18805 W. Catawba Ave. Suite 101

Cornelius, NC 28031 US

(704) 987-5050

Open mobile navigation

Keep Moving During National Chiropractic Health Month

Woman getting a chiropractic adjustment

How to Celebrate National Chiropractic Health Month

National Chiropractic Health Month in October is the perfect time to reflect on the way chiropractic care improves your life. Not sure how to observe this important month? Try a few of these suggestions.

Keep Moving

Stiff joints and tight muscles are more likely to be a problem if you don't get enough exercise or spend too much time sitting. Fortunately, increasing your activity level is a simple way to avoid pain and stiffness. In fact, movement is so important that the American Chiropractic Association has made "Keep Moving" its theme for this year's National Chiropractic Health Month.

Synovial fluid surrounding your joints decreases friction when you move a joint, helping it move easily. The more you move, the more fluid circulates around your joints. Movement also helps nutrients reach your joints and muscles, reduces muscle stiffness and spasms, and makes it easier for your body to remove old, damaged cells from your joints.

Regular exercise keeps your bones strong and strengthens the muscles, ligaments, and tendons that support your joints. Although exercising in the gym is an excellent way to increase your activity level, you don't need to participate in a formal workout program to enjoy the benefits of moving more. Walking, riding your bike, dancing, and gardening will keep your joints limber and strong.

Use Proper Lifting Techniques

According to the National Safety Council, the way you lift boxes and other heavy objects may increase your risk of a back injury, the second most common workplace injury. Poor lifting techniques stress the joints and muscles in your back, causing mild to severe pain.

Prevent lifting injuries by following these steps when lifting:

  • Bend your legs and keep your back straight when you lower your body to lift an object.
  • Keep the object close to your body when lifting.
  • Don't twist your spine while carrying something heavy.
  • Bend your knees and slowly lower the object when you're ready to put it down.

Even if you follow safe lifting techniques, you can still hurt your back if you lift something too heavy. Pick up a corner of the box or object first if you're unsure of the weight. If the object feels very heavy, ask for help.

Embrace a Healthy Lifestyle

Eating healthy foods lowers your risk of developing serious conditions ranging from heart disease to diabetes and also helps you avoid joint issues. Making smart food choices ensures that your joints receive the nutrients needed to function efficiently and may help you heal faster if you do experience an injury.

Limit the amount of fried, fatty, or processed foods you eat and add whole grains, lean meat and poultry, fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats to your diet. Giving up smoking or heavy drinking will also help you protect your joints.

See Your Chiropractor

Visiting the chiropractor when you first notice pain, muscle spasms, or reduced range of motion can help you feel better faster. Your chiropractor offers many treatments designed to ease pain and mobility, including:

  • Spinal Manipulation
  • Heat and Cold Therapies
  • Soft Tissue Manipulation and Mobilization
  • Ultrasound Therapy
  • Massage
  • Traction
  • Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

Scheduling periodic visits to the chiropractor will help you maintain good joint and muscle health and avoid injuries.

Falls, poor posture, stress, and improper lifting techniques can cause the vertebrae in your spine to become misaligned. Misalignments, which chiropractors call "subluxations," not only cause pain but can tighten muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Subluxations may also increase your risk of injury when you participate in sports. Spinal manipulation, one of the treatments provided by your chiropractor, offers a simple, painless way to realign your spine.

Are you ready to take advantage of the many benefits of chiropractic treatment? Contact our office to schedule a visit with the chiropractor.

Sources:

National Safety Council: Know the Facts About Backs

OSHA: Controlling Ergonomic Hazards

Exclusive Offer

New Patients Receive a Free Consultation

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Holistic Healing Chiropractic Hours

Monday:

7:30 am-5:00 pm

By Appointment

Tuesday:

7:30 am-5:00 pm

By Appointment

Wednesday:

7:30 am-5:00 pm

By Appointment

Thursday:

10:00 am-7:00 pm

By Appointment

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Location

Find us on the map

Testimonials

Reviews By Our Satisfied Patients

  • "Very professional and personal care. Takes the time to explain in detail your condition. Focuses on long term success and behaviour changes rather than short term fixes."
    Noah K
  • "Dr. Gary is absolutely WONDERFUL! My whole experience here has been just perfect. I feel that he truly cares if I get better or not, and I look forward to my appointments. If you're looking for an AMAZING chiropractor, this is the place you want to visit!"
    Suzie B
  • "Dr Gary is the best! He is very knowledgeable and knows what he is doing. I highly recommend anyone to seek him for help."
    Krystal D
  • "Dr. Draper knows the body; not only physically, but mentally as well. He's got machines throughout the office that can help treat both the body and the brain. He cares about each patients' wellbeing, and takes a practical approach to finding the root cause of whatever might be ailing you. Highly recommended!"
    David W
  • "Eileen M recommends Holistic Healing Chiropractic.
    I can not say enough positive things about Dr. Gary, the inviting office atmosphere and friendly staff. Dr. Gary treats everyone with professional care, excellent service and a caring heart."
    Eileen M.
  • "He is the greatest doctor ever had! He goes above and beyond with my whole family, kids and dog. If it weren't for Dr. Gary I would not be able to work or live! We love the office and the staff!"
    Carolyn Oliver
  • "I have two herniated discs in my lower back. Because of my spinal decompression, I am much better and I don't think I will need back surgery."
    Mary W.
  • "I have three bulging disc's in my lower back, one of which is pressing against a nerve. Due to being in so much pain I have put a lot more pressure and such on my right foot as well. Doctors have given me medication that doesn't touch the pain, but Dr. Draper and Dr. Gary as most of his patients lovingly call him will reduce my pain level more than half in one visit. I can't Recommend this place enough."
    April Plexico
  • "Dr. Gary is a very knowledgeable and very caring person. He gives you 100 percent of his attention. So glad that we found him."
    Barbara Rourke Chappell
  • "Dr. Gary Draper and staff are OUTSTANDING!!"
    Erin Murray
  • "Friendly and knowledgeable staff with a welcoming atmosphere. The facilities are beautiful, and the hydrotherapy table is fantastic!"
    Courtney Stahl Stachowski
  • "very personalized, wonderful bedside manor, actually takes time to listen, I left feeling taller and was able to walk without pain."
    Meegan Clemons​
  • "5 stars"
    JR Rivas​
  • "Very caring and get results kind of a doctor. If you are looking for a quality docotr... schedule your appointment today!"
    Celia Ringstad
  • "Dr. Gary Draper is such a great doctor with cutting edge therapies. His knowledge and caring, positive attitude is unmatched! He has helped me with back issues, vertigo, and feet issues. He has helped athletic boys with all kinds of issues! I highly recommend Dr. Gary and Pierce Family Chiropractic for your whole family!"
    Elizabeth Gwyn Jones​

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

NEWSLETTER SIGNUP

Sign up for more articles