Hula hooping is a playful way to exercise your spine and bones. Simple waist hooping works the entire circumference of muscles attached to your spine. Some chiropractors integrate hula hooping into their treatments to ease low back pain due to poor posture or just sitting hunched over the computer all day.

Your core muscles, which are located in the abdomen and back, are the muscles responsible for the right alignment of the spine. If these muscles are not strong, they will end up tired and stiff. This will affect the flexibility of your spine. Hooping strengthens your core muscles and increases spine flexibility.

You know the spiral & rocking movements you do to keep the hoop up? Well these are the same moves that mimic functional spinal movement. When you practice hooping every day, you are not only strengthening your core muscles, but lubricating your joints increasing joint flexibility. The act of moving your hips fluidly does wonders because your hips become more loose and less rigid.

In addition, you will notice your posture is enhanced to do daily activities like walking, twisting and turning with more strength, grace and flexibility.

Now, you may be asking yourself, “How can hooping help lower back pain?”

Keep in mind, when you have a strong core it takes the extra load off the spine. As a result, there is less low back pain.

Also, when the hoop is rolling over your lower back you get a gentle massage, which can help with chronic tension in that area. This brings an overall feeling of relaxation because the massage increases blood flow to muscles, which helps with oxygen supply.

Your spine can recalibrate and be realigned, which improves spinal flexibility and help with the lower back pain as well.

As new mothers can attest, the muscle strains of pregnancy are real. The average weight gain of 25 to 35 pounds, combined with the increased stress placed on the body, may result in severe discomfort. Studies have found that about half of all expectant mothers will develop low back pain during pregnancy, especially during late pregnancy when the baby’s head presses down on a woman’s back, irritating her sciatic nerve. Dr. Eastwood is passionate about providing pregnancy health care for her patients.

During pregnancy, a woman’s center of gravity begins to shift forward to the front of her pelvis. This displaced weight can increase stress on joints. As the baby grows weight is projected even farther forward, and the curvature of the low back is increased, placing extra stress on the spinal disks. This is why pregnancy back support is a must. Seeing a chiropractor during pregnancy is a great way to prevent pain or injury during pregnancy.

Dr. Eastwood, along with The American Chiropractic Association, recommends the following tips for pregnancy:

• Exercise at least three times a week, gently stretching before and after exercise. Walking, swimming, and stationary cycling are good pregnancy exercises.
• Wear flat, sensible shoes. High heels can exacerbate postural imbalances and make you less steady on your feet.
• When picking up children, bend from the knees, not the waist. And never turn your head when you lift.
• Avoid picking up heavy objects, if possible.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Ask for help if you need it.
• Take a nap if you’re tired, or lie down and elevate your feet for a few moments when you need a break.
• Sleep on your side with a pregnancy body pillow in between your knees to take pressure off your lower back. Lying on your left side provides unobstructed blood flow, helping your kidneys flush waste from your body.
• Take periodic breaks at work every 30 minutes with a quick walk around the office.
• Eat small meals or snack every four or five hours to help keep nausea or hunger at bay.
• Supplementing with folic acid before and during pregnancy has been shown to decrease the risk of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida.

Chiropractic Can Help!

Before you become pregnant, your chiropractor can detect any imbalances in the pelvis or elsewhere in your body that could contribute to pregnancy discomfort or possible neuromusculoskeletal problems after childbirth.

Chiropractic in pregnancy can provide relief from low-back pain. Chiropractic adjustments are safe for both pregnant mother and baby. Chiropractors, such as Dr. Eastwood, can offer ergonomic and exercise advice to help a woman enjoy a healthy pregnancy.

Chiropractic care can also help after childbirth. In the eight weeks following labor and delivery, the ligaments that loosened during pregnancy begin to tighten. Ideally, joint problems brought on during pregnancy from improper lifting or reaching should be treated before the ligaments return to their pre-pregnancy state to prevent further muscle tension.

Call Triangle Chiropractic to schedule an appointment with Dr. Eastwood for more information about pregnancy health and wellness. (512) 371-1305.

Coconut oil benefits also include a natural way to ward off infections and viruses. Our bodies convert the lauric acid in coconut oil into monolaurin, a concentrated antimicrobial agent that scientists have discovered to be an effective killer against antibiotic-resistant bacteria and many viruses (Mol Cell Biochem 2005:272:29-34).

Clinical trials have also supported coconut oil uses as a way to help
with weight loss. Coconut oil is turned into energy quickly rather
than being stored in the body as fat, and coconut oil health experts
have found in clinical trials that even consuming a little coconut oil
with a meal boosts metabolism, helps the body burn off other fats by
raising its temperature, and has been used by some doctors to slow
cancer growth (J Am Diet Assoc 1995:95:693-7).

In addition to coconut oil’s health benefits as an effective way to
lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, the
medium-chain fatty acids that are present in coconut oil help suppress
appetite and may be used in the prevention and treatment of diabetes.
A diet high in these medium-chain fatty acids has been shown to help
with insulin resistance, a condition that can lead to type 2 diabetes.
This particular fat found in coconut oil also helps sustain cognitive
function during hypoglycemia and may also be beneficial for
individuals with uncontrolled epilepsy. (Pediatrics 2007:119:535-43).

Whether it’s the vast health benefits or just the taste, coconut oil
uses extend from lowering cholesterol to fighting disease and even
kick-starting weight loss. When looking for coconut oil, choose an
organic coconut oil that has been cold-pressed for the healthiest
product. Add it to smoothies, granola, curries and so much more and
reap the benefits of this amazing superfood.

If you are interested in nutrition and wellness research, you have come to the right place! Dr. Eastwood is committed to helping her patients leave healthy and active lives, and wants to provide you with the latest cutting-edge research to help you make healthy choices. Call our office to schedule a consultation and find out how chiropractic is part of the bigger health and wellness approach to life. 512-371-1305.

Low back pain isn’t just an issue for adults. Research has found that low back pain in children is on the rise. Dr. Eastwood wants to make sure that the whole family is living pain-free, so check in with your children to see if low back pain is bothering them.

Research has found that approximately 50 percent of children will develop low back pain at sometime in their lives. Of those children, almost 15 percent will experience frequent or continual pain (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2003;26:1-8).

One study looked at low back pain in children in Tunisia. Among 622 children low back pain was responsible for 23 percent of school absences and 29 percent of sports absences. This study also found that low back pain sparked psychological symptoms (including depression) in 75 percent of the children (Eur Spine J 2005;12:331-6).

The same causes of low back pain in adults are often also responsible for the development of low back pain in kids: misalignment of spinal bones (vertebrae), poor posture, emotional stress, sports-related injuries, and other trauma.

When spinal bones are out of alignment, this is know as a subluxation. In addition to low back pain, subluxations may lead to infantile colic, earache, headache, a weakened immune system, and several other ailments. Chiropractic works by correcting these misalignments with gentle adjustments to the bones and be very effective at providing low back pain relief.

Low back pain in children can also lead to more serious back conditions, such as degenerative disk disease. After studying MRI scans of 79 girls and 75 boys, one study found degenerative changes in the spine “much earlier than we ever would have suspected.” The researchers of this study suggest to health care providers and parents to begin preventative back care (such as chiropractic) prior to puberty. Of the 154 children in the study, 14 had early evidence of bulging or tearing in the lumbar (lower) discs of the spine. Yet none of the 14 children suffered from low back pain. Often, pain is one of the last symptoms to show up so this is why preventative care for children is so important.

Luckily, chiropractic care has been shown to be a very effective form of relief for children with low back pain. Among a group of 54 children (ages 4-18) with low back pain, researchers found that 82 percent of the kids reported they were “much improved” after a period of just 30 days (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2003;26:1-8).

Dr. Eastwood specializes in low back pain in children and would be happy to provide a consultation to your child. If your child complains of low back pain, or if you notice a change in the way he or she walks, stands or sits, take is seriously and contact our office immediately to schedule an evaluation at 512-371-1305.

Chiropractic may be one of the best natural immune system boosters you can find. Your immune system keeps head colds and other viruses away by acting as a shield that protects every cell, organ, and tissue in your body. When the immune system shield is up, you could be surrounded by people with head cold symptoms and still be protected! The immune system operates through a complex system of chemical messengers called cytokines, and is also responsible for controlling cell growth, inflammation, cell death, and energy production. A strong immune system is an important part of chiropractic’s all-natural protection against disease. Rather than depending on potentially dangerous cleaning products or drugs to “protect” from bacteria or viruses, Dr. Eastwood recommends that patients work on using natural immune system boosters. Follow these 6 simple steps to boost immune system response :

1. See Your Chiropractor

Research shows that chiropractic care may boost immune system response.  Researchers examined the effects of chiropractic adjustments on two specific white blood cells connected to improved immune system function. Levels of polymorphonuclear neutrophils and monocytes , which  both destroy unhealthy cells , were “significantly higher” following chiropractic adjustments than before (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1991; 14: 399-406).

2. Reduce Stress

Stress can affect the immune system by increasing the body’s levels of cortisol: commonly known as the “fight or flight” hormone. Excess levels of cortisol can lead to a wide variety of diseases and some cancers. Regular chiropractic visits promote stress reduction, which can help keep cortisol levels low and boost immune system function.

3. Exercise Regularly

Exercise can help strengthen the immune system. Researchers have found that exercise is even more effective than medication for depression and anxiety. Studies have found that regular exercise training increases the production of cytotoxin, which is a potent immune booster that can destroy cancer cells upon contact (Immunol Lett 2004; 93: 205-10.)

4. Be Social

Scientists have discovered that people that embrace social gatherings have stronger immune systems than those who keep to themselves. Large social networks or those that “provide greater instrumental and emotional support contribute to improved health and, perhaps, greater longevity.” (J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2005; 60: 143-52.)

5. Sleep Soundly

We know that sleep is one of the best head cold remedies, so stay well rested to boost the immune system. Missed sleep can trigger “deep changes on the immune function,” according to researchers in Spain (Rev Neurol 2005; 40: 548-56).

6. Increase Antioxidant Intake and Improve Your Diet

If you are looking for vitamins for immune system function, look no further than the fridge! Fresh fruits and vegetables are loaded with antioxidants that destroy disease-causing free radical chemicals. Free radicals can negatively affect cellular development, weakening the immune system. Scientific studies show that high consumption of antioxidant-rich vegetables and fruits protects against cancer (Urol Clin North Am 2002; 29: 157-68). In addition to selecting antioxidant-rich foods, choose whole-grain foods whenever possible. It is also best to shop for organic produce and meat that is free from hormones and antibiotics.

Now you know how to strengthen immune system function. The above natural immune system boosters will help you stay healthy and avoid viruses and head cold symptoms. Call us at 512-371-1305 to schedule a consultation today.

Here’s to your health!

We look forward to assisting you! Call us today at 512-371-1305.

For many of those suffering from arthritis—a common joint disorder prevalent among (but certainly not limited to) older adults—uncomfortable and in some cases debilitating symptoms can wreak havoc in their daily lives.
In many cases, arthritis sufferers turn to over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription painkillers to manage their conditions, despite research indicating that such medications can be dangerous for long-term use. Even common OTC pain relievers like Acetaminophen and even Aspirin, Ibuprofen and Naproxen can cause side effects ranging from mild to severe with long-term use.

Thankfully, many alternative (and natural) treatments exist to ease the pain of arthritis sufferers today, allowing for a full and active—and importantly, drug free—lifestyle.

First, some background. Arthritis comes in many forms, including the two most common: Osteoarthritis (dry and degrade joint cartilage) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (an auto-immune disease that creates similar issues, but with more intense pain). In addition to their effects on joints, these varying forms of arthritis also share another unfortunate factor: They cannot be cured.
That being said, much can be done to manage the symptoms of arthritis, and ensure the condition does not worsen, each helping to either directly lessen discomfort or strengthen overall health and subsequent ability to cope with arthritis.
Among the most effective, are:

1. 1.) Chiropractic Care
2. 2.) Nutrition
3. 3.) Exercise
4. 4.) Ergonomics

A number of clinical trials have indicated a great therapeutic power of Chiropractic Care, as one example. One study randomly assigned 250 osteoarthritis patients to receive moist heat therapy, either by itself or in combination with 20 sessions of chiropractic care. Not surprisingly, those who received chiropractic care experienced faster and more pronounced pain relief and notably improved range of motion and ease in daily life.
To read more about this study, as well as the benefits of nutrition, exercise and ergonomics as an alternative to pain medication, please click the email button below and the staff at Triangle Chiropractic will happily reply with the full article and further information.
Yours in health,
Dr. Mary Beth Eastwood

We look forward to assisting you! Call us today at 512-371-1305.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, approximately 34.1 million Americans have been diagnosed with asthma by a health professional during their lifetime. Given those staggering statistics, nearly everyone knows someone with Asthma, yet few understand the underlying causes that contribute to it. Recent research, however, has theorized that asthma often is associated with the presence of a spinal condition known as vertebral subluxation, a malady characterized by areas of the spine where movement is restricted or vertebrae are slightly out of alignment. Chiropractors such as myself have correct such vertebral subluxations and work to restore proper motion and alignment to the spine by utilizing gentle adjustments. According to the aforementioned research, many professionals now suspect that chiropractic adjustments have the potential to create biochemical changes in the body that alleviate asthma symptoms and prevent or reduce the frequency of future attacks. One recent study evaluated 26 youngsters with asthma between the ages of 6 and 17 years of age. Participants in the study received more than 20 chiropractic visits over a 3-month period, while a control group received placebo treatments. Not surprisingly, the group that received chiropractic care reported:

1. 1. A 20 percent reduction in use of their bronchodilator.
2. 2. A 10-28 percent increase in their quality of life.
3. 3. A 39 percent reduction in the severity of asthma symptoms.The results shown in this study also held true throughout a one-year follow up period. Additionally, as a result of this study and others, the medical community has discovered a number of interesting facts about asthma in general:

a. Children whose mothers took Tylenol during pregnancy have a 30% heightened risk of asthma and a 50 percent higher risk of wheezing.
b. In a study of 40,000 women, pregnant women who take antibiotics increase the risk of their children having asthma by 43 percent.

To read more about these and other studies related to asthma and chiropractic treatments, as well as additional Asthma-Fighting Facts, please click the email button below and the staff at Triangle Chiropractic will happily reply with the full article and further information.

Yours in health,
Dr. Mary Beth Eastwood

We look forward to assisting you! Call us today at 512-371-1305.Considering our country’s on-the-go, car-reliant culture, it’s no surprise that traffic accidents are among the most common causes of the spinal injuries that I see in my practice every day. What may be more surprising, however, is the severity and nature of some of the very serious complications related with such accidents. Even a fender bender that doesn’t set off a vehicles airbags have the potential to cause enduring and considerable damage to the human body’s sensitive spine. Here are 7 things every driver should consider after having such an accident, regardless of the severity:

1.) Even if you received a medical examination and we’re cleared to leave the scene, you may have spinal injuries including whiplash that require attention.

2.) Spinal injuries from auto accidents don’t always appear immediately. Always visit your chiropractor as quickly as possible after any traffic accident to ensure you don’t have unnoticed complications.

3.) In more severe accidents, extreme cases of whiplash can cause herniated discs between vertebrae and damage sensitive nerves.

4.) In the case that you’ve been in an accident serious enough to necessitate a trip to the emergency room, you may have been given painkillers that numb the pain. It’s important to note that such medicines do nothing to address the underlying cause of the pain: Spinal trauma.

5.) When considering when to see your chiropractor after an accident, the rule of thumb is simple: Sooner is better. Among many other reasons, it is essential to identify injuries before settling with an insurance company.

6.) Minor accidents can cause major injuries: Most cases of whiplash occur at vehicle speeds below 14 mph.

7.) More than a pain in the neck: Beyond mere neck pain and stiffness, spinal injury due to auto accidents also cause a number of other painful symptoms, including chronic headaches, fatigue, dizziness and numbness.

To read more about these and other considerations related to auto accidents and chiropractic treatments, please click the email button below and the staff at Triangle Chiropractic will happily reply with the full article and further information.

Yours in health,
Dr. Mary Beth Eastwood

We look forward to assisting you! Call us today at 512-371-1305.In my Austin-based practice, Triangle Chiropractic, we are dedicated to keeping abreast of the most current chiropractic research available in an effort to provide our patients with the best possible treatment as quickly as possible. We believe the doctor-patient relationship is a partnership. When fully informed, patients are better able to make choices that propel them toward optimal health. In an effort to pass that information along, we wanted to provide a synopsis of some of the most important chiropractic-related developments from the last year. For a more complete explanation of each of the chiropractic research headlines below, please click the email icon below, and the staff at Triangle Chiropractic will follow up with our complete article, including the medical journals and others sources from which we gathered this information.

1. Chiropractic Care May Alleviate Asthma.
2. Chiropractic May Benefit Kids with ADHD.
3. Chiropractic Adjustments May Relieve Meniere’s Disease.
4. Chiropractic Care Costs Less Than Medical Treatment.
5. Chiropractic Costs 60% Less Than Medical Care.

6.) Chiropractic Students Know Research is Vital. To read more about these and other recent chiropractic-related research developments, please click the email button below and the staff at Triangle Chiropractic will happily reply with the full article and further information.

Yours in health,
Dr. Mary Beth Eastwood

Read Highlights of 2010 Chiropractic Research, Part 1 by Dr. Mary Beth Eastwood, one of the top Chiropractors in Austin, TX, to learn more about Triangle Chiropractic and our Chiropractic office, conveniently located at The Triangle in Austin, TX.

We look forward to assisting you! Call us today at 512-371-1305.In my Austin-based practice, Triangle Chiropractic, we are dedicated to keeping abreast of the most current chiropractic research available in an effort to provide our patients with the best possible treatment as quickly as possible. We believe the doctor-patient relationship is a partnership. When fully informed, patients are better able to make choices that propel them toward optimal health.In an effort to pass that information along, we wanted to provide a synopsis of some of the most important chiropractic-related developments from the last year. For a more complete explanation of each of the chiropractic research headlines below, please click the email icon below, and the staff at Triangle Chiropractic will follow up with our complete article, including the medical journals and others sources from which we gathered this information.

1. Chiropractic as Effective as Surgery for Sciatica, Without the Hazards.
2. Chiropractic Care Speeds Healing of Shoulder Injuries.
3. Spinal Manipulative Therapy (SMT) is More Effective Than Other Interventions for Acute Low-Back Pain (LBP).
4. Popping Sound in Adjustments Not Necessary.
5. Adjustments Increase Range of Motion.
6. Elite BMX Athletes Seek Chiropractic Care.
7. Activity Better Than Bed Rest for Low-Back Pain (LBP).

To read more about these and other recent chiropractic-related research developments, please click the email button below and the staff at Triangle Chiropractic will happily reply with the full article and further information.

Yours in health,
Dr. Mary Beth Eastwood