Posts by Randall Holmes

Stress about COVID

At Holmes Chiropractic, we offer techniques that incorporate The Palmer Method, techniques that improve posture and provide drug-free pain relief, not to mention release tension in the body for therapeutic and wellness benefits.

The Palmer Method is a technique that aims to manipulate the atlas, which is the first vertebra. The atlas is located at the top of your spine and misalignment of the atlas can cause potential problems that extend to the lower spinal column. Properly aligning the rest of the vertebra will help your spine fall more naturally into place.

The Palmer Method utilizes a special “hole-in-one” technique. We provide X-rays that will help locate the exact position of the atlas, then systematically manipulate the spine and atlas in a variety of directions until we’re able to put it rightfully in place.

If you’d like to learn more about our techniques and services, contact Holmes Chiropractic today. We have a long track record of keeping families healthy and well.

A case of a herniated disc occurs when the rubbery cushion (intervertebral disc) in between the vertebrae of your spinal cord either pushes out of place, bulges, or ruptures.

This can often happen due to overuse, injury, or slow degeneration over time.

Generally, herniated discs happen in four stages.

First, there is disc degeneration, which happens due to chemical changes that come along with advancing in age. The disc starts to dry out and becomes less useful as a shock absorber.

Second is the prolapse stage, which is when the position or form of the disc changes, which can be a slight bulge or protrusion, which will end up crowding the spinal cord. 

Extrusion happens next the wall of the annulus fibrosis starts to experience breakthroughs from gel-like pulposus which still remain inside the disc.

Lastly, sequestration occurs, which is when nucleus pulposus breaks through the anulus fibrosis, moving past the disc and into the spinal canal.

Chiropractic treatment has been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of herniated discs at any stage. If you believe you have a herniated disc and would like a drug-free solution, contact Holmes Chiropractic today to learn more!

Many folks are trying fasting to see if it comes along with the health benefits that health gurus say it does. Fasting has been a practice in place for thousands of years and is often done by religious groups during certain times of the year or for certain specific reasons. Some health experts are saying that fasting can increase energy, improve focus, and give the digestive system a reset.

Most people who are healthy can fast for 1-3 days — this means only taking in water or black coffee. Many folks go on cleanses where they only give their body the minimal amount of nutrition it requires for the duration of the cleanse. Some of these cleanses can last days or weeks.

Some people say to fast once a week; some say once a month. It doesn’t hurt to get experimental with your diet, as long as you’re not hurting yourself.

Fasting has been shown to improve mental cognition and help out the digestive system, not to mention detoxify the body. 

You can also experience those sorts of benefits by limiting the time you eat in each day — say, noon to 8 pm. That way your body can spend the lion’s share of the day digesting and replenishing the body. It will also ensure a good night’s sleep.

You can also limit fast food and try to eat only clean, whole foods to improve your digestive system as well. Eating smaller portions will ensure your body doesn’t get bogged down trying to digest processed foods.

Whether you decide to fast or not, that’s up to you. We’re here to help with any advice or supplemental treatment along the way. Contact Holmes Chiropractic to learn how our treatments go hand-in-hand with a healthy lifestyle.

Even though everyone’s routines are out of whack due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s still important to check in with ourselves to make sure that we’re getting the care and nutrition we need to live a healthy life. When it comes down to it, it’s April already, and you likely set some health and wellness goals for this year — and it’s important to continue to see those goals through, even though times of self-quarantine might make it tempting to bail on any promises you’ve made to yourself.

The truth is, eating healthy and staying on top of your wellness will make this time not only more bearable but also enjoyable!

First, make sure you’re eating plenty of clean, whole foods. When you hit up the grocery store for your one visit per week (since you’re responsibly practicing shelter in place regulations), make sure to get plenty of greens, like kale, spinach, avocado, red bell pepper, and make sure to get fruits high in antioxidants, like berries.

Whatever your source of protein is, make sure to get plenty of that, and from clean and ethical sources if you’re able.

Of course, get some comfort food while you’re at it. Dark chocolate and organic peanut butter is a healthy alternative to candy and such.

If you have any questions or would like to know more about our treatments, contact Holmes Chiropractic today. We’ll get through these trying times together.

As the situation progresses with the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important to remain vigilant in our practice of social distancing. Below, Holmes Chiropractic goes over a few ways to practice social distancing and sheltering in place successfully. We all have to do our part to save the lives of those who are vulnerable to this terrible virus.

First, it’s important to realize that we should all only be going outside out of absolute necessity. No, this doesn’t mean going to the grocery store every day. Save your trips to low traffic times, and save your grocery run for once a week, that way you limit your contact with others.

Only go out for fresh air when you must. Keep your windows open and allow fresh air to come into your home. Only venture outside if you absolutely must get out — a good rule of thumb is go out for one walk in the morning and for one in the evening. Otherwise, STAY INDOORS.

Lastly, stay away from other people, even your neighbors. Stay connected to family members over the phone. If you’re fortunate to have people in your household, only come into contact with them… and still try to keep your social distancing practices in place.

Contact Holmes Chiropractic to learn more about how we’re doing everything in our power to continue to safely and effectively provide our treatments to those who need it. We’re here to help in any way possible during these times.

As COVID-19 sweeps through the country millions of Americans are closing themselves indoors in an effort to reduce the spread of this serious virus and save as many lives of those who could possibly be impacted as possible.

However, it’s still vital to get outside when you can, while remembering to practice safe social distancing. Below, Holmes Chiropractic goes over a few ways to get outdoors without abandoning your civic duty.

Take an Early Morning Walk

Get up early and go for a walk or a nature hike — the earlier the better, that way you don’t come into contact with many people, which will ensure you practice safe social distancing.

Retreat to Nature

If you have the gas and means, go to a secluded nature spot to go for a hike or practice meditation, that way you’re off the beaten path and don’t come into contact with others.

Running Outdoors

Remember that COVID-19 in an airborne virus. It’s important that you reduce your exposure, especially if you’re susceptible to the virus. Stay updated on conditions and where the virus is spreading. Try to run in secluded nature spots to reduce your exposure. Run early in the morning to avoid run-ins with other people during this time.

Contact Holmes Chiropractic to learn more about how we’re offering treatments in a safe and clean environment for patients who still need drug-free pain relief. Chiropractic is considered an essential provision and we’ll continue to help our patients as long as we’re able, while also incorporating all regulations passed down to us. 

As COVID-19 sweeps across the globe, millions of Americans are sheltering in place, or at the very least staying at home as often as possible and only going out for essential functions. This means we have to dial in our at-home routines to ensure that we’re still getting the daily exercise we need to stay healthy and well.

First, it’s important to invest in some home-friendly workout equipment, if you have the capital to do so. Kettlebells are a great investment and will diversify your at-home routine.

A pull-up bar is also a great investment and won’t set you back too much money. It’s a great way to get supreme upper body workouts while maximizing time and space.

A yoga mat is another key investment during this time. You can stretch your body out after a workout and even engage in a vicious ab routine.

As we take our workouts to our homefronts, remember that chiropractic adjustments are still considered an essential offering. Our doors are still open to you if you’d like to come in and get an adjustment. Contact us today to learn about how our treatments help get the best out of our patients.

During these times of Coronavirus outbreak, you may have heard the term “Social Distancing” and maybe you’re wondering about what it is and what you can do to help stop the spread of Coronavirus.

That’s exactly what Social Distancing sets out to do — people are encouraged to stay at home more and to avoid large gatherings.

Many employers are letting workers telecommute, which entails working from home. Many freelancers already work from home, so it presents an easy adjustment for some.

For those of us who still have to go into work, it’s important to avoid touching coworkers and patrons you come into contact with. Avoid touching your face, mouth, and nose, especially after touching contaminated surfaces.

Instead of meeting with friends and family during these times of sickness, do face chats over the phone or have Skype dates instead, which will limit your own exposure and help those who you know who may be more susceptible to Coronavirus limit their exposure as well.

Contact Holmes Chiropractic today to learn more about how our treatments can help boost your immune system and help your body more effectively ward off inflammation and infection. Contact us today and let’s talk.