Reading in Bed

Patients often tell me how they habitually read in bed, propped up on pillows behind their back, neck, or head. These patients are often plagued with chronic neck or back discomfort, exhibit poor posture, have headaches, and have pain or paresthesias in their arms or hands. Frankly, it is almost impossible to healthfully position oneself for any amount of time by propping up on pillows and sitting or partially reclining this way in bed. It just doesn’t work, doesn’t give healthy support for the back, the spine, the neck, or the shoulders. It’s much better to enjoy reading elsewhere, but if you must read in bed, lie on your side and support your book on a pillow adjacent to the one supporting your head. 

Aberrant Cranial Rhythms

The bones in our head have very subtle rhythmical motions, that are not synchronized with our heartbeat or breathing. They are associated, however, with the circulation of the cerebrospinal fluid, the fluid that that bathes our brain and our spinal cord.

The rhythms can become aberrant, or abnormal, if they get “stuck” or out of their normal pattern. Balancing, or correcting, the aberrance can relieve headaches, vertigo, tension in the jaw or face, and patients report partial relief of sinus congestion. I have had patients tell me that they had felt “out of sorts” or irritable, before receiving cranial balancing, but felt relieved and better afterward.

       Cranial balancing is part of every patient's full-body balancing in my practice.

     

 

Yoga for Scoliosis

 

There is a special method of yoga which is designed to help people who have scoliosis. It was developed by a yoga teacher who, herself, has a quite severe scoliotic curve in her spine. She came up with this special yoga to help herself have better posture and less pain from the curve in her back. Now she teaches this method to individuals, and to other yoga instructors. You can learn more about it at  http://www.yogaforscoliosis.com

Sore Shoulder

Pain in the front of the upper arm with certain movements, coupled with soreness to pressure, may be an inflamed bicipital tendon; aka bicipital tendonitis; or tenosynovitis, which is inflammation of the tendon sheath. The tendon may be under abnormal stress where it lies in a groove on the front of the humerus (bone of the upper arm), due to abnormal internal or external rotation of the humerus. With Activator Chiropractic Technique, I check alignment of the humerus and precisely correct it as needed. Follow up home care is prescribed to address residual inflammation.

Medigap Insurance

Medigap insurance is for covering the balance left over after Medicare pays their portion of the bill. There are two types of Medigap: (1) Supplemental, which covers the 20% that Medicare doesn’t pay, and (2) Secondary, which pays for everything except spinal manipulation. So which is best? Consider that Secondary will cover services not covered by Medicare (such as extraspinal manipulation, i.e. shoulder, ankle, knee; and possibly such services as home care counseling, exercises, etc.), whereas Supplemental only finishes paying for Medicare-covered services.

Reversal of Cervical Curve

Often after an injury such as whiplash, there is a reversal, or “straightening” of the normally forward-facing curve in the neck. Sometimes this happens in absence of injury, and is unexplained. The altered curve changes biomechanical function, posture, and may result in chronic discomfort. The cervical vertebrae should be gently and precisely aligned, and appropriate exercises and stretches prescribed. Traction is often part of my treatment plan for this.

Soil---" Living Skin of the Earth"

Soil---the thin layer of organic matter where life occurs, full of microorganisms & different from deeper, nonliving mineral layers---has been called “the living skin of the Earth.” In the rhizosphere (the root zone), millions of microorganisms (microbes) feed on carbon---think of it---carbon. Plants take carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air, and via photosynthesis, make food (sugars & carbs) that go down to the roots and into the soil where they feed the microbes. In return, the microbes produce the nutrients the plants need. A marvelous symbiosis!


Hmmm......so what? Well, this process is sequestering carbon, by removing CO2 from the atmosphere, helping to offset global warming. Also, as the microbes make more food for the plants, the plants get bigger and healthier, and make more food for the microbes, ad infinitum. So the healthier soil, the richer in healthy, happy microbes, the bigger & healthier the plants above ground.


Cutting edge thinking in sustainable agriculture says that caring for the soil, not poisoning it with herbicides, pesticides, and artificial fertilizers, is our solution to feeding our Planet’s people.


To learn more about these provocative facts & ideas, and the fascinating potentials of maintaining healthy soil, go here: http://www.w-edigest.org/soil-stewardship/

Chiropractors Are Portal-of-Entry Physicians

In California, Doctors of Chiropractic are portal-of-entry physicians, meaning patients may seek chiropractic care without referral from a medical practitioner. D.C.’s are trained to, and are responsible for, recognizing conditions that are outside their scope of practice, and in these cases, must refer the patient to the appropriate medical practitioner for assessment and care. Many other states have a similar structure for chiropractors. 

Surprising Truth About Three Popular Oils

Canola oil, rice bran oil, and grapeseed oil---commonly considered to be healthy, are, in fact, all highly processed oils. 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.

Certified Green Business

My chiropractic office is a Certified Green Business. To qualify, a business must voluntarily have gone above and beyond regulatory requirements to prevent pollution and conserve resources. This includes cutting water use, replacing lights and bulbs with energy - efficient fixtures, reducing waste going to the landfill by recycling & reusing, reducing pollution in every way possible (such as what might drain into the Bay waters of The National Marine Sanctuary), etc. I am PROUD TO BE GREEN!

Restoration of Function

I design an individual treatment plan for every patient, based on their diagnosis, symptoms, past history, age, general state of health, fitness, limitations, and special needs. Relieving their pain is a primary goal of every treatment plan, but helping restore the person to full, comfortable functioning, as much as possible, is also at the top of the list. The entire health care industry is now focused on restoration of function---what can the patient DO or do better as a result of treatment?---and this is important to verify to insurance companies.

Planting A Pollinator Garden!

Bees and butterflies, essential pollinators for many plants and important food crops, are in decline throughout the U.S., and there are easy ways every gardener can help: (1) plant NATIVE FLOWERS that provide nectar and pollen on which they feed, (2) make HOMES for pollinators by making nest sites such as brush piles, rock piles, and leaving snags for bees to nest in old wood. A bit of “benign neglect” can create nest sites for bees. For butterflies, plant caterpillar host plants, such as native milkweed for monarchs. Last, but extremely important, (3) NEVER USE PESTICIDES OR HERBICIDES in the garden. Find lots of helpful information here:  http://www.xerces.org/bringbackthepollinators/   

Post - Herpetic Neuralgia

After an outbreak of shingles, there is often residual pain, tenderness, and sensitivity in the area of skin where the shingles occurred. This is called post - herpetic neuralgia. Organic, unrefined coconut oil gently applied is very soothing to the affected skin. 

"Stashing" Your Stress?

Are you trying to “wear your shoulders for earrings?” It’s common to hold stress in the upper back, shoulders, and neck. Resulting discomfort and tension add to fatigue during the work day. For a quick release, shrug your shoulders up and HOLD. Count to 5, the quickly drop them. Then roll your shoulders up and back several times. 

Pillow Talk: Are You Sleeping On the Right Pillow?

Are you sleeping on the right pillow? A pillow that doesn’t adequately support the cervical spine can be the reason for persistent neck and upper back pain. It should give consistent, resistive support to the spine during the night. Pillows filled with down or buckwheat hulls may feel good at the start, but they deform as you sleep. Memory foam depresses, so your head sinks in. Look for an orthopedically designed pillow. I carry good ones in my office. Contact me with questions, 831-476-2168.

Medicare = GOOD Insurance!

The Medicare deductible for chiropractic is just $166 per year. Where else can you get insurance that covers chiropractic care of the spine for such a low deductible? Be sure to inform your chiropractor as soon as you are covered under Medicare.

Kyphosis

An accentuated forward curve in the mid-to-upper back, resulting in a “stooped” posture, is called a kyphosis, and is a frequent accompaniment to aging. Sometimes called a “dowager’s hump” because it occurs in women with osteoporosis when the front edges of the vertebrae begin to collapse, it is often progressive, and may become irreversible. Maintaining good bone density, good spinal alignment,  good posture, and  strong posterior muscles can prevent it. Yoga can be an excellent antidote, if started early enough. 

Build A Nest Box For Spring Birds

Cavity nesting birds--those that like hollows for their nests, such as wrens, swallows, bluebirds, and some sparrows---often can’t find a vacant hole in a dead tree, a crack in a building wall, or other natural cavity in which to make their nest. We can provide nest boxes to help. Learn about the kinds of boxes to make and where to put them at https://www.audubon.org/news/build-nest-box-welcome-spring-birds.  Spring migrants will soon arrive, ready to nest and raise their babies.

Why I am a Chiropractor

Five whiplash injuries in my youth---from auto accidents, none of them my fault---led me to become a Chiropractor. Good Chiropractic care relieved my pain and helped prevent degenerative changes that might have severely limited my function later in life. I'm grateful, and I love being able to help others as a Doctor of Chiropractic.

Full-body balancing

Comfortable, low-force, full-body balancing---it's what I do, as an Advanced Proficiency Rated ACTIVATOR Chiropractor. It's perfect for all ages, and especially good for people who might be fearful of Chiropractic.

Roasted Roots

Making "Roasted Roots" this rainy day. Beets, yams, carrots smell great in the oven. These richly colored veggies are chock full of hearty winter nutrients.

Care for Feet

What's happening with your feet may be harming your knees, low back, and all the rest of you. Good orthotics can be part of the solution, along with full-body balancing with ACTIVATOR chiropractic. That's my specialty.

Distorted Pelvis

Low back pain may be due to a distorted pelvis, which not only hurts, but makes an unstable foundation for all the rest of the body. I can fix that with ACTIVATOR chiropractic adjustments.

Pain in the Neck

Ever notice how often getting stressed gives us a "pain in the neck?" Lots of us store our stress in our upper back and neck. Keep your neck and back warm, relieve your stress however you can, and consider low-force ACTIVATOR chiropractic. It helps!

Jammed Rib?

Back pain with a deep breath can be a jammed rib. I correct that precisely and quickly with ACTIVATOR adjustments.

Ergonomic counseling

My patients get ergonomic counseling, a tool they can use on to help them stay pain-free. Empowering my patients is part of every treatment plan.

Stop Those Headaches!

Stop those headaches!--The solution can be adjusting the upper cervical spine and balancing the cranial rhythms. It works!

How long will this take?

‎"How long will this take?" Patients want to know. The answer: everyone is different; there is no set formula in my office. Some people only need one treatment and one follow-up. Others may need more. Each patient is evaluated as an individual.

Knees

We depend on them, and when they hurt with every step, we start to realize how much we need them. Looks like it's going to be "knee week" in my office---several patients with knee problems. With ACTIVATOR, I make precise, directional adjustments to the knee. This, along with some rest and nutritional support, often solves the problem.

Yes! Medicare Covers Chiropractors

Medicare patients are welcome in my practice. Chiropractic care is excellent support for senior's health, wellness and vitality. And the Activator method is low-force and gentle. Please call with any questions or to schedule your appointment today.

My Acupunturist

Meet my acupuncturist, Joanne Gramo, L.Ac.

Joanne Gramo, L.Ac has been my acupuncturist for over twenty years; I've relied on her all these years to see me through colds and flu, injuries, and other health needs. Joanne's care supports my immune system and helps me resist infections. I appreciate Joanne's knowledge and competent care.

Cold & Flu Season

With the coming of winter, and cold and flu season, it's a good time to include a little organic, unrefined coconut oil in our diet every day. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which is anti-viral.

Activator Chiropractic

Activator Method is my Chiropractic specialty. It's the most popular type of low-force adjusting, is very precise, and I use it to balance the whole body. I invite you to EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE of Activator Chiropractic!

Scoliosis

Scoliosis--a sideways spinal curve--can, if caught early enough, and if related to pelvic distortion, be corrected. I've had success with this, using ACTIVATOR Chiropractic adjustments and exercises.

Neck Pain

Neck pain plagued me after five (5!) whiplash injuries in my youth. Good chiropractic care helped me live a normal life. Now it's my turn to give back, as a Chiropractor, to help my patients who come to me in pain.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis: What can ACTIVATOR Chiropractic do to help? Yesterday I treated a patient with it. I balanced his entire body, relieving joint fixations and correcting misalignments that were causing abnormal joint stresses. Getting those arthritic joints normally positioned and moving better helps relieve pain. And he'll benefit more now from daily exercise. I LOVE what I do!

Chronic Relief

See exciting new breakthrough in helping chronically ill patients: click on "Articles from Randy S. Baker, M.D."

Articles from Randy S. Baker, M.D.

www.drrandy.org

Clear and concise info and links about holistic, alternative and complementary medicine, environmental medicine, mercury and lead toxicity, detoxification, Lyme Disease, nutrition, homeopathy, herbal medicine, preventive medicine, natural therapies to prevent and treat heart disease, cancer, and chronic fatigue.

Low Back Pain

Low back pain is often related to distortion of the pelvis. With Activator Chiropractic, pelvic distortion can be corrected quickly, and home care counseling helps this to stabilize.

Kneecap Troubles

If the kneecap is misaligned, there is abnormal wear-&-tear underneath it, which can contribute to arthritis of the knee. It's easy to correct with ACTIVATOR Chiropractic, and special exercises help the correction to hold.

Neck Pain and Tension

Neck pain and tension can be a difficult cycle to break. My Chiropractic approach is to adjust misalignments, release fixations, and share home care advice: ergonomics, posture (including sleep), etc., tools patients can use on their own to get relief.

Headaches

Headaches may be related to problems in the neck or in the cranial bones. Gentle, precise corrections of misalignments or fixations in the neck or occiput often bring relief. The cranial rhythms should also be checked.

Keys to Healthy Sitting

Keys to healthy sitting include:

---both feet flat on the floor,

---knees slightly lower than the level of the hips,

---back resting comfortably against your chair,

---keep your head in line with center of gravity of your body 

      (avoid head-forward postures).

One of the most important features of whatever chair you use is that you can change the height of the seat.

Chronic Pelvic / Low Back Pain

If you have chronic pelvic or low back pain, it is critical to look for what is happening at your feet (called your "pedal foundation"). If you pronate or have flat arches, this reverberates all the way up through your legs, knees, hips, pelvis, and into the low back. Unless your feet are addressed, a treatment plan for your pelvic or low back pain may not be successful.

5 Secrets of Neck Pain Relief

5 SECRETS OF NECK PAIN RELIEF

WATCH OUT FOR HEAD-FORWARD POSTURES,

     which strain the muscles in your neck.

USE YOUR HEADREST,

    especially when you're a passenger. with someone else driving.

SLEEP ON THE RIGHT PILLOW,

    one that adequately supports your cervical spine.

BE KIND TO YOUR NECK,

    guard against sudden extreme movements, or repetitive motions 

    of your head.

GET YOUR SPINE CHECKED

    for underlying problems by your Activator Chiropractor---ME! 

Your FRAMEWORK

Think of your bones & joints as your FRAMEWORK---the essential supports that the rest of your body attaches to, is contained by, and depends on. When that framework is distorted or skewed, or some joints are "stuck," affecting movement, your body is out of balance. You may feel tension or pain. My specialty is full-body balancing, of your framework, to restore full & comfortable functioning.  

"Toes to Nose"

Got an ache over here and a twinge over there? 

Get it all addressed in one appointment in my office.

As an Advanced Proficiency ACTIVATOR Chiropractor, 

I balance your body "From Toes to Nose."

Functional Short Leg

"Functional" Short Leg

Low back pain may signal distortion in your pelvis and / or disturbances in your lumbar spine. Often this causes one leg to get shorter than the other. With ACTIVATOR chiropractic, I make precise, specific, and comfortable corrections that relieve your pain and even your leg lengths.

INJURIES

A fall, a twisted ankle, waking up with a neck ache after sleeping in a stressed position----any kind of injury should be checked and addressed as soon as possible. The quicker my patients come in to get adjusted, the quicker they heal and can go comfortably about their lives.

Vitamins:  What's the REAL "Scoop?"

Taking a closer look at recent media claims that vitamins have no benefit and aren't worth spending money on, we find many flaws in the studies used to make these claims. Santa Cruz holistic physician Dr. Randy Baker explains why:  http://drrandybaker.com/2014/01/01/multivitamins-are-not-a-waste-of-money-beware-of-flawed-studies-and-biased-conclusions/

Healing Power of Nature

"Warrior Hike" program helps veterans heal from PTSD with long-distance hiking on the Appalachian, Pacific Crest, and Continental Divide National Scenic Trails. http://warriorhike.com/program/ 
     The 2185-mile Appalachian Trail goes from Georgia to Maine; the Pacific Crest Trail is 2600 miles from Mexico to Canada through CA and the High Sierra; and the 3100-mile Continental Divide Trail goes from Mexico through New Mexico, CO, and north to Canada.
     "Trail angels" along the way will support hikers with food, lodging, first aid, moral support, and the warmth of community.