Magnificent Magnesium

 One of the most abundant minerals in the body, magnesium is involved in a multitude of essential biochemical processes. 

It is important for the heart, brain, function of the mitochondria (tiny energy producing centers in our cells), cell health & function, metabolism of other essential minerals, regulation of blood sugar, muscle & nerve function, secretion of neurotransmitters, and blood pressure. 

An RBC (red blood cell) magnesium test measures your magnesium level.

Some common signs of magnesium deficiency include muscle spasms (such as “charley horses” in the calf muscles), eye twitches, numbness or tingling in the extremities, frequent headaches or migraines, heart arrhythmias, low energy, and fatigue.

Some foods high in magnesium are avocados, raw cacao, and seeds and nuts (pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower are highest). Herbs & spices---chives, parsley, mustard seeds, fennel, basil, cloves, and cumin seeds---are another good source.

Hyperextension of the Knee

Extension of the knee beyond its normal limit is a common cause of knee pain. Patients may be aware of what happened if it occurred during sports activities, a misstep, or a workout, but other causes of hyperextension may not be so obvious to them. 

For example, one common troublemaker is resting one’s foot up on an ottoman while sitting, resulting in extension stress at the knee.

Activator Chiropractic adjustments can correct the problem quickly and precisely, and bring relief. 

Functional Impairment

     How is your condition affecting your ability to function in your life activities? 

     This is now the standard criterion used to determine a course of care, and how long that care will be covered by health insurance. 

     Doctors, Physical Therapists, and other caregivers are expected to measure patient status and effectiveness of their treatment plan by “Outcome Measures”----tools that reflect how well the patient is returning to normal life functioning.

Posture - Induced Headache

     “Craning” the neck to look upward toward a TV or computer monitor, or tilting the head backward to see a monitor through the near-focus part of bifocals, is a common cause of headache. 

     This posture causes the occiput (the bone across the back of the head, just above the spine) to be stressed inferiorly. This inferiority may be more on one side or the other (unilateral) or global (bilateral). 

     When I see this in patients in my office, it  is often in combination with a superiority of the back part of the second cervical vertebra, which makes the headache even worse.

     My Activator Chiropractic Method has focused, precise adjustments that correct the problems without discomfort to the patient, and I offer ergonomic counseling to keep it from happening again.   

New Medicare Allowances

Medicare has increased allowances for Chiropractic care of the spine for 2018. This good news means smaller copays, or more money back from Medicare if patients pay at time of service.

In my office, all patients pay at the time of visit, including Medicare patients. I report the diagnoses and services to Medicare, and Medicare then reimburses the patient directly.