Osteoarthritis: What can ACTIVATOR Chiropractic do to help?

Osteoarthritis: What can ACTIVATOR Chiropractic do to help? Yesterday I treated a patient with it. I balanced his entire body, relieving joint fixations and correcting misalignments that were causing abnormal joint stresses. Getting those arthritic joints normally positioned and moving better helps relieve pain. And he'll benefit more now from daily exercise. I LOVE what I do!

Five Keys to Healthy Sitting

Keys to healthy sitting include:
--- Both feet flat on the floor,
--- Knees slightly lower than the level of the hips,
--- Back resting comfortably against your chair,
--- Keep your head in line with center of gravity of your body (avoid head-forward postures).
--- One of the most important features of whatever chair you use is that you can change the height of the seat.

Could It Be Shingles?

Back pain or headache that is severe, often "burning" or "searing," that doesn't get better with chiropractic treatment or good home care may, unfortunately, turn out to be shingles. If you've had chicken pox, you are vulnerable to getting shingles. The virus from chicken pox sequesters in the nerve ganglia alongside your spine, where it stays with you for life. Stress, getting overheated (hyperthermia), and ingestion of foods containing a high arginine / low lysine ratio (peanuts, chocolate, etc.) can stimulate an outbreak of the virus. This is shingles. The pain presents along a dermatome, the section of skin supplied with feeling by a spinal nerve. It may run in a line from your spine across & under your arm, or across part of the head or face. Soon, painful blisters appear along the pain line. See your M.D. or Doctor of Chiropractic if you think this is happening to you.

5 Things to Know About Fender Benders

1. The visual damage to your car is not necessarily an indicator of the impact on your body.
2. Feeling confused, "fuzzy," disoriented, and irritable often follow.
3. Symptoms may have delayed onset; you may "feel fine" for the first few days, or even longer.
4. The sooner you come in to see me and get your whole body checked & balanced, the better, and your chances for a speedy recovery are improved.
5. If you don't have Medpay on your auto policy, get it. If you have it, and you're in an accident, your own insurance will cover your care, so you or your doctor won't have to wait for the other party's insurance to pay. It's insurance that's really worthwhile.

Genetically Modified Foods (GMOs)

Genetically modified foods may be associated with allergies, immune problems, faulty insulin regulation, and other health problems---the bottom line is, we don't really know for sure. The long term effects aren't fully understood. In addition, many GMO crops are designed to resist herbicides and pests, so they are loaded with toxic residues. Wouldn't you like to know whether a food contains GMOs, so you make a choice of whether to eat it or not? 

Total Body Balancing

I am a Total Body, Low Force chiropractor, and have been in practice in Santa Cruz for 30 years. I use Activator Method, the most widely used method of low force adjusting in the world. ACTIVATOR is comfortable, precise, and thorough. The patient's total body gets balanced at every visit, and I do craniosacral each visit, as well. I'm happy to answer questions; give me a call. 831-476-2168.

Pelvic Distortion

What is pelvic distortion? Why does it matter? If your pelvis gets distorted, it becomes unlevel. This makes an unstable foundation for your spine. It's uncomfortable, and may lead to problems above, in your neck or shoulders. As an Activator Chiropractor, I can correct this with a gentle, comfortable full-body balancing.

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Chiropractic: How Long, How Often?

Patients commonly want to know: "How often do I have to come in, and for how long?" In my chiropractic practice, each patient's Treatment Plan is tailored to the individual. Some patients come in for their initial treatment and one follow-up, and they're done. Some people need more. It depends on the person's problem, their general health, whether they've been injured, whether they follow Home Care Instructions, etc. As soon as each patient is sufficiently improved and able to continue healing on their own, I release them. I am always available to support them, should they need me again. 

5 Secrets of Neck Pain Relief

 

5 SECRETS OF NECK PAIN RELIEF

WATCH OUT FOR HEAD-FORWARD POSTURES,

     which strain the muscles in your neck.

USE YOUR HEADREST,

    especially when you're a passenger. with someone else driving.

SLEEP ON THE RIGHT PILLOW,

    one that adequately supports your cervical spine.

BE KIND TO YOUR NECK,

    guard against sudden extreme movements, or repetitive motions 

    of your head.

GET YOUR SPINE CHECKED

    for underlying problems by your Activator Chiropractor---ME! 

Chronic Pelvic / Low Back Pain

If you have chronic pelvic or low back pain, it is critical to look for what is happening at your feet (called your "pedal foundation"). If you pronate or have flat arches, this reverberates all the way up through your legs, knees, hips, pelvis, and into the low back. Unless your feet are addressed, a treatment plan for your pelvic or low back pain may not be successful.

"Stashing" Your Stress?

Are you trying to “wear your shoulders for earrings?” It’s common to hold stress in the upper back, shoulders, and neck. Resulting discomfort and tension add to fatigue during the work day. For a quick release, shrug your shoulders up and HOLD. Count to 5, the quickly drop them. Then roll your shoulders up and back several times. 

Pillow Talk: Are You Sleeping On the Right Pillow?

Are you sleeping on the right pillow? A pillow that doesn’t adequately support the cervical spine can be the reason for persistent neck and upper back pain. It should give consistent, resistive support to the spine during the night. Pillows filled with down or buckwheat hulls may feel good at the start, but they deform as you sleep. Memory foam depresses, so your head sinks in. Look for an orthopedically designed pillow. I carry good ones in my office. Contact me with questions, 831-476-2168.

Medicare = GOOD Insurance!

The Medicare deductible for chiropractic is just $166 per year. Where else can you get insurance that covers chiropractic care of the spine for such a low deductible? Be sure to inform your chiropractor as soon as you are covered under Medicare.

How long will this take?

‎"How long will this take?" Patients want to know. The answer: everyone is different; there is no set formula in my office. Some people only need one treatment and one follow-up. Others may need more. Each patient is evaluated as an individual.

Knees

We depend on them, and when they hurt with every step, we start to realize how much we need them. Looks like it's going to be "knee week" in my office---several patients with knee problems. With ACTIVATOR, I make precise, directional adjustments to the knee. This, along with some rest and nutritional support, often solves the problem.

Yes! Medicare Covers Chiropractors

Medicare patients are welcome in my practice. Chiropractic care is excellent support for senior's health, wellness and vitality. And the Activator method is low-force and gentle. Please call with any questions or to schedule your appointment today.

My Acupunturist

Meet my acupuncturist, Joanne Gramo, L.Ac.

Joanne Gramo, L.Ac has been my acupuncturist for over twenty years; I've relied on her all these years to see me through colds and flu, injuries, and other health needs. Joanne's care supports my immune system and helps me resist infections. I appreciate Joanne's knowledge and competent care.

Cold & Flu Season

With the coming of winter, and cold and flu season, it's a good time to include a little organic, unrefined coconut oil in our diet every day. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which is anti-viral.

Activator Chiropractic

Activator Method is my Chiropractic specialty. It's the most popular type of low-force adjusting, is very precise, and I use it to balance the whole body. I invite you to EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE of Activator Chiropractic!

Scoliosis

Scoliosis--a sideways spinal curve--can, if caught early enough, and if related to pelvic distortion, be corrected. I've had success with this, using ACTIVATOR Chiropractic adjustments and exercises.