Peterson Chiropractic

4 Benefits of Massage Therapy

Massage is an increasingly popular therapy that is being sought by many individuals, because it promotes relaxation while improving overall health. There are several varieties of massage that can be used to address specific issues, but in general, the process of massage stimulates systems within the body to create a whole body healing experience. When massage is a regular part of your routine, it can offer the following benefits to your body:

• Reduced Stress

Stress sends signals in your body to release the stress hormone cortisol that can cause premature aging, headaches, and a spike in blood pressure. Virtually all aspects of your health can suffer because of an overload of stress, but much of this can be relieved through massage. As your body lets go of tension, you will notice an increase in your attention span and focus.

• Better Sleep

By helping your body to release endorphins and serotonin, massage improves your nightly sleep cycles. These chemicals promote a good mood and help your body rest more effectively when you sleep at night.

• Smoother Skin

Massages that use deep tissue and Swedish techniques require direct contact with the skin, so lotions or oils may be used to reduce friction. These also help to moisturize the skin while the massage strokes work to increase circulation. More nutrients are brought to the skin, and collagen production is encouraged, so you may see tighter, glowing skin.

• Boosted Immunity

The combined effects of improved circulation, stress reduction, and better sleep all work to help your body defend against illness. With a stronger immune system, you can feel great even during the most stressful times of the year.

Experience the joy of massage for yourself at Peterson Chiropractic. We offer a variety of massage techniques to address the specific needs of your body. Learn more about our midtown Manhattan practice on our website or by calling us at (866) 245-3085.

Introduction to Chiropractic Care

If you are experiencing pain, discomfort, or immobility, visiting a chiropractor is often a beneficial practice.

This video explains the process of chiropractic care. It begins with x-rays and diagnostics to determine your needs. Adjustments are made, which may cause a slight reaction of pain for just a moment before you begin to feel better. Depending on the severity of damage that may exist in your spine, you may need chiropractic visits as frequently as once per week.

Learn how chiropractic care can benefit you with Peterson Chiropractic in New York City. Visit our website or call (866) 245-3085 to learn about our full range of services.

Common Injuries Suffered in Auto Accidents

Every day, thousands of small collisions occur on the road. Though they may not do much damage to your vehicle, they can leave you in physical pain. Even at a low speed, auto collisions can create a large impact felt by your body, affecting the health and alignment of the spine. Here are a few regularly treated injuries that are typically the result of minor car accidents:

• Whiplash: When the neck is jerked forward, it surpasses a comfortable range of motion. Soft tissues, including the tendons, ligaments, and muscles, can be easily damaged when this occurs, which will lead to inflammation, soreness, and stiffness in the neck. Impact from a car collision is usually enough to whip the body in such a way that the head is moved rapidly and the neck is injured. Treatment may include a soft cervical collar, medication to manage pain, and hot and cold therapy. The goal of whiplash treatment is to simply relieve pressure from the neck while the tissues are allowed to heal.
• Low Back Injuries: One often overlooked auto-related injury is lower back pain. Often following an accident, a car will experience trouble that requires roadside attention. Changing a tire or pushing the car off the road requires heavy lifting that can put strain on your lower back. In the midst of an auto emergency, one may not be focused on proper lifting techniques to avoid injury.
• Head and Body Aches: If you sustain any type of musculoskeletal injury, you can experience symptoms that may seem unrelated. Headaches, for example, can be the result of a neck injury. You may also have body aches in certain areas that relate back to damage within the spine. This damage can be assessed by a chiropractor.

To start feeling better after you have been in an auto accident, schedule a consultation with Peterson Chiropractic in New York City. Contact us on our website, or call (866) 245-3085 to learn about our full range of chiropractic services.

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Bones, Discs, and Nerves: The Anatomy of the Human Spine

The spine is one of the most fascinating structures in the human body. It serves many functions vital to your health such as supporting the weight of your body, serving as an expressway for messages to travel through your nervous system, and allowing the body to move freely in all directions. Each element of the spine works together to carry out these tasks, so even the most minor injuries or inflammation can cause a wide range of symptoms. Here are the basic components of the spine that may be the root of your back pain or soreness:

• Bones: The skeletal portion of the spine is made up of vertebrae, or small round bones that stack on top of each other. In order to carry the weight of the human body, the vertebrae are stacked in such a way that four curves are present in the spine. These help to promote balance while reducing impact from stress.
• Discs: Vertebral discs separate each of the 24 vertebrae. These are soft and spongy fluid-filled structures that absorb shock and help the spine bend when the body moves. Problems commonly occur with the discs as the body ages, because they lose water content. In their weakened state, they may be flattened or forced to bulge outwards.
• Joints: The bones are connected through facet joints that connect between and behind the vertebrae. They provide stability and the ability to twist around.
• Nerves: One essential function of the spine is to protect the spinal cord, which is a bundle of nerves that extends from the brain down to the mid-back where the thoracic spine ends. These nerves control some of the body’s most basic movements. The lower back houses various nerve roots that branch out from the spinal cord.

To better understand the structure of your spine, schedule a consultation with Peterson Chiropractic in New York City by calling (866) 245-3085. We can help reduce your pain or discomfort with a total body approach to healing using chiropractic manipulation, adjustments, and massage.