Scoliosis comes from the Greek word that means crookedness. When you have scoliosis, your spine’s straight position begins to bend sideways. It can take the form of a single curve (C-shaped) or as a double curve (S-shaped). The most commonly affected area is the mid spine, followed by the lower spine. Double curves usually involve both these areas.

This condition most commonly occurs in the young, between 10 and 15 years old. Females are much more likely to have scoliosis than males.

Dr. Winchester is concerned about the appearance of these curvatures in your spine. Although most cases are quite mild, if the scoliosis curves progress, they can represent a major health threat. The key is to take care of the spine before this happens.

Advanced scoliosis curvatures can contribute to chronic back pain, compression of lung and heart tissue, and a multitude of different nerve disorders. In addition, pronounced scoliosis can create a negative self-image.

Doctors of chiropractic know that there’s an intrinsic and inseparable connection between the body, the mind and the spirit. Dr. Winchester wants you to know that chiropractic care goes way beyond merely optimizing spinal function. Research suggests that chiropractic may also improve emotional health, including psychological well-being.

Unlike antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs, chiropractic care and the chiropractic lifestyle is a long-term, all-natural approach to optimal well-being. Although medication may appear to be a “quick fix” Dr. Winchester cautions that these drugs have potential side-effects. On the other hand, chiropractic care is a natural, highly effective solution to many health issues related to anxiety and depression, such as chronic pain. Call The Winchester Institute today to schedule an appointment and see for yourself the lasting effects of chiropractic care. 614-760-5555 or you can visit our website at thewinchesterinstitute.com

Well-being is a key aspect of the chiropractic lifestyle:  a conscious mode of living that Dr. Winchester encourages patients to embrace.  It encompasses healthy choices for body and mind, including a nutritious diet, daily exercise, stress reduction, proper hydration and regular chiropractic care.  Unlike medication with limited effectiveness, this lifestyle has proven positive long-term effects on well-being- all without side effects. 

Research shows that chiropractic care affects all aspects of emotional well-being.  Call our office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Winchester to discuss ways to improve your well-being:  614-760-5555 or visit our website at thewinchesterinstitute.com for more information on this subject and more.

Dr. Winchester explains that, according to new research, a common malady known as vertebral subluxation may affect the psyche. Vertebral subluxation is linked to a wide range of physical health issues as well.

Vertebral subluxation is a condition in which spinal bones (vertebrae) have restricted mobility. It occurs when vertebrae are slightly out of place or not functioning properly. Dr. Winchester practices the Gonstead technique, and uses gentle chiropractic adjustments to correct vertebral subluxations by restoring motion and spinal alignment.

Call our office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Winchester. 614-760-5555 or visit our website for additional information: thewinchesterinstitute.com

The Gonstead technique has a rich background.  Dr. C.S. Gonstead, like many who studied in his generation, decided to become a chiropractor because he was helped by chiropractic.  At 19, Gonstead was bedridden with rheumatoid arthritis.  Having tried all conventional solutions, Gonstead’s aunt sought help for Clarence from a chiropractor who came and stayed with him, adjusting him every four to six hours for three days. Eventually, this chiropractic care pulled him through.  Dr. C.S.  Gonstead graduated in 1923 and brought his engineering background into his concepts of spinal biomechanics.  He considered the disc an important aspect of the spinal motion unit.  This concept was not generally accepted at the time.  His emphasis was on the effects of the soft tissue of the spinal joints and also the extremity joints.  This emphasis on the soft tissue structures as the cause of neural deficits in what we call a subluxation, also set him apart.  Much of what he taught was based on his clinical observations.  He was a doctor who often practiced eighteen to twenty hours a day six to seven days a week.  The technique and analytical procedures that have come to be known as the Gonstead technique have withstood the clinical test of time. 

Schedule an adjustment with Dr. Dana Winchester today, and feel the difference a Gonstead chiropractor can make in your life.

Sitting at your desk for long periods of time may impress the boss and temporarily increase your productivity level. But studies show the longer you sit, the higher your risk of developing back pain.

Ergonomics- the design of science that maximizes productivity by reducing fatigue and discomfort-can make a big difference. Companies that purchase ergonomically correct chairs can substantially reduce employee work-related back pain.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Winchester today to discuss proper ways to alleviate work-related back pain. Call our office at 614.760.5555 or email us at info@thewinchesterinstitute.com

Dr. Winchester knows that work-related back pain is a global epidemic.  In fact, back pain continues to be the leading overall cause of physical dysfunction and lost productivity in the workplace.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders including back pain, have accounted for “a significant proportion of work injuries and workers’ compensation claims in industrialized nations since the late 1980s.”

Cost estimates related to low-back pain (LBP) exceed $50 billion.  These estimates include both direct healthcare costs and costs resulting from disability payments and lost productivity.

Dr. Winchester believes the need for injury-prevention education and promotion of drug-free therapeutic alternatives-such as chiropractic care is more crucial than ever.

The Problem with Pain Medications

Along with the rise in work related back pain has come an explosive proliferation of highly addictive medications.  For instance, investigators note that the prescription of opioids for musculoskeletal pain “has increased substantially in recent years”-particularly for work-related back pain.

Opioids include morphine, methadone, codeine and oxycodone.  Common side effects include drowsiness, nausea and restricted breathing.

Dr. Winchester is opposed to the indiscriminate use of pain medication.  Drugs serve only to mask pain-not eradicate.  Chiropractic care, on the other hand, addresses the source of discomfort:  not merely its symptoms.

Posture Problems

Sitting at your desk for long periods of time may impress the boss and temporarily increase your productivity level.  But studies show the longer you sit, the higher your risk of developing

Ergonomics- the design of science that maximizes productivity by reducing fatigue and discomfort-can make a big difference.  Companies that purchase ergonomically correct chairs can substantially reduce employee work-related back pain.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Winchester today to discuss proper ways to alleviate work-related back pain.

With all the public concern regarding the H1N1 virus (swine flu) that originated in Mexico recently, many chiropractic patients are asking what they can do to avoid the flu.

Dr. Winchester suggests a few proactive steps you can take to minimize your risk now and prepare your body for the return of the flu season next fall. But first you should know more about the virus.

What is the Flu?

Influenza, or the flu, is a collection of symptoms associated with a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. The symptoms include fever, body aches, coughing, sneezing and fatigue. The common cold has similar symptoms, but it’s actually much milder in intensity.

Reducing Your Risk

There are two main ways to avoid the symptoms of the flu:

1.) Reduce your exposure to the virus.

2.) Boost your natural ability to fight the virus once it enters your body.

A flu victim’s sneeze or cough releases millions of virus particles into the air. This makes airborne transmission of the flu possible. And when someone with flu wipes his nose or mouth with his hand, he leaves virus particles behind on anything he touches.

To avoid spreading or catching the flu, Dr. Winchester advises patients to take the following precautions:

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.

When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth with the inside of your elbow.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

If you do get the flu, you should quarantine yourself- stay home, get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids (water is best). Most flu symptoms subside within a few days.

Improving Your Immunity

When functioning properly, the immune system either prevents you from getting sick, or helps you recover quickly when you’re ill. But a compromised immune system leaves you more susceptible to the flu and vulnerable to more serious complications, such as developing pneumonia.

Boosting your immunity can be accomplished in many ways. Dr. Winchester recommends:

Natural herbal supplements- Echinacea is one of the most popular herbal supplements shown to boost your immunity and speed up your recovery from colds or the flu. Vitamin C and zinc are also beneficial to immune health.

Chiropractic- This approach improves the function of the nervous system by locating and correcting vertebral subluxations (areas of restriction and misalignment in the spine). Since the nervous system plays a major role in regulating the functions of all bodily systems- including the immune system-chiropractic care can significantly improve your natural immunity.

Most of us underestimate how food can affect our moods. The brain reacts quickly to food-both good and bad- fed into your body.

Although you may feel sugary candy gives your mood a lift, you expose yourself to erratic fluctuations in your blood sugar levels. After the “sugar rush” effect wears off, your mood worsens. Caffeine is not much better. As it eventually makes you feel jittery and anxious. A better approach is to feed your brain the right nutrients so you can expect good moods to consistently dominate over bad moods.

Eating right does take some time and planning. Unfortunately, in our rushed stress-filled lives, we frequently turn to quick fixes like fast food. But these quickie meals are often nutrient deficient and heavy with ingredients that make you feel sluggish.

Nutrition for Brain Health

To understand how food affects your moods, you need to understand neurotransmitters. These are chemicals that send messages between nerves in your brain. Neurotransmitters are vital players when it comes to mood: they’re sensitive to what nutrients are circulating in your body. When your neurotransmitters are out of sync, you feel depression, anxiety and irritability.

The best way to start your day in a good mood is to eat breakfast. Dr. Winchester encourages her patients to take the time to enjoy a morning meal. It boosts your metabolism and keeps your moods stable. The best choice is to have both wholesome carbohydrates and protein.

Select carbohydrates like fruits and whole grain products. Fruits that are lower in sugar are the best option: these include berries, apple, and kiwi. If you’re not able to get these fresh or in season, choose frozen fruit (canned fruit often contains sugary syrup). And choose whole grain breads over highly-refined baked products.

Be sure to include some protein with all your meals, as it stabilizes blood sugar, reduces mo0od swings and creates energy. Protein also provides many of the building blocks for the creation of neurotransmitters. Good sources are fish, poultry, eggs, cheese, soy and nuts. Stay away from deep fried protein goods.

To help keep the pounds off, Dr. Winchester suggests using breakfast as your main meal of the day, and opt for lighter meals for lunch and dinner with a couple of nutritious snacks in between.