MSG---Just Say "NO!"

Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a flavor enhancer commonly added to many fast foods, canned & processed foods, salad dressings, bouillon cubes, seasonings, etc., is an excitotoxin which can over-stimulate the heart, be a trigger for migraine headaches, and has been associated with facial pressure or tightness and paresthesias such as burning, tingling, or numbness. Some people react to it more strongly than others. It is definitely wise to avoid if you are a migraine sufferer. 

How Well - Educated is Your Doctor of Chiropractic?

The D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic) is a 4 - year doctoral degree. Prerequisite for entry into the doctoral program, most chiropractic colleges require an undergraduate degree with rigorous science training in Anatomy, Biochemistry, Embryology, Microbiology, Physics, Physiology, Mathematics, and Statistics, virtually identical to the basic science requirements for entry into medical school. After being admitted to a  chiropractic college, science training continues with Neuroscience, Physiology, Pathology, Clinical Medicine, and Physical & Differential Diagnosis. During the final 2 years of a 4 - year professional program, chiropractic education specializes in Musculoskeletal Conditions and Diagnosis, with a full year of Clinical Internship under the supervision of licensed D.C.’s, whereas in medical schools, specialization becomes directed more into Pharmacology and Surgery.

Enthesopathy---What Is It?

Tenderness or soreness in the area where a tendon attaches to bone is called “enthesopathy.” It is a specific part of a musculoskeletal diagnosis, and may extend the time needed for a condition to heal. Some insurances, including Medicare, may allow additional treatment to resolve the problem.

Low-Force Chiropractic for Seniors

"Special Considerations of Low-Force Chiropractic for Seniors" was a talk I gave to my professional women's networking group. I enjoy serving elders in my practice, and Activator Chiropractic is especially suitable for them because it is gentle, safe, and comfortable. Medicare patients are welcome in my office.

Facet Compression Syndrome

In the spine, the parts of the vertebrae that touch are the facets. If you look at the vertebrae one-on-top-of-the-other, they are separated by the discs, so the bones do not touch. But behind the vertebrae, at each spinal level, are projections from the main, roundish, vertebral body, somewhat like little bony “feet,” and these parts, the facets, DO touch each other, on both the left and right sides of the spine. If the facets get jammed, or compressed, the surrounding soft tissue---muscles, etc., gets affected, tight, somewhat like a clinched fist. This is painful, and needs precise, directional release. I find facet compression frequently in patients with back pain, and am able to successfully release it with my Activator Chiropractic Method.