There’s a lot of reasons for the disorder of Vertigo. An inner ear ailment, known as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, can occasionally occur as the outcome of a sustained head injury or very bad cold. Quite often this particular vertigo is caused by the aging process. The root cause, often times though, fairly often is not known. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo is a wordy diagnosis, but it characterizes perfectly this non- progressive condition that is attributable to, as its name connotes, a sudden change in head posture. The symptoms are inherently unpredicted and varied.

It can be advantageous to look at the functionality of the inner ear in an effort grasp what causes the ofttimes crippling discomforts of this kind of vertigo. The brain senses motion and maintains balance employing the fluid found in the inner ear. Also in the inner ear are minute calcium carbonate crystals, generally known as otoconia. The crystals are inclined float in the inner ear fluid if dislodged. As the crystals strike against the sensitive nerve endings in the inner ear, they stimulate the disorder of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo or BPPV.

The good news is that chiropractic treatment can relieve the discomforts of BPPV very quickly and effectively using a technique that is known as the Epley maneuver. Through the use of this treatment, a chiropractor turns the head of a BPPV sufferer into a number of different positions, letting gravity move the calcium carbonate crystals into a local of the inner ear that is away from the nerve endings where they will result in no further dizziness.

Your chiropractor has helped hundreds of persons for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo employing the Epley Maneuver technique. Usually, with just one treatment many patients no longer suffer from dizziness.  Call Oakland Chiropractic to make an appointment today!

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Knee X-ray

People 65 years and older with knee osteoarthritis (OA), that practice Tai Chi, enhance their physical capability and experience less pain, according to a new Tufts University School of Medicine study. Osteoarthritis is a prevalent form of arthritis that produces an erosion of joint cartilage. Chiropractors provide therapy for quite a few people who have developed OA in a number of areas of the body, including the knee joints. Knee pain and disability is one of the most commonplace conditions of the musculoskeletal system, second only to spinal abnormalities. In fact, an astounding 4.3 million individuals in the U.S. over age 60 have been diagnosed with knee OA, according to the CDC, and it conjectures that by age 85, half of the people in America may incur symptoms of OA. Knee OA causes pain, immobility, functional disabilities, and a decreased quality of life.

Are you wondering why so many men and women develop OA? As with the majority of the musculoskeletal problems that we develop as we get older, undue stress to a joint day after day is a major factor. That is why as people get older they are more likely to develop OA in their knees, as well as other joints. Improper function of the knee, improper gait, compensatory foot mechanics as the result of foot pain, and overuse of the knee joint all create excessive stress on the knees. Eventually arthritic changes in the knee joint take place. In addition to chiropractic treatment, chiropractors wholeheartedly support natural, drug-free practices, such as Tai Chi (Chuan), that can decrease knee pain. A traditional style of Chinese martial arts,Tai Chi features slow, rhythmic movements that produce peace of mind, as well as improved balance, an increase in strength, and improved flexibility.

Though in good health otherwise, the 40 men and women with confirmed OA that were selected for the Tufts study were on an average 65 years of age and overweight. Participants were randomly chosen to take part in 60-minute “Yang style” Tai Chi sessions twice weekly for 12 weeks. Each session included a 10-minute self-massage and a review of Tai Chi principles, 30 minutes of Tai Chi movement, 10 minutes of breathing technique, and 10 minutes of relaxation.

Tai Chi involves many of the current exercise suggestions for OA, such as range of motion, flexibility, muscle conditioning, and aerobic workout. As an added benefit, researchers found that the “mental component” of Tai Chi stimulated a sense of well-being, life enjoyments, and personal concepts of health that helped the participants to deal differently with chronic pain. Significantly, the group practicing Tai Chi experienced a considerable decrease in knee pain compared with those in the control group.

Full findings of the study are published in the November 2009 issue of Arthritis Care & Research, a journal of the American College of Rheumatology.

Technorati Tags: chiropractic, chiropractor, knee OA, knee pain, osteoarthritis, Tai Chi, Tufts University School of Medicine

Knee X-ray

New research coming out of Tufts University School of Medicine had concluded that patients 65 years of age and over who suffer from knee osteoarthritis (OA), and who practice Tai Chi, increased their physical capability and experienced less pain. Osteoarthritis is a general form of arthritis that causes a wearing away of joint cartilage. Chiropractors help a large number men and women who have developed OA in a number of regions of the body, including the knee joints. Knee pain and disability is one of the most widespread conditions of the musculoskeletal system, second only to spinal abnormalities. In fact, an astounding 4.3 million US adults over 60 years of age have been diagnosed with knee OA, according to the CDC, and it conjectures that half of the people in America may suffer from symptoms of OA in at least one knee by age 85. Knee OA causes pain, immobility, functional disabilities, and a diminished quality of life.

Are you wondering why so many adults develop OA? As with nearly all of the musculoskeletal conditions that we develop as we get older, undue stress to a joint over the years is a major determinant. Therefore, as people age they are more at risk for developing OA in their knees, as well as other joints. Improper function of the knee, improper gait, compensatory foot mechanics as the result of foot pain, and repetitive use of the knee joint all produce undue stress on the knees. Eventually arthritic changes in the knee joint develop. Most chiropractors advocate such natural, drug-free practices as Tai Chi, in addition to their chiropractic management. A traditional style of Chinese martial arts,Tai Chi features slow, rhythmic movements that produce mental relaxation, as well as an enhancement of balance, an augmentation of strength, and enhanced flexibility.

Though in good health otherwise, the 40 men and women with confirmed OA that were chosen for the Tufts study were, on average, 65 years of age and overweight. Participants were selected at random to participate in 60-minute “Yang style” Tai Chi sessions twice weekly for 12 weeks. Each session included a 10-minute self-massage and a review of Tai Chi principles, 30 minutes of Tai Chi movement, 10 minutes of breathing technique, and 10 minutes of relaxation.

Tai Chi practice incorporates the kind of range of motion, flexibility, muscle conditioning, and aerobic workout that is consistent with contemporary exercise protocols for osteoarthritis. Furthermore, researchers found that the “mental aspect” of Tai Chi encouraged a sense of well-being, life satisfaction, and perceptions of health that assisted the participants in dealing differently with chronic pain. Compared with the control group, the group practicing Tai Chi experienced a considerable decrease in knee pain.

Full findings of the study are published in the November 2009 issue of Arthritis Care & Research, a journal of the American College of Rheumatology.

Technorati Tags: chiropractic, chiropractor, knee OA, knee pain, osteoarthritis, Tai Chi, Tufts University School of Medicine

As if the acutely painful symptoms of fibromyalgia weren’t enough, a surprising ninety percent of fibromyalgia sufferers also experience chronic fatigue syndrome, perhaps you might be one of them. This “double whammy” can consequently cause you to not only suffer from pain and fatigue, but also melancholy, headaches, numbness and tingling, dizziness, sleep disturbance, swollen feeling in tissues, stiffness, sensitivity to noise and stress, and cognitive impairment.

If you are someone who experiences the distressing symptoms of one, or both, of these two pernicious conditions, you may find it extremely hard to take part in even the simplest activities in life, and you might even be feeling depressed and defeated. Fortunately, your chiropractor can assist you. Chiropractic treatment has been found to be highly beneficial in reversing trauma-induced injuries by decreasing irritation to the nerves in the brain stem and spinal cord that can trigger pain, neuromuscular dysfunction, and fatigue.

What do “trauma-induced injuries” have to do with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome? The answer may surprise you.

While the exact cause of these syndromes is unknown, recent research has pinpointed traumatic neck injuries, like whiplash and concussion, for example, as risk factors for the onset of both fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. And, here’s the thing: though the pain and fatigue produced by spinal injuries can begin immediately, often it can take quite a long time, perhaps months or years to develop. By the time fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms appear, such injuries may be long-forgotten.

your chiropractor is an expert when it comes to knowledge and treatment of the spine. Chiropractic management has been shown to be extraordinarily effective in reversing trauma-induced spinal injury. See your chiropractor today to see if chiropractic eliminate the pain and suffering you’ve been experiencing from fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

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Though hip pain and related problems can generally be traced to age-related degenerative conditions, particularly osteoarthritis of the hip joint, osteoarthritis isn’t always the culprit. In fact, rather than being the original source of the problem, osteoarthritis of the hip joint can be the ultimate result of damage to your hips earlier.

Gait changes as the result of biomechanical issues such as an ankle sprain or knee strain, can generate hip pain. Furthermore, your gait may shift to compensate for new body demands such as a job change, an alteration in the way you sit, a new sport or activity, or if you start driving for long periods of time on a regular basis..

In addition, gait asymmetries can occur from leg length discrepancies, foot pronation problems, even carrying a baby or small child on your hip. The point is, anything that creates an asymmetry or imbalance when you are moving can develop into painful hip problems.

Along with your adjustments, as part of the chiropractic management of your hip problem your chiropractor may determine that you require orthotics. Your chiropractor will also offer applicable progressive rehabilitative exercises that include muscle stretching and strengthening.

Hip pain won’t diminish on its own. Hip pain indicates that something needs to be remedied. Get out of pain, get back in balance, and get your life back now!

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The path of sciatic pain is typically from your low back, through the buttock(s), and down the large sciatic nerve in the back of your leg(s). Often, the pain may even travel into your knee. Motion and sitting, alike can generate pain. On occasion lying down will reduce, or perhaps briefly eliminate, the pain. But, sciatica will not be remedied without suitable management.

“Radiculopathy,” the medical term for the clinical diagnosis of sciatica, means simply that a disc has protruded from its normal position in the vertebral column and is putting pressure on the radicular nerve (nerve root) in the lower back, which forms part of the sciatic nerve. Such pressure is especially painful.

Additional pressure on the intervertebral discs, as well as imbalances in the muscles surrounding the spine, can take place as a consequence of extended sitting, specifically in a poor position. Usually, a precise event or definite injury doesn’t create sciatica, but, on the contrary, it tends to come about over time as a consequence of commonplace wear and tear on the structures of the lower spine. Over time the lower spine loses its capacity to function normally during everyday stresses.

Finally, the intervertebral disc develops small fissures, or cracks, which then lets the soft nucleus extend the disc outward. If the disc pushes on sensitive tissues, it generates the pain that is frequently referred to as a ruptured disc. If the disc presses on the spinal nerve, then sciatica can develop.

Most disc challenges, including sciatica, can be corrected with chiropractic adjustments and management that frequently includes postural exercises. If you are experiencing sciatic pain, it is important for you to seek help from your chiropractor.

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Why do so many people suffer from neck problems? There are many causes for neck pain and accompanying symptoms. Trauma to the neck can occur from an accident producing strained muscles, sprained ligaments, and spinal joint injuries. Sitting at a computer for long periods and/or performing repetitive tasks can create postural stress on the neck. Such stress produces muscular tension and inflammation in the neck and upper back. Postural stresses can be further aggravated by improper spinal mechanics and weak or overdeveloped muscles. Inflammation of soft tissue produced by degeneration of the spinal joints and discs as the result of the aging process, as well as “slipped,” herniated, or ruptured cervical discs are additional causes of neck problems.

Chiropractic treatment offers a natural, highly effective approach to a wide variety of neck problems. Pain relief, decreased tension, and increased motion all result from chiropractic management.

Your chiropractor will be able to determine the cause of your neck pain and treat it at its source because when it comes to knowledge of the spine and musculoskeletal system, your chiropractor is an expert! Chiropractic treatment can help to get rid of your neck pain for good. Give your chiropractor a call today!

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Back pain is often a mystery to the majority of people who experience it, and chiropractors are proficient at solving the puzzle. These individuals ask: Why is it that I have not experienced any trauma, accidents, or major injuries before the onset of their pain? The answer is that the cumulative effects of improper sitting posture, poor work habits, improper lifting, lack of routine exercise, and other unhealthy lifestyle-related determinants generate most back pain.

These factors add up over time and produce stresses and imbalances on the spine causing subluxations that can turn into serious back problems. The process is not unlike the front end of your car being out of alignment. When you persist in driving anyway, there is uneven wear and tear on your tires. If you ignored the problem, the situation could worsen until a tire “blew.” The function of the spine is threatened when your spine is misaligned. In other words, it’s not only a problem waiting to happen, it’s a problem waiting to get worse. And then, something as easy as bending over to pick up a piece of paper can be the “final factor” that causes back injury. When this occurs, the surrounding back muscles go into spasm in order to stabilize the stressed or injured tissues of the back.

Chiropractors have more education, training, and experience than medical doctors when it comes to conditions of the spine. They provide expert diagnosis and experienced treatment for all muscular-skeletal dysfunctions. In addition to offering welcomed relief if you are suffering from back pain, but they are knowledgeable about what will help you to avoid further back pain. Your chiropractor will not only provide you with effectual adjustments and other productive chiropractic therapies but, in addition, will give you a personalized exercise strategy and suggest other healthy lifestyle changes that will aid in keeping you well-adjusted and pain-free in the future.

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The ordinary, healthy individual takes 3,000-5,000 steps each day, not including activities like running and aerobic exercise. Unfortunately, frequently those steps are taken by people walking incorrectly, with poorly aligned gait patterns and unhealthy posture.

In addition, many individuals wear poorly-designed, poorly-fitting shoes. Walking and exercising on feet that are kept from performing as they were meant to cannot help but to create aches and pains not only in various places in the feet, but in other parts of the body, as well. For instance, if an individual over-pronates (walks like a duck) in shoes that are poorly-made or unevenly-worn, or in any pair of high heels, that person will not only develop foot and ankle problems, but will more than likely experience challenges in the back, knees and legs.

One of the most familiar foot problems is Plantar Fascitis (heel pain), which is generally caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a wonderfully-formed, multi-tasking band of connective tissue that encircles the muscles on the bottom of the foot, connects the heel bone to the ball of the foot, reinforces the arch, safeguards the foot, and absorbs shock. Obviously, the healthy function of the plantar fascia is essential for pain-free walking and exercise.

There are many factors that contribute to the development of Plantar Fascitis. One factor is short and tight calf muscles. Undue stress on the smaller and weaker plantar muscles and fascia occurs when calf muscles get short and tight, exerting a strong pull on the back of the heel bone. What causes calf muscles to get short and tight? Besides running and jumping activities such as aerobics, volleyball, running, basketball, and tennis, the wearing of high heels can create the condition.

Sudden strenuous activity after a period of prolonged inactivity can contribute to Plantar Fascitis, as can such elements as incorrect walking patterns (e.g., over-pronation), unsuitable footwear, walking on hard or uneven surfaces (particularly with bare feet), and obesity.

Once developed, Plantar Fascitis is frequently difficult to manage and can become exceedingly painful and persistent. Without appropriate treatment, Plantar Fascitis will only worsen.

If you are suffering from the pain of Plantar Fascitis, your chiropractor will be able to determine the cause of your condition and what chiropractic management would be best suited. Treatment might include ultrasound therapy, laser, joint manipulation, Graston technique, muscle stretching and strengthening exercises, special taping and, in some cases, orthotics.

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When your body is forced to stop suddenly and unexpectedly, there are going to be reverberations. You might be offered a clean bill of health by an emergency room attendant if you haven’t sustained any broken bones, and you may be given a prescription for drugs to ease the muscle spasms that you are undoubtedly experiencing as a consequence of the structural changes in your neck or lower back that you received from the impact. But, unless you’re actually treated for the injuries you’ve received, your problem can go from bad to far worse. In fact, some people encounter problems years after a car accident as the result of their not getting the help they required in the first place.

Your chiropractor genuinely knows what your body goes through during a car accident. Chiropractic techniques include treatment for soft tissue injuries and spinal bio-mechanics abnormalities. And when it comes to rehabilitation strategies, your chiropractor is an expert!

If you’ve experienced a minor auto accident, even if your car may not require much repair, you probably do. Neck and back traumas, and whiplash injury, are not only painful in the places in which they occur, but they can also cause pain, tingling, and numbness in your arms and hands and create headaches days, weeks, even months after an accident occurs.

Chiropractic care will provide you with a drug-free, natural road back to feeling good again.  It will help to put the trauma of your accident where it belongs – behind you. In addition, because your chiropractor has experience communicating effectively with insurance companies and lawyers, not only will you undergo less physical stress, but less emotional stress, too!

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