This is the third in a series of chiropractic articles by some of my colleagues across the country. Hope you are enjoying them!

Is it a good idea to get your spine checked while you are pregnant? Firstly, yes it is a wise decision to get your spine checked while you are pregnant. You’ve probably noticed that, your body is going through a variety of changes, and these adjustments will continue as the pregnancy progresses. One change that goes basically unnoticed 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, despite the fact that its function is to assist the mother during labor, can create a lot of back pain 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 an Oxnard Chiropractor I see many pregnant women in my practice in my clinic for a variety of symptoms, but as a rule it is for their low back pain.

One side benefit of having your spine and pelvis checked by a chiropractor regularly 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.

To answer the second question from the introductory paragraph, most assuredly chiropractic care during your pregnancy is safe. 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 to both you and your baby. Certain trained chiropractors can also help mothers who have a breached baby. This is done by using the Webster Technique, a low force manipulation of the uterus that helps to get the baby into the appropriate position for birth. A simple Google search on the Webster Technique can give you much more information.

In summation, not only is chiropractic safe for pregnant women, it is also very beneficial in helping with the symptoms associated with their pregnancy. To any pregnant women out there reading this, please go to see your local chiropractor, or if you are close enough, look up your Oxnard Chiropractor. We can make you quite a bit more comfortable in the months of your pregnancy, and we can even make the labor process easier.

Technorati Tags: heartburn, low back pain, Oxnard Chiropractor, pregnancy, Webster Technique

All this week I will feature a series of articles by some of my coooeagues across the nation, enjoy!

Whenever we wake up in the morning with a stiff and painful neck, the inclination is to blame the predicament on our pillow, bed, or sleep position during that night. We also make an effort to figure out what is happening when sudden neck movement causes a sharp pain that feels as if “something” has slipped out of position or that a nerve is being “pinched.” Though it may seem so, one single incident is rarely the cause of most neck problems, but rather the cumulative effects of improper sitting posture, unhealthy work and lifestyle habits, and lack of proper exercise for strength and flexibility. Obviously, some neck challenges are due to traumatic events such as a whiplash accident, a fall, or a sports injury.

To understand neck pain, it is necessary to be aware of the anatomy of the spine. The movement of the spine is guided by neck vertebrae that are comprised of posterior joints, called facets, that attach vertebrae to one another. Inter-vertebral discs, made of strong cartilage, join the “bodies” of the vertebrae. This dense cartilage surrounds the nucleus, a soft material in the center of the inter-vertebral discs. The principal function of the disc is as a shock absorber and spacer between the vertebrae. In a canal positioned between the body and the facets of the vertebrae is the spinal cord. Spinal nerves leave the spine between the vertebrae and supply energy to muscles and organs of the body. Additionally, they carry sensory impulses, including pain information, from the body to the brain.  The nerves that leave from the neck are assigned to the entire upper extremity including the shoulder, elbow and hand, as well as structures of the head and neck. The natural forward curve of the neck balances the weight of the head and decreases stress on neck vertebrae. For more information please feel free to visit your Colorado Springs Chiropractor.

Risk Factors: Neck Pain and Computer Use

Many people are now employed to sit at a desk in front of a computer. The use of computers has risen significantly, and many individuals spend eight to ten hours a day slumped over the keyboard and staring at the monitor. Sitting with the head in a forward bent position (the posture most computer users adopt), puts immense strain on neck ligaments and muscles. Furthermore, the normal forward curve of the neck may become reversed and produce more stress on the surrounding tissue of the neck. Awkward posture and repetitive stress can cause spinal problems including disc herniation and subluxations, which are the principal causes of spinal nerve inflammation. Conjointly with general pain, spinal nerve inflammation in the neck can cause symptoms like headaches, eye problems, giddiness, arm and hand pain (and paraesthesia), as well as shoulder pain.

Headaches and Chiropractic Care

Headaches or migraines are commonly associated with dysfunction of the cervical spine. Symptoms, from a dull ache to throbbing pain, are created when the cervical vertebrae lose their essential position or motion and sensitive nerves and blood vessels, connected with structures in the head are stretched or irritated. Trigger points, the tight knots in the muscles of the neck, can also refer pain to the head.  Of course there are other factors associated with headaches including toxic fumes, certain foods, additives such as MSG, alcohol, caffeine, and stress. Nevertheless one must always look at the tissues and alignment of the neck when considering the cause of headaches and migraines. Chiropractic care has been shown to extremely beneficial in the treatment of headaches. Your Colorado Springs Chiropractor can give you further information regarding treatment and pain relief.

Whiplash and Chiropractic Care

Many people are involved in car accidents. Rear-end collisions are the most common. During such a collision, the head of the passenger in the front automobile is forcefully wrenched back, and then forward, causing harm to the structure of both the front and back of the neck. Such a intense force can cause damage to the ligaments, muscles, facet joints, discs, and spinal nerves. In addition to neck pain and immobility, symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vertigo, arm and shoulder pain, tingling in the hands and fingers and weakness of the arm and hand are associated with whiplash injury. It is crucial to get immediate evaluation and x-rays to rule out the possibility of fracture. More often than not in many cases, the injuries are mainly to the soft tissues and joints. Proper management is vital in rehabilitation from the pain and symptoms of whiplash, and also to prevent future disability. Your Colorado Springs Chiropractor is extremely knowledgeable in the area of whiplash injury, and is more than capable of managing the case from injury to recovery.

Technorati Tags: chiropractic care, headache, neck pain, whiplash

All this week I will feature a series of articles by some of my coooeagues across the nation, enjoy!

Low back pain is second in prevalence only to the common cold. It affects more than 80% of the population. Although most people are aware that the common cold is due to a viral infection, back pain is often a mystery to its sufferers. Your Fort Worth Chiropractor is an expert at solving the problem.

Anatomy

Knowledge of the anatomy of the spine is very important in understanding back pain. The spinal bones or vertebrae of the lower back consist of posterior joints called facets that join vertebrae to one another and serve to direct the motion of the spine. Inter-vertebral discs, made of tough cartilage, connect the bodies of the vertebrae. This dense cartilage covers the nucleus, a soft material in the center of the inter-vertebral discs. The main function of the disc is as a shock absorber and spacer between the vertebrae. Ligaments and muscles also join the vertebrae. The wedge-shaped bone at the bottom of the spine is the sacrum and is joined to the two pelvic bones at the sacroiliac joint. In a canal positioned between the body and the facets of the vertebrae is the spinal cord. The spinal nerves leave the spine between the vertebrae.

Causes of Back Pain

Most often, back pain happens without a trauma, an accident, or a major injury prior to the onset. The cumulative effects of unhealthy sitting posture, poor work habits, incorrect lifting, lack of proper exercise, and other unhealthy lifestyle-related factors create most back pain.  These cumulative factors create stresses and imbalances on the spine and, therefore, some may injure their back simply by bending over to pick up a piece of paper. The instability of the spine makes it vulnerable to even the most simple movements, such as bending. When this comes about, the surrounding back muscles go into spasm to protect the stressed or injured tissues of the back. Chiropractors are back pain specialists. Your Fort Worth Chiropractor can help you to get out of pain quickly.

Disc Problems & Sciatica

Prolonged sitting, specifically in a unsuitable position produces increased pressure on the intervertebral discs and imbalances in the muscles encompassing the spine. After a while the lower spine loses its ability to function normally during everyday stresses. Ultimately, the intervertebral disc develops small fissures, or cracks, allowing the soft nucleus to protrude the disc outward. If the disc pushes on sensitive tissues, it causes the pain that is often referred to as a slipped disc. If the disc presses on the spinal nerve, one can develop sciatica, which is defined as pain, tingling, numbness, and sometimes weakness in the lower extremities. On occasion if the disc protrusion or herniation is large and the condition is not managed correctly, surgery is needed to clear away the herniated disc material. With chiropractic adjustments and care, which often includes postural exercises, most disc problems, including sciatica, can be mended. If you are experiencing any of the problems defined above, it is essential for you to seek chiropractic treatment.

Spondylosis

Repetitive assault to the discs, facet joints, and surrounding ligaments may cause increased erosion and weight-bearing stress on the spine. Bone spurs are created when the cartilage around the joints is negatively affected by stress that causes calcium to deposit in the tissues around the vertebrae. These spurs can compress adjacent nerves, blood vessels and soft tissue resulting in symptoms ranging from minor pain and numbness to gross sensory loss and muscular atrophy. This condition – known as Spondylosis - is a type of arthritis that is likely to affect almost everyone at some point in life, as it is a common part of the aging process of the spine as well. But, influences such as previous trauma, unhealthy lifestyle, and repetitive stress injury influence the time of onset in life. Regular chiropractic adjustments and overall chiropractic management is extremely beneficial in slowing the aging process of the spine, as well as assisting Spondylosis sufferers in managing their condition. Your Fort Worth Chiropractor has assisted many Spondylosis sufferers.

Sacroiliac Problems

Another general area of dysfunction or injury in the low back is in the sacroiliac joints. These weight-bearing joints connect the upper part of the body to the lower pelvic portion and are usually very strong and stable. Trauma from falls, sports injuries, or the lifting of heavy objects can cause the joints to become unstable and change to an abnormal position.  This condition is called a sacroiliac subluxation. Pregnancy can also cause this condition. Sacroiliac subluxation produces imbalances in the lower extremities giving a person a functional long and short leg. Individuals with this syndrome will feel pain especially with prolonged standing and walking, or during or after physical activity. Many complain of lack of energy and being easily fatigued.  Many times this imbalance can affect structures further up the spine and individuals can develop neck and shoulder pain, as well as headaches. Chiropractic adjustments and treatment are extremely effective in ameliorating this problem by establishing proper alignment of the joints.. Ask your Fort Worth chiropractor how you can get effective pain relief.

Spinal Subluxation

Subluxated or misaligned facets joints are a commonplace disorder of the lower back, as well as the entire spine. Subluxations can happen on their own or in conjunction with disc problems and Spondylosis. They not only create pain, but they can also compromise the spinal nerves as they exit the foramen or spaces between the vertebrae, and cause nerve compression, known as paraethesia. Paraesthesia is a change of sensation described as a tingling, burning or “funny feeling.” Paraesthesia in the upper extremities more often than notoriginates from nerve problems in the neck, while paraesthesia in the lower extremities is most often associated with nerve dysfunctionin the lumbar region (lower back). Visceral problems such as asthma and gastric conditions can also becorrelated with, or complicated by, spinal subluxations and nerve compression. Subluxations are best corrected by chiropractic adjustments.

Trauma

Trauma such as a fall, car accident, or sports injury can cause trauma to the spine and lower back. Often these traumas produce over-stretching or tearing of the tissues of the spine. When this takes place a person can encounter considerable pain and immobility. In order to escape long term disability or the development of any of the conditions listed above, chiropractic adjustments and treatment at the onset of symptoms is crucial. If you experience a trauma, call your chiropractor as soon as possible.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is often associated with low back pain. Chiropractic care offers exceptional pain relief.

When it comes to the spine, chiropractors have more education and training than medical doctors. I can provides state of the art diagnosis and expert treatment for any of the above-mentioned conditions of the spine and lower back.

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Scoliosis an Introduction

A normal spine is straight, without much disparity from side-to-side, when the body is seen from behind. But, if the spine is seen to have a lateral, or side-to-side, curvature, the patient might have a disorder called scoliosis.The affliction shouldn’t be confused with poor posture, even though it often gives the appearance that the patient is leaning to one side. Scoliosis is a complicated deformity that is defined by both lateral curvature and rotation of the vertebra often causing a symptomatic “rib hump” in the mid or thoracic spine. This is caused by the vertebrae in the area of the major curve rotating toward the concavity and pushing their connected ribs posterior thus causing the characteristic rib hump seen in thoracic scoliosis. The pulmonary and cardiac functions can be interfered with if the thoracic curve and rib rotation exceeds 70 degrees. This degree of curve and consequential cardiac and pulmonary changes are oftentimes seen later in life in untreated severe idiopathic infantile and juvenile scoliosis patients and, more often than not, present a threat to life.

Anatomy

If a person were to look at the trunk from a side view, the spine would display four normal curves: the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral. The thoracic, in the chest area, has a healthy round curve, “reversed C,” called a kyphosis, while in the lower spine there is a natural “C” curve, known as swayback or lordosis. Increased kyphosis in the thoracic area is called hyperkyphosis, while heightened swayback is termed, hyperlordosis. Changes from normal that are visible from a side view frequently accompany scoliosis changes. Some round back deformities are simply due to unhealthy posture and can often be corrected with postural exercises. A small portion of patients with kyphosis have more rigid deformities than the postural type, which are coincidental with vertebral deformity. This class of deformity, called Scheuermann’s kyphosis, is much harder to treat than postural kyphosis, and it’s cause is unknown.

Even a layman can help to identify a child or adult with scoliosis just by looking at the person in a standing position, preferably with no shirt and in boxers, and observing the following:

• One shoulder may be raised than the other.

• One scapula (shoulder blade) may be raised or more prominent than the other.

• With the arms hanging freely at the sides, there may be more room between the arm and the body on one side.

• One hip may look to be raised or more prominent than the other.

• The head is not in plumb with the pelvis.

• When the person is viewed from the rear and asked to bend forward until the spine is horizontal, one side of the back looks more raised than the other.

Once scoliosis is identified, the child or adult should be sent to a healthcare professional, such as a chiropractor, for further diagnosis. your chiropractor would be happy to help.

The most common kind of scoliosis is, by far, Idiopathic, and though there are a variety of origins and many varieties, Idiopathic Scoliosis accounts for approximately 85% of all cases. “Idiopathic” means “no known cause” and is observed with equal occurrence in boys and girls in the mild or low curve magnitudes. Depending on the age of onset, this condition can be sub-classified into infantile, juvenile and adolescent cases. Idiopathic Scoliosis may be caused by genetic or hereditary influences as it often runs in families. However girls, for unknown reasons are five to eight times more likely than boys to have their curves grow in size and require treatment. As the term “Idiopathic Scoliosis” implies, this type of scoliosis commonly happens when children are completing their last major growth spurt. It is a good idea to have this age group viewed by a professional on a regular basis because young people are disinclined to permit their body to be viewed by parents or other adults.

If a scoliotic curve is observed in the growing adolescent, it is very important that the curves be monitored for change by periodic examination and from time to time standing X-rays. In ninety percent of instances, the scoliosis is mild and does not require active treatment, however increases in spinal deformity require evaluation to ascertain if a brace or other management is necessary. In a small number of people, surgical treatment may be required.~Surgery may be required for a small number of patients.

Brace therapy (orthosis) is recommended for newly-identified symptoms of moderate scoliosis or abnormal kyphosis, as well as when an increase in scoliosis or kyphosis is observed in both juvenile and adolescent children. There are quite a few kinds of braces, all created to prevent curves from increasing through the process of acting as a buttress for the spine during active skeletal growth. Bracing is effective in stopping curve progression in a significant percentage of skeletally-immature adolescents. But, braces normally will not make the spine entirely straight, and cannot always keep a curve from progressing.

Scoliosis has no simple answer. Nearly all cases, even though frequently monitored, are not actively treated. Severe symptoms are occasionally treated surgically, but the standard medical treatment for moderate cases is a brace. You may want to see your local chiropractor first.

Besides bracing, many other methods have been used successfully including specialized exercise, electric stimulation of spinal muscles, nutritional programs, and chiropractic treatments. It seems like the most beneficial results have been sustained with a multi-faceted approach to the treatment of this condition.

There are chiropractors, that have expertise managing scoliosis symptoms.

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With fickle gas prices presenting us too many motives not to drive anywhere, a lot of people are simply feeling claustrophobic. It used to be that sightseeing was a national pastime, and very few people gave much reflection about the cost. But, today a twenty mile trip can cost as much as ten dollars depending on the gas efficiency of our car. We simply cannot take driving anywhere for granted anymore. With our own personal economic crisis making things strained right now, even a ride across town to see a friend can take a chunk out of our budget.

Fortunately, there’s an answer. If you owned an electric motor scooter, you wouldn’t have to worry about gas prices at all! Electric motor scooters charge in a normal outlet and can go a considerable number of miles on a single charge, frequently at more than 60 miles an hour. When you drive to work, or go to see a friend, you’ll have an efficient alternative. An electric motor scooter won’t cost you more than a bit of electricity, which is cheaper than gas these days.

There are a lot of people these days that are starting to ride electric motor scooters, and many of them are creating some very interesting concepts regarding how to charge their scooters batteries.  My friend and Costa Mesa Chiropractor has integrated solar panels onto the scooter, itself, so the whole day, while they’re driving or when they’re parked, their scooter is charging. While their parked at work, their scooter will charge the whole time without using any electricity. Another effective plan is to charge your electric motor scooter when you get to a friend’s house. As a result, you can take short “hops,” charging your scooter’s battery along the way as you visit several friends! In some way it’s like recharging your cell phone when you visit a friend (provided you haven’t forgotten).

You might be surprised at how much more gas you use up on short trips around town than you do driving further on the freeway. All the stop and go in town burns plenty of gas, however on an electric scooter, the power drain only happens when you’re actually driving, not while you’re stopped. Just riding your electric motor scooter to work and for short trips will save you a whole lot of money in your gas budget, and that will leave you more money to use for gas on those road trips once again. Not only will you pay less per trip, you’ll emit less, too!

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If you are heading over to the Yoga Loft,  don’t forget to place your yoga blocks in your yoga bag once you’ve discovered their many benefits to your practice. But, before we list the many uses of yoga blocks, it’s a helpful idea to review a bit about the healthy aspects Yoga, itself.

The Benefits of Yoga

Yoga aids you in awakening your inner body and enlivening your outer body! As you unburden your mind to give your complete attention to each pose, you stimulate your “inner body” awareness of the present moment. Consistent yoga practice fosters a healthy body through proper breathing for more oxygenation, greater flexibility for ease of motion, added muscle strength for confident movement, and perfect alignment for enhanced energy flow. The goal of yoga practice is to create a union between the body, mind and spirit.

You’ll need time and commitment, as well as a whole lot of patience, to master a yoga pose. Do not expect perfect poses in the beginning. But, slowly over time, as you practice and make an effort to perform each pose correctly, without pushing yourself too far physically or beating yourself up mentally, you will notice that you are developing flexibility, strength, and energy physically and feeling more peaceful and clear mentally.

Choose an uncluttered, graceful space for your practice area, preferably with a bare floor and an accessible wall. Remember to turn off your cell phone while practicing your yoga routines to avoid any distraction. Preferably, you should not eat for at least 2 hours before practicing. If this is not possible, then try to eat something light, such as a piece of fruit, but no more than 1 hour before you start your yoga practice.

Always be mindful with your movements, and if you encounter pain or discomfort as you undertake a pose, pause or stop, and then try again.

Yoga props and accessories, such as yoga mats, yoga bolsters, yoga straps, yoga blocks, yoga mat bags, and even a yoga towel are perfect for aiding you in moving deeper into a pose, in performing an impeccable pose, and in practicing in a healthful way.

Good reasons to consider using yoga props:

• Relieve pain and discomfort

• Prevent injury

• Release tension and provide support

• Encourage appropriate alignment

• Enhance movement

• Open up the joints

• Develop awareness and understanding

Yoga Blocks

Unfortunately, often before a beginner can start to know the benefits to mind and body that yoga supplies, discomfort in trying to do a few of the yoga poses will make them turn away from a beneficial yoga practice. Yoga blocks can assist anyone, but expressly novices, to feel more comfortable during yoga practice because yoga blocks help to improve alignment. For instance, when a standing pose includes one hand being on the floor, flexibility issues arise. For a novice, the floor can seem a long way down. A yoga block can supply the difference. Think of a yoga block as elongating your arm. While a newbie is in the process of developing flexibility, he or she will still be able to do the standing poses properly by positioning a hand on a block that’s been set appropriately on the floor. A yoga block is a wonderful transitional aid.  In addition, some sitting poses specifically require a yoga block.  A yoga block aids you in going a lot farther in your practice, and maybe even in your life. Who could ask for more from something so “square.”

Yoga blocks come in a fairly wide range of materials. To name a few: Foam blocks are durable and lightweight, an manageable add to your yoga mat bag! Wooden blocks are also lightweight and hollow, yet basically indestructible (even Fido would find one hard to destroy!). And, then there is the eco-friendly cork block.  An extra bonus is that the natural texture of the cork gives a little extra traction.

Yoga blocks are more often than not sold singly but, for adaptability, you’ll likely want to buy more than one.

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I just saw the coolest pic called Sausalito Morning on 411 Photography. It’s an errie morning shot of the city and Alcatraz from over in Sausalito. Got Check it  out and let me know what you think!

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I have just returned from catching the ferry at pier 33 for the ride to Alcatraz. The partly cloudy skies gave an an extra errie feeling. Being a Honolulu chiropractor, I’m used to living on an island but this island is a bit different. While listening to the guided tour on headset, I realized how hard it must have been to be so close and yet so far from freedom. I mean to be able to hear the sounds of the city and yet be just out of reach and out of site. That is karma in and of itself.

If you have’nt been on the tour, I would highly recommend it. It’s great to be on the water for the ride, the tour itself is educational and entertaining, and the history is palpable.

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Just read the best post on a typical MD respone to effective chiropractic care: It was a post on www.oblogatoryanecdotes.com. I reprint it for your enjoyment.

As a Santa Barbara Chiropractor I hear plenty of stories each day but today I heard one that takes the cake. A 53 year old patient has been coming in for headaches. She was getting 3-4 a week for years. She had to take advil daily. After 4 weeks under my care, her headaches were gone. This is not an unusual outcome for a course of chiropractic treatment.

She had her semi-annual visit with her neurologist, she has been going for years because of headaches and dizzy symptoms. Then she told him the fantastic news that she hadn’t had a headache in two months. I was thinking “this neurologist is going to be a fantastic referrer for me, I was seeing all of these interesting and complicated cases coming my way.”

Then, He told her that she should not be seeing a chiropractor, that he could give her multiple botox injections in her scalp to numb out the pain. But wait, she is not having anymore pain, she told him. He proceeded to book her for the injections. She cancelled the visits for the injections. Thank God!

Just one more ignorant neurologist!

Technorati Tags: headaches, neurologist, santa barbara chiropractor

Knee pain and disability is widespread, second only to spinal problems within the musculoskeletal system. Conditions concerning the knee can be separated into several classes including poor mechanics of the knee and impaired foot mechanics due to foot pain, general overuse of the knee joint,  inflammation due to arthritic changes in the joint, and traumatic injury from events such as sports and falls.

Non-trauma knee problems: Insufficient mechanics of the knee joint and the corresponding stress on the soft tissues of the knee are, by far, the most common cause of non-traumatic pain. Generally, the part of the knee implicated is the patella or knee-cap. Frequently the patella does not move smoothly or does not move adequately on the femur during bending of the knee producing undue stress on the tendons, cartilage and ligaments. This specific condition is frequently called chondromalacia patella (CMP) or Patella Femoral Syndrome (Knee Cap Pain). The condition usually originates when there are imbalances in the quadriceps muscles of the thigh that attach to and move the patella. Lower back ailments, especially in the sacroiliac joints, are one of the primary reasons for imbalances in the muscles related to knee movement, and subsequent knee problems. Pain and dysfunction can also be produced by imbalances in the muscle groups that attach to the knee. For example, the muscles on the inside of the thigh, when strained and tight, can create pain on the medial or inside of the knee.   Faulty foot mechanics that cause gait deviations such as pronation, are another cause of mechanical knee pain.

Evidence of overuse includes pain during activities such as climbing stairs, running, jumping, as well as pain upon getting up after prolonged sitting. Many women are likely to be predisposed to painful overuse problems for anatomical reasons, although such ailments are often caused by wearing high heels on a regular basis.

It is important to re-establish proper muscle balance, restore appropriate motion to the patella and other knee joints, and to correct any subluxations of the sacroiliac joints and bones of the foot.  In specific cases, a brace is used to assist with the positioning of the patella or to support the joint. Chiropractors, such as your San Jose chiropractor, are highly experienced in administering the appropriate diagnosis and care of these problems.

Knee problems due to trauma: Traumatic injuries often take place during sports that involve running and jumping, particularly. When the knee is pulled or contorted beyond the capability of the ligaments that hold the joint together, tearing of these tissues can occur creating a sprain. Strains to muscles that facilitate movement of the knee can occur when the muscles are torn during injury. As with a sprain, a muscle strain can range from a minor injury that necessitates little treatment to a severe injury needing surgery. The knee also is comprised of two special “cartilages” - the menisci - between the tibia and the femur that provide for fluid motion and cushioning. These cartilages can also be torn during trauma, and often require surgical repair, or even removal if damaged severely.

Traumatic knee injuries can cause intense pain and swelling and need urgent evaluation and care. In the majority of cases a competent chiropractor, such as your San Jose Chiropractor, can take excellent care of these types of injuries, however there are some injuries that do need the craft of an orthopedic surgeon. Whatever the case, it is crucial to stabilize the injured joint as soon as possible and to put ice on the hurt area, if possible, until the injury can be assessed.

Conditions such as poor mechanics and problems due to overuse, as well as traumatic injuries, need to be corrected at an early stage. If not, the tissues of the knee joint, expressly the cartilage, will start to erode. In that event the bones will rub on one another, and changes such as bone spurs can take place. This painful affliction, known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis, commonly advances with age. Common treatment may involve medications such as NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Nevertheless, there are natural anti-inflammatory supplements that are very effective such as rosemary, glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, bioflavinoids, curcumin. Conservative treatment, such as chiropractic, can be extremely valuable in relieving the pain. Your San Jose chiropractor is will be happy to recommend anti-inflammatory supplements. In addition, people can usually help themselves by keeping their weight down, doing exercises (especially in the pool), and wearing cushioned shoes or insoles.

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