Sciatica can be a terrible and disabling pain that begins in the lower back and travels down into one or both legs.  The pain can be felt in the lower back, buttocks, hamstrings, thighs, behind the knees, calves, and even feet.  Chiropractic care and massage therapy (our integrative concept) has proven to be quite helpful.  We have had great success handing many cases of patients with sciatica.

Before you submit yourself to dangerous and irreversible surgery, more and more patients are seeking a natural approach offered by the chiropractic care!

The typical person who suffers from sciatica is over 40 years old and overweight.  It typically begins as acute lower back pain and then travels down the back of either lower extremity.  When really “fired up”, you may feel a burning pain extending from the back, through your buttocks and down your leg.  The pain is generally aggravated by bending, sitting, or standing.

Like a tree’s branches extending from the trunk, five pairs of nerves exit the spine in the lower back to form two sciatic nerves.  These nerves are the largest peripheral nerves in your body - about as thick as your thumb!  The discs of your spine are regular culprits when it comes to sciatica.  You have a soft, pulpy disc lying between each of your spinal bones.  While a disc can’t “slip”, it can bulge, herniate and rupture.  The causes can be acute trauma, repetitive micro-trauma (i.e. bending, twisting and lifting), or spinal degeneration/decay.  The injured disc can put direct pressure on nearby nerves.  The result?

Swelling. Inflammation. Pain.

You may suspect a disc injury involvement if you have more pain when you cough, sneeze, have bowel movements, or extend your back.  To be sure, I can perform a thorough examination in our office and detect sciatica caused by disc injury or other causes.  Sometimes I may prescribe an MRI if more information is needed.

Sciatica tends to worsen when you ignore it.  Extended bed rest makes it worse too.  Dangerous pain pills and muscle relaxers don’t correct the cause.  They just act to cover up the symptoms, and give you a false sense of healing.  Chemical fixes don’t get to the root physical cause.

Surgery often involves cutting away disc tissue or removing bone to make room for the inflamed nerve. Sadly, outcomes of spinal surgery are not very good statistically.

Fortunately, Sciatica Often Responds To Natural Therapy… Chiropractic Care, Massage Therapy, Laser Therapy, And Core Rehabilitation!

Our approach focuses on improving your body function.  Our techniques help improve joint motion, relax tight muscles, stabilize the body, and stimulate healing.  Millions of people worldwide have experienced good results from the type of care we provide.  Many of our patients have reported a freedom from their sciatic pain and an ability to resume their lives without resorting to drugs and surgery.

There is hope!  For a free introductory evaluation to determine if I can help your sciatica, please contact our office today.

Most people find sleep enjoyable - as it provides refreshing rest for the body and soul. But if you’re NOT like “most people” (perhaps you describe yourself as a rebel of sorts) and you could care less about the health benefits of a great night’s sleep… then read on.  By implementing only a handful of the following tips, you can achieve a truly horrible night’s sleep:

1. Stay in “work mode” right up to the last waking minute.  Keep your mind intently focused on work as much as possible. Even if your body has left work, your mind doesn’t have to!  Ignore any temptations to refresh yourself and “enjoy life”.
2. Get yourself “fired-up” at bed time.  Build off of your frustrations, anxieties, and worries.  Avoid any activities that may act to calm yourself, such as reading, prayer, deep breathing exercises, or any other relaxation techniques.  Especially avoid talking things out with a loved one.  Just keep holding on to anything and everything that’s bothering you.
3. Eat just before lying down to sleep. Don’t give your body a chance to digest your food.  That bloated feeling will contribute to a terrible night’s sleep.
4. Avoid exercising.  Exercise can contribute to the relief of your tension, which you just can’t afford to lose if you’re looking to toss and turn all night.
5. Indulge in caffeine and sweets.  Nothing thwarts relaxation more that a quick burst of “artificial” energy.  Avoid foods that provide “healthy” energy, such as whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables.  Filling your body with unhealthy foods is one of the keys to achieving a horrible night’ sleep.
6. Don’t forgive others.  Hold in all your anger, resentment, and bitterness.
7. Make sure your pillow and mattress provide no support.  Avoid “cervical” pillows and therapeutic beds, as they can only act to relax your spine and body.
8. Ignore your pain.  Avoid any temptation to call your chiropractor or massage therapist.  Chiropractic care and massage can relieve pain and relax your body and many patients report  that they sleep better while under care.  Relish your pain and stiffness, and don’t worry… it’ll be there in the morning.

We are approaching a crossroads in our country’s health care system.  President Obama is pushing Congress to make some major changes by the end of the summer. You can make your voice heard and influence the decision makers.

From ChiroVoice.com…

Health care reform shouldn’t be about politics – instead, the focus should be on ways to keep people well. Currently, our health care system is based on responding to acute problems, urgent needs of patients, and pressing concerns, and as a result we spend minimal time working to prevent illness and disease. Chiropractic, however, focuses on prevention. Not only does your doctor of chiropractic want to keep you pain free, he or she also wants to focus on preventive care, like smoking cessation, eating better and getting more exercise. Without the inclusion of chiropractic care in any reform plan, people will take more medications, undergo more unnecessary surgeries and suffer more pain. That is not a solution.

President Obama has reaffirmed his desire for Congress to pass a comprehensive health care bill by the end of the summer. Now is the time for your elected officials to hear from the people they serve – YOU – that chiropractic is an essential component to any health care plan.

Please encourage your friends and family to join ChiroVoice, and then suggest they contact Congress to share their support for chiropractic.

ChiroVoice is the voice of patients – people like you – who care about real health care reform. Thank you for your continued support.

On June 19th, 2008, I posted an article entitled “Everyone Needs Good Support and Balance“.  I explained how important it is to have a thorough exam by someone who knows what to look for.  Then your problem(s) can be handled from the right “angle”.  

I explained that you may need adjustments, massage, and exercise therapy.  Or perhaps you may need laser therapy or electrical stimulation.  I went on to explain that regardless of your condition, you need good balance and support.  Then I described a very common condition called excessive pronation.  If you haven’t been tested for this condition, please let me know, because…

This Condition Has A Damaging Effect On The Whole Body!

I now use a digital foot scanner, that (in just about 5 minutes) will allow me to test both of your feet for possible arch problems. In addition to recommending spinal pelvic stabilizers by Foot Levelers, I went on to recommend running shoes by New Balance, model 1123.

NEW BALANCE 1123 REPORT

I’ve been using them for nearly a year now.  I use them when I run 2-3 times per week on average.  I can tell you so far that I’d give them 5 stars out of 5!  They are extremely comfortable, stable, and hold my Foot Levelers spinal pelvic stabilizers perfectly.  They appear to be very durable.  The only signs of wear are some tiny “chunks” of rubber taken out of the back of both heel areas (not on the the sole).  So I can say very confidently that they are still HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! 

Chiropractic care has proven to be a very safe and effective health care system for the entire family.  While no health care system is completely free of risks, few can equal chiropractic’s safety.

Chiropractic Is Gentle, Non-Invasive, Drug-Free, And Can Benefit People Of All Ages… From Newborn Infants To The Elderly!

For decades, organized medicine attacked the chiropractic profession.  Thanks to millions of people who ignored this harassment…

Chiropractic Has Become The Largest Natural, Non-Drug Healing Art In The World!

And today, many M.D.’s are chiropractic patients, and even refer their own patients to chiropractic doctors.  For over 100 years now, chiropractic has had an excellent safety record backed up by modern research.  This is the result of a conservative approach to health that avoids invasive procedures or dangerous drugs.

Chiropractic care is far safer than…

• Back surgery
• Muscle relaxers, and even…
• Common aspirin!

We help our patients to…

Experience Superior Health Through Natural Therapy!

We accomplish this through a holistic approach and integrative care - combining chiropractic, massage, exercise, nutritional counseling, and laser therapy techniques. This strategy sets us apart from many other health practitioners, and gives you the best opportunity to experience superior health!

Being healthy is usually one of the highest priorities to each of us. Living to a “ripe old age” in good health is also important to most people.

Unfortunately no one, doctors of chiropractic included, can guarantee that you will live to be 100 or that you will live even one day in perfect health.

But while there are no guarantees, there are things that you can do to increase your potential to be healthier and to live longer.

Things like:

• Eating a whole food plant-based diet
• Getting regular moderate exercise
• Managing your stress (we all have it!)
• Getting the proper amount of rest and sleep
• Drinking clean water
• Breathing clean air
• Getting the proper amount of sunshine
• Maintain the integrity of your nervous system

Making These A Regular Part Of Your Life Will Increase Your Potential To Be Healthier, More Productive And To Enjoy Life More!

Maintaining the integrity of your nervous system is something else that’s essential to your  health in general.  When your nervous system is working properly, you have the greatest potential to have superior health. Without a working nervous system you cannot live… and if it’s not working properly, you cannot experience superior health.

You Can’t Even Receive The Maximum Benefit From Good Food, Exercise And Rest Unless Your Nervous System Is Healthy!

This is why doctors of chiropractic (like me) place such a great emphasis on taking care of the nervous system. Chiropractic doctors can improve the function of your nervous system by removing interference caused by subluxations (misaligned bones).

I use a highly effective “whole-body” adjusting approach to improve joint biomechanics and reduce nervous system interference. The approach we use is based on our judgment and years of experience.

Do You Have Any Concerns That Your Body Isn’t Working At Its Optimal Level, And You Want To Experience Superior Health?

Not sure what to do?

I can help! To find out more, please give us a call or just stop by our office.  I can provide you a FREE introductory exam and consultation.  You can ask me anything.  I’ll do a brief assessment to see if care at our office would be appropriate.  If I can help you, I’ll let you know within 15-30 minutes.  And you decide to start care… then we’ll take it from there!

Our Wellness Programs Are Each Individually Designed And Well-Balanced To Help You Achieve Superior Health!

Don’t be satisfied with:

• Chronic back pain
• Low energy or fatigue
• Headaches
• Neck pain
• Shoulder pain
• Sciatica
• Being overweight
• Knee pain
• OR WHATEVER ELSE IS BOTHERING YOU!

We may be able to provide you with a NATURAL and PROVEN solution!  Contact us today to schedule your exam and consultation!

JUNE SIGN-UP SPECIAL

Join any massage plan in June at 50% off your first month!  

(Receive 1-hour massages for as low as only $19.50 with the GOLD PLAN!!!)

click here to see our regular fees

FATHER’S DAY GIFT PACKAGES - Only $60.00 each

#1  A One-Hour Massage & A $25 Gift Card to Lowe’s!

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Mostly all of us have been taught to view symptoms as bad.  And when you have spinal pain, headaches, or just feel rotten, you’re told to get rid of the symptoms as fast as possible. But usually this is done without regard for your own health and without understanding the role of symptoms in your health.

When we are suffering we are told to take aspirin, or Tylenol, or to TAKE MORE AND MORE CHEMICALS!  Listen.  First of all, health can’t be found in any bottle!  Second, symptoms and pain are NOT always bad!  Your body was designed with a special warning system to let you know if something is harming you.  Pain is a way that your body talks to you.  Back pain may be your body’s way of telling you that you’re injured and need rest.  In many ways, pain helps you prevent injury and harm to your body. 

Covering up the pain can be DANGEROUS and can even invite the possibility of further injury.  It’s like having a really expensive fire alarm system in your home…and then disconnecting it before you go to bed so that it doesn’t wake you up in the middle of the night!  BUT THAT IS ITS JOB!

If you injured your back, can imagine the damage you could do if you used a simple pain-killing drug that allowed you to forget the pain.  You might begin lifting again, which could very easily cause severe muscle and joint damage worse than the first injury!

There’s another aspect of symptoms that we need to look at.  Sometimes your symptoms are an indication that your body is doing its job perfectly.  Vomiting and diarrhea are natural body functions that could save your life!   If you’ve eaten bad food, you want your body to do its best to flush out the toxins you just ate!  These types of symptoms are your body’s own defenses working to keep you as healthy as possible!  Trying to remove these types of symptoms would be just plain harmful to your health!

Now let’s look at this from a different angle.  Most of us believe that if you feel good then you are healthy.  Let me explain why this is a very dangerous way to measure your health.  First, we already saw that symptoms aren’t always bad.  Sometimes they’re present when your body is working fine… as warning signs of damage, or as natural defense mechanisms.  Secondly, many times symptoms are the LAST stage of a disease. 

Did you know that the FIRST symptom of high blood pressure is often a DEADLY STROKE?  The first symptom of heart disease could be a FATAL HEART ATTACK!

You see, heart disease is a process - it takes time before your heart gives way.  By the time you feel it, it may be too late.  To put it simply, symptoms are a terribly inaccurate measurement of your state of health.

This is why I take a different approach to health care.  I won’t put my focus on your symptoms… I’ll put 110% of my focus on your health!  I understand that if your health is good then you are less likely to get sick. And my techniques are guaranteed to help you be healthier!  Let’s face it, what you really need to do is this:

TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEALTH NOW BECAUSE BY THE TIME YOUR SYMPTOMS WARN YOU OF A PROBLEM, IT MAY BE TOO LATE! 

You’ll be much less likely to be sick and suffer from symptoms if your body is really healthy!  

Since TRUE HEALTH IS NOT DETERMINED BY HOW YOU FEEL, then how do you really know if you’re healthy?  You’re probably thinking, “What determines health, if it isn’t determined by the absence of things like symptoms and pain?”  The answer is…

SUPERIOR HEALTH IS DETERMINED BY THE PRESENCE OF THINGS - NOT BY THE ABSENCE OF THINGS SUCH AS SYMPTOMS OR PAIN!

Health is determined by the presence of all of your body parts functioning at their optimum levels.  In other words, when all of your body parts are working at 100% - you are 100% healthy.  It’s that simple!  If there were one thing I would want you to remember from this article, it’s this:

HEALTH IS THE NORMAL STATE OF YOUR BODY!

You need to view your health as something that can be created, enhanced, destroyed, and lost. You can picture your health like the contents of a bucket.  Doing the right things adds to the contents of the bucket and increases your health.  Doing bad things lessens the contents and may bring about disease.  Unfortunately, there’s an inherent problem with the bucket… it has holes at the bottom through which the contents continually leak.  Some of the holes are due to things you can’t change such as: aging, unavoidable stress and previous injuries.  But remember, there are many things that are in your control that cause holes.  So what are you to do when the contents leaks out all over the floor?   Should you spend time mopping up the floor?  NO!  This is just taking away the symptoms of a possible deeper health problem.  And we already discussed that this is taking a dangerous risk with your own health.  To really make a positive change in your health, you need to continually add to the contents of the bucket and to avoid things that cause more holes in your bucket.  You can’t do much about the past.  But remember:

IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO BEGIN TO DO WHAT’S RIGHT AND BEGIN DOING WHAT IT TAKES TO EXPERIENCE SUPERIOR HEALTH!

And remember that I’m here to help!  I’ll work with you one-on-one and help you with your individual needs.  I promise to do my best to guide and encourage you to get on and stay on the road to good health!

Your focus then moves from treating symptoms, to actively doing the things necessary to EXPERIENCE SUPERIOR HEALTH!  If you make the effort to stop chasing your symptoms and start moving towards optimum health then you’ll be truly practicing preventative health care.

Why be content to be merely free from symptoms when you can ensure better health & vitality for yourself and your whole family for your entire lives?

How Common Are Shoulder Problems?

Shoulder pain is a common complaint that is often associated with neck pain and upper back pain.  The only complaint we see more frequently in our office is low back pain.

“According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 13.7 million people in the United States sought medical care in 2003 for shoulder problems.”

When you think of shoulder injuries, you probably think of sports-related injuries seen in baseball or tennis.   However, shoulder injuries can be easily caused by many normal everyday activities. The shoulder is so  susceptible to injury because it has the greatest range of motion of all the joints of the body.  And with increased motion, you have less stability.

To appreciate the incredible design of the shoulder itself and to understand the complexities in caring for shoulder problems we have to first take a look at the basic anatomy of the shoulder.  The shoulder consists of three major bones and over twenty different muscles.

Basic Shoulder Anatomy

The two main bones of the shoulder are the humerus and the scapula (shoulder blade).  The joint cavity us cushioned by articular cartilage covering the head of the humerus and face of the glenoid.  The scapula extends up around the shoulder joint at the rear to form the roof called the acromion, and around the shoulder joint at the front to form the coracoid process.  The end of the scapula, called the glenoid, meets the head of the humerus to form a glenohumeral cavity that acts as a flexible ball-and-socket joint.  A ring of fibrous cartilage surrounding the glenoid is called the labrum, which stabilizes the joint.  Ligaments connect bones of the shoulder and tendons join the bones to the surrounding muscles.

Two major tendons of the shoulder are the biceps tendon, which attaches the biceps muscle to the shoulder and helps stabilize the joint, and the supraspinatus tendon, which helps form the rotator cuff.  Four short muscles originate on the scapula and pass around the shoulder where their tendons fuse together to form the rotator cuff.

Other major muscles that make up the shoulder girdle are the deltoids, the biceps, the triceps, the pectoralis, the rhomboid, the trapezius, the latisimus dorsi, the teres major, the levator scapula, and others.

All of these anatomical components, along with the muscles of your upper body, work together to manage the stress your shoulder receives as you lift, extend, flex, and throw.

Common Shoulder Problems

• Tendonitis:  Inflammation of a tendon.  Commonly affecting the biceps tendon at the front of the shoulder.  Symptoms include painful shoulder motion and increased pain at night.
• Rotator Cuff Strain or Rupture:  Injury to the muscle and tendon that covers, rotates, and raises the shoulder.  Symptoms include shoulder pain and difficulty raising the shoulder.
• Impingement Syndrome: Rubbing and clicking of the shoulder on overhead motions.  The ball of the shoulder joint rubs against the ledge (the Acromium) over the shoulder.  It is frequently associated with tendonitis and rotator cuff problems.  Symptoms include pain during movement of shoulder and increased pain when raising shoulder approaching 90 degrees.
• Subluxations: Bones shifting from their normal place and becoming “stuck”.  Symptoms include joint stiffness and weakness. Pain may or may not be present.
• Bursitis: Inflamed bursa sack.  Symptoms include painful to the front or side of the shoulder and pain at night.
• Myofascial Pain: Muscle inflammation involving any of the shoulder muscles.  Symptoms include local and/or referred pain in the shoulder, the upper back, the neck, the head, the shoulder blade area, or in the arm.
• Nerve Irritation: Inflamed or irritated nerves originating from cervical spine or the brachial plexus.  Symptoms include shoulder pain, neck pain, arm pain, shooting or burning pain traveling from neck to shoulder, to arm, and to the hand.

Our Approach To Shoulder Problems

First we would start with a thorough case history, consultation, and examination.  I may recommend diagnostic studies (x-ray or MRI) if I need more information. At this point, if I determine that care is appropriate and you decide to begin care, I will design a treatment plan for you.  If at any time I discover something beyond the scope of my practice, I won’t hesitate to contact your primary care provider to discuss a possible referral to another healthcare provider.

We follow a very effective  treatment strategy based on the letters ASR.  They stand for:

• A - Adjust (whole-body adjustment techniques)
• S - Support (spinal pelvic stabilizers and other joint supports)
• R - Rehabilitate (targeted exercise therapy/physical rehab)

My approach that works so well with the spine can be applied to other joints of the body. Virtually every articulation of your skeletal system is susceptible to fixations that can impair function and range of motion.  We have a variety of other treatment options to help you recover quickly and completely.  Some of our other treatment options could include:

• Massage therapy
• Laser therapy
• Electrostimulation treatment
• Home TENS unit
• Therapeutic taping
• Targeted rehabilitative exercises for the shoulder
• Exercise modification
• Home exercise program
• Nutritional supplementation and dietary modification

We don’t want you to have to resort to dangerous medicines, injections, or surgery.  Our approach is to use chiropractic care and other natural therapies (such as massage or rehab exercises) to correct your shoulder problem quickly and  naturally.

It’s a common misconception that by following a vegetarian diet, you will be limiting your food choices to a few basic and bland foods.  This idea is absolutely wrong.  These days, traditional supermarkets and restaurants offer a variety of delicious meatless choices. Going vegetarian can be a very healthy lifestyle choice but it has potential pitfalls.  After all, pizza, chips, cookies, soda, and french fries are vegetarian… but far from healthy!  So instead of focusing on “vegetarianism”, I recommend a whole food plant-based diet, which can do more to promote superior health than many vegetarian diets.

Defining Vegetarianism. A healthy vegetarian diets consists of eating plant-based foods such as vegetables, salads, fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains. These are the three common types of vegetarianism:

• Vegan - a strict diet consisting of only plant-based foods; all animal-based foods (and in some cases animal-based products/clothing) are avoided.
• Lacto-vegetarian - allow dairy products in their diet; completely avoid eggs, meat, fish, and poultry.
• Lacto-ovo vegerarian - allow dairy products as well as eggs, but avoid all other animal-based foods.

Health Benefits of Vegetarianism

• Maintenance of normal body weight
• Lower rates of diabetes
• Greatly reduced risk of cancer
• Greatly reduced risk of heart disease
• Lower cholesterol
• Lower blood pressure
• Reduced risk of kidney stones

Common Pitfalls

• Not eating enough nutrient-dense foods (green leafy vegetables; learn how to make salads exciting)
• Eating too many grain-type products (especially non-whole grain)
• Not getting enough protein (learn how to get enough protein from plants)
• Not getting enough calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron, and zinc (if your diet is filled with dark green veggies, legumes, fruit, nuts, seeds, and a variety of whole grains, you should have no difficulty; you may want to consider supplementing with a quality liquid whole food superfood supplement like intraMAX)

Simple Tips to Get You Started. Consider selecting a variety of different foods to construct your healthy diet.  Using a variety has always helped our family stay on track.  Also, realize just how blessed you are with such an amazingly delicious array of natural and wholesome foods at local stores… so explore a little and enjoy them.

• Start fresh with a home clean out.
• Start with simple recipes that you are already familiar with, such as pasta with veggies, veggie stir-fry, salads, and fruit salads.
• Begin replacing one or two meals a week and keep adding meals until your menu is fully whole food plant-based.
• Search this site and the internet for recipes.
• Dining out can be challenging.  If you’re unsure of the menu choices, I recommend filling up by eating a healthy meal prior to going out.  Restaurants that have a fair variety of vegetarian choices are Chinese, Indian, Thai, and Middle Eastern.
• Try these tips to handle picky eaters.