This may seem like a confusing question to some people, but believe it or not, there is a huge difference.  Many people believe being healthy is just a lack of having symptoms.   For instance “I don’t have a fever so I must not be sick.”  If this is the principal you base your health on, you are missing the big picture.  Another example is someone taking a pain reliever every day to prevent a headache or back pain.  That person does not get a headache or back pain every day so they believe they are healthy because they are symptom free.  What is really happening is they now have a chemical preventing their body from doing the job it is supposed to do.  After awhile, the body forgets how to stop that headache or back pain so it must now depend on the chemical to provide the pain relief.

So how do we help ourselves to become healthy instead of  just not sick?   We do it by controlling what we eat, how much we exercise and correcting structural problems that effect our bodies.

Our diets are loaded with chemicals and bad food choices that are not good for us.  It is important to eat mainly fresh healthy foods that provide the necessary nutrients for healthy organ function and proper tissue repair.  We should limit refined foods that contain empty calories and foods that contain artery clogging fats.

Exercise is important for our heart’s health, good blood flow, cell reproduction and maintaining a strong bone structure.  As we age, our cell reproduction slows and our body begins to slowly degenerate.  Strength training and cardiovascular exercise improves blood flow to our organs, muscles and skin, bringing nutrients that allow for a continual reproduction of healthy new cells.

Finally, structural factors include poor posture, poorly designed workstations, bad lifting habits, and inadequate beds and chairs.  This is where Thesier Chiropractic Clinic can help your health.  Structural problems cause a tremendous amount of stress on our nervous system, interfering with the normal communications between your central nervous system and all other tissues and organs in the body that can lead to other health problems.  Chiropractic care helps remove structural interference to your nervous system and helps your body return to health.

Remember, symptoms like pain and headaches are your body’s alarm system sounding the alarm.  Don’t cover them up with medication, just shutting off the alarm, but find the causes of your symptoms and correct them.  This is when you will be truly Healthy, not Just Not Sick.  

As reported by ABC News, a new study implies a link between hypertension and spinal misalignment.  The Journal of Human Hypertension this month reported on a University of Chicago study which studied the possible connection between an upper cervical spinal misalignment and high blood pressure.  A double-blind study was used to evaluate the connection.  To the researchers surprise, the patients who received chiropractic adjustments saw an average 17 point drop in their blood pressure.  To see a drop of this magnitude, patients typically require 2 blood pressure medications to achieve this kind of results.

Chiropractors have known of this correlation as the spinal cord and spinal nerves, especially in the upper cervical spine, operate like a switchboard which effects blood pressure, blood flow, as well as muscle tension.  When these tissues are irritated, the end result can be elevated blood pressure.

I am not implying that all blood pressure problems will respond to chiropractic adjustments.  It is worth exploring the possibility as all blood pressure medications have side effects and carry their own risks. 

If you are interested in exploring this further, call me at Thesier Chiropractic Clinic at  757-486-3222, or you can visit us on the web at www.thesierchiropractic.com , to see if you may be someone who might benefit from chiropractic adjustments.  We will work with you and your primary care physician to ensure that your condition is monitored properly and all appropriate actions are taken.

What exactly is a “whiplash”?  It is a condition where the muscles and ligaments surrounding the spinal joints of the neck and back are forcibly overstretched beyond their normal range of motion, causing damage to the adjacent nerves, discs, muscles, bones and ligaments.  When we think “whiplash”, many people think they are only caused by car accidents.  The fact is any fall, or even long term repetitive movements, can cause the injury we know as “whiplash”. 

A better term for “whiplash” is the hyperflexion/hyperextension injury where the joints are forcibly moved beyond their normal range of motion and the supporting soft tissues are permanently injured.  The symptoms following a “whiplash” sometimes are immediate, or can take days, weeks or even months to develop.  Common symptoms following a “whiplash” injury are headaches, neck and arm pain, low back pain, leg pain or sciatica, ringing in the ears, dizziness, fatigue, and loss of concentration.  These symptoms can be very painful and debilitating and if not treated properly, the damage it causes can last a life time.

If you have suffered a “whiplash” type injury, either in a car accident or from a fall, it will help you to come to our office as soon as possible for a thorough examination.   We will then establish a treatment program which will help you restore normal joint function and minimize the long term damage caused from your injury.  Treatments can include spinal manipulation, various physical therapy modalities, exercises and soft tissue techniques.  The sooner you start care, the better your chances for a full recovery.  Located in the heart of Virginia Beach, just off the interstate, our chiropractic office is conveniently located for people from Virginia Beach, Norfolk and Chesapeake.  Call us today at 757-486-3222 to start care, or for more information, visit us on the web at:  www.thesierchiropractic.com  .

February 20, 2008,  Virginia Beach, VA

Dr.  William Thesier, a Chiropractor in Virginia Beach, VA   was accepted as a member of the American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) on July 4, 2007.  The AASP is an organization comprised of neurosurgeons and chiropractic physicians dedicated to improving the quality of spine care through cooperative and conservative efforts.The primary mission of the AASP is to improve the quality of spine care by facilitating open dialogue, continuing education, clinical interaction between neurosurgeons and chiropractic physicians and by promoting a patient’s right to be informed of therapeutic options. As a member of the organization, Dr. Thesier is dedicated to placing the needs of the patient first while promoting comprehensive and conservative spine care.“Back pain is one of the most common disorders encountered in healthcare practice,” commented Dr. Thesier “It ranks as one of the most frequent reasons for employee absenteeism and afflicts approximately eight of every ten Americans during their lifetime. The AASP is preparing its members to meet these growing concerns at all levels.”A cooperative interdisciplinary effort between chiropractic physicians and neurosurgeons promotes early detection, timely intervention and improved continuity of spine care. In addition, the unique alliance broadens the scope of preventative, rehabilitative and minimally invasive approaches thus reducing the impact of spine-related disability. The AASP is member driven organization, guided by an interdisciplinary Board of Directors and an Academy Council composed of distinguished neurosurgeons and chiropractors throughout the country. Dr. William Thesier’s practice is located at 240 Mustang Trail, Ste 3 Virginia Beach, VA, 23452 and can be found online at http://thesierchiropractic.com. For further information contact Dr. William  Thesier  directly at  757-486-3222  or via email at info@thesierchiropractic.com.For further information about the AASP contact Christine Martin at (847) 697-4660 or visit the AASP’s Web site at www.spinephysicians.org.

On January 29, 2007, Dr. Bill Thesier, a Virginia Beach chiropractor, was elected President of the Chesopeian Colony Civic League.  Dr. Thesier has been a resident of the Colony for 12 years and had been active in the Civic League for many years.