Spinal Column
A Better View of Health
Issue 16
Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral that is used by the body in over 300 different biochemical processes. Because
magnesium is so widely used, it is easy for it to become depleted. Magnesium deficiency is surprisingly more
common than you may think. Common signs of magnesium deficiency include muscular cramps and spasms,
headaches, eye twitches and even a decreased resilience to stress. Magnesium is also required for:
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Supporting a healthy heart and cardiovascular system.
Promoting normal blood pressure.
Breaking down protein, carbohydrate and fat to make energy.
Relieving premenstrual symptoms.
To ensure that you are replenishing your magnesium levels, it is important to choose the right type of magnesium
and with so many products on the market, choosing the right one can be difficult.
The type of magnesium used in a supplement will greatly affect how much of it is absorbed and the results you
receive. Magnesium bisglycinate (Meta Mag ) is a specific form of magnesium. Its molecular structure means that the
magnesium does not compete with other minerals for absorption, improving the absorption and therapeutic effect.
Magnesium bisglycinate also decreases unwanted side effects, such as stomach upsets, that can be experienced
from other forms of magnesium. Clinical studies have shown that magnesium bisglycinate is eight times more
absorbed than other forms of magnesium and is extremely well tolerated.
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Establishing good magnesium levels can help increase your vitality and wellness and maintain your health in the
long-term. At Thrive Chiropractic we have access to a wide range of magnesium supplements to suit every
individual. If you think you may benefit from a magnesium supplement, please feel free to discuss this with Kelly or
Iain.
Cracking You Up
Christmas Hours
Christmas is approaching fast so we thought we would let you know that Thrive will be closing at 11.30am on
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Christmas Eve (Wednesday 24 December) and we will reopen at 7.30am on Monday 11 January.
Check out our Facebook page for updates on what is happening in the practice
Can Chiropractic Help Arthritis?
Yes! Chiropractic has been shown to be effective in alleviating the symptoms of certain types of arthritis. However,
there are actually two distinct conditions that are referred to as arthritis that we first need to define for you.
Two Types Of Arthritis
Arthritis is defined as the inflammation of the joints. The first condition is called osteoarthritis. This is also referred to
as “wear and tear” arthritis and can affect any joint in the body. You may also have heard the term degenerative joint
disease (or DJD) used.
The second condition is rheumatoid arthritis and it is an inflammatory autoimmune condition that causes pain,
swelling and disfiguration, usually experienced initially in the hands. As with most autoimmune conditions, the cause
is unknown. Rheumatoid illnesses can respond well to chiropractic care, however, they are rarer than osteoarthritic
changes.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the result of either an abnormal force on a normal joint OR a normal force on an abnormal joint.
Essentially it is a sort of wearing away of the joint. This is the most common type of arthritis and is what we tend to
see a lot of at Thrive Chiropractic.
DJD or osteoarthritis of the spine, is usually caused by bones in the spine that are not in alignment and/or postural
distortions placing excessive force on parts of the joint, this over time wears the joint out faster.
This is similar to a car tyre wearing out faster if the wheel is unbalanced. The discs (shock absorbers) wear away
and your body tries to stabilize the area. On x-ray, this reaction looks like a loss of the normal spinal curves, a
decrease in disc spaces and/or little bone spurs.
The body is very clever, in that this is actually the body’s attempt to try and fuse these vertebrae in order to protect
you by stabilising the joint. Usually, the problem is not noticed until the disc space is diminished and the spurs start
to press on nerves, causing pain.
The standard conventional approach to osteoarthritis is via pain medication with over-the-counter painkillers. The
eventual medical solution is surgery, which can be successful but also has a high incidence of complications.
How Can Chiropractic Help?
There are many ways chiropractic helps those with arthritis. If you do indeed have spinal misalignments referred to
as subluxations, this can cause the discs to wear down more quickly. Chiropractors are trained to detect and correct
those misalignments with gentle, specific adjustments. As your body stays in its proper alignment, not only is
pressure taken off the nerves, but the proper motion between the spinal bones is restored.
Importantly, the crucial connection between your brain and body is restored allowing more effective communication
and healing between the two systems. Your symptoms are reduced and your quality of life improves. If you maintain
that proper alignment, you become stronger and healthier.
Chiropractic adjustments also help take stress off your nervous system allowing your body to rest, relax and heal. By
taking stress off your nervous system, your body functions better. When your body is restored to proper function,
healing and health occurs naturally.
Gratitude Column
We’d like to thank the following people for recommending us to their friends & family. We appreciate your
ongoing support
Bruce Wilson
Jo Galway
Tony Wilson
Jayden Dent
Tarnn Cantell
Chrissy Stockman
Anne White
Pauline Medhurst
Erin Reid
Tony Morris
John Daken
Tracey Driscoll
Heidi Alexander
Dennis Young
Margaret Hunn
Kyla Huff
Dave Vercoe
Christine Hofkens
Simon Ford
Kody Stuart
Jennie Wylie
Shelly Andrews
Gail McIntosh
PO Box 417, Paraparaumu. Ph. 04 298 4339 Email: [email protected]