Suboccipital Tension

        The occiput is the bone across the lower part of the back of our head, just above the top of our neck. Along the lower edge of it 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.

Many people are very familiar with this area because they experience chronic tension here. Tension in these muscles is a common prelude to headaches.

I have specific, gentle Activator Chiropractic adjustments to relieve this tension, and to re-position a misaligned occiput. After treatment, it is essential for patients to avoid stressful postures that cause the tension to become re-established.

An Often Forgotten Joint in the Pelvis

        In the front of our pelvis is a joint called the pubic symphysis. It is an essential, but often overlooked, part of our pelvic girdle. Many people are unaware that it even exists.

The pubic symphysis is an essential joint because it is integrally involved in motion of the pelvis during our gait cycle (walking), stability and equilibrium of the pelvic girdle, and is important in childbirth. It has a disc, like the discs in our spine, and is expandable during passage of a baby through the mother’s birth canal.

I often find this joint misaligned when the patient’s pelvis is distorted, especially when the distortion is more toward the severe end of the spectrum. Precise, directional correction of the misalignment with Activator Chiropractic relieves pelvic pain and helps the pelvis to stabilize. 

Plantar Fascitis

        Plantar fascitis is a painful condition caused by inflammation of the plantar (bottom of the foot) fascia. The plantar fascia is a sheath of fibrous tissue between the layers of muscles on the bottom of the foot. Microtears in the ligament that attaches these muscles to the heel bone may also be a source of the pain.

This condition often comes on slowly, and may be related to overuse, such as in runners or frequent walkers, or in people whose work or activities include a lot of standing. It can be difficult to resolve because weight-bearing constantly aggravates it.

My treatment plan includes appropriate orthotics to help support and protect the irritated tissues; precise chiropractic adjustments to the feet, ankles, knees, hips, and pelvis; ice and other topical anti-inflammatories; stretches and exercises for the feet; and nutritional advice re elimination of inflammatory foods. 

Medicare & Maintenance Care

     Medicare guidelines state that they will only pay for Chiropractic treatment that is Medically Reasonable or Necessary (defined as treatment that yields a significant improvement in clinical findings and patient functionality).

     To you, and in the clinical judgement of your Chiropractor, your treatment may be CLINICALLY APPROPRIATE:  it may enhance your life, relieve your symptoms, support your health and well-being, or prevent the deterioration of a chronic condition. 

     But treatment that is CLINICALLY APPROPRIATE may not fit Medicare’s definition of MEDICALLY NECESSARY. Your Chiropractor, by law, must inform Medicare when your care is Maintenance Care, so that Medicare understands that this care is not reimbursable, and you will be responsible for payment. 

Welcoming Winter Birds

     Birds migrating through in winter, and those who stay in our areas year-round, can use some help during the cold winter months. According to Audubon, we can support the winter birds by:
     (1) making a brush pile in the corner of the yard--it will offer shelter & night roosting places,
     (2) leaving the leaves---make piles under shrubs & trees, and they will harbor bugs and spiders for birds to eat,
     (3) creating a mini-meadow where grasses & weeds can grow; the plants here that naturally go to seed will feed many of the seed-eating birds.
     Go to http://www.audubon.org/news/how-welcome-winter-birds?ms=digital-eng-email-ea-x-20171204_winter-birds&utm_source=ea&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20171204_winter-birds to find out more.