When you need to see a chiropractor, you don't want to leave the job to just anyone. You need somebody you can trust to crack your back. Once you start looking, your head will spin with all the different styles, philosophies and methods they use. So, how do you find the right chiropractic practitioner? Word Of Mouth is still the best way to start. Ask your doctor for the names of a few good chiropractors. Your primary care physician will be able to direct you to some chiropractic offices that are well known, trustworthy and reputable. If you have any friends who have had work done, ask them for names. It's always best to go with a clinic that is turning out happy customers whose back problems have vanished because of their excellent quality treatment. Is the clinic legit? Here are a few easy ways to tell if a practitioner is the real thing. First, they should have completed 4 years of advanced chiropractic training from an accredited institution. Look for their diploma and credentials on the wall. Second, they must have a license to practice in your state. This should be prominently displayed in their clinic. If they don't have it, or if they start telling you reasons why they don't have it, skip them. There are lots of practitioners out there, and not all of them are legitimate. During the consultation, a good chiropractor will take a thorough history and give you a complete physical, orthopedic, and neurological exam. The chiropractor should palpate for any misalignments or abnormalities. They should look at the areas that hurt as well as the surrounding areas that may indirectly affect your area of complaint. You don't need a lot of x-rays a minimal series might be adequate to diagnose your problem. Some chiropractors primarily provide treatment for symptomatic relief, while others believe in providing some degree of rehabilitation of underlying problems, and still others do long-term treatment to permanently correct skeletal alignment as much as possible. The differences in these approaches are considerable when it comes to the frequency and duration of treatment prescribed. A good chiropractor will give you honest expectations about how many visits you might need before you see real noticeable results. But most importantly, go with what feels right to you.
Posts Tagged ‘chiropractor’
A Few Things To Keep In Mind When Looking For A Chiropractor
Monday, July 18th, 2011Popular Obesity Surgery Worse Than They Thought
Thursday, July 7th, 2011As a chiropractor in San Diego, I regularly help patients with nutrition for losing weight and I also encounter patients that undergo weight loss surgery. Obesity is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater. BMI is calculated from a person’s weight and height, and provides a reasonable indicator of body “fatness” and weight categories that may lead to health problems. Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, certain types of cancer, and Type 2 Diabetes.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), “During the past 20 years, there has been a dramatic increase in obesity in the United States. In 2009, only Colorado and the District of Columbia had a prevalence of obesity less than 20%. Thirty-three states had prevalence equal to or greater than 25%; nine of these states (Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and West Virginia) had a prevalence of obesity equal to or greater than 30%.”
Obviously, obesity is a big problem, but, what if a treatment is worse than the “Disease?” This may be the case, according to a study on the long-term effects of laparoscopic gastric band surgery. Researchers of the study, published in the Archives of Surgery, said, “The bands eroded in almost one in three patients. Sixty percent had undergone additional surgery, including 17 percent who went on to have gastric bypass.” Researchers concluded the adjustable gastric band surgery, which is growing in popularity in the United States, “appears to result in relatively poor long-term outcomes.”
A related article in The New York Times added: The results “are worse than we expected,” said Dr. Jacques Himpens of the European School of Laparoscopic Surgery and St. Pierre University Hospital in Brussels, lead author of the new study. Dr. Himpens advised those considering gastric band surgery not to “nourish exaggerated expectations,” adding that “anyone who has had the procedure should see a care provider on a regular basis and be vigilant about signs of infection or band erosion.”
Is there a better solution? Once again, research has shown there are almost always unwanted side effects to every drug or surgery. So, the question becomes – is the potential benefit worth that negative side effect? But, an even smarter question is – is there an all natural alternative that does not come with the same inherent risks of drugs and surgery? In this case, the answer for many people is… YES!
For many people, obesity and weight problems can be accomplished by permanent lifestyle changes. In other words, finding what foods work for your body chemistry, eating those foods, and exercising correctly for the rest of your life. This may seem like a daunting task, but the alternative is chilling. As research shows, quick fixes tend to lead to more problems. Nothing in life worth having comes without a price. To achieve real health, the price is putting in the effort to eat right, exercise, reduce stress and keep your body working properly.
Is Cutting Your Risk Of These 4 Deadly Diseases In Half Really This Easy?
Wednesday, July 6th, 2011There is new research that shows a simple way that you may be able to decrease your risk of breast cancer, colon cancer, multiple sclerosis and Type 1 diabetes by a whopping 50%! We’ve all heard it, but who really lives by these wise words “An ounce of…” in the first place? Maybe we are all just a little lazy and like to take the easy way out, at least most of the time?
Come on – you are amongst friends – you can admit it! An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure? Maybe “cures” are “sexier” than simply preventing the mess in the first place? Or, maybe it’s because “prevention” can be a pain in the you know what? Always finding and preparing the right foods can be time consuming and expensive.
Exercising is exercising! It’s no mistake the word “work” is in workout! But, what if there was an easy way to be healthier than you are right now? What if there was a simple way to decrease your risk of 4 deadly diseases by 50% that took almost no time and was inexpensive… Would You Do It? Well, according to a new study, there may be. Now, this is not a substitute for eating right, exercising, reducing stress and getting check-ups. But, it is something everyone should look into because it might help you a great deal.
Here’s what this is all about: The current government recommendation for Vitamin D intake is 400- 600 international units (IU) per day. 400 IU was found to be the minimum amount of Vitamin D needed to prevent rickets over a century ago. But “minimum” and “optimum” are two very different things. Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and the Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, have reported that markedly higher intake of Vitamin D is needed to reach blood levels that can prevent or markedly cut the incidence of breast cancer and several other major diseases than originally thought. The results were published on February 21 in the journal Anticancer Research.
According to a EurikAlert press release on February 22, 2011, “We found that daily intakes of Vitamin D by adults in the range of 4000-8000 IU are needed to maintain blood levels of Vitamin D metabolites in the range needed to reduce, by about half the risk, several diseases; breast cancer, colon cancer, multiple sclerosis, and Type 1 diabetes,” said Cedric Garland, DrPH, Professor of Family and Preventive Medicine at UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center. “I was surprised to find that the intakes required to maintain Vitamin D status for disease prevention were so high – much higher than the minimal intake of Vitamin D of 400 IU/day that was needed to defeat rickets in the 20th century. I was not surprised by this,” said Robert P. Heaney, MD, of Creighton University, a distinguished biomedical scientist who has studied Vitamin D needs for several decades. “This result was what our dose-response studies predicted, but it took a study such as this, of people leading their everyday lives, to confirm it.”
The studies also said only about 10% of people have this new appropriate level of Vitamin D in their blood – and these are mostly people who work outdoors. As a chiropractor in San Diego at New Century Spine Centers, we regularly help people with different ailments. By educating our patients on proper healthcare, we aid them in making their own informed choices.
Chiropractor In San Diego Reviews Groundbreaking Study Noting Anti-Depressants May Be No Better Than Placebo
Wednesday, June 29th, 2011As a chiropractor in San Diego, I see many patients suffering from everything from back pain to stress and more. Researching some of the latest studies helps me help my patients in many ways. And since pain being a common cause for depression, I find this article fitting.
Napoleon Hill, author of the self-help bible “Think and Grow Rich”, is quoted as saying: “What the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” He also said we become our dominant thoughts. Research is showing he may be 100% accurate with those statements… especially the latter. Here is why: Starting in 1998, studies began to raise questions about the “scientific proof” behind the widespread use of antidepressants versus placebos.
University of Connecticut researchers, Irving Kirsch and Guy Sapirstein, found antidepressants seemed to get results, but so did placebos. In 38 studies conducted with over 3,000 depressed patients, placebos improved symptoms 75 percent as much as legitimate medications.
“We wondered, what’s going on?” said Kirsch in a 2010 interview with Newsweek. The medical community, skeptical of his analysis, asked him to instigate a more comprehensive study with the results of all clinical trials conducted by antidepressant manufacturers, including those unpublished – 47 studies in total.
Over half of the studies showed no significant difference in the depression-alleviating effects of a medicated versus non-medicated pill. With this more thorough analysis, which now included strategically unpublished studies from pharmaceutical companies, placebos were shown to improve symptoms 82 percent as much as the real pill.
According to the Citizens Commission on Human Rights International: “However, if experts and antidepressant manufacturers are aware of this, the general public certainly isn’t … Millions of people every year feel better, simply because they believe they’ll feel better.”
New Concepts Emerge In Chiropractic And Massage Therapy
Monday, June 13th, 2011A new concept may change chiropractic care and massage forever. The many benefits of chiropractic and massage are well known, but the cost of treatment has deterred many from getting the great results. The Back Stop in San Diego offers a new approach to chiropractic care in San Diego. It allows almost everyone to get regular chiropractic treatment by well known licensed chiropractors at affordable prices. And it’s conveniently located at Happy Hands Foot Reflexology and Massage which offers a great combination of massage and chiropractic at a fraction of the cost of elsewhere. Chiropractic care and massage offer a great alternative approach to healthcare and the treatment of back and neck pain.
The Back Stop is the ideal chiropractic place for healthy individuals seeking regular chiropractic care by licensed chiropractors to feel great. As one back pain sufferer says “I love this new concept. I love going to the chiropractor but I hate taking x-rays and long exams. I just want to get adjusted and with this concept I can do just that. I can’t wait.” When visiting The Back Stop in Hillcrest for chiropractic services, the chiropractors perform a history and an examination focused on the problem areas. Their website is http://www.BackStopChiropractor.com. If there are no contraindications to chiropractic adjustments and spinal manipulation is necessary, then at that time patients may choose to receive their first chiropractic adjustment. If a more detailed exam or any necessary x-rays are required, then they will be referred to another chiropractic office such as New Century Spine Centers in San Diego.
Many enjoy the many benefits of massage such as reduced stress, relaxation, relief from headaches, reduced back and neck pain. The different types of massage that they offer are Chinese foot reflexology, Swedish full body massage, Thai massage, Vietnamese head massage and four hands massage. They offer the best of both Eastern Massage and Western massage in a relaxing fun atmosphere. Massage should be an integral part of everyone’s lifestyle, but both time and cost often hinder the experience for many. At Happy Head foot reflexology and massage, people can get an affordable 1 hour foot reflexology massage with no appointment necessary starting at $29. This is not an introductory offer. This is a great massage at a great price. This allows clients to come in on a regular basis to enjoy the benefits of massage whenever they want. There are no long term contracts to sign, and they can come as much or as little as they like. This is a massage experience like no other. The Back Stop is located at Happy Hands foot reflexology and massage in the hillcrest area of San Diego. This allows The Back Stop to refer patients to receive a great massage at an affordable price. The Happy Head offers a great massage without the spa price. Happy Head Foot Reflexology and Massage gives everyone a unique massage experience time and time again. Their website is http://www.HappyHeadMassage.com. They do not believe in locking clients into long-term memberships. They do not believe in charging clients every single month whether they receive a massage or not. They do not believe in making clients sign a contract in order to receive lower rates. They believe in a great price, every time, all the time. There are no hassles and no gimmicks. They believe that clients will enjoy their experience so much that they will come back again and again because they want to, not because they have to. Massage in San Diego and across the United States may change forever with this new massage concept. Many massage and chiropractic clinics have many restrictions that cause the prices to increase. At Happy Hands Foot Reflexology and Massage in Hillcrest, they believe in giving their clients the freedom to choose their service.
The Back Stop provides everyone with fast, affordable access to chiropractic adjustments with no unnecessary x-rays, no membership fees, and no gimmicks. Affordable chiropractic care means that they don’t have to live with pain. Regular chiropractic care, along with good nutrition, stress management, massage therapy, and sufficient exercise can help individuals become and remain healthy.
Chiropractic and massage are not just a luxury anymore that just a few elite can afford. The Back Stop and The Happy Head Massage are making it more accessible than ever. At The Back Stop chiropractic office in San Diego, they believe that chiropractic care should be made available and affordable to everyone. A regular chiropractic adjustment at The Back Stop is only $29. When any massage service is purchased at the Happy Head Massage, the price of the chiropractic adjustment is reduced even lower to only $19. There are no other charges for exams and no hidden fees. They do not accept insurance in an effort to keep their prices affordable for everyone.
Chiropractic and massage are great for individuals suffering from back pain, neck pain, numbness, injuries, sciatica, and muscle spasms. And best of all, especially in this tough economy, with this new concept it more affordable for everyone.
How To Maximize Your Results From Working Out
Tuesday, May 24th, 2011According to a Study published in the Journal of Physiology on November 1, 2010, “A fat-rich energy dense diet is an important cause of insulin resistance.”
Insulin resistance is a condition in which the body produces insulin but does not use it properly. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas and it helps the cells of the body absorb glucose. When people are insulin resistant, their muscle, fat, and liver cells do not respond properly to insulin. As a result, their bodies need more insulin to help glucose enter cells. The pancreas produces more and more insulin until it basically gets worn out and starts to fail. This can lead to diabetes.
How is this all linked to exercise? According to the study’s author, “This study, for the first time, shows that fasted training is more potent than fed training to facilitate adaptations in muscle and to improve whole-body glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity during hyper-caloric fatrich diets.”
In other words, the best time to work out seems to be on an empty stomach, which is usually first thing in the morning. Working out in the morning also has some additional benefits. Generally after working out in the morning, the day seems to be more productive. And of course it’s always great to start off the day knowing that you got a healthy workout out of the way.
New Century Spine Centers in San Diego has regular healthy classes monthly at their Mission Valley location. To register, contact them at 619-630-9153. The classes are free of charge but you must be pre-registered to attend. They go over great stretches, exercises and more. This is a class you won’t want to miss.
San Diego Chiropractic Office Offering Free Adjustments On Patient Appreciation Day
Monday, May 23rd, 2011New Century Spine Centers in San Diego will be having a grand Patient Appreciation Day on June 16, 2011. Have you ever woken up out of a dead, sound sleep in the middle of the night and had something so important to say it couldn’t wait ‘till morning? Then what happened? You went back to sleep and when you woke up again, you couldn’t remember, for the life of you, what had woken you from that peaceful slumber the night before!
This is one of those times. So, instead of going back to sleep, I’ve decided to write this press release and tell you just what is so important I was afraid to go back to sleep and lose this thought. I wanted to give you every possible chance to take full advantage of this truly rare opportunity. I’ve noticed for quite some time now that society has changed since I was a little kid. People don’t appreciate the good things others do for them. Hold open the door for someone and they just walk right through, never stopping to even flash you a quick smile, much less a much deserved thank you.
I’m beginning to think Webster’s has to take “please” and “thank you” out of its latest editions. I started thinking about all the local businesses I frequent and spend a lot of money in. Heck, I’ve practically put some of the owner’s kids through college with all the business I’ve given them over the years. And you know what? I can’t think of one. I think that is the growing trend in society. That’s why I’ve decided to “buck the trend”, swim against the current and say THANKS to all my patients in a very, very, VERY big way!
I spoke it over with the rest of the staff and they have all given me the “thumbs up” and contributed vital input on how to give you for the very first time the most valuable and beneficial “event” I have ever offered their patients or their customers. We’ve all put our heads together to bring you an ultra-valuable, one day only, extended office hours, from open to close, pain-relief filled, mega-spectacular patient appreciation day and everyone is invited to come.
The event will be held on Thursday June 16th – from 9:00am ‘till 6:00pm at New Century Spine Centers in the Mission Valley area of San Diego. This will probably be your only invitation. You have been given such advanced notice because I wanted to give you every opportunity to plan ahead and take advantage of this remarkable day. We can only accept the first 100 people for this very special day. Time just simply does not allow us to give more than 100 patients. And even 100 is stretching our chiropractors a bit thin.
Here’s what we’ll be giving away on Patient Appreciation Day. First of all, if you’re a regular chiropractic patient of New Century Spine Centers in San Diego and you haven’t been in to see us in 3 months or more, you get a new consultation to discuss any new problems you may be having, an examination and any necessary x-rays to update your current condition. If you’re a regular patient who is under care, on June 16 you can come in and get a free adjustment. If you’re a new patient of New Century Spine Centers, you can come in on June 16 and get a free exam and necessary x-rays to see if you’re a candidate for chiropractic care.
We will also be giving away some great prizes for everyone who shows up. We will have prizes such as movie tickets, restaurant gift certificates, Starbucks gift cards, and much more. To register for the event, call 619-630-9153. Tell the receptionist you’ll be there for Patient Appreciation Day. This will be a great event for everyone to enjoy. New Century Spine Centers in San Diego will have its chiropractors ready for this event for you to enjoy.
New Century Spine Centers in San Diego will be having a grand Patient Appreciation Day on June 16, 2011. Have you ever woken up out of a dead, sound sleep in the middle of the night and had something so important to say it couldn’t wait ‘till morning? Then what happened? You went back to sleep and when you woke up again, you couldn’t remember, for the life of you, what had woken you from that peaceful slumber the night before!
This is one of those times. So, instead of going back to sleep, I’ve decided to write this press release and tell you just what is so important I was afraid to go back to sleep and lose this thought. I wanted to give you every possible chance to take full advantage of this truly rare opportunity. I’ve noticed for quite some time now that society has changed since I was a little kid. People don’t appreciate the good things others do for them. Hold open the door for someone and they just walk right through, never stopping to even flash you a quick smile, much less a much deserved thank you.
I’m beginning to think Webster’s has to take “please” and “thank you” out of its latest editions. I started thinking about all the local businesses I frequent and spend a lot of money in. Heck, I’ve practically put some of the owner’s kids through college with all the business I’ve given them over the years. And you know what? I can’t think of one. I think that is the growing trend in society. That’s why I’ve decided to “buck the trend”, swim against the current and say THANKS to all my patients in a very, very, VERY big way!
I spoke it over with the rest of the staff and they have all given me the “thumbs up” and contributed vital input on how to give you for the very first time the most valuable and beneficial “event” I have ever offered their patients or their customers. We’ve all put our heads together to bring you an ultra-valuable, one day only, extended office hours, from open to close, pain-relief filled, mega-spectacular patient appreciation day and everyone is invited to come.
The event will be held on Thursday June 16th – from 9:00am ‘till 6:00pm at New Century Spine Centers in the Mission Valley area of San Diego. This will probably be your only invitation. You have been given such advanced notice because I wanted to give you every opportunity to plan ahead and take advantage of this remarkable day. We can only accept the first 100 people for this very special day. Time just simply does not allow us to give more than 100 patients. And even 100 is stretching our chiropractors a bit thin.
Here’s what we’ll be giving away on Patient Appreciation Day. First of all, if you’re a regular chiropractic patient of New Century Spine Centers in San Diego and you haven’t been in to see us in 3 months or more, you get a new consultation to discuss any new problems you may be having, an examination and any necessary x-rays to update your current condition. If you’re a regular patient who is under care, on June 16 you can come in and get a free adjustment. If you’re a new patient of New Century Spine Centers, you can come in on June 16 and get a free exam and necessary x-rays to see if you’re a candidate for chiropractic care.
We will also be giving away some great prizes for everyone who shows up. We will have prizes such as movie tickets, restaurant gift certificates, Starbucks gift cards, and much more. To register for the event, call 619-630-9153. Tell the receptionist you’ll be there for Patient Appreciation Day. This will be a great event for everyone to enjoy. New Century Spine Centers in San Diego will have its chiropractors ready for this event for you to enjoy.
Chiropractic Care Can Enhance Your Health And Overall Well-Being
Thursday, May 19th, 2011A chiropractor is able to alleviate a host of symptoms associated with your musculoskeletal system. The most common symptoms presented to a chiropractor are headaches, migraines, neck, back, and shoulder pain. Chiropractic is a holistic approach to pain management and the alleviation of symptoms associated with misalignments of the joints and vertebrae. Chiropractic care however is intended to extend health beyond just the alleviation of symptoms. Spinal adjustments allow the free flow of nerve impulses which facilitate overall health to the body. As every cell in the human body is governed by nerve impulses, it is vitally important that these nerves send information free of interference. The application of gentle spinal adjustments removes nerve pressure and allows proper nerve conduction.
The main focus in chiropractic care is placed upon the proper alignment of the vertebrae and associated joints. Proper balance and functioning of the joints is of importance to the continued health and well being of every patient. Attention is also placed upon the proper functioning of your neurological system, as pinched nerves and neuralgia can adversely affect a patient’s quality of life.
Posture correction therapy involves the use of exercises to strengthen your core muscles to help better support your entire frame. Once strengthened, they aid in supporting the correct positioning of your spinal column to ensure adequate flexibility and mobility for your entire frame.
An improper posture can result in neck and upper back pain and is a large contributor to headaches and shoulder blade pain. Tingling, burning and numbness experienced in the areas mentioned above are symptoms of pinched nerves and can be alleviated through chiropractic care.
A chiropractic adjustment is the usage of gentle physical pressure applied to an affected joint. The application of external pressure works to correct the misalignment therefore removing fixation of the joints and allowing proper mobility. Your chiropractor is also qualified to give advice to patients regarding nutrition, weight loss and safe exercise routines to help maintain health and fitness.
Did You Know That Tea Is A Great Food For Health!
Wednesday, May 18th, 20111. Tea, without sugar or honey, only has two calories per cup.
2. Steeping tea for three to five minutes produces the most antioxidants.
3. Milk in your tea doesn’t reduce tea’s health benefits.
4. The maximum amount of antioxidants contained in tea comes from brewing loose leaves or from tea bags. (Tea in powders or bottles has little or no helpful antioxidants!) 5. Tea in products applied to the skin has little or no health enhancing properties. Teas, especially white and green teas, can help with the following: Stimulate mental clarity, reduce the risk of certain cancers, reduce the risk of heart disease, lower blood sugar levels, help prevent viral infections, help prevent bad breath, and help prevent tooth decay. Also, because the water used in tea is boiled, this makes tea safer to drink than tap water.
Childhood Obesity Linked To Health Habits
Tuesday, May 10th, 2011According to an article in Science Daily, the study suggests unhealthy habits are feeding the childhood obesity trend. “For the extremely overweight child, genetic screening may be a consideration,” says study senior author Kim A. Eagle, M.D., a Cardiologist and a Director of the U-M Cardiovascular Center. 1,003 Michigan 6th graders were examined, obese children were “more likely to consume school lunch instead of a packed lunch from home and spend two hours a day watching TV or playing a video game.
Childhood obesity has TRIPLED in the U.S. in the last 30 years, and obesity among U.S. children ages 6-11 has gone from 6.5% in 1980 to 19.6% in 2008. “For the rest, increasing physical activity, reducing recreational screen time and improving the nutritional value of school lunches offers great promise to begin a reversal of current childhood obesity trends.”
Forty-five percent of obese students always ate school lunch, but only 34 percent of non-obese students ate school lunch. According to the Science Daily article, researchers found that 58 percent of obese children had watched two hours of TV in the previous day, compared to 41 percent of non-obese children.
Significantly less obese kids exercise on a regular basis. Fewer kids took physical education classes or were a member of a sports team. In the study, 15% of the students were overweight, but almost all had unhealthy habits. Over 30% drank regular soda within the previous day, less than 50% remembered eating two servings of vegetables in the same time period, and only 30% said they exercised for 30 minutes for 5 days during that week.
According to the American College of Preventative Medicine, heart disease and diabetes are two of the most common preventable chronic diseases. Both have their preventable causes in what we eat and how much we exercise, and both start from the habits we obtain in childhood. As adults, we can change these habits any time we want and live a longer and healthier life just about instantly, but children need guidance to make the same healthy choices. One of the biggest take home messages (besides realizing that it’s habits making us overweight — not just our genes) is that almost all the students can drastically improve their diet and exercise, not just the 15% who are obese.