vertebrae Archives - Damron Chiropractic & Wellness

6 Chiropractic Techniques

August 31, 2017 By Pam Rezai Leave a Comment

Most people would agree that a chiropractor works with the spine. They might even say that a chiropractor manipulates the spine to get it back into the correct position. If asked how this happens, that person might say through adjustments of the vertebrae in the spine. There are actually specific techniques used depending on the diagnosis of a patient.

Subluxation is a word to describe the partial dislocation of a vertebrae. Because this dislocation irritatation and cause pain or discomfort, a chiropractor will put that vertebrae back in alignment by performing adjustments. A chiropractor will use six primary techniques.

Perhaps the most common technique is the diversified. Developed by the founder of chiropractic, Dr. David Palmer, the diversified technique uses gentle force from the doctor’s hands on the patient’s back. Typically performed on a table, relief can be immediate.

Also utilizing a table is the Thompson Drop technique. Similar to the diversified, the Thompson Drop uses less force but also incorporates the “dropping” of the table.

The gonstead technique requires a patient to be sitting or standing. The chiropractor will adjust the affected area with their hands.

One of the lowest force techniques is the Instrument Assisted. Utilizing a small, hand-held device that is spring loaded, the tightness of the spring determines the force that is used. However, it is important to note that the force is minimal.

For pregnant women and infants, chiropractors use the Webster and Logan Basic techniques. The Webster technique helps to realign the spine in mother’s pelvis area in preparation for delivery. For prenatal care and pediatrics, a chiropractor will rely upon the Logan Basic technique. Delivery can be stressful to the baby’s body causing slight misalignment in the spine. The Logan Basic technique is perfect for such delicate patients.

As you can see, there is not a one size fits all approach to chiropractic care. A chiropractor will personalize each technique to fit the patient’s unique symptoms.

3 Examples That Help Explain Chiropractic Care

August 8, 2017 By Pam Rezai Leave a Comment

What does a teacher do when the students don’t understand a concept? A common approach is to use an analogy to help explain in a way that is familiar. Foreign concepts do not disappear in adulthood, which is why analogies are a great way to help with understanding. To a vast majority, chiropractors fall under the category of a foreign concept. The care a chiropractor provides is something they have never experienced before. Plus, chiropractic doesn’t receive the press that other medical professions do.

To help build more clarity, here are 3 great ways to explain the fundamental benefits of chiropractic care:

1. Blown Electric Fuse –

Ever blow a fuse? It seems to happen at the most inconvenient times. Our first reaction is to head to the fuse box, locate the blow fuse and flip it back on. Then what happens? It usually trips again. The problem is that the need for electricity outweighs what is available causing the fuse to turn off. Similarly, our spine is like that fuse box. Daily living, plus all the extra stuff we do, can add a level of demand on our body that it simply can’t keep up with. When this happens, we experience pain, which tells us that something isn’t right with our body. That pain is being caused by a blown fuse, or a vertebrae that is out of alignment. A chiropractor works with the body through spinal adjustments to help put the vertebrae back into place, thus eliminating the pain.

2. Pinched Water Hose –

Setting up a sprinkler can be difficult sometimes. You think once it’s positioned properly and the hose is attached you just need to turn the faucet on and you’re good to go. What usually happens is the water is on but the sprinkler isn’t. The pinched hose represents our spine. Messages cannot travel to different parts of our body is there is interference, just like the water that can’t get to the sprinkler. Chiropractic adjustments help to remove the interference so signals can travel up and down the spine to different parts of the body.

3. Braces –

Anyone who has ever had braces knows how long it can take to move teeth. That perfect smile doesn’t just happen. Over a period of several months, the orthodontist slowly applies pressure to move the teeth. Likewise, a chiropractor uses the same approach with correcting a misaligned spine. It takes time for a body to reach the state of pain, so it stands to reason that it will take time to retrain the body on proper posture.

Just like anything new in life, once you have tried it, the misconceptions and misunderstanding slip away. What you are left with is the clarity that truth provides.

Chiropractic Adjustment, Not Manipulation

May 11, 2017 By Pam Rezai 2 Comments

A recent article in Chiropractic Economics (10/6/16), highlighted something that is often misunderstood in the field of chiropractic. Titled “Manipulation vs. Adjustment,” the article addressed the differences between these two words and how each relates to something different in healthcare. However, people tend to use words interchangeably, without realizing they are actually using the wrong word. For example, using the word complement instead of compliment, of affect instead of effect. We can think terminology is all the same. But that doesn’t make it correct. So, what difference does it make if a person says a chiropractor uses manipulation rather than a spinal adjustment?

The reality is that it does make a big difference for three reasons. First, using a word incorrectly with someone who knows the correct usage sends the wrong message about you. Secondly, using the wrong term leads the other person to conclude something that may not be true. How can someone make an informed decision with only half-truths? Finally, words have the power to change perspectives. Why do people distrust politicians or lawyers?

The point is manipulation and adjustment may appear to be interchangeable as it relates to chiropractic care, but they are not. Manipulation is used in physical therapy and defined as “the forceful passive movement of a joint beyond its active limit of motion.” There are reasons why a physical therapist performs manipulation on a patient. However, if a chiropractor used manipulation on a person’s spine it would not be good. Rather, a chiropractor performs spinal adjustments, which is the opposite of manipulation. The adjustment is a corrective thrust used to unlock a vertebrae that is out of alignment. It is this misalignment that is irritating a nerve, which in turn is causing the pain.

A chiropractor has one goal, to restore the body to its ideal state. One where the body functions as it should, without pain or limited range of motion. This happens with an adjustment, not manipulation.

Myth #7: Chiropractors Only Treat Back Pain

April 21, 2017 By Pam Rezai 1 Comment

It’s natural to associate seeing a chiropractor when experiencing back pain. This medical professional works with the spine, or back. Yet, what most people don’t realize is that back pain is only one of many ailments and conditions that a chiropractor can treat.

Think of a chiropractor as you would your primary care doctor or pediatrician. You don’t see either just for the flu or seasonal allergies. You visit these two doctors for various reasons. The same is true for a chiropractor. Granted the spine, or back, connects the body. So, it makes sense to only think of back pain when seeing a chiropractor. But, because the spine connects the body, a chiropractor treats the entire musculoskeletal system.

If we look at the Grey’s Anatomy “Chart of Body & Anatomy” we can see that the spine is comprised of vertebrae. Each vertebrae connects nerves to specific parts of the body. For example, vertebrae 1C in the cervical spine contains the nerves connected to the head, brain, middle and inner ear, and the sympathetic nervous system. Irritated nerves in 1C can create symptoms such as headaches, insomnia, migraines, and high blood pressure. Relieving that irritation with chiropractic adjustments alleviates the symptoms. This is one of the biggest differences between how a chiropractor treats an ailment and how a medical doctor treats one.

Traditional medical doctors typically treat the symptoms. In other words, if are suffering migraines, you may only receive a prescription for pain relief medicine. The symptom may be addressed, but not the cause of it. With chiropractic care, the cause is determined and addressed, not just the symptoms. And not with the use of prescription medications either. The goal is to eliminate the cause of them problem, not just mask the symptoms.

Chiropractors treat the entire body, not just back pain. Think of it this way, your spine is the central piece that connects your entire body. So, whether you have pain in your shoulder, hip, neck, or back, a chiropractor can provide you the care you need.

Text Neck

February 2, 2017 By Pam Rezai Leave a Comment

On average, the human head weighs between 10 to 12 pounds. Proper posture ensures the weight is evenly distributed at the top of the spine. With the advent of technology and mobile devices, we find ourselves with a posture epidemic. One that has shifted the alignment in such a way that has created a set of symptoms we now call “text neck.” As our head moves forward and leans down it increases the strain of the weight of our head on the rest of our body. Thus creating a domino effect of pain and discomfort as our body compensates for this change in posture.

What we may not realize is that hunching even slightly to look at our mobile device increases the strain our body must bear. For example, looking down only at a 15 degree angle increases the strain on our neck by 27 pounds. Likewise, based on the picture above, a 30 degree angle strains the neck with 40 pounds, and so on. Because we are so accustomed to this poor posture, it may be difficult to imagine what this strain feels like. To help, we give our patients a 10 pound ball to hold with their elbow resting on a table. As they move the weighted ball forward it becomes increasingly difficult to hold it. Eventually, they are unable to any longer.

The point is this, we are creating undo stress on our neck, spine, and muscles. This stress creates compression between the vertebrae which then leads to chronic neck and shoulder pain, in addition to headaches. Because of the trends in technology, many people do not even realize the cause of these symptoms. The good news is that we have the power to correct text neck with a few simple exercises and being more mindful of what we are doing.

First, pay attention to where you are holding your device. Raise it up so you are looking straight at it versus down. If you are looking at a laptop or desktop, do what you can to prevent yourself from looking down at it. Adjust the height of your chair or table. To help relieve the stain on your neck and shoulders you can also do this simple exercise of squeezing your shoulder blades together. You can also work on keeping your ears over your shoulders as much as possible throughout the day, too. Text neck is also treated by a chiropractor and massage therapist, as well. Regular visits to both will help to keep your body in alignment, improve posture, and eliminate any pain you might be experiencing.

Technology will always be a part of our world. Rather than modifying our body to suit technology, we must make technology modify to suit us. If we don’t our body will let us know with symptoms of pain and discomfort.

Tinnitus (Ringing In the Ears)

December 6, 2016 By Pam Rezai Leave a Comment

It might surprise you to learn that tinnitus, commonly known as ringing in the ears, is one of the most common health ailments in our country. Over 50 million Americans suffer from this condition, which can range from annoying to debilitating. That is 15% of the population! Although the name implies ringing, other common sounds can be “buzzing, hissing, whistling, swooshing, and clicking,” according to the American Tinnitus Association.

There are four types of tinnitus:

subjective tinnitus – where only the person experiencing the sound can hear it (accounts for 99% of cases).
objective tinnitus – this is extremely rare where the person and others can hear the sound. This is typically caused by the internal functions of the body such as circulation or muscular-skeletal system.
neurological tinnitus – is usually caused by a disorder such as Meniere’s disease that affects the auditory system.
somatic tinnitus – is part of the nervous system that connects the limbs and organs to the brain and spinal cord.

Interestingly, when researching this condition, chiropractic care is often overlooked as a reliable and effective treatment option for those looking for relief. The truth is that pressure and irritation in the cervical spine, specifically the C1 and C2 vertebrae, are the cause of the ringing symptoms. However, the noise that one hears when suffering from tinnitus is not the problem. It is only the indicator light that something is wrong.

In addition to the ringing, sufferers also experience:

anxiety
depression
irritability
confusion
sleep disturbances
mood swings
poor concentration

The cervical spine is the most important area of the spine due to it’s close proximity to the brain stem. A chiropractor’s goal is not only to relieve the pressure and irritation that is creating the ringing symptom but also to determine the root cause for it. For every person the cause will be different, which means that each person’s care plan will also be different.

Quality of life is very important to us at Damron Chiropractic & Wellness. You can take control of your health by changing your path in life from “disease care” to “wellness care.” Come to DCW to thrive!

Reasons to Avoid the Flu Vaccine

October 4, 2016 By Pam Rezai Leave a Comment

Modern conveniences typically comes with a price. Microwave ovens, for example, just do not make food as good as the oven and the use of plastics in them is concerning. Instant coffee is another modern convenience designed to give us more time. However, the price we pay is with taste. Boxed hair color is also convenient, but our hair lacks depth when we use it. Fast food restaurants come with poor nutritional content. We pay the price with added weight and other potential health issues. More recently, there has been debate over the modern convenience of the flu vaccination and the potential harmful side effects.

Receiving a flu vaccination comes with a price. However, before we go there, let’s look at why this modern convenience is so readily available. Walk into just about any pharmacy and you will undoubtedly see signs advertising that you can receive a flu shot there. Chances are there is also an added perk involved, too. Perks like a “free” flu shot, a discount to shop that day in the store after you receive your vaccination, or a voucher for some future savings.

The reality is that nothing is really free. Someone needs to pay. While it may not be you initially, you can be assured that your insurance company will be billed and the pharmacy will receive the reimbursement for that flu shot. Pharmacies also receive additional revenue if you choose to take advantage of any other discounts offered on purchases made. That’s a big win for that company!

Now, you might be thinking, “But I win, because now I am protected against getting the flu this season!” But, are you really? At best, the flu vaccination is 50% effective because no one knows which strain of the flu will arrive that year. Receiving the shot means we are also introducing a known neurotoxin into our system as well, thimerosal.

The good news is that we do not need this modern day convenience to protect ourselves from getting the flu. Our body has the built-in ability to protect through the nervous system. This is the hub that controls all the other systems in our body. If not functioning at 100%, then neither will the other systems that it controls. Regular chiropractic care keeps the nervous system functioning at 100% with spinal adjustments. These adjustments prevent the nerves along the spine from becoming irritated from daily wear and tear on our body. Irritation causes inflammation which in turn affects the adjoining vertebrae and its alignment. Compromised nerves impacts the nervous system’s ability to communicate with the other systems of our body.

Give your body the best defense you can this flu season. Arm yourself with all the benefits of chiropractic care.

Sacrum & Coccyx

May 18, 2016 By Pam Rezai Leave a Comment

Sacrum is derived from the Latin word os sacrum which means “sacred bone.” The word “sacred” is significant because it is the base of support for the entire upper body. In addition to that it also provides support for the spine, holds the spinal nerves, and connects with the hip bones to form the pelvis. The sacrum is located just below the lumbar spine and begins as 5 distinct vertebrae until it solidifies into a single bone between the ages of 18 and 30. Just beneath the sacrum is the coccyx, also known as the tailbone. It is made up of between one and three bones that are fused together, bears the body’s weight while sitting, plus provides an anchor for the muscles in the pelvic region.

Everything from the hips on down are the parts of the areas of the body that are controlled by the nerves in this region of the spine. There are symptoms associated with a problem in the sacrum and coccyx from pain when sitting, to hemorrhoids and itching in the same area. The sacrum plays a vital role in several systems in the human body: skeletal, muscular, nervous and female reproduction. In the skeletal system, the it is the cornerstone for the spine and hips. It connects key muscles in the legs and hips, giving the legs movement. With respect to the nervous system the sacrum and coccyx protect the nerves that control the lower extremities. And in a woman, the sacrum helps to form the pelvic cavity which supports and protects the fetus.

Fractures can occur in the sacrum. These fractures are known as sacral insufficiency fractures. These occur when the sacral bone is no longer able to handle the weight it carries. In older women, osteoporosis is the leading cause of sacral insufficiency fractures, but other risk factors include radiation to the pelvis, steroid use, rheumatoid arthritis, hyperparathyroidism, anorexia, and hip joint replacement. Surprisingly these fractures can also occur in pregnant or breast feeding women due to a condition known as temporary osteoporosis. Symptoms of this type of fracture include pain in the lower back, hips, groin, or pelvis area. Up until the early 80’s, sacral insufficiency fractures went undiagnosed. Treatment is non-surgical and requires rehabilitation therapy, electrical stimulation, and massage.

The Lumbar Spine

May 12, 2016 By Pam Rezai Leave a Comment

Did you know that the lumbar spine supports the most weight? With only five vertebrae, the lumbar spine is built for both power and flexibility. The word lumbar is derived from the Latin word “lumbus” which means lion. Considering the strength required of these five vertebrae, the name is certainly appropriate.

If we look at the areas of the body that are controlled by the nerves in the lumbar spine, we would see that it includes the large intestine, appendix, sex organs, uterus, bladder, legs, sciatic nerve, the muscles of the lower back, and abdomen. Because the lumbar spine bears the most weight, getting older means that this area of the spine is more susceptible to degradation and injury. It probably will not sound surprising to learn that the effort to lift objects is centralized in the lumbar spine, specifically between the L4 and L5 vertebrae and the L5 and first vertebrae in the adjacent part of the spine, the sacrum.

Once again, the symptoms that manifest themselves with a lumbar spine irritation can, on the surface, appear unrelated to the spine at all. Many people would not correlate pain in their bladder with an irritated or inflamed L3 lumbar disc. We could assume it was a bladder infection and go get a UTI test and possibly antibiotics. If there really is a vertebrae problem the UTI test would come back negative. Still, many still do not make the connection to the spine in a situation such as this. Why? Because modern Western medicine has trained us to simply address the symptoms, not the root cause of the symptoms.

From 2004-2012 there was a television series called “House, M.D.” It was a great show that starred a highly intelligent, yet highly unlikable doctor who specialized in medical cases that appeared, on the surface, as untreatable. He looked at each patient he saw as a puzzle that he must solve. He was relentless in his pursuit for a cure. He saw that every part of the body was interconnected. That the symptoms could be traced back to the root, or cause. We need to look at our body in the same way. Understanding and appreciating the language of our body can save us. It can save us time, money, and worry. Whenever you have pain or an unexplained symptom, don’t think symptom relief, think chiropractor.

The Thoracic Spine

May 11, 2016 By Pam Rezai Leave a Comment

The thoracic spine in the human body contains the most number of vertebrae, twelve to be exact. It comprises the upper and middle back and serves primarily as a source of stability and protection of the vital organs. The thoracic spine is the least flexible as all but two of the vertebrae connect directly to the ribs and sternum. The remaining two, T11 and T12, do not connect to the sternum but still provide protection to the kidneys. Because there are twelve vertebrae there are many areas of the body that is controlled by the nerves in the thoracic spine, and as such, a variety of symptoms that can present themselves if there is a problem.

Think about all that is contained within your rib cage. Your heart, lungs, stomach, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, spleen and adrenal glands. If there is an irritation to one of the vertebrae because of an injury or a misalignment due to excessive wear and tear, a symptom can appear that seems unrelated. If you are unfamiliar with chiropractic care, would you know that acne, allergies, shortness of breath, or chronic tiredness could be symptoms of an irritation in the nerves of T11, T9, T1 or T10 respectively? Not knowing the correlation could mean we take unnecessary prescription medications, suffer needlessly, or drink too much caffeine simply to get through the day. But have we really addressed the underlying problem? No.

So, is it any wonder that only 20% of the population has seen a chiropractor? That is a small percentage who understand the correlation between the spine and the rest of the body. That is a small percentage who have looked past the symptoms to uncover the true cause. The good news is that knowledge is power. Power to positively impact your health. Power to positively impact your finances by avoiding unnecessary doctor visits that will only cover the symptoms not the root of the problem like a Chiropractor does.

Irritation or an injury with the nerves in the thoracic spine can cause symptoms such as:

asthma
pain in the lower arms and hands
bronchitis
pneumonia
jaundice
shingles
ulcers
hives
heartburn
eczema
gas pains

There is always an answer to pain and discomfort. It is how your body “talks” to you and tells you that something is amiss. Always listen to what it has to say.

6 Chiropractic Techniques

3 Examples That Help Explain Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic Adjustment, Not Manipulation

Myth #7: Chiropractors Only Treat Back Pain

Text Neck

Tinnitus (Ringing In the Ears)

Reasons to Avoid the Flu Vaccine

Sacrum & Coccyx

The Lumbar Spine

The Thoracic Spine

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