Can Chiropractic Help Menstrual Cramps

Woman Exercising

Houston Chiropractor Comments: An unfortunate problem for some women is that of dysmenorrhea. This is the occurrence of painful menstrual cramps of uterine origin. More than half of women experience some degree of discomfort with their periods. Up that 15% of women with dysmenorrhea find the discomfort so severe and debilitating that they stay home from school or work to recuperate.

Typical medical treatment involves the use of anti-inflammatory drugs or oral contraceptives. Other treatments used by patients include lying on a heating pad, gentle exercise, or abdominal massage.

Articles published in the NIH National Library of Medicine show that chiropractic spinal manipulation can help reduce the cramps. As the lower spine is manipulated, there is an increase in the blood flow to the pelvic area. This is believed to cause the relief. In addition, spinal manipulation helps to release endorphins that help to reduce pain, lower stress, improve mood, and enhance your sense of well-being.

This is one of the many amazing benefits of chiropractic care. Let us help you experience the pleasure of health.


Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston, TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at www.BeecherChiropractic.com or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!

Common Chiropractic Myths

Clear Lake Chiropractor Comments: I am always surprised by the chiropractic myths that still persist in 2024. Even though chiropractors perform 1 million adjustments in the USA each day, people still do not know the truth about chiropractic.

The most frequent comment that I hear is a fear of getting their necks adjusted. People think that if they get their neck adjusted, they will either have a stroke or get their neck broken. Millions of adjustments are performed each year to the cervical spine (neck) with no complications. The only way that a neck could break during a chiropractic manipulation is if there was already an underlying problem in the cervical spine such as cancer. During the exam and after reviewing x-rays, a doctor of chiropractic would diagnose this and refer the patient out for proper care. People having strokes present to the office with vascular dissection already occurring. During the exam, a modern chiropractor notes these findings and complaints and refers the patient to the emergency room instead of treating them.

Another myth is that patients believe that they have to be referred to a doctor of chiropractic from their medical physician. This is only true for HMO’s. For most patients, we are considered a primary care provider. Just like MD’s and DO’s the Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) does not need a referral to treat a patient. This is different from a PT who needs a referral from a treating doctor.

A third myth is that once you go to a doctor of chiropractic, you will have to go the rest of your life. For most patients, when they come in with pain or a complaint, their chiropractor will give them a treatment plan that will explain what will happen on each visit and how long it will take. After their problem is resolved, they will be discharged. Some patients will stay with chiropractors for maintenance care because they feel better with regular adjustments. This is similar to going to your PCP for physicals and wellness visits.

A fourth myth is that chiropractors are not trusted by other doctors. This was more common in the late 1980’s when I began practicing. Over the last couple of decades, this opinion has changed greatly. Most doctors have a better understanding of what we do and the great results that we obtain. I personally have several dozen doctors and dentists as patients. Sometimes the doctors refer to us in hopes of preventing surgery or limiting the medications that a patient might need and sometimes it is for a pregnant woman hoping to avoid bedrest or to turn a breach baby. The doctors that are unaware of what we do are changing their minds once they are educated on what chiropractic is.
Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston, TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at www.BeecherChiropractic.com or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!

How To Maintain Your Wrist Health While on a Computer

Houston Chiropractor Comments: Anyone who has spent time typing on a computer knows that it can make your forearms sore, your wrists achy, and even lead to tingling and numbness in your hand.

The modern office / school environment has people spendings hours every day on a keyboard. This leads to a variety of aches and pains. People present to our Houston, Texas office wearing wrist braces and being told that they need injections or even possible carpal tunnel release surgery.

In addition, they have tried using different keyboards, wrist pads, and even changing their keyboard location. 

Most of the time, after examining the patient, we find that it is actually tight muscles from holding the wrists at an unnatural position for hours at a time. The problem is usually resolved with a couple sessions of therapy and then showing the patient how to stretch the wrist correctly so that the problem does not reoccur.

Here is a video for our home stretching program.

Click here for more videos like this one!

Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston,     TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at www.BeecherChiropractic.com or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!

Chiropractic Care For Kids

Clear Lake Chiropractor Comments: Pediatric chiropractic is something that often surprises patients. Some patients who grew up going to the chiropractor think that it is perfectly normal to bring their infants and young children in for regular care. Other patients wonder why someone so young needs treatment.

Newborns and young children can have a variety of issues that require chiropractic care. Some newborns are seen as a result of a birth trauma. A prolonged delivery or the use of forceps to extract the child may result in a torticollis or wry neck. Some parents just want to make sure that their child’s spine is aligned correctly without any joint adhesions or restrictions.

As the children grow older, patients find that they notice that they have a stronger immune system. They realize that they don’t get earaches as often…if at all. Their breathing issues, such as asthma, lessen. Their digestion improves.

Since a lot of childhood health issues lessen or are alleviated with chiropractic care, the children require less medication. Since the body is not being subjected to repeated cycles of medication such as antibiotics, when the child is prescribed medication…it works better.

If you are looking for a natural, drug-free form of healthcare to boost the quality of your child’s health, then chiropractic is your answer. While chiropractic will not alleviate all childhood illnesses, when a doctor of chiropractic works with an open-minded pediatrician, you will find that your child will miss less school, be healthier, and able to reach their maximum potential.

Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston, TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at www.BeecherChiropractic.com or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!     

How To Improve Your Health And Fitness In 2024

Houston Chiropractor Comments: As a new year begins, people have goals of improving themselves. A common goal is to improve one’s health and fitness. As a doctor of chiropractic, this is the one that I hear about the most.

To help your spine and prevent injuries you should do activities that increase your strength and your flexibility.

For anyone who has been a patient of mine, I always emphasize flexibility. The more flexible you are, the less likely you are to sprain or strain a muscle or ligament. Some good ways to increase your flexibility is through stretching, Pilates, yoga, or tai chi. The benefit of this is to allow the muscle and joint to go through their full range of motion. Like the adage “If you don’t use it, you lose it,” that is true of your muscle and ligament elasticity.

To strengthen your body, you need to do any activity that makes you work harder than normal. You can either use your body weight for exercises or use some form of resistance. For body weight training you can do push-ups, sit-ups, squats, cycling, or stair climbing. For resistance exercises you can use weights or resistance bands. 

Gradually build up the time that you are strengthening your body. Have a goal of performing the exercises and stretches both for at least 20 minutes 3 times a week. Mix in some aerobic activities such as walking or running for 20 minutes a day and you will have a good foundation for your health and fitness. 

Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston, TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at www.BeecherChiropractic.com or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!     

Do Weather Patterns Worsen Your Pain

Knee joint pain

Houston Chiropractor Comments: In the fall and winter, when weather changes quickly and often in Texas, patients ask if it is true that weather causes joint pain. It is not an old wives’ tale, it is true.

People with arthritis and joint conditions can tell you when the weather is going to change. They will tell you that they feel it in their bones. Cold and damp weather can aggravate joint pain, especially in people with arthritic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, osteoarthritis, or even post-traumatic arthritis.

The main reason for this seems to be a dropping of the barometric pressure. This decreasing pressure allows the tissues in the body to swell. This can irritate your joints. This pain is felt even more if the change in pressure is very rapid, such as when a rain or cold front blows in rapidly.

A cold front will worsen the symptoms due to a constricting of the blood vessels and reduced blood flow.

To help minimize this weather induced pain, there are a few things that you can do.

First, receive regular chiropractic care and stretch. This will help decrease the pressure on the joints and make sure that the muscles are pulling evenly. Second, stay warm. Dress warmly and if needed, warm up your car before driving. Minimize your joint swelling by wearing compression gloves and stockings and use ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medications. Finally, stay active. Remember that movement is medicine. This will keep the synovial fluid moving in your joints.

Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston,     TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at www.BeecherChiropractic.com or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!

How To Avoid Back Pain While Traveling This Holiday Season

Clear Lake Chiropractor Comments: During the holiday season, there is a good chance that you will be traveling either by land or air. By taking the correct steps, you can help to prevent or minimize your back pain. The goal is to arrive ready to have a good time and enjoy the people that mean the most to you.

If you need to drive a long way to reach your holiday destination, you know that spending hours behind the wheel will take a toll on your back muscles. To help avoid feeling achy and sore, practice good driving posture. Do this by applying the same principles that are used in workplace ergonomics. Adjust your seat and steering wheel so that your spine is in a neutral position, your hips are supported in the seat, your elbows have a slight natural bend, and your upper back is supported. In addition, stop every 2-3 hours so that you can stretch and move about. This will also help alleviate stress from driving in heavy traffic.

If your travels include flying, here are a few tips. Use luggage with wheels if possible. If checking luggage, place your heaviest items in your checked bags. If your carryon luggage has 1 strap, wear it across your body. If it has 2 straps, place them over both shoulders. If your flight is over an hour in length, get up and walk to the front or back of the plane to move your legs. Drink water and stay hydrated.

Finally, make an appointment at our Houston, TX office prior to your travels. We can make sure that any little spinal misalignment is corrected so that it does not get worse on your holiday. If all of your holiday cheer causes a problem while you are away, we can also fix it when you return.

Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston,     TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at www.BeecherChiropractic.com or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!

Thanksgiving

Houston Chiropractor comments: This is the time of the year that we reflect on people and events and we give thanks. Sometimes it is easy to think of all the wonderful blessings that we have been given and other times we need to think hard to find positive events. 

After being in practice since 1990 here in Clear Lake City, TX, I realize just how blessed I am. 

First, I am thankful for my family. Without their support and encouragement, I would not have been able to follow my dream of being able to help patients get well without the need of drugs or surgery.

Second, I am thankful for my amazing employees. Having a small group of assistants that have each worked for several years has greatly eased my stress. One employee has worked here for 16 years! Their input and feedback have been invaluable.

Finally, I am thankful for all my wonderful patients. Knowing that thousands of patients have trusted their health to me and referred their friends and families is heart-warming. I have also enjoyed having several of you becoming friends as well. I have been able to learn about other countries and cultures as well as differing views of society.

Thanks again for a wonderful 2023 and looking forward to an equally enjoyable 2024.

Ward Beecher DC

Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

Clear Lake Chiropractor Comments: One of the great pleasures of being a chiropractor is being able to help our pregnant patients enjoy their pregnancy with a minimum amount of discomfort, medication, and bed rest.

Patients are surprised when their OB/GYN refer them to our office to help minimize their discomfort and hoping to prevent the need of bed rest. Some future moms are referred by their midwife or even a friend or family member that enjoyed the benefit of our care.

As long as there is not a history of vaginal bleeding for unknown reasons, preeclampsia, or at risk of premature labor, then the pregnant mom is eligible for chiropractic care at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic.

People always ask me if chiropractic care safe during pregnancy. Not only is it safe to go to a chiropractor during pregnancy, but seeing a chiropractor after pregnancy is also safe. Because of the changes your body goes through during birth – your pelvis’ biomechanics change – it can cause discomfort after birth when you are walking, nursing, or sleeping

The most common reason for being seen at our office while pregnant is low back pain. As the infant continues to grow, the mom begins to gain weight in her lower abdomen. This weight gain, along with a stretching of the abdominal muscles, tends to cause the pelvis to tilt forward producing lumbosacral discomfort. This is magnified in the third trimester when the pelvic ligaments begin to loosen. This makes the mom feel like the pelvis is unstable or loose. Sometimes the future mother will even feel the bones moving back and forth in the symphysis pubis or sacroiliac joints.

The second most common reason for treatment is sciatica. This complaint is magnified by the inability of the moms to take medication other than Tylenol. Chiropractic medicine has been shown to produce excellent results with the treatment of sciatica. In our Houston, TX office we have several types of non-invasive treatments to help treat the sciatic pain and show the pregnant mother how to minimize or prevent it from occurring again in the future.

The third most common reason is when the baby is in a breech position. At our Clear Lake City office, we do not attempt to turn the baby. We work on the pelvic ligaments and adjust the spine to create space that will allow the baby to turn freely into the optimal position on their own.

Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston,     TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at www.BeecherChiropractic.com or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!

The Chiropractor’s Effect On Emotional Health

Houston Chiropractor Comments: An aspect of chiropractic care that most people do not expect is the effect that we can have on a patient’s emotional health. The effect is similar to what some people feel when they get a massage, the emotions just come out. It can be very cathartic for the patient.

When I was an intern during my chiropractic training, several of us noted that a patient would start laughing or crying after we worked on a muscle or performed a chiropractic adjustment on them. This because some patients tend to store their stress and tension in specific muscles or areas of the spine. 

Over time I have noticed that if a specific injury keeps someone from doing the things they like, that area has a greater probability of storing emotional trauma. Patients that have had a chronic joint problem that caused them to stop playing their favorite sport will sometimes have an emotional release when they are finally able to move their joint and return to the sport that they love. One of the more common areas is when people have repeatedly twisted their ankle. When we can restore their joint range of motion or breakup the scar tissue in their ankle or calf muscles the tears of joy are very rewarding. 

The most extreme emotions I have noticed are from patients that have been taking care of a loved one for months or years. They have so much stress and tension built up in their body that when it is finally released the emotions just flow out. This is another part of the healing process, but most people do not like to talk about.

Not only does the chiropractic adjustment help increase the joints range of motion, it can help reduce the tension in the muscle, and allow endorphins to be released to aid in the complete healing of the patient.

Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston, TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at www.BeecherChiropractic.com or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!