At WYLD Chiropractic we are always looking at ways to help you have a more adaptive nervous system. Chiropractic adjustments can be beneficial for reducing the ‘wind-up’ of our nervous system, but it is also important to be looking at ways you can support yourself between visits.

Blue light blocking glasses have become popular in recent years, and we wanted to help you stay informed on what the research has to say when it comes to using them. The data is inconclusive but what we do know is this.

Basically, light is made up of a spectrum of wavelengths, and different wavelengths have a different effect on the body.

Blue light is a short wavelength and is what is predominately emitted from our devices and can be stimulating for our brain.

On the other hand, red light, which is a longer wavelength, can be calming for the brain.

When we spend extended periods of time in front of a computer, it is suggested that artificial blue light exposure may suppress our melatonin production aka sleepy hormone.

Therefore, some people may find it beneficial to use blue light blocking lenses, or red lenses, to reduce over stimulating the brain in the evening. This may help with a reduced number of headaches at the end of the workday, and possibly better sleep quality, and overall reduction of sympathetic dominance aka nervous system ‘wind-up’.

Additional ways to limit the effect blue light may have on your sleep include:

Blue Light Glasses — Get a dose of daylight in the morning and ensure a dark environment at night

bad posture — Use the 20-20-20 rule, look 20 metres away from your screen for 20 seconds, every 20 minutes

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Neck pain — Limit the blue light coming from your screen by using the “night mode” or change the colour temperature towards the warmer colours under settings on your electronic devices

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Chiropractic care is one of the least invasive but most effective treatments for tennis elbow. By ensuring that the spine is in its proper alignment it takes the pressure off the soft tissues that may be overworking due to the biomechanical changes that have taken place in the spine. This will help relax the muscles and take the pressure off the sciatic nerve which may help to alleviate pain.

What To Expect At Your First Chiropractic Visit

An initial Chiropractic exam for back pain will typically have three parts: a consultation, case history, and physical examination. Laboratory analysis and X-ray examination may be performed.

Consultation. The patient meets with the chiropractor and provides a brief synopsis of his or her lower back pain, such as:
- Duration and frequency of symptoms
- Description of the symptoms (e.g. burning, throbbing)
- Areas of pain
- What makes the pain feel better (e.g. sitting, stretching)
- What makes the pain feel worse (e.g. standing, lifting).
Case history. The chiropractor identifies the area(s) of complaint and the nature of the back pain by asking questions and learning more about different areas of the patient's history, including:
- Family history
- Dietary habits
- Past history of other treatments (chiropractic, osteopathic, medical and other)
- Occupational history
- Psychosocial history
- Other areas to probe, often based on responses to above questions
- Physical examination. A chiropractor may utilize a variety of methods to determine the spinal segments that require chiropractic treatments, including but not limited to static and motion palpation techniques determining spinal segments that are hypo mobile (restricted in their movement) or fixated. Depending on the results of the above examination, a chiropractor may use additional diagnostic tests, such as:
  1. X-ray to locate subluxations (the altered position of the vertebra)
  2. A device that detects the temperature of the skin in the paraspinal region to identify spinal areas with a significant temperature variance that requires manipulation.
    Chiropractors are trained in a variety of methods to assess the underlying cause of the problem, including:
    1. Evaluation and management services. Chiropractors are trained in examining the joints, bones, muscles and tendons of the spine, head, extremities and other areas of the body with the purpose of noting any misalignment, tenderness, asymmetry, defects or other problems.
      Neurologic and other common physical examination procedures. Chiropractors are trained to perform a variety of neurologic tests (nerve root compression/tension, motor strength, coordination, deep tendon and pathological reflexes, etc.) and are skilled in performing orthopedic, cardiovascular and many other common examinations.
      Specialised assessment. Chiropractors are trained to assess range of motion, stability, muscle strength, muscle tone and other assessments with the lower back.
      Common diagnostic studies. Chiropractors are trained in use of diagnostic studies and tools such as radiography (X-rays), laboratory diagnostics and neurodiagnostics.