Trigger Finger

         A common condition when a finger, or thumb, gets stuck in a bent position, and straightening it causes a painful “snap.”

This happens when inflammation develops around the tendon inside the tendon sheath (a tissue “tube” surrounding the tendon), and is called tenosynovitis. The inflammation narrows the space between the tendon and its sheath, and the thumb or finger gets “stuck” in the bent position.

This painful condition often results from repetitive gripping motions with the hand(s).

My treatment plan includes gently adjusting the involved finger, anti-inflammatory management, and splinting of the finger in a straightened position while the inflammation resolves.  

Ventana Wilderness Alliance

    

     As an avid hiker and backpacker for many years in the Central Coast and the Sierra, my support of wilderness preservation is very personal. Early on, John Muir’s words touched my soul: “Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.” 

     Climbing trails into the rugged Santa Lucias with breathtaking views of the Pacific at my back, sleeping on the ground in coast live oak woodlands, waking to the raucous chatter of acorn woodpeckers—these are vivid and cherished memories. My grandchildren have been my camping and hiking companions throughout their childhoods, and I have taught them to be safe hikers and careful stewards of wilderness in our many adventures together.

     I care deeply that public lands be protected, be preserved, and remain available for all to enjoy, and I applaud and support the work of the Ventana Wilderness Alliance. 

Donations made to VWA via Monterey County Gives!--now through Dec. 31, 2018--will be matched up to $30,000 by a Challenge Gift  https://www.montereycountygives.com/nonprofit/ventana-wilderness-alliance/            

Founded in 1998, the Ventana Wilderness Alliance (VWA) is a CA nonprofit corporation with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, dedicated to protecting the wildlands of California's northern Santa Lucia mountain range www.ventanawild.org

Retrolisthesis

      Retrolisthesis is a slippage backwards of one vertebra along its neighboring disc above or below. It is most common in the lumbar (low back) or neck regions.

     Often this is part of a general degenerative process in the spine, sometimes associated with aging, or it may be a sequela of injury.

     The condition often causes pain at the site, and may also cause radicular symptoms down the leg(s), such as pain or paresthesias (e.g. numbness, tingling).

     Chiropractic management in my office includes careful, gentle adjusting with the Activator instrument, exercises to strengthen the low back and abdominal muscles, and nutritional counseling for supporting a healthy body.

          

Toxic Oils

     "Designer oils" such as rice bran oil and grapeseed oil, often promoted as "healthy," are, in fact, highly toxic. Here's why: these oils are highly PROCESSED.

     Also beware canola oil, which is popularly touted as a healthy oil. It is also in the HIGHLY PROCESSED category. 

     Processing is necessary to extract the oil from rapeseed (canola), rice bran, and grape seeds, and may include extraction with heat and solvents, as well as chemical bleaching, degumming, and deodorizing. 

     Because the raw oils have monounsaturated and polyunsatured components, when exposed to heat, they readily oxidize. Oxidized oils are toxic and highly inflammatory.

     Avoid these oils, and use extra virgin olive oil (the highest grade olive oil, extracted with cold pressing without the use of solvents) instead.   

Sinus Congestion

Congestion in the sinuses can often be alleviated by balancing the cranial rhythms. This gentle balancing is something I include with every treatment in my office.

     The rhythms of the bones in the head are very subtle, and are related to the circulation of the cerebrospinal fluid. Correcting aberrances in these rhythms can relieve headaches, sinus congestion, or vertigo. 

     I also have an effective direct adjustment for the sinuses with my Activator instrument. The adjustment is gentle, and is often followed by immediate sinus drainage. 

Side Sleeping

        Patients often ask if they must sleep on their backs, for the sake of their necks, even though they are more comfortable on their sides. The answer is a qualified “No.”

It depends on the pillow you use under your head and neck.  A pillow that adequately supports your cervical curve and maintains your spine in proper alignment is essential for healthy side sleeping.

I recommend an orthopedically designed pillow. I am a side sleeper, and this is what I use. I have orthopedic pillows in my office for my patients, and although the particular configuration may not be comfortable for a small percentage of patients, it works beautifully for most.

Side sleeping is OK if you have the right pillow.

Bunions

      Bunions commonly form at the base of the big toe, as a result of abnormal biomechanical stresses in the foot. The body's autonomic response to these stresses is to build extra bone in the enlarging joint.

     A fallen arch, especially if combined with pronation of the foot (bending inward of the inside of the foot), can cause development of a bunion. The process is slow, and may not be noticed until the toe starts to hurt, or shoes don't fit well.

    Problematic changes in our body's biomechanics can develop at any age, and are almost always a complex interplay of forces and effects.

    Bunions can be treated effectively without surgery. Here is my treatment plan:

    As an Advanced Proficiency Rated ACTIVATOR chiropractor, I check the status of the arch, assess for pronation, and check & adjust all the joints of the feet. I advise the patient if orthotics are necessary to support the feet, and I prescribe exercises to strengthen the arch.

    Prescription orthotics may be needed, but patients can usually start with a good over-the-counter orthotic, properly fitted.

    Every aspect of my treatment plan is designed to relieve or counteract the stresses that caused the bunion. I have found this approach successful many times in my practice.