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Showing posts with label chiropractor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chiropractor. Show all posts

Why Detoxing Your Body is Important

By Dr. Jon Thomas, DC, PSc.D, Board Certified Chiropractic Physician.
Wikimedia Commons
Some people say that what you don’t know won’t hurt you. In fact, when it comes to toxins in the body, what you don’t know can make you sick or kill you. Radon gas, drinking water contaminated with lead, car exhaust, and chemicals seeping into the water supply from landfills are a few examples of toxic substances that will hurt you.
Surprisingly, people also consume toxins in a variety of foods if they’re not paying attention. An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but not if the daily apple is coated with pesticides! Our bodies have been designed to naturally remove toxins.  However, if we are not carefully avoiding or limiting our exposure to toxic substances (medicines, processed foods, cleaners, air pollution, etc.), our bodies can become overloaded with toxins. 
Our world is becoming more and more toxic with the level of synthetic chemicals, preservatives, and man made ingredients creating toxic load our bodies sometimes can’t remove. Toxins accumulate over time. A toxic body is an unhealthy body. Toxins affect how the body operates. Among other things, toxins can have a significant impact on a person’s ability or inability to lose weight. The good news is that you can reduce your exposure to chemicals and take positive steps to detoxify.

What is a toxic substance?
Substances that cause health problems are considered toxic. People don’t generally drink ammonia or eat rat poison because they know that it’s harmful to consume those items. Products that people use every day, like household cleaners, prescription drugs, gasoline, alcohol, and even artificial sweetners can also be harmful. It’s not as easy to avoid all of those as it is to avoid the most obvious toxins.
People take in toxins by breathing gasses, vapors, or dust. As I’ve mentioned, people also take in toxins by drinking or eating them. Substances can be ingested, absorbed into the blood, and then transported throughout the body. The more you do to avoid taking in toxins in the first place, the healthier you will be.  
How can you detoxify your body?
Courtesy of Vibrant Life
At Vibrant Life Health Center, we teach patients how to detox their systems. Using fresh and locally grown produce in your diet is a great way to avoid many toxins. Since produce that is grown nearby doesn’t have to be shipped very far, no preservatives are required. Also, if you shop at a farmers’ market, you can actually talk to a farmer about how he or she grows produce, what kind of fertilizer is used, etc. That information can really help people to make wise decisions about what they are putting into their bodies.
Food supplements can also be helpful for detoxifying. The key is to get the highest quality supplements from someone you trust. There are lots of supplements on the market, and they vary in quality. The way they are made can make a tremendous difference. Members of my own family and I use many of the supplements offered at Vibrant Life Health Center. I wouldn’t offer anything that I would not use for my own family.
Chiropractic care is also very effective for removing toxins. When the vertebrae of the spine are in their proper alignment, the central nervous system can function properly. Along with everything else the nervous system does, it also sends messages throughout the body to get rid of any toxins. Chiropractic adjustments release toxins that have built up. Releasing those toxins improves energy levels.
Can toxins affect weight?
Courtesy of Vibrant Life
Carrying excess fat around the abdomen, hips, and thighs is usually a sign of a hormonal imbalance. No amount of dieting or exercise can correct this problem. Hormonal balance is one of the keys to weight gain and weight loss. Hormones control the metabolism, food cravings, fat burning, and more. Hormone imbalances are caused by disrupting chemicals.
The World Health Organization refers to these disrupting chemicals as “obesogens.” Nearly 800 different chemicals are obesogens. They alter components of the hormonal system that control weight gain. They also interfere with the functionality of the metabolism, fat storage, bone development, and the immune system.
Over 60% of Americans are overweight. Obesity can be a result of genetics and/or behavior. However, it is ultimately controlled by the endocrine system. Shampoos, toothpaste, lotions, soaps, cleaning products, and many other common household items can contain chemicals that disrupt the endocrine system.
Most weight loss programs focus primarily on the diet. Diet is very important, but another key to weight loss is getting the body operating properly. NutriMost is a program which focuses not only on diet and losing weight. NutriMost also addresses how the body is working so that patients can keep the weight off after they have lost it.
Some people have chemicals in their bodies that disrupt hormones and neurotransmitters. When that happens, the body becomes resistant to shedding pounds. NutriMost identifies the chemicals in patients’ bodies that are causing them to store fat instead of burning it.
An assessment measures vitamins, minerals, toxins, and many other components. Once any chemical imbalances have been identified, we put together a personalized plan for getting the body back into balance. Removing toxins from the body is one of the things that sets NutriMost apart from other weight loss programs. Detoxification enables a person to burn fat naturally.
Life In Balance
At Vibrant Life Health Center, we now offer a program that brings all the key components for wellness together under one roof. Our Life In Balance Program addresses weight and nutrition, fitness and exercise, musculoskeletal health, and more. Our goal is to help patients get their lives into balance and to give them all the tools they need to stay in balance. If you have any questions about the Life In Balance Program and you’d like to find out how it can help you, please call to set up an appointment.
Schedule a Free Tytron Scan at Vibrant Life Health Center.
Courtesy of Tytronics
Vibrant Life Health Center is currently offering free Tytron scans through the end of November. See for yourself how this amazing non-invasive device works and how it can help you to get your body back into balance. If you have acute or chronic pain and you’d like to find out how chiropractic can help, set up an appointment with Dr. Thomas at the Vibrant Life Health Center.
If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of detoxification, call Vibrant Life Health Center. If you’ve been struggling to lose weight, let Dr. Thomas explain how the NutriMost program has helped hundreds of people lose twenty to forty pounds or more in just forty days. If you’d like to check out the Life In Balance plan which can address every area of a patient’s health, call Vibrant Life to set up an appointment.
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In this article, I have discussed the ways that toxins can get into a person’s body and how those toxins can affect a person’s health. I’ve also discussed various ways of getting toxins out of the body.
If you have a comment about this article, please leave it in the comments section below. If you know of someone who might benefit from the information in this blog, please share it with your friends, family and colleagues on social media.
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At Vibrant Life, we address all of the key elements to add vibrance and vitality to your life. This includes nutrition, Chiropractic care, and fitness. If you need to consult with a chiropractor about your neck, back, or any other health concern, please contact our office to set up an appointment.

Courtesy of Vibrant Life 
Dr. Jon Thomas is a Board-Certified Chiropractic Physician. His practice, The Vibrant Life Health Center, is located in the Mandarin section of Jacksonville. His interest in health and fitness started early, and his athletic pursuits have included BMX racing, Professional Snow Skiing, Water Skiing, Baseball, Weightlifting, and Martial Arts. After studying and learning from some of the top health experts throughout the world, Dr. Thomas dedicated his life to helping people of all ages to transform their lives. The objective for each patient is to initiate the body’s healing and to work progressively toward a body that functions optimally. Dr. Thomas is regularly seen on TV on First Coast Living, where he discusses the transformations of his patients. He also speaks at events throughout the community and writes informative articles to improve the health of residents throughout Northeast Florida.

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Independence from Pain through Chiropractic

By Dr. Jon Thomas, DC, PSc.D, Board Certified Chiropractic Physician.

Wikimedia Commons
The beginning of July is a time when Americans reflect on the many freedoms they enjoy, freedoms that people in other nations may not have. As Americans, we are very fortunate to have the freedoms we have, and we should never take them for granted. With that in mind, I’d like to wish a very Happy Fourth of July to all the patients to whom we provide services at Vibrant Life Health Center. The same goes for our employees and all of our business associates.
Freedom from Pain
One freedom that has not yet been added to the Bill of Rights is the right to live free of pain. Perhaps, someday in the not-so-distant future, our political leaders will recognize the deep-seated need many people have to be free of pain. I’m just kidding. The government, unfortunately, can’t guarantee freedom from pain.
One of the things that really can help with pain is Chiropractic treatment. Chiropractic has proven to be effective for providing relief from pain in virtually every part of the body, including:
  • Lower back, middle back, and upper back
  • Shoulders
  • Neck
  • Elbows
  • Wrists
  • Knees
  • Ankles
  • Hips
  • Elbows
Many patients suffer from pain for a long time before seeking treatment of any kind. Some think that whatever is ailing them will eventually get better over time. Some think that if they’re patient enough and “tough it out” the pain will go away. Some have tried traditional medicine, including painkillers which can be highly addictive, and they just don’t think that anything will work for them. Since nothing has worked for them, they think that nothing ever will work for them.
Some people have suffered from pain for so long they no longer remember what it’s like to not be in pain. It’s hard to believe, but some people do live that way. The good news is that you don’t have to live that way. Relief is available! After receiving their first adjustment from a trained Chiropractor, many people can hardly believe the level of relief they experience. Most wish they had gotten Chiropractic treatment much, much sooner.
Daniel David Palmer
Courtesy of Wikipedia
A Short History of Chiropractic
According to the American Chiropractic Association, the word ‘Chiropractic’ comes from the Greek words cheir (meaning ‘hand’) and praktos (meaning ‘done’). In essence, it means “done by hand.” The name was chosen by Daniel David Palmer, the developer of Chiropractic.
Palmer recognized that various forms of manipulation had been used for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. However, no one had ever codified a philosophical or scientific rationale to explain the effects of spinal manipulations. Palmer’s primary contribution to the health field was the art and science of Chiropractic, which was based on his study of anatomy and physiology. 
In September 1895, Palmer examined a janitor who had become deaf 17 years earlier after he felt a change in his back. Palmer examined the area and gave an “adjustment” to what he believed to be a misplaced vertebra in the upper back. The janitor’s hearing improved.
DD Palmer continued to develop the practice of Chiropractic. In 1897, he established the Palmer School of Cure, which is now known as the Palmer College of Chiropractic, in Davenport, Iowa. Many people became interested in Palmer’s new healing art. Kansas became the first state to license Chiropractors in 1913.  
By 1931, thirty-nine states had given chiropractors legal recognition. Today, all 50 states recognize Chiropractic as a health care profession. Many other countries also recognize and regulate Chiropractic, including Canada, Mexico, Great Britain, Australia, Japan and Switzerland. 
How does Chiropractic Treatment relieve pain?
Courtesy of Vibrant Life
A great deal of the pain human beings experience is due to some part of their body being out of proper alignment. Like the front end of a car, body parts have to be properly aligned to function correctly. This is especially true of the spine, which is the part of the body to which all the other parts are attached. Chiropractors refer to misalignments of the spine as subluxations. A subluxation can affect nerves. When that happens there may be pain right at the subluxation point as well as other areas of the body connected by nerves to that spot.
Spinal manipulation differentiates Chiropractic treatment from other medical practices. Chiropractors are highly trained to perform adjustments to bring the spine into proper alignment. There are several techniques. The more techniques a Chiropractor masters, the more tools he or she has at his or her disposal to help patients. This enables the practitioner to choose the technique which will best address whatever problem a patient is having and to do so in a way that is most comfortable for the patient. For example, I have been trained in numerous techniques, including the following:
The Cox® Technique, a non-surgical, doctor-controlled, hands on spinal manipulation performed with the patient lying on The Cox® Table.
Extremities Techniques optimize function and performance, balance, energy, muscle performance and development, and more.
The Thompson Technique utilizes a “Segmental Drop Table” to enhance the motion force imparted towards the segment or area to be adjusted.
Activator Technique involves low force and high speed activation of the skeletal structure. This technique incorporates the latest advances in orthopedic, neurological, and Chiropractic science.
Diversified Technique is the most commonly used adjustment technique by chiropractors. Like many Chiropractic and osteopathic manipulative techniques, Diversified is characterized by a high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust.
FAKTR is a technique for treating soft tissue problems. It is effective for many conditions, ranging from headaches, back pain, shoulder problems, pain in the elbows, pain in the feet, and pain in just about any part of the body.
Neuromuscular Re-Education is a “stand-alone” hands-on technique/approach to the evaluation and functional treatment of soft tissue injuries.
Electrical Stimulation Therapy uses an electrical current to cause a single muscle or a group of muscles to contract. Contracting the muscle via electrical stimulation helps strengthen the affected muscle.
Active Tissue Therapy applies tension to injured tissue while it is in active motion. This allows us to break down scar tissue and improve healing, function, and strength.
As you can see, Chiropractic is used for much more than low back pain. Chiropractic is also very effective for addressing pain in the extremities. Also, since many headaches are actually the result of misalignments of the spine, including the neck area, Chiropractic is very effective for treating headaches as well.
Since every part of the body is connected to the spine, Chiropractic can also be very effective for addressing problems in other parts of the body, parts of the body many people would not normally associate with the back. For example, some gastrointestinal problems are the result of subluxations which are affecting the nerves leading to the GI tract. Efforts to treat some GI problems without addressing associated nerve problems aren’t likely to produce the desired results.
If you are suffering with pain in any part of your body, and especially if you’ve been in pain for a long time, I urge you to look into Chiropractic treatment. Pain that is left untreated can affect every minute of every day. Pain can also keep a person from getting a good night’s sleep. Chiropractic can provide relief, in many cases instant relief. Even if you’ve tried Chiropractic without getting a positive result, you may want to look into it again. Different techniques produce different outcomes. Also, as with other professions, some doctors are better at what they do than others. 
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In this article, I have discussed a very short history of Chiropractic and how Chiropractic gives people freedom from pain. I’ve listed many, but not all, of the techniques I use with patients. I’ve also discussed the fact that Chiropractic is effective for treating problems in parts of the body other than the back.
If you have a comment about this article, please leave it in the comments section below. If you know of someone who might benefit from the information in this blog, please share it with your friends, colleagues, and on social media.
The Google Plus button and other social media sharing buttons are below.
At Vibrant Life, we address all of the key elements to add vibrance and vitality to your life. This includes nutrition, chiropractic care, and fitness. If you need to consult with a chiropractor about your neck, back, or any other health concern, please contact our office to set up an appointment.
Courtesy of Vibrant Life
Dr. Jon Thomas is a Board Certified Chiropractic Physician. His practice, The Vibrant Life Health Center, is located in the Mandarin section of Jacksonville. His interest in health and fitness started early, and his athletic pursuits have included BMX racing, Professional Snow Skiing, Water Skiing, Baseball, Weightlifting, and Martial Arts. After studying and learning from some of the top health experts throughout the world, Dr. Thomas dedicated his life to helping people of all ages to transform their lives. The objective for each patient is to initiate the body’s healing and to work progressively toward a body that functions optimally. Dr. Thomas is seen regularly on TV on First Coast Living, where he discusses the transformations of his patients. He also speaks at events throughout the community and writes informative articles to improve the health of residents throughout Jacksonville.

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Why suffer with shoulder pain when it can be resolved?



By  Dr. Jon Thomas D.C PSc.D, Board Certified Chiropractic Physician.

As I mentioned in a recent post about headaches, many people wait until their pain becomes excruciating before doing anything about it. People use this approach for shoulder pain as much as anything else. They hope the pain will just go away.

Shoulder pain can come about in lots of different ways: Sleeping position, carrying heavy bags or backpacks, and using handheld devices and computers for a long time can all cause strain to the shoulder.

Many people associate chiropractic care primarily with neck or back issues. Most chiropractors also treat many other parts of the body, including the shoulders. Shoulder pain may be caused by joint irritation, by tissue irritation, or by the joint being out of alignment. Shoulder pain can frequently be relieved through a chiropractic adjustment.

How the shoulder works

Courtesy of Wikipedia
The shoulder joint is the most mobile joint in the body. It is surrounded by nerves, tendons, bursas, and other tissues which are interconnected. Tendons attach muscle to bone. Ligaments attach bone to bone.

The shoulder is a complicated joint with a great range of motion. It gives us the ability to do lots of things with our arms. It is also a fragile joint in some ways. Overuse or unusual motion can cause damage to the shoulder.

Tendons, muscles, or ligaments around the shoulder can stretch and tear causing pain. If you have a shoulder injury, it’s very important to get it checked out sooner rather than later. That way you can resolve an issue before it becomes more serious. Most shoulder problems fall into the following categories.

Frozen Shoulder Syndrome (FSS) is a condition of the shoulder where arm movement becomes very limited. It can be both painful and debilitating. With FSS, the slightest movement can be very painful. There are three progressive stages with FSS. The first is the freezing stage. Shoulder pain gets worse over time and the range of motion becomes increasingly limited. The freezing stage can last weeks or even months.

The frozen shoulder stage is when the movement pattern in the shoulder has become extremely limited. The constant pain may subside, but pain is frequently felt whenever movement is attempted beyond a limited range of motion. The frozen stage can last several months. After that, in the thawing stage, the patient gradually gets their pain-free range of motion back.

Tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon. It is generally the result of wear and tear over a period of years. It can come from excessive repetitive motion, like pitching a baseball or throwing a football. Tendonitis can also come from an injury in the form of splitting or tearing of a tendon. These injuries are sometimes referred to as rotator cuff injuries.

Bursitis is inflammation of the bursas, which are fluid sacs around the joint.  The bursas reduce friction caused by the movement of the shoulder. Excessive, repetitive use of the shoulder can lead to bursitis. Bursitis and rotator cuff tendonitis sometimes occur together.

When should you seek treatment?

Many patients ignore initial shoulder symptoms. In the case of an acute injury, if the pain is intense, you should seek treatment as soon as possible. If the pain is mild to moderate, you might wait a few days to see if time will alleviate the problem. When the pain persists past a few days, it’s time to set up an appointment.

How does a chiropractor treat shoulder problems?

An examination by a trained and experienced chiropractor will measure range of motion, as well as testing the muscle around the shoulder. As part of an examination, your chiropractor will determine the underlying cause of your shoulder pain. Among other problems, the shoulder joint can shift out of alignment causing the muscles and ligaments to pull in an abnormal way. This can lead to spasms, inflammation, and pain.

The nerves supplying the shoulder joint and tissues surrounding the shoulder originate in the neck. A chiropractor can evaluate the neck for any subluxations that may be causing interference. Shoulder problems are sometimes treated by adjusting the spine. An adjustment can restore proper movement in the spine and improve nerve function in the shoulder.

Adjustments to the shoulder can be performed to shift the joint forward or backward, depending on symptoms. An adjustment can restore the normal range of motion. It can also allow the muscles to function correctly. In many cases, a chiropractor can provide instant relief to patients suffering from shoulder pain.

A qualified chiropractor may also provide instructions on things like sleeping position, how to set up your computer so that it’s ergonomically correct, and how to carry things so that you don’t put unnecessary strain on your shoulder. A chiropractor may also suggest exercises to strengthen the shoulder and increase range of motion. 
Dr. Thomas was recently on First Coast Living with a patient  who received chiropractic treatment for shoulder pain due to a serious injury. Watch the video!

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In this article, I have discussed common shoulder problems, what causes them, and how a chiropractor can help to alleviate them. Shoulder pain can be caused by several things, including tendonitis, bursitis, or a misalignment. Shoulder pain can be treated effectively by a chiropractor.

If you have a comment about this article, please leave it in the comments section below. If you know of someone who might benefit from the information in this blog, please share it with your friends, colleagues, and on social media.

The Google Plus button and other social media sharing buttons are below.

At Vibrant Life, we address all of the key elements to add vibrance and vitality to your life. This includes nutrition, chiropractic care, and fitness. If you need to consult with a chiropractor about your neck, back, or any other health concern, please contact our office to set up an appointment.

Dr. Jon Thomas is a Board Certified Chiropractic Physician. His practice, The Vibrant Life Health Center, is located in the Mandarin section of Jacksonville. His interest in health and fitness started early, and his athletic pursuits have included BMX racing, Professional Snow Skiing, Water Skiing, Baseball, Weight Lifting, and Martial Arts. After studying and learning from some of the top health experts throughout the world, Dr. Thomas dedicated his life to helping people of all ages to transform their lives. The objective for each patient is to initiate the body’s healing and to work progressively toward a body that functions optimally. Dr. Thomas is seen regularly on TV on First Coast Living, where he discusses the transformations of his patients. He also speaks at events throughout the community and writes informative articles to improve the health of residents throughout Jacksonville.

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