Why Guitarists, Bassists, And Pianists Seek Chiropractic Treatment For Relief Of Carpal Tunnel Pain
When I became a chiropractor in Glendale, I discovered that my technical skills were surprisingly advanced due to the fact that I’d been a guitar player for more than fifteen years. Needless to say, my hand coordination was advanced! I also became aware of the hand problems that many musicians develop, like carpal tunnel syndrome. In fact, I was not only known as a Glendale Chiropractor, but I became known as “the music doctor” because musicians from all over started coming to see me to “fix” their hand problems. The pain relief and increased mobility that my patients experienced, and the carpal tunnel surgeries (often ineffective or worse!) that were avoided resulted in plenty of “thank yous.” In fact during the holiday season, I not only got numerous “fruit baskets” from my grateful patients, but plenty of “fruitcakes” from grateful insurance agencies who were compelled to spend far less each year in compensating for chiropractic treatment than they did for carpal tunnel surgeries!
Why do so many musicians, especially guitarists and pianists, experience carpal tunnel challenges in particular? Well, the carpal tunnel is located within the underside of the wrist! This “tunnel” or “passage” is the place through which the Median nerve passes on its way to affect and animate the hands and fingers. Nerve entrapment is often the result of the types of repetitive movements performed by many musicians. to be sure, such nerve entrapment disorder is quite common. The nerve is impinged between other tissues when the size of the tendon enlarges due to irritation and inflammation caused by overuse…long hours of practice, as well as extended performance, are generally the culprits. Plus, such activities can cause a misalignment of the carpal bones. Commonly, musicians development pain, numbness, pins and needles, and tingling in their fingers and hand(s), particularly their thumb and adjacent two fingers. Quite a few musicians routinely awaken from sleep with these symptoms. And, the absolutely disastrous effects for musicians is that CTS can make hands feel undexterous or weak, and fatigue quickly with activity. If treatment is not addressed, in due time, grasping small objects (like a guitar pick or the bow of a bass) with the thumb and fingers can be extremely affected. And, although the keen musician who has discovered the efficacy of chiropractic care would not allow this to happen, untreated Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can become the complete disability of the hand.
In addition to musicians, anyone else who is suffering from repetitive stress pain should see a chiropractor who is an expert when it comes to recognizing the symptoms and solving the problem, like your Glendale chiropractor. He can tell you more about the drug-free, natural approach of chiropractic care. Would you like to find out what chiropractic care can do for you? Then call a chiropractor today!
What Is Scoliosis And How Can Your Grand Rapids Chiropractor Help?
Your chiropractor in Grand Rapids has treated many men, women and children who suffer from the unusual side-to-side, or lateral, curvature of the spine called scoliosis. Your chiropractor wants you to be aware that there is a major difference between bad posture and the condition referred to as scoliosis. Bad posture is easily correctable, while scoliosis, an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, is considerably more difficult to change.
Even prior to seeing your chiropractor in Grand Rapids, there are several ways for you to observe the difference between poor posture and scoliosis. If you were to look at a person with scoliosis in a standing position, you would probably be able to see that one shoulder is higher than the other, and that the scapula (shoulder blade) is raised or more prominent. In addition, if the person’s arms were hanging loosely at his or her sides, you might notice a wider space between the arm and the body on one side. Moreover, one hip might elevated or more prominent than the other. And finally, the head will not appear to be in plumb with the pelvis.
Scoliosis is often mild in nature, but it can be quite severe. In fact, both pulmonary and cardiac functions can be restricted if the curve and rib rotation are severe enough. In the majority of cases of scoliosis, the cause is unknown. This type of scoliosis (Idiopathic) tends to run in families and is thought to have a genetic component.
In general, Idiopathic Scoliosis takes place during adolescence when the body is completing the final major growth spurt. This type of scoliosis is most frequently found in girls. If found, a scoliotic curve should be monitored for any progression. Your chiropractor in Grand Rapids will not only provide periodic examinations, but will suggest standing x-rays if needed.
As mentioned above, most (nearly 90 percent) of scoliotic curvatures are mild to moderate, and make a brace unnecessary. In these cases, regular chiropractic care is beneficial in both in decreasing and adjusting any compensatory musculoskeletal conditions that might happen.
Let An Experienced Auto Appaiser Take The Pain Out Of Your Pre-Purchase Concerns
I speak from years of experience, so you can be confident when I confess that I know a lot about back pain! I am an auto appraiser, which is to say that when someone wants to know the value of their own car or how much an automobilie is authentically worth that they are thinking of buying, I’m the guy who spends innumerable hours bending over and looking under the hood and crawling, sliding, or otherwise placing my body under a car that may be parked on cold concrete, hot blacktop, or gritty, abrasive gravel. And, I have to confess that my most worthwhile relationship is the one I have with my chiropractor, don’t get too busy to keep my monthly maintenance appointments with her, instead of waiting for sudden mechanical difficulties (like not being able to walk upright), then I find that I’m ready to hit the road every day pain-free!
Are you wondering what is involved in an auto appraisal? It’s something many people wonder about when it is required. So, let me explain one or two of the services that an experienced auto appraiser provides:
- An auto appraiser is your experienced set of eyes and can save you travel time and money, whether you are attempting to buy on e-bay or trying to buy a car “from afar.” After talking with you by phone, your auto appraiser will thoroughly check out the automobile you’re interested in and will find out all that you need to know to help you decide if the car is for you and if the selling price is a fair one.
- If you’ve been in an accident, a good auto appraiser can get your damaged vehicle inspected within forty-eight hours of accepting an assignment, write an estimate, and attempt to get an agreed price with a repair facility.
- And, if that accident turned our vehicle into a total loss, and you’re upset about the settlement your insurance company is offering for your totaled car because you’re pretty sure that you won’t be able to replace your car for the amount offered, your adjust can reveiw the facts and help you in making a decision.
A qualified auto appraiser doesn’t stop at cars. He’ll appraise semis and RVs too. But, really what I want you to take away from this article is that your auto appraiser often makes a lot of pain for himself on your behalf in order to assist you in making your auto-related decisions pain-free!
Lifelong Health May Mean Staying Out of the Sun!
As a chiropractor who believes that health and longevity include exercise, nutrition, a clean environmental, and chiropractic for health, I feel a need to warn you that if you’re looking for lifelong health fitness, you better run for the shade and fast! According to new FDA sunscreen guidelines, sunshine is definitely not safe…especially if you’ve been using the old tried-and-true sunblocks. Now, sunscreens will have to undergo testing to make sure that the product protects against both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B light, In which case it will be labeled as “broad spectrum.” Such terms as “sun block,” “waterproof” and “sweat proof” are banned because they give people a false sense security. “Water resistant” sunscreen will still be available, but it must disclose how long it works for and how effective it is. Products that don’t resist water, be it sweat, the pool, the ocean, etc.), will now have a disclaimer that will warm you about using the sunscreen and its lack of protection if you should get wet. And, all sunscreens will have to provide instructions to reapply every two hours for protection.
To be honest, however, I’ve never felt “secure” using most of the sunscreens that have been on the market anyway. In fact, just a year ago a report was leaked claiming sunscreens could possibly increase the speed at which malignant cells develop and spread cancer. Yikes, give me a big umbrella or the shade of an old apple tree. My sun worshipping days are behind me! But, that said, the announcement did reiterate that using protection is safer than any potential risks caused by ingredients in sunscreen. As far as I’m concerned, it often seems as if we’re having to choose between the “lesser of two evils” when it comes to our health! I’m looking forward to the day we can all expect lifelong health from being out in the great outdoors where the ozone layer, once impacted by human indifference, has been regenerated and we won’t need to call upon the artificial protection from what should be a healthy part of Nature.
But that seems to conflict this most recent urging to cover up at all costs. If you make the decision to follow the newly released FDA guidelines, it is important to seek out good sources of Vitamin D from your diet or take additional supplements.
The regulations go into effect in 2012. Expect to start seeing the new labels by then. Manufactures have a year to comply. The FDA is giving smaller companies up to two years.
Treat Your Sports Injury Like You’re a Professional
As a writer for health articles for you to consider in making day-to-day health choices, I cannot think of a more serious subject about which to write about than how to lessen the impact of sports injuries. More and more adults are joining in sports activities (the weekend athletes) as a way of getting or keeping in shape. And, more and more kids are involved in not only very intense sports play, but practice as well. Sport injuries are up — way up! With men and women of all ages active in sports like golf and tennis, and or other healthy activities like running, aerobic classes, and weight training, and kids competing like they were professionals, risks of injury have increased significantly.
Most professional athletes know what to do when they’re injured, but the average sports participant is often caught off-guard both with the injury, itself, and what to do until professional help is found. Here are a few helpful tips:
- Be sure to protect the injury to avoid further damage
- Stop all activity once you are injured and rest the injury
- Ice the injury to decrease swelling, bleeding, muscle spasm, and pain
- Compress the injury, if possible, with a specialized support or elastic bandage to support injured tissues
- Elevate the injury, especially when the damage is to ankles and knees
Of course, proper diagnosis and treatment are essential in order to insure complete recovery. Many chiropractors are expert in the field of sports injuries and can accurately determine the magnitude of your injury. Seeing a chiropractor as soon as possible after an injury has occurred is essential in getting a jump-start, so to speak, on recovery treatment. Sprain and strain injuries, for instance, can cause long-lasting problems, e.g., joint instability, painful and weakened joints and muscles, and lack of mobility, if not cared for correctly. Most sprains and strains are related to some degree of swelling, even internal bleeding, especially where ankles and knees are involved. Strains and sprains require appropriate attention, particularly during the initial stages to assure proper healing and protect against future disability. Experienced treatment of your sports injury by a chiropractor will help to insure that your injury mends quickly and properly, and you’re back in the game!
Walnut Creek Chiropractor Is Awed By The Power Of Chiropractic
I’m just giving the facts, here, so let me say with great professional satisfaction that chiropractors like me, your Walnut Creek chiropractor, have a superior reputation when it comes to relieving back pain. This is due to the fact that chiropractors are spine authorities. In fact, if I had my way, the word “chiropractor” would follow the word “spine” in the dictionary! Anyone who’s ever suffered from back pain — be it mild, moderate, or severe — who has chosen chiropractic treatment — whether from a chiropractor in Walnut Creek or anywhere else in the world where chiropractic treatment is available — has discovered the power of this exceptional non-invasive, drug-free method for relieving back pain. And, you won’t find it surprising to know that since chiropractors are also experts when it comes to addressing the rest of the musculoskeletal system, chiropractic care can often get rid of neck pain, shoulder pain, elbow pain, hip pain, knee pain, and ankle pain. Chiropractic treatment can also give relief from conditions like stress headaches, migraines, carpal tunnel, and plantar fascitis. The healing capabilities of chiropractic are many!
Sometimes, even for chiropractors, the potency of chiropractic treatment and its superiority to help people get rid of pain and back into participating in life can seem, well, almost miraculous. I feel gratified when I read the variety of testimonials given by chiropractic patients who have not only experienced pain relief through chiropractic treatment, but also experienced more life and energy, stress reduction and peace of mind, and a greater ability to get a good night’s sleep.
Still, sometimes I come across something, like this particular research article I read in the scientific periodical, Journal of Pediatric, Maternal and Family Health, and I am moved to a new level of admiration for my profession. The research detailed the case of a severely disabled 16-year-old girl suffering from Cerebral Palsy with muscle spasticity and sleep disturbances. It was her inability to sleep through the night that caused her family the most distress. To compound the young girl’s condition,when she was seven years old, surgeons fused metal rods in her spine, from neck to base.
The mother of the girl hoped that chiropractic treatment could correct her daughter’s spinal subluxations and help to decrease her all too frequent severe pain. One can only imagine that the examination was difficult. Fortunately the chiropractor was able to determine that there were several subluxations that could be safely addressed. Care was initiated at a frequency of twice per week. By her sixth adjustment, the girl was sleeping normally through the night. A measurable improvement in her muscle spasticity was found by her ninth visit.
Yet, even though full recovery was not expected, the authors of the research article noted that “the patient and her family were able to return to a normal sleep schedule as well as enjoy improved quality of life.”
Improved quality of life. Can anyone ask for more from treatment? Not likely! But, do you want to know something? More chiropractors hear those words from their patients than medical doctors do.
Chiropractic for Health Includes a Healthy Lifestyle
The best doctors’ therapy, whether they be doctors of medicine or alternative health, is a good, healthy diet. As many people are beginning to discover, the more natural a person eats, that is to say, the less processed foods and artificially enhanced foods, the healthier a person is going to be (period). And, eating well keeps a person at a healthy weight and, therefore, prevents many weight-related diseases such as cardio-vascular diseases and even cancer. That’s right, according to recent research, losing weight can help reduce a person’s cancer risk and losing weight eating the right kinds of food can reduce it even further.
The Mediterranean-style diet, for instance, not only promotes a life-long dedication to good nutrition, but includes foods that build a strong immune system, are easily digested, and provide natures own health therapies, like: Plenty of fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based foods; using herbs and spices, instead of salt, to flavor foods; eating fish and poultry, while limiting red meat and alcohol consumption; and, using healthy fats like olive oil and canola oil, rather than butter.
Add whole grains and beans, and a regular exercise to this type of healthy eating, and a person will likely find themselves not only free of heart disease and cancer, but less likely to be laid up with colds and the flu!
So, eat your vegetables and fruit, munch on those grains, choose fish and fowl over red meat, and get moving in your life, and you may not only live a good, long life, but a long life of good health!
A Chinese Riddle? What Do Acupuncture and Chiropractic Treatment Have in Common?
What do acupuncture and chiropractic treatments have in common? Arthritis! That’s right, not the disease, but relief from it! Natural techniques like acupuncture and chiropractic have both been proved to be effective in helping people who suffer from painful arthritis to find pain relief even when medical science has failed. The practice of chiropractic has been around for over 100 years. Acupuncture has been a part of traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years! you could say that both of these natural methods of arthritic pain relief are…historical in their efficacy. One reason for this amazing pain-relief track record is because most natural methods of healing tend to look for a cure, i.e., for the real cause of a health problem. Medical practitioners, on the other hand, are trained only to treat symptoms.
A regimen of acupuncture and chiropractic treatment may be the perfect coupling of natural, effective modalities. Those who suffer from arthritis have found the a modern acupuncture treatment that sends electrical currents through the acupuncture needles very beneficial in relieving arthritic pain. And, of course, since arthritis is commonly caused by inflammation and degeneration of particular joints within the skeletal system, chiropractic treatment helps to reduce both. Acupuncture and chiropractic care non-invasive, drug-free treatments by well-trained professionals who treat the body as a whole system rather than a “body of symptoms.”
So, the riddle is solved. If you are experiencing the pain of arthritis and you want to do more for your body than simply “silence the messenger” through drugs, acupuncture and chiropractic are the “dynamic duo” that can help!
Highland Chiropractor Reveals The Connection Between Joint Pain And Dehydration
Air and water are the Big Two for human survival. We humans cannot live long without either. Now, most adults likely haven’t tried to hold their breath to see how long they could go without breathing (or in order to see if mom or dad would give in and give them what they wanted) since they were children. But, how often do we, adults, forgo the other necessity of life…drinking water? And, not just drinking water, but drinking enough water. In order for the human body to function optimally, it needs water (and plenty of it!) Every cell, tissue, organ and system in your body relies on the water you drink. For instance, did you know that your saliva, and the fluids around your joints, are essentially water? It’s true, and in addition to generating dry mouth, dehydration can actually make your joints ache. Moreover, your temperature and metabolism, as well as your blood circulation, are moderated by water. And, there are still more wonders to drinking sufficient water, such as the improvement of nutrient absorption and toxin removal, as well as the reduction of heartburn, hypertension, exhaustion, headaches. Even back pain has been attributed to staying well-hydrated. As a Chiropractor in Highland I make it a point to ask my patients with back pain and joint pain if they are drinking sufficient water on a daily basis, and I advise all of my patients to drink plenty of water on a daily basis.
Obviously, it’s not a subtle point I’m making. Drinking enough water is fundamental for complete health in all the areas described above and, most likely, in ways that researchers have yet to discover. Now, most humans would not be foolish enough to try to go through the day without breathing, yet too frequently a large majority of people go through their day either not drinking water at all or not drinking a sufficient amount. Every human body needs proper hydration no matter what physical activity a person may engage in throughout the day. When it comes to functional challenges caused by dehydration, athletes (who should know better!) are particularly at risk. Researcher, Susan Yeargin, assistant professor of athletic training in Indiana State’s College of Nursing, Health, and Human Services, said of athletes,”Physiologically, their core body temperature could be higher than it should have been if they were hydrated. Their heart rate will be higher, and they’re going to perceive that they’re working harder than they actually are.”
People often ask how much water is sufficient. Chiropractors like me, your Highland chiropractor, agree with most health care professionals in advising at least eight, 8-ounce glasses of water per day for the majority of our patients. However, we advise even more for our patients who are athletes, or for patients who carry around excess weight or exercise or work where it’s hot. So, how can you tell if you’re drinking “enough” water? It’s simple! The answer is in the color of your urine. If you’re well-hydrated, your urine will be a light, pale yellow!
Your San Diego Chiropractor Wants You to Know That Those Seemingly Harmless Extra Few Pounds Can Make a Big Difference As You Age
As a Chiropractor in San Diego, I counsel many individuals who come to my clinic who want to lose weight. I know how hard it can be, and I also know how important it is to lose those extra pounds. Before you decide to add a little more “stretch” to the fabric in your wardrobe, there’s something you may want to know regarding those few extra pounds you may have gained. Over time, they can add up to a surprising number of health challenges from heart and pulmonary diseases and diabetes to back pain and joint degeneration. Surplus poundage puts harmful stress on organs, like the heart, as well as on joints in the low back, hips, and knees. Over half (62%) of men and women in America are overweight or obese, according to recent studies. That is an extremely compelling figure and an enormous problem (no pun intended).
It is likely no surprise to you to learn that the human body was not intended to transport surplus poundage in the form of body fat. Just 20 or 30 extra pounds can, in point of fact, overload and even overwhelm the joints and muscles of the body. Excess weight in the abdominal region, for instance, requires that the body compensate (counterbalance the weight) by tilting the pelvis forward. This angle puts pressure on the joints of the low back. Joint compression inhibits nerve activity and causes painful inflammation. Most people who have a heavy midsectionsuffer from low back pain caused by a compressed sciatic nerve or spinal misalignments that restrict nerves due to weight-bearing stresses. If ignored, misaligned vertebra not only continue to irritate the degenerative changes that have taken place already, but can produce new arthritic changes in the spine in the future.
Are you wondering how chiropractic can help? To begin with the obvious, a “normal” body weight is necessary in order for the musculoskeletal system to act and respond in the way it is designed to. Chiropractic treatment can not only relieve pain created by excess weight compensation, but it can aid in weight reduction. Here’s how. Chiropractic adjustments relieve nerve impingements in the spine and assist in getting motion back into the joints of the musculoskeletal system, such as in the low back, hips, and knees. And, naturally exercise and physical activity are a lot easier, and more beneficial for the body, when the spine is in alignment and the joints have good movement. The added benefit of exercise the, in addition to helping with weight reduction, it can actually reduce degenerative changes as we age.
It is always a good idea to review your diet and exercise options with a healthcare professional, like your chiropractor. In addition to assisting men and women suffering from back pain and joint inflammation, chiropractors can provide expert guidance regarding the particular lifestyle changes that can help you to stay healthier, more energetic, and more active through the years. Arthritis and immobility due to aging don’t have to be compulsory. The structure of the human body is designed for an entire lifetime of pain-free movement.
So, if you’ve been throwing your weight around and all you’ve been getting in return is back and joint pain,as your San Diego chiropractor and someone who cares about your health, I can help relieve your suffering. Make an appointment today!