Tag Archives: sauganash chiropractor

Being Healthy is Hard

Being Healthy is Hard

To be healthy requires you to make healthy decisions. Being healthy is hard. You have to decide to get enough sleep, eat healthier, exercise, fill your mind with positivity, and all the other habits that create health.  Being healthy can also cost you money. Visits the the chiropractor, gym memberships, at home exercise equipment, vitamins, organic food, massages, etc… These things all cost money. I can promise you this though, being sick is a lot harder and more expensive than being healthy.

Any time or money you spend on your health is a wise investment in you! When you are sick or in pain most people are willing to spend whatever time or money it takes to regain their health. Be more proactive and spend it upfront.

The most common time people start to think about their health is once a crisis hits. We’ve all been there, or know someone who has. A person has a heart attack and then decides it’s time to start an exercise program. Or you get diagnoses with Diabetes and then decide it’s time to eat better. Or you throw your back out and can’t move and then decide it’s time to start strengthening your core. All these scenarios are OK, but wouldn’t it make so much more sense to avoid the crisis all together?

Chiropractic should be an integral part of your healthcare plan. Chiropractic can not only help you get out of pain, it helps you stay out of pain, keep you mobile, functioning and full of energy…who doesn’t want that?

Faith in Chiropractic

Faith in Chiropractic

I understand that when a person walks into a chiropractic office, they have to have some sort of faith in chiropractic. Now don’t get me wrong, if you have been to a chiropractor before or have seen the results of chiropractic first hand, you know it works. There are a lot of people who have not had these experiences, or know nothing about chiropractic, but yet, still find themselves seeking the help of a chiropractor. They typically walk into our offices with this faith, or hope that we can help them. Or, sometimes they come in with a certain degree of skepticism. Either way I like to meet people where they are at, and show them how amazing their body is and what it is capable of.

The definition of faith is “the complete trust or confidence in someone or something”. When someone has been suffering for a long time, and they have not found results for their condition they usually end up in a chiropractic office as a last resort. I don’t take this responsibility lightly. Whether they have complete faith in me and chiropractic does not effect the results. Chiropractic works whether or not you believe in it…kind of like gravity. Even if you don’t believe in gravity, it’s still working.

Results

I truly wish people could follow me around all day at the office to see how powerful chiropractic is. You’d get to see and hear the stories I see and hear. Like the man who came in for lower back pain, but also told me he has had vertigo for years. Then after one adjustment his vertigo was gone. Or the pregnant woman who’s baby was not head down, but after a series of adjustments to her pelvis the baby flipped to the correct position. The man who hadn’t slept a full night in a year because of headaches and jaw pain who finally slept a full night after just three adjustments. The colicky baby who kept his whole family up every night that finally slept soundly after being adjusted. These stories go on and on. And most people have no idea chiropractic can do these things.

When I talk about faith, I am not speaking about religion here. Chiropractic is not a religion. I know this word is used in religious context more than anywhere else. Please do not be confused, chiropractic is a science, an art and a philosophy all in one.

My role as a chiropractor is very important to me. If you do become a patient in my office, it doesn’t matter if you have faith or are a skeptic. I will do my best to take care of you, help you heal, and when you see the results that chiropractic is famous for, maybe you will become a believer too!

Your in Health,

Dr. Bourdage

 

Chicago Chiropractor Talks Health

Chicago Chiropractor Talks Health

In the video below, this Chicago Chiropractor Talks Health. Ask anyone, “how do you get healthy?” The most common responses are eat better and exercise. Yes, these are important factors in health, but there is so much more to being healthy. Continue reading →

What is Chiropractic?

What is Chiropractic?

I love when people ask me this question. Chiropractic is so simple…maybe it is too simple and that’s why people have a hard time understanding it. There are 4 principles for you to know and understand to fully grasp, “What is chiropractic?” Continue reading →

Tension Headaches and Chiropractic

Tension Headaches and Chiropractic

This morning I had a patient come in that I have been working with  in regards to her scoliosis. During her visit she told me she had a really bad tension headache over the weekend. She was wondering if there was anything we could do to help. I responded, yes of course! Tension headaches and chiropractic go hand in hand.

Over my 11 years in practice here in Chicago I have helped countless number of people overcome tension headaches with chiropractic care. Tension headaches are  a result of tight muscles in the neck. Tight neck muscles are caused by poor posture, stress, dehydration, and most commonly, spinal mis-alignments. Oftentimes the cause is a combination of all the things I just listed. As a chiropractor, it is my job to discover why you are having the tension headaches, and then work to help correct the cause so you feel better and have long-term relief from the symptoms.

This approach is very different than medicine. Many people take OTC medication to alleviate their tension headaches, which temporarily helps you feel better, but the headaches will return because the underlying cause of the headache was not corrected.

Tension Headache Symptoms

Tension headaches are characterized by a dull tightness or pressure that can be in the forehead, temporal area, back of the head and neck area, or in some cases all of the above. These headaches can last a few hours to a few days. 80% of Americans will suffer from a tension headache at some point with 3% of people suffering from daily tension headaches! Tension headaches have a negative effect on your everyday activities. When having a tension headache you will feel irritable, tired, sensitive to light and noise, and trouble focusing. This can interfere with work, family, kids, exercise and other activities that people enjoy.

If you are suffering from tension headaches let me help you! There is no need to suffer any longer. Give us a call at (773)545-9379

 

Yours in Health,

Dr. Steven Bourdage DC

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Chicago Chiropractor Talks Performance

Chicago Chiropractor Talks Performance

Mike S. was a patient who came in with shoulder pain that was inhibiting his strength training program. I’d like to share his success story with you. Read on as this Chicago Chiropractor Talks Performance.

Mike is a high level kettlebell athlete. He competes internationally and he is an amazing athlete. When he first came in to our office he was having shoulder pain that was inhibiting him from performing certain movements. Upon examination it was discovered that a tendon in his shoulder was inflamed and damaged causing his pain. In addition to that his middle back had spinal restrictions impeding the movement in his shoulder which ultimately is what resulted in the tendon issue. Also, his pelvis was misaligned with one side being much higher than the other. I started Mike on adjustments to fix the above mentioned issues and also had him modify his training. I told him, like I tell all my active patients, staying active will help you heal faster, we just need to work around the current issues.

Fast forward to one month later and not only is Mike back at it 100%, but he competed in a local event here in Chicago at Evolution Fitness, he set a personal best record in his event! Mike continues to receive chiropractic, not because he is in pain, but because he realized his body performs so much better when his spine is free of stress and tension.

This is much further reaching than even athletic performance. I also work closely with many members of the Chicago Lyric Opera. Opera singers literally use their body as their instrument, and a high functioning body is a top priority for them. Have you ever been to the opera? These professional singers are absolutely amazing! I have been fortunate to work with over 20 of the professional singers from the opera house.

Performance comes in many different forms and varies based on individual needs. How are you performing? It may not be athletics or singing, but maybe you’re a teacher, stay at home mom, or in the professional world….it doesn’t matter. We all need to perform in some manner. Let us help you perform at your best!

Yours in Health,

Dr. Steven Bourdage DC

Serving Sauganash since 2008

Chiropractic Travel Tips

Chiropractic Travel Tips

Who doesn’t love to travel? Spring break is upon us and many people will be hitting the road and the air to travel to fun family destinations. Travel can be tricky if you are suffering from back or neck pain. Even if you are feeling good, travel can make you feel tight, achy and sore. Here are some Chiropractic Travel Tips to help you feel great once you arrive at your destination.

Move

You have to move your body! Lack of movement can create tension and pain. If you are driving make sure to get out of the car and move every time you stop. Drink a lot of water while driving because this will force you to stop often for potty breaks. If you are flying the advice is the same, get up and walk to the bathroom at least once an hour.

You can also move without getting up. Perform circles with your feet, head and neck and shoulders while sitting. Any movement is better than no movement. Fidgeting can also be a helpful habit while traveling because fidgeting will help to keep movement built into the time you are spending sitting.

Relax

Travel can be stressful. Any extra stress leads to more tension and pain. Try and stay relaxed during your travels to help alleviate any extra tension. I personally like to meditate while I am flying or the passenger in a car on a road trip. This helps me to stay mentally at ease which helps my body to stay at ease.

Once You Arrive

The first thing you should do once you arrive and settle in to your hotel is stretch. Particularly the areas to focus on are the thoracic spine (middle back), hips and shoulders. These are the areas of the body that get tight after long periods of sitting. While sitting these areas are in a flexed or rounded position which creates tightness and lack of motion. Spend 5-10 minutes loosening these areas up and you will be much happier and ready to enjoy your vacation to the fullest!

Yours in Health,

Dr. Steven Bourdage DC

Chicago Chiropractor Talks Vitamins

Chicago Chiropractor Talks Vitamins

Check out the video below hear “Chicago Chiropractor Talks Vitamins”

Continue reading →

Stand for Better Posture

Stand for Better Posture

One of the easiest ways to improve your overall health is to stand for better posture.  The human body is designed to move, and keep moving. We as a society have come a long way from this. We are now spending an average of 13 hours a day sitting on our butts! As a result of all of this sitting we are becoming weaker, more overweight, and suffering from back pain at all time high levels. 86% of all Americans will suffer from low back pain to the extent that they will have to miss work. Back pain is now the second most common reason people visit their Medical Doctor after the common cold.

Many people, corporations, companies and myself are switching to standing desks. Studies show standing helps employees to be more productive, have more energy and have less missed days of work. From a physiological standpoint, standing lowers blood pressure, improves posture, and keeps your spinal muscles strong. Standing while you work is a win-win for everyone involved.

Since switching to my standing desk, I have actually not lowered once to sit down. It has the option to be lowered, but I find no desire to sit down anymore. It does take some getting used to, and you may feel soreness in your feet, knees, hips and lower back when you first start because all of those muscles are not used to having to work so much. Stay the course though, because after a week or so everything starts to feel much better.

Do you stand for better posture? Have you switched to a standing desk? I’d love to here about what you notice is the difference?

 

Yours in Health,

Dr. Steven Bourdage DC

Happy Holidays From Bourdage Chiropractic

Happy Holidays From Bourdage Chiropractic

Happy Holidays

 

Happy Holidays from our family to yours! Wishing you happiness, health and ridiculous success in 2017!

Let’s work together to make sure you have the best 2017 possible. Whatever your health goals may be, feel free to discuss them with Dr. Bourdage and let’s formulate a plan to make sure you reach them!

A good goal should be specific, have a timeline, and a reward at the end of it. For example, just saying I want to lose weight in 2017 is not very motivating. But, if you were to say I want to lose 20lbs by April 1st and if I do I will reward myself with a trip to Mexico… now THAT is a goal!

I know the holidays can be a time when many people put their health on the back burner; don;t let that happen. Go into the New Year with momentum and watch 2017 be your best year yet.

Dr. Steven Bourdage DC