subluxations, the right chiropractic clinic will provide comprehensive wellness services at the same time. For over eight years, ACT Wellness Center has been the leading provider of chiropractic in Woodbridge, VA. To get started on your path to better living, contact us for an appointment today.

The post 5 Fun Ways to Sneak Exercise into Family Day appeared first on ACT Wellness Center.

from ACT Wellness Center https://ift.tt/2KsmXMo

L2 Vertebra

Located just below the L1, the L2 vertebra is the second vertebra in your lumbar, or lower back, region. It’s among the largest of the bones in your spinal column, which gets wider as it goes lower. Like the L1, its primary function is to support the weight of the body above it, which makes it susceptible to injuries related to compression.

An interesting fact about the L2 is that in most people, this bone protects the bottom of your spinal column, meaning that the rest of the bones in the vertebrae don’t have the role of keeping important nerve bundles from damage. At this point, a series of nerves called the cauda equina spread out into your body. These affect your front thighs, and they allow your hip to bend.

L2 Spinal Conditions

There are a number of spinal conditions that can result from compression or pinching at the L2 level. These include sciatica, degenerative disc disease, bulging or herniated discs, osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, and other conditions and ailments associated with the lower back region.

Most people who experience injuries to this region experience pain, tingling, numbness and muscle weakness in the lower back. These symptoms can also radiate through to the front of the thighs, and in the most serious cases can be crippling and disabling. They can interfere with your ability to function on a daily basis. They are also, unfortunately, common with age.

Chiropractors and the L2 Vertebra

Treating subluxations and misalignments in the L2 vertebra can be an important way to avoid injuries as you get older. Such injuries occur due to poor posture, a sedentary lifestyle, accident, and simple age. Regular visits to  chiropractor can be an important part of protecting you against such issues.

If you’re in the Woodbridge, VA, area, ACT Wellness is the top chiropractic clinic in the region for over eight years. Give us a call for an evaluation of your needs today!

The post L2 Vertebra appeared first on ACT Wellness Center.

from ACT Wellness Center https://ift.tt/2tJBp7r

Types of Chiropractic Care

Do you suffer from regular headaches, be it tension, migraine or any other kind? Headaches can be brutal and debilitating. What many people don’t realize, however, is that headaches are often the result of a vertebra in your spine being out of alignment, and having this misalignment fixed can take care of the problem. Further, regular visits to a chiropractor can actually prevent the problem from appearing again.

Thousands of people have achieved relief from sinus headaches and migraines through chiropractic visits, and that’s just one type or phase of chiropractic care that can help you live a much better, healthier life. Learn about the different phases and types of chiropractic care, and how a visit to the chiropractor can bring you headache relief in Woodbridge, VA.

Types of Chiropractic Care

There are, in general, three types of chiropractic care you can receive. When we discuss types of care in this context, we are not referring to specific areas of the back, or specific injuries. We are referring to the general approach of the care. In this sense, the three types of care you can receive are relief, corrective and wellness.

Most patients will visit a chiropractor first for relief, then move on to corrective care, and finally will engage in repeat visits for ongoing wellness. Let’s look at each kind of care, how it works, and how it can help you.

Relief Chiropractic Care

Relief chiropractic care is the reason why most patients visit a chiropractor in the first place. They experience pain somewhere in their body that they need to deal with. In most cases, either they don’t want to deal with traditional medicine due to the fear of invasive procedures or the desire to avoid chemicals in their body.

The first step in chiropractic is to evaluate the problem and make the necessary adjustments to provide immediate relief for the pain the patient experiences. This is relief care.

Corrective Chiropractic Care

The next type of chiropractic care progresses from relief care; this is corrective chiropractic. After the patient has experienced relief from their symptoms, it’s vital to address the underlying cause of the pain. This will ensure that the relief is not just short-term, but permanent. Chiropractic is focused on whole-body wellness and treating the reasons why patients feel pain, not just covering up symptoms.

Usually, the corrective care phase can take up to six weeks or longer, depending on the specific condition and the number of corrections needed to address the problem. Many conditions addressed at this phase have been developing for years, and can take a long time to correct.

Wellness Chiropractic Care

Finally, the wellness phase is when patients use ongoing chiropractic to make sure that their body maintains its new health and wellness. Regular visits to a chiropractor can keep you from re-developing the problems you were having in the first place, and even provide increased strength, flexibility and resistance to disease.

Headache Relief Woodbridge, VA

If you’re in need of headache relief near Woodbridge, VA, or are having any other kind of aches or pains, ACT Wellness can help. Give us a call today and discover how the best chiropractic clinic in the area for the past 8 years running can get you feeling healthy once more.

The post Types of Chiropractic Care appeared first on ACT Wellness Center.

from ACT Wellness Center https://ift.tt/2yEl1uG

L1 Vertebra

Your lumbar region is your lower back. It’s one of the most common areas of the back in which people experience pain. Often this pain is muscular, but just as often, it’s related to a misalignment or injury in the spine. The L1 vertebra is the first (topmost) lumbar vertebra. It supports the weight of your upper body, and is a transitional vertebra between the thoracic and lumbar region.

Of course, this means that it can also be injury prone and when it gets out of alignment, called a subluxation, it can result in a range of different injuries and symptoms, especially when such a misalignment puts pressures on the important nerves in your spinal cord.

Injuries to the L1 Vertebra

Because the L1 supports so much of the weight above it, it can be particularly susceptible to compression injuries, wherein the discs and joints between bones deteriorate. This can create a condition called spondylolisthesis. It can also result in ruptured and bulging discs.

The pressure this places on your nerves can create lower back pain and radiant pain in the buttocks, legs and sides. This pain can be debilitating and interfere with daily life. A big part of avoiding these injuries is ensuring that your spine is in its proper alignment and that you maintain good posture.

The Chiropractor and Your L1

The right chiropractor can make sure that your lumbar vertebrae remain in the proper position and that your L1 vertebra is properly able to support the weight above it, without damage and without injury. When you do suffer injury, correcting the misalignment can often go a long way towards addressing the problem.

If you’re in the Woodbridge, VA, area and you’re experiencing lower back pain, ACT Wellness Center can help. Give us a call for an evaluation today!

The post L1 Vertebra appeared first on ACT Wellness Center.

from ACT Wellness Center https://ift.tt/2K4WlA2

Chiropractic Care for the Whole Family

Many people don’t consider chiropractic care when they think about the health and well-being of their entire family, but they really should. Chiropractic care is a time-honored means of living well without the need for drugs or invasive procedures. It’s entirely safe, and can help everyone in your family from your youngest children to the most senior retiree.

We live in a fast-paced world and that means everyone is constantly on the go. Chiropractic can be an outstanding way to live a better, stronger and healthier life, so whatever you’re looking to achieve, you can do so at peak performance. Learn how the right chiropractor can help you address any issues of neck and back pain in Woodbridge, VA, and get you living an overall happier, healthier life.

Chiropractic for the Whole Family

Even as chiropractic becomes more accepted as a legitimate medical practice, many people are still concerned about the safety of spinal adjustments. The truth is, visiting a chiropractor is just as safe as seeing your family doctor, and possible even safer, since you’ll never get stuck with needles, have your body filled with chemicals, or experience invasive procedures.

A chiropractic adjustment is so safe that it can even be used on infants, and some chiropractors even specialize in treating infants. On the other end of the spectrum, it can help senior citizens recover and improve strength and mobility, making them feel years younger.

Addressing Pain and Disease

Chiropractic is focused on healing your entire body, on building your immune system so that you can fight off disease on your own. It has been effective in reducing symptoms for everything from simple back pain to diabetes and even cancer. It can be an important part of your everyday health and wellness routine.

Your chiropractor, by adjusting the misalignments in your spine, can get the brain-body communications signals that run through your spine working more efficiently. This means your brain gets better at telling your body how to behave, which means that everything works better.

Improving Strength and Mobility

When your spine is out of alignment, it can limit your ability to move. Everything from turning your head to moving your arms to just getting up out of a chair can be more difficult. Many patients are amazed at how visiting a chiropractor makes them feel stronger, more flexible, and gives them a greater range of motion altogether.

Whether you’re suffering a sports injury or you just have a very sedentary job, a chiropractic adjustment can give you better posture, greater strength, and can even help your system work better to get you in better physical shape.

Back and Neck Pain in Woodbridge, VA

If you’re suffering from back and neck pain near Woodbridge, VA, the staff at ACT Wellness is eager to meet you. For over 8 years we’ve been the leading chiropractic, health and wellness center in the region, and we’re ready to help you address your problems and get your whole family feeling better overall. Give us a call today!

The post Chiropractic Care for the Whole Family appeared first on ACT Wellness Center.

from ACT Wellness Center https://ift.tt/2ypIv6M

Thoracic Region of Your Spine

The thoracic region of your spine is comprised of twelve vertebrae that run along the middle part of your back. Misalignments in these vertebrae can cause all manner of problems. Learn about your thoracic vertebrae, the effects they have, and how a qualified chiropractor can help address your back pain and get you healthy once more.

Your Thoracic Vertebrae

Your thoracic vertebrae are denoted by the letter “T” followed by a number. The T1 is the highest, while the T 12 is the lowest. Each has the responsibility of protecting the nerves that control a specific area of bodily function.

The T1

This vertebra is also the C7 vertebra. It’s located at the base of your neck, and subluxation can cause pain in the middle back, sides and chest, as well as pain and loss of feeling in your arms like tendonitis.

The T2

This bone is associated with your coronary arteries and cardiovascular system. This can cause problems like chest pain, rapid heartbeat, breathing problems, blood pressure and the like. It can affect all of your pulmonary veins and arteries, as well as your aorta.

The T3

The T3 vertebra protects your vascular system and chest region, including your pleura, lungs, bronchial tubes, chest and nipples. Symptoms of a subluxation in this region can include pleurisy, pneumonia, bronchitis, congestion, and even the flu. Other symptoms include back pain, fever, cough, loss of appetite, chills, headaches and more.

The T4

This vertebra is a major support bone for your ribs. It is responsible for your gall bladder function and subluxations can result in gallstones, jaundice, shingles and other, nastier illnesses including hepatitis, cirrhosis, biliary tract blockage, cancer and liver disease.

The T5

This part of your spine is one of the most vital bones in your whole spine. It can cause problems like diabetes, pancreatitis, liver disease, circulatory problems, and a range of others, in addition to back pain.

The T6

The T6 vertebra is responsible for your digestive system, and as such it can be responsible, when subluxated, for a range of conditions related to that function. This includes dyspepsia or common indigestion, as well as heartburn, acid reflux and similar.

The T7

This bone also deals with your digestion, but also has effects on your overall immune system. Symptoms of a misalignment in this vertebra include ulcers, gastritis, maldigestion, and overall lowered immune function.

The T8

This part of your back controls your spleen and immune system. It can result in blood infections, bacterial, fungal and viral infections, and other reduced disease resistance if it becomes misaligned.

The T9

This backbone is responsible for your adrenal gland system and your stomach health. Misalignments can result in adrenal fatigue, exhaustion, decreased sex drive, lowered ability to enjoy life, increased stress, respiratory infections, stomach disease and more.

The T10

The T10 vertebra is related to general movement and sensation. Disruption of this vertebra can result in lack of sensation, paralysis, reduced mobility and function, loss of bladder and bowel control, and similar issues.

The T11

At the T11 level, many of your lower body organs are controlled. A disruption in this region can cause diabetes, sciatica, constipation, diarrhea, gas, lower back and rib pain, and more.

The T12

Finally, this vertebra affects your lower back, abdominal muscles and general movement. It’s one of the strongest bones in your spine, but also one of the most likely to suffer compression damage.

If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, a chiropractor may be able to help address issues with your thoracic vertebrae. Contact ACT Wellness for an appointment and examination today.

The post Thoracic Region of Your Spine appeared first on ACT Wellness Center.

from ACT Wellness Center https://ift.tt/2t8nZlj

Why My Back Cracks During Chiropractic Adjustment

Chiropractic care is rapidly growing in popularity and mainstream acceptance, and for good reason. It’s safe, non-invasive, and doesn’t involve pumping your body full of drugs and chemicals. It focuses on healing your whole body, on allowing your own natural healing processes to work at their best. It’s great for controlling pain and helping you live a healthier life.

Many people are uncomfortable, however, at the “popping” sound and sensation they get when they receive a spinal adjustment from a chiropractor. This sensation is so common that a colloquial expression for visiting the chiropractor is “getting your back cracked.” Learn why your back cracks during a chiropractic adjustment, and where you can find the best clinic to manage back pain near Woodbridge, VA.

Understanding Spinal Subluxation

A “subluxation” refers to one or more bones in your spine—your vertebrae—being out of their proper alignment. Your spine has a specific curvature, and when the bones that make it up don’t follow that curve, it can cause all manner of health issues, from back pain, loss of sensation in your limbs, limited motion and even symptoms of conditions like diabetes. Your back really is the core of your entire body’s function.

How Chiropractic Adjustments Work

When a chiropractor performs an examination, they’ll look for these subluxations. Much of chiropractic care surrounds repairing these problems. By fixing a spinal subluxation—placing your spine back into its proper alignment—a doctor of chiropractic can help you to control pain you’re experiencing, help to improve strength, flexibility and range of motion, eliminate health issues, and help you live a better, healthier life.

When you get a chiropractic adjustment, it’s not uncommon to feel and hear a popping sound that’s colloquially called “cracking your back.” It’s also not surprising that people can be uncomfortable with this idea, since your back is so important. When you understand this pop, however, you’ll realize that it’s actually a helpful sound.

What Is the Pop?

The pop you experience when you receive a spinal adjustment is called a cavitation. It’s made by the release of gas between your spinal joints, called synovial joints. These joints produce fluid to lubricate the joint to allow for movement. As this fluid is produced, it also creates oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide. Any time a joint opens up, the gas is released and you hear the popping sound.

It’s very much the same thing you experience when you crack your knuckles, and for the exact same reason. It also can feel really good when it’s done. As soon as the joint is popped, the fluid flows in to refill the gap, and you feel a sense of relief and increased movement.

Controlling Back Pain Near Woodbridge, VA

If you’ve been experiencing back pain near Woodbridge, VA, a qualified and experienced chiropractor can help. For over 8 years, ACT Wellness has helped people all across the region deal with spinal misalignments  and the problems that go with them. For help dealing with your back pain in Woodbridge, VA, contact our offices to make an appointment today!

The post Why My Back Cracks During Chiropractic Adjustment appeared first on ACT Wellness Center.

from ACT Wellness Center https://ift.tt/2sQxne5

T12 Vertebra

The T12, or twelfth thoracic vertebra is the largest of all your thoracic vertebrae, and is the lowermost in the back. It’s designed to bear the weight of your spine, and is the strongest of all vertebrae in the region, but it’s also the most prone to injuries from stress. It’s a sort of hybrid that possesses the features of a thoracic and a lumbar vertebra.

The region of your spinal cord protected by this vertebra controls your abdominal muscles, lower back, stability and support. Unfortunately, pain from a T12 injury can be tricky to diagnose as it can radiate to other areas of your body and not be centered where the injury actually is.

Injuries to the T12 Vertebra

Injuries to the T12 vertebra can result in pain in the back, around your rib cage, in your abdominal muscles, or even radiating down into your legs. It’s important to have the injury properly diagnosed, as certain conditions including cancer, infection and even scoliosis can result in similar symptoms.

How a Chiropractor Helps

A chiropractor knows how to perform the proper tests and evaluations to learn whether your condition is caused by a spinal subluxation or misalignment. Such tests can involve MRIs, x-rays, and physical examinations by touch. When they have determined the specific cause of the problem, they can adjust your spine to treat misalignments, bulging or herniated discs, or other injuries you may have suffered.

Often, a problem with the T12 can be treated very conservatively using physical therapy and chiropractic adjustments. Chiropractors favor non-invasive approaches to treating spinal injuries, without the need for surgery or pumping your body full of chemicals and drugs. A chiropractor always seeks to treat the underlying cause, and thousands of patients have found relief through gentle and non-invasive adjustments of this kind.

ACT Wellness

ACT Wellness Center has been the leading chiropractor in the Woodbridge, VA, region for nearly a decade running. We are entirely focused on helping you to feel your best and live a healthier, happier life. If you’re experiencing pain in any of the areas described, give us a call for an evaluation today.

The post T12 Vertebra appeared first on ACT Wellness Center.

from ACT Wellness Center https://ift.tt/2JBuCXA

How Chiropractors Treat Sciatica

Sciatica is a condition that is regularly addressed by Doctors of Chiropractic. It’s a condition that can make it very hard to function; even sitting down can be painful. It also presents symptoms that can come and go. Many thousands of people suffer with this condition, and it can be truly debilitating at times.

Addressing the symptoms of sciatica may not be enough; in order to control the condition entirely it’s important to address the root cause. The first step is getting a proper diagnosis, and that’s where your chiropractor comes in. Learn about sciatica, what it is, how it causes the pain and discomfort it does, and how Woodbridge chiropractors treat sciatica to bring relief to their patients.

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica is pain that’s caused by pressure on your sciatic nerve. This pain  usually originates in the lower back and can radiate into the buttock and even down your legs. It can vary in intensity from mild to severe. In some patients it’s constant, while in others it only crops up occasionally. Sciatic nerve pain is usually experienced as similar to that from a toothache, but it can be dull or sharp, a sensation of pins and needles, or electric shocks.

People suffering from sciatica can also experience burning, numbness and tingling in their limbs. It is also referred to as neuropathy, neuralgia, referred or radiating pain. It can result in loss of feeling, insomnia, and even paralysis.

What Causes Sciatica?

There can be a number of different causes for sciatic nerve compression. Some of these conditions involve pregnancy and childbirth, tumors, diabetes, constipation and even sitting on your wallet. Other causes include herniated discs in your back or subluxations of the lumbar spine.

Among the more common causes of the condition is piriformis syndrome. This syndrome occurs when your piriformis muscle, in your lower back connecting to your spine, gets injured from slip-and-fall injuries, arthritis, or leg length difference.

Diagnosing the Condition

Because there are so many different potential causes of the condition, it’s vital that it be properly diagnosed so that the underlying cause can be addressed. A chiropractor’s first step in treating sciatica is to figure out what has caused it. This can involve a careful review of your medical history gained from a thorough examination both physical and neurological.

This testing can involve a variety of tests including x-rays, CT scans, MRI scans and others. They can help to detect whether a spinal adjustment alone will be able to treat your condition, or whether it will be a part of the treatment.

Woodbridge Chiropractors

Very often, spinal manipulations can adjust subluxations, or misalignments, in your spine that can cause or contribute to sciatica. They can even address some underlying causes such as arthritis, uneven legs and more. Seeking the right treatments from Woodbridge chiropractors is essential to managing and eliminating your pain and living a better, healthier life overall.

For the past 8 years and counting, ACT Wellness have been the leading Woodbridge chiropractors. We offer comprehensive health and wellness services, with a non-invasive, whole-body approach to living better. Get in touch for an appointment today!

The post How Chiropractors Treat Sciatica appeared first on ACT Wellness Center.

from ACT Wellness Center https://ift.tt/2sw5HuI

Vertebrae of the Week: T11 Vertebra

The T11 is one of the two lowest vertebrae in your spinal thoracic region. Like the other thoracic vertebrae, they are attached to your ribcage, which helps to protect them from direct harm, though they can be subject to damage from compression fractures. These vertebrae are important in the control of your kidneys, ureters, colon, small intestines, lymph circulation system, buttocks, and the uterus (in women).

As with any of your vertebrae, the T11 can be the culprit of a wide range of health problems. Learn about your T11 vertebra, what happens when it gets out of alignment, and where you can find help to take care of those issues to live a better life.

T11 Vertebra

Your spinal column protects the nerve center of your entire body. Every single signal coming to and going from your brain to the rest of your body travels through your spine. Each individual bone in your spine protects nerve bundles that have specific functions. The T11, as stated above, protects the function of a lot of your lower body organs.

When you have a subluxation, or misalignment, in the T11 vertebra, you can suffer symptoms like blood sugar problems and diabetes; kidney diseases; chronic fatigue; bowel control issues including gas, diarrhea and constipation; sciatica; pain in the lower ribs and more.

How a Chiropractor Helps

A chiropractor’s job is to detect and address subluxations in your spine and correct the conditions that arise from these problems. Many people are surprised at how what they once thought was a given condition can clear up from a simple series of chiropractic adjustments. Chiropractors have helped patients control allergies, diabetes, kidney disease and many other ailments just by addressing the real problem at the root of the ailment: a spinal subluxation.

If you’re suffering from problems in the lower middle region of your back, or with any of the symptoms above, ACT Wellness might be able to help. Give us a call to schedule an appointment and evaluation today, and discover why we’ve been the Woodbridge, VA, area’s leading chiropractor for the past 8 years and counting!

The post Vertebrae of the Week: T11 Vertebra appeared first on ACT Wellness Center.

from ACT Wellness Center https://ift.tt/2Lbiytf

Let Chiropractic Help You Jumpstart Your Spring Cleaning

Spring is officially here, and that means it’s time to get started on all those projects you’ve had stacking up over the winter. There’s nothing like getting rid of the old and putting a fresh coat of paint on your life. Still, it’s a task that nobody looks forward to doing.

In fact, spring cleaning can be rough on your body and it can leave you in all kinds of pain. You should make sure that you’re in good physical health before you take on all that work. Learn how chiropractic near Woodbridge, VA, can be an outstanding step towards helping you get a jump start on this year’s spring cleaning work!

Deal with the Aches and Pain

Before you even start on the task of lifting, bending, twisting and straining, make sure that your body is in shape to handle it. This means stretching and getting a bit of exercise in before you begin cleaning. It also means a visit to the chiropractor.

Your chiropractor can give you a thorough examination and target any areas where neck, shoulder and back pain are most likely to crop up. By adjusting those areas where you have subluxation, or misalignments in your spine, they can help to address any issues of pain you’re currently experiencing, as well as get you poised to avoid future issues.

Getting Your Health in Shape

Chiropractic isn’t just about pain control, however. When you’re working on your spring cleaning, you’re certainly going to find yourself exposed to dust, pollen, pet dander, allergens and other substances which could cause health problems. Through spinal adjustments, your chiropractor can actually improve the way your whole body functions, enabling you to perform better at all levels. This includes the way your immune system works.

That means that if you suffer from seasonal allergies, a visit to the chiropractor could help you to control those problems without intrusive procedures or medication. It can also boost your overall resistance to disease.

Helping You Get Motivated

When you feel better, you’re more likely to jump on those tasks that need to be done, and less likely to procrastinate or put things off. You’ll have more energy, more drive and more motivation to take action. Since chiropractic visits help your body work better, your energy levels and motivation will go up as well.

Chiropractic in Woodbridge, VA

There’s no doubt about it: a visit to the chiropractor is a great way to start your spring cleaning tasks this year. From making sure you don’t experience injury and pain to keeping you healthy and maintaining your energy levels, there are a range of benefits you can reap from such a visit. Chiropractic is a completely safe, non-invasive and drug-free approach to holistic, whole-body health and wellness.

For the past eight years and counting, ACT Wellness has been the leading center for chiropractic in Woodbridge, VA and the surrounding areas. If you’re ready to get started on your spring cleaning tasks, and you want to be sure you’re in great health for the job, give us a call and schedule an appointment today!

The post Let Chiropractic Help You Jumpstart Your Spring Cleaning appeared first on ACT Wellness Center.

from ACT Wellness Center https://ift.tt/2kB09dP

Vertebrae of the Week: T10 Vertebra

The T10 Vertebra, also called the tenth thoracic vertebra, is a part of your thoracic spine and the tenth down from the top. It’s in the lower part of your mid-back and is one of the vertebrae that attaches to your rib cage in your mid-back.

Any time you have a misalignment in one of your vertebrae, it can result in pain and a variety of other health-related symptoms, but each of the regions in your back has the responsibility to protect specific bundles of nerves. Let’s take a look at the nerves that the T10 vertebra protects, the symptoms that can be associated with a subluxation in this region, and where to find help for your pain management.

T10 Vertebra

The T10 vertebra is part of the lower-middle back, and is known as a transition vertebra, due to its proximity to the lumbar, or lower-back, vertebrae. It is among the most susceptible to damage and injury from compression fractures. Aside from these injuries, however, it is among the most resistant to direct injury because it is protected by the rib cage.

Those who do suffer a serious spinal injury in this region can suffer symptoms such as paralysis, loss of function in the legs and torso, reduced sensation and dexterity in the hands and fingers, loss of bowel and bladder control, and reduced ability to stand.

Other Issues with the T10 Region

The nerve bundles protected by the T10 region have to do with our kidney function and cardiovascular system. As such, those who suffer a subluxation to the T10 can suffer from kidney problems, hardened arteries, exhaustion and chronic fatigue, pyelitis (renal pelvic inflammation) and nephritis (kidney inflammation).

Woodbridge Chiropractors

The right chiropractor can help to address problems that arise from misalignments in your spine. By adjusting your back and correcting the curvature, they can relieve the health problems and issues that arise from pressure on your nerve bundles. If you’re in the Woodbridge, VA, region, ACT Wellness is the leading chiropractic provider for eight years running. Give us a call for an appointment today!

The post Vertebrae of the Week: T10 Vertebra appeared first on ACT Wellness Center.

from ACT Wellness Center https://ift.tt/2s9C0yv

Can Your Chiropractor Help with the Dizziness of Vertigo?

Dizziness and vertigo can be confusing and scary. There are all kinds of potential causes for these symptoms, and it’s vital to understand the potential causes as well as what they entail for you. In some cases, they could present signs of something very serious. In others, they could be symptoms of a relatively minor issue that can be adjusted by your chiropractor.

To start, it’s important to know the difference between lightheadedness and vertigo, as well as the potential causes of each. Learn about dizziness, lightheadedness and vertigo, and how your chiropractor may be able to help with neck pain treatment near Woodbridge, VA.

Vertigo vs. Lightheadedness

Many people use the terms “vertigo” and “lightheadedness” interchangeably. IN truth, there are difference between the two. While both can involve a feeling of dizziness, lightheadedness is the feeling that you’re going to pass out or faint. You lose your sense of balance, but the feeling is centered on you.

With vertigo, you’ll feel like the problem is all around you. While you know you’re standing still, it feels like the entire world is spinning around you. Your dizziness is associated with this feeling that the world won’t stand still.

Understanding Vertigo

Vertigo occurs because there’s a miscommunication between your brain and body in the regions of position and balance. It involves issues communicating with either your sensory nerves, skin pressure, vision or inner ear. It can be caused by a range of factors including injuries to the head, ears or eyes; central nervous system damage; chemical exposures (including some medications); and a range of other disorders. It can also be caused by a subluxation, or misalignment, of your spine.

Vertigo Symptoms

The symptoms of vertigo can vary from case to case, but they always involve a sensation that the world is spinning around you. They can also involve nausea, vomiting, vision problems, sweating, hearing loss, ringing in the ears, abnormal eye movement, weakness, neck pain and speech problems, among others.

The most common form of vertigo, BPPV, occurs when you move your head in a certain way, or too suddenly. It could be from laying down, sitting up too quickly, turning over in bed, or tilting your head.

How a Chiropractor Can Help

Often, vertigo is caused when your spine is out of proper alignment, which puts pressures on the nerves that run down your back and interferes with the signals to your brain. A chiropractor can diagnose these issues and correct them, leading to your body functioning more efficiently. This can lead not only to eliminating vertigo symptoms, but with improving your strength, range of motion, and even your general immune system so that your whole health is better.

Neck Pain Treatment in Woodbridge, VA

If you’re experiencing pain in your upper back or neck, ACT Wellness is the best clinic for neck pain treatment in Woodbridge, VA. We’ve been the leading chiropractic center for more than 8 years. Find out how we can help deal with the symptoms you’re suffering by giving us a call to make an appointment today!

The post Can Your Chiropractor Help with the Dizziness of Vertigo? appeared first on ACT Wellness Center.

from ACT Wellness Center https://ift.tt/2IYq5OA

Vertebrae of the Week: T9 Vertebra

Your T9 vertebra is the ninth thoracic vertebra, meaning that it’s part of the region of your spine that’s aligned with your chest and connect to your rib cage. These vertebrae, 12 in total, support your ribs and upper body, and protect some of the most important nerves in your body. The T9 is comprised of a solid bone mass which faces front and protects the discs which in turn protect the nerves inside. When your T9 is out of alignment it can cause all manner of health difficulties.

T9 and Adrenal Gland Dysfunction

The nerves that pass through your mid-back (T9 region) are directly associated with your adrenal function, and subluxations in this region can be associated with adrenal fatigue. This can cause symptoms like exhaustion, reduced enjoyment of life, decreased sex drive, increased stress, bronchial and other respiratory infections, and neck or back pain.

Stomach Problems

Your T9 can also be directly associated with your gut health. In fact, many people who suffer from T9 subluxations can present stomach disease, which can be treated in many cases by correcting the misalignment.

Other Health Problems Associated with the T9

The T9 Vertebra can be associated with a broad range of health conditions. These include Liver disease, gall stones, pancreatitis and other pancreas problems, the spleen, and many other ailments.

Correcting Spinal Subluxations

A chiropractor’s primary job is to correct spinal subluxations. By addressing areas where your T9 vertebra is out of alignment, the chiropractor can correct the symptoms of problems associated with this area, and can even in many cases remove the problem entirely. Chiropractic care is completely safe, non-invasive, and chemical-free.

ACT Wellness

For the past 8 years, Dr. Caratozzolo and the staff at ACT Wellness have provided the best in chiropractic care and wellness services to the entire Woodbridge, VA, region. If you’re suffering from back pain, neck pain, or other health problems and you think spinal issues might be the cause, we’re ready to help.

Give us a call today and schedule an appointment for an evaluation, or for more information about how chiropractic can help you live a healthier life.

The post Vertebrae of the Week: T9 Vertebra appeared first on ACT Wellness Center.

from ACT Wellness Center https://ift.tt/2ImQFRP

Chiropractic Care and Your Pregnancy

There are a lot of myths about chiropractic care and pregnancy going around. A lot of folks claim that it’s bad for the baby or somehow dangerous. In truth, chiropractic is a very safe and non-invasive way to control the back pain you suffer from pregnancy and it can actually ease your overall pregnancy and make the process much easier.

It’s not a bad thing to be concerned, however. As a future mother, you certainly want to be sure that your baby arrives safe and healthy, and you want to mitigate dangers. You should always do your research when it comes to advocating for your own health and well-being. Learn the truth about chiropractic care and your pregnancy, whether chiropractic is safe for your baby, and where to get back pain relief in Woodbridge, VA.

Chiropractic Care and Pregnancy

Chiropractic care refers to the process of keeping your spine healthy. That means your vertebrae, spinal column, the discs between the bones, and even the nerve bundles that run through it. It’s a medical science, and chiropractors are trained medical professionals. Their job is to reduce the stress your spine can place on nerves when it’s out of alignment.

During pregnancy, your body is put under a great deal of stress. The growing child adds a lot of weight, which puts stress on your lower back. It can affect your posture, put stress on your pelvis, and even increase the curvature of your back, all of which can cause your spine to become misaligned and create even more problems. For example, it can decrease the room your baby has to develop in the womb, and can make it tough for the baby to properly turn for delivery.

How a Chiropractor Can Help

The chiropractor’s job is to make sure that your spine retains proper curvature at all times. They can help you to establish the right alignment and pelvic balance. By correcting the above conditions, it can ensure a healthy birth, get the child in the right position to avoid breech birth, and even reduce the chance for a C-section.

In addition to the above, regular visits to a chiropractor can help you maintain a healthy pregnancy, control morning sickness symptoms, ease your delivery and labor, and create a balanced state in your pelvis. All of this together points to an easier, healthier pregnancy.

Is Chiropractic Safe for Pregnant Women?

There are no known risks to pregnancies associated with chiropractic care. Chiropractors are trained medical professionals, and part of that training involves working with pregnant women and helping with their wellness. In fact, this is a part of the routine care a chiropractor offers. Some actually take a special interest in issues associated with pregnancy, in fact.

Back Pain Relief in Woodbridge, VA

If you’re in need of pregnancy-related back pain relief in Woodbridge, VA, ACT Wellness is here to help. We’ve provided these services to the region for many years, and are the leading provider of chiropractic care in the region. For more information or to schedule an appointment for an evaluation, give us a call today.

The post Chiropractic Care and Your Pregnancy appeared first on ACT Wellness Center.

from ACT Wellness Center https://ift.tt/2rKF3wT

Vertebrae of the Week: T8 Vertebra

The nerve bundle protected by the foramen in the T8 vertebra directly impacts your spleen. When you experience a subluxation in this area, it can directly lead to lowered resistance to degenerative conditions and diseases of a wide variety. Your spleen is an essential organ in your body whose job it is to filter your blood; while it’s possible to live without one, being without a functional spleen results in a greatly weakened immune system.

The Spleen and Disease Resistance

Your spleen acts to remove old blood cells, storing the blood in your body, and recycling iron throughout your bloodstream. It helps to synthesize antibodies, and acts to remove bacteria as it circulates blood through the lymph nodes. It also plays a vital role in rejuvenation of tissues. In essence, it’s an organ whose sole purpose is to clear, hold, and prevent you from being infected by disease.

The T8 Vertebra and Infection

The never bundles protected by the T8 Vertebra serve an important function—they provide nerve impulses to and from the spleen and help to control and operate your lymphatic system. They tell the spleen how to fight against the flu, viral and bacterial infections, STDs, fungal infections, skin infections, rashes, and even the common cold.

When your T8 is subluxated, or out of alignment, it puts pressure on these nerves, which means they don’t effectively communicate with the spleen. The result is that it doesn’t clean the blood effectively, it doesn’t operate your lymphatic system, and it doesn’t battle against the pathogens seeking to ravage your body.

Protecting against Disease

Your body needs all the help it can get to stay healthy; there are millions of pathogens out there looking to attack you every day. Chiropractic care is a non-invasive, holistic and whole-body approach to health and wellness that can make sure your spine retains its normal curvature and ensures that your body works at peak performance all the time.

If you’re suffering from chronic illnesses or you feel like you get sick all the time, a T8 adjustment could be the answer. Call ACT Wellness to schedule an appointment for an examination today!

The post Vertebrae of the Week: T8 Vertebra appeared first on ACT Wellness Center.

from ACT Wellness Center https://ift.tt/2G1D4JU

How Your Chiropractor Can Help with Those Spring Allergies

Seasonal allergies are the worst. All you want to do is enjoy the beautiful spring weather, and you’re stuck with itchy, watery eyes, stuffy nose, headache, difficulty breathing…it feels like you’ve got the flu all the time. Nobody likes to spend hundreds of dollars on medication just to control symptoms that occur a couple times a year, either.

What if there was a safe, non-invasive way to control your allergies without the need to put chemicals into your body? The good news is that there is, and a visit to the chiropractor might be the answer. Learn how your chiropractor can be a great resource to help control your spring allergy symptoms, and where to find the best Chiropractic in Woodbridge, VA

What Causes Allergies

Allergies, at their most basic level, are what happens when your body’s immune system responds to something that it shouldn’t respond to. That is, it treats pollen in the air, pet dander or another generally harmless substance as though it were a dangerous foreign invader. This results in all of the typical symptoms: sinus issues, itchy and watery eyes, hives, and all those other unpleasant experiences we suffer as allergies.

Most seasonal allergies occur in the sinuses, which means they’re less likely to result in deadly reactions like anaphylactic shock. However, that doesn’t make them any less unpleasant to the millions of people that suffer from them every year.

Allergies and Your Spinal Health

Your spine is the core of your entire body. It’s the region through which every signal to and from your brain passes. This means that when it’s out of alignment, pressure on the nerve bundles inside of it can cause all manner of unpleasant ailments. Recent research has shown that even allergies can result from a spinal misalignment, or subluxation.

For many people, your allergy symptoms come from the fact that your brain-body communications aren’t working right. The signals are garbled due to pressure on your nerves, which causes your body’s incorrect immune response.

How Chiropractic Can Help

A chiropractor helps by directly addressing the spinal misalignments you suffer. By adjusting your spine, they’ll correct the subluxations, which in turn will improve your body’s overall function. This means that for many people who suffer from allergies, chiropractic care can actually alleviate the problem. Even better, it’s completely non-invasive and it doesn’t involve you pumping your body full of chemicals and medication.

Not only can chiropractic care help to alleviate your allergies, it can offer a range of other benefits. It can improve your overall immune function, enabling you to stay healthier overall. It can increase your range of motion. In general, chiropractic can be a great part of your overall health and wellness routine.

Chiropractic in Woodbridge, VA

For over 8 years running, ACT Wellness has been the leading clinic for chiropractic in Woodbridge, VA, and the surrounding areas. If you’d like to take care of your allergies this season, or just live an overall healthier lifestyle, contact our offices to set up an appointment today!

The post How Your Chiropractor Can Help with Those Spring Allergies appeared first on ACT Wellness Center.

from ACT Wellness Center https://ift.tt/2rxNrkj