How to Use a Back Brace

Do you have lower back pain?

Have you considered wearing a back brace?

The strategic use of a comfortable back brace is one of the best things you can do to manage lower back pain.

Here are some rules:

1. Buy a brace that has “medium” support. Dr. Thatcher recommends the Mueller brand, model 6711. It’s comfortable, easy to put on, and gives good support without severely restricting movement.
2. When you’re having an acute flare-up, wearing the brace for a few hours each day can help provide comfort and support to promote quicker healing. Dr. Thatcher recommends a “2-2-2” wearing schedule. Wear the brace 2 hours in the morning, 2 hours in the afternoon, and 2 hours in the evening. This gives your muscles periods of rest as well as periods of work.

Learn four more back brace rules on our website!

Leave Your Pain with the Best Chiropractor in Ann Arbor

If you’ve struggled with lower back pain for years and still haven’t found relief, Dr. Thatcher can help! He wrote the book on lower back pain!

Gentle adjustments to the spine with the Activator® instrument can improve your spinal alignment, range of motion, and promote your body’s natural healing ability. Release yourself from pain and feel like yourself again!

To schedule an appointment with one of the best chiropractors in Ann Arbor, give us a call at 734-663-2300 or fill out our contact form.

Why You Should See a Chiropractor During Pregnancy

 Have you noticed a change in your posture during pregnancy? 

Has new joint pain made an appearance?

Chiropractic care during pregnancy can help alleviate the expected pains leading up to delivery. 

Here’s how we can help:

● Realign your pelvis

● Correct your posture over time

● Alleviate neck, hip, back pain, and joint pain

● Reduce a protruding abdomen 

See other ways chiropractors can help during pregnancy here! 

Chiropractors in Ann Arbor Can Alleviate Your Pregnancy Pain

Pregnancy is a joyous, exciting time, but we also know that it can interfere with your spine’s alignment. Chiropractors in Ann Arbor can help!

At Thatcher Chiropractic & Laser, we want to help you lead a pain-free life.

Contact us today to improve your comfort. 

Happy Body, Happy Baby

Did you know chiropractic care is not only good for you, but for your baby’s health as well?

Receiving chiropractic care during pregnancy can help prepare your body for safe labor.

Changes in your body

When you’re pregnant, your body has to make adjustments to accommodate the baby. Here are some of the changes you can expect:

● Change in posture 

● Protruding abdomen

● A harsh curve in your back

● Shifted pelvis

● New joint pain

A shifted pelvis can also affect the delivery process, triggering a rear-facing delivery or an emergency cesarean delivery.

Learn more about chiropractic care for pregnant women here.

Promote a Healthier Pregnancy with Chiropractors in Ann Arbor

If you’re tired of dealing with pain due to pregnancy, chiropractors in Ann Arbor are here to help.

We don’t want to see you in pain during your pregnancy! At Thatcher Chiropractic & Laser, our purpose is to help you lead a pain-free life.

Call Thatcher Chiropractic and Laser at 734-663-2300 or fill out a contact form to schedule an appointment today!

How to Apply Ice or Heat

 Ice – The best way is to use a large frozen gel pack. They stay soft even when frozen, so it contours to the body. They don’t leak, and you can reuse them over and over. The pack should be at least 6” X 8” to cover a big enough area.

Once your pack is cold, wrap it in a thin, dry towel and place it directly on the skin over the area that hurts. Apply for 15-20 minutes, but no longer than 20 minutes. Repeat 3 to 4 times per day during an acute flare up. You can also use ice cubes in a Ziploc bag, or even frozen vegetables.

Moist Heat – The best way to apply heat is through microwaveable bean bags. These are also reusable. You can also spend extra time in the shower or bathtub with hot water on the affected area. Apply for 15-20 minutes, but no longer than 20 minutes. Repeat 3 to 4 times per day during an acute flare up.

Learn the answers to common heat and ice questions! 

Relieve Your Pain with Chiropractic in Ann Arbor

Have you struggled with pain for years? Chiropractic in Ann Arbor can help!

No one should have to live in pain! At Thatcher Chiropractic & Laser, we believe it’s our duty to relieve your pain.

You’ll be in good hands! Dr. Bill has over 35 years of clinical experience and is an expert in treating musculoskeletal pain.

Schedule your appointment for chiropractic in Ann Arbor today! We take walk-in and same-day appointments too!

Heat or Ice for Lower Back Pain?

 Have you ever wondered if heat or ice is better for relieving pain?

If you’re like most people who suffer from lower back pain, you would answer “Yes!”

When it Comes to Hot or Cold, here are the Simple Rules

1. If you suffer from an acute back injury, use only ice until acute pain begins to subside, no matter how many days it takes.
2. Once acute pain begins to subside, switch to a combination of moist heat and ice until the pain is gone.
3. For chronic back pain, use a combination of moist heat and ice.

Therapeutic Effect:

Ice = fights swelling and inflammation.

Moist heat = relaxes tight muscles and increases circulation. 

Combination of moist heat and ice = the best of both worlds, but make sure you always end with ice.

Learn where to apply ice or heat and for how long. 

Relieve Your Pain with Chiropractic in Ann Arbor

Have you struggled with pain for years? Chiropractic in Ann Arbor can help!

No one should have to live in pain! At Thatcher Chiropractic & Laser, we believe it’s our duty to relieve your pain. We can help you regain your best spinal health and maintain it, so you can get back to enjoying life.

Schedule your appointment for chiropractic in Ann Arbor today! We take walk-in and same-day appointments too!

Symptoms of TMJ

Does your jaw sometimes lock or make eating uncomfortable?

Symptoms of TMJ can include:

• Jaw pain
• Aching pain around the ear
• Pain or difficulty talking, yawning, or chewing
• Joint locking
• Jaw clicking or popping
• Facial swelling
• Tinnitus
• Dizziness

Learn what causes TMJ on our website!

Treat TMJ with Chiropractic in Ann Arbor

If you’re tired of TMJ interrupting your daily life, the first step is searching for chiropractic in Ann Arbor.

At Thatcher Chiropractic and Laser, we respect your time. That’s why our paperwork and wait times are kept as short as possible.

You don’t have to live in pain! To schedule an appointment, fill out our contact form or call 734-663-2300. We also take walk in and same day appointments!

How Can Chiropractic Help TMJ?

Do you have jaw pain?

You may have Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ). TMJ affects the temporomandibular joints located on each side of your jaw and the muscles that move them. These joints connect the jawbone to the skull and help you open and close your mouth.

What Causes TMJ?

The joint where the jawbone and skull connect is covered with cartilage and the bones are separated between a small disc, like the discs between your vertebrae. TMJ can occur if the disc wears down or moves out of alignment. TMJ can also be caused by arthritis and trauma to the joint. While the cause of TMJ is different for everyone, if you grind your teeth, clench your jaw, or have family members with TMJ, you may have a higher chance of experiencing it yourself.

Learn the symptoms of TMJ.

Treat TMJ with Chiropractic in Ann Arbor

If you’re tired of TMJ interrupting your daily life, the first step is searching for chiropractic in Ann Arbor.

At Thatcher Chiropractic and Laser, we respect your time. That’s why our paperwork and wait times are kept as short as possible.

You don’t have to live in pain! To schedule an appointment, fill out our contact form or call 734-663-2300. We also take walk in and same day appointments!