How To Make The Most Out Of Your Chiropractic Appointment

Arrive for your appointment a few minutes early. This gives you time to find parking and use the washroom before your appointment starts.

Once in the treatment room, empty your pockets of keys, change, cell phones (anything that will be uncomfortable for you or could possibly break during your treatment) before the chiropractor comes in.

Lie face down on the table with your arms on the arm rests. This not only gives your muscles a chance to relax before your treatment, but also allows for the chiropractor to start treating you almost immediately.

Bring up any new pains/complaints/injuries at the beginning of your treatment. Let your practitioner know if the pressure being used is too light or too deep during your treatment. They will not be offended!

If you have any questions or concerns after your appointment, give us a call or send us an email - we are always happy to help!

We strive to be on time for you. We try our best to accommodate for traffic/weather as much as we can. However, if you are late for your appointment, please understand that you may be treated for the remainder of your scheduled appointment time.

No shows and last-minute cancellations are subject to a full service fee charge. We provide as many reminders as possible to prevent this from happening!

What Are You Grateful For?

We are officially one month into self-isolation as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but who’s counting?!  It’s a dreary day here in Nova Scotia; a typical spring day in our province.  We should acknowledge that yesterday was the nicest so far in 2020!  A win in our books – no wind and plenty of sunshine! In light of the situation at hand, we have decided to each share a few of the reasons we are grateful. I challenge you to write your own reasons down on paper, type them on your computer, or say them out loud - your mind will thank you!

What are you grateful for?

I am grateful for my health, and the health of my husband, my family, and our dog.  For the roof over my head, for our backyard and for our ability to buy healthy foods (with a side of sweet treats of course).  For the extra time to focus on me, and to connect with my friends across the country!   

Christina

I am beyond grateful for the health and well being of my family and friends, that we still have access to fresh fruits and vegetables, projects to keep me busy, coffee dates with my family and that I am Canadian!

Lisa

I am grateful for this time to focus on myself.  Grateful to have time to do tasks that I have been putting off, and grateful to be able to spend time outside, whether going for a walk or a run!

Kristin

I am grateful for extra time to connect with friends and family, to try new recipes.  I am grateful for a safe space during this quarantine and an abundance of shows/movies to make me laugh!

Hannah

I’m grateful for the good health of those I love, a safe place to call home, our medical professionals, the retail workers and all of the support people requited to keep essential business running for us, extra time for self care, leisurely strolls around my neighbourhood appreciating the sunshine, fresh air and the things I hadn’t noticed before!  I am grateful for our patients who have supported our small business for many years!  I miss all of you and can’t wait to see you again when things are safe!

Kim

 I am grateful for the time to explore options for buying locally from farmers and small businesses, for my roommates and my cat (who we are driving crazy :) ) and of course to have so much time to take better care of my body with great food and MacDonald Bridge walks!

Ava

#NovaScotiaStrong

You Are Not Too Old to Exercise!

Have you ever thought to yourself, “I’m too old to exercise” or “I have never exercised before; why start now?”? Well I’m here to tell you…

 IT’S NOT TOO LATE!

People over the age of 60 can get health benefits even just from exercising once a week!

Yes, just once a week! That could simply mean just going for a walk down your street.

A recent study showed that older adults who started exercising 1-2x a week reduced their chance by 5% of having health issues such as stroke or heart attack. And those who exercised 3-4x a week reduced their risk of a cardiac event by 11%!

It is recommended by the World Health Organization for adults over the age of 65 should do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic physical activity OR 75 minutes of vigorous intensity aerobic physical activity per week.

You might be saying to yourself that is A LOT of exercising in one go. But remember, those recommendations are for ONE WEEK. Ideally, exercising in intervals of at least 10 minutes is recommended. If you break it down even more, that’s less than 25 minutes a day!

what is the difference between MODERATE and VIGOROUS intensity?

During moderate intensity physical activity, you should be sweating a little and breathing a little harder. You should still be able to talk, but not able to sing along to your favourite song.

Vigorous physical activity will cause you to sweat more and be out of breath. You shouldn’t be able to say more than a few words without pausing for a breath.

Having variety in your exercise routine is important as well. Your weekly physical activity should include aerobic activity, muscle and bone strengthening activities as well as balance exercises. 

Where do I begin?

If this is something you want to start, it is always a good idea to check in with your health care practitioner before starting!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (902) 835 5755. We would be more than happy to help you on your path to wellness!

Dr. Kristin Ling 

Is Chiropractic Safe?

Like anything that is unknown or new to us, chiropractic care can be intimidating to those who haven’t experienced it before. But what if I told you it doesn’t have to be… and it’s safe? 

Firstly, I praise you for doing your own research and asking your own questions. It’s completely normal to have questions and concerns, especially when it comes to your own health or the health of your loved ones. 

What is a Chiropractor?

Chiropractors are spine, muscle and nervous system experts. They are specifically trained to diagnose the underlying cause of your complaint and recommend treatment options that will aid in pain relief, restore mobility and prevent reoccurrence, without the use of surgery or pharmaceuticals.

Chiropractors put an emphasis on manual treatments including spinal and extremity adjustments. An adjustment, or manipulation, is a quick, small thrust to the spine or another part of the body intended to provide immediate pain relief and improve mobility. This is when you will typically here a “crack”, or a “pop”. Some people think that your bone is cracking, but it really is just pressure of gas being released from the joint. This release of pressure allows the joint to move more optimally!

Not interested in an adjustment? No problem!

Some people don’t like the sound, which is totally OK! Chiropractors utilize several other techniques, such as mobilizations, which are slower, more passive movements that help regain movement in stiff joints. They also use various soft tissue techniques to help decrease tension in muscles. Education and rehabilitative exercises are typically key parts of a treatment plan as well! Both Chiropractors at Basin View Chiropractic also perform Acupuncture. The moral of the story here is that there is always an alternative treatment option, so please feel free to discuss all options with your chiropractor.

So coming back to our question, is it safe? Any therapeutic treatment, whether it be medication or manual therapy always comes with a potential risk; this does not mean its unsafe. Chiropractors, just like medical doctors, take the same approach when prescribing treatment; they use a risk-benefit assessment. Health care professionals assess how much benefit a certain treatment or medication has compared to its potential risk. Chiropractors use this tool when recommending spinal manipulation; they determine this using the intake forms patients fill out and thorough the patient’s history and physical exam.  

On your first visit, your chiropractor will review a consent form with you that lists the possible adverse reactions to treatment. Some reactions like headaches, stiffness, sprains and strains may last less than 24 hours. It is important to ask any questions you may have at this time; there is no such thing as a silly question!

So…is it safe?

The answer is YES! Chiropractic treatment is a safe option for the prevention, assessment, diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal conditions and associated neurological system. Chiropractors have more than 4,200 hours of competency training to help you assess the safety of it, but in the end, the decision is in your hands to decide if you want to obtain treatment by a chiropractor.

Dr. Kristin Ling

Seeking Chiropractor? What to Expect

5 Things to Expect at your First Chiropractic Visit

Visiting a new clinic or meeting a new health care practitioner can be overwhelming, especially when you are in pain. At Basin View Chiropractic we want to ensure that you are comfortable even before stepping into the clinic. That’s why we 5 things you should expect for your first chiropractic visit.

1.     Intake Paperwork

Like any other health care clinic, there is always paperwork involved! This isn’t just to obtain your personal information, but it gives the chiropractor an opportunity to obtain an impression of your overall health, as well as any other challenges you may be facing.

2.     History

This is your opportunity to tell the doctor what is going on, or what has initially brought you into the clinic. During this time, the doctor will ask you several health-related questions pertaining to your current complaint(s). This is also a great opportunity for the doctor to learn about your goals and expectations!

3.     Physical Exam

There will always be a thorough physical exam on your first visit. The physical exam may include an array of tests: vitals (heart rate, blood pressure, etc), a neurological exam, orthopaedic testing, range of motion and/or movement based testing, as well as hands-on palpation. This indicates to the chiropractor what your limitations are and gives a suggestion as to where your pain is coming from. Most often, there is no need to remove any clothing. Your comfort level is our number one priority! We do suggest wearing comfortable clothing to your first visit.

4.     Special Tests or Imaging

This may be only be necessary for certain patients, depending on the findings from the history and physical exam. Most patients do not require further imaging and they can start care right in the office. The chiropractor may want to send a patient for X-Ray, MRI, CT scan, or blood work to better understand their health and determine the right plan of management.  

5.     Treatment or Referral

Depending on the previous four steps, you may begin care that day. Your treatment will include a variety of options such as spinal or extremity manipulation and mobilization, soft tissue therapy and rehabilitation exercises. A referral may be required to help ensure you are on the right path to relief. This step should get you from where you were when you first came in to where you want to be when treatment is over!

If you have any other questions or concerns about your first chiropractic appointment, please do no hesitate to contact us!

10 Fun Facts about Dr. Christina Bagnell!

 1. Would you rather live in a big city or in the country?  The country, but just outside of the city!

2.  What is your favourite part about Nova Scotia?  The ocean and the people!  

3.  Am I more like my mother or my father?  My mother!  

4. What do I do to de-stress? Run or Yoga

5.  Is there one colour that you seem to really have in your closet?  Does black count as a colour?!

6.  What’s your favourite go to treat?  Any type of gummy candy (Sour jujubes, Gummy bears, Nibs...the list goes on!)

7. If you had a warning label, what would it say?  Sit tight, this story might take a while.  (My story telling skills are sub par)

8.  What was your favourite subject in school?  Anatomy    

9.  What is my favourite thing to do when I am not at work?  Spend time with family and friends (and my Goldendoodle, Riley!) in the fresh air!  

10. What is the best part of your job?  Working with the best team and helping our wonderful patients achieve optimal health :)       

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Boot Camp

What is Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?

Also known as spinal osteoarthritis, it is a type of arthritis of the spine which can lead to thickening of the bones causing the spinal discs to thin and the spinal canals to narrow, which can cause compression of the spinal nerves.

Due to these bony changes in the spine, a person could be experiencing pain, numbness or sense of weakness in their lower legs that is aggravated by standing or walking.

What is the purpose of the boot camp?

A lot of people who suffer from stenosis have a poor quality of life because they are limited to the amount of walking they can do in a day. The goal of the boot camp is help improve quality life and maintain the independence of those suffering from stenosis. The boot camp is also a great alternative non surgical option for those looking to treat this condition!

What does it entail?

o   The program is made up of the following 4 components:

• Manual Therapy

• Special Exercises

• Body Re-Positioning Instructions

• Self-management Strategies  

Since lumbar spinal stenosis can be a chronic problem, the boot camp is designed so that individuals will be given the techniques to self-manage and how they can become more aware of their condition and help cope.

Before starting the program, consult with your health care provider to see if this program is for you!

Written by: Dr. Kristin Ling

10 Fun Facts about Hannah Fraser!

1.  Would I Rather Live In A Big City Or In The Country?  I grew up in the country which I loved and am thankful for. I hope I will end up there again eventually. In the mean time I am loving city living!

2.  What Are 2 Things That I Am Really Good At?  I’m a pro dog cuddler/dog aunt and love cooking!

3.  What Do I Do To De-stress?  Either go for a walk/run or a workout at the gym.

4.  Am I More Like My Mother Or My Father?  I’d say it’s a close call but if I had to choose I would say my father. We both love organization and list making!

5.  What Was My Favourite Subject In School?  Anatomy

6.  Is There One Color That I Seem To Really Have In My Closet?  Black

7.  Do I Collect Anything? Fridge magnets from places I’ve travelled to.

8.  My Favourite go to treat? Sweet Chili Heat Doritos

9.  What is my favourite thing to do when I am not at work?  I’m currently loving decorating my apartment!

10. What is the best part of my job?  Hearing that I’ve helped people do things they love again pain free!

Back to School Means Back to Back Packs!

The notion that backpacks should be a certain weight, have a certain number of straps, or worn a certain way have been around for a long time; but why is it important?

The Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics conducted a large scale study where they measured the body weight and back pack load of 3, 498 students. In the study they were able to conclude that heavy back packs were indicators of students having back pain; the heavier the back pack, the more pain the child was experiencing.

Besides back pain, your child may be at risk of muscle strains, neck and shoulder pain, headaches, numbness and tingling down their arms and a change in their posture. If the weight of the back pack is distributed unevenly or too heavy, it may also cause the child to be unsteady and become more prone to injuries from falling down.

To help navigate your way through the world of backpacks, find some frequently asked questions!

What should I look for in a backpack for my child?

o   Proportional size – The top of the back pack should not be higher than your child’s shoulders, extend below their hipbone nor wider than their back.

o   2 wide padded straps – The straps should be at least 2 inches wide. This will help evenly distribute the weight across your child’s back

o   Waist strap – This will help distribute some of the weight around the child’s waist and take some load off the back

o   Padded back – This will make the back pack more comfortable for your child.

o   Compartments - Having compartments in the bag will force you to spread the weight around the bag and not directed into one place

o   Let them add in their sense of style! – Giving the child some say in their back pack will allow them to be proud and wear it properly to show it off! You can always allow for patches and pins to let them make it their own!

How heavy should their back pack be?

According to the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America, your child’s back pack should not be more than 10% of their body weight.

To ensure this can be done, suggest to your child to leaving heavy books at school and only bring them home when required.

Also get your child into the habit of cleaning out their back pack at the end of the week. This will avoid clutter building up and making their back pack difficult to load.

How should they be wearing their back pack?

Fortunately, the look of 2 straps is in because that’s exactly how you want your child to wear it!

Both straps should be tight enough so that the back pack is sitting on the upper portion of their back and not hanging low. You also want to make sure that the back pack is sitting flat against the child’s back.

Should I get one with wheels?

Using a backpack with wheels would be beneficial to alleviate back pain however you must keep in mind where they have to travel to get to school. If they travel on gravel, have to go up stairs, etc. it may be hard for the child to maneuver the back pack. If the terrain is difficult, they might resort to putting the back pack on their shoulders forcing them to carry not only they school supplies, but the wheels as well.

Does it matter how I load their back pack?

It does actually! To prevent one part of the back taking on the full weight, you should start packing by putting the heaviest item in the centre and closes to the back, followed by lighter items. Its also a good idea to make sure no items are sticking out of the back making it uncomfortable for the child. 

Questions?

If you are still unsure if your child has the right back pack for them, if it’s too heavy, or if they are wearing it right, feel free to bring in your child’s back pack loaded to their next appointment at Basin View Chiropractic.

Happy back packing everyone!

Dr. Kristin Ling, BPHE, D.C.