Suboccipital Tension

Chronic tension at the base of the skull is a very common cause of discomfort and often a prelude to headaches.

       The occiput is the bone across the lower part of the back of our head, just above the top of our neck. Along its lower edge are the suboccipital muscles, which help support our head, help us move and turn our head, and often bear the burden of stressful postures, especially related to computer use.

I often find a patient’s suboccipital muscles so tight that the occiput itself is stressed abnormally downward on one or both sides. This is relieved by a gentle, precise adjustment with the Activator.

Activator Chiropractic adjustments combined with ergonomic counseling and stretches are an effective solution to this problem.

The Fabulous Fibula

There are two bones in the lower leg, the larger, heavier tibia and the smaller fibula, which is a long, slender bone parallel to the tibia, and on the outside of our leg. Ligaments connect the top of the fibula to the upper tibia just below the knee. The lower end of the fibula forms the “bump” on the outside of our ankle.

     Although the fibula minimally participates in weight-bearing, it provides attachment points for muscles and ligaments.  Between the tibia & the fibula is connecting tissue called the “interosseous membrane.”

What does this “extra” little bone do, besides hold onto muscles & ligaments? Quite interestingly, it is integrally involved in the biomechanics of the lower extremity and in the gait cycle. In my practice, I often find the upper and / or lower parts of the fibula misaligned, causing pain when sitting or walking. Precise adjustments with the Activator instrument correct the problem & bring relief.  

Jaw Pain

 Pain in the jaw is often due to problems with the temperomandibular (TMJ) joints---the right and / or left joint(s) may be misaligned or abnormally stressed. An example of abnormal stress is TMJ compression on one side and TMJ distraction on the opposite side.

Jaw pain can also be related to disturbances in the temporal cranial rhythms. The temporal bones are just above the TMJ on the sides of the head.

Treatment in my office includes careful assessment of the jaw complex and, if necessary, gentle adjustment with the Activator Instrument. If the temporal cranial rhythms are abnormal, I make gentle corrections with my hands.

Summer Art Series

"Each month in the summer, the Museum features a different local artist who is inspired by the natural world of the Santa Cruz region."

     I am pleased to support my community by sponsoring the 2018 Summer Art Series at the Museum.
     
     Go here to learn more:    http://www.santacruzmuseum.org/exhibits/summer-art-series/

Consequences of Whiplash

Among the common sequelae of an acceleration / deceleration injury (whiplash), including pain, are a feeling of weakness in the neck, temporary loss of the cervical curve, and development of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS).

These may not be immediately noticeable, but may appear slowly following the injury.

A feeling of weakness after this trauma is normal, and often the patient is given a foam neck brace, which helps support the head and relieve the cervical muscles.

Loss or straightening of the normal, forward-facing, cervical curve commonly appears on lateral X-ray, and may persist over months or even years. Proper rehabilitation, including chiropractic adjustments, can help restore the curve.

Numbness or tingling or pain down the arms or hands may develop after this trauma as the nerves exiting the spine in the cervical region become impinged between cervical muscles or in passage under the collarbone. This is called thoracic outlet syndrome. Resolution of TOS can take time, but is assisted by precise chiropractic adjustments, proper stretches, postural corrections, and focused soft tissue therapy.