Facet Syndrome

       On each side of our vertebrae, toward the back, are bony projections called the “facets.” The facets of each vertebra articulate---or form a joint---with those of the vertebra above. These are synovial joints, similar to other joints in our body.

      These articulations are the only normal points of osseous (bone) contact between our vertebrae, which are separated by the flexible “pads” of our discs. They lend stability to the spine, while allowing movement and flexibility.

      Pain in a facet joint can be due to arthritic changes of aging, or just “wear & tear,” perhaps due to overuse or overexertion, that causes irritation and inflammation. Gentle Activator adjustments, rest,  ice, and stretches help ease the pain. 

      Another common cause of facet pain is restriction; the joint(s) becomes “jammed,” and the area, including adjacent soft tissue, becomes tight. Think of a clenched fist. I see this quite often in my practice, and I use precise, directional adjustments with the Activator instrument to release the tension and relieve the pain. Alternating heat & ice, stretches, and staying mobile are good adjuncts.

Summer is Coming - Who's Minding the Kids?

SUMMER IS COMING---WHO'S MINDING THE KIDS?

"Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County is working hard to make sure that that no child goes without care this summer by providing affordable, convenient, and impactful summer programs and safe places to come during the summer."

Summer offerings at Boys & Girls Clubs include:

     Day Camp

     Summer Meals and Snacks

     Open Swim & Swim Lessons at the Downtown Club

     Field Trips

 Sports

     Creative Arts,

     Chill Out Time

     "Walking Bus" to Junior Guards

     Computer Activities

     Academic Learning With the Watershed Rangers        

Go here for more info:   http://boysandgirlsclub.info/summer-day-camp/

Floating Ribs

  Ribs at the lower ( T12, T11) and upper (T1) regions of the spine typically extend from joints on both sides of the spinal vertebrae at these levels, but unlike the other ribs, do not reach around and attach in front of the chest at the sternum.

Thus they are called “floating” ribs.

This “floating” characteristic is usually inconsequential, except in the upper spine at the T1 level, where these smaller ribs, as they curve around toward the collarbone, may cause an impingement of nerves exiting the neck (called the brachial plexus) and going down into the arms.

The nerves of the brachial plexus pass down through the region where the T1 “floating” ribs come close to the collarbones. The “floating” T1 ribs may press or abrade the nerves against the collarbone(s) (aka clavicle(s) on one or both sides.

This nerve impingement is a condition called “thoracic outlet syndrome,” and can manifest as numbness, tingling, or pain in the arm and hand.

My treatment includes gently separating contact between the T1 “floating” rib and the collarbone with the Activator, teaching specific stretches, and counseling about upper body postures that exacerbate the problem.

"The Biggest Little Farm"--Don't Miss This Movie!

     This is the true story of John & Molly Chester, who "traded city living for 200 acres of barren farmland and a dream to harvest in harmony with Nature."
    John and Molly's farm became a heartwarming adventure of pigs, plants, and perseverance, of discovery and wonder, hard work, and learning the magic of Nature's balance. 
   Their story, the microcosm of their farm, is a model for restoring damaged & depleted ecosystems everywhere, for returning to growing food in equilibrium with the natural world.
   Take the kids and the grandkids! Don't miss this wonderful story!

Stomach Sleeping

  Oh, the deliciousness of being able to sleep on one’s stomach! We may fondly remember doing it, with no negative repercussions, as a kid.

Some adults habitually sleep on their stomach, but often have unpleasant cervical and upper extremity symptoms as a result.

Torquing of the head when stomach sleeping causes aberrant strain on the cervical joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. One may wake up with neck pain or tension, pain or numbness & tingling in the arms or hands, and sometimes headaches.

If this is happening to you, it will benefit you to make an effort to change your sleeping position.  A body pillow can discourage rolling over onto one’s stomach during sleep. 

As you change your sleeping habit, it is a good idea to have your spine and upper body balanced and aligned. I am happy to provide this with my Activator Chiropractic Method of full-body balancing.