Category: Education
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How We Experience Pain
We are all too familiar with the sensation of pain. Whether it’s a dull ache, burn, sting, zing, or discomfort, pain can be experienced all across our body. Sometimes pain is obvious, such as when we stub a toe or fall on an outstretched arm. Other pains can be confusing and last longer than what…
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Secrets to a Good Night’s Sleep
Getting a good night’s sleep can sometimes be an artform. There are many factors that influence how full a sleep can be achieved. Everything from body position changes to keeping a regular schedule influence sleep. Even the physiology of foods can impact dreams and wake cycles. Body position: Most neck and shoulder positions are…
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Bending until you break
Whether you had Barbie dolls or G.I. Joe action figures (they aren’t dolls… obviously), both were toys that move, bend, but eventually get bent to bits. This deformation is due to the physical ability of materials to deform under stress. An elastic deformation has a force applied and is able to return to its original…
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How to get rid of a tree
With spring in the air, sun in the sky, and flowers shooting up, you may find it odd to read a chiropractor post about uprooting trees. But what if I told you that getting rid of a tree is the same process as diagnosing and treating a musculoskeletal condition? The muscles of the body can…
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Why your head hurts (and how to reduce headaches)
A long day at work, a big storm rolling your way, and my neck has been killing me! What a headache! Today we’re talking about the different types of headaches and how to get them to calm down. As a disclaimer, some headaches are medical emergencies and will not be covered in this article. If…
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Pain in the leg? Differentiating sciatica vs SI joint pain
One of the most common patient complaints that we see at Westside Chiropractic is back pain that travels down the leg. Whether from a big lift at the gym, a workplace injury, or just something that flares up over time, the question of “what is causing my leg pain?” is one that is commonly asked.…
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What’s the Deal with Ergonomic Snow Shovels?
With Canadian seasons changing from winter to spring like an alternating current motor, we have been bringing snow shovels to and fro to clean up mother nature’s bounty of slush. On my walk to work, I witnessed many houses that had typical shovels, some that had pushers, and others with ergonomic shovels. Some houses bought…
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Making SMART Adjustments for the New Year
The new year has come which means everyone has started following or breaking their new year’s resolutions. Many people want to change an exercise, diet, or alcohol habit. Others want to read more, spend time with family, or go for a vacation (yes please). Regardless of what resolution you have or have not set out…
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The weight of the mind
In this article, we’re going to dive into the biomechanics of the head and neck and find how the angle of your dome influences the neck and back. Let’s head on! The average human ‘noggin’ makes up about 6% of your total body weight (2). That means if a typical population is studied, the head…
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The sun gives me all the vitamin D I need right?
Why can’t you trust your daughter when it comes to your bone health? … Because vitamin D comes from the sun ☀️. The body has the ability to produce vitamin D and vitamin K so why as Canadians do we have vitamin D in our diet or take supplements? In the late fall, winter, and…