Winter Blues
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How To Beat the Winter Blues at Creekside Chiropractic

Winter is just around the corner and is making its presence known with chilly temperatures and quickly darkening afternoons. There are many wonderful things to look forward to in the winter, such as the holiday season and playing in the snow, but if you struggle to get through the dark and cold months, you are not alone. Whether you are dealing with worsening chronic pain and persistent winter colds, or are struggling to maintain your mental health in the coming months, come to Creekside Chiropractic and let us take care of you. Our wide range of holistic services will keep you feeling your best through the frigid winter blues and be the warm ray of sunshine you need when it’s nowhere to be found outside. 

Dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder 

It is no secret that winter in Indiana can be a bit depressing, especially if you experience seasonal affective disorder, which has an appropriate acronym: SAD.  Seasonal affective disorder, also known as seasonal depression, can feel different for every individual, but common symptoms are feeling depressed for the majority of consecutive days, losing interest in activities you once enjoyed, having low energy, having problems with sleeping, experiencing changes in appetite or weight, having difficulty concentrating, and feeling sluggish or agitated. The disorder often reappears for people in the late fall and early winter — just about where we are in the year now. Daylight savings time can be a major trigger, as it gets darker earlier and our biological circadian clocks are messed up. The change in season and decreasing amount of sunshine can also affect our body’s ability to produce serotonin and melatonin, two very important chemicals that keep us feeling happy and well-rested. 

In addition to having greater mental health struggles in the darker months of the year, you are more likely to get sick in the winter as well. According to Northwestern Medicine, common cold viruses are more active and harder to fight in colder weather, the lack of Vitamin D from the sun has been linked to having a weakened immune system, and dryer winter air allows for an easier spread of the flu virus. With such a wide range of mental and physical health issues that arise in the winter, you might be wondering what we can do to help, but our holistic approach to treating and healing the body can do a lot more than ease sore muscles. 

Chiropractic care to treat your winter blues

Have you ever felt like your body generally hurts more as the weather gets colder? Every ache cuts a little deeper and your joints feel like they needed to be oiled like the Tin Man in the Wizard of Oz. There are a lot of theories as to why this happens, but we are more interested in how we can help you feel less pain. 

Our first suggestion is to book a chiropractic appointment. It can help decrease symptoms associated with anxiety and depression, and increase the pumping of oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation. In a chiro appointment, realigning the spine can reopen blocked critical nerves that cause pain and tension in the body. In regard to treating seasonal depression, getting your body back in proper alignment and relieving muscles of unnecessary pain and tension can be a catalyst for activity and movement that will break the long lethargic states of depression that come with the winter season. 

If those aren’t enough reasons to sign up for an appointment right now, consider it an act of self-care for your winter blues, as the experience can be extremely relaxing. Winter is hard enough, even when you aren’t dealing with health problems – you deserve to treat yourself.  

Infrared sauna treatment for seasonal depression

If you are interested in branching out beyond traditional chiropractic services, we recommend you try our infrared sauna treatment this winter. What to expect from an infrared sauna experience is similar to that of a traditional sauna, but the use of infrared rays allows for a more gentle and soothing experience that uses a therapeutic level of heat that won’t leave you feeling scorched. Our infrared sauna is a great way to treat yourself to some relaxing self-care for your winter blues with many added health benefits. 

Two of the main health benefits of infrared sauna treatment are lower blood pressure and improved circulation. Although the temperature in the sauna is far more comfortable than that of a traditional sauna, the infrared rays still induce a deep sweat that makes the heart beat faster, which increases blood flow, lowers blood pressure, and increases circulation. Studies have shown that due to the sweating, one session can actually have the potential to burn up to 600 calories while you are simply relaxing. Better blood circulation has also been connected with better cell health and immunity, which is super important as we enter cold and flu season. 

Benefits of massage therapy

Massage therapy can relax and soften tired and overused muscles and can also enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow, which acts as your natural defense system. It can also help reduce depression symptoms, with a Journal of Clinical Psychiatry report finding that patients who were given a twice-weekly Swedish massage therapy had lower levels of anxiety than their counterparts with general anxiety who were not given massages. Therapeutic massage can rub your stress away, which decreases your heart rate, blood pressure, and your body’s fight or flight response. Studies have also shown that massage can help reset circadian rhythms, which is especially helpful for those experiencing seasonal affective disorder. If you are interested in therapeutic massage, we recommend Diane Lawson, a licensed therapist right next door to Creekside. She can be booked by calling 317-902-7050 directly.

As we approach the end of the year and what will probably feel like another never-ending winter, stop by Creekside Chiropractic to prepare your body and mind to be as happy and healthy as possible. Make your first appointment today by calling us at 317-758-4880 or by scheduling online. There is no better investment than your own body and health.

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Chronic Pain

Busting 5 Myths About Chiropractors and Chronic Pain

Making the choice to see a chiropractor can be difficult, especially when there are so many myths and misconceptions surrounding the medical process. It is commonly associated with cracking bones and making huge skeletal shifts in the body, but here at Creekside Chiropractic, we take a holistic approach suited to your needs and comfort level. We will work with you to find ways to decrease your pain and increase your health and freedom to fully enjoy life. That is why seeing a chiropractor is great for addressing multiple health issues, including chronic pain. 

What is Chronic Pain? 

Unfortunately, we all experience pain throughout our lives, it’s just a part of being human, but sometimes our pain doesn’t seem to go away. Chronic pain is typically defined by doctors as lasting at least 12 months up to years. The pain might not feel the same every day, but its persistence can inhibit you from simply getting through daily tasks and having a full range of mobility. The cause of chronic pain can often be hard to pinpoint, but some common causes are chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, endometriosis, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and migraines. The good news for someone experiencing chronic pain is that there is a very good chance seeing a chiropractor can help – and here’s why. 

Myth #1: Chiropractic care is only cracking bones.

We are sure you have seen some intensely dramatic bone-cracking on social media, but there is so much more to chiropractic care than that, especially for chronic pain. Although there may need to be a realignment of the spine and extremities, our Certified Chiropractic Practitioner, Dr. Erin Merrill will make sure to take your appointment at a pace and intensity you are comfortable with. Chiropractic care can also include therapeutic massage techniques and finding ways to keep the body in alignment after the appointment. 

For those experiencing chronic pain in their joints and muscles, chiropractic care is for you too. There are many chiropractic techniques, one of which being “the gentle manipulation of soft tissue to stop muscles spasms and relieve tenderness. Other techniques might include active exercise or traction to slowly stretch the joints and relieve tension.” 

Myth #2: Seeing a chiropractor is not safe for chronic pain. 

This myth is simply not true, especially because we only employ Certified Chiropractic Practitioners. Of course, there are a few risks, just as there are with any medical procedure, but chiropractic care is often considered safer than other ways to combat chronic pain, such as surgery and taking prescription narcotic pain medications.

Myth #3: Chiropractic care is too expensive.

Although this might have been true a few years ago for certain patients, many health insurance companies are now covering chiropractic care, including major medical plans such as workers’ compensation, Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, Aetna, and UnitedHealthcare.

It is important to note that other medical remedies for chronic pain such as acupuncture and therapeutic massage are often not covered. 

Myth #4: Chiropractors can’t help with my overall health.

Although our name, Creekside Chiropractic implies that our main service is chiropractic care, we are proud to offer a multitude of services to holistically improve your health. This includes K-Laser Therapy, Therapeutic Massage, Infrared Sauna, and Vitamin Supplements. 

Our team is dedicated to providing wellness for both the body and spirit and we believe that we have something for everyone. Even if you just want to give your body a little rest and relaxation, our additional services will have you glowing inside and out by the time you leave.

Myth #5: You will need to keep going forever.

Even though it may seem like your pain will never end, the goal of seeing a chiropractor is to eventually go less and less. The chiropractic process is different for every patient, but with time and a plan, we can help relieve you of your pain and address the underlying internal issues that are causing it to stick around. The process will require a commitment to keeping your body in good health, but Dr. Merrill and our incredible team are more than happy to guide you through the process and be your biggest cheerleaders. 

Chronic pain sucks. There really is no better way to put it, but we here at Creekside Chiropractic are ready to help you take back control of your life. Whether you are looking for a single session or a holistic plan to alleviate pain long-term, we are here for you. Schedule your first appointment online or by calling 317-758-4880 and say goodbye to chronic pain.

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Meet Creekside Chiropractic’s Morgan Leonard

Here at Creekside Chiropractic, we are dedicated to providing wellness for both the body and spirit, with specializations in pain management and total body health. Assisting our Dr. Erin L. Merrill, D.C., Chiropractic Assistant Morgan Leonard rooms our clients and performs K-Laser procedures to help with drug-free pain management for both chronic pain and sudden injury. 

Using her degree in exercise science, Morgan demonstrates exercises and stretches which can help clients’ mobility and encourage the body’s ability to heal. As we continue our series on getting to know our Creekside team better, we’re sharing some fun facts about Morgan Leonard!

Meet Creekside Chiropractic Assistant Morgan Leonard:

  • Morgan LeonardYears in the field: It’s been just a little over a year now working at Creekside. I majored in Exercise Science at Franklin College and did my senior internship at Creekside Chiropractic in 2020! 
  • What is your favorite whole-body health feature at Creekside? The Infrared Sauna!! So many awesome benefits!
  • What is your favorite Indiana season and why? Winter!! I love the snow and being able to bundle up in warm clothes with a cup of my grandma’s homemade hot chocolate. 
  • If you were a superhero, what superpower would you have? I would like to be invisible! 
  • What is your favorite way to kick off a Monday? My favorite way to kick off a Monday is by going to the gym and getting a nice sweat sesh in! 
  • What’s your favorite thing to “binge-watch”? I would have to say either “The Vampire Diaries” or “New Girl!!” So hard to pick just one. 
  • Tell us why you LOVE to work at Creekside: To name a few reasons why I love to work at Creekside: 1) The people I work with and the super fun environment! 2) The patients and being able to watch their road to recovery. 3) I love being able to be myself and be able to use what I learned in college and apply it to the work I do every day. 

If you’d like to learn more about working with Dr. Erin on your chronic pain or healing journey from a sudden injury, we’d love to assist you. Conveniently located in Sheridan, Indiana, our practice is just minutes from Noblesville, Westfield, Carmel and Indianapolis. Contact us today at 317-753-5550 to schedule your next appointment.

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Farming Chiropractic Care

Are You as Tough as a Farmer?

Why chiropractic care is a great health care option for farmers

Farming is a hard job, but we at Creekside Chiropractic have got your back, sometimes very literally. Almost every farming job, regardless of the product, comes with its fair share of physical labor. Although modern technology has blessed us with advanced farm machinery and equipment, the health and wellness of your body is still crucial to being able to do your job well and without pain. But fear not, we know how to help you and your body get back into peak working condition and even prevent further pain and injury. If you’re in the farming industry and haven’t considered chiropractic care for your physical wellbeing, here is why we think you should.

What is chiropractic care?

Before we try to convince you that chiro can change your life for the better, you might be wondering, what is chiropractic medicine anyways? Chiropractic care, also known as just chiro, is a very versatile type of medical care that is hands-on and addresses pain without using any medications. Doctors, like our very own Dr. Erin Merrill, are certified to use their hands and special instruments to manipulate joints in your body which, if out of place, can cause you significant pain and stress in your life. Chiro is a great tool for people experiencing back, shoulder and neck pain, but it can be applied to many different kinds of pain throughout the body and has benefits that positively affect overall health as well.  

Farming back pain? You’re not alone. 

If you suffer from chronic or even occasional back pain, you are far from alone. According to a report in the National Agriculture Safety Database, 26% of farmers and ranchers deal with chronic back pain, and that number is likely low. Some types of farming place a much bigger strain on the back, which could lead to more serious injuries like herniated and bulging discs and degenerative disc disease. Don’t worry though, because a chiropractor can help with those issues too. Most of the pain relief in chiropractic medicine for the back specifically comes from the realignment of the spine. The doctor will use pressure and massage techniques to get everything back into place and will also give you recommendations on how to avoid further pain. 

Arthritis pain relief with chiro

The back and neck are common places for those working in the farming industry to experience pain, but manual labor affects the entire body and affects everyone differently. The good news is chiropractic care can also help alleviate pain in the elbows, knees, hips and even arthritic pain. There are actually over “150 techniques that chiropractors use to manually adjust the spine, joints, and muscles,” and not all of them use the intense pressure or popping of bones and joints that you might have seen dramatically done by a chiropractor on social media. If you are dealing with arthritic pain, your doctor can gently manipulate your soft tissue to help stop muscle spasms and relieve joint tenderness. They also may recommend exercises and stretches that can help increase range of motion and decrease chronic pain. If this all sounds too good to be true, we promise you it is not!

Beyond the physical pain of farming

Beyond needing treatment for specific areas of pain, chiropractic care is also great for maintaining your overall health and wellbeing, including your mental health. Chiro has repeatedly been proven to help with headaches and migraines, especially if they are being caused by tension in the neck. Relieving neck tension, whether you knew you had it or not, can also help improve your quality of sleep and range of motion. If you are struggling with physical pain and maintaining your mental health, chiropractic care can be a great way to help improve both at the same time. That being said, if you feel you are going through a severe mental health crisis, we encourage you to reach out to a mental health professional specifically. If you are just looking to improve your overall well-being though, realigning the spine can actually help neurotransmitters travel to parts of the body that had been blocked off while the spine was out of place. Restoring these nerve pathways can lead to greater mental clarity and mental health without the use of medications. 

We at Creekside Chiropractic are so grateful for everything farmers do for our community and nation and we know that your work comes with its own unique set of physical challenges. We hope that if you are experiencing physical pain that is holding you back from doing your best work, you consider working with a chiropractic practice. We are here to help you live your best pain-free life.

Schedule your first chiropractic appointment online today!

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Why Sheridan Blog

Why Sheridan for Chiropractic Care?

At Creekside Chiropractic, we believe that chiropractic care isn’t just about your spine. It’s about improving your overall quality of life through specialized pain treatment. This is why our team of licensed chiropractors set the tone for drug-free pain management and total body health care. It’s who we are and what we do. Here are four reasons why you should choose Creekside Chiropractic in Sheridan, Indiana, as your home for chiropractic care. 

1. Who We Are

Our Creekside Chiropractic team is led by Dr. Erin L. Merrill, a Certified Chiropractic Extremity Practitioner who provides patient examination, diagnosis, and specified chiropractic treatment. We are licensed chiropractors, dedicated to helping you manage and reduce your pain. 

We specialize in a variety of pain management and reduction services. Through our expert care services, we aim to treat your pain while helping to improve your overall wellbeing.

2. What We Do

Creekside Chiropractic offers a wide range of excellent services, spanning from chiropractic care and massage therapy to K-laser tissue healing and infrared sauna treatments. 

Our chiropractic care is a hands-on, drug-free approach for reducing or eliminating joint pain. We provide the following chiropractic therapeutic procedures; spinal manipulation, extremity adjustment, intersegmental traction, kinesiology taping, the Active Release Technique, the Graston technique, and K-Laser therapy. 

Interested in massage therapy? We offer a Swedish massage, pregnancy massage, and deep tissue massage with optional hot stone therapy. These therapeutic massages alleviate back pain, improve range of motion, and lessen depression and anxiety, among many other benefits. 

Don’t feel like you have to choose just one service when you visit! Our various treatments can all be combined to create a customized day of services. 

3. How We Serve

At Creekside Chiropractic, we pride ourselves on our quality of care. Several of our patients have described their experience as follows:

“Dr. Erin and her staff are professional, friendly, and fun! They are a huge part of the Sheridan community. Adjustments are efficient and effective.” -Jamie M.

“Dr Erin and her staff are amazing and always accommodating!” -Melissa W. 

“Excellent friendly service, great professional chiro-practin’!” -Josh D.

Our team is effective, friendly, and professional in our care. We are driven by the goal to help our patients achieve a pain-free life. 

4. Where We Operate

You don’t need to drive an hour to have a relaxing experience. Located in northwest Hamilton County in the town of Sheridan, Creekside Chiropractic is close to home. We are less than 20 minutes away from Carmel and Westfield, and less than 30 minutes away from Lebanon, Noblesville, Tipton, and Whitestown. 

Live pain-free and get back to the things you love. Schedule an appointment with Creekside Chiropractic today! Contact us online or give us a call at 317-758-4880.

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Vitamin D and Sun Safety

With a growing number of people with vitamin D deficiencies, and the threat of skin damage, Vitamin D and sun safety can be confusing topics. Should you use sunscreen to avoid skin damage? Or should you avoid sunscreen so your body can start generating its own vitamin D? If you do use sunscreen, which one is best? What about all the chemicals? If you can’t get enough D from the sun, should you supplement? If so, which supplement should you choose?

It’s a lot to think about. Let us help simplify vitamin D and sun safety.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is touted for its immune boosting properties and has even been recommended by some doctors as part of a prevention or treatment option for current viral infections plaguing the world. The cheapest, easiest and most effective way to increase your vitamin D is to sit in the sun WITHOUT sunscreen. But let’s not go crazy. Too much direct sunlight is not good for the skin. So, we recommend 10-20 minutes a day in direct sunlight, exposing as much skin as possible.

Vitamin D Supplements

When you just can’t get enough sun, especially in the colder months, a vitamin D supplement can be a good addition to your daily routine. When choosing a supplement, look for vitamin D3, which is better absorbed than its synthetic cousin, D2. According to Dr. Joseph Mercola, it’s also important to have your levels tested periodically and choose a supplement with K2, which reduces toxicity and calcification by directing calcium to areas of the body where it’s needed, like bones and teeth, and away from areas where it shouldn’t be, including your soft tissues and arteries.

We recommend OrthoMolecular’s Vitamin K2 with D3, which we can order directly for you.

Sunscreen

When planning a day in the sun, sunscreen should be on the mind. But if there ever was a landmine of conflicting recommendations this would be it. The sunscreen market is flooded with products containing harmful ingredients, many of which build up in the body, cause systemic problems and are not very effective in protecting the skin from more subtle damage from UVA rays.

According to Dr. Josh Axe, it’s important to note that even among more natural, mineral-based products, there is no perfect sunscreen.

So, we recommend applying a simple zinc oxide-based sunscreen about 30 minutes prior to going outside.  According to the Environmental Working Group’s 15th annual Guide to Sunscreens, zinc oxide is generally recommended as safe and effective. However, it has some limitations and is best mixed with other ingredients for more effective protection. To find the right product for your family, check out this list of top sunscreens for every occasion, or get the kids involved in making your own with this simple recipe.

Sun Overexposure

Even with the best of intentions, sunburns happen. When those unfortunate evens occur, we recommend lots of hydration, moisturizing with pure aloe vera gel and unrefined coconut oil and considering ibuprofen to reduce inflammation and pain.

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Five Easy Remedies for Seasonal Allergies

You’ve dodged Rona all year, but seasonal allergies just might take you down. The good news is that we have Five Easy Remedies for Seasonal Allergies that you can start using right now.

Local Raw Honey

This is when shopping local matters because the bees go from plant to plant, picking up small amounts of pollen from the same plants you’re allergic to. We recommend eating a tablespoon of local raw honey every day to help your body build a tolerance to the pollen in your area. You can eat it straight from the spoon, put it in your smoothies or add some to a cup of hot soothing tea. (Check out Eagle Creek Apiary in Sheridan for some delicious varieties.)

Supplements

Consider adding Natural D-hist from Ortho Molecular to your vitamin protocol. This low-risk supplement is packed with a blend of vitamin C, quercetin, bromelain, stinging nettles, and N-acetyl cysteine, which work together to battle seasonal allergies and promote healthy sinus and nasal passages. It is available in both capsules and chewables for children, but should only be purchased by a reputable provider to ensure quality. Contact us directly to order yours.

Nasal Flushes

We know it doesn’t sound fun and we’re not going to lie and say that it is. However, by safely cleaning out the sinuses with a sterile saline rinse, true magical relief can be found for seasonal allergies. Plus, it’s super inexpensive and easy to do. The Netti Pot is the most recognizable brand, but we also like the Neil Med Sinus Rinse Kit for its ease of use. Go with what works best for you and make sure to follow the instructions by sterilizing your device before each use and only using clean distilled water.

Spice Things Up

Delicious food as medicine is not a bad way to go. Because spicy foods help thin and clear mucus from the sinuses, a jar of Red Jalapeno Mustard from Sheridan’s LocalFolks Foods might be just what you need to battle seasonal allergies. So indulge a little and get your nose and eyes running to clear out the gunk.

Chiropractic Care

An allergic response is created when the immune system recognizes a foreign object as harmful and goes haywire trying to attack it. What comes next is a cascade of inflammatory substances (namely cortisol and histamine) that trigger the symptoms of seasonal allergies. By correcting misalignments with regular and specific chiropractic adjustments, the body will come into balance and work more efficiently to battle these invaders.

 

Dr. Erin Merrill-Macy of Sheridan’s Creekside Chiropractic Can Help with Seasonal Allergies

If you or your family suffer from mild to moderate seasonal allergies, consider bringing them in for a visit. Dr. Erin Merrill-Macy can treat both children and adults and serves patients from Sheridan, Noblesville, Westfield, Carmel, Tipton, Zionsville, Whitestown, Lebanon and surrounding areas.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

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Meet Dr. Erin Merrill-Macy: Sheridan’s Hometown Chiropractor

Do you try to stay informed on health and wellness but get flustered with conflicting information that seems out of touch? Or maybe you’ve been dealing with pain that doesn’t seem to improve no matter what you try. It’s times like these that make you wish you had a friend who could help wade through some of it….someone you know and trust. Meet, Dr. Erin Merrill-Macy, Sheridan’s hometown chiropractor.

As a life-long resident of Sheridan, Indiana, Erin earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Butler University and is a chiropractic graduate of Palmer College. But, it’s what she’s done with her education and entrepreneurial spirit that makes her Sheridan’s hometown chiropractor.

With the world at her feet, Erin opened Creekside Chiropractic on Sheridan’s Main Street with a passion to reinvest in the town that helped shape her. And, it’s that hometown approach that endears her to so many of her patients. If you’re not a friend coming in, you soon will be.

So, as Erin learns more about you, we want to share some fun facts about her.

  • In addition to hosting an annual Holiday Open House for local makers and small businesses, Erin has served as a member of the Sheridan Chamber of Commerce as well as the Sheridan FFA.
  • As a working mom, Dull’s Tree Farm holds a special place in her heart not only for the memories made with the kids, but also because Dull’s served as the backdrop for her wedding.
  • While following the keto diet, Erin loves Factor Meals, water and all things cauliflower. However, while she has a soft spot for the occasional apple cider slush, avocados are a hard pass for her. (Not even guacamole!)
  • Erin is a Certified Medical Examiner and a Nationally Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician. So she can adjust your spine, complete your DOT physical AND make sure your car seats are installed correctly.
  • At one point she owned 100 pairs of jeans and continues to be on a first name basis with the employees at Buckle.
  • When not serving the residents in and around Sheridan, Erin and her crew stay busy with swim lessons, horseback riding, trips to the park and Kiwi Crates for rainy days. But when it’s time for self-care, you can find Erin practicing hot yoga or enjoying a dinner date with her husband at their favorite, Kazan Steakhouse.

We could go on and on about all the things that make Dr. Erin Merrill-Macy special as Sheridan’s hometown chiropractor, but we have to save something for you to talk about at your next appointment. Give us a call to set your next appointment and learn more about Erin and the rest of the team at Creekside Chiropractic.

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