Spinal Decompression

Spinal Decompression Therapy is a proven, non-surgical method of treatment to relieve persistent aches and pains stemming from disc problems such as disc bulge and disc herniation. Unlike the traditional traction of the past, spinal decompression can be directed at specific levels in the neck or back. Because it is level-specific, more spinal decompression is achieved using less force overall. This makes the treatment very comfortable. In fact, many of our patients become so relaxed during their treatment that they doze off.

It works by creating a negative pressure inside the disc, causing the bulging disc material to be retracted away from irritated nerve tissues. At the same time, the disc is rehydrated and healed by the nutients that are drawn inside during the process. We have been using this non-surgical treatment method in our chiropractic practice with great success in Mandeville since 2005.

Head Forward Effects

                                                                   

Head Forward & Health Down

     The head-forward posture is something that the majority of my neck pain patients deal with.  With the modern workplace becoming more and more computer dependent, neck pain due to poor posture is on the rise.  Patients need to be educated on proper workplace ergonomics and how to promote proper neck and head posture throughout their work day.  Here is a simple demonstration on how a head forward posture can effect you:  Stand upright and stick your head and neck out forward as far as you can.  Next try to raise your arms above your head while your neck and head are still forward.  It becomes really difficult to use your arms properly in this position.  Now try the same thing with your head in a neutral position and you will see how much easier it is to raise your arms.  Next, while putting yourself in a head-forward posture try to take a deep breath.  It becomes very difficult to breathe properly.  Lung capacity is decreased by 30% in this position.  Now try the same thing with the head and neck in a neutral position.  Some literature has even attributed digestive system dysfunction, sluggishness, and constipation to the head-forward posture.  As you can see, correcting the head forward posture can have profound effects on health.  For more information on office ergonomics check out our website here.

When Do I Need An Adjustment ???

     A lot of patients who's initial complaints have resolved with our care ask me how often they should come back for care in the future.  The answer is that it depends.  I know that sounds like a pretty ambiguous answer, but let me explain.  All of my patients become educated about their specific problem throughout the course of their care.  They learn techniques to help them do their part in the healing process.  Home care techniques, specific stretches, and exercises that will help prevent future episodes.  Unfortunately, life happens between visits.  Mothers pick up their children, carpenters grab a board to quickly, and office workers sit for too long in bad positions.  All of my patients use what I call the "chiropractic rule of thumb".  In general, if a patient does something that causes pain, then they should use all of the home care techniques that they have learned to get their symptoms under control.  If, after three days of consistently using proper home care they are no better, then they need to get in the office ASAP.  Studies have shown that an episode left untreated for a week with no improvement take twice as many visits to resolve.  Some patients with chronic conditions have found it to be beneficial to get treatment on a more regular basis.  I do not recommend once a month for everyone in my practice.  Some patients need more care, some less often.  Each patient's problem is unique.  Over time, patients determine how often they need care based on when their symptoms resurface.  Whatever the case, it is a fact that chiropractic care makes you more healthy overall.  Patients who utilize chiropractic care take less drugs, have less outpatient procedures, spend less money for healthcare, and are more satisfied with their care. 

Chiropractic and Vertigo

Can Chiropractic Help Vertigo???  

    A quick post concerning BPV:  I occasionally have patients come in that complain of vertigo that is worsened by certain body positions.  This is a condition known as benign positional vertigo, or BPV.  It is an inner ear disorder that is caused by clogging of one of the semicircular canals with otoliths (small crystals in the inner ear) that have been dislodged.  Many of these patients have been the medical route and have been given antivert aka Meclizine.  Because the problem has a physical cause (a clog in the canal) this medication quite often offers little relief.  There is a procedure that I perform called canalith re-positioning that is 86% effective for curing the problem. This procedure addresses the physical problem that is the cause of the symptoms.  An examination by good chiropractor can confirm if the vertigo is BPV related.  The three main causes of vertigo include inner ear problems, neck dysfunction, and TMJ (jaw) disorders.  In the absence of any cranial nerve involvement or other neurological deficit, then a short-term plan of conservative care is indicated.  chiropractors can address all three of these problems, giving the patient the best chance of success.  In my office, I identify the causes through examination and treat whatever seems to be contributing to the problem, whether it is one or more. Should conservative treatment fail, then a MRI should be ordered to rule out any more serious causes such as tumor, infection, etc.  Can chiropractic help vertigo??  The answer is yes (usually).  For more information about chiropractic you can visit our website nschiro.com 

Can Chiropractic Care Help Headaches?

     I have had many chiropractic patients in the Mandeville and Covington areas who have come to me for relief of their headaches, so I get this question a lot.  The answer I usually give is that it depends, but the chances are good that chiropractic care can help.  The most common cause of chronic, recurring headaches is upper neck dysfunction.  These types of headaches are known as cervicogenic headaches, meaning that the headaches source originates in the neck.  It has been estimated that 80% of chronic headaches fall into this category, so you can see how chiropractic care would be a really good choice for treatment.  Other types of headaches also respond chiropractic, which addresses the structure an function of the cervical spine. This is because the cervicogenic headache can trigger other types of headaches such as migraines or tension headaches.  Self treating with over the counter medications has been shown to actually increase the frequency and duration of headaches long-term.  Isn't it ironic that the very medication that people take for their headaches actually makes their problem worse in the long run?  A Duke University study in 2001 concluded "Manipulation appeared to result in immediate improvement in headache severity when used to treat episodes of cervicogenic control...a course of manipulation treatments resulted in sustained improvement in headache frequency and severity."   What this means is that chiropractic care results in long term improvement with less headaches and less severe headaches.  If you are suffering from chronic headaches then this is some really good news!  If you are a patient who has recurrent headaches and the medications do not offer any long-term relief, then you should see a good chiropractor in your area.

Home Care for Low Back Pain

     Patients ask me all the time what they can do at home to manage their low back pain.  This is a very important question.  Patients get relief when they come to the office for treatment, but can cause their pain to resurface or worsen by doing the wrong things at home in an attempt to self-treat.  One of the most common mistakes is using a heating pad on an already inflamed lower back.  The signs of inflammation are pain, heat, redness, and swelling.  That's right - pain is a sign that you have inflammation!  Putting heat on an area that is already inflamed will make the inflammation worse and your pain worse.  I'm not saying that heat should never be used, but in this case, where you are having acute lower back pain, heat is not indicated.  Ice should be used instead of heat if you are experiencing lower back pain that has recently started.  20 minutes on and then 40 minutes off is the proper duration.  This can be repeated every hour.  If you are diabetic or have sensory impairment, then you should consult your doctor before attempting this.  Another common mistake is to stretch too vigorously in an attempt to loosen tight muscles.  Stretching should always be done according to the patient's tolerance.  If it causes pain to stretch, then you are stretching too far.  No pain, no gain does not apply here!  A little soreness is expected during a stretch, but not pain.  There is a difference.  Another mistake is to bounce or repeatedly jerk on a muscle while stretching.  A muscle reacts to a sudden stretch by suddenly contracting.  By stretching, you are trying to relax the muscles, not trying to make them contract.  for this reason, you should perform steady stretches for at least 10 seconds according to your tolerance.  These two tips for caring for your lower back pain, using ice properly and stretching properly at home, can really help you get better faster and can help you manage your pain between visits.  For more information about chiropractic care and our office visit nschiro.com
 

I Believe in Chiropractic

    It never ceases to amaze me when I hear a patient say that they know someone who says that they "don't believe in chiropractic".  I understand that people might not understand what it is and how it works, but that doesn't stop these same people from believing in other things that have a whole lot less research and evidence supporting its existence.  I guess those people are not saying that they do not believe it exists, they just don't believe that it works.  Quite often, the very people that say such things end up trying chiropractic care because they see first-hand the results that their friends are getting.  Results that are natural, with no risky surgery or drugs.  I recently had the pleasure of treating someone who tried the medical treatment approach for his back pain and sciatic pain.  He had drugs, injections, and 50 visits to a PT clinic with no results. His next stop was going to be surgery, but he decided to try chiropractic as a last resort.  After just a few visits here his pain is already reduced by 50%.  I can tell you that this man, who was quite skeptical when he came in for his first visit, now believes in chiropractic.  Maybe he should have tried chiropractic first instead of last.  Quoting research statistics does little to sway the opinion of a skeptic, but results speak for themselves.  Days like today make me thank God that he lead me to this profession.