Spinal Stenosis

Photo by E. Quinn: Yosemite High Country from trail to May Lake High Sierra Camp

Spinal Stenosis

An abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal is called spinal stenosis, and it may result in impingement or pressure on the spinal cord. Often it develops with advanced age, and can cause constant pain or paresthesias in the legs or feet, arms or hands. Although is can occur anywhere in the spine, a common site of spinal stenosis is in the lower lumbar or sacral area of the spinal canal.

Stenosis, or narrowing of the passageway of a nerve or nerves, can also occur elsewhere, such as in the neural foramen, where the spinal nerves come off the spinal cord and exit the spine through openings on either side of the vertebrae.   

Sometimes careful, gentle, precise chiropractic adjustments can help relieve the symptoms, but in more severe or advanced cases, chiropractic usually is not an effective solution. Sometimes surgery can be done to enlarge the narrowed passageway and relieve the impingement.

F = M x A (??-Remember this?)

Photo by E. Quinn: High Sierra Meadow

F = M x A 

Remember that formula you learned in high school physics, “Force is equal to Mass times Acceleration (F = M X A)?” This is the basis of the effectiveness of the Activator adjusting instrument. A hand-held tool that delivers a metered impact in less than 3/10 of a second, the Activator instrument creates sufficient force (F) to precisely re-position, or adjust, bones, because of its high acceleration (A). The patient, however, doesn’t feel the adjustment as forceful, because it is so quick. Just a quick but firm “tap” in the right place by a trained Activator Chiropractor makes the adjustment, relieves pain, and restores equilibrium to the affected joint.

Hip Replacement

Photo by E. Quinn: High Sierra Wildflower Garden

Hip Replacement

As they heal from hip replacement surgery, patients often come in with pelvic or low back discomfort. The repaired hip is relieved from long - standing pain in the affected joint, but post- surgery gait disturbances inevitably happen while the hip is healing. Gait disturbances have a destabilizing effect on the pelvis, often reverberating to the lumbar spine. Activator chiropractic offers gentle, corrective support and relief.

Texting Syndrome

Photo by E. Quinn: Pywiack Dome, across Tenaya Lake, Yosemite High Country, Yosemite National Park, CA

Texting Syndrome

More patients are coming in now with hand soreness and pain, often localized in the middle joint of the thumb, at the base of the thumb, or in the muscles that join the thumb to the hand. It’s no surprise that these parts are being overworked by frequent texting. I’ve noticed that the rate and intensity with which some texting is done is pretty amazing. Texting syndrome may soon surpass carpal tunnel syndrome in the litany of hand complaints. Be kind to your hands! 

Simple Strengthening For the Low Back

Strengthening the muscles that support the low back is an essential part of relieving low back pain and keeping a healthy, resilient, less vulnerable low back. Sometimes physical therapy is prescribed, and can be very helpful. However, when the underlying framework---your bones and joints---is skewed, or out of proper alignment, exercising will be less effective. Before beginning an exercise regimen, it is important to get your frame checked and balanced. This is my specialty, as an Advanced Proficiency Rated Activator Chiropractor. I then show patients simple strengthening exercises to help their adjustments hold and lessen the vulnerability of their low back.