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Asheville, NC Chiropractor Discusses Inflammation
| At some point in your life, you may have experienced inflammation of some kind. The first definition of inflammation is from Roman medical writer Aulus Cornelius Celsus, whose De Medicina was a primary source of knowledge for early medicine. Celsus declared that inflammation clinically shows four cardinal features: rubor (redness), calor (warmth), tumor (swelling) and dolor (pain). What is Inflammation? Inflammation is the body's response to damaged cells releasing histamine, which causes blood vessels to widen and rupture, thereby increasing blood flow to the damaged area and surrounding tissues. In today's medical community, inflammation is viewed as a defensive reaction of the body to trauma, irritation or infection. If not treated, the end result of inflammation may be loss of function. "Although inflammation initially can be a necessary response to help the body heal, it can become dangerous when it goes on too long or is overt," warns Dr. David Nygaard of Atlas Family Chiropractic in Asheville, NC. Like acute pain, chronic pain and inflammation may occur abruptly as a result of an accident or an illness. But unlike acute pain, chronic pain and inflammation continue long after their onset. Individuals with chronic inflammation often resort to taking NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to relieve pain and inflammation. Although NSAIDs may provide temporary relief, this does not fix the underlying cause of the problem. What Can You Do About Inflammation? "Chronic inflammation can affect an individual's quality of life as pain becomes commonplace," notes Dr. Nygaard. "Chiropractic care determines the nature of joint pain or inflammation and then works to correct the issue." Muscles, tendons and ligaments rely on proper joint movement for optimal performance. Injuries may result in a decreased range of motion and chronic inflammation can exacerbate problems, leading to further tissue damage and promoting the development of scar tissue. Abnormalities associated with severe inflammatory responses also may contribute to the onset of a variety of physical and neurological diseases and conditions, including heart disease, hay fever, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and sarcoidosis. Diet, lifestyle, and even emotions can contribute to inflammation. Certain foods may fuel or decrease inflammation. Pro-inflammatory foods that should be avoided include: red meat, sugar and alcohol. Eating foods rich in trans-fats increases systemic inflammation, which is a significant risk factor for heart disease. Anti-inflammatory foods: include fruits, vegetables, fish, green tea, and certain herbs and spices, such as turmeric, boswelia and ginger. Risk of chronic inflammation is also increased for those who have a family history of heart disease, lead a sedentary lifestyle or smoke. Making small lifestyle changes can have a significant impact on reducing inflammation, especially when these changes occur along with other therapies. Arthritis, or acute or chronic inflammation of a joint, is often successfully treated with chiropractic care. One of the common symptoms of arthritis is pain caused by joints that are subluxated or locked up as a result of cartilage breakdown. How Can Chiropractors Help? The American Chiropractic Association recommends that chiropractors focus on healing patients with arthritis by increasing muscle tone and strength, providing diet advice, and — where appropriate — additional nutritional supplements to address inflammation. Chiropractors may incorporate massage, rehabilitative exercises, heat and/or ice, ultrasound, electronic stimulation and other therapies to restore any lost range of motion to joints while improving flexibility and endurance. "A chiropractic adjustment is an effective, painless method to relieve pain and inflammation naturally by treating them at the source," Dr. Nygaard adds. "Like a regular workout at the gym, each chiropractic visit builds on prior visits. By normalizing spinal function, chiropractic care may speed up the healing process." For more information about seafood and recipes visit: http://atlasfamilychiropractic.net |
About the Author
Bryan Sullivan is the Executive Vice President of Write Away, Inc. - Editorial and content firm based in Weaverville, NC. He is the Feature Editor of Action Pursuit Games Magazine, Editor of Grilled Magazine. He also often writes for regional & national publications about local history, farming, culture and food. He graduated with a degree in communications from Alfred University in New York State and then went on to attend culinary school in NYC where he graduated in the top percent of his class. He proceeded to work in high-end restaurants in New York City, Martha's Vineyard, MA and Naples, FL. Bryan currently lives in Asheville, NC with Liisa and their Black Lab, Annie.
For more information about seafood and recipes visit:
http://atlasfamilychiropractic.net
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