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!

Technorati Tags: BPPV, chiropractic, chiropractor, dizziness, epleys, vertigo

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

Why is it a good idea to get adjusted? You’ve probably noticed that your body is going through a variety of changes, and these adjustments will continue as the pregnancy progresses. A subtle change is your body’s increased production of the hormone elastin. This hormone is designed to relax the tendons in the pelvis. This easing gives the pelvis more flexibility during the birthing process to make delivering the baby easier.

This process, although designed to help the mother during labor, can produce much discomfort in the months leading up to the birth. The elastin is being released in increased amounts as the months go on, which allows the pelvis to become increasingly more unstable. In combination with the increased size of the baby and uterus, and you have the recipe for severe low back pain. As a chiropractor, I currently have several pregnant patients coming into my office for symptoms associated with their pregnancy, but most commonly it is for their low back pain.

A bonus to seeing a chiropractor routinely during your pregnancy is that it has been shown to actually decrease labor time. Why is that you ask? Simply put, if the pelvis is aligned properly, the muscles contracting during the labor process are more efficient because they don’t have to fight past misaligned joints.

Not only can chiropractic help you with your low back pain and other associated symptoms, such as heartburn, nausea, swelling, etc., but it is safe for both you and your baby. And, if needed, certain trained chiropractors can also help mothers who have a breached baby. This is done by using the Webster Technique, a low force technique to manipulate the uterus and get the baby into the proper presentation for delivery. Additional information on the Webster Technique can easily be found online.

In summation: Not only is chiropractic safe for pregnant women and their baby, it is also very beneficial in helping with the symptoms associated with their pregnancy. To any pregnant woman reading this, I advise you to please go to see your chiropractor. Chiropractic care can make you quite a bit more comfortable in the months of your pregnancy, and make your labor process easier.

Technorati Tags: breached baby, chiropractic adjustment, chiropractor, heartburn, nausea, pregnancy, swelling, Webster Technique

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.

Technorati Tags: chiropractic, chiropractor, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, pain

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!

Technorati Tags: chiropractic, chiropractor, hip pain, osteoarthritis

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.

Technorati Tags: chiropractic, chiropractor, sciatica

Golf injuries don’t simply happen to amateurs. Close to one-third of pro golfers playing in the same time frame are playing injured. The good news is that general good health and fitness can reduce how many injuries you may incur and might possibly preclude them totally.

Good body strength in the muscle zones most employed when golfing is vital. However, it’s prudent to make sure your spine is in proper alignment and that it has good mobility before you set out to build muscle strength. A successful golf swing is contingent upon your spine’s ability to adequately rotate adequately. Back injuries are the most common sort of injuries experienced by golfers. To get the help you need so that your spine is in healthy alignment and there is efficient movement in the vertebrae, see your chiropractor. Chiropractic care can go a long way in helping you to prevent back injury.

It’s time to strengthen once you’re “straightened.” Safe, injury-free action on the green is dependent upon your being prepared for your golf game. You can warm up your muscles and make straining them less likely by doing golf stretching and flexibility exercises. Full body range of motion (ROM) exercises will increase flexibility, fairly speedily, in all regions of the body. Furthermore, elastic band conditioning offers targeted golf range of motion improvements and can build needed power in the shoulders, hips and deep muscles of the core. Since elastic band training provides the dynamic resistance that general weight lifting does not, sports professionals, such as your chiropractor, are making them a part of their golf conditioning programs.

Besides back injuries, quite a few golfers have painful “Golfer’s Elbow.” There is a small difference between golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow despite the fact that they are nearly identical injuries. Tennis elbow disturbs the outside of the upper arm whereas golfer’s elbow affects the inner arm. Golfer’s elbow, like tennis elbow, can be the consequence of a single extreme action, such as (in golf) thrusting down on the mat at the driving range or hitting a hard fairway surface. But, it most often is produced by repetitive stress from smaller shocks. In addition, it can come upon those who suddenly begin to play too much golf. As a case in point, if those that ordinarily play golf once or twice a month elect to enter into a tournament, they are likely at risk for incurring the injury.

Golf makes distinctive requests of our body. Fatigue can be problematic because the game generally lasts longer than most other sports. Bad posture and impeded coordination are often the result of a fatigued body. These two factors combined can cause a number of injuries. In addition, because of the repetitive swinging of the golf clubs, the shoulder muscles are prone to injury. Just as it is vital for you to stretch and warm up prior to starting your golf game, be sure to rest your body properly between games.

An unexpected injury sometimes associated with golf is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. But, this injury can be induced by numerous games of golf played over several months continuously as it is an affliction that occurs due to repetitive stress Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be a serious injury creating incapacitation and on occasion necessitating surgery. However, chiropractic management and, sometimes the use of a brace will alleviate the problem if a health professional, such as your chiropractor, diagnoses it at an early stage.

Injuries are assumed to be unavoidable part of life for most golfers. But, a healthy, mobile spine, good preparation, proper exercise and muscle conditioning, attaining and sustaining a a suitable fitness level, and sensible rest and recuperation after your game is over, can assisting in making injuries much less a part of your golfing experience.

Technorati Tags: back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, chiropractor, golfer's elbow, shoulder pain

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!

Technorati Tags: chiropractic, chiropractor, neck

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.

Technorati Tags: back pain, chiropractic, chiropractor, low back pain