Seasonal Allergies

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FALL ALLERGIES

For many, the Fall allergy season is far worse than spring allergies. Is this you? Cool autumn air harbors irritants that can be just as unpleasant as pollen. Allergens from trees and grasses float through the air in spring, summer, and fall, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). These particles can enter a person’s nose, eyes, ears and mouth, triggering an allergic reaction. The good news is that the frost will help these conditions as we transition into cooler months. Need a little extra help? Let Dr. Donkin know at your next appointment. He adjusts and can help with sinuses, too!

TESTIMONIALS

School is back in session!

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SCHOOL IS BACK IN SESSION

This school year is going to be a lot different than last year! Teachers and school administrators inform us that almost all students will be attending school in the actual classroom and the few students who need to remain remote will use a remote-only classroom set up with remote teachers and other remote students.

This means that students will be using backpacks once again! Most backpacks are NOT fitted well for the individual students’ use and can cause poor posture when using them each day. Dr. Donkin is once again offering FREE Backpack Fittings to students of patients and friends. Simply call Dr. Donkin’s office to schedule a free backpack fitting throughout August!

It only takes 10-15 minutes and can save students from suffering from neck, back, and shoulder pain as well as developing poor posture, needlessly. Once scheduled, you simply bring the backpack is empty, or if you know what items will be in it, bring those items in the backpack and Dr. Donkin will show the student how to best pack them and adjust straps and fittings for your student. Don’t suffer from Pack Back this year or ever again!

 

TESTIMONIALS

Detasseling pain?

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FIGHTING BACK DETASSELING PAIN

The detasseling season is here, and many industrious teenagers are getting up early, piling into school busses, and going to soggy cornfields to make some extra money. Like many of us, these hard-working teens are very attached to their cell phones and other electrical devices. This attachment has caused many of them to lock themselves into a slumped posture while enjoying these devices. We are creatures of habit, and when we spend our days with a slumped posture and turning our heads down to stare at our phones, we are prone to have difficulties when forced to reverse the motion. These detasselers are now busy in the early mornings looking up, extending upward, and reaching high up to pull tassels off tall corn stalks. This is a recipe for increased pain and stiffness! Don’t be alarmed; Dr. Donkin has some helpful tips to help keep you out in the fields earning that extra summer cash.

  1. Hydrate!
  2. Remember to warm up the muscles in your neck, shoulders, and back before work. A good example is reverse shoulder rolling.
  3. Take breaks from looking up when needed.
  4. Use topical muscle gel or creams before looking up and or after a long day of detasseling.

 If your teen is suffering from the side effects of their hard work, or you have questions, contact Dr. Donkin today. Dr. Donkin can help you get over the episode and help them get ready for the next day of work!

TESTIMONIALS

Travel Tips: Travelling Again?

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READY. SET. TRAVEL!

Travel Tips - Donkin Chiropractic

Your bags are packed for travel, and you’re ready to hit the road or maybe you’re flying for the first time in over a year. Don’t forget to take a few moments to do some simple stretches. If you are taking a road trip in the car, try to make several quick stops to stretch your legs and straighten your back. Even if you arrive at your final destination a few minutes later, your body and mind will thank you for the few brief breaks along the way!

Travel can also be stressful. Plan accordingly to allow enough time, so you are not rushed which adds extra stress to your trip. Consider things like rush hour traffic, time spent checking your baggage, and going through airport security lines. Stress can cause tense muscles and headaches so relax and plan ahead. Safe travels to everyone! Back from vacation and experiencing soreness? Give us a call and we’ll get you in.  

Not sure what’s right for you? Dr. Donkin is happy to make recommendations based on your wellness plan. Talk to him today or at your next appointment!

Read more from our June 2021 Newsletter HERE. Please feel free to join our mailing list to be the first in the know!

Springing Into Action

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Do warmer temperatures have you on the move? Maybe it’s spring sports and activities or perhaps you are back in your yard doing clean-up and gardening? Whatever the activity, it’s important to know the right way to move to prevent injury and soreness. Below you’ll find some guidance as you get back into the swing of warmer temperature activities.

  • Don’t feel like you need to tackle all of your lists at one time – Make a list and break it into manageable chunks such as front yard, backyard, tree trimming, leaf rake up, etc. Don’t feel like you have to do it all in one go or day.
  • Use proper lifting technique – It may seem easy and quick at the moment, but be sure to use proper listing and bending over techniques as you move through your tasks. If you don’t, you will be sorer or even cause injury for short-term gain.
  • Know when it’s time to quit – Are you feeling exhausted or sore? Your body is telling you it’s time to take a break or even quit for the day. Listen to your body’s queues. You also need to pay attention to your nutrition and hydration. Taking in enough water and calories is extremely important when exerting yourself in any activity.

Testimonials

Not sure what’s right for you? Dr. Donkin is happy to make recommendations based on your wellness plan. Talk to him today or at your next appointment!

CONTACT US

February 2021 Newsletter: Have you considered a Himalayan Salt Stone massage?

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What is Himalayan Salt Stone Massage?

Halo Therapy is defined as; a form of alternative medicine using salt, derived from the Greek word halos, meaning salt.

Like traditional basalt stones, Himalayan salt stones can be used over the entire body. Not only does it deliver superb thermotherapy, but it also contains 84 minerals* that the body may absorb. The three main minerals are magnesium, calcium and potassium.

Magnesium

  • 4th most abundant mineral in the body.
  • 60% of the body’s magnesium is found in bones.
  • 40% is found in muscles and soft tissues, and fluids.
  • Magnesium is involved in energy creation, protein formation, gene maintenance, muscle movements and nervous system regulation.
  • It has been shown to fight depression as it plays an important role in brain function and mood.
  • Helps lower elevated blood pressure.
  • It helps fight inflammation by reducing the inflammatory marker CRP.
  • It may help alleviate migraine pain in clients with low magnesium levels. 

Calcium

  • Helps build strong bones and teeth.
  • Calcium sends nerve signals.
  • It is responsible for muscle contractions.

Potassium

  • It assists in regulating blood pressure.
  • Helps in regulating normal water balance.
  • Assists in muscle contraction.
  • Assists in nerve impulses.
  • Assists in heart rhythm.
  • Assists in maintaining pH balance.

Benefits of Himalayan Salt
The benefits of adding warm stones to your massage sessions are plentiful. Heat can aid in softening muscles, easing circulation through vasodilation, allow your therapist to get deeper layers of tissue in less time, enhance the body’s parasympathetic response (“rest and digest”) and more. Himalayan salt has anti-bacterial properties and is anti-inflammatory. When heated, negative ions are released into the air, aiding in purification. Muscle cramps may be alleviated due to the mineral content. 

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January 2021: Watch Your Step…

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3 FALL RISK FACTORS

How many people are treated for slip and fall injuries each year?  Approximately 1 million Americans are injured annually due to falls on ice and snow according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Being mindful of your health, environment, and events that can cause falls is vital in avoiding injury. Start the new year right by being prepared and avoid injury!

Here are components of each type of fall risk factor:


Health-Based Risk
Related to medical problems in neurology, orthopedics, biomechanics, physiology and nutrition. Gait and balance problems, muscle weakness, chronic illnesses, vision problems and nutritional deficiencies.

Environmental Factors
Home hazards (ie: loose throw rugs, lack of railings and grab bars). Outside hazards (icy sidewalks, debris) or risky footwear. The environmental factors often require the involvement of supportive family members.

Fall Triggers
Sudden or occasional events that cause a challenge to balance or strength (a strong dog pulling on a leash). Health-related events like the use of certain medications and excess alcohol, as well as physiological changes such as low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in a person with diabetes, hypotension, and electrolyte imbalance, can also trigger falls. 

Have you taken a spill recently and are experiencing any pain or discomfort? Reach out today and we can get you scheduled for an appointment!

December 2020 Newsletter: “Deerstracted” Drivers

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ATTENTION: All Drivers

We are all familiar with the notion of distracted drivers.  We see them regularly on the road and maybe we have even driven distracted ourselves.  But there is a formidable force coming our way that requires our attention especially this time of year.  That is distracted deer!

This time of year, deer are distracted for a number of reasons: 

  • This is their mating season which draws their attention to their own kind. 
  • Harvest season is also in full swing which disrupts their familiar surroundings with noise and dust.  
  • As if this is not enough, deer also encounter hunting season with its share of noise and commotion. 

Deer are not very good at looking both ways before they cross the road anyway and with all these distractions it’s no wonder why they dart out onto the road without warning and into the path of oncoming automobiles.  Is this a big deal?   According to the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety, there were 3,760 car animal collisions causing $1,000 or more in damages in 2009. Of those, 3,420 involved deer.  Doing the math, that’s over $3.4 million the very minimum of $1,000 per vehicle.  I have personally seen vehicles with over $5,000 in damage or even totally destroyed from collisions with deer.  I imagine the total vehicle damage is much, much greater than the $3.4 million in Nebraska and that was 10 years ago!

What can you do to help protect yourself as the driver as well as the other occupants in your vehicle from a preventable deer collision?

  • Now that you know deer are distracted especially this time of year, take extra precautions to make sure you are not distracted while driving.
  • Remember that sunset is particularly risky for distracted deer on the roadside so this is peak alert time for driving. 

Enlist the help of passengers in your vehicle to be on the lookout for deer and to avoid making distractions while on the road.

In the event you do collide with a deer, make sure you have your automobile thoroughly checked for the extent of damage and by all means, have your body, as well as the passengers in your vehicle, checked.  I have seen many deer/automobile collisions in which the extent of injury is greater to the occupants in the vehicle than there was to the vehicle itself.  Getting checked for injury is smart because if there is an injury you can get your recovery off to the quickest start and if there is no injury then you have that peace of mind. 

Happy and safe traveling to motorists and deer alike!

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November 2020 Newsletter: Happy Thanksgiving!

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THANKSGIVING STRESS BUSTERS
Unfortunately, the holiday season’s joy and wonder are frequently overshadowed by anxiety, and the effects negative stress has on our bodies. This being the case, the best gift we can offer is the information you need to prepare yourself and your family for true enjoyment and fulfillment this holiday season. Stress, in the simplest terms, is your physical and emotional reaction to change. It sounds almost too simple, but that’s what stress is: your body’s reaction to change. If you perceive the change to be threatening or if you don’t understand it, it can cause physical effects on your body. As we race towards Thanksgiving, two stressors stand out the most, stress from food and COVID-19!

FOOD STRESS

Yes, the holiday that is best known for overindulgence in all things food causes many people stress. Special cookies, cakes, candies, and other treats are anticipated, but remember that your blood sugar levels fluctuate drastically with the rapid influx of these foods to your diet. Corresponding mood swings are a natural consequence of indulgence, so be sure to consider this during periods of family interaction. Eating unusually large portions of food during holiday dinners is followed by periods of low energy as your body shifts to digestion rather than physical activity. So before you get upset with your brother-in-law for yawning during your conversation, remember he may just be digesting the holiday meal!

October 2020 Newsletter: Don’t let back pain HAUNT you!

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We take it for granted all the time. Sitting. Standing. Posture. Are you sitting or standing the correct way? The images above demonstrate what a healthy spine looks like that progressively has gotten worse. This progression shows a healthy spine with adequate hydration, and the subsequent versions show what happens when you ignore pain and damage. In this month’s newsletter, we discuss the importance of addressing back pain before it becomes too late!

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