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Acid Reflux in Infants

Acid Reflux in Infants

Acid Reflux in Babies: What You Need to Know

Baby spit up is about as common as diaper changes. Whether you’re a new parent or have experience in raising little ones, getting acquainted with bodily fluids is just part of the job.

While it’s common for infants to spit up after a meal here and there, frequent vomiting and discomfort could point to something a little more sinister. Reflux in babies, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may require professional treatment by a doctor and a chiropractor.

Learn all about it GERD in this blog and the important steps to take as a parent.

What is Acid Reflux or GERD? 

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) cause the upward movement of stomach content, which may include stomach acid. This stomach content is moved up through the esophagus and sometimes into the mouth, too. The difference between the two conditions is defined by the severity and frequency of reflux and vomiting in children.

Most infants experience acid reflux or GER in the first year of life and usually outgrow it around the 24-month mark. However, if symptoms persist for longer than this, your child could be suffering from GERD.

The Causes of Acid Reflux in Babies 

The development of this condition is linked to a poorly coordinated gastrointestinal tract. GER and GERD are most often associated with an infant’s immature digestive system which has not quite developed. In rare instances, infants with problems affecting nerves, brain function, and muscles can also develop GERD.

Common Symptoms to Watch For

If your infant struggles with acid reflux past their second birthday, it could point to the more serious condition, GERD. Here are the most common signs to look for:

  • A refusal to eat
  • Difficulty eating or swallowing
  • Wet burps and wet hiccups
  • Failure to maintain or gain weight
  • Abnormal arching of the back
  • Frequent coughing or recurrent bouts of pneumonia
  • Gagging or choking
  • Disturbed sleep

Bear in mind that acid reflux or GER usually peaks at the age of 4-months in infants. It should begin to resolve itself by 12-18 months. Any persistent symptoms after this may require medical diagnosis and care.

Acid Reflux Treatment and Feeding

Most infants may not require any medical treatment for acid reflux. However, there are few things you can do as a parent to manage the condition. Some of these steps include:

  • Smaller, more frequent feedings
  • Burp your baby during feedings to help facilitate the process
  • Make sure to hold your baby upright for 20-30 minutes after each feed, avoid laying them down
  • If not breastfeeding, consider changing the  type of formula for feeding
  • Use a different size nipple on feeding bottles to prevent your baby from swallowing air

It may also be wise for mothers to eliminate dairy products, eggs, and beef from their diets while breastfeeding. This is a good way to rule out whether your baby has an allergy to these foods. You can also add rice cereal to formula or breast milk to thicken it slightly to assist with feeding. However, this should be done in very small amounts.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help with GERD 

No matter how old you are, the body’s system needs to be able to communicate effectively in order to function. Spinal misalignment in infants and children cause nerve interference that affects this communication system. This can cause health problems such as GERD due to spinal misalignments near the stomach and esophagus.

Chiropractic care helps to gently realign the spine, correcting misalignments and restoring the body’s full ability to function. This could lead to a major reduction in GERD symptoms and even full recovery. If your baby is experiencing signs of GERD or acid reflux, please reach out to us.

Find Professional Infant Care with Amazing Life Chiropractic

Reflux in babies can be a harrowing experience as a parent. If you need professional care, Amazing Life Chiropractic is here to help.

We offer a full examination, gentle spinal realignment, as well as massage therapy, expert nutritional advice, and more. We’re conveniently located in Mill Creek, WA. Call us at (425) 737-5343 or fill out the form below to schedule your appointment.

PIP Insurance in Washington State

PIP Insurance in Washington State

What You Need to Know About PIP Coverage in Washington State

At a minimum, liability auto insurance is mandatory in Washington State.  However, did you also know that you benefit from carrying personal insurance protection (PIP) as supplemental coverage?  As an extension of auto insurance, PIP covers medical expenses for you and anyone injured in an accident, including pedestrians and cyclists.

You sometimes hear this type of insurance referred to as “no fault” insurance, because a person is covered whether or not they were at fault for the accident.  It’s also different than “bodily injury” coverage which pays for any injuries to another person, but not to you.

Is PIP Insurance Required in Washington State?

While there is no Washington PIP statute that requires you to have this type of coverage, insurance companies are required to offer it to customers and to obtain a written rejection from the client if they decline coverage.  If you choose to opt into PIP coverage, Washington State statute defines minimums for PIP insurance that must be observed by carriers, including:

  • Up to $10,000 for reasonable and necessary medical and hospital expenses for each person injured in an accident with a 3-year window to access care
  • Wage replacement up to $200 per week with a $10,000 maximum
  • Funeral expenses up $2,000 for each person
  • Loss of services up to $200 per week ($5,000 maximum) to pay non-family persons for work you can’t accomplish, such as household chores or lawn care

To further define medical expenses, most insurance companies include ambulance services, medical and surgical care, hospital stays if required, chiropractic care, dental care, and medications.

What Types of Auto Accident Injuries Benefit from Chiropractic Care?

When the body sustains the force of an auto accident (even at relatively slow speeds), some injuries are outwardly obvious (and should be treated by the appropriate care provider), and some are not seen or even felt until later.  With impact injuries, it’s a good idea to be evaluated by a chiropractor to find effective pain relief without medication or to prevent long-term pain.  These types of symptoms may be signs of whiplash or other related auto accident injuries:

  • Neck pain
  • Sore back
  • Shoulder pain
  • Neck range of motion issues
  • Low back pain
  • Blurred vision
  • Headaches
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Sciatica
  • Knee pain
  • Loss of feeling
  • Feelings of depression and anxiety

How Does a Chiropractor Treat Auto Accident Injuries?

With an initial evaluation, your chiropractor can assess the extent of your injuries and present a natural and effective treatment plan and prognosis.  With an effective course of treatment that may include chiropractic manipulation, stretching and massage, nutritional counseling, and exercise, your body can heal and return to normal daily life.

At Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness in Mill Creek, Washington, we are experienced at naturally treating auto accident injuries and are well versed in PIP auto insurance coverage requirements.  Leave the complicated claims process to us.

If you have sustained an auto accident injury, trust the chiropractic professionals at Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness…contact us today!

Video: Vertigo Treatment in Mill Creek

Video: Vertigo Treatment in Mill Creek

Can Chiropractic Help Treat Vertigo?

According to an article on NCBI, vertigo or Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) affects 64 out of every 100,000 Americans. BPPV can lead to extreme dizziness and involuntary movements of the eye or what is known as nystagmus. The symptoms can not only be debilitating, but it can also be dangerous while operating heavy machinery. Did you know that chiropractic is a natural, non-invasive way to treat vertigo? In this video, Dr. Sergey Kochelayev from the Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness in Mill Creek not only treats the patient with chiropractic, but also performs the Epley’s Maneuver

For more information or if you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact us or visit our clinic at the Mill Creek location in Washington State.

Live without health problems – Because you’re worth it!

1(425)-737-5343

800 164th St SE Ste O Mill Creek, WA 98012

[email protected]

Sciatic Pain in Mill Creek

Sciatic Pain in Mill Creek

What to do if You Experience Sciatic Pain

Well, Spring will be here in no time!  It’s been a long winter and people are anxious to get outside, enjoy the sunshine, and get active.  The problem is that lots of people overdo it!  Instead of easing into it and being gentle with their bodies, they go full tilt.

Without using proper stretching techniques and building up their exercise regime, they run the risk of a pinched sciatic nerve and are sidelined with pain and numbness from their back running down one leg or the other.  But how does this happen?

What Causes You to Experience Sciatic Pain?

Sciatica or sciatic pain can be caused by a herniated disk or arthritic bone spur in your lower back that pinches the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the body running from your spinal column down each leg.  But it can also be caused by overuse and, frankly, physical deterioration.  It’s a common problem and one that an estimated 40% will experience in their lifetimes.

It often feels like burning or tingling sensations in the buttock and affected leg with accompanying lower back and hip pain.  If you are at the point where you are experiencing bladder weakness or severe numbness or pain, it’s important to seek professional help as soon as possible.

What’s the First Step Once You Experience Sciatic Pain?

It’s recommended that you explore the benefits of chiropractic care in Mill Creek to help alleviate the problem and also position you to not suffer a recurrence.  There are several things that you can try at home before your appointment to help reduce the pain and numbness:

  • Stretching is extremely important to help alleviate the pinched nerve pain.
  • Hot and cold applied intermittently. Ice helps to reduce inflammation, while heat can encourage blood flow to the back and leg. This can also help reduce the spasms that often accompany sciatica.
  • Vary your posture every 20 minutes.
  • Walk and move around as much as you can. This also will help with the pain and spasms.
  • Avoid foods that cause inflammation:
    • Sugar
    • Artificial Trans Fats
    • Refined Carbohydrates
    • Processed Meats
    • Alcohol

When you visit your chiropractor, he or she will evaluate your symptoms and then recommend a course of treatment.  This will usually be a holistic and natural approach that often includes chiropractic manipulation and mobilization, supported by massage therapy, lifestyle evaluation and recommendations on stretching and exercise, as well as natural nutrition counseling.  The goal is to provide a comprehensive overall plan that resolves the pain and points the patient in a healthy direction.

Sciatica is painful, but there ARE solutions!  In Mill Creek, Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness is your comprehensive solution center.  We are ready and available, so please contact us at our Mill Creek Location for an appointment when you experience sciatic pain.  We would love to discuss the natural and healthy benefits of chiropractic manipulation.

Natural and Effective Neck Pain Treatment in Mill Creek

Natural and Effective Neck Pain Treatment in Mill Creek

Stop Living with Neck Pain

The neck is a funny thing, we use it constantly but take it for granted—not seeing how amazing it is until there’s a problem.  If you are experiencing pain from an acute injury, overuse, or unresolved stress in your life, there are ways to stop the pain and prevent it from reoccurring.  If you live in Mill Creek, try visiting Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness for an alternative to living with neck pain.

What Really Causes Neck Pain

There are two types of injuries that cause pain in the neck—acute injuries, like from an auto accident or muscle pull or strain, and “overuse” situations.  Let’s look at the varied causes of overuse injuries:

  • Stress causing tightness in the neck and upper back
  • Working in a sedentary environment, such as at a desk or on a computer all day with little or no breaks
  • Osteo-arthritis, or degenerative joint disease usually caused by age and the wearing down of connective tissue and cartilage that can lead to bone spurs
  • Compressed, bulging or herniated disks

Over time, most of these cause pain, an increase muscle tightness, the inability to move or swivel your head, headaches, and numbness or tingling.  When experiencing any of these symptoms, its recommended that you visit someone for an evaluation or assessment.

How is Neck Pain Diagnosed and Treated

When visiting a chiropractor for neck pain, your provider will gather information through physical examination and lifestyle assessment.  He or she may use advanced diagnostic testing, such as x-rays, MRI or CT scans.  If it is determined that further evaluation or intervention is needed, your chiropractic provider will refer you to a medical doctor if appropriate.

Depending on the type of injury, a chiropractor may use a range of treatment alternatives, including:

How to Prevent Recurring or Non-Emergent Neck Pain

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!  Haven’t we all heard that old adage…and in this case it is often true.  Many of us are living a very sedentary lifestyle; hours seated looking at screens, either computer monitors, handheld screens, or TVs.  Try some of these techniques and just get up and move:

  • Good posture
  • Ergonomic work environment/evaluation
  • Full body stretching while seated during the day
  • Take frequent breaks and walk around
  • Stop tucking the phone between your chin and shoulder
  • Good sleeping position with proper head support

You want to take good care of your neck and prevent problems that will haunt you as you get older.  Keeping the muscles strong through a solid exercise program and good nutrition will pay big dividends in the future as well.

All of us at Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness wish you health and freedom of movement.  Please to contact us at our Mill Creek Location for more tips on body mechanics and nutrition, as well as to discuss the natural and healthy benefits of chiropractic manipulation.

Choosing a Chiropractor in Mill Creek, Washington

Choosing a Chiropractor in Mill Creek, Washington

Choosing the Right Chiropractor in Mill Creek

There are a variety of reasons why someone may want to consult a Mill Creek chiropractor…maybe they’re interested in exploring healthy lifestyle alternatives, are experiencing some minor aches and pains, or they recently suffered an acute injury.  Whatever the reason, now may be a great time to look at the holistic wellness benefits of chiropractic care.

6 Inspiring Things to Know About Mill Creek Chiropractic Care

Without a doubt, we are the total sum of our individual parts!  There is equal benefit in evaluating both our physical well being and our lifestyle choices, such as nutrition and exercise.  This way, a Mill Creek Chiropractor can develop an overall approach that is both wide-ranging and comprehensive.

When considering this unique approach to healing the body and preventing illness, remember these six inspiring concepts:

  1. Chiropractic care is ageless. From infants to seniors, chiropractic care can improve your quality of life, reducing the need for medications and invasive interventions.  It can restore proper nerve function, increase joint mobility, and improve coordination.  And for someone facing surgery, it can lessen pain and swelling post-procedure.

 

  1. Your chiropractor looks at your health holistically and assesses action and reaction instead of random and spontaneous elements. They understand that all things are truly linked together.

 

  1. Most people don’t seek out a Mill Creek Chiropractor until they experience pain (most often back pain), but that’s not usually the first sign or symptom. Often, they have been masking a problem with home remedies like over-the-counter pain medications or the application of heat or cold.  Also, if you experience headaches, diarrhea, asthma, or allergies, this may be a symptom of a bigger problem manifesting physically.

 

  1. Chiropractic care is a non-invasive and natural treatment. People report feeling lighter or relieved following an adjustment session and some say they experience fewer colds and flus.

 

  1. Mill Creek and Snohomish County are home to many athletes and people seeking healthy, active lifestyles. Chiropractic care encourages them to maximize their true potential and to help maintain flexibility, keep their lungs functioning properly, and improve their coordination.

 

  1. Chiropractors are for more than back pain! The Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness in Mill Creek is a lifetime partner in nutrition, weight management, and fitness.

 

Much like visiting a trusted friend, a Mill Creek chiropractor is committed to your physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing.  People seeking a healthy, less invasive style of care have been drawn to chiropractic care in expanding numbers the last 15 or 20 years.  With its fundamental core foundation resting on the body’s ability to self-heal, chiropractic practitioners focus on evaluating and treating the musculoskeletal system as it affects other systems for overall health.

Your Mill Creek Chiropractor Solution

At Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness in Mill Creek, we have created a wellness retreat where you can comfortably experience the benefits of chiropractic care.  Please talk with one of our providers or staff members about our full range of services that work in a complementary way including:

  • Nutrition and supplement counseling
  • Doctor-guided weight loss programs for the benefit of your whole life
  • Massage therapy that compliments as an integrative practice
  • Custom Orthotics for foundational support for a lifetime
  • Treatment and care following an auto accident injury

Our mission is to Add Life to Your YearsPlease contact us at our Mill Creek Location to discuss the natural and healthy benefits of chiropractic manipulation.