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