by Dr. Katherine | Oct 21, 2024 | biohacks, Health, pain, wellness
“Welcome to “Inflammation Season”! đđ
Happy October and Welcome to Inflammation Season! As we move into the fall, it is the time when pumpkin spice and holiday goodies take over. From Halloween candy to Thanksgiving pies, Christmas cookies, Hanukkah latkes, and festive cocktails, itâs the season of indulgence!
By the time December rolls around, my office is usually full of patients feeling under the weather, battling colds, flu, fatigue, and flare-ups. When we get to talking, the culprit is often accidental overindulgence during the holidays. But don’t worryâIâm a huge fan of holiday fun, too! The joy, gratitude, and connections are important for your well-being. So, what’s the solution? It all comes down to **awareness** and **balance**.
Sugar and Inflammation
Sugar plays a significant role in promoting inflammation in the body. Consuming excessive amounts of refined sugars can lead to spikes in blood glucose levels, which triggers the release of inflammatory cytokinesâmolecules that cause inflammation as part of the immune response. Over time, this chronic inflammation can contribute to the development of various health issues such as joint pain, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Reducing sugar intake helps to decrease inflammation, supporting better overall health, reducing pain, and improving energy levels. Opting for whole, unprocessed foods is a key strategy in managing inflammation and maintaining a balanced diet.
Awareness đ
Holiday temptations are everywhere, starting with Halloween candy in October, and continuing through New Year’s with rich meals, desserts, and festive drinks. Itâs easy to overdo it without realizing it! Here are some tips to help you stay mindful and keep your body balanced:
– Skip the candy bowl đŹ or hand out treats you donât particularly like.
– Space out indulgencesâdon’t let every day become a dessert day.
– Balance treats with nutrient-rich foods, like vegetables and lean proteins đ„Šđ.
– Use holiday spices like cinnamon, which can help regulate blood sugar.
– Support your immune system by taking vitamin D and fish oil.
– Limit alcohol, which depletes important nutrients like magnesium and B vitamins. Be sure to replenish them with healthy foods or supplements.
Balanceâïž
The holidays are all about enjoyment, so donât deprive yourself! The key is balance:
– Plan your week – enjoy treats, but balance them with nutritious meals.
– Say “no” when needed – Itâs okay to decline some activities to rest and avoid burnout. đđ«
– Take downtime to relax and rechargeâthis will help prevent overindulging and exhaustion.
– Get outside! Enjoy Phoenixâs fall weather with walks or hikes instead of sugary coffee dates. đ¶ââïžđ
– Exercise and chiropractic care can help reduce inflammation and support your body during this busy season.
– Rest! Sleep is crucial for staying healthy and energized.
– Stay hydrated and consider adding a high-quality protein supplement to offset the effects of sugar.
Remember, you can enjoy the best of the season without feeling run down by January. Stay consistent with your health plan, prioritize your well-being, and letâs head into the new year feeling strong and refreshed!
From the Team at Desert Valley Chiropractic we hope you enjoy this season of gratitude and connection!
by Dr. Katherine | Oct 15, 2024 | biohacks, Chiropractic In Phoenix, Chiropractor, Health, Uncategorized, wellness
How to Get the Most Out of Maintenance Chiropractic Care
Youâve made great strides in your health, and now it’s time to protect that investment with regular chiropractic maintenance care. At Desert Valley Chiropractic in Moon Valley, we believe that maintenance care is crucial for long-term wellness, helping you move better, feel better, and enjoy life to the fullest.
Here are a few tips to make the most out of your chiropractic maintenance care:
1. Donât Skip Visits
Consistency is key! Pre-scheduling your maintenance care appointments ensures you stay on track. Regular chiropractic adjustments keep your body aligned and help prevent potential setbacks. Set reminders and prioritize your health to maintain the benefits youâve worked hard to achieve.
 2. Move Every Day
Incorporating daily movement into your routine is essential for keeping your body in top condition between visits. A simple 30-minute walk can work wonders in keeping your muscles and joints flexible while supporting spinal health. Daily movement is a great complement to your adjustments and helps you stay active and mobile.
3. Practice Vagus Nerve Exercises
Your nervous system plays a big role in overall health, and vagus nerve exercises can help keep it regulated. Activities like deep breathing, humming, or gargling stimulate the vagus nerve, which helps your body stay balanced. These exercises are simple but effective in promoting nervous system health. Curious about vagus nerve exercises? Check out our blog post on biohacking for more details.
 4. Use Ice for Small Inflammations
Small flare-ups or inflammations may happen occasionally, but applying ice can soothe these areas and keep you feeling great. Ice helps reduce swelling and inflammation, making it a simple, effective tool to have on hand. For more tips on when to use ice or heat, check out our helpful guide.
 5. Incorporate At-Home Exercises
Staying proactive with nerve flossing and core exercises can make a big difference in maintaining the results of your chiropractic care. These exercises help support your spine and nervous system, prolonging the benefits of your adjustments. Adding just a few minutes of these exercises into your daily routine can boost your overall wellness.
 6. Address Flare-Ups Quickly
If you feel any pain or discomfort lasting 24-48 hours between visits, donât hesitate to call us for an appointment. We recommend catching flare-ups early to get you back on track with your maintenance care plan.
Why Maintenance Care Matters
Regular chiropractic maintenance is the smartest choice for keeping your spine healthy and your body functioning at its best. Whether you’re dealing with past injuries or aiming for long-term wellness, staying consistent with care will help you continue to live pain-free.
Ready to schedule your next visit? Contact the Top Rated Chiropractors in Moon Valley today and letâs keep you moving and feeling great!
by Dr. Katherine | Oct 8, 2024 | Chiropractic In Phoenix, Chiropractor, Health, Injury, Neck Pain, pain
Do You Need X-rays Before Seeing a Chiropractor?
When searching for chiropractic care in North Phoenix, you might wonder if X-rays are necessary before starting treatment. The short answer? Not always! While some chiropractic techniques rely on X-rays to determine the best approach, Desert Valley Chiropractic takes a different route to deliver personalized and effective care.
Why Some Chiropractors Use X-rays
While some experts consider it controversial many chiropractic offices use X-rays to guide manual adjustments. This may help the doctor know exactly where and how to adjust. This is particularly important for techniques that involve rotation or extension of the spine, as these movements can stress the joints if not carefully controlled. X-rays provide a clear view of the spineâs structure, helping chiropractors perform these techniques safely.
However, at Desert Valley Chiropractic, we use Activator Methodsâa gentle, low-force technique that doesnât involve any twisting, popping, or cracking. Because we donât perform these manual adjustments, we rarely need X-rays to guide our treatments. Instead, we use detailed assessments such as leg checks, segment testing, and MyoVision EMG technology to determine which areas of your spine need attention.
What About Injuries or Underlying Conditions?
Of course, there are still scenarios where X-rays can be beneficial, such as screening for injuries such as a car accident, pathologies, or other underlying conditions. If we believe an X-ray is necessary based on your symptoms, medical history, or response to care, we refer you to a trusted radiology facility. There, a board-certified radiologist will review your films and provide us with a comprehensive report.
The added bonus of this approach is that your X-ray results are stored in a patient portal, making them accessible to your other healthcare providers if needed. This way, you have a thorough record of your health history that goes beyond just your chiropractic visits.
What About the Radiation?
Some patients are concerned about the radiation of an X-ray. Rest assured they are safe.  For example, the radiation from a chest X-ray is the equivalent to 10 days outside in the environment. So, if we determine an X-ray is necessary, we will discuss the reasons why and you can breathe easy because they are a sage diagnostic tool.
If You Donât Use X-ray, What Do You Use?
As mentioned above we use technology called Myovision. MyoVision is an advanced diagnostic tool similar to an EKG for activity of heart Muscle. The Myovision scan provides detailed insights into how your muscles and spine are functioning together. This state-of-the-art technology uses surface electromyography (sEMG) to measure the electrical activity in your muscles.  Giving us a real-time snapshot of any areas of muscle tension, imbalance, or stress. The MyoVision scan is quick, non-invasive, and completely safe. Making it an ideal tool to use during your initial exam and throughout your care plan to track your progress.
The data collected by MyoVision along with a physical exam helps us pinpoint problem areas that may not be apparent through traditional assessment methods. By understanding how your muscles are responding to nerve signals, we can fine-tune our treatment approach to ensure that each adjustment is as effective as possible.
At Desert Valley Chiropractic in North Phoenix, we utilize MyoVision technology to complement our Activator Methods technique, allowing us to deliver precise, customized care without the need for X-rays in most cases. This way, you can have confidence that your treatment is guided by the most accurate and up-to-date information available.
Why Choose Desert Valley Chiropractic?
With over 300 five-star Google reviews, we are proud to be one of North Phoenixâs top-rated chiropractic offices. Our patients appreciate the gentle approach of Activator Methods, which has made a life-changing impact on many people dealing with pain and discomfort. Whether youâre dealing with a recent injury, chronic pain, or just looking to maintain your health, weâre here to support your wellness journey.
Ready to experience the Desert Valley difference? Call us today at 602-439-1515 to schedule your first visit!
by Dr. David Iacuone | Aug 3, 2024 | Chiropractic In Phoenix, Exercise, Health, Injury, pain, wellness
Chiropractic Care for CrossFit Enthusiasts
Chiropractic care has been helping CrossFit enthusiasts maximize performance and minimize injuries for a long time. Â CrossFit is an intense workout regime embraced by over 5 million people each year. Given its demanding nature, many CrossFitters, who often have sedentary jobs, find themselves prone to injuries. However, these injuries are not inevitable. Incorporating stretches, foam rolling, and other mobility exercises into your routine can significantly reduce the risk of injury. Additionally, chiropractic care offers numerous benefits for CrossFitters, enhancing their performance and overall well-being.
Chiropractic Care and Injury Prevention
CrossFit workouts involve high-intensity movements that can strain muscles and joints. Regular chiropractic adjustments help maintain proper alignment of the spine and joints, reducing injury risks during workouts. Poor form during lifts and exercises is a primary cause of injuries. Misaligned joints can lead to unintended poor form. Chiropractic care enhances joint function, increases range of motion, and improves form, thereby preventing injuries.
Get the Most out of your Workout
Proper joint alignment and function improves biomechanics of the spine or other effected joints. Improved mechanics allow you to get the most out of your workout, including more intense Crossfit workouts. When the body is in alignment, muscles function optimally, allowing athletes to generate more power and strength.
Recovery, Recovery, Recovery!!
CrossFit workouts can be intense, often resulting in muscle soreness and fatigue. Being in optimal alignment with Chiropractic adjustments will promote faster recovery by reducing inflammation, improving blood flow and aiding the bodyâs natural healing processes. The better your recover, the more you can perform on your next workout.
Enhanced Range of Motion
Flexibility and range of motion are crucial in all aspects of life, including CrossFit. It is important to have smooth movements to aid with proper form and technique. Chiropractic care improves joint function and reduces muscle restrictions, helping CrossFitters move more freely and efficiently.  Given how much time we spend sedentary in front of a computer with poor posture, achieving full range of motion when starting to work out can be challenging. Regular chiropractic visits can significantly improve this.
Individualized Treatment
Chiropractors tailor treatment plans to meet each patient’s specific needs, addressing underlying issues or imbalances affecting performance or predisposing them to injury. At Desert Valley Chiropractic, we utilize a very specific chiropractic technique that not help us to improve the mechanics of your spine, but also extremities like your knee’s, hips, shoulders, and wrist.
Pro Tips
Prior to any big workout including CrossFit it can be beneficial to warm up your core. Core engagement is critical to preventing significant injury during a workout. If we engage the core for a few minutes prior to a workout, it will be there to support us when we need it. Plus, it can help with your form, especially with more intense movements.
Also, donât forget to stretch after the workout. You have spent all that time working your muscles, shortening them and putting stress on the surrounding joints. Take the time to lengthen those muscles after your work out. Theyâre already warmed up, they’ll have good blood supply and post workout stretching has been shown to reduce soreness and speed up recovery.
Overall, chiropractic care supports the health and performance of CrossFit athletes by addressing musculoskeletal issues, promoting better range of motion, optimizing overall function and faster recovery. Itâs essential for athletes to work with qualified chiropractors who understand the unique demands of CrossFit training. At Desert Valley Chiropractic, we are dedicated to providing expert care to help you achieve your fitness goals safely and effectively.
by Dr. Katherine | Dec 22, 2022 | biohacks, Health, wellness
Is laughter really the best medicine?
Lets find out! This months biohack is the benefit laughter may have on your physical and mental health. When you laugh endorphins are released throughout your body, stimulating muscles, nerves, organs and tissues. Laughing induces immediate physical changes, all of which result in heightened feelings of well-being.  Studies show these endorphins give relief to chronic pain, help to relieve stress and promote functioning of the immune system. So if the holiday stress is starting to pile up, come in for an adjustment, get in some exercise, take your vitamin D and throw on your favorite comedy!
Laughter literally helps heal your body!
When you laugh, you increase your intake of oxygen-rich air. This stimulates your heart, lungs, and muscles, and prompts the release of endorphins in your brain. Similar to breathing exercises . Laughing activates and then relieves your bodyâs stress response, and increases and then lowers your heart rate and blood pressureâall adding up to a calmer feeling. In addition, a good laugh aids muscle relaxation and can stimulate circulation, both of which can help relieve stress.
The positive effects are not just short term either. Long-term regular bouts of laughter can improve your immune system when you laugh it decreases the stress hormone cortisol. Stressful situations result in spikes of cortisol, which then interferes with the area of the brain that regulates emotions. When that happens, the immune system deteriorates and becomes washed in a sea of inflammation, which is a factor in heart disease, cancer, and dementia. Positive thoughts and funny experiences, on the other hand, result in the release of neuropeptides, which help fight stress and the effects of cortisol.
Laughing for 15 minutes has the the similar health benefits as getting two extra hours of sleep! No you should not stay up all night watching comedies, but if you have had a bad nights sleep getting a couple of laughs in the next day will help your body recover a bit. Laughing helps us form important social bonds and is important to relationships helping to reduce anxiety and depression.
All of this combined makes laughter and a good sense of humor associated with living longer. Being funny or enjoying comedy is usually an attractive trait, and research indicates that social connectedness is another factor that contributes to longevity.
This link between laughing and longevity is also supported by some evidence. One study, published in Psychosomatic Medicine, looked at the association between humor and survival in patients with all-cause mortality, and mortality due to cardiovascular diseases , infections, cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. Researchers studied a cohort of approximately 54,000 individuals over a 15-year period. They found that having a good sense of humor correlated to higher survival rates from cardiovascular disease in women and with infection-related deaths in individuals of any gender. Researchers concluded this was due to laughterâs effect as âa health-protecting cognitive coping resource.â They measured this factor by asking participants to estimate their ability to find a funny element in any given situation; those with higher scores on this question tended to live longer.
While more research must be done, enough evidence indicates that laughter may be a great tool to help prevent diseases, reduce costs, and ensure a healthier population. It is also important to acknowledge there is not much to lose in laughing. With no downsides, side-effects, or risks, perhaps laughter IS the best medicine!
Benefits of Laughter
- Reduces Heart Disease
- Natural Pain Killer
- Improves breathing
- Helps you loose weight
- Improves your sleep
- Decreases stress
- Makes you look younger
- Boosts mood and confidence
- Increases Immunity
Simply put laugher is the best medicine!
by Dr. Katherine | Nov 17, 2022 | biohacks, Chiropractic In Phoenix, gratitude, Health, wellness
Gratitude An Adjustment For Your Attitude!
Who knew that gratitude is a good adjustment for your attitude. Here at Desert Valley Chiropractic we work a lot on your physical health with chiropractic adjustments to improve joint function and reduce the inflammation and toxins surrounding them. What if an improvement in our outlook, the way we see our lives and ourselves, our overall attitude and perspective on life could also improve our physical health? Read on……..
A daily practice of gratitude can increase your happiness and improve your health:
Learning to biohack your neurotransmitters and emotional wellbeing is yet another way to improve your overall health, wellness and possibly your longevity. Making this months timely biohack, gratitude! Expressing gratitude is associated with a host of mental and physical benefits. Studies have shown that feeling thankful can improve sleep, mood, and immunity.
Gratitude can also decrease depression, anxiety, difficulties with chronic pain and risk of disease. Beginning a practice of gratitude along with your chiropractic care may just help those results come along faster! Choosing to change where you focus your mind can have a big impact even when you cannot change your circumstances. Gratitude effects hormones and neurotransmitters like cortisol, oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin. This has positive effects on your physical and mental health.
Choosing to count your blessings:
Making time to be grateful for the good things in your life can have a far reaching positive effect. Gratitude is being aware and thankful for the good things you have. It can be from your relationships, current situations, or the ability to work on your health.
Really you have the power to choose what you are grateful for and reflect on it. Remember things do not have to be prefect or even great to be grateful. Being thankful for where you are and what you have can have many positive health effects. Studies show practicing gratitude can lead to more intimate and connected relationships, less depression, more motivation and engagement, and better overall mental well-being.
Gratitude increases happiness, and will help you experience positive emotions. In short, gratitude can boost the neurotransmitter serotonin and activate the brain stem to produce dopamine.” Dopamine is our brain’s pleasure chemical. The more we think positive, grateful thoughts, the healthier and happier we feel. When you focus on things that make you feel grateful you will find that positivity follows.
Gratitude is good for your emotional wellbeing:
It can give you emotional health and resilience when youâre confronted with stress, loss, grief, or trauma. Â Gratitude lowers the stress hormone cortisol which helps you to better manage your response to stress. In a study on gratitude and appreciation, participants who felt grateful showed a reduction in the level of cortisol, the stress hormone. They had stronger cardiac functioning and were more resilient to emotional setbacks and negative experiences.
Gratitude improves physical health. People who are grateful tend to sleep better and have fewer aches and pains. Increased feelings of gratitude may help to improve immune function and reduce inflammation. Researchers have shown that when we practice appreciation, our bodies release oxytocin. This hormone, expands blood vessels, reduces blood pressure, and protects your heart. Oxytocin deepens our relationships and helps us feel more connected to others
Improved relationships:
People who are focused on gratitude are often inspired to give back and support their communities. This tends to build relationships and community. A report in the Harvard Mental Health Letter states: ââA study of couples found that individuals who took time to express gratitude for their partner not only felt more positive toward the other person but also felt more comfortable expressing concerns about their relationship.â
Research also shows that generosity and gratitude work hand in hand. There is benefit for the giver and for the one receiving! It seems that expressing gratitude is linked to the release of oxytocin, sometimes called the ââlove hormoneâ. We are learning that Oxytocin is very important. Which is perhaps why a study has shown that participants giving and receiving thanks felt more loving and caring towards their partner.
How to implement the practice of gratitude
Gratitude can be felt and acknowledged in several ways. You can be grateful for your past memories and experiences. Its healthy to express gratitude for your current circumstances and the positive aspects of your life. Don’t forget to look toward the future with optimism and the expectation of positive things to come!
Mindfulness and gratitude are connected. Mindfulness is the practice of intentionally focusing your attention on something. Even just a few minutes of meditation or prayer focusing on thankfulness can increase your feelings of gratitude.
Say Thank You, the simple act of saying a sincere âthank youâ to others will grow your gratitude. If you cannot thank someone personally, pausing to thank them in your mind can foster gratitude. As you are working on your health with adjustments and exercise thank your body for the improvements you are seeing and the things you are able to do.
Start Saying Grace, pausing to express your thanks before eating is a popular practice for cultivating gratitude. Grace is commonly said as a prayer of thanksgiving before a meal, but you don’t need to be religious to say grace. Just take a moment to express your thanks for your food and recognize the blessing of a nourishing meal. If you are eating local organic food take a moment to thank your local farmers and markets for providing nutritious and healthy food for your family.
Surround yourself with gratitude clues. Fostering gratitude might require some reminders. Surround yourself with pictures of people, pets, or places that inspire your feelings of gratitude. Make a gratitude board on Pinterest and look at it each day. Leave yourself post-it notes with reminders of what you are thankful for and make it a habit to take a moment to give thanks whenever you see them.
Making the effort:
When you make an effort to focus your mind and thoughts on things you are grateful for, you’ll start to notice more things to be grateful for. Brain scans of people who foster gratitude have shown changes to the prefrontal cortex that make them more likely to experience gratitude in the future. This means that as you work to have more gratitude in your life, the positive feelings of thankfulness will begin to flow more easily and naturally. â
Fostering gratitude takes a little bit of time and intention, but your efforts will pay off. You will transform your mind and possibly even improve your physical and mental health by choosing to focus on gratitude.
We are Grateful for You:
On the topic of gratitude I want to take this as an opportunity to sincerely thank each and every one of our patients over the years. This December marks our 13th year here at Desert Valley Chiropractic and we would not be here without our amazing supportive patients and our outstanding staff.
You have blessed us by choosing us as your chiropractors. From the referrals you send, your support, your reviews, your attendance at our events and continuing to choose us as your doctors. We are grateful to you for allowing us to do what we love.
Our practice has grown and flourished over the years, we have won three Best Of the Valley Awards! We have successfully treated thousands of patients and met many wonderful friends along the way. Recently we realized we are beginning to see patients we treated as children bringing their own children in to see us! As providers this is an amazing and heartwarming compliment. Your support provides for our family, allows us to care for our awesome employees and give back to our community we are truly grateful for all of that and more!
We are truly blessed and grateful to have all of you behind us supporting our practice.
