(414) 257-2575
11515 W. North Ave.,
Wauwatosa, WI 53226

Wauwatosa Chiropractic Care

Our Wauwatosa chiropractic care clinic serves those throughout the greater Milwaukee area. Wignall-Kennedy Clinic has put together the following blog for our updates and other news related to chiropractics. Be sure to continue checking back here for monthly posts and updates!

 

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The #1 Health Problem in the World

August 3, 2020

Low Back Pain; The #1 Health Problem in the World

Did you know that approximately 75-90% of the population presents with low back pain, with 67% presenting with neck pain (global health problem #4, by the way)? This equates to over a billion sufferers worldwide.

To put this into perspective; low back pain is a more common ailment than heart disease, asthma, diabetes, mental problems, and orthopedic conditions, just to name a few!

In Western Culture, our private health insurance companies are overburdened supporting a population with chronic low back pain. It’s no wonder our premiums go up. In my experience and opinion, good lifestyle choices are crucial in avoiding joining that statistic. This means getting active, eating right, and enough rest and relaxation… it’s about balance and taking care of yourself.

Research supports that the patient is at the center of their own health management plan. This means patients need to be educated and well informed about health options tailored to them; exercise plans, dietary guidelines, drug supplements, posture, ergonomic modifications, workplace health, and safety support. Call Wignall-Kennedy today to start your journey to a pain-free back.

Suffering From Sciatica or Not Sure What It Is?

May 6, 2021

What Exactly is Sciatica and What can you do about it?

At Wignall-Kennedy Chiropractic, we see a fair amount of sciatic pain patients, especially now that summer sports seasons are beginning. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human body, in both length and in diameter (as big around as a thumb, at its largest point).

The sciatic nerve begins in the lower spine, exits out of the pelvis, and passes between, under, and over a number of ligaments and muscles in the gluteal region. It then passes down the back of the thigh before dividing at the knee and branching down into the leg and foot. The sciatic nerve originates from 5 vertebral levels meaning it’s actually 5 nerves in one.

True sciatica refers to pain caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve which can originate from many sources, namely a lumbar disc problem, sacroiliac joint, ligament sprain, or muscle strain. Sports that involve a lot of rotational movements such as golf, tennis, and softball can often lead to sciatic pain, as well.

I say “true” sciatica because oftentimes sciatica is used incorrectly to refer to leg pain associated with low back or gluteal pain from other sources, e.g. a sacroiliac joint or a muscle may refer to pain along the sciatic region. In general, however, sciatica refers to leg pain associated with low back pain and can lead to muscle numbness, tingling, loss of strength, or loss of reflexes in the leg, ankle, foot, and/or toes.

So, what do you do if you’re suffering from these symptoms and you think it might be sciatica? See your chiropractor! You need an accurate diagnosis of any pain or symptoms so the cause can be addressed. It is important to know exactly what is going on before a course of action or treatment can be set into motion. Call us today to schedule an appointment to get started on your road to a painless life.

How to Avoid Golf Injuries Pt. 2

April 10, 2021

There are a plethora of injuries associated with golf. Back pain to tendinitis, even sciatica; none of them are fun or easy to remedy. As a certified chiropractic sports physician, I thought I’d write about the best ways to PREVENT said injuries, most of which occur as a result of lack of flexibility, poor conditioning, too much play or poor techniques. These type of injuries can be prevented at any age level.

One of the most important and effective methods of prevention is developing a solid swing technique. An improper swing can create a ripple effect of ailments throughout the entire body.

Key Factors to developing a great swing:

  • Stance: your stance should be feet shoulder width apart, knees semi-bent, back/buttocks area slightly tensed, with shoulders squared with the ball
  • Backswing: The average backswing lasts 1-2 seconds and requires a lot of strength and coordination from your core, arms, and hips. The triangle made from your shoulders the club shaft should be maintained until the club head passes your back foot.  At this point, your right elbow should bend while your back and buttocks rotate, keeping your shoulder and hip muscles engaged.
  • Downswing: This is the point where the most force is required. This, in turn, creates the most risk for your body. Here, by shifting your weight to your front leg, you activate your posterior hip muscles allowing your center of gravity to be in front of the swinging club. Make sure to keep your knees bent at this point.
  • Follow Through: As your swing finishes, muscles attempt to slow down while absorbing force. Your upper body should end up facing down the fairway with a slight extension while the majority of your weight should be on your front foot. To prevent over rotation and excessive motion, balance, strength, and stability are critical.

If there are any persisting points of pain that you feel during your golf season, reach out to a sports medicine specialist to diagnose and prevent any further damage or recurring issues. As with any exercise program, it is important to consult with a medical professional before beginning something new. Proper preparation before, during, and after physical activity is key to keeping your body strong, flexible, and properly engaged, therefore, preventing injury.

For a consultation with a certified chiropractic sports physician to determine what your body needs to stay on top of its game, call Wignall-Kennedy Chiropractics today! (414) 257-2575

How to Avoid Golf Injuries Pt.1

April 9, 2021

One of the most important injury prevention methods for any sport or physical activity is stretching. Something you’ve been told to do since your childhood, yet it never seems as important in the moment, right? Well, take it from a Chiropractor, STRETCHING IS SO IMPORTANT! All golfers, no matter the age or skill level, should have a routine of stretching or perform flexibility exercises prior to teeing off. Here are 3 great stretches you can do right on the green:

  • Standing Pelvic Tilts: Begin with arms crossed over the chest. Tuck the pelvis under, creating a posterior tilt of the pelvis; arch the back, creating an anterior tilt of the pelvis and return to a neutral spine. Repeat five times in each direction.        
  • Trunk Rotation: Standing, cross your arms and place each hand on the opposite shoulder. Inhale as you rotate from the core. Repeat 10 times in each direction.                                 
  • Hip Flexor Stretch: Place feet shoulders width apart and take a large step forward with your right foot, like you would for a lunge (for balance assistance, or an even deeper stretch, hold a golf club, dowel, or foam roller in front of you and actively push it down into the ground). Keep your body upright and posteriorly rotate your pelvis. Keeping your pelvis rotated, glutes squeezed, and body upright, lean forward at the hips, hold for 2 seconds.Return to start and repeat 10 times for each side.
  • Shoulder Stretch with Club Behind Back: Hold the club or towel in your right hand, palm facing upwards. Bring right arm over your head and the right palm behind your back. Bring your left arm behind your lower back and clasp the club or towel. Inhale as you gently pull down on the towel or club, exhale and release. Repeat five times and switch sides.

Another way to ease into 18 holes is to start with a light warm up. Hit a few balls first, starting with the wedge and working up to the driver (It’s extremely hard on your body to jump right into using the driver)!

If there are any persisting points of pain that you feel during your golf season, reach out to a sports medicine specialist to diagnose and prevent any further damage or recurring issues. As with any exercise program, it is important to consult with a medical professional before beginning something new. Proper preparation before, during, and after physical activity is key to keeping your body strong, flexible, and properly engaged, therefore, preventing injury.

For a consultation with a certified chiropractic sports physician to determine what your body needs to stay on top of its game, call Wignall-Kennedy Chiropractics today! (414) 257-2575

Should You Be Stretching Before Exercising?

March 28, 2021

Stretching Before Exercise: Do or Don’t?

In the health field there always seems to be experts arguing over something we have done for a long time. Then, comes new research and we realize there might be a better way after all.

Stretching before we exercise is something that has been instilled in most of us since primary school; we are less likely to injure a muscle if we warm up before suddenly starting a strenuous movement. However, there has been some debate recently over whether it really is a good idea. Stretching a muscle lengthens it. If we are about to run a sprint, we want our muscles firm and ready to take the weight, not lengthened, stretched and relaxed.

As is often the case, balance is what works best. Exercising on cold muscles is not good, but neither is thoroughly lengthening a muscle before using it. The consensus seems to be warming up with a light jog and some dynamic stretches( eg. swinging each leg back and forth or lunges). Saving the targeted, static stretches for after your exercise.

For help developing a stretching plan that’s right for you, schedule a visit with Dr. Kennedy at Wignall-Kennedy Chiropractics for an evaluation and personalized treatment plan! We are always accepting new patients.

When Should You See a Chiropractor?

March 23, 2021

Not Sure When the Right Time is to See a Chiropractor? 

Everyone experiences pain or stiffness sometimes, whether it’s a sore lower back, a stiff neck, or migraines. Sometimes these aches and pains go away on their own, but if they continue or worsen, it becomes necessary to see a specialist. This is where chiropractic care comes in. While most people think of back and neck pain as the main signals that it’s time to schedule a visit, your chiropractor can help in many other areas as well. Here are some other signs that it’s time to see your chiropractor:

  1. Chronic Muscle or Joint Pain
  • Your sore hamstrings or aching knees may actually be due to an imbalance or misalignment in your spine. Adjustment can often help relieve this pain without resorting to prescription painkillers or surgery.
  1. Frequent Headaches
  • Misalignments in the neck and upper back are often the cause of chronic headaches. Many migraine sufferers have reported a decrease in episodes with the implementation of chiropractic care.
  1. Sitting for Most of the Day
  • Recent studies have suggested that sitting for extended periods of time may be as bad for your health as smoking. Sitting all day can result in poor posture and added pressure on your back and neck, resulting in alignment issues, as well as back and neck pain. Chiropractors can release that added tension caused from sitting in one spot all day.
  1. A Recent Accident or Injury
  • Much of the damage from accidents or sports-related injuries may not be immediately noticed. Even seemingly minor accidents can cause serious damage to your body, and a chiropractor is trained to detect and remedy these injuries.
  1. You Have an Active Lifestyle
  • Especially if you’re the “weekend warrior” type, it’s likely that your body takes a bit of a beating. To ensure that you’re able to maintain this active lifestyle for years to come, regularly scheduled chiropractic visits are highly recommended.
  1. Sharp Pains, Weakness or Numbness
  • A sharp pain down the outside of your leg or weakness or numbness in your extremities can signal a slipped disc or a pinched nerve. Chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate the pressure that is frequently at the root of these symptoms.
  1. Poor Range of Motion
  • If you’ve been noticing lately that you can’t reach your toes or look behind you like you used to, it may be time to enlist the help of a chiropractor. Regular adjustments can help improve flexibility and range of motion.

The chiropractor at Wignall-Kennedy Chiropractic Clinic has the experience and knowledge to address your needs. Visit us online or call 414-257-2575 today.

Why Chiropractic Treatment is Ideal for Athletes

March 15, 2021

Chiropractic Care for Athletes

Whether you are a professional athlete, avid amateur, weekend warrior, or a youth athlete, chances are that you have experienced some sort of injury or pain while participating in your sport. This holds true not only in high-contact sports like football and rugby but also in sports involving little or no contact such as golf and tennis. According to the Professional Football Chiropractic Society, every one of the 32 NFL teams offers chiropractic services to their players. And, during his acceptance speech after winning the 2015 Masters golf tournament at the young age of 21, Jordan Spieth famously included his chiropractor among the list of people who greatly contributed to his success. Read on for just a few of the ways that regular chiropractic care can help keep athletes at the top of their game:

Improve Alignment

Spinal misalignment is extremely common among athletes and can contribute to injury and subpar performance. Alignment issues often present as strength or flexibility differences between the right to the left side, and, left untreated, can cause other areas of the body to work harder to try to “pick up the slack”. When these imbalances are corrected, athletes often notice that they are better to perform better, with less pain and stiffness, because their body is now working as intended.

Increase Range of Motion

Tightness, especially in the back and neck, can lead to problems in everyday life, not to mention on the field or pitch. Regular chiropractic adjustments can dramatically improve range of motion, resulting in easier mobility and improved flexibility. When muscles and ligaments are tight, it is difficult for the athlete to perform optimally. Unless proper range of motion is restored, the athlete is likely to continue to experience stiffness and pain, which can then lead to performance at a lower level.

Injury Treatment

When an athlete is injured, the body immediately takes steps to try to protect itself from further damage. This often means muscle spasms and inflammation at the point of injury. Over time, these spasms and inflammation can lead to spinal misalignments, which will slow down the healing process. A Chiropractor will work with the athlete to correct the misalignments and start the healing process sooner through the use of massage, stretching, range-of-motion exercises, the use of specific tools to break down scar tissue, dry needling to release tension in the muscles, and electric stimulation.

Decrease or Eliminate Pain

Often, athletes experience joint pain due to the repetitive nature of their sports, Whether it’s a football player with sore knees, a golfer with a stiff and sore neck, or a soccer player with hip flexor issues, your chiropractor can help manage the pain and prevent further injury.

At the Wignall-Kennedy Clinic in Wauwatosa, WI, Dr. Kennedy has a passion for chiropractic. Having sustained a sports injury as a teenager, Dr. Kennedy knows what it feels like to be sidelined, and will do all he can to treat existing injuries as well as to help prevent future ones. Give us a call at 414-257-2575 to schedule your appointment.

Easing Carpal Tunnel symptoms With Chiropractic Treatment

February 22, 2021

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a serious and painful nerve injury that affects 3% of working Americans. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, carpal tunnel costs $7.4 billion in worker’s compensation costs, and untold billions on medical treatment, litigation costs, hidden costs, and lost productivity. CTS occurs when the median nerve, which runs down a person’s forearm to his or her hand, gets compressed in the eight, small bones in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. This injury is typically caused over time by repetitive motion such as assembly line work, or typing. Symptoms of CTS include pain and numbness of the hand and wrist. While there are a variety of treatment options available to those who are affected, including surgery, chiropractic care has become a preferred and effective option.

Here are four ways patients with carpal tunnel syndrome benefit from chiropractic care.

  1. Chiropractic care has been documented to work on CTS. While there are never any guarantees that any one mode of treatment will work on every person, studies have shown strong results that back the effectiveness of chiropractic treatment on CTS. The majority of participants, in said studies, showed significant improvement in several categories such as range of motion, finger sensation, and pain reduction. Patients can feel confident that choosing chiropractic care as a treatment will reduce symptoms related to CTS.
  2. Chiropractic, a less invasive treatment option. If left undiagnosed or untreated for an extended amount of time, carpal tunnel syndrome can become too painful and advanced to be handled medicine and, therefore, will need surgery. However, chiropractic care often helps minimize surgery as a last resort. Chiropractic treatment can show positive results in controlling and managing CTS symptoms.
  3. Chiropractic care offers an alternative to drugs to manage pain. As with surgery, daily doses of medicine may be less than ideal when managing carpal tunnel syndrome. Certain patients may suffer side effects from the medicine, CTS medicines may even conflict with other medication. If medicinal treatment is not an attractive option, a chiropractor appointment is your next step of action. Chiropractic care involves joint manipulation and mobilization to help ease pain associated with CTS. A brace might also be recommended (a popular CTS treatment) to limit the hand’s movement and allow the wrist and tendons to heal. A chiropractor who is experience with carpal tunnel syndrome is able to review each case individually and make appropriate treatment recommendations.
  4. Allows patients to learn how to manage carpal tunnel syndrome. Unfortunately, health problems that produce chronic pain can take a toll on the patient not only physically, but mentally. Dealing with CTS can make a person feel powerless over their own body. Working with a chiropractor to relieve, and manage the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome allows the patient to be able to feel in charge of managing and improving their health. Workers who perform repetitive tasks daily as part of their job need to be especially cautious of carpal tunnel syndrome. Feeling pain, numbness, tingling, or burning in palms or fingers may be the first sign of CTS. The earlier it’s diagnosed, the more effective less-invasive treatment will be.

Of all the CTS treatment options available, chiropractic care offers the benefit of being a highly effective treatment while remaining much less invasive than other options. If you or anybody you know is suffering from this condition, call today. We’re here to help!

3 Ways to Beat the Flu This Winter

January 5, 2021

Avoid the Flu This Season With These 3 Tips!
flu season
Welcome to 2021!  As the new year begins, often we find ourselves thinking about our health.  And as cold temperatures set-in, you begin to hear a lot more about the impending cold and flu season.  As a Chiropractor, my patients ask me what they can do to naturally manage immediate flu symptoms, improve immune systems, and move towards a better, preventative healthy space without resorting to drug intervention. After over 30 years of experience, here is what I’ve come up with:

  • Drink plenty of water to stay well hydrated. Ideally, you need half an ounce of water for every pound of body weight per day.  Studies have even shown that those who drink less water significantly increase the likelihood of getting the flu, a stuffy nose, or a sore throat.  Because water is required for every function of the body, staying hydrated is crucial. For example, proper hydration ensures the lining of the nose, the first line of defense, stays moist.  And if you’re not a fan of water, try adding a squeeze of lemon or lime to give it a bit more flavor.
  • Maintain adequate exercise and movement. Your hormonal system influences your nervous system which influences your immune system and all of these rely on your musculoskeletal system to move well and keep the wheels turning. A 20 min walk every day with a basic resistance program 3-4x per week will make a huge difference. Try using resistance bands, choose 3 key exercises each session. Focus on upper extenders and lower flexors. Youtube is a great way to get ideas for exercise programs and resistance bands can be found in most department and sporting good stores.
  • Meditation and mindfulness. Stress weakens your immunity, that’s a fact! We often don’t allow the time or space to simply stop and recharge the batteries. Spend 10 minutes a day sitting quietly, meditating, and breathing. There has been a lot of research about how meditation directly helps boost immunity and restores vitality.

If you do start the year battling some of these cold and flu symptoms and can’t seem to get past them, contact our office for an appointment.  Chiropractic adjustments can help free issues that could be impeding your lymphatic, musculoskeletal, and central nervous systems and lowering your natural immunity.   

Cheers to a happy and healthy new year.

How A Chiropractic Visit Can Help Prevent the Cold & Flu

December 7, 2020

Cold and flu season has come again and everyone is doing what they can to prevent the unwelcome symptoms that can keep you unfocused and tired throughout the winter months. One way to keep the sniffles away is visiting a chiropractor for adjustments to your neck and spine. How is this possible you say?  It’s easy when you consider the science of your immune system.

Our immune system is supported by the lymphatic system which is a network of organs, lymph nodes, lymph ducts, and lymph vessels that help move white and immune blood cells into the bloodstream and remove dead blood cells and waste. White blood cells are important for fighting infection. How do these lymph cells move throughout the body you ask? Why it’s the musculoskeletal system of course! This means that the motion and contractions of your muscles are supporting your immune system.

We also know, according to the National Institutes of Health, that the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) and the lymphatic system are connected. Therefore, to keep your immune system in tip-top shape your spine and muscles need to be in perfect order. So, a simple visit to your local chiropractor can help prevent the contraction of the cold or flu.

The team at Wignall-Kennedy Chiropractic Clinic is available to help no matter what the thermometer reads and is conveniently located in Wauwatosa serving clients throughout the Metro Milwaukee area. Call 414-257-2575 today to schedule an appointment!

For more information on the flu and how this year’s strain is different, click here.

How to Avoid Cold Weather Back Pain

December 6, 2020

With temperatures dropping below freezing, you have plenty to stress about without the added irritation of ongoing back pain. While cold weather doesn’t necessarily cause back pain, it does create several scenarios resulting in serious muscle tension. Here are a few tips and tricks to combat any back pain caused by the winter chill.

  1. Stay Warm – Our bodies adjust to the climate we live in, so any significant change in weather can cause your body to stiffen. When there has been an extended period of warm weather and then a sudden dip into cold temperature your muscles, tendons, and ligaments can tighten and become less flexible. To combat this, try to stay as warm as possible. More layers = more flexibility.
  2. Stretch – When your muscles and tendons tighten you can become more prone to back injuries. Stretching when you first wake up and regularly throughout the day can prevent muscle tension and keep your ligaments flexible all day long. Without stretching, your body will not be prepared for activity and as you will see in tip #3, activity is important for avoiding back pain.
  3. Exercise – Often when the bitter cold winter sweeps through town it can discourage you from keeping up with a regular schedule of exercise. Understandably, you don’t want to venture outside for a morning run or evening bike ride, but not exercising can be the worst culprit for nagging back aches. Indoor exercises, like yoga, swimming, or treadmills, can be just as exciting work outs while remaining nice and warm. Yoga, specifically, incorporates both exercise and stretching and can be done from the comfort of your own home. Watch the video below for easy stretches you can do at home!

  • Avoid SAD – Seasonal Affective Disorder can be caused by chilly temperatures, less sunlight hours, and often, stressful holiday obligations. SAD is a type of seasonal depression and depression is regularly linked to aggravated back pain. Attempt to keep the winter blues at bay by finding ways to get more light throughout your day, improving your diet by avoiding carbs, getting up early, keeping yourself busy, and sometimes even meditation.
  • Visit a Chiropractor – If you’ve tried all of our tips above and you are still experiencing joint or back pain, the best point of action may be visiting your local chiropractor. The team at Wignall-Kennedy Chiropractic Clinic are always here to help and are conveniently located in Wauwatosa. Call 414-257-2575 today to schedule an appointment!
Phone: (414) 257-2575 | Fax: (414) 257-1778 | wignallkennedy@yahoo.com |
11515 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa , WI 53226