Dr. Meininger's Back & Neck Pain Blog

Alpharetta-Cumming Chiropractor Offers No Waiting, No Hassles and Same-Day Relief.

2009-06-15T08:45:00.029-04:00

Dr. Kurt Meininger, Forsyth County, Alpharetta-Cumming Chiropractor Offers No Waiting, No Hassles, Same-Day Relief For Back and Neck Pain Sufferers:

Your life is busy... you're in a hurry... waiting in line... waiting for calls... always waiting. But when it comes to getting pain relief... waiting is just out of the question.

South Forsyth Chiropractic, located between Alpharetta and Cumming understands. We've delivered effective back and neck pain treatment to trusted clients since 1992. Our office provides immediate walk-in service, with most patients in and out within just 30 minutes or less.

In fact, you do not even need an appointment... just walk in during open hours (Mon., Wed. & Fri.: 10:00am - 1:00pm and 4:00pm - 7:00pm)... and you'll be seen quickly!

We work with each client individually to address your specific complaints, offering advanced non-surgical pain-relieving therapies. Patients frequently realize immediate alleviation of symptoms, whether facing a simple sprain/strain or a chronic disc problem.

Our safe, therapeutic services include modern chiropractic care (manual manipulation or low-force instrumentation), back and neck traction, electrical muscle stimulation, core-strengthening exercises, deep tissue fascia-muscle stretching, low-level (cold) laser therapy, pressure point therapy and nutritional/diet counseling. We work hard to make each visit a wonderful experience. Your satisfaction is our top priority.

Routine appointments are available via convenient phone scheduling... but are not necessary. Get the urgent pain relief you want when you need it the most. Visit South Forsyth Chiropractic; 5670 Atlanta Highway; Ste. C-1; Alpharetta, GA 30004 today.

Dr. Meininger’s treatment has been successful with chronic back and neck pain, degenerative or herniated discs, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, pinched nerves, headaches, sciatica, Fibromyalgia, whiplash and all sorts of sports-related injuries.

For complete details call Dr. Meininger's office at 770-777-0900.

H1N1/Swine Flu Natural Remedies? South Forsyth County - Alpharetta-Cumming Chiropractor Reveals Secret!

2009-04-28T14:17:00.016-04:00

South Forsyth County - Alpharetta-Cumming Chiropractor Reports:

Here's What You Need To Know To Quickly And Easily Boost Your Immune System... This Will Help Protect You Against Any Flu Virus - Including The H1N1 - Swine Flu Virus!

The H1N1 - Swine Flu Virus is quickly spreading all over the world. You can't control the outcome… but you can take action and boost your immune system.

Here's The Secret:

1) Boost your immune system with Vitamin C - aka - (Ascorbic Acid)!

First of all, if you tried Vitamin C in the past and it didn’t seem to work… that’s because most of the tablet forms available on the market are too weak and ineffective. Those tablets go in one end and out the other. I’ve heard numerous times that our digestive system only assimilates approximately 10% - 20% of the tablet. It is a waste of time and money to take those big tablets!

Bottom Line:

Buy Vitamin C - (Ascorbic Acid) only in it's true “POWDER” form! The drug store doesn’t carry the powder form… so you have to go to a special vitamin or nutritional store - etc. Also – you need to only get the powder form - NOT the crystal form or NOT a combination of Vitamin C plus Calcium... JUST THE PURE POWDER!

Vitamin C – powder: How much do you need to take when you’re HEALTHY and how much do you need to take when you’re SICK?

Here’s a SIMPLE way to determine how much Vitamin C your body requires WHEN YOU’RE HEALTHY:

Take 1/2 teaspoon of the Vitamin C powder (approx. 2500 mg)… mixed in water… and see if it makes you “gassy”… or have diarrhea. If so… that amount is TOO much… then… the next day… test 1/4 of a teaspoon. Once you figure that out… that’s how much Vitamin C your body requires at a “healthy” state.

Everyone in your family might require different amounts of Vitamin C powder, when their healthy, so you’ll have to follow this formula for each individual.

How much Vitamin C your body requires WHEN YOU’RE SICK?

When you start feeling a fever coming on… or you start to catch a “cold” - etc… START TAKING THE VITAMIN C MORE OFTEN! You can take your usual dosage once every 4 hours throughout the day until you feel better. When you’re “SICK” – your body will utilize every single molecule… so you won’t get “gassy” or get diarrhea! Just remember to separate the Vitamin C from any medications you might be taking because they don't mix very well.

IF YOU FOLLOW THIS ADVICE – YOU CAN HELP OVERPOWER THE FLU OR COLD VIRUS!... QUICKLY, EASILY AND SAFELY!

2) Boost your immune system with CHIROPRACTIC spinal manipulation!

Yes - This is very important! Since the beginning of time, it has been a known fact that the immune system is directly linked to the nervous system. If it’s been a while since you last got treated by your chiropractor… make a call today and get back on a regular schedule of treatment.

Your nervous system and immune system respond expedientially when you get chiropractic treatments… when you're sick or even when you’re already feeling good and healthy! Trust me… you’ll figure this out quickly.

HERE'S 6 WAYS TO FURTHER HELP PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST THE H1N1 - SWINE FLU OR ANY OTHER FLU VIRUS:

1) Avoid large groups of people...
2) Wash hands often...
3) Buy a face “mask” now… instead of waiting...
4) Clean surfaces of shopping carts/public restrooms...
5) Be careful in the emergency rooms / hospitals…
6) Thoroughly cook meats (meat/fish)...

JUST USE YOUR COMMON SENSE!

Here’s what you need to know about the H1N1 - Swine Flu virus:

H1N1 - Swine Flu FACTS: The 2009 outbreak of swine flu occurred in Mexico. This is a variant of the H1N1 strain responsible for the 1918 pandemic… which infected over two million (2,000,000) Americans and killed over five hundred thousand (500,000) Americans! This current mutated variant was first identified in Mexico City and the surrounding area in March to April 2009. Within a few weeks, thousands of people had been infected and the amount of people who have died, so far, is unknown. The Mexican government has introduced emergency measures, and sparked a coordinated international effort to contain the outbreak, which involved quarantine measures, restrictions in travel and stockpiling of treatments. This outbreak prompted the World Health Organization, on April 26, 2009 to declare the world one step closer to a pandemic, by raising the pandemic alert level from 3 to 4. Phase 4 refers to when there are small clusters -- e.g., <25>(Excerpt from Wikipedia.com - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Influenza)

I HOPE THIS INFORMATION HELPS!

**This is for informational purposes only… and not intended for medical advice. Although Vitamin C is a safe and natural supplement, if you have any medical problems or questions concerning Vitamin C… please consult your primary physician.

To schedule a complimentary consultation and learn how we can improve your immune system, just call our office at 770-777-0900 and visit our website at http://www.painreliefcare.com

Our standard business hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

NSAIDs Side Effects: What Every South Forsyth County - Alpharetta-Cumming Back Pain Sufferer Must Know

2009-04-25T11:03:00.005-04:00

South Forsyth County – Alpharetta-Cumming Chiropractor And Non-Drug Back Pain Doctor Reports:

Each year in the United States, 70 million prescriptions are written for anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In 2006, the estimated cost to consumers of pain management drugs around the world was $30 billion. Due to the fact that 5.4 percent of NSAID users develop serious bleeding conditions requiring hospitalization, each year 103,000 Americans are hospitalized and 16,500 die due to long-term NSAID use.

The annual medical cost of NSAID-related GI complications is $3.9 billion dollars. The 16,500 deaths each year caused by NSAID drugs is more than five times greater than the number of Americans killed during the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and it accounts for one-third of the total cost of treating arthritis.

Just one FDA-approved anti-inflammatory drug, was estimated to have caused between 88,000 and 138,000 serious heart events, including heart attacks and strokes leading to death.

The number of Americans killed by this particular drug exceeds the number of Americans killed in both the Vietnam War and the War on Iraq (I and II) combined! Remarkably, up to 42% of physicians in the United States and the United Kingdom remain unaware of the dangerous side effects of anti-inflammatory medications.

To schedule a complimentary consultation and learn how we can improve your back or neck pain without NSAIDs, just call our office at 770-777-0900 and visit our website at http://www.painreliefcare.com

Our standard business hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

Third-Hand Cigarette Smoke: South Forsyth County - Alpharetta-Cumming Residents Ask, "Is It Safe Or Is It Dangerous?"

2009-04-25T10:52:00.005-04:00

South Forsyth County – Alpharetta-Cumming Chiropractor Reports:

As if it wasn’t already bad enough for smokers, now researchers report there is another hazard from smoking that is just as difficult to get rid of.

It’s called "third-hand smoke" and is an invisible gas that clings to smoker’s hair, clothes… and… just about everything smoke comes in contact with. This gas is toxic and lingers long after visible smoke is gone.

According to a January 3, 2009 New York Times article, "The residue includes heavy metals, carcinogens and even radioactive materials that young children can get on their hands and ingest, especially if they’re crawling or playing on the floor."
By now, just about everyone knows that second-hand smoke is bad; but, this new finding makes the situation much worse.

Dr. Jonathan P. Winickoff, the lead author of the study and an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, had this to say in the Reuters article: "When their kids are out of the house, [parents] might smoke. Or they smoke in the car. Or they strap the kid in the car seat in the back and crack the window and smoke, and they think it’s okay because the second-hand smoke isn’t getting to their kids" Dr. Winickoff continued. "We needed a term to describe these tobacco toxins that aren’t visible."

It looks like quitting is still the best option.

To schedule a complimentary consultation and learn how we can improve your overall health, just call our office at 770-777-0900 and visit our website at http://www.painreliefcare.com

Our standard business hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

Weight Gain in South Forsyth County - Alpharetta-Cumming? The Current Bad Economy Could Make You Fat!

2009-04-25T10:20:00.006-04:00

South Forsyth County – Alpharetta-Cumming Chiropractor Reports:

On January 9, 2009, Reuters reported that Americans may start to reduce the amount of money they spend on food. One might think this would lead to weight loss.

On the contrary, experts think this will lead to weight gain. And they point to numerous studies that link obesity and unhealthy eating habits to low income. They surmise as money gets tough, people will cut out more expensive foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables in favor of foods high in saturated fats and sugars.

Adam Drewnowski, the Director of the Nutrition Sciences Program at the University of Washington in Seattle, had this quote in the Reuters article, "In Seattle we have found that there are fivefold differences in obesity rates depending on the zip code -- the low-income zip codes have a much higher proportion of obese people."

The article also stated that "studies in California suggested that a 10 percent rise in poverty translates into about a 6 percent increase in obesity among adults."
Some evidence of all this is already manifesting. McDonald’s, with its high fat and calorie "Dollar Menu", is still doing well. Third quarter profits were actually better than average. Whole Foods (which sells organic, natural and gourmet foods) has seen profits drop with the economy.

What the Reuters article did not mention was exercise. It would be interesting to know if a worsening of the economy translates to people exercising less.

Gym memberships are thought of as a luxury and many people quit exercising when stress increases, even though exercise is one of the first things you should do when stressed out. Exercise is a great stress reliever – not to mention all the other health benefits.

The combination of eating cheaper "junk" food and lack of exercise may not only be a prescription for weight gain – it can be deadly. Eating correctly and exercising should be the LAST things you cut out of your budget.

To schedule a complimentary consultation and learn how we can help you improve your overall health including Diet and Weight Loss, just call our office at 770-777-0900 and visit our website at http://www.painreliefcare.com

Our standard business hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

Back Pain in South Forsyth County - Alpharetta-Cumming? Which Doctor Is Best Suited For You? Medical or Chiropractic?

2009-04-24T17:48:00.004-04:00

South Forsyth County – Alpharetta-Cumming Chiropractor And Back Pain Doctor Reports:

Have you ever considered who the best is suited to treat back pain? Since there are so many treatment options available today, it is quite challenging to make this decision without a little help.

To facilitate, a study looking at this very question compared the effectiveness between medical and chiropractic intervention. Over a 4-year time frame, 2780 patients were followed (initial, 2-week, 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 month intervals) with questionnaires. Both acute (symptoms <7weeks)>7weeks) low back pain (LBP) patients were treated using conventional approaches by both the MDs and chiropractors. Treatments from the chiropractors included spinal manipulation, physical therapy, an exercise plan, and self-care education. Medical therapies included prescription drugs, an exercise plan, self-care advice and about 25% of the patients received physical therapy.

The study focused on present pain severity and functional disability (activity interference) measured by questionnaires that were mailed to the patients.

It was reported that chiropractic was favored over medical treatment in the following areas:

- Pain relief in the first 12 months (more evident in the chronic patients)
- When LBP pain radiated below the knee (more evident in the chronic patients)
- Chronic LBP patients with no leg pain (during the first 3 months)

Similar trends favoring chiropractic were seen for disability but were of smaller magnitude. All patient groups saw significant improvement in both pain and disability over the four year study period. Acute patients saw the greatest degree of improvement with many achieving symptom relief after 3 months of care. Noteworthy, at the 3 year point, ½ to ¾ of all the patients reported at least 30 days of pain during the prior year including those that responded well after early treatment. Also, 19 to 27% of chronic LBP patients noted daily pain during the prior year. This suggests that LBP is more likely to return at times in the future, which many have similarly reported to be true.

However, this study also found that early intervention reduced chronic pain and, at year 3, those acute LBP patients that received early intervention reported fewer days of LBP that those that waited longer for treatment. While both MDs and chiropractic treatment approaches helped, it’s quite clear from the information reported that chiropractic treatment approaches should be utilized first.

These findings support the importance of early intervention by chiropractic physicians makes the most sense for those of you struggling with the question of who to see for your LBP.

To schedule a complimentary consultation and learn how our comprehensive Back Pain treatment may be of benefit to you or a loved one, just call our office at 770-777-0900 and visit our website at http://www.painreliefcare.com

Our standard business hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

Wrist Pain? Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Non-Surgical Treatment And Management Strategies by South Forsyth County - Alpharetta-Cumming Chiropractor

2009-04-24T17:18:00.004-04:00

South Forsyth County – Alpharetta-Cumming Chiropractor And Wrist Pain - Carpal Tunnel
Syndrome Doctor Reports:

Many patients ask whether I treat conditions like wrist pain - carpal tunnel syndrome. Once it is clear that we do indeed treat this common condition, the discussion turns to the topic of the different treatment strategies that exist. Usually patients are surprised to learn that chiropractic and low-level laser therapy approaches are very effective for this condition. In fact, questions about CTS frequently do not occur until after a few visits addressing other complaints, as patients often do not associate chiropractors as a treatment option for CTS.

Interestingly, it is the rule rather than the exception that carpal tunnel syndrome is accompanied with other conditions also caused by repetitive types of activities such as work duties and/or hobbies. Therefore, a very important treatment strategy is educating the patient about the causes of CTS and other repetitive motion injuries that usually accompany CTS. It is important to include information regarding four common aspects that relate to causation, which include: 1. Force, 2. Repetition, 3. Faulty posture, and, 4. No rest time. The net result of these four items is overuse injuries referred to as cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs).

One of the leading types of CTDs is wrist pain - carpal tunnel syndrome. However, because over utilization typically precedes the onset of carpal tunnel syndrome, other types of conditions affecting the entire upper extremity such as tennis elbow, shoulder bursitis, as well as neck pain secondary to muscle guarding must be included in the evaluation process. Once all the conditions are identified, the next important aspect in the management process is gaining an understanding of the patient's work and/or hobbies as a successful outcome is dependent on identifying faulty workstations and modifying the work environment so that repetitive forces in awkward positions can be corrected. The most successful management approaches stem from discussions with the patient regarding these important aspects of the condition, as the most effective treatment approach may be totally ineffective without rectifying a faulty workstation.

An example of a common workstation cause includes placing a computer keyboard on top of a desk instead of underneath the desk in a pull out type of drawer. This is because any extreme position of the wrist when it has to bend to 90 degrees creates significant pressure inside the carpal tunnel as the nine tendons inside the tunnel slide back and forth during finger movements. If the forearms are resting on the edge of the desk while typing on the keyboard, this adds to the pressure and increased friction to the sliding tendons resulting in tendonitis, or inflammation of the tendons. Because the carpal tunnel is a small confined space where a nerve and 9 tendons pass from the forearm into the hand, even a small amount of swelling will result in excessive pressure inside the tunnel, pushing the nerve upwards into the roof of the tunnel or, the ligament that crosses the wrist. This results in numbness, tingling and eventually weakness and complaints such as difficulty in buttoning shirt, picking up small objects like pins, or unscrewing jar are common.

Once the workstation is properly modified and the patient is properly educated so that excessive, repetitive forces can be minimized, treatment approaches addressing each individual injured region from the neck to the hand will be much more effective. We encourage you to ask us about managing your carpal tunnel complaints and look forward to helping you, your family or friends who have this problem.

For more information on non-surgical treatment options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Wrist Pain please go to my website and request my FREE 16 page report specifically on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome!

To schedule a complimentary consultation and learn how our comprehensive Car crash and whiplash injury treatment may be of benefit to you or a loved one, just call our office at 770-777-0900 and visit our website at http://www.painreliefcare.com

Our standard business hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

Can Doctors Agree On Fibromyalgia - Chronic Fatigue Diagnosis And Treatment Options in South Forsyth County - Alpharetta-Cumming?

2009-04-24T16:31:00.004-04:00

South Forsyth County – Alpharetta-Cumming Chiropractor And Fibromyalgia Doctor Reports:

Fibromyalgia (FM) has long been considered a condition involving the soft tissues of the body, that is, the muscles, ligaments, tendons and fascia. It is defined as “a chronic, generalized pain condition associated with symptoms of fatigue, stiffness, and sleep disturbance and is characterized by the physical findings of local tenderness in many specific but widely dispersed sites. Fibromyalgia is the most common cause of widespread pain. The prevalence of this disorder in the general population is between 3% and 5%... Most patients with fibromyalgia remain symptomatic for several years, and no cure has been identified." Disturbances in the central nervous system (CNS) have also been linked to this condition.

In one study, 168 FM patients had the CNS evaluated by hearing tests, eye movement tests, and a test that evaluates balance/dizziness. Abnormal findings were common in the FM patient group compared to non-FM subjects. Another study utilized an electrical current treatment approach through the skull to stimulate part of the brain to see if that would help a group of patients with FM. Two different parts of the brain were stimulated as well as a sham or fake treatment approach. One of two parts of the brain that was stimulated resulted in reductions of pain that lasted for three weeks and mild improvements in quality of life were reported.

Comparing 287 general practitioners (GPs), 160 orthopedists, 160 physiatrists, and 160 rheumatologists, evaluating a patient injured in a motor vehicle crash, those most likely to diagnose FM were rheumatologists (83%) with physiatrists and GPs in the middle at 60% and 71%, respectively. Orthopedists were least likely at 29%. There were five factors found to be important in the respondent's agreement or disagreement with the FM diagnosis:

- The number of FM cases diagnosed weekly by the respondent (strong predictor).
- The patient's gender (females > males was a strong predictor).
- The force of the initial impact (least important).
- The patient's psychiatric history before the trauma (more important).
- The initial injury severity (least important).

This information is important as the shift from considering FM to be strictly a condition of the muscles and other soft tissues to being a condition of the central nervous system will affect our future treatment strategies. Obtaining multiple opinions from various types of practitioners will most likely result in a variety of opinions.

Previous reports of treatment benefit utilizing chiropractic approaches, exercise, and strategies to facilitate sleep restoration remain strong in the management process of FM.

To schedule a complimentary consultation and learn how our comprehensive Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue treatment may be of benefit to you or a loved one, just call our office at 770-777-0900 and visit our website at http://www.painreliefcare.com

Our standard business hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

Do You Suffer From Migraines or Tension Headaches? Alpharetta-Cumming Doctor Gives Treatment Options, Approaches And Self-management Techniques

2009-04-24T11:43:00.003-04:00

South Forsyth County – Alpharetta-Cumming Chiropractor And Headache Doctor Reports:

One of the reported causes of both migraine and tension headache is cervical muscle tension and spinal joint abnormalities in the neck. When considering treatment for headaches, whether it’s a tension-type or migraine, there are many choices available. The question is which of the many options offer the best benefit?

One study compared the effectiveness of physical therapy (PT) to that of relaxation and thermal biofeedback (RTB). Both groups were treated using one of these approaches, and if at least a 50% improvement was not achieved, the other form of treatment was then utilized. Results were calculated at 3, 6, and 12 month timeframes. The PT group of 30 females used standard physical therapy approaches that included:

- Posture correction for alignment of head and spine
- Cervical range of motion for neck and shoulders
- Isometric strengthening of the neck
- Flare-up management techniques
- Active self mobilization of the spine
- Whole body stretching

The goal was to target muscular abnormalities and those in this group were to perform the above twice per day for 30 min. The RTB group were instructed in relaxation and thermal biofeedback (RTB) treatment that focused on muscle relaxation, breathing exercises, and the use of a thermal feedback device that determines when the subject’s temperature changes telling them if they are successfully relaxing. The participants were to practice at home and utilized audiotapes for relaxation and monitor success with the portable biofeedback unit.

Using the PT approaches, only 13% reported a successful outcome compared to 51% in the RTB group.

In the follow-up of 3, 6 and 12 months, both groups reported continued benefit. When the subjects reported less than 50% benefit with either method, they were given the other treatment option, and the PT approach achieved a 47% success rate and the RTB 50%. These findings suggest that treatments that focus on muscle tension reduction (such as the RTB group) might result in a better outcome compared to only addressing posture, range of motion and flexibility. However, as illustrated in the follow-up group, PT did have a positive beneficial effect. An important point – the subjects in the RTB group demonstrated the ability to reduce migraine pain and the associated disability by using a self-applied form of care. When teaching the patient to self-manage their condition by instruction and training, the greater the likelihood is for a successful outcome.

Chiropractic focuses on many self-management training procedures including (but not limited to) the training of the use of ice vs. heat, application of pressure point therapy, strengthening and stretching exercises, proper methods of bending and lifting, as well as ergonomics and posture. The use and instruction of relaxation is also a commonly recommended form of care, which this study found to be most beneficial.

To schedule a complimentary consultation and learn how our comprehensive headache and Migraine treatment may be of benefit to you or a loved one, just call our office at 770-777-0900 and visit our website at http://www.painreliefcare.com

Our standard business hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

Study Reveals The Only Proven Effective Treatment For Chronic Whiplash Injuries in Forsyth County - Alpharetta-Cumming

2009-04-24T11:37:00.003-04:00

South Forsyth County – Alpharetta-Cumming Chiropractor And Whiplash-Car Accident Injury Doctor Comments:

You might have wondered, “Who should I go to for treatment of my whiplash injuries?” You have many choices available in healthcare ranging from drug related approaches such as narcotic medications to natural forms of treatment such as chiropractic, exercise, and meditation with many others in between. Trying to figure out which approach or perhaps combined approaches would best serve the needs of the presenting patient is truly challenging.

To help answer this question, one study reported the superiority of chiropractic management for patients with chronic whiplash, as well as which type of chronic whiplash patients responded best to the care. The research paper begins with the comment from a leading orthopedic medical journal stating, “Conventional treatment of patients with whiplash symptoms is disappointing.” In the study, there were 93 patients divided into three groups consisting of:

1) Group 1: Patients with a “coat-hanger” pain distribution (neck and upper shoulders) and loss of neck range of motion (ROM), but no neurological deficits;
2) Group 2: Patients with neurological problems (arm/hand numbness and/or weakness) plus neck pain and ROM loss; and,
3) Group 3: Patients that reported severe neck pain but had normal neck ROM and no neurological losses.

The average time from injury to first treatment was 12 months and an average of 19 treatments over a 4 month time frame was utilized. The patients were graded on a 4-point scale that described their symptoms before and after treatment.

Grade A patients were pain free;
Grade B patients reported their pain as a “nuisance;”
Grade C patients had partial activity limitations due to pain; and
Grade D patients were disabled.

Here are the results:
Group 1: 72% reported improvement as follows: 24% were asymptomatic, 24% improved by 2 grades, 24% by 1 grade, and 28% reported no improvement.
Group 2: 94% reported improvement as follows: 38% were asymptomatic, 43% improved by 2 grades, 13% by 1 grade, and 6% had no improvement.
Group 3: 27% reported improvement as follows: 0% were asymptomatic, 9% improved by 2 grades, 18% by 1 grade, 64% showed no improvement, and 9% got worse.

This study is very important as it illustrates how effective chiropractic care is for patients that have sustained a car crash with a resulting whiplash injury. It’s important to note that the type of patient presentation that responded best to care were those with neurological complaints and associated abnormal neck range of motion. This differs from other non-chiropractic studies where it is reported that patients with neurological dysfunction responded poorly when compared to a group similar to the Group A patient here (neck/shoulder pain, reduced neck ROM, and with normal neurological function).

References:
1.Khan S, Cook J, Gargan M, Bannister G. A symptomatic classification of
whiplash injury and the implications for treatment. Journal of Orthopaedic
Medicine 1999;21(1):22-25.
2.Woodward MN, Cook JCH, Gargan MF, Bannister GC. Chiropractic
treatment of chronic whiplash injuries. Injury 1996;27:643-645.

To schedule a complimentary consultation and learn how our comprehensive car crash and whiplash injury treatment may be of benefit to you or a loved one, just call our office at 770-777-0900 and visit our website at http://www.painreliefcare.com

Our standard business hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

Forsyth County - Alpharetta-Cumming Chiropractor Reveals The 12 Foods With The Highest Pesticide Count And The 12 Foods With The Lowest

2009-04-07T14:40:00.004-04:00

South Forsyth County – Alpharetta-Cumming Chiropractor Reports:

Over the years there has been a great debate over organic versus non-organic foods. Do you really need to go organic… or… is it just a waste of money?

The Environmental Working Group (www.ewg.org) is a nonprofit organization that advocates in Washington D.C. for policies that protect global and individual health. Among the many valuable services they provide is a Shoppers' Guide to Pesticides in Produce.

It is based on the results of nearly 43,000 pesticide tests performed on produce and collected by federal agencies between 2000 and 2004. Nearly all of the data used took into account how people typically wash and prepare produce - for example, apples were washed and bananas peeled before testing.

Of the 43 different fruit and vegetable categories tested, these had the highest pesticide load, making them the most important to buy organic versions of or to grow organically yourself:

Peaches - Apples - Sweet bell peppers - Celery - Nectarines - Strawberries - Cherries - Lettuce - Grapes (imported) - Pears - Spinach - Potatoes

Of the 43 different fruit and vegetable categories tested, the following 12 foods do not have to be organic. These had the lowest pesticide load, and consequently are the safest conventionally grown crops to consume from the standpoint of pesticide contamination:

Broccoli - Eggplant - Cabbage - Banana - Kiwi - Asparagus - Sweet peas (frozen) - Mango - Pineapple - Sweet corn (frozen) - Avocado - Onion

Why Should You Care About Pesticides?

The EWG points out that there is a growing consensus in the scientific community that small doses of pesticides and other chemicals can have adverse effects on health, especially during vulnerable periods such as fetal development and childhood.

A few other notes from the EWG: Nectarines had the highest percentage of samples that tested positive for pesticides (97.3 percent) followed by peaches (96.6 percent) and apples (93.6 percent). Peaches had the highest likelihood for multiple pesticides on a single sample: 86.6 percent had two or more pesticide residues.

For more information about how we can improve your overall health or for more information about our pain relief services, please call our office at 770-777-0900 and visit our website at http://www.painreliefcare.com

Our standard business hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

South Forsyth County - Alpharetta-Cumming Chiropractor Comments On Heart Attack Warning Signs

2009-04-07T14:32:00.004-04:00

South Forsyth County – Alpharetta-Cumming Chiropractor Comments:

Coronary heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States. Stroke is the number three cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of serious disability. That's why it's so important to reduce your risk factors, know the warning signs, and know how to respond quickly and properly if warning signs occur.

Heart Attack Warning Signs - Some heart attacks are sudden and intense — the "movie heart attack," where no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often, people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:

Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.

Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.

Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

For more information about how we can improve your overall health, exercise, diet or about our pain relief services, please call our office at 770-777-0900 and visit our website at http://www.painreliefcare.com/

Our standard business hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

Behavior Problems In Children Linked To Cell Phones? Forsyth County - Alpharetta-Cumming Chiropractor Reports

2009-04-07T14:24:00.004-04:00

South Forsyth County - Alpharetta-Cumming Chiropractor Reports:

A new study has just show that children whose mothers used cell phones frequently during pregnancy and who are themselves cell phone users are more likely to have behavior problems.

Researchers looked at a group of 13,159 children whose mothers had been recruited to participate in the Danish National Birth Cohort study early in their pregnancies. When the children reached age 7, mothers were asked to complete a questionnaire about their children's behavior and health, as well as the mother's own cell phone use in pregnancy and the child's use of cell phones.

After the researchers adjusted for factors that could influence the results, such as a mother's psychiatric problems and socioeconomic factors, children with both prenatal and postnatal cell phone exposure were 80 percent more likely to have abnormal or borderline scores on tests evaluating emotional problems, conduct problems, hyperactivity, or problems with peers.

Risks were higher for children exposed prenatally only, compared with those exposed only postnatal, but were lower than for children exposed at both time points. Kheifets and her colleagues note that a fetus' exposure to radiofrequency fields by a mother's cell phone use is likely very small.

However, they add, research has shown that children using cell phones are exposed to more radio frequency energy than adults, because their ears and brains are smaller. Because cell phone use was so infrequent among children in the study - 30 percent of kids were using a cell phone, but just 1 percent used a cell phone for more than an hour a week – radio frequency exposure seems unlikely to have caused any behavior problems, they say.

Researchers pointed out that there are other factors that could be involved (such as social-economic status and smoking) and that the results should not be over interpreted. More research needs to be done.

But the question remains: with more and more studies coming out linking cell phone use to potentially disastrous and life threatening health problems – should you wait for the research to be 100% sure? Or should you take steps immediately to reduce your potential risk. After all, there was a time when tobacco companies said there was no definitive proof that smoking was bad for you. Remember that?

What Steps Can You Take?

The first thing to understand is studies have shown that any dangers associated with cell phone use are related to the closeness of the antenna to the human body. So, head-set and hands-free devices protect the human body from adverse cell phone radiation. THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE BLUETOOTH DEVICES. It appears that Bluetooth devices may be “even worse” than using a standard cell phone in terms of microwave radiation.

There is also a product called the RF Raider that may effectively reduces up to 60% of the radiation exposure you get from your cell phone. If you are interested in learning more about this ingenious new device… just go to www.rfraider.com.

Basically, you can stop using your cell phone, use an appropriate headset (not Bluetooth), or look into the RF Raider. A combination approach is probably the best.

More Dangers Of Cell Phone Use…

In case you don’t already know, a recent study has found a possible link between cell phone use and brain cancer. In fact, award winning Neurosurgeon, Dr. Vini Khurana, recently conducted a 15 month “critical review” of the link between mobile phones and malignant brain tumors and found…

Using Mobile Phones For More Than 10 Years Could More Than DOUBLE
The Risk Of Brain Cancer!

And listen to this… Dr. Khurana says people should avoid using them whenever possible and that governments and the mobile industry must take “immediate steps” to reduce their radiation.

This is so important because at the time of writing this, there are approximately 3 billion mobile phone users worldwide and a malignant brain tumor basically represents, according to Dr. Khurana, “a life-ending diagnosis.” Wow! And if that wasn’t bad enough… check this out:

For more information about how we can improve your overall health or about our pain relief services, please call our office at 770-777-0900 and visit our website at http://www.painreliefcare.com

Our standard business hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

Do You Really Need To Take X-rays For Back or Neck Pain?" Dr. Kurt Meininger, Alpharetta-Cumming Chiropractor Gives His Opinion

2009-04-07T13:11:00.005-04:00

South Forsyth County – Alpharetta-Cumming Chiropractor And Back And Neck Pain Doctor Comments:

Most chiropractic patients have x-rays taken of their lumbar spine. Since x-rays do carry a very small risk of tissue damage, this risk needs to be outweighed by benefits. So, how are x-rays used in our clinic?

First, x-rays can tell us about medical conditions that may require referral to another health care provider such as a spine tumor or an infection. Fortunately, these diseases are very rare, but they do need to be considered in every patient, especially those who may have certain "red flags" such as back pain at night or rest, or if there is also a fever. In addition, certain severe traumas (like a fall) can produce fractures. In an older adult with osteoporosis, or someone taking steroid medications over years, even a minor trauma event can be enough to cause a break, because the bone is in a weakened condition.

After these very rare conditions are ruled out, your x-rays can provide important information about your anatomy and physical posture. For example, curvatures of the lumbar spine, such as scoliosis, are virtually undetectable without an x-ray. If we know how your spine is deviated, this information can help direct the adjustment more specifically. Sometimes leg lengths are uneven and a person may require an orthotic (arch support) or heel lift to level the foundation for your spine. About one in ten patients will have an unequal leg length of a centimeter or more.

In terms of the bone anatomy, x-rays can show the planes and angles of the disks between bones and whether any degeneration is present. If the degeneration is advanced, then a natural bone fusion may be present. It should be obvious that if the spinal anatomy does not allow movement or if the joints are literally fused movement is impossible, then manipulative adjustments are not appropriate… but low-force instrumental adjustments are utilized instead.

X-rays can also show us how one area of the spine mechanically compensates for a deviated area below. Sometimes, pain may be present at compensatory areas but without knowledge of the cause of this deviation, care may be less optimum. Just as the lumbar spine may compensate for a pelvic problem, so to can a neck condition be caused by abnormal postural lower down the spine. The x-rays can show us how case management needs to be altered to reflect your individual needs.

In any case, x-rays are important to reach an accurate diagnosis, which is the first step on the road to recovery and regaining your vitality and quality of life.

To schedule a complimentary consultation and learn how our comprehensive Back and Neck Pain program may be of benefit to you or a loved one regaining health, just call our office at 770-777-0900 and visit our website at http://www.painreliefcare.com

Our standard business hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? How Long Will It Take To Heal? Alpharetta-Cumming Chiropractor Reports On Recent Study

2009-04-07T13:00:00.003-04:00

South Forsyth County – Alpharetta-Cumming Chiropractor And Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Doctor Reports:

In a lot of cases, the body can naturally recover from any disease or injury. Although doctors have their place, it is really the wisdom of the body that does the heavy lifting. Chiropractic doctors especially, recognize this healing capacity: the body needs no help, just no interference. They refer to it as Innate or inborn intelligence. Others may revere it as Mother Nature. Scientists commonly call it homeostasis and when diseases heal over time it is called natural history or taking nature's course.

So what is the natural history of carpal tunnel syndrome? How will one fare over time? Recently, researchers looked into this question by studying 132 carpal tunnel syndrome patients over an average of two years (Ortiz-Corredor F, Enriquez F, Diaz-Ruiz J, Calambas N. Natural evolution of carpal tunnel syndrome in untreated patients. Clin Neurophysiol 2008;119(6):1373-8.). They studied objective nerve tests as well as patient reports of symptoms. None of the patients received treatment from any doctors. The results were impressive, only 23% had a worsening of their symptoms. About 29% stayed the same throughout the study. Amazingly, 48% showed recovery. As far as the objective nerve tests, 8% got worse, 67% remained constant and 25% improved.

This study speaks to the incredible power of the body to heal itself and the researchers concluded that conservative treatments therefore, may be all that is needed for many patients. Of course, conservative treatments in medicine can range from doing nothing at all, to rest, to prescription drugs and bracing.

Chiropractic care will involve specific adjustments for the wrist and or the areas that supply the nerves to the wrist, such as the neck. When a problem in the nerve is caused by compression at both the wrist and neck, it is called double-crush syndrome. In addition, strengthening and stretching exercises can add support to the wrist, especially in long term sufferers who may have used excessive bracing, which can produce weakness. Most patients will benefit from a comprehensive approach. Even nutritional adjuncts can benefit some patients, such as taking B6. However, over the long term, taking excessive quantities of vitamin B6 can cause problems for some patients. Being overweight is also an important risk factor for carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as for many other diseases.

To schedule a complimentary consultation and learn how our comprehensive Carpal Tunnel Syndrome program may be of benefit to you or a loved one regaining health, just call our office at 770-777-0900 and visit our website at http://www.painreliefcare.com

Our standard business hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

Fibromyalgia Research Reveals Benefits Of Vitamins C and E! Forsyth County - Alpharetta-Cumming Chiropractor Reveals Fibromyalgia Solution.

2009-04-07T12:48:00.007-04:00

South Forsyth County – Alpharetta-Cumming Chiropractor And Fibromyalgia Doctor Comments:

Fibromyalgia is a complex disease that requires a comprehensive approach. Often, the spine is neglected and chiropractic care is, therefore, underutilized. This seems surprising since so many patients have spinal pain and chiropractic care is one of the most proven treatments for this condition. Chiropractic care of the fibromyalgia patient may also incorporate a structured exercise program utilizing strength training and aerobic components, as well as nutritional adjuncts.

Sound nutrition is one of the keys to vitality. One scientific study (Altindag O, Celik H. Total antioxidant capacity and the severity of the pain in patients with fibromyalgia. Redox Rep 2006;11(3):131-5.) looked at antioxidant (such as vitamin C and E) markers in the blood of patients who had fibromyalgia symptoms. The researchers wanted to see if patients with low levels of these vitamin markers experienced more pain. The results indicated that patients with fibromyalgia are exposed to oxidative stress and this increased oxidative stress may play a role in the cause of the disease. Supplementation of antioxidant vitamins such as vitamins C and E may be indicated based on the results of the study.

A preliminary study (Bramwell B, Ferguson S, Scarlett N, Macintosh A. The use of ascorbigen in the treatment of fibromyalgia patients: a preliminary trial. Altern Med Rev 2000;5(5):455-62.) looked at 12 fibromyalgia patients and gave them a blend of vitamin C and broccoli powder. The results suggested that physical impairments were reduced and quality of life was increased.

Vitamins such as C and E can act as antioxidants protecting your cells from damage. They are found in fruits (oranges, strawberries, kiwi) and vegetables (kale, broccoli, bell peppers). Heat and processing can destroy their actions so eating raw forms may be preferred. If you do not eat lots of servings (e.g. five to nine) of these foods every day, it is wise to consider supplementing with natural source vitamins to boost your blood stream antioxidant levels. There is some scientific debate about the benefits of natural versus synthetic vitamins and whether it's best to consume them through primary food sources. The important thing is to take a step in the direction with whatever path you choose. It may make an important difference in how much pain you experience as the above cited studies suggest. With less pain, this may help you to move and exercise more.

To schedule a complimentary consultation and learn how our comprehensive fibromyalgia program may be of benefit to you or a loved one regaining health, just call our office at 770-777-0900 and visit our website at http://www.painreliefcare.com/

Our standard business hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

Tension-Stress Headaches And Migraine Non-Drug Solutions. Forsyth County - Alpharetta-Cumming Chiropractor Reveals Treatment Options.

2009-04-07T12:43:00.003-04:00

South Forsyth County – Alpharetta-Cumming Chiropractor And Headache Doctor Comments:

Adults may experience many different kinds of headaches. A primary headache is a headache that is not a part of another disease process. Secondary headaches can come from a poor eyeglass prescription, diabetes, the flu, or even a brain tumor. The most common primary headaches are tension-type, migraine, and cervico-genic (from the neck).

Tension type headaches feel like a tight band around your head. Stress seems to aggravate them and women tend to get this type of headache more frequently. Females are also more affected by migraine headaches.

There are two types of migraine: classical and common. The classical migraine headache may start with nausea or sickness in the stomach and proceed to an intense throbbing pain on one side of the head. The common migraine lacks this nausea and is more common than the classical type.

In cervico-genic headache, neck function is prominently disturbed. In addition to neck pain, there are usually tight neck and shoulder muscles, and a limited range of motion.

Recent research has shown that the three above described headaches can also overlap with one another. In chiropractic, we look to the spine as an often-overlooked factor in headache treatment. By objectively analyzing spine function, the doctor will identify the joints that are restricted in their range of motion or show abnormal posture and alignment. Many patients on x-ray, or through external postural analysis from the side, can show forward head posture. This is where the neck seems to arise from the front of the chest rather than back over your shoulders. The head is very heavy and with this poor posture, the muscles at the back of the neck must contract to restrain this heavy load.

There isn't one particular bone that is treated for these different types of headaches, the premise being that the headache is a symptom of another problem in the spine.

Chiropractic care has an excellent safety profile and several studies have shown that patents with headaches positively respond to chiropractic care without the side effects often seen with drug treatments. Chiropractic care is one of the most researched non-drug options available for patients. Unfortunately, many patients choose over-the-counter and prescription medications and don't consider more natural approaches that may get at the cause of the condition rather than just its effects.

If you'd like to discuss our non-invasive pain relief care approach to headaches, please call our office at 770-777-0900 to schedule a complimentary consultation and visit our website at http://www.painreliefcare.com

Our standard business hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

Whiplash in Forsyth County - Alpharetta-Cumming? Whiplash Doctor Discusses How Neck Trauma Can Affect The Whole Body.

2009-04-07T12:16:00.004-04:00

South Forsyth County – Alpharetta-Cumming Chiropractor And Whiplash Doctor Comments:

The nervous system is the master control network for your body, directing virtually every function and action, from monitoring your life needs, to precisely responding to threats to your health.

Each system, from your heart and blood vessels, to your digestive and immune systems, is directed through nerve impulses originating in your brain or spinal cord that travel through its protective bony structure: the spinal column.

The neck region is the most vulnerable region of the spine to injury. Indeed, even death can be brought through significant trauma to the neck. When the trauma is not fatal, the consequences can still be severe, such as when paralysis strikes.

Most people will not experience these severe injuries; however sprains of the delicate ligaments with subluxation (misalignment) do commonly occur. Despite the injury being smaller, their location (the neck) makes their impact more profound. Functions throughout the body can be impaired when the nerves in the upper neck are compromised.

Within chiropractic, there are specialists who focus their entire care on the uppermost two vertebrae of the spine.

Because every nerve passes through the neck, if irritation or compression is present, virtually any system of the body can be affected. The point being is that a neck disorder will not necessarily just cause neck pain or headache. Dizziness, digestive problems, fatigue, high blood pressure and generally reduced quality of life are some of the symptoms patients commonly experience.

If you have suffered a severe whiplash, you may have noticed far more than a stiff neck. Indeed, recent research suggests whiplash needs to more thought of as a whole body disorder.

We take these injuries in our office and address them in both a specific and comprehensive manner. Most patients who have suffered a neck trauma will require x-rays to analyze the posture of their spine. X-rays may also need to be taken in motion to test the stability of your ligaments and to determine precise levels of impaired movements. Without this road map, it is difficult to determine how care should be directed and factors that could influence your long-term prognosis, such as degeneration.

Our health care team is dedicated to drugless natural methods to restore vitality. We try to work with your body with techniques that don't carry the all too common side effects commonly seen with long-term drug use or surgery.

If you'd like to discuss our non-invasive pain relief care approach, please call our office at 770-777-0900 to schedule a complimentary consultation and visit our website at http://www.painreliefcare.com

Our standard business hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

3 SIMPLE Health Tips So Easy You Won’t Even Realize You’re Doing Them!

2009-04-05T23:18:00.002-04:00

Forsyth County – Alpharetta Chiropractor Comments:

Staying healthy is important. But the sad thing is, most people don’t realize what they’ve got ‘til it’s gone. And, for the most part, staying healthy is not as hard as you probably think. Sure, genetics play a certain role in certain health conditions. But many over-exaggerate and blame "poor genetics" for EVERYTHING.

So, here’s a list of things you can do to help live a better and healthier life that is easy… yet can have a dramatic impact in the long run.

1. Stay as active as possible! At first glance, this may sound hard and/or time consuming. But it’s not. You do not have to go join a gym to simply stay active. Simple things like choosing the stairs instead of the elevator every day at work… or… walking your dog an extra block can do wonders. For example, a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in 2004 found that adding just 30 minutes of walking per day was enough to prevent weight gain and encourage moderate weight loss. And if 30 minutes is still too big a bite, another study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, found three brisk 10-minute walks per day were as effective as a daily 30-minute walk in decreasing risk factors for heart disease. Playing catch with your kids is a great option. Or vacuuming the house an extra time each month. Maybe park far away every time you go to the supermarket. And don’t forget – if you sit all day at work, make sure you are taking frequent breaks to get up, stretch and go for a little walk.

2. Take a Saturday afternoon snooze! No… I’m not kidding! Taking a little nap every now and then is great for stress reduction and charges up your batteries so you can be more productive when you are awake. Research has shown we need more sleep than most people get. If you are tired when you wake up, or run out of gas in the afternoon, you are most likely not getting enough quality sleep. Lack of sleep has serious long-term health repercussions, including many diseases and conditions… not to mention feeling miserable all the time and falling asleep behind the wheel of your car! In some cases, a simple 30-minute nap can make all the difference in the world. And if you don’t think you can find 30 minutes a day… do this…

3. Write down everything to do for a week! Yes… EVERYTHING. Why would you do such a thing? You will understand as soon as you do it. It’s amazing how we ALL waste so much of our time. And just as small things you can do for yourself have HUGE long-term impacts… small changes in time management will literally add YEARS to your life. Heck, cutting 20 minutes of wasted time every day gives you 10 extra hours of productive time, every month. When you write everything down, you will (1) be embarrassed by how much time you actually waste every day, and (2) instantly know what you have to do to find 30 minutes for your nap!!! One more "bonus" thing – if you write down every penny you spend next week – you will really be in for a shock!!! But this can be too painful – which is why I made it a "bonus" and not part of the original list!

For more information about our pain relief center and to schedule an appointment with the doctor, please call our office at 770-777-0900 and also visit our website: http://www.painreliefcare.com.

Our standard business hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

Sleeping Problems And Stress… How To Get A Peaceful Night’s Sleep

2009-04-05T23:06:00.003-04:00

Forsyth County – Alpharetta Chiropractor Comments:

Most Americans do not get the recommended eight hours of sleep required for good health, safety and optimum performance.

In fact, 63 percent of Americans are sleep deprived. During stressful times -- such as the loss of a loved one, a change in job status or a serious illness -- the numbers of those who suffer from sleep deficiency can be even greater. Ironically, this is the time when a good night's sleep is even more important to facilitate recovery and healing.

The following suggestions may ensure a more peaceful and restorative night's sleep for the entire household. People who suffer from anxiety often have difficulty falling asleep, wake up frequently during the night, arise too early in the morning, or experience un-refreshing sleep. These symptoms of insomnia are fueled by stress, grief, worry and disrupted sleep schedules.

One solution to combating insomnia is to create a restful sleep environment in every bedroom in the house. This includes keeping the temperature cool, the light dim and the bed comfortable.

Choosing a good mattress can make a difference in the quality of sleep you get at night and the way you feel during the day. Most people do not realize their bed can prevent them from sleeping well. Insomniacs might consider alternative sleep surfaces to improve their sleep.

Insomnia can be a forerunner of depression and other health-related problems, so it is important to seek a doctor's advice if symptoms persist. For many involved in a crisis, daytime sleepiness is a frequent problem.

Even if a person is getting the recommended eight hours of sleep a night, stress and emotional fatigue can cause excessive sleepiness and frequent dozing off. This can be especially harmful for adults since daytime sleepiness can lead to health problems or dangerous situations when they drive.

The best solutions for overcoming daytime sleepiness are to stick to a normal sleep routine and get extra rest if your body needs it. When stressed, adults should pay careful attention to what their bodies are telling them, make good judgments about getting to bed earlier and take frequent naps.

For more information about our pain relief center and to schedule an appointment with the doctor, please call our office at 770-777-0900 and also visit our website: http://www.painreliefcare.com.

Our standard business hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

When You Go To The Doctor, Do You Get REAL or FAKE Medicine? And Which One Is Better?

2009-04-05T22:45:00.004-04:00

Forsyth County – Alpharetta Chiropractor Comments:

Imagine this: You have a joint pain… such as back or neck pain. You go to a rheumatologist – a doctor who treats arthritis and other joint problems. He or she examines you and determines your problem. He or she prescribes a treatment and describes the treatment to you as "a potentially beneficial medicine not typically used for your condition." What Would You Do?

Would you follow his or her recommendations? Probably. And you would probably do it without much question or skepticism at all. Right?

Would THIS information change your decision? According to an October 23, 2008 Associated Press article, a recent survey found about 50% of American doctors REGULARLY give their patients drugs or vitamins that won’t help their condition.

But that’s not the worst part… These "placebo" treatments are not explained to their patients.

For example, in the survey, a random sample of 1,200 internists and rheumatologists were questioned; 679 of the doctors responded to the survey, and… 62% Believed Using A Placebo Treatment Was Ethically Acceptable

But really, is that so bad? After all, some studies have shown the "placebo effect" to be real. A certain percentage of patients actually get better when they believe the treatment they are getting works – when in reality, it is a sugar pill sham. (Which is an amazing testament to the power of your mind and the human body!)

Think about it. Just believing you are going to get better has the ability to make you better. How Can This Be?

Actually, it’s simple. Allow me to explain… Imagine you’re walking in a really dark place. Maybe it’s in the woods… or an unlit street… or you’re home alone one night and all the lights in your house are off… And in the complete darkness… someone sneaks up on you and touches you. Or yells, "BOO!!!"

What happens? Yes… you almost jump out of your skin. But what happens INSIDE YOU?

Here’s what: Your heart rate suddenly and sharply increases. Your pupils dilate. The hair follicles on your body stand on end. Your breathing increases. You stomach feels queasy. You instantly sweat. And you are… Wide Awake And Ready To Go!!!

It’s called the "fight or flight" response. In an instant, your brain signals your body and you produce an incredible array of chemicals – commonly called an "adrenaline rush."

What’s more, anytime you are under stress, your body has a similar response. If the stress or is not so sudden or intense – your body’s response will not be as severe. This is exactly how many people can become "suddenly" ill with a serious disease, even those that seem to have no blatant cause.

Small or moderate amounts of stress can cause your body to dump these "fight or flight" chemicals into your body over and over again for years and years and years. And just like smoking cigarettes over a long period of time can lead to lung cancer and other serious health problems, your body’s reaction to stress can slowly break down your immune system and lead to real problems.

Which is exactly why so many people say… Stress Kills! On the other side of the coin, if your body can produce "bad" chemicals, it can also produce "good" ones. That’s what the placebo effect is. When you believe 100% you are taking a medication that will help, your body reacts in a way that heals.

Here’s one very good theory about why that happens… When you are faced with stress, your body reacts in a harsh way in an attempt to save you from the impending danger. The adrenaline rush is important to quickly get you out of harms way, if necessary.

So it makes complete sense that if you REMOVED stress from your life – you would not only never produce the harmful chemicals from the fight or flight reaction – but your body may produce healing chemicals instead.

After all, what happens when you get a placebo? You are sick and stressed out because you are sick. You don’t know if it is serious, if you will get better or if you will get worse. We humans have a tendency to let our minds run crazy and always think of the worst case scenario, don’t we?

I’m sure you’ve had a little ache or pain at some point and thought you had a disease you were going to lose a limb or die from… and then it turned out to be NOTHING!!! We all have. Anyway, back to the placebo effect. When you go to the doctor and he tells you he knows what is wrong with you and gives you something to take care of it – you instantly RELAX.

All the stress and strain of the unknown mystery disease that was going to kill you is gone. Not only is the stress removed, but your body is able to relax and do what it does best… Heal!

So… the placebo effect is a good thing, right? Certainly. But there is an ethical question to all this, that was raised in the above-mentioned survey. You see, for the placebo effect to work, you really have to believe 100% you are receiving a treatment that works.

Can you see the catch 22 for doctors here? In order for the placebo effect to work… They Must Lie To You!

And that’s exactly what the survey found. According to the Associated Press article, "Half of the doctors reported using placebos several times a month, nearly 70 percent of those described the treatment to their patients as ‘a potentially beneficial medicine not typically used for your condition.’ Only 5 percent of doctors explicitly called it a placebo treatment."

And here’s what may be shocking: "Most doctors used actual medicines as a placebo: 41 percent used painkillers, 38 percent used vitamins, 13 percent used antibiotics, 13 percent used sedatives, 3 percent used saline injections, and 2 percent used sugar pills."

When questioned, 60% of doctors said they would prescribe a sugar pill for chronic pain if it had been shown to work better than no treatment.

According to the AP article, Franklin G. Miller, one of the authors of the study and director of the research ethics program at the U.S. National Institutes for Health said, "It’s a disturbing finding. There is an element of deception here which is contrary to the principle of informed consent."

Clearly, there are two BIG issues here: Always doing what’s best for your patients and always informing them everything that is going on. You may ask yourself this: Would you rather receive a placebo and not know about it and get better… or… be 100% informed and stay sick? Only you can answer that question.

But on the bright side – this demonstrates the body’s amazing ability to produce whatever it needs to heal itself. And more of your time and effort should be spent on eliminating all the stresses in your life – and focusing on all the wonderful things life has to offer. There is no doubt you will be happier… and healthier!!!

For more information about our non-drug pain relief center or to schedule an appointment with the doctor, please call our office at 770-777-0900 and also visit our website: http://www.painreliefcare.com.

Our standard business hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

The Many “Faces” of Whiplash

2009-04-05T22:08:00.003-04:00

Forsyth County – Alpharetta Chiropractor And Whiplash Doctor Comments:

Motor vehicle collisions (MVC), usually result in injuries to the neck and upper back. However, there are often other complaints that can occur immediately or after a delayed time frame. The mechanism of injury or, "how did the accident happen?" is very important to discuss in detail.

For example, a low speed crash such as 5-10 mph may not result in much damage to the car. However when this occurs, the contents inside the car are jostled and thrown about more than if there had been car damage. This is because the impact was too slow to dent or crush the metal and the energy of the crash was not absorbed but rather, transferred to the contents inside the car – that is, the passengers.

Another cause might be a roll over accident. If a person is suspended upside down in the vehicle, injury can occur from the seat belt, from falling from the seat upon releasing the seat belt, cuts or scrapes from broken glass, and so on. Many people involved in MVC’s are initially in "shock" and may not realize they are hurt until hours or days later. Upon rising the next morning, a significant increase in pain intensity often prompts the person to seek emergency room care where medications are usually prescribed and a "wait and watch" recommendation is given.

Within the initial several days to a week, gradual increases of pain and other symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, "foggy thinking," and loss of appetite due to the high pain intensity can occur, and the person may then visit a chiropractic clinic, as the "waiting and watching" approach just doesn’t make sense.

The initial examination findings often reveal significant muscle spasms and pinching of the nerves in the upper part of the neck, resulting in headaches. Patients may have difficulty describing their complaints including problems communicating with others such as, "I just can't find the words I want to use." This lack of mental clarity is often caused by a concussion and can last weeks to months. Some patients do well and may feel 50-75% better after 3-6 weeks of chiropractic treatment with respect to neck pain and headache intensity and frequency but of course, this varies from patient to patient. During this time, exercises are usually given to help stretch the tight muscles and strengthen the weak muscles in the neck and upper back region. Temporary work restrictions may be required, especially if the patient had not been able to work prior to seeking chiropractic treatment. A quick return to work is usually very important.

Hence, a "wait and watch" approach usually does not work very well. In addition, the use of medications may prohibit being able to drive a car or adequately function at work. Certain medications can also affect a person's ability to responsibly manage their children. It can be very confusing for many people when trying to decide from whom they should seek treatment after a whiplash injury.

The primary goal of the chiropractic physician is to achieve a reduction in symptoms and return the patient to a productive, functional lifestyle as quickly as possible. We sincerely appreciate the trust that our patient's place in us when choosing our clinic to treat their problems associated with motor vehicle accidents and whiplash.

For more information or to schedule a consultation with the doctor, please call our office at 770-777-0900 and also visit our website: http://www.painreliefcare.com.

Our standard business hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

Low Back Pain And Its Many Causes!!!

2009-04-05T21:46:00.004-04:00

Forsyth County – Alpharetta Chiropractor And Back Pain Doctor Comments:

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common complaints presenting to our office and remains one of the most challenging conditions to manage because there are so many causes of LBP. Some of the causes include the obvious such as over lifting, over use activities such as sports injuries (bowling, golfing, skiing, tennis, football, etc.), raking leaves, shoveling snow, and more.

Frequently, work related strains are the primary cause of LBP due to the constant, persistent and awkward positions frequently required in many jobs, especially in repetitive motion assembly line work.

The cause can also be as simple as standing on 2 feet vs. 4 feet. Studies show when 2 legged and 4 legged animals are compared, arthritis starts in the 3rd vs. the 6th decade of life, respectively due to the vertical load placed on the biped or 2-legged animal. In spite of this, after sharing this information with patients, I have not been successful in convincing them to start walking on all fours!

Because we are a 2-legged species, addressing a short leg can have significant benefits to any spinal condition. This is because a short leg of only 5mm (1/4 inch) can result in a drop in the pelvis resulting in crooked foundation that the spine sits on, creating a curvature in the spine. This places stress on the spinal components including the spinal cord and nerves and can contribute or be the actual cause of not only LBP, but also problems higher in the spine including neck pain and headaches!

Many times, a satisfying outcome is not achieved until I address the leg length issue by the use of heel or a combination of heel & sole lifts. If a leg is short, the effects at the top – that is, the neck and head, are dramatically affected. In one case, treatment to the neck and head had little effect on his headaches and only after placing a heel lift in one shoe and arch support in both shoes did he feel significantly improved.

In most cases, treatment addressing the entire body from the feet up yields the most satisfying results. Also, secondary issues such as diet, stress management, home treatments including exercises, can be very important in the successful management of back pain. In many patients, a combination of chiropractic, leg length correction, and nutritional management including the use of vitamin and herbs resulted in the best approach results.

Usually, offering the patient advice on the methods of applying ice, modifying/reducing bending/ lifting activities, as well as performing the chiropractic treatment will satisfy the majority of patients. However, in some cases, co-management with other allied health care providers is necessary, especially where there is a slow response in the initial acute stage of LBP. If these less common cases should occur, the combination of chiropractic and primary care yields the best results.

In our clinic, we offer a multidimensional, holistic approach to the treatment of low back pain so that a positive, satisfying outcome is achieved.

For more information or to schedule a consultation with the doctor, please call our office at 770-777-0900 and also visit our website: http://www.painreliefcare.com.

Our standard business hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome And Its Many Causes!!!

2009-04-05T21:37:00.006-04:00

Forsyth County – Alpharetta Chiropractor And Carpal Tunnel – Wrist Pain Doctor Comments:

Did you know that carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is affected by many conditions, not just over-use activities? There can also be a combination of causes such as a highly repetitive job plus other causes, such as the use of birth control pills (BCPs), low thyroid function, arthritis, and others.

For example, a worker in a factory can be injured by the fast, repetitive work required by his or her job. The initial symptoms may begin as very mild tingling noticed when first waking in the morning but goes away after a short time frame, once up and moving. Weakness in pinch or grip strength can result in dropping objects, poor handwriting, difficulty in buttoning a shirt, or when threading a sewing needle. By this time, most people will seek health care services due to the activity interference and gradual increases in symptoms associated with CTS.

In addition to what is stated above, additional activities that can be affected by the presence of CTS include holding a book or newspaper, holding a telephone, opening jars, doing household chores, carrying grocery bags, as well as sleeping at night. Common symptoms include numbness or tingling of the fingers (2nd, 3rd, and 4th), waking up at night with symptoms, frequent need to shake or flick the fingers, weakness of pinch and grip activities, and aching or pain in the wrist and/or hand.

Other conditions that may exaggerate or may even be the primary cause of CTS include the use of BCPs, pregnancy, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. These conditions superimposed on a patient who works on a job where fast, repetitive work, awkward positioning of the wrist, forceful grip or pinching, and the lack of rest often results in the onset or worsening of CTS.

When seeking chiropractic services for CTS, the examination process usually includes obtaining a complete health history. This can lead to a discovery that the patient has other complaints or conditions that may cause or contribute to the presence of CTS previously mentioned. The examination usually includes various tests to determine whether CTS is present or not. Other diagnostic tests such as an EMG ("nerve test") can help determine the degree or extent of the condition.

The chiropractic treatment approach may include (but is not limited to) wrist joint manipulation, muscle-stretching exercises of the forearms, the use of a wrist brace (especially at night), the use of Vitamin B6, and/or job modifications. The chiropractor may also discuss with the primary care physician the patient’s condition, which can lead to other management strategies such as changes or modifications of the patient’s medication(s), which can result in a decrease or eliminate significant negative side effects.

For more information or to schedule a consultation with the doctor, please call our office at 770-777-0900 and also visit our website: http://www.painreliefcare.com.

Our standard business hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

Fibromyalgia (FM) – Diagnosis and Management Strategies

2009-04-05T21:21:00.005-04:00

Forsyth County – Alpharetta Chiropractor And Fibromyalgia Doctor Comments:

Until recently, Fibromyalgia (FM) was felt to be a condition that could only be diagnosed after eliminating other conditions that are more "testable." A recent study suggests an MRI can identify patients with FM from those without it. Though this may be relieving for those suffering with this condition, it doesn’t change the difficulty in treating FM.

We have all felt tired and burned out in the past and thought nothing of it. Can you imagine feeling that way all the time? The degree of fatigue, inability to concentrate, fear of driving a car, confusion, depression, anxiety, and sleep deprivation can be overwhelming. Frequently, health care providers seem to have little or no compassion for those coming to them with these symptoms. It may be that they feel helpless, as most treatment approaches utilizing pharmaceuticals either don’t work or may create side effects can be worse than the condition.

Studies suggest a combined approach of exercise, diet, sleep aids – nutritional and/or pharmaceutical, stress management techniques such as yoga, deep breathing, and meditation seem to result in the greatest degree of patient satisfaction. Some simple breathing techniques that any of us can do to reduce stress include deep inhalation through the nose and out through the mouth repeated several time in a row.

This works best if you can find a quiet place, close your eyes, concentrate on only the breathing, and inhale slowly and longer than the exhale portion. This is to be repeated several times in a row, usually at least 3 times and can be performed as often as needed throughout the day. Another very effective approach when you want to rapidly reduce stress, is forceful rapid blowing, like blowing out candles on a birthday cake. This technique can improve your ability to concentrate, make you more alert, and can even help when taking tests. To gain further control of stress, I recommend starting a Yoga or Pilates class where these and other techniques can be learned. There are also stress management DVDs or CDs that can purchased online.

Diet is also important since food is the fuel our bodies run on. If you put diesel fuel into your regular gas engine car, the results will not be good! The engine will kick and sputter and eventually die after gumming up the fuel lines. This is analogous to eating too many refined carbs (simple sugars), eating transfats, eating too excessively and/or eating too quickly.

There is a general dietary approach that is very effective in both improving quality and producing a "full" feeling without the need to eat a large quantity of food. The basic premise is to eat like we did back in the Paleolithic era, when humans were hunters and gatherers. This means only grass fed animal meat, fruits and vegetables are the primary foods consumed. This also means minimizing the grain related foods we currently eat a lot of such as bread, pasta, crackers, cookies, etc.

For more information, google "paleodiet" or visit sites such as paleodiet.com where diet recommendations, cook books, and other information can be obtained. Also, anti-inflammatory diet and vitamin recommendations are available. We have more information about these methods at our office.

For more information on Fibromyalgia or to schedule a consultation with the doctor, please call our office at 770-777-0900 and also visit our website: http://www.painreliefcare.com/.

Our standard business hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

Some Headache Causes And Solutions

2009-04-05T21:10:00.004-04:00

Forsyth County – Alpharetta Chiropractor And Headache Doctor Comments:

There are many people who frequently suffer from headaches, even on a daily basis. Many feel this is "normal." In fact, when they come in for treatment, they may not even bring it up and only after asking if they have headaches, do they then discuss it, acting as if everyone has headaches. Others are completely debilitated and can’t go to work, drive a car, or even leave the house due to the intense pain and pressure, as if their head might explode.

When patients come to my office, I’ve found it is very important to take a very thorough health and family history.

I find patients frequently tell me important clues to the cause of their headaches. For example, if one of my patients indicates that she has had headaches, as long as she could remember and the family history includes her mother having headaches that were debilitating and an MRI revealed that part of her brain stem extended down into the upper part of the neck, this would prompt an MRI of the patient which could reveal a similar finding. Another example is a patient with headaches that occur only at the time of one week prior to menstruation. This may lead to the trial of several nutritional vitamin / herbal approaches aimed at reducing fluid retention or build up that frequently occurs pre-menses. Other causes have included traumas from car accidents, slips and falls, sports injuries, and other activity related causes.

In these cases, examination may lead to a diagnosis of abnormal biomechanics in the cervical spine and chiropractic treatment addressing these findings may prove very satisfying. Other causes may include stress and/or psychological conditions that required co-management with mental health practitioners and/or their primary care physicians. The combined efforts of medication and chiropractic treatments are most satisfying for these patients.

In general, the cause of headaches are usually multi-factorial and therefore, the most effective treatment is a multi-dimensional approach in which chiropractic treatment methods are, in most cases, the most important contribution to the successful management of headaches.

Chiropractic treatment approaches include spinal manipulation, mobilization, muscle release techniques such as trigger point therapy, longitudinal and /or transverse friction massage, manual and/or instrumental traction both at home and office, physical therapy modalities including ice/heat, electrical stimulation (several types), low level laser therapy, infrared, diet and nutritional counseling, and stress management.

Co-management needed for some patients can be arranged through this office and may include primary care physicians, physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians, pain management, rheumatology, internal medicine and neurology.

Most important is that you feel confident that if you, your family or friends require treatment for headaches, our office will provide you with a comprehensive approach most likely to bring about a very satisfying outcome or result.

For more information or to schedule a consultation with the doctor, please call our office at 770-777-0900 and visit our website at http://www.painreliefcare.com/

Our standard business hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

A Cup of Coffee Before Exercise?

2009-04-03T10:26:00.006-04:00

Forsyth County – Alpharetta Chiropractor Comments:

The amount of caffeine (about 135 mg) in an 8-oz. cup of coffee is enough to raise your metabolism for more than 2 hours. Drinking coffee before a workout may give you an extra kick. Caffeine may help free stored fat, so your body can burn it for energy as you exercise. (If you have high blood pressure, avoid caffeine before exercise.) Reuters, July 2006.

To schedule a consultation to discuss exercise or pain relief treatment, please call our office at 770-777-0900 and visit our website at http://www.painreliefcare.com/

Our standard business hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

Websters Technique - Chiropractic Adjustment for Turning Breech Babies

2009-04-02T10:28:00.009-04:00

Forsyth County – Alpharetta Chiropractor Comments:

A good friend and colleague of mine, chiropractor, specializing in pregnancy and children, Dr. Heather Davis... out of Kennesaw, GA... emailed me a youtube video of her turning a breech baby! Here's the email Dr. Davis sent me about this amazing technigue that she has mastered:

Dr. Meininger:

I am excited to share a recent experience with you and anyone that you feel may benefit. You may have already heard about the amazing chiropractic adjustment that helps breech babies to get into the proper head down position. I may have also shared with you that I personally benefited from this adjustment, The Webster’s Adjustment, when I was pregnant with my daughter. The Webster’s Adjustment is one of the most amazing things I have ever experienced as a doctor and although I have seen many babies turn following the adjustment, everyone is a miracle! I have been certified in this technique and performing it for nearly ten years. It is extremely safe and gentle for both Mom & Baby however, some expectant moms are apprehensive about getting adjusted if they are not already familiar with chiropractic.

This is an attempt to help put all fears to rest for moms, dads and their birth practitioners. I recently performed the Webster’s Adjustment on a mom that was 37 weeks pregnant and the baby turned after just one adjustment! This mom very generously agreed to allow us to video her getting adjusted and to share her testimonial. Her baby not only turned head down but, she describes a decrease in lower back pain, swelling in her feet and indigestion! This is a great video for any expectant mom that is wondering if chiropractic is an option for her but, especially if she has a baby in any position other that the ideal head down position.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Et7JuuMrr-Y

Please feel free to pass on this link to anyone that you feel may benefit.

Best regards,
Dr. Heather Davis

For more information on children and chiropractic or pregnancy and chiropractic, please call our office at 770-777-0900 and visit our website at http://www.painreliefcare.com.

Our office hours are Mon, Wed and Fri between 2:00pm and 7:00pm and Tues and Thurs between 10:00am - 1:00pm

Barack Obama's Plan For Chiropractic?

2009-04-01T12:17:00.011-04:00

Forsyth County – Alpharetta Chiropractor Comments:

We will soon find out if Obama includes chiropractic or not in his universal health plan. I really don't know what will happen. I did come across this letter from Obama to the chiropractic profession... but who knows?

Dear Friends:

Doctors of chiropractic now make up over 60,000 licensed professionals in all fifty states, and care for millions of Americans every year. Almost a quarter of Iowans receive quality chiropractic care every year. As you know, chiropractic care is low-cost, drug free, noninvasive, and has been shown to have a positive impact on patients’ health. I believe steps should be taken to acknowledge the important care chiropractors provide, and knock down unreasonable barriers of access and discriminatory insurance coverage that stand between so many patients and the care they need. I have a plan to support doctors of chiropractic.

First, I support expanding the range of chiropractic services covered by Medicare. Medicare currently provides reimbursement only for chiropractic adjustments, even though doctors of chiropractic are trained and licensed in all fifty states to provide a range of other Medicare-covered services. I support reimbursement reform that will reward and reimburse those who deliver high quality care and whose patients achieve good health outcomes, without restrictions against chiropractors or other health care professionals licensed to provide such care.

Second, I recognize that neither the Department of Veterans Affairs nor the Department of Defense has achieved full integration of the services of doctors of chiropractic into their health systems despite direction from Congress. I support careful examination into the policy and practical barriers that restrict access to such services in order to remedy this problem.

Third, I support commissioning doctors of chiropractic as officers in the Uniformed Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service. The U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps is comprised of approximately 6,000 public health professionals dedicated to delivering the nation’s public health promotion and disease prevention programs and advancing public health science. Given the critical role that doctors of chiropractic serve in each of these functions, I believe that we should commission chiropractors as officers in the Uniformed Corps.

Finally, under the universal health care plan I have proposed, Americans will have access to a public insurance plan that will include comprehensive coverage, including all essential health care benefits. Benefits that are evidence-based or meet the current accepted standard of care would be eligible for coverage, and as such many, if not all, chiropractic services provided by doctors of chiropractic would be included in the public benefit package.

My health plan also prioritizes preventive care, and chiropractors play a significant role in this effort. As we shift our health care delivery system towards a culture of wellness and disease prevention, I believe that chiropractors must play an integral role in expanding access to preventive care and strengthening our public health system.

I look forward to discussing these important issues with you over the course of the next several months.

Sincerely,

Barack Obama

For more information about our chiropractic services, call our office at 770-777-0900 or go to our website at http://www.painreliefcare.com/

I Have Back Pain! Do I Use Heat Or Ice?

2009-04-01T07:51:00.009-04:00

Forsyth County – Alpharetta Chiropractor And Back Pain Doctor Comments:

I get asked this question all the time. Hey, doc, do I use heat or ice? The rule of thumb is to always use ice.

My recommendation is to use ice when you have a sudden onset of pain. What would you do if you smashed your thumb with a hammer... and it swells up. You would obviously put ice on your thumb! So the same is true if you twist your knee or ankle or you do something to hurt or agravate your back or neck.

Ice for how long? You want to ice the back for 20 minutes and the neck for only 10 minutes because it's a smaller area. You never want to ice the area longer than that because the reverse will happen. There's a built in reflex in the body... simular to when your ear lobe gets hot and red when your out in the cold weather too long in order to prevent frost bite! Remember, the purpose of ice is to constrict - to bring the swelling and inflammation down. You want to use ice at first - usually for the first two to three days after an injury or agravation.

Heat? Heat is good for chronic pain and arthritis that's been around for a long time. The best application of heat is to use a "moist" or "wet" form of heat. Don't use an electrical "dry" heating pad... it doesn't penetrate too deep and might make your problem worse. I recommend heating up a interchangable heat-ice pack in the microwave or a "rice" roll in the microwave...or a hot water bottle. Anything besides a heating pad that plugs into the wall!

Usually a muscle problem will go away after a day or two and NOT come back. But, if the back, neck or joint pain returns, lingers on, shoots down your leg or arm, becomes tingling or numb... that's when you need to get it checked out to determine if it's a disc problem or pinched nerve.

If you need help, please contact my office at 770-777-0900 and make an appointment. My website is http://www.painreliefcare.com.

My office hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:00 - 7:00 and Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00am to 1:00pm.

Six Tips To Clobber The Stress Of The Recession!

2009-03-31T17:02:00.008-04:00

Forsyth County – Alpharetta Chiropractor Comments:

It’s everywhere. It seems like there is no escaping it. Every news broadcast. Every radio station. Even people in the streets. Of course, we are talking about all the doom and gloom from the recession.

It is well-known that stress is very harmful to your health. It not only zaps your body and mind of precious energy – it can suppress your immune system and lead to countless bigger problems down the road.

That’s why it’s important to have a plan… so to speak… to help you get through all the stress and strain created by this recession. So, here are 6 tips to help you minimize all the doom and gloom and escape this recession with minimal stress and strain:

1: Stop watching the news and listening to all the political talk!!! The first and quickest way back to sanity is to stop constantly watching the “sour grapes” news. And, stop reading about all the misery too. It’s not that you shouldn’t be informed. In fact, it is very important that you are. But, keeping informed and being consumed with this mess is very different. Truth be told: There is nothing you can do about it anyway. The best thing to do is move forward with your life and do the best you can for you and your family. So… cut down on all the hot air and misery and start focusing on something you can control…. YOU!

2: Get your finances in order! Cut your spending. Ask yourself, do I really need that right now? Prioritize all your monthly expenses and think twice about wasting money right now.

3: Try to cut your bills! Are you paying too much for your cell phone service? If you have had the same plan for 2 years, you most likely are. Look at all your bills and see what can be slashed.

4: Bring down debt! Once again, make sure you are paying the lowest rates possible on your credit cards. And, if possible, pay them off completely. And even more important – don’t create MORE debt somewhere else!!!

5: Check your mortgage rate! If you have good credit, there is a good chance you can get a lower rate than you have right now. You never know until you try – and this could save you a bundle – not only now, but over the course of your loan.

6: Keep your head up and have some fun! I know this may seem hard to do right now, but it’s probably the most important. The best way to eliminate stress is to LAUGH. Laughing causes your body to produce many healthy chemicals. And best of all – laughing is contagious. If you don’t believe me, simply watch this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HhCqRjjFGI. Check it out. And, if you are having a hard time mustering up a laugh… this will do the trick. Here’s another one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXgdSOxaCGI. Now, go make someone else laugh! Like we already said – laughter is contagious. And it is easy to make someone else laugh. Basically, all you have to do is be happy and laugh, and it spreads like wildfire!!!!

For more information about stress relief and pain relief, please call our office at 770-777-0900 or go to http://www.painreliefcare.com.

Our standard business hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

If You Exercise More And Eat Better - You Might Live Longer!

2009-03-31T16:36:00.006-04:00

Forsyth County – Alpharetta Chiropractor Comments:

The chromosomes of people who exercise more and eat better do not degrade as quickly as people who do not. This suggests a healthy lifestyle may not only lengthen life by helping to stave off disease, but also by slowing the process of aging itself. The effects of aging have been linked to a shortening of chromosome components known as telomeres, which protect the ends of chromosomes and keep the DNA in the middle from being damaged. Over time, telomeres shorten and both cells and DNA become more vulnerable to various forms of damage. This may be one of the primary mechanisms connected to age-related decline. Shorter telomeres have been correlated with an increased risk of both cancer and cardiovascular disease.

It has been found that the telomeres of smokers, the obese and those with sedentary lifestyles tend to be shorter than average. This spurred an investigation if an improvement in lifestyle could be directly connected to telomere protection? Lifestyle changes included a moderate aerobic exercise routine, classes in stress management and relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, a diet high in fruits and vegetables, and supplements of vitamins and fish oil. After lifestyle changes, telomerase activity increases by an average of 29 percent. The level of telomerase increase is also correlated with a decrease in levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol and the frequency of intrusive thoughts (a marker of stress).

For more information about exercise, diet and pain relief, call our office at 770-777-0900 or go to http://www.painreliefcare.com/.

Our standard business hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

Stress Can Make You Unhappy And Sick

2009-03-31T16:07:00.008-04:00

Forsyth County – Alpharetta Chiropractor And Chronic Fatigue Doctor Comments:

Every day, we wake up hoping for a better day. We hope today will bring us one step closer to our goals, dreams and desires than we were yesterday. And, even though we wake most days with the best of intentions…

Do these dreams ever really come true?

In hard economic times, like we are facing today, these dreams seem to fade for too many people. They let pessimism and negativity fill their thoughts. And, since we can only think about one thing at a time – this can be very dangerous.

Self-help writer, Napoleon Hill said we become our dominant thoughts. And, we must control what goes into our brain and what we think about. We must guard it wisely. Nothing could be more important today.

With all the bad news surrounding us, you have to make it your conscious choice not to become a harbinger of doom, too. Instead, know that you can and will be happy. And, you can and will do whatever it takes to be positive.

This is vitally important because success not only starts with your thoughts – so does your health. You cannot possibly be 100% healthy and strong from the neck down if you are miserable from the neck up.

Plain and simple: stress can make you unhappy and sick. It causes bad chemical reactions in your body that can show up as many conditions. One is back pain. Another is fatigue. Check out this study I came across - go to http://www.psychcentral.com/news/2008/01/18/stress-triggers-chronic-fatigue-syndrome/1804.html

If you are feeling more fatigued or experiencing more back pain recently, you are not alone. And there is a good chance we can help.

One of the best things you can do right now is give us a call and schedule an appointment that will not only help your back physically, it will be a nice, relaxing getaway from all the stress and strain you are experiencing.

It’s amazing what a little “TLC” can do for the way you feel – and how successful you are. You can’t control all the crazy things that are happening in the world right now… but you can control your reaction to it and if you stress over it or take action in some other way.

If you are feeling stressed out, tired or have back pain, give us a call at 770-777-0900 and we will schedule you for our next available appointment. For more information visit our website at http://www.painreliefcare.com.

Our standard business hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

Considering Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgery?

2009-03-30T15:23:00.006-04:00

Forsyth County – Alpharetta Chiropractor And Carpal Tunnel Doctor Comments:

Before you consider surgery… take a look at these SHOCKING FACTS about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

• The U.S. Department of Labor has concluded that carpal tunnel syndrome is the "chief occupational hazard of the 90’s" - disabling workers in epidemic proportions.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome effects over 8 - million Americans. • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the #1 reported medical problem, accounting for about 50% of all work related injuries.
• Only 25% of all Carpal Tunnel Syndrome patients were able to return to their previous professions following surgery.
• Up to 36% of carpal tunnel syndrome patients require unlimited medical treatment.
• Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome is the second most common type of surgery, with well over 230,000 procedures performed annually.

With over 230,000 surgeries performed every year and only 25% able to return to their previous profession… it doesn’t look like that’s the answer. Even worse, if you are one of the unlucky ones, surgery could be a crippling mistake.

For more information about Non-Surgical Carpal Tunnel Syndrome treatment, please call our office at 770-777-0900 or go to http://www.painreliefcare.com.

Our standard business hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

DRX 9000 Research: Motorized Spinal Decompression For Chronic Discogenic Low Back Pain - Chart Review Of 100 Outpatients

2009-03-27T07:26:00.008-04:00

Forsyth County – Alpharetta Chiropractor And Herniated Disc Doctor Comments:

This study assessed outcomes of a random sample of outpatients treated with the DRX9000™ for chronic low back pain lasting more than 12 weeks. Data from charts of 100 adults were abstracted using a standardized data collection form. Pain, drug use and activities of daily living were assessed pre and post treatment on the DRX9000™.

The results of this study were outstanding:

*90% improvement in back pain.
*Chronic back pain improves after treatment.
*Better function as measured by activities of daily living.
*A beginning pain score of 5.99 (on a scale of 0 to 10 – with 10 being the worse), which decreased to 0.87 after the last DRX9000™ treatment.
*41% of the subjects had used NSAID (pain meds) before being treatments which dropped to less than 5% after treatment with the DRX9000™.
*None of the subjects required surgery afterward.

Conclusion – Overall, patients’ pain improved after DRX9000™ treatment, requiring fewer pain medications, with better function!

This study which specifically used the DRX9000™ was presented at the American Society of Anesthesiologists, in Chicago, IL (October 15-17, 2006) and at the American Academy of Pain Management, in Orlando, FL (September 7-10, 2006).

The following doctors attributed to the above mentioned study:
*Alex Macario, MD, MBA, Stanford University
*Sunil J. Panchal, MD, COPE Foundation, Florida Pain Management
*Charlotte Richmond, PhD, Nema Research, Biomedical Research & Education Foundation
*Joseph V. Pergolizzi, Jr., MD, John Hopkins University & Nema Research

This study was blinded and the researchers didn't have certain knowledge about some aspects of the patient care. Because they didn’t have a control group, we cannot make statements about how this treatment may affect you.

However, clinics who incorporate orthopedic supports and timely and appropriate exercises into their treatment programs, greatly improve the patients’ overall recovery.

Most important, clinics that incorporate additional therapies into their treatment programs including low-level laser, heat, electrical muscle stimulation and ice dramatically increase the quality of care which directly affects the patients’ outcome.

As is usually the case in health care, evidence is somewhat limited, but I think the DRX9000™ is worth considering for a couple of reasons:

First, there are virtually no treatments in back care today that is supported by large-scale, controlled, double blinded, randomized clinical trials. That may come as a shock to you but most doctors, medical or chiropractic, really cannot cite great evidence for things they do day in and day out.

Physical therapists, acupuncturists, massage therapists - all who treat back problems- are pretty much in the same evidence boat, so to speak. Maybe that's why there are as many different treatments available as there are doctors. Or why you sometimes feel like you're going through a maze looking for some cheese when trying to deal with this very common problem.

The second reason you should carefully weigh the evidence for spinal decompression is because of the well-established scientific facts on the risks of surgery.

If you’d like to schedule a consultation with the doctor to see if you’re a good candidate for Spinal Decompression, please call 678-925-1878. For more information about Spinal Decompression, please visit our website http://www.painreliefcare.com/.

DRX9000 Spinal Decompression Research: Clinical Outcomes

2009-03-27T07:17:00.005-04:00

Forsyth County – Alpharetta Chiropractor And Herniated Disc Doctor Comments:

Research study: Clinical Outcomes For Spinal Decompression:

This study showed a marked reduction in disc herniations or protrusions in 71% of patients. Not everyone was helped, but remember, these were patients with chronic long-term problems. When a treatment may help even a fraction of the patients with these types of back and leg pain - where nothing else has worked - you should take notice. The protrusions were shown to change and were measured using MRI technology.

This study which specifically used the DRX9000™ was published in the Orthopedic Technology Review. It is a study of 219 patients, which are a large number of patients as far as studies go.

The patients had a variety of different problems. Some had single level disk herniations, and others had multiple levels that were bulging. Some had more back pain than leg pain and others had mostly sciatica.
The patients encompassed a large spectrum:

single lateral herniation…………. 67 cases
single central herniation………… 22 cases
single lateral herniation
with disk degeneration………….. 32 cases
single central herniation
with disk degeneration………….. 24 cases
more than one herniation
with disk degeneration………….. 17 cases
more than one herniation
without disk degeneration………. 57 cases

None of the patients had previous back surgery and 73 of them had received epidural injections for back problems. The study looked at how they responded to the DRX9000™ in terms of pain, disability, and physical findings including range of motion, and neurological function.

The results were that about 86% of the patients obtained substantial relief!
(That is a very large percentage in terms of anything else that is out there.)

If you’d like to schedule an consultation with the doctor to see if you’re a good candidate for Spinal Decompression, please call 678-925-1878. For more information about Spinal Decompression, please visit our website http://www.painreliefcare.com/.

Four Important Reasons Why You Should Write In Your Blog Every Day!

2009-03-26T16:37:00.004-04:00

Forsyth County – Alpharetta Chiropractor And Health Blog Author Comments:

We’ve all heard it. “Some day, I’m going to write a book or create a blog.” Most people say they would love to have their own book or blog. They have plenty of stories from their vast life experiences. Or, maybe you are the creative type that can create spell-binding fiction? But then again… maybe not! Chances are, you have some great ideas, thoughts or stories to put down…but an entire book is not in the plans. That’s why it’s great to have a blog!

The good news is: getting in the routine of writing just a little bit every day has many great benefits. And you don’t have to be a professional writer to attain them. Here’s a list of several great benefits you can reap by writing just a little bit every day:

1. The best way to learn new things! If you think back to when you were in school, you may remember some teachers advising you to re-write your notes everyday from class. Many teachers advise this, but few explain why you should do it. Well, here’s why: The physical act of writing something down dramatically helps you remember that information. The theory is that it engages more of your senses than just reading. Some actually say that the act of writing something down helps the information go directly into the subconscious brain and become “accepted.” If you want to learn the lyrics to a song – write them down several times. If you want to memorize your friend’s phone number (an extinct skill with the evolution of cell phones!!!), write it down a few times. And if you want to learn to become a good writer, copy free-hand some of the works of the great authors. No matter what topic you write about, you will learn all kinds of new and interesting things simply by the act of writing.

2. The Great Stress Reliever! Many have called writing the “great escape.” And one must agree. No matter how hectic or crazy your day is, when you sit down to write… everything else disappears. It’s just you, the pen, paper and your imagination. This is one of the best stress relievers you can think of. Writing can have many of the benefits of stress reduction seen in meditation that clears the mind. And meditating before writing is the best of both worlds!!! Make no doubt about it: stress kills. And, any way you can reduce it should be pursued. Finding a quiet spot and writing for 20-30 minutes a day could have a great impact on your mental and overall well-being.

3. Increases your communication skills! Whatever you do not use, deteriorates and whatever you practice, gets better. This includes you communication skills. Writing is one of the best ways to communicate better. Not only in terms of written communication – but in all aspects of communication. Ever sit down to write a simple letter or email and “freeze up?” This is often called writer’s block. The more you write, the less this will happen to you. And the more you write, the more you will say with fewer words and in a shorter time.

4. Make some extra money! This is not for certain, but who knows. If you write for 20-30 minutes everyday, in a year you will have an amazing amount of information in your blog. And you might be surprised to discover that knowledge that is common to YOU… is not common to OTHERS and some will pay for it. More than one writer has gotten their start this way. So, start writing and you never know what will happen!
For more information on Dr. Kurt Meininger call 770-777-0900 or visit our website at http://www.painreliefcare.com

Does Garlic Possess The Secret To Health?

2009-03-24T00:43:00.008-04:00

Forsyth County – Alpharetta Chiropractor Comments:

You may or may not know this, but in some circles, garlic is known as the “stinking rose.” Why? Because, garlic is one of nature’s most impressive foods! Its medicinal properties have been valued for centuries. There are reports of Greek and Roman soldiers eating garlic before going into battle. Legend has it that Egyptians ate garlic to increase their strength and stamina while building the pyramids. (If that legend only revealed how they actually built the pyramids – now that would be something!)

Anyway, the point is – garlic has been eaten for a long time with the belief it enhanced health. That’s the “rose” part of the name. And if you have ever been around garlic, you know where the “stinking” part came from. But, as it turns out, what makes garlic stink might be responsible for its wonderful health benefits. Here is why…

According to a January 31, 2009 article in Science Daily, “Researchers have widely believed that the organic compound, allicin – which gives garlic its aroma and flavour – acts as the world's most powerful antioxidant.” In this study, the authors believe they know why. They found allicin decomposes rapidly and produces an acid: sulfenic acid. This acid reacts with free radicals in your body. In other words, it becomes a very powerful antioxidant.

And check this out: According to the researchers, “The reaction between the sulfenic acid and radicals is as fast as it can get, limited only by the time it takes for the two molecules to come into contact. No one has ever seen compounds, natural or synthetic, react this quickly as antioxidants.”

Garlic’s Triple Power: Garlic is quite incredible because it helps you in three ways: antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal. According to Dr. Joseph Mercola’s health blog, “Studies have even found it is effective at killing antibiotic-resistance bacteria, including MRSA, and for reducing fungal infections, such as yeast infections, and fighting viruses and parasites. “But that’s only the beginning. Garlic is great for your heart, as it helps to induce the relaxation and enlargement of blood vessels, which improves blood flow throughout the body. This can help to prevent a potentially deadly form of high blood pressure, as well as heart attack and stroke.” It is also believed that garlic helps prevent heart disease by inhibiting the formation of plaque on arteries.

Can Garlic Prevent Cancer? Maybe so. At least, that’s what a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (November 2006; 84(5): 1027-1032) suggests. The researchers used data from a network of Italian and Swiss case-controlled studies. Comparing patients to controls, they found those with the highest intake of onions and garlic had the most protection from an assortment of cancers including: Esophageal cancer; Colon cancer; Breast cancer; Ovarian cancer and Prostate cancer.

What About Garlic And Weight Loss? Can garlic help you lose weight too? The American Journal of Hypertension, reported on a study in which 2 groups of rats were purposely fed a diet to make them fat and hypertensive. Then one group of rats was given allicin. The group that received allicin not only stopped gaining weight! What’s more, a third group was fed allicin from the start and gained very little weight over the course of the experiment.

What’s Better: Supplements Or Raw Garlic? In many cases, eating the whole food is better than supplementation. Garlic is no different. The beneficial reaction in garlic starts taking place a few minutes after it is cut into or smashed open. But, the strength will quickly diminish and be gone in about an hour. So it is best to chop or press garlic, wait a few minutes, and then eat it.

This may not be the best tasting approach, but it is probably the most effective. If you start to stink like ripe garlic cloves – simply cut back on the amount you eat. You should be able to find an amount your body can tolerate, without smelling.

If you have any questions about Nutrition and Diet or if you’d like to find out more about our Pain Relief Services and Treatment programs, please call us at 770-777-0900 and go to our website at http://www.painreliefcare.com/.

Whiplash And Work Disability

2009-03-24T00:21:00.007-04:00

Forsyth County – Alpharetta Chiropractor And Whiplash Doctor Comments:

Whiplash results from a sudden trauma, usually involving an accident, where the injured person’s car was struck from behind, from the front, or from one of the sides. The injury is caused from the head quickly accelerating, like a “crack the whip” action, which often results in headache, neck pain and sometimes loss of memory or the ability to concentrate. There are many reports about whiplash and factors about the collision that may predict who will become disabled from such an injury. Previous reports have suggested that female gender (due to a slender neck), older age (due to less flexible joints), marital status (due to stress if divorced or single), heavy manual labor, self-employment, previous psychological problems, the inability to concentrate, catastrophizing about pain, and fear of relapse by doing regular activity have all been common issues discussed in research articles.

In order to sort through these possible risk factors of a prolonged recovery and disability, a recent February 2009 study looked at this question and reviewed 879 claims. Those involved in the car accidents were sent questionnaires that requested information about the accident, the injuries that had occurred, their current complaints, and questions regarding work and disability. These questions were rechecked at 6 and 12 months after the accident date. Of the 879 claims, 59% were found to be work disabled. The most important factors were age and concentration complaints identified at the 1-month were most predictive of those that would still be disabled at 1 year. What was interesting was that most of the previously accepted risk factors of long-term disability such as the intensity of manual labor, educational level, and the like, were not found to be helpful in predicting long-term disability prior to the 1 year point with only age and concentration impairment being identified. The authors suggested that we should focus treatment on the complaints involving concentration – that is, brain related functions, rather than managing solely the physical complaints.

A condition called mild traumatic brain injury or, post-concussive syndrome, can apply to people injured in car accidents who have lost some of the higher cortical or brain related functions. Though the majority of patients will usually recover from this, a minority will not. It is therefore, important for patients and healthcare providers to become keenly aware of symptoms like memory loss (primarily short-term), loss of your train of thought (forgetting what you were about to say), or having difficulty formulating what you want to say (getting the right words out). Many patients are reluctant to say anything to their health care provider as they are often embarrassed and don’t feel comfortable talking about it. They often think they are “…just going through a stage,” and that they may “sound strange” if they discuss these symptoms and therefore avoid even bringing it up during the history. In the end, most patients are relieved after they find out that it’s “not all in their head,” and are more comfortable discussing it when they know their health care provider is aware of their cognitive dysfunction and that it’s a real problem. As one patient put it, “…I thought I was going crazy,” when in fact these, sometimes quite subtle, symptoms are very important clues in identifying this condition so that prompt attention can be directed at these problems. We are keenly aware of this information and are happy to share it with you so that you can feel more comfortable discussing it with us as well as any other symptoms that exists because of a whiplash injury.

If you or a loved one is suffering with whiplash, sharing this information may be one of most significant acts of kindness that you can give to those that you care about.

To learn more about our Pain Relief and Whiplash treatment programs, call our office at 770.777.0900 and/or visit our website at http://www.painreliefcare.com/.

Our standard business hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

The Neck And Headache Connection

2009-03-24T00:12:00.008-04:00

Forsyth County – Alpharetta Chiropractor And Headache Doctor Comments:

Patients with headaches also commonly complain of neck pain. This relationship is the rule, not the exception and therefore, treatment for headaches must include treatment of the neck to achieve optimum results. The term, “cervicogenic headaches” has been an accepted term because of the intimate connection between the neck and head for many years. There are many anatomical reasons why neck problems result in headaches. Some of these include:

· The first 3 nerves exiting the spine in the upper neck go directly into the head. They penetrate the muscles at the top of the neck near the attachments to the skull and therefore, any excess pressure on these nerves by the muscles or spinal joints will result in irritation and subsequent pain.
· The origin or nucleus of the 5th cranial nerve called the Trigeminal, innervates the sensation to the face and is located in the upper cervical region near the origin of the 2nd cervical spinal nerve, which innervates sensation to the back of the head up to the top. Therefore, problems located in the upper neck will often result in pain radiating up from the base of the skull/upper neck over the top of the skull to the eyes and /or face.
· The 11th cranial nerve that innervates the upper shoulders and muscles in the front of the neck arises from the top 5 to 7 spinal cord levels in the neck. Injury anywhere in the neck can result in spasm and pain in these large muscle groups.
· Other interconnections between the 2nd cervical nerve and trigeminal/5th cranial nerve include communication with the 7th cranial / facial nerve, the 9th cranial / glossopharyngeal nerve, and the 10th cranial / vagus nerve. These connections can affect facial muscle strength/movements, taste, tongue and throat movements, and stomach complaints such as nausea from these three cranial nerve interconnections, respectively.

When patients seek treatment for their headaches, a thorough examination of the neck, upper back, and cranial nerves is routinely performed for the above reasons. It is common to find upper cervical movement and vertebral alignment problems present in patients complaining of headaches. Tender points located between the shoulder blades, along the upper shoulders, on the sides of the neck and particularly, at the base of the skull are commonly found. Pain often radiates from the tender point over the top of the skull when pressure is applied in the upper neck/base of the skull area. Tenderness on the sides of the head, in the temples, over the eyes, and near the jaw joint are also common. Traction or pulling the head to stretch the neck is often quite pain relieving and this is often performed as part of the chiropractic visit and can also be applied at home with the use of a home cervical traction unit. Chiropractic adjustments applied to the fixated or misaligned vertebra in the upper neck often brings very satisfying relief to the headache sufferer. Exercises that promote movement in the neck, as well as strengthening exercises are also helpful in both reducing headache pain and in preventing occurrences, especially with stress or tension headaches.

Since neck pain and headaches are one of the most common complaints presenting to the chiropractic physician, please ask for more information about this if you or a loved one is suffering. It’s one of most significant acts of kindness you can give to those you care about.

To learn more about our Headache and Neck Pain treatment programs, call our office at 770.777.0900 and/or visit our website at http://www.painreliefcare.com/.

Our standard business hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

Does The Use Of A Low Back Support Or Brace Really Make A Difference?

2009-03-24T00:03:00.006-04:00

Forsyth County – Alpharetta Chiropractor And Back Pain doctor Comments:

“Do you think a back brace will help my condition?” This is a question that is frequently asked of many health care providers who treat low back pain. The answers typically vary, as there is support for and against the use of a brace when low back pain is present. In a Feb. 2009 study, the use of an elastic lumbar belt was studied in a group of sub-acute low back pain patients for its effect on functional capacity (lift and carry types of activities), pain intensity, and the effects on health care service costs. This study was unique in that it was carried out in several different locations and, the patients were randomized and received either a lumbar belt or nothing (“control group”). 197 patients were included in the study, which is a good sample size for research purposes. The results of the study, at the end of 90 days, revealed a higher score for the back brace treated group than the non-braced control group. The pain scale improved greater in the brace treated group as an improvement of 42 points vs. 32 points was reported. Similarly, 61% in the brace treated group used no medication compared to 40% in the non-braced group. It was concluded that patients with sub-acute low back pain improved significantly in functional status, pain reduction and medication utilization.

The use of back braces has been considered a “standard” in the treatment of patients with LBP for many years. One argument against using back braces centers around becoming “dependant” either physically or mentally on its use and this has long been a concern amongst health care providers. For most patients, this is not a concern as most do not “enjoy” the use of a brace and they look forward to discontinuing their use of it. Braces are particularly helpful when the patient cannot stop performing needed activities, such as work. This is especially true for farmers who have to tend to the animals and crops during planting, cultivating and harvest times of the year. In addition, single moms or dads who have to go to work in order to provide for their children are driven to stay on the job. In these cases, the use of a back brace can be of utmost importance.

There are many types of back braces. Some are narrow and are particularly favored when frequent bending and/or twisting movements are required by a job, sport, or other daily activity. Other braces are taller in the back and taper in the front, which give better support but still allow some bending / twisting movements. Some braces are more rigid and can actually stop movement in certain directions. These types include a hard, rigid surface that is placed in the area of the back where movement is not desired. These are used at times when there are fractures of the spine, after spinal surgery and in scoliosis bracing. Some braces are to be worn low on the pelvis to support that area, while most are placed in the center of the low back region. There are also rib belts sometimes used when ribs fracture, soft and rigid neck braces sometimes used after car accidents, and braces for the arms or legs. The decision to use a brace rests on the degree of injury and the patient’s ability to avoid certain activities or positions. When the injury is significant and/or the patient cannot control his/her activities (such as work), then the use of a brace may be one of the most important treatment approaches for that patient. It’s similar to having stitches when a deep or wide cut occurs. Ask us about the use of supports, braces, or belts if you or your family or friends are suffering with low back pain.

To learn more about our Chronic Back Pain treatment programs or if you have any questions about back braces, call our office at 770.777.0900 and/or visit our website at http://www.painreliefcare.com/.

Our standard business hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Computer Work

2009-03-23T23:46:00.011-04:00

Forsyth County – Alpharetta Chiropractor And Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Doctor Comments:

Approximately 2/3rds of employees from industrialized countries use a computer on a daily basis and one of five spend at least 75% of their total work time behind a computer. It’s no wonder so many suffer from neck, shoulder, arm pain, including carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). There are many reasons for the presence of CTS in office workers who utilize a computer. The following is a partial list of causes:

· The computer screen is not positioned correctly in front of the worker forcing the neck to be rotated to the side or the head has to look up or down too far.
· The mouse and/or keyboard is placed on top of a counter, too high to operate without significant bending of the wrist, often against the sharp edge of the counter.
· The shape of the keyboard is flat, forcing the hands and wrists to pronate (roll inwards) too far. This places more pressure on the nerves in the forearms.
· The use of a mouse usually requires the entire arm to move, frequently running off the mouse pad requiring repositioning.
· Paper work data that needs to be entered in the computer is placed too far off to the side and sustained neck rotation is required during the data entering process.
· The chair and computer desk do not fit the person’s height (either too high or too low) and/or the feet don’t touch the floor.
· There is too much glare from windows or overhead lighting making it difficult to see the screen.
· In the aging worker, poor eye sight requires the use of magnifiers which can be quite distorting when the head is moved, even a small amount.
· There are often other medical conditions that the computer operator may have that increase the likelihood of developing CTS such as obesity, hormone replacement therapy, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroid, the use of birth control pills, and others.

Therefore, the treatment of CTS must be multi-factorial and sometimes address one or more additional health issues that may co-exist. There are also frequently, many similar overuse types of conditions present in addition to CTS such as neck strain, thoracic outlet syndrome, nerve compression at one or more locations such as the neck, shoulder, elbow and forearm as well as at the carpal tunnel of the wrist.

Each patient’s case is unique and a careful history is usually needed to uncover these potential contributing conditions so they can all be properly managed in addition to CTS. Because we spend a lot of our daytime hours at work, a careful work related history is important to identify potential “ergonomic” (design) culprits that can be fixed with simple workstation adjustments.

These may include mouse/keyboard placement to an under the desk pull out tray to eliminate the need to overly bend the wrists and eliminate the pressure from the counter top edge. Raising a chair and placing a box under the feet while sitting (for shorter workers), switching to a track ball mouse so only thumb movement is needed to move the pointer (or a touchpad as found on most laptops), an ergonomic keyboard (curved, not flat), moving the screen in front and slightly down from eye level, prop paperwork on a stand-up tray close to the screen so only eye movement is needed, wearing appropriate quality eye glasses possibly with bi- or trifocals, are some potential work station remedies. Treatment that addresses all the contributing issues frequently includes neck, mid-back, shoulder, elbow, forearm, and wrist/hand.

Chiropractic manipulation and low-level laser therapy are especially well suited to address these issues because of the whole body treatment approach utilized. We are also well trained in evaluating the work related and will work with your employer to cooperatively improve problems that may be perpetuating the condition. If you or a loved one is suffering with carpal tunnel syndrome, sharing this information may be one of most significant acts of kindness that you can give to those that you care about.

To learn more about our Carpal Tunnel Syndrome treatment programs, call our office at 770.777.0900 and visit our website at http://www.painreliefcare.com/.

Our standard business hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

The Effect of Exercise on Fibromyalgia

2009-03-23T23:35:00.010-04:00

Forsyth County – Alpharetta Chiropractor And Fibromyalgia Doctor Comments:

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a syndrome of unknown cause in which widespread pain, persistent fatigue, and muscle weakness are common symptoms. This discussion will focus its attention to the use of non-drug methods of treating FM and in particular, the use of physical exercise approaches. Studies have shown that a reduction in pain, fatigue, and the number of tender points can be achieved in patients with FM who participate in aerobic exercise programs. The use of progressive strength training has been shown to decrease the impact on the nervous and muscular systems, perceived symptoms, as well as functional capacity. Therefore, exercise programs that include aerobic activity and strength training benefit the FM patient.

But what about flexibility exercises? What, if any, are the positive benefits that stretching has for those with FM? Because this information is scarce, a recent February 2009 study compared two different stretching programs that continued for 12 weeks, at 2 times per week, for 150 minutes/week in duration. The study included a 6 month follow-up after the stretching programs ended to determine if any long-term benefits could be achieved by either method if the exercises were discontinued. The study reported a significant reduction in both symptom severity and an increase in flexibility at the end of the 12 week treatment period. However, there were no significant differences at the 6 month time point compared to the start of the program. The authors concluded that both flexibility methods were equally helpful in achieving a reduction in symptom severity and improved flexibility by the program’s conclusion, but no significant long term (6-month) benefit was seen if the exercises are discontinued.

This study emphasizes the importance of continuing an exercise program of flexibility in order to maintain the beneficial effects of exercise in FM patients. It also adds to the collection of data that shows flexibility is effective in the treatment of FM, as are aerobic and progressive strength training. However, it remains unclear if all three in combination vs. any one of the three exercise methods alone would be equally effective in reducing the symptoms associated with FM. This study looked at the quality of life, the psychological aspects of FM, the measurement of pain and, the measured physical performance using a sit and reach test. They reported all of the FM patients were less flexible compared to norms gathered from the general population without FM. When comparing younger vs. older patients with FM, higher/worse scores were found in the older patient group. Regarding quality of life, the average score placed the patients in both groups in the “moderately” affected quality of life category. Re-gaining flexibility is important for both feeling less pain and improving function. Perhaps most important however, is to reduce the fear associated with movement that is found in many with FM. Because most FM patients have had their condition for extended lengths of time, such as that reported in this study where an average of 7 years is noted, it is common to become fear avoidant when it comes to activity and adopting a sedentary lifestyle is very common. The lack of activity over time then leads to further de-conditioning, which only perpetuates the vicious cycle of worsening symptoms. Therefore, a supervised program of exercise is almost always needed to achieve meaningful and satisfying results as these patients are afraid to exercise.

We treat patients with FM using a variety of methods. Since every patient is unique, various approaches and techniques may be employed. These may include chiropractic spinal and extremity adjustments, physical therapy modalities such as electrical stimulation, low-level laser therapy and/or others, as well as advice on diet and nutrition, supervising exercises, and discussing work station modifications, may be employed. If you or a loved one is suffering with FM, sharing this information may be one of most significant acts of kindness you can give to those that you care about.

To learn more about our Fibromyalgia treatment programs, call our office at 770.777.0900 and/or visit our website at http://www.painreliefcare.com/.

Our standard business hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

Low-Level Laser Therapy? What Is That?

2009-03-23T11:25:00.009-04:00

Forsyth County – Alpharetta Chiropractor And Low-Level Laser Therapy Doctor Comments:

May patients ask me what the low-level laser is and how long it’s been around. Here’s the fascinating low-level laser story:

Albert Einstein proposed it way back in 1917. It sounded like something straight out of a science fiction novel. The use of low-level focused light waves as a therapy to heal tissue. But, just like most of his brilliant ideas… Einstein was WAY ahead of his time and everyone laughed at him.

It’s important to note… MOST of Einstein’s brilliance was thought to be foolishness by the scientific community of his time. And nothing has changed. Scientific breakthroughs – especially in health care – are often violently opposed by the status quo. That is unless some big-wig corporate fat cats stand to line their pockets with silver.

Anyway, it was 43 years after Einstein’s prediction that he was proven right and low-level light was first developed into a therapy. In 1960, Hungarian surgeon, Endre Mester, first reported his experience using laser light to treat non-healing infections and inflammations (swelling) in rats.

Mester’s reported a 70% success rate treating these infections which led to the
development of a science he called “laser biostimulation,” or the stimulation of the local immune system.

Today there is an entire science field devoted to this subject call photobiology -- The study of how light affects living things. Since 1967, more than 2,000 clinical studies have been published worldwide on low level lasers. Many of the studies are positive… but… many were small and not designed well enough to stand up to the scientific standards we have today.

Recently, however, all that has changed. One of the most difficult things I know is getting a patent and market clearance from the FDA for anything related to health care. Well, in February, 2002 the first patent and market clearance was given to a low level laser for the non-surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. The patent and market clearance were granted after a low level laser manufacturer conducted double studies with General Motors and Baylor College of Medicine as part of their trials.

One of the numerous positive results was an amazing 75.6% of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome showed improvement. And listen to this: the study showed the low level laser even worked on patients that already had surgery.

And with so many modern medical “cures” causing worse problems then the conditions they were initially intended to treat… one of the most important benefits was… No Documented Side Effects! Not one. The only warning was not to shine the laser directly in the eye for a prolonged period of time.

Low-level laser therapy has been successful in helping patients with: Headaches, Fibromyalgia, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Back pain, Neck pain and Whiplash!

To learn more about low-level laser therapy call our office at 770.777.0900 and/or visit our website at http://www.painreliefcare.com/.

Our standard business hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Solution: Low-Level Laser Therapy

2009-03-23T10:45:00.008-04:00

Forsyth County – Alpharetta Chiropractor And Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Doctor Comments:

What if there was a magic wand that could erase most… if not all… of your carpal
tunnel syndrome pain, numbness and weakness? And, what if that magic wand could end your pain… for good... without popping handfuls of toxic drugs or having risky, ineffective surgery? Better yet, what if that magic wand could do it… in many cases… almost instantly? Well, guess what? There is no magic wand. But there is a carpal tunnel syndrome breakthrough treatment that research has shown to have a 75.6% patient improvement rate that can possibly…

Have You Out Of Pain In A Matter Of Minutes!

Don’t laugh. It’s 100% true. I know because that breakthrough is low level laser therapy… and I have the documented proof… and… I see nothing short of miracles happening to my patients just about every day.

Here’s a little warning: Not everyone has “miraculous” results. There is no such thing as “sure thing” when it comes to treating conditions that affect the human body. If you are looking for a 100% guaranteed cure… you won’t find it in this report… or anywhere else. Anyone that tells you they have a guaranteed cure… for anything… is a liar.

Antibiotics don’t work for some people. Everyone responds differently to diet and exercise. And not everyone seems to respond to the laser. A very small minority says the low level laser gave them no benefit at all. But with a well-documented 75.6% patient improvement rate… I think you’d have to agree the odds are well in your favor. So if you can live with those impressive odd!

If you’re a little skeptical – that’s okay… you’re welcome to call my office and ask for a FREE-Trial… you can test it out for yourself.

To learn more about our Carpal Tunnel Syndrome treatment and low-level laser therapy call our office at 770.777.0900 and/or visit our website at http://www.painreliefcare.com/.

Our standard business hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

Chiropractic Services - Forsyth County - Alpharetta - Cumming

2009-03-21T14:38:00.011-04:00

Forsyth County – Alpharetta Chiropractor Bio And Fact Info:

Dr. Kurt Meininger, founder of South Forsyth Chiropractic has delivered advanced chiropractic care for patients in the Alpharetta and Cumming area since 1992.

Dr. Kurt Meininger diagnoses and treats sudden onset and chronic musculoskeletal back and neck disorders, with programs designed to relieve back, neck, arm and wrist pain. Patients receive chiropractic and therapy which can include a combination of manual manipulations, adjustments, low-level laser therapy, therapeutic exercises, trigger point therapy and self-care instruction.

Our non-surgical and non-drug techniques are designed to maximize comfort, range-of-motion, mobility and quality-of-life while significantly reducing muscle spasms, nerve irritability and pain.

South Forsyth Chiropractic is advantageous for patients managing the pain associated with chronic neck and back pain, slipped or herniated discs, carpal tunnel syndrome, pinched nerves, Sciatica, Fibromyalgia, Scoliosis and whiplash.

Pain relief programs typically include up to 6-12 sessions. Spinal correction plans are available for those who are interested. Our patients decide how much care they need. Sure, we make recommendations based on many years of experience... but there is never any pressure to follow through with recommendations.

To learn more about our highly effective chiropractic care, please call 770.777.0900. Visit our website at http://www.painreliefcare.com/.

Our standard business hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

Lumbar Herniated Disc and Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression

2009-03-21T14:28:00.009-04:00

Forsyth County – Alpharetta Chiropractor And Herniated Disc Doctor Comments:

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is a clinically proven treatment for patients with chronic lower back pain, sciatica, degenerative disc disease, herniated or bulging discs and failed back surgery.

Spinal Decompression with the DRX9000 is one of today's most advanced technologies. We were one of the first to offer the DRX9000 in Alpharetta, Georgia and we continue to improve upon our success rates. Lumbar decompression involves the application of distraction forces to relieve nerve compression often associated with lower back pain and sciatica. Most often, patients have been unsuccessful when using traditional methods and seek an alternative to more invasive surgical solutions.

Decompression patients receive 30 to 45-minute DRX treatments within a relaxing environment. During treatment, patients can listen to their own music on CD or watch DVD movies. Immediately following treatment, we provide a 10-minute muscle stimulation and ice . Patients also gain personalized home-care coaching, with noticeable relief typically attained within just three weeks.

Lumbar decompression with the DRX9000 is a safe, FDA-cleared treatment program that has been proven successful in numerous clinical studies since its introduction in 2002. Check out this Special Report on Spinal Decompression... you'll learn how effective the DRX9000 is with herniated, bulging and degenerative disc, sciatica and failed back surgery!

Dr. Kurt Meininger works with you to devise a holistic approach encompassing spinal decompression and exercise geared toward obtaining optimal results. As a result, a very high percentage of our patients find the solution successful.

To learn more about our DRX9000 spinal decompression program, please call our exclusive hotline at 678.925.1878. Visit our website at http://www.painreliefcare.com/.

Our standard business hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

Exclusive Medical Research On DRX9000 Non-Surgical Decompression

2009-03-21T01:39:00.022-04:00

Forsyth County – Alpharetta Chiropractor And Low Back Herniated Disc Doctor Comments:

I own a DRX9000 Spinal Decompression unit and this technology offers an outstanding success rate for patients suffering from herniated and degenerative disc disease but what makes the DRX9000 technology stand out in front of all the other spinal decompression and fancy traction units out there in the marketplace?

Check out this article from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/ entitled: The Latest DRX9000 Study Data Published In Peer Review Journal! The study was published in the December 2008 Journal of Medicine, a peer reviewed journal.

The study was authored by John Leslie, MD of the Mayo Clinic.

It's just a matter of time before the science of spinal decompression becomes mainstream!

To learn more about our DRX9000 spinal decompression program, please call our exclusive hotline at 678.925.1878. Visit our website at http://www.painreliefcare.com/.

Our standard business hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Did You Know That 95% Of The Problem Originates In The Neck?

2009-03-21T01:21:00.016-04:00

Forsyth County – Alpharetta Chiropractor And Carpal Tunnel Doctor Comments:

It is unbelievable how many patients have told me that they went to their general practice MD for Carpal Tunnel symptoms and their doctor only evaluated their wrist.

Most of the time the patient is given pain killers, anti-inflamatories and a wrist splint. They say none of the doctors they have seen for wrist pain have checked the neck.

The bottom line: 95% of the cause of pain, numbness and weakness in the wrist, hand and fingers originate in the neck. Why? Because the nerve roots that emerge from the cervical spine run along a pathway through the shoulder, arm, elbow and into the hand.

There is a simple test that can identify whether or not the Carpal Tunnel symptoms are originating from the neck or from the wrist... or both (double crush syndrome).

When I see a patient for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, I always evaluate the neck first... then shoulder... then elbow... and lastly the wrist. I always start at the source and work my way down the nerve pathway.

The reverse is true as well. Some patients have seen other chiropractors but they only treat the neck and do not treat the wrist, eldow or shoulder. Not all chiropractors work on the extremities.

My protocol for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is to adjust the neck, shoulder, elbows and wrists...as well as the rest of the spine.

In addition... I also use low-level laser therapy for all Carpal Tunnel Syndrome patients. Laser therapy (in a nut-shell) works by increasing the mitachondrial energy in the cell. The laser therapy protocol calls for treatment to the cervical nerve root (typically around C5/C6 disc level) as well as on the wrist itself.

To learn more about our Carpal Tunnel Syndrome treatment and low-level laser therapy call our office at 770.777.0900 and visit our website at http://www.painreliefcare.com/.

Our standard business hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

Directions To South Forsyth Chiropractic

2009-03-20T11:40:00.013-04:00

Forsyth County – Alpharetta Chiropractor

Here's How To Find Us:

Location: 5670 Atlanta Highway Suite C-1 Alpharetta, Georgia 30004

Directions: From anywhere in Atlanta, take GA 400 North to exit 12-B (McFarland Road). Go West on McFarland Road to Atlanta Highway. Go approximately 2 miles. Turn right (North) on Atlanta Highway - towards Cumming. We’re ½ mile on the left.

To learn more about our office at 770.777.0900 and visit our website at http://www.painreliefcare.com/.

Our standard business hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

What is "Chiropractic"?

2009-03-14T06:37:00.012-04:00

Forsyth County – Alpharetta Chiropractor Comments:

Chiropractic is a branch of the healing arts which is based upon the understanding that good health depends, in part, upon a normally functioning nervous system (especially the spine, and the nerves extending from the spine to all parts of the body). "Chiropractic" comes from the Greek word Chiropraktikos, meaning "effective treatment by hand." Chiropractic stresses the idea that the cause of many disease processes begins with the body's inability to adapt to its environment. It looks to address these diseases not by the use of drugs and chemicals, but by locating and adjusting a musculoskeletal area of the body which is functioning improperly.

The conditions which doctors of chiropractic address are as varied and as vast as the nervous system itself. All chiropractors use a standard procedure of examination to diagnose a patient's condition and arrive at a course of treatment. Doctors of chiropractic use the same time-honored methods of consultation, case history, physical examination, laboratory analysis and x-ray examination as any other doctor. In addition, they provide a careful chiropractic structural examination, paying particular attention to the spine.

The examination of the spine to evaluate structure and function is what makes chiropractic different from other health care procedures. Your spinal column is a series of movable bones which begin at the base of your skull and end in the center of your hips. Thirty-one pairs of spinal nerves extend down the spine from the brain and exit through a series of openings. The nerves leave the spine and form a complicated network which influences every living tissue in your body.

Accidents, falls, stress, tension, overexertion, and countless other factors can result in a misalignments of the spinal column, causing irritation to spinal nerve roots. These irritations are often what cause malfunctions in the human body. Chiropractic teaches that reducing or eliminating this irritation to spinal nerves can cause your body to operate more efficiently and more comfortably.

Chiropractic also places an emphasis on nutritional and exercise programs, wellness and lifestyle modifications for promoting physical and mental health. While chiropractors make no use of drugs or surgery, Doctors of chiropractic do refer patients for medical care when those interventions are indicated. In fact, chiropractors, medical doctors, physical therapists and other health care professionals now work as partners in occupational health, sports medicine, and a wide variety of other rehabilitation practices.

To learn more about our office at 770.777.0900 and visit our website at http://www.painreliefcare.com/.

Our standard business hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.