Do You Need to See the Chiropractor Forever
Have you ever heard that you need to see the chiropractor forever? Of course you have, EVERYONE has heard this before! Let’s examine this at a deeper level. Continue reading
Tag Archives: sauganash wellness
Why Chiropractors are Weird
Why Chiropractors are Weird
Would you agree with me that Chiropractors are a strange bunch of people? Sometimes when I meet another chiropractor I have my defenses up because I’m not sure if they will be one of the weird ones. And when I say weird, I mean even more weird than I am. You may think it’s odd that a Chiropractor would write a blog post titled “Why Chiropractors are Weird” so please read on. Here are my top 3 reasons for the weirdness: 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
Sciatica and Chiropractic
Sciatica and Chiropractic
Sciatica and Chiropractic go hand in hand with each other. Sciatica is the most common condition that brings people into my office here in Chicago.
If you are suffering from sciatica, or know someone who is, then you know how debilitating and crippling it can be. We have amazing success with sciatica, it responds really well to what we do here in my office.
What I want to talk about is the amount of time people suffer with sciatica before they finally decide to seek treatment. Many times when people first come in to my office with sciatica I will ask them “How long have you had this?” The answers are always 5 years, 10 years, or forever! It varies, but it is always a REALLY LONG TIME! Why are you waiting so long? I get it. Most people think it will go away on its own, but if you’ve had it for YEARS, guess what? It’s time to get some help!
I challenge you, if you have sciatica, come to our office in Sauganash or go see your local Chiropractor if you are not in Chicago. We have had amazing success with Sciatica and you no longer have to suffer. We can help you get back to the things you want to enjoy in life. More exercise, more movement, sitting, sleeping and all types of everyday activities can be normal again!
Yours in Health,
Dr. Steven Bourdage DC
Chiropractic X-rays
Chiropractic X-rays
“Why do Chiropractors take X-rays?” is a common question I get asked in my office here in the Sauganash neighborhood of Chicago. Chiropractic X-rays are often times necessary to evaluate your spinal health, alignment, and spinal condition so that I can decided what is the best course of action to take regarding your health.
In the above video I discuss a specific case where a gentleman came into my office with neck pain that started that morning. He stated he never had neck pain before, but he slept in a funny position and woke up with neck pain. Upon examination I determined taking X-rays was clinically necessary to get more information about what was causing his pain. He did not want to do the X-rays, he just wanted an adjustment.
After explaining to him that I did not want to guess with his health and that the X-rays were necessary to move forward he agreed. It turns out he had metastasized cancer that had traveled to the bones of his neck. Meaning, he had cancer somewhere in his body that had spread to the point that it was now in his neck bones. If I would have adjusted this gentleman he could have had serious problems after. It is critical to have chiropractic X-rays taken when working with the spine as it a very important structure in the human body. The spine plays many different roles in ones overall health and well-being.
Your’s in Health,
Dr. Steven Bourdage DC
Serving Forest Glen, Sauganash, Edgebrook, Skokie, Lincolnwood and the Chicagoland Area Since 2008!
Chicago Chiropractor Talks Vitamins
Chicago Chiropractor Talks Vitamins
Check out the video below hear “Chicago Chiropractor Talks Vitamins”
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