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.

Neck Pain and Tension

Neck pain and tension can be a difficult cycle to break. My Chiropractic approach is to adjust misalignments, release fixations, and share home care advice: ergonomics, posture (including sleep), etc., tools patients can use on their own to get relief.

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. 

Osteoarthritis

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!

The Seymour Marine Discovery Center

                       "Jingle Shells" 

                     Arts and Crafts Festival 

is Sunday, Dec. 10 at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, 12:00 - 5:30 pm.You can shop for gifts made by local artisans, enjoy the aquarium, kids' activities, hot cider, and music. Discounted admission all day.  Go to  https://seymourcenter.ucsc.edu/  for more information.

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.

That Pesky Psoas.....

If your pelvis tends to chronically get twisted, or distorted, your psoas, a major postural muscle, could be involved. I always check for asymmetrical tension in the psoas, make an Activator adjustment to balance that tension, and show you stretches to help keep this from happening again.

Mysterious Pain

"But I didn't DO anything," the patient says, "I can't figure out why I'm hurting." Trying to pinpoint any one particular thing as a cause of discomfort may not always work. Think of it this way: your body may have been "teetering on the brink," even though you weren't feeling it, and then a simple thing like bending over to pick up something sets off pain. It's my job to help restore balance in your body, relieve the pain, and help you return to pain-free functioning. 

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Hand pain or numbness may be due to impingement of the median nerve in the wrist, which is called Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, often due to overuse or repetitive motions. As an ACTIVATOR chiropractor, I have an effective treatment plan for it, including specific adjustments.

When Ice is Your Friend

For inflammation in or around joints, unless there are contraindications for it, ice is your friend! Ice is one of the effective treatments of choice for inflammation. After gentle, low-force, precise Activator chiropractic adjustments to free up joint fixations and correct misalignments, I may recommend icing the affected area(s) at home. After any injury, use only ice, NOT heat, for the first 24 to 36 hours.

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.

DJD - Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative Disc Disease (DJD) is weakening of one or more spinal discs. As the disc loses its normal integrity, it starts to lose height & may begin to bulge. The body responds by laying down extra bone around the adjacent vertebral margins, often called "bone spurring." My chiropractic treatment plan helps manage this to reduce abnormal joint stresses with gentle, precise adjustments; specific exercises to help strengthen muscles and protect the joints; and nutritional counseling to help slow the degenerative process.

Food Triggers for Migraines

Migraine sufferers may benefit from learning about food triggers that are related to headache onset. Most people know about the most common ones:  MSG, chocolate, red wine, etc. But there are more, some obscure and less known. In addition to adjusting the neck and balancing the cranial rhythms, I always counsel my migraine patients about food triggers.

Knee Strain

Do you sit with your let straight out and your foot propped on a cushion or stool? This can cause knee strain. Patients who have this kind of strain show a characteristic misalignment of the knee, which also affects the achilles tendon and the heel. I adjust all of this, and show you how to protect your knee.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Numbness, tingling, or alteration of sensitivity in the fingers or part of the hand isn't always due to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. It may be caused by nerve impingement higher up, at one or more places closer to the neck:  between the collarbone and the first rib, or between certain neck muscles. This is called Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. I have an effective treatment plan for it.

Is Part of Your Quadriceps "Lazy?"

I see many patients with knee problems whose kneecap is not tracking properly. This often happens because part of the quadriceps muscle is not working as hard as its neighbors---it has gotten "lazy."After adjusting the knee, I teach the patient how to do exercises to help this.

The Psoas: An Important Postural Muscle

People with chronic pelvic or low back problems often have imbalance in the psoas---one side may be tighter than the other. Do you know where your psoas is and how to stretch it? As your chiropractor, I'll find imbalances, correct them, and teach you how to stretch at home.

Helping Bees, Butterflies, and Other Invertebrates

Do you know about the Xerces Society? They "defend invertebrates"---but why does that matter? Here's why:  "Butterflies, dragonflies, beetles, worms, starfish, mussels, and crabs are but a few of the millions of invertebrates at the heart of a healthy environment. Invertebrates build the stunning coral reefs of our oceans; they are essential to the reproduction of most flowering plants, including many fruits, vegetables, and nuts; and they are food for birds, fish, and other animals. Yet invertebrate populations are often imperiled by human activities and rarely accounted for in mainstream conservation."
They also teach how to help the bees and butterflies:
http://www.xerces.org/announcing-the-publication-of-attracting-native-pollinators/