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Many arthritis pain sufferers experience a correlation between cold weather and an increase in symptoms. Their joints become more stiff, swollen, and painful as temperature drops. Research backs up these patient reports, with hospitalization for arthritis reaching its highest rates in the autumn.1
There may be more to the link between cold weather and arthritis than just temperature. Some people even feel the effects as a cold front approaches, before there is a change in temperature, but why? 
How Does Weather Affect Arthritis?
There is a proven relationship between humidity and arthritis-related joint pain in cold weather.2 Changes in barometric pressure related to weather also seem to cause aches in arthritic joints which goes away when the high- or low-pressure front has passed.
On the flip side, studies show that the swollen joints and pain associated with arthritis are diminished on dry and sunny days.3 These studies confirm what most patients already know, that they have more joint pain in cold and damp weather. While the mechanisms that cause this increased inflammation and swelling are complex, the results are painfully obvious. Signs That the Weather May Be Aggravating Your Arthritis
When cold or damp weather causes a flare-up, the soft tissues surrounding the affected joints becomes inflamed. This causes a gradual or sudden increase in symptoms, including:
Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis show increased symptoms and pain in cold weather. Turning to medication when the weather turns cold may offer some relief, but many patients find that chiropractic care can help reduce the inflammation and joint pain of arthritis. 
Chiropractic Care Can Combat the Cold
Your chiropractor does much more than treat lumbar pain and stiff necks. Regular adjustments and specialized techniques can help reduce inflammation and improve circulation, helping you recover from a cold-related flare-up faster.
As an experienced arthritis chiropractor, Dr. Matt will create a customized treatment plan to improve joint function and relieve pain, which may include:
A Warm Place to Find Wellness
Here at McCann Family Chiropractic you will find a warm and compassionate team dedicated to your wellness and quality of life. Weather is just one of the environmental stressors that can trigger chronic pain, fatigue, and discomfort. By putting yourself in our caring hands, we provide the right support for whole body healing.
There are a number of supportive and natural treatments that can reduce arthritis symptoms and help slow disease progression. If cold-related arthritis pain is impacting your life, contact us for an appointment before the next stormfront blows in! Sources:
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So many children suffer from chronic ear infections that this condition accounts for more than 35% of pediatrician visits in the United States.1 Surprisingly, while the infection develops within the inner ear, the root cause may be a subluxation, which is a “stuck” or misaligned vertebrae.
The information age has its own pressures and its own posture. Rather than carrying heavy physical burdens, we work under the weight of technology and adapt our habits and posture to the needs of our equipment. The vertebrae of our necks and spines are in one pose for so long that a subluxation develops.
All of us experience stress, whether from work, finances, family challenges, or life obstacles. Our bodies respond to stress by tensing up, causing stress-related back pain, vertebral subluxations, pinched nerves, and a tight, inflexible posture.
Inflammation contributes to healthy immune system function by creating increased blood flow, capillary dilation, and white blood cell activity.1 When an injury or infection is recognized, the affected area will become red, warm, painful, and swollen as a result. The Inflammation Theory of Disease
Many health care practitioners are becoming convinced that inflammation is an underlying cause of most diseases, leading them to directly address and seek to prevent this condition through the use of foods rich in antioxidants and dietary supplements.
Research has established a link between inflammation and:2
Foods That Reduce InflammationShifting to a diet that features anti-inflammatory foods and adding nutritional supplements when needed will reduce your risk of inflammation and chronic disease and may improve the symptoms of existing conditions. These foods feature high levels of natural antioxidants and polyphenols, which are protective plant compounds:
Foods That Cause Inflammation for Certain IndividualsSome individuals have sensitivities to foods, resulting in an inflammatory response. Avoiding these foods for 4-6 weeks and gradually reintroducing them may show if they are an issue for you.
Integrative Therapies Provide the Greatest Benefits
Addressing your dietary triggers, stress levels, and chronic pain as part of a complete wellness program will have the greatest impact on your well-being and resistance to disease. With lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, nutritional supplements, and chiropractic care, you can optimize your immune system function and achieve your wellness goals.
At McCann Family Chiropractic, we offer chiropractic and massage therapies to reduce the pain and stiffness associated with inflammation as part of an integrative diet and lifestyle program to prevent and treat chronic disease. Come visit with us and find out how well you can feel when all of your systems are in optimal balance. Sources: 1. https://nutrition.org/inflammation-what-is-it-and-how-can-my-diet-and-behavior-affect-it/ 2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3492709/ As our society has transitioned to the information age, many of us spend much more time sitting down than ever before in history. Americans spend 55% of their waking time, which is 7.7 hours, sitting still at work or at home. These long periods of inactivity not only cause lower back pain, but research also shows that sitting for more than six hours per day causes serious health risks.1
Inflammation contributes to healthy immune system function by creating increased blood flow, capillary dilation, and white blood cell activity.1 When an injury or infection is recognized, the affected area will become red, warm, painful, and swollen as a result.
Wellness encompasses more than promoting a physically healthy body. What are the seven dimensions of wellness and how does each play a role in supporting our natural vitality?  1. Intellectual WellnessKeeping the mind fit and agile starts with daily intellectual exercise. We exercise by constantly engaging our curiosity, learning something new, stretching ourselves with research, acquiring new skills, and embracing our natural interests. 2. Spiritual WellnessNurturing a generous spirit and embracing a strong belief system are indicators of spiritual wellness. We practice our spirituality in many different ways. Spiritual wellness contributes to the understanding of ourselves and our community. Embracing the belief that life has a meaningful purpose enhances our inner peace, provides personal direction, and influences our society for the greater good. 3. Emotional WellnessBeing in touch with our emotions and understanding how they impact those around us is key to emotional wellness. By recognizing our feelings and learning to express them appropriately, we can better weather the storms of life with intentional action. Mindfulness of our emotions gives us the power to break free of destructive cycles which can be fueled by past traumas. Acknowledging and taking purposeful actions to address our valid emotions of anger, fear, doubt, and loss allows us to fully experience the emotions of happiness, love, and joy.  4. Environmental WellnessThe environment around us is continually affecting our mental, physical, and spiritual health. We need clean air, pure water, healthy food, and a safe home to thrive. In a direct way, we can ensure that our homes are safe and take steps to eliminate any toxins or toxic influences from our lives. We foster environmental wellness for ourselves and the planet by taking steps to reduce our impact and give back to the earth. 5. Social WellnessWe are social creatures by nature and strive to create meaningful relationships and social connections. A supportive social circle will promote the other areas of wellness and help us cope with stress and loneliness. When we have a healthy social life, we feel confident and validated. We know where we will turn if we need help, and we experience the rewards of helping others. 6. Occupational WellnessFinding an occupation that satisfies our need for accomplishment and makes use of our natural skills allows us to enjoy our daily work. Integrating that job into a satisfying lifestyle means achieving the right work/life balance. When daily work is fulfilling and not our only focus, we can reduce work-related stress and frustration. Putting work in its proper place as a supporting pillar rather than a defining element of our lives allows us to strike that balance. 7. Physical WellnessEmpowering our physical health means being mindful of our bodies. Our endurance, strength, and flexibility indicate our level of physical wellness. Sleeping well, exercising, and eating right begin with listening to the body's signals. Seeking the right treatments to support our bodies is essential. We can go beyond waiting for diseases to develop by incorporating supportive practitioners like chiropractors, massage therapists, and nutritional experts to help prevent illness before it starts. Building a Balanced FoundationTrue healing is experienced when all dimensions of life are in healthy balance. The next step on your path to wellness may be to find a chiropractor who understands the complex and interdependent nature of whole body health.
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Dr. Matt McCannOwner and Chiropractor at McCann Family Chiropractic. Walking this journey of life with you, on our path to wellness! Archives
February 2019
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