Live Well Chiropractic CenterNews
By Dr. Kim Wermert Health

Signs Your Pillow Is Causing Neck Pain

There’s nothing quite like finally laying down to sleep after a long day of work and fulfilling responsibilities. But are you waking up each morning not feeling refreshed, or with neck, shoulder or back pain?

If so, it could be a sign that you’re long overdue for a new pillow or a pillow that better suits your sleeping position. And since we spend about one-third of our lives sleeping, it’s worth taking the time to learn what type of pillow works best for you and your sleeping style.

A pillow that is too soft, too firm, or even too old can hurt your body and lead to poor quality of sleep and unwanted pain, but a good pillow can alleviate (and even prevent) common body aches and pains.

Your Pillow Is Too Thick And Firm

A pillow’s job is to provide support for your neck and upper back while you sleep, something we all need due to the natural curvature of our spines.

We usually think the thicker and fluffier the better when it comes to pillows, but that’s not always the case. If your pillow is forcefully bending your neck toward your chest while sleeping on your back, or to one side when sleeping in the fetal position, it could be that your pillow is too thick.

If you fall into the category of back sleepers, consider getting a mid-soft pillow to alleviate the strain on your neck and upper back. A mid-soft pillow can help assure that your head isn’t too elevated while supporting your neck.

Your Pillow Is Too Thin And Soft

If you commonly sleep on your stomach, find a pillow that feels best for you — be it thin or thick, while being mindful of how your neck feels when falling asleep. But if you’re part of the 47 percent of Americans who are side sleepers, know that a thinner soft pillow will give you very little to no support.

Side sleepers need the most support when it comes to pillows, so it’s best to shop for one specifically designed for this sleeping position. Consider adding a pillow between your knees to keep your spine from rotating during the night and alleviate pressure from your hip and pelvic area.

Are neck and back pain interfering with your daily life? Consider comprehensive chiropractic care with Dr. Kimberly Muhlenkamp-Wermert at Live Well Chiropractic Center. We help treat and prevent pain and injury with non-invasive healthcare services and a focus on nutrition, exercise, and spinal health. Schedule your appointment with Dr. Kim today by calling 513-285-7482 or emailing info@livewellcc.com. Be sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn for our latest updates and tips!

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How A Chiropractor Can Help Treat Pain After A Car Accident
By Dr. Kim Wermert Health

How A Chiropractor Can Help Treat Pain After A Car Accident

According to the National Highway Traffic Administration, a car accident happens every 60 seconds. And even if you’re the safest, most aware driver on the road, you can’t account for other drivers and their competency behind the wheel.

If you have been in an accident before, you know even the most minor of fender benders can cause lasting pain. Even minor car accidents can cause soft tissue injuries, which can lead to arthritic issues, and other forms of chronic pain down the road.

A chiropractic exam might not be the first medical professional you think of when scheduling appointments post-accident, but an experienced chiropractor can help those who have incurred injuries to the musculoskeletal system and the spine.

Reducing Inflammation

While some inflammation is normal and a sign of healing, too much inflammation can cause pain and discomfort. When a chiropractor works to realign your spine, your body responds by lowering its production of cytokines, a protein that regulates immune system cells. But when cytokines build up, it can cause severe inflammation, resulting in pain.

Improving Range Of Motion

Depending on the type of accident you have been in, you may temporarily lose some flexibility (or mobility) in your neck or back, reducing your quality of life. This loss of flexibility can be caused by a misalignment in the spine, inflammation, or even scar tissue build-up. A series of chiropractic adjustments can help restore your range of motion by returning your joints to proper alignment, while also reducing discomfort.

Decreasing Physical Pain

Even a minor car accident can jolt your body, resulting in lasting pain in areas of the body that weren’t even injured in the collision. Chiropractic adjustments can provide relief throughout the entire body by adjusting your spine, and other areas of the body that are hurting.

Reduce Dependency On Pain Relievers

Depending on the severity of your car accident, a doctor may prescribe potentially addictive painkillers to help with your pain management. These painkillers will help with the pain but do not treat the underlying issues that are causing the discomfort. Chiropractic adjustments can target the source of discomfort and work to reduce the pain without prescription painkillers.

Your insurance company might work slowly after a car accident, but Dr. Kimberly Muhlenkamp-Wermert at Live Well Chiropractic Center works quickly. Schedule your appointment with Dr. Kim today by calling 513-285-7482 or emailing info@livewellcc.com. Be sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn for our latest updates and tips!

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What Are Repetitive Stress Injuries?
By Dr. Kim Wermert Uncategorized

What Are Repetitive Stress Injuries?

Do you often experience pain in your wrists, hands, elbows, forearms, neck or shoulders? It could be due to repetitive stress. Repetitive stress injury (RSI) is a term used to describe the pain felt in muscles, nerves and tendons caused by repetitive movement and overuse. 

What Are Repetitive Stress Injury Common Symptoms?

The symptoms of RSI can range from mild to severe and usually develop gradually. They often include pain, aching, tenderness, stiffness, throbbing, tingling, numbness, weakness or cramps.

At first, you might only notice symptoms when you’re performing a particular repetitive action, such as typing on a keyboard, but without treatment, the symptoms of RSI may eventually become constant and cause longer periods of pain. You may also get swelling in the affected areas, which can last for several months.

What Else Impacts RSI?

In addition to repetitive motions, RSIs can be impacted by cold weather or vibrations. They can also be impacted by poor posture while sitting, or not using ergonomic equipment while working on a computer. 

How To Treat RSIs

The first step in treating RSIs is to identify and modify the task or activity that is causing the symptoms. While certain physicians may recommend invasive treatments, Dr. Kimberly Muhlenkamp-Wermert of Live Well Chiropractic Center has had success treating RSIs with adjustments. 

While each person and each type of RSI requires a personalized plan, Dr. Kim may suggest extremity adjusting, which is performed using a series of tests to locate joints in the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle, and foot that are not in proper alignment and causing pain or dysfunction. Dr. Kim loves to evaluate extremities as she knows the importance of proper alignment from the feet all the way to the head.

Live Well Chiropractic Center wants you to stay safe and avoid injury! If you are experiencing any pain, inflammation or soreness, please schedule an appointment with us. We will help you stay healthy and pain-free so you can enjoy the holidays with your family and friends. Contact us today at 513-285-7482 to schedule an appointment, and be sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn for our latest tips and updates!

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How To Avoid Holiday Stress
By Dr. Kim Wermert Uncategorized

How To Avoid Holiday Stress

The holidays are a time for family and loved ones to enjoy traditions and time together, but oftentimes preparing for those traditions is stress-inducing. Because Live Well Chiropractic Center knows that stress can be a trigger for headaches and tension pain, here are a few things you can do to relieve that holiday stress so you can enjoy the season stress-free.

Remembering The Reason For The Season

Whether the season for you is about religious meaning or simply spending time with loved ones, whenever you feel yourself tensing up, focus on your reason for the season and keep that as your goal. Your home isn’t completely clean or you’ve burnt the rolls? Remember your goals and let the little things slide. No one is going to care about that dust bunny only you can see or that you went without rolls this year.

Plan What You Can

The day you’re expecting guests can be stressful enough without running out of the one ingredient you need to finish the meal. A few weeks before, take the time to create lists, and like Santa, check them twice. Also, prep what you can to help with the cleanup before it’s needed. Save a few grocery bags so your guests can easily take home their gifts with ease. Do you have enough aluminum foil or Tupperware to quickly put the leftovers away? Not having to hunt for that Tupperware lid will mean you can quickly get back to the fun. Plan for the unexpected in advance so you can be in-the-moment the day of.

Prepare For The Preschoolers

This age group is often the toughest to entertain at holiday gatherings, so be ready for them with easy distractions. Have an age-appropriate movie on standby for when they need some quiet time, some pre-cut veggies ready for a quick snack, and a hands-on activity like coloring books set up in an area where you can keep an eye on them but still enjoy being with the adults.

Live Well Chiropractic Center wants you to stay safe and avoid injury, especially when hanging decorations! If you are experiencing any pain or tension headaches, please schedule an appointment with us. We will help you stay healthy and pain-free so you can enjoy the holidays with your family and friends. Contact us today at 513-285-7482 to schedule an appointment, and be sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn for our latest tips and updates!

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By Dr. Kim Wermert Pregnancy

Benefits Of Postpartum Chiropractic Care

After nine months of eagerly waiting, childbirth welcomes that new baby bliss to you and your family. Caring for and bonding with your newborn is a beautiful gift, though many women also experience the impact in the aftermath of childbirth.

As it copes with the repercussions, your body carries the impact, manifesting both physically and mentally. While your impulse may be to push past the pain to focus on your baby, it’s imperative to care for yourself, too.

Postpartum chiropractic care helps treat the trauma, allowing your body to recover and focus on savoring these moments with your baby.

Postpartum Physical Trauma Recovery

All stages from pregnancy to labor and delivery take a physical toll. The impact especially effects the pelvis and spine, misaligning your body and causing pain or discomfort. While uncomfortable effects generally subside as your body returns to its natural state, some women may experience postpartum chronic pain. Those who experienced complications like emergency cesarean sections or hemorrhaging endure long-lasting symptoms of the trauma.

Whether the pain is temporary or chronic, postpartum chiropractic care promotes healing. Corrective exercises and adjustments restore the nervous system’s natural alignment and the body’s proper range of motion. These procedures alleviate discomfort in the body, targeting the sources of pain impacted by delivery and pregnancy.

Treating The Mental Impact Of Delivery

Though childbirth and meeting your baby brings joy, you may experience other, less talked about side effects. It’s an open secret that delivery, with or with complications, is a traumatic experience. Some women may experience PTSD or postpartum depression. Living with physiological side-effects, like hormonal shifts or bodily pain, impacts your mental wellness, too.

Postpartum chiropractic care is a rehabilitative process that allows your body to recover mentally, as much as it does physically. In addition to possible therapy or other modes of treatment, you may find chiropractic sessions mentally healing. Chiropractic care provides a private space to treat tension in your body, alleviating stress and restoring the capacity to focus on these special moments.

Care For The Whole Family

Newborns and children in all stages of growth find benefits of chiropractic care. As you and your baby experience delivery together, your baby experiences distress within his or her body, too. While, like their mother, the distress often alleviates with time, chiropractic care may help their recovery and adjustment to our world. Gentle procedures allow your baby to maintain proper growth. As they age, progressing from toddlers to adolescents, chiropractic adjustments help your child maintain their health. Regular alignments can help aid in treating conditions early or work as preventative measures for potential ones. Chiropractic care benefits the whole family as you teach your children the benefits of taking care of their health.

Embrace the beauty of life by maintaining your health with us at Live Well Chiropractic Center. Dr. Kim is one of only a few female chiropractors in Greater Cincinnati certified by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association. She understands the importance and nuances of a mother and child’s wellness. Schedule a consultation today by calling 513-285-7482! Be sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn for our latest updates and tips!

Simple Stretches To Prevent Back Pain
By Dr. Kim Wermert Exercises

Simple Stretches To Prevent Back Pain

According to the U.S. Government’s National Center for Biotechnology Information, nearly 80 percent of people will deal with back pain at some point in their lives. Whether in a debilitating form or as an annoyance, back pain can often stop us in our tracks and make even common movements difficult.

The back’s musculoskeletal system is made up of bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues that provide form, support and stability to our bodies. And to keep this complex system functional, we need to exercise it. So while it may seem counter-intuitive to exercise a sore back, it is actually key to helping it heal and prevent pain from beginning — with your physician’s approval. Here are a few simple stretches to keep your back in great shape.

Arm Raises

Before you get out of bed in the morning, raise your arms slowly above your head and you take a few deep breaths.

Toe Touches

Once you sit up in bed and move your legs to the floor, bend over and touch your toes, then raise your hands above your head.

Trunk Rotations

The trunk rotation stretch can help relieve tension in your lower back. It also works your core muscles, including your abdominals, back muscles, and the muscles around your pelvis.

Lie on your back and bring your knees up toward your chest so your body is positioned as if you’re sitting in a chair. Fully extend your arms out to the sides, with your palms face-down on the floor. Keeping your knees together and hands on the floor, gently roll both bent knees over to your right side and hold for 15–20 seconds.

Return to the starting position and repeat step three on your left side, again holding for 15–20 seconds. Repeat five to 10 times on each side.

Pelvic Tilt

​​The pelvic tilt exercise is a simple yet effective way to release tight back muscles and maintain their flexibility.

Lie on your back with knees bent, feet flat and arms by your sides. The natural curvature of your spine will lift your lower back slightly off the floor.

Push your pelvis slightly up toward the ceiling (your pelvis should not leave the floor) while tightening your abdominal and buttock muscles. In doing so, you should feel your lower back pressing into the floor. Hold for five to 10 seconds, then relax. Work your way up to doing 10 of these per day.

Are you experiencing lower back pain? Consider comprehensive chiropractic care with Dr. Kimberly Muhlenkamp-Wermert at Live Well Chiropractic Center. We help treat and prevent pain and injury with non-invasive healthcare services and a focus on nutrition, exercise and spinal health. Schedule your appointment with Dr. Kim today by calling 513-285-7482 or emailing info@livewellcc.com. Be sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn for our latest updates and tips!

By Dr. Kim Wermert Health, Pregnancy

Baby Bumps: Having A Breech Baby

You have a lot to look forward to when expecting. You expect your stomach to grow with your baby bump, but you won’t always anticipate bumps in the road, such as your baby being breech. During most pregnancies, babies turn their heads down and position themselves for birth. However, 3 to 5 percent of babies won’t turn during late preterm. If your baby presents him or herself with the body facing upward, they are considered breech. Untreated, this poses health risks to both the mother and child by making birth especially difficult.

Learning that your baby is breech can be scary, but there are solutions to reposition your baby for safe delivery. Here are some tips to use when you’re told your baby is breech.

Take A Deep Breath

You may be asking a lot of questions or worrying about outcomes. The first step is to take time for yourself. Deep breathing exercises can be beneficial. One exercise is the 4-7-8 method. Breathe in deeply for four seconds, filling your lungs with air. Then, hold your breath for seven counts — either in seconds or heartbeats. Let yourself be in the moment, focusing on the counts. Finally, exhale, heavily pushing the air out. While this won’t take away the stress completely, it may help ground yourself and lower your blood pressure.

Work With Your OB/GYN

Check up regularly with your doctor. He or she will create a treatment plan for you and your baby to determine the best route of several options. If the baby is breech at an early stage, speak to your doctor about natural remedies to turn your baby.

Your physician may recommend External Version (EV). During this procedure, your physician will use their hands to press the stomach, gently guiding the baby into the correct position.

Consider Birth Options

For breech babies, physicians recommend delivery through Cesarean section — the procedure in which the birth is conducted through abdominal incisions. In some cases, vaginal deliveries may be considered, though this can pose risks.

Dr. Kimberly Muhlenkamp-Wermert provides personalized support and treatment for expectant mothers using the Webster Technique, a non-invasive method, which can help your baby assume the appropriate birthing position.

Webster Technique is used to identify and remove intrauterine constraint caused by the malposition of the sacroiliac joints. This technique has been shown effective in reducing intrauterine constraint in expectant mothers who are presenting breech, allowing the fetus to be able to move into vertex position for labor. Basically, this technique aligns the pelvis properly to ease ligament stretching, calm discomfort, and allow the baby the freedom to move around and assume the appropriate position for birth.

Professionally trained in this field, she is one of the few female chiropractors trained in our area certified by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association. Dr. Kim listens to your needs and creates a treatment plan to support you every step of the way.

Having your baby become breech can be a concerning experience but remember you’re not alone. At Live Well Chiropractic Center, we’ll be your champions through every stage of your pregnancy from preconception to post-delivery and family care. Reach out to Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation today! Be sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn for our latest updates and tips!

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By Dr. Kim Wermert Health

Backpack Safety Tips

There are few things more exciting for kids and their parents than the start of a new school year, but it’s also exhausting getting everyone back on a school schedule. One of the main complaints parents hear this time of year is just how heavy their backpacks are. This weight isn’t just uncomfortable, because it also carries a risk of injury. Avoid the risks with these tips to help your child.

Safety First, Style Second
Finding the perfect backpack is more than just finding the right color or style. Key factors to consider are size and padding. Look for small-sized packs to prevent overpacking, which may happen with oversized bags. Padding is necessary for both safety and comfort — the more, the better. Straps should have wide padding to protect the shoulders. Padded backs will provide comfort against heavy items placed along the spine.

Ask What They’re Able to Carry
If your child has spinal disorders such as scoliosis, they may find that backpacks contribute to more back or shoulder pain. The extra weight can be painful, if not more dangerous. Talk to your family doctor and follow our weight and style tips so your child is supported. If the weight is too painful, a rolling backpack may help, too.

Whether your children are challenged or able-bodied, ask what feels comfortable for them to wear. Remember to listen to their comments so you can best help!

Wear And Care
Style is more than just fashion — it’s the way you wear things, too! The way your child wears his backpack and packs it will help him stay safe during the school day. Healthcare professionals recommend that a backpack shouldn’t weigh more than 10 percent of your child’s bodyweight. When it comes to packing, take tips from professional hikers. Heavier items should be placed parallel to the back for extra support. And finally, when she wears the pack, adjust the straps until the bottom sits just above the small of her back.

Fix Poor Posture With Dr. Kim
Backpacks have a way of weighing us down. Maybe not emotionally, but physically. When backpacks are too heavy, we often overcorrect by slouching, trying to take some pressure off the back and shoulders. This leads to bad posture and takes a toll on the body. Dr. Kim can help your child with corrective exercises to help maintain good posture, which also helps build confidence!

We know you want your child to succeed in school, both comfortably and safely. At Live Well Chiropractic Center, we’re invested in your student’s education and wellness, too. Schedule an appointment for your student today by calling 513-285-7482! Be sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn for our latest updates and tips!

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By Dr. Kim Wermert Orthotics

Support Your Body with Orthotics

Everything, both organic and inanimate, is built on a foundation. For humans, our foundation is the feet. If you spend a lot of time on your feet, are active, suffering from certain illnesses or are having pain in your legs or lower back, orthotics may be right for you. Here are more ways orthotics help support your health.

How Orthotics Help Common Conditions
Orthotics help treat chronic medical conditions, and provide therapy for more recent injuries, including:

  • Diabetes – Orthotics absorb shock, and provide a greater degree of cushioning than standard footwear. This support and protection reduces the amount of pressure and stress placed on the foot, and the level of wear and rubbing on the skin.
  • Flat feet – Having flat feet can result in ankle foot, and back pain, but orthotics can improve the positioning of the feet and lend added support.
  • Plantar fasciitis – This condition can cause heel pain and doctors may recommend wearing orthotics to provide support to the heel and foot.
  • Bursitis – Heels and toes can have inflamed sacs which can cause bursitis discomfort and pain. With orthotics that have heel and arch support, bursitis discomfort can be prevented.
  • Bunions – These painful bumps that grow at the base of the toes may result in foot deformities and are painful. Orthotics can minimize the pressure on the big toe.
  • Hammer toes – A side effect of bunions, hammer toes can cause pain and deformities on the second toe and ball of the feet. You can boost your feet support through orthotics. This also lessens the risk of worsening hammer toes.
  • Heel spurs – These are conditions characterized by excessive bone growth on the bottom or back of the heel. Swelling can be prevented by using the appropriate orthotic device.

How Orthotics Help Athletes
In addition to physical health, age and lifestyle impact your feet, too. Athletes find that orthotics help to absorb shock, reduce fatigue, and improve comfort, but most importantly, they can greatly reduce the risk of injury. With all of these elements combined into a custom, biomedical appliance that fits comfortably in your shoe, orthotics can greatly improve an athlete’s overall performance.

Prevent Further Injury
Everything is relative — your body included. It’s a living organism built on the teamwork of anatomy and physiology to support your health. Because of this, every experience impacts your entire body. If neglected, foot problems can lead to related issues in your legs and back. This can worsen or create muscle and tendon injuries. Orthotics aid in pain relief and injury prevention. Also, people with jobs that require standing for more than five hours a day find foot, leg and low back pain relief during shifts by wearing orthotics.

Find Support Through Professional Care
If your foot pain infringes on your wellness or persists, seek medical attention immediately. Live Well Chiropractic Center’s Dr. Kimberly Muhlenkamp-Wermert and our team of healthcare professionals are dedicated to your health. We believe in collaboration and relationship-centered care. While we are experts in the technology and mechanics of the body, you are the expert of your history and experiences. Because of this, we work with you to create a custom treatment plan for your healing, including custom orthotics. Reach out to our team for a consultation today, or to schedule your complimentary 3D foot scan. Be sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn for our latest updates and tips!

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By Dr. Kim Wermert Exercises, Health

How To Relieve Lower Back Pain This Summer

With the warm weather, everyone is eager to get out of the house. Summertime activities like yard work or exploring the great outdoors are a blast, but they can also take a toll on your body. For four out of five adults, a pulled muscle or medical condition will trigger a painful surge in your lower back.

Symptoms are different for everyone, manifesting as either a sharp, stabbing sensation or dull ache. Untreated, lower back pain impacts not only your physical health but mental wellbeing, too, as it takes away the joys of everyday activities. Don’t let lower back pain get the best of you this summer. Here are some tips on how to relieve lower back pain:

Get Your Body Moving
Sedentary lifestyles, or too much sitting, takes a toll on your lower back and overall health, so take time to step away from the desk or couch. Start with walks around the neighborhood before jumping into a 5K, and make activities like kayaking or biking extra fun by inviting friends. Summer is also the perfect time to go for a swim, which is one of the best non-impact exercises you can do to help treat and prevent most back pain.

Do Yoga For Physical And Mental Health
Taking up a yoga practice or stretching for a few minutes every day can help with back pain. Poses like the Downward-Facing Dog or Cat-Cow help mobilize the spine and relieve body tension. With a variety of methods and resources, yoga is accessible for everyone. It’s also considered a form of mind and body therapy that will uplift your mental and physical health.

Be Safe When Lifting Heavy Objects
Whether luggage or a bag of mulch, lift safely to avoid throwing out your back. Muscle strain and injury occur when you bend your waist or twist your spine. Instead, bend your knees into a squat and keep your back straight as you stand. Recognize your limits, and ask for help if you need it.

Practice Mindful Sleeping Habits
Sleeping impacts your health as it’s the time for your body to rest and rejuvenate after each day. Comfortable sleeping positions relieve your pain and help you rest. When sleeping on your back, use pillows under your knees and lower back. And if you’re a side sleeper, pull your knees toward your chest. These tools will aid in removing tension from your body.

Use Cold And Heat To Soothe Pain
Applying cold or heat can ease lower back pain. Heat, like hot pads or warm showers, provide relief by relaxing muscles and improving blood flow. Cold gel packs or ice reduce stiff and sore muscles. For either method, remember to use a layer between the temperature source like a towel to protect your skin.

Seek Professional Care
Chiropractic treatments use different adjustment techniques to align the spine in a safe, non-invasive way, easing tension and leaving you feeling great. Live Well Chiropractic Center is here to support your wellness so you can make the most of your summer. We provide restorative and customized care plans to aid your healing journey from treatment to maintenance. Reach out to our team of professionals for a consultation today. Be sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn for our latest updates and tips!

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