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Foot Pain

Foot Pain

Do You Have Foot Pain? Here’s What It Could Mean

Our feet probably don’t get the appreciation that they truly deserve. They have to bear weight whenever we stand and they help us get to where we want to go. Due to all this strain and stress, foot pain is fairly common.

When you experience foot pain, that means that you’re feeling discomfort or pain in one or more parts of your foot. Those parts can include the heels, soles, arches, and toes.

The pain can be severe or mild. It can also last for a short time or it can be an ongoing issue. Constant feet pain can be a major burden but that doesn’t mean the pain can’t be relieved.

Continue reading and we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about foot pain.

Causes of Foot Pain

Foot pain can occur due to a medical condition or certain lifestyle choices. Wearing shoes that don’t fit properly is one of the most common causes of foot pain. High-heeled shoes can also lead to foot pain because they put a good amount of pressure on the toes.

Injuries from sports and high-impact activities, like aerobics or jogging, can also lead to foot pain.

If you have arthritis, you may very likely experience foot pain. There are 33 joints in your foot, and arthritis can impact any of them. And people who have diabetes may end up with nerve damage or ulcers in their feet.

You’re also more at risk for experiencing constant feet pain if you have a foot injury, are pregnant, or have obesity.

Symptoms of Foot Pain

Foot pain can lead you to limp or have an unsteady gait. You can also experience paresthesia, which is a burning or tingling sensation in the affected area. Sometimes, the pain can be so severe that you can’t move it at all.

Home Remedies for Foot Pain

The home remedy that will best help you will depend on the cause of your pain and how severe it is. With that said, applying ice to the affected area can usually help.

You also might want to take an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever. Make sure that you rest your foot as much as possible and keep it elevated. In order to prevent rubbing on the affected area, you can use footpads.

How Chiropractic Can Help Foot Pain

A chiropractor understands the importance of body mechanics in daily life. They take into account your strength, flexibility, stability, and mobility when they look to find the true cause of your foot pain.

The feet are the foundation of the body. If they’re not working properly, it can lead to a whole bunch of other problems in the body.

A chiropractor can examine your posture and form. They can even make crucial assessments just from the way you walk. Sometimes, a chiropractor can simply pull on your foot in a specific way and relieve a great deal of your pain.

If you’re experiencing persistent pain in your feet, it’s important that you consult a chiropractor before things get any worse.

The Importance of Treating Constant Feet Pain

As we can see, people who experience constant feet pain should not hesitate to resolve the issue. If you’re experiencing pain in your feet or other areas of the body, we can help. Contact us today and see what we can do for you!

Back Pain During Pregnancy

Back Pain During Pregnancy

Chiropractic Relief for Pregnancy Back Pain

Pregnancy is one of the happiest times for a couple to experience.  There is the excitement of a new baby, the anticipation of the changes he or she will bring, and the hopefulness of a growing family.  As part of the changes a woman’s body will go through, back pain during pregnancy is quite common but chiropractic care can help through out the pregnancy to relief the aches and pains.

What Are the Causes of Pregnancy Back Pain? 

If you think about it, it’s no wonder you are experiencing discomfort…you are gaining weight in an isolated area very quickly, your center of gravity is shifting, and you are undergoing hormonal changes meant to assist in the birthing process.  Usually starting in the second half of pregnancy, many women begin to feel pain in their lower back and pelvis at the sacroiliac joint.

This pain can begin after periods of standing or sitting with no breaks, following a restless night of sleep, or during stressful times and is caused by:

  • Weight gain—a woman usually gains between 25 and 35 pounds during her pregnancy with most of it carried in the belly area putting additional stress on the lower back.
  • Shifting gravity—a woman’s “center of gravity” is in a constant state of flux during pregnancy as each day brings new weight gain, shifting posture, and possibly an altered gait.
  • Hormonal changes—Relaxing, a hormone meant to aid childbirth, causes muscles and ligaments in the pelvic region to loosen and relax so that the baby can be born more easily. This often causes pain in the back and spine as the relaxing muscles aren’t providing adequate support.

How to Relieve Back Pain

Understanding that back pain is common and isn’t an indication of something abnormal is a good first step in relieving unnecessary stress during a pregnancy.  Here are some good techniques to maintain back strength and help make the new Mom comfortable throughout her pregnancy:

  • Practice Using Good Posture
    • Stand straight
    • Keep your shoulders back
    • Use a wide stance for the best support
    • Sit using a chair that supports your back
    • Forget the high heels for now
    • Use good body mechanics when lifting
    • Sleep on your side
  • Gentle, moderate exercise helps by strengthening the back muscles and increasing flexibility—yoga is an excellent choice for pregnancy
  • Wearing a belly belt to support the weight
  • Warm baths and ice packs intermittently
  • Alternative therapies such as chiropractic care and massage

Chiropractic Care and Back Pain During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, chiropractic care can be beneficial in a number of ways, including alleviating back pain, as well as pain in the hips and joints.  Used in conjunction with massage and exercise, chiropractic care during pregnancy seamlessly harmonizes with whatever birthing method and care team you have chosen, i.e., traditional OB-GYN, midwifery.

Regular chiropractic visits can promote and establish pelvic balance and alignment creating a healthier environment for the baby and less pain for the mother during pregnancy.  In fact, there is research that suggests chiropractic care improves a woman’s ability to have a successful natural birth and reduce the time she is in labor.

In Mill Creek, Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness has compassionate and experienced providers available to answer your questions and to discuss a pregnancy-supportive care plan, including alleviating back, hip, and pelvic pain brought on by the pregnancy itself.  If you are seeking relief for the discomfort of back pain brought on by pregnancy, consider the benefits of managing that pain through chiropractic care.

All of us at Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness wish you a safe and happy pregnancy with terrific health and freedom of movement.  Please contact us at our Mill Creek location to discuss the natural and healthy benefits of chiropractic care during and after your pregnancy.

Babies with Sleeping Issues

Babies with Sleeping Issues

Possible Reasons Why Your Baby Won’t Sleep (Plus, What You Can Do About It)

Does your baby have trouble sleeping? Are you wondering what you can do to help your baby sleep better?

If your baby is having trouble sleeping, this is a definite cause for concern. Sleep has a direct impact on babies‘ mental and physical development. If your baby is missing out on sleep, development in these areas may be stunted.

To help your baby get a better night’s sleep, you first need to know why he/she is struggling. Check out this guide to discover the reasons why your baby won’t sleep and what you can do about it.

Why Sleep is Important for Babies 

Before we talk about the reasons why your baby isn’t sleeping, let’s first talk about why sleep is so important for babies. As we mentioned in the intro, sleep is important for a baby’s physical and mental development.

Additionally, forming good sleep habits as a baby will carry over into the rest of one’s life. Also, we can’t forget that babies who do not get enough sleep tend to be fussy and cranky when they’re awake.

REM Sleep

But, to say that babies need sleep to be healthy isn’t enough. In particular, babies need REM sleep. REM stands for rapid eye movement, and this refers to the period of sleep in which your eyes quickly move in different directions. This is a light period of sleep that is often characterized by vivid dreams.

Babies spend about half of their sleep cycles in REM sleep.

REM sleep is important for humans at every age of life, but it’s especially important for babies. It’s during this sleep cycle that the brain regions used in learning are stimulated. REM sleep is also associated with increased protein production, which is important for helping your baby grow.

Why Your Baby Won’t Sleep 

Now that you know why sleep is so important for babies, let’s take a look at some of the reasons as to why your baby is struggling to fall asleep. Here are some reasons why:

  • Your baby is too hot/cold
  • Your baby is overstimulated
  • Your baby is hungry
  • Your baby is too tired/nap deprived
  • Your baby lacks routine
  • You’re interfering too quickly when your baby doesn’t fall asleep right away
  • Your baby is napping too late
  • Your baby is sleeping in different rooms
  • Your baby is transitioning through sleep cycles
  • Your baby is sleeping in the wrong position
  • Your baby is experiencing teething or growing pains
  • Your baby is sick
  • Your baby is suffering from a sleep disorder

As you can see, there are many reasons why your baby may be struggling to sleep.

How to Promote Better Sleep 

Luckily, there are things you can do to help promote better sleep in your baby. One of the most important things to do is to make sure that your baby is sleeping in the right position.

For a good night’s sleep, we recommend placing your baby on their back. Not only will this promote good sleep, but this will also ensure that your baby sleeps safely.

You may also want to consider gently massaging your baby to help him/her sleep. Or, you may want to consider taking your baby to a chiropractor to get adjusted which will improve parasympathetic nervous system which will ultimately help them sleep better.

Are You Ready to Help Your Baby Sleep? 

Now that you know why your baby won’t sleep, it’s time to take action. If you’ve tried all sorts of things to help your baby fall asleep but are still having difficulties, it may be time to take your baby to a chiropractor.

If you’re looking to schedule an appointment in the Mill Creek, Washington area, contact us today.

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 been hurt in a car accident, trust the experts at Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness. Contact us today!

Sports Chiropractic

Sports Chiropractic

Sports Chiropractic in Mill Creek

Did you know that nearly 500,000 basketball sports injuries took place in the year 2007 alone? Bicycling followed closely with around 450,000 injuries and football caused nearly 340,000 injuries in the same year. Practicing a sport is great for health and entertainment, but accidents can occur sometimes.

That’s why everyone who practices a sport should take advantage of sports chiropractic services. A sports chiropractor can identify a skeletal misalignment and correct it before it can cause a more serious complication or debilitating injury. Keep reading to learn the benefits of seeing a sports chiropractor in Mill Creek, Washington.

Helps the Athlete Heal Quicker

Being sidelined for a few weeks or months because of an injury can be an athlete’s worst nightmare. We all know how much we crave the summer here in the Pacific North West so we can partake in golf, tennis, and other outdoor sports. Luckily, a chiropractor can intervene and drastically reduce that time. By applying the correct chiropractic techniques, it’s possible to considerably reduce the healing time of a dislocated shoulder or injured hip. This helps athletes come back into the game quicker and improves their confidence and morale.

Chiropractors Can Tackle Different Types of Sports Injuries

A sports chiropractor can work with different types of injuries and accidents. Whether it’s about a shoulder, hip, neck, leg, tight hamstrings or a damaged spine, experienced chiropractors in Mill Creek can find ways to improve these conditions and facilitate healing. The art of chiropractic care is based on bone and muscle manipulation and it can be effective for most athletes, regardless of their age, size or sport practiced.

It Can Improve Range of Motion

Range of motion is essential for an athlete whether he has to run, jump or hit the ball hard. It basically dictates how freely an athlete can move his limbs. Having a limited range of motion can predispose athletes to injuries and poor game performance. A chiropractor can work closely with athletes to improve range of motion and make sure they’re performing at their maximum physical potential.

sports chiropractic in mill creek

It Might Reduce the Need for Pain-Relief Drugs

Especially when it comes to highly competitive sporting events, athletes need to be on their A-game all the time. If they get injured, they might receive a quick pain-relief drug to numb the pain and help the athlete continue the game. Many athletes also rely on multiple pain-alleviating drugs to train correctly. A sports chiropractor can reduce the need for drugs by improving an athlete’s range of motion, minimizing healing time, and correct skeletal misalignment.

Chiropractic Care Is a Non-Invasive Treatment Option

No one wants to be on a surgeon’s table unless it’s a life-threatening condition. Luckily, sports chiropractors in Mill Creek, Washington, can prevent that through routine chiropractic sessions. Athletes who receive regular chiropractic care are less likely to ever need surgery because their bones and muscles are functioning correctly. At the same time, undertaking a few chiropractic sessions is better for an injured athlete because this is a non-invasive treatment option with minimal side effects.

Now You Know Why You Should Try Sports Chiropractic Care in Mill Creek!

Basketball players, fighters, cyclists, football players, all of them have received sports chiropractic care at some point in their lives. This is a great treatment method that can be applied to athletes from all sports to reduce discomfort and pain as well as prolong their careers.

To take advantage of the benefits of sports chiropractic care, make sure that you contact us today! We are a team of experienced chiropractors and massage therapists in Mill Creek and we work with amateur and professional athletes on a regular basis.