A bit of history!!

Posted on by Valerie Lavigne

Hi everyone

I thought it would be interesting to share a bit of chiropractic history. Did you know chiropractic was discovered over 110 years ago!! Yes chiropractic has been around that long. Chiropractic was discovered by D.D. Palmer a canadian who then went to the United States. The history says that D.D. Palmer would have performed an adjustment on a janitor who was partially deaf and that is hearing restored. D.D. Palmer had been experimenting with the spine for a long time and decided to name his discovery CHIROPRACTIC. It comes from greek : Chiro which means hands and practic which means done by therefore done by hands. Since then chiropractic has made many advancement and research has proven that chiropractic can help many discomfort. Chiropractic is taught around the world and focuses on the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal problems. We use manual techniques or adjustments to help the joints, the muscles and the nervous system.

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A special day!

Posted on by Valerie Lavigne

Hi everyone

So I wanted to share with you a very special day in my life. Yesterday it was my daughter’s birthday. Why is it special? because she turned 9 years old and she is my first born. Only one year away from double digits like everybody says. I can’t believe that 9 years have passed since I became a mother for the first time. Where did the time go? I am still amazed at how my life has changed since the kids have come into my life. I still remember giving birth and seeing that little person for the first time. It was so special!! I had no experience, I did not know what I was doing! With her I have learned about baby behaviour, how to deal with the first fever the first sickness, the first bumps and bruises, the first smile and hug!

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Each patient is different!!!

Posted on by Valerie Lavigne

Hi everyone

So today I wanted to talk about the fact that each patient is different. Why am I saying this is that a lot of people think that all chiropractors do is “crack” . I always like to take the time to explain to my patients that I am equipped with a lot of tools in my bag!! After the examination, I can determine with the patient which tool will be best to use for that person!! No I do not adjust everybody. Well actually I do but with different techniques! Some people I would only do some special muscle work others I would use a little tool or my table to help me adjust. On babies I do a special technique called craniosacral which is very soft touch. I want people to know that they can talk to me and actually tell me what they are comfortable with. Remember we have many techniques that can be used depending on age, case or problem. Not all of them require the famous sound!! So go see a chiropractor and discuss how you feel and find a technique that works for you. That is the beauty of our profession it is an art as well!!! Don’t forget that you are unique and your care will be unique to you as well. My treatment will match your individual needs!!!

Enjoy Summer!

Posted on by Valerie Lavigne

Hi everyone

Today I just wanted to tell everyone to take time and enjoy your summer!! Usually summer is a time where people have more energy, are out more, exercise more and feel better overall. The weather has been so nice in the last few days that I thought it would a good time to talk about a few healthy living habits. Even myself this summer I decided to get in better shape and started a running program. Exercise has been proven to help your physical and mental health so why don’t you go out and go for a nice brisk walk for 30 min tonight? You should try to exercise 3-4 times a week and you will see the changes quickly. Also drink plenty of water. In the heat you must stay hydrated. Do not forget to carry a water bottle with you and drink, drink drink. Quit the bad habits such as smoking and sedentary lifestyles. Did you know that smoking actually increases your chances of having back pain. It is actually reported in the literature that smokers have more back pain. Make healthy food choices. In the summer it is so easy to get fresh vegetables and fruits, eat plenty of them. Get your spine checked regularly. Good spinal health goes along way to help you do all your activities.

Anyway all these are things I am sure you know but sometimes it is good to remind yourself !! So go out and enjoy summer!!

Pain beside the shoulder blade!!

Posted on by Valerie Lavigne

Hi everyone

So today I decided to talk about a classic thing I see so often in the clinic. What is funny is that I had 3 patients today show up with that exact pain. It is pain linked to ribs actually called costovertebral syndrome. What does that mean??? Patients usually describe pain beside the shoulder blade not exactly on the spine. It hurst if they move their arm or they just feel a burning nagging pain in that area. If it becomes very acute people can’t breath and report a stabbing knife in their backs. It can also hurt when they are sneezing or coughing . It can also refer to the front of the thorax as well. Some even have difficulty moving their arm. Many times it is misdiagnosed as muscles spasms. I agree that we have alot of muscles in that area but when I touch the exact spot I am on the joint between the vertebra and the rib head. How do people injure themselves? Lifting something heavy such as kid, suitcases, or repetitive arm motion hanging in the air. Whenever we move our arms our rib also move and if they lose their normal motion then they start to create discomfort.

With this issue it is drastic the change once we have done the adjustment. I usually do some muscle work all around and then proceed to the chiropractic adjustment. People immediately report feeling better after the adjustment. I have patients now that know exactly when the rib is not moving well and is interfering and come in with the diagnosis before I even touch them.

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