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Post by drsteve on Jul 16, 2009 8:03:42 GMT -5
Subluxations - What are they? Dr. Steve Edelson (813) 831-8321 in South Tampa discusses the underlying cause - the subluxation. Anyone who has been a chiropractic patient has probably heard the term "subluxation". But what do you think of when you hear the word "subluxation"? Most people are very familiar with the end results of subluxations, but most of them do not realize that a subluxation had anything to do with that end result. The signals from your brain are transmitted over your nerves to every part of your body. In order for your body to function properly these signals from the brain must get to the various parts of your body without any interference, alteration, or change. If some form of interference does occur along the pathway from the brain to the body part, that part cannot function properly and some sort of health problem will result. It may not show up immediately, but eventually it shows up. The most common cause of interference to nerve signals is known as a subluxation. A subluxation is when one or more of the bones in your spine move out of position and causes pressure or irritation on a nerve or nerves and therefore interferes with proper nerve messages. It is our job as chiropractors to find these subluxations and correct or reduce them as much as possible. The difficult thing to understand is that subluxations, unlike cavities in your teeth, cause different problems in different people. In fact no two people with subluxation will have the same end results. It is also nearly impossible to predict what types of health problems a person will get from the subluxations they have. But one thing is for sure, subluxations will create a health problem somewhere, sometime If you look in any anatomy book to find out how the body functions, you will see an explanation like this; "The brain controls and coordinates all the functions of the body." This basically means that everything you do, everything your body does, whether you know about it or not is controlled by your brain. Sometimes it is difficult to understand why our bodies' seem to be malfunctioning. If we say to ourselves that we have a "cold", then the question must be asked "why?" If our body is truly a self-maintaining and self-healing organism, then we should be able to defend ourselves against sickness and disease. Normal vs. Abnormal Function The answer is that something must be interfering with our body's own innate ability to be healthy. Something must be getting in the way of the normal "function" of our body that allows sickness and disease to occur. In chiropractic we recognize that one of the largest interferences to your ability to function properly occurs at you nervous system in the form of vertebral subluxations. Subluxations are interferences to the function of your nervous system caused in various ways by your spinal structures. This happens because subluxations interfere with the normal nerve transmission between brain cell and tissue cell. Since it is the job of the brain and nervous system to control and coordinate all functions in your body, you can see how any interference to the nervous system can have a drastic affect on function. The Doctor of Chiropractic is the only trained professional who has the expertise to locate and work to correct your subluxations. Cycle of Health - How Chiropratic works Chiropractic gets sick people well and prevents the healthy from getting sick. None of the body functions "just happen." Your heart doesn't just happen to beat. Your lungs don't just happen to inhale and exhale. Your stomach does not just happen to digest your dinner. All doctors know that your brain and nerve system coordinate these functions which make life instead of death, health instead of sickness. It is your brain and nerve system which causes your heart to beat 72 times per minute, 60 minutes every hour, 103,680 times every 24 hours and pump 4,320 gallons of blood through nearly 100,000 miles of blood vessels, thus supplying oxygen and nourishment to every cell in the body, some 50 - 75 trillion of them. Because your brain and nerve system direct it, today you will breathe 23,040 times, digest about 3 1/4 pounds of food, drink and process about three quarts of liquid, speak about 4,800 words, move over 600 muscles and exercise millions of brain cells. None of these things "just happen." The nerve system - often called the Master System - controls every function either directly or indirectly in your body. This makes you a whole human being rather that a collection of parts. Amazing nervous system The nerve system resembles an upside-down tree. The main trunk is suspended from the brain and the tiniest twigs end in the cells of the body. Distribution of nerves throughout the body is so intimate and extensive that if we could dissolve away all other tissues, we would still see the form and proportions of the body, made up entirely of nerves. When the impulses flow smoothly and unimpeded as nature intends, a person enjoys health and a feeling of well-being. But when there is interference in normal nerve function, there will be imbalance either physical, chemical, or emotional. The spinal column is intended to protect the spinal cord and the nerves leading from it. Should there be any loss of structural integrity, curvature, motion, restrictions and distortions of the spine, this could result in imbalance called subluxation. This imbalance causes interference with normal nerve function. Structure relates to function, function relates to structure. Subluxation - Health's Hidden Enemy n order to enjoy sound health, the individual must maintain structural balance of the spinal column. Any imbalance in structure or function will result in lowered immunity to dis-ease. It is stresses and strains, knocks and bumps of living that sometimes creates this imbalance. Just look around you - heads forward, slumped shoulders, hollow backs, protuberant bellies, rotated hips. You can be sure these people suffer from attendant health problems - back, heart, stomach, liver, headaches, sinus trouble, sciatica, and ear infections are only a few. They may suffer from any of the nearly 400 different diseases or conditions caused by structural or functional imbalances. Misaligned vertebrae which create interference are called subluxations. A fall or injury may produce subluxations. They may result from stresses or strains either physically, chemically or emotionally which may overload the nervous system's protective mechanism and produce subluxations. How nervers become pinched An adult spine is composed of 24 moveable bones called vertebrae. Each vertebrae has the general shape of a person's ring. The rings are stacked one on top of another forming a vertical tunnel. The delicate spinal cord - just thicker than a pencil - is suspended from the brain and extends down through the tunnel formed by the ring-like vertebrae. Smaller nerves lead from the spinal cord through openings between the vertebrae. These openings are called foramen. The nerves emerge in pairs, one to the right and one to the left. There are 31 pairs of spinal nerves. Each nerve controls a specific area of the body. When the spinal column is in proper alignment, the nerves pass unimpeded through the foramen. But when one or more vertebra become misaligned, the nerve creates inflammation and irritation which alters normal nerve function to that area of the body served by that nerve. Sometimes misaligned vertebrae correct themselves. But most subluxations need outside assistance for correction. That assistance is chiropractic care. Imbalance in the nervous system causes dysfunction Everyone knows that if you cut yourself on the outside of the body over time the wound will heal. Everyone knows that pinched nerves in the back can cause sciatic pain down the legs and that nerves severely compressed cause paralysis. Why, then, do some of us shut our minds to the same pinched nerve theory when (for instance) the lungs, heart, stomach or other parts of the body become dis-eased ? Such thinking is inconsistent. Lung, heart and stomach conditions need the same consideration that more obvious forms of paralysis receive. Tissue deprived of nerve energy (impulses) cannot maintain health without neurological guidance. Nature heals with chiropratic care Chiropractors do not need to give medicine to restore health. They know that nature provides each person with a built-in druggist capable of compounding medicines, hormones, enzymes and antibiotics. Just as there is a health kit inside your body that heals cuts, mends broken bones and repairs damaged organs...so is there a doctor on the inside who can prescribe everything you need...in the exact dose needed...and without harmful side effects. The human body is capable of healing itself of every dis-ease provided nothing interferes with normal nerve function. The Doctor of Chiropractic works with the spine and nervous system. Chiropractors were the first to recognizes that spinal bones (vertebrae), twisted slightly out of place (subluxations), interfere with the nervous system. This creates altered physiology resulting in inflammation and irritation. Chiropractors are dedicated to analyzing, locating and removing the subluxation through the chiropractic adjustment. It is through the chiropractic adjustment that homeostasis (inner balance) is reestablished; and health is the result. You'll find your chiropractor to be an intelligent, scientifically-trained doctor. Many years of professional schooling in basic and clinical sciences have given your chiropractor the necessary background for discretion and judgement in caring for their patients. Your Chiropractor knows that each patient is an individual...that each spinal column is different...and that each spinal column needs specific chiropractic care. The Chiropractor is the only doctor in your community with the know-how to restore normal nerve functions, the natural way to lasting health. That's how Chiropractic heals. Spread the world!!! tampa.chiropractor-edelson.com & drsteve.wswww.free-press-release.com/news/200907/1247749230.html
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Post by drsteve on Jul 22, 2009 9:57:39 GMT -5
Chiropractic provided by an experienced Tampa Chiropractor (813) 831-8321 in South Tampa. You've been here before: you know that chiropractic is the world's largest, drugless healing art. Generally, chiropractic is not opposed to drugs – only over-medication, when people tend to put all their faith in medications. Your chiropractor assesses your problem and determines where it lies in the spinal column, then works to adjust your vertebrae to revive your normal nerve energy. Your chiropractor assesses your problem and determines where it lies in the spinal column, then works to adjust your vertebrae to revive your normal nerve energy. Through your own experiences, you know that when you feel good, the rest of your life is enhanced. You can deal better with stress and everyday pressures, you can accomplish more, you're more energetic, and your moods are proportionately more positive. Chiropractic works to get rid of a cause, not just a symptom. Everyone's program to feeling better differs, as does each person, depending upon how long the problem has existed. Age, physical condition, extent of damage, and the willingness to team with your chiropractor in working to restore your health are factors that we try to work with. That's why we're checking back with you. A regular tune-up is always necessary. You've benefited from chiropractic care before, and although your treatment has discontinued, the element of time is always a factor. Your problem may have been dormant, and perhaps lately you've experienced symptoms of stress or other problems. The average person gives regular care to their automobile; the same should be given to their bodies! The difference between your car and your body is that you may purchase other cars, but you only get one spine! How are you feeling these days? Start the year off right by being good to yourself and making sure you are feeling as healthy as you can. This is the year for you. The year 2009 marks over 14 years of involvement in chiropractic care for Dr. Steve Edelson. Beginning with graduation from a chiropractic college in Georgia. It's easy to get caught up in the everyday routines and pressures of your lifestyle and to forget that maintaining chiropractic care is beneficial to your total body health. It's not too late… There are three types of patients: 1. One who feels better after the first adjustment and therefore discontinues chiropractic care before he is completely well. 2. One who does not respond after 2 or 3 adjustments, so he gets discouraged and quits before he has had a chance to begin recovery. 3. One who, regardless of how he feels, continues his adjustments until his doctor dismisses him as completely recovered. WHICH TYPE OF PATIENT ARE YOU? After correction on your spine is complete, don't forget regular spinal care...YOU DESERVE IT! A good patient is as much a competitor as a good athlete...the patient is always trying to better his performance. Someone who is trying to reach a definite goal will make that extra bit of effort in order to do it. A person with no definite goal in mind doesn't have the same incentive. As a chiropractic patient, break your goal to feeling better into small goals that can be achieved step by step. Keep score week-by-week and month-by-month to see how you are doing. You may sometimes find that your performance isn't as good as it ought to be. That's one of the best reasons for keeping score; it helps you to face facts immediately and prevents you from kidding yourself. What would you think of a doctor who gave you no more attention than a single visit...stabbed you with a needle...and dismissed you without investigating your medical history or even asking about your aches and pains? "A pill and a bill" never make for successful, long-lasting relationships in medicine...or business. At Edelson Wellness and Chiropractic, our goal is to carefully analyze your problems, needs, and wants...present you with alternative ways to satisfy them...and follow through with conscientious service. Don't confuse chiropractic with problems only of the spine. In this issue of "TO YOUR HEALTH" and others to follow, many areas which can benefit from regular chiropractic visits will be explored: allergies, poor circulation, chronic tiredness, bronchitis, stomach troubles, bladder problems, headaches, etc. Our topic this issue is BURSITIS. Bursitis is characterized by nerve compression and pain that can be very severe. It generally weakens a person to the point that free use of the shoulder joint and often the neck are lost. Without help, the patient may lie in bed for days or weeks before being able to return to a normal routine. The bursitis victim may not even recall "over-exerting" the muscles or ligaments of the shoulder. Bursitis usually shows up as pain in the arm, shoulder, or neck and is often first noticed when the victim attempts to perform a simple task such as putting on his coat or combing his hair. Arm and shoulder pain does not always mean that the trouble source is where the pain is felt. Often, the pain arises elsewhere and is felt in the arm and shoulder. The arms and shoulders are always involved in even the most routine movements. In making a living, or in recreation, man uses his arms and shoulders more than any other portion of his body. The movement of the shoulders is as ceaseless as breathing...it is impossible to breathe without there being a continuous slight motion in the shoulder socket-joint that meets the upper arm. The importance of pain-free motion of the arm and shoulder...motion necessary for pursuit of the actions you like or need to do...are brought sharply into focus as we realize the activities brought by the winter months, such as: 1. Raking leaves 2. Shoveling snow 3. Slipping on ice 4. Skiing, sledding, skating 5. Running or just walking Other, more routine movements, such as steering a car, washing dishes, turning the pages of a book, or painting a wall can also easily trigger a bursitis attack. A bursa is a sac-like structure found around all freely moveable joints. In its natural state, the sac contains fluid known as synovial fluid, which is used to protect the joint, so that bones are not rubbing against other bones. These bursae are made of fibers that can tear when injured, and the damage would then trigger an inflammation to occur, which is actually a healing response. Because swelling is painful, it is sometimes difficult to realize that the inflammatory process is a "natural body response" to damage and is not the damage itself. In bursitis, the inflammation is the over-stretching or the excessive use of the ligaments, which cause a tearing of fibers, which then need to be healed by the body. The area swells so that your body can provide new red blood cells to nourish the joint and new white blood cells to clean out and drain the damaged tissues. The additional fluids provide a cushioning effect, which indirectly prevents movement of the joint so that further healing can take place. Bursitis doesn't always come with warning. We all take many jolts, falls, and other injuries in stride, never realizing they cause potential problems to our spinal column and surrounding tissues. Nerve pressure can occur over a long period of time before your body makes you aware of it through the mechanism of pain. When nerve pressure occurs, the brain cannot communicate properly with the various working parts of the body, including the muscles and ligaments. As a result, the shoulder muscles and ligaments may be depleted of vital nerve supply for long periods, causing them to become unstable, or causing the connections between them to become unbalanced. Considering the many uses of these joints in all our activities, it is important that you receive a full nerve supply to these tissues at all times. This is a must for precise, proper, and painless movements to occur the way nature intended. At Edelson Wellness and Chiropractic, we are concerned with the correction of the displaced spinal bones, so that healing of the nerve root area will begin to take place. The referred pain will then begin to lessen. X-RayX-rays will be used as guides to locate the exact cause of the problem. The X-ray is a diagnostic tool that enables the doctor to be more accurate in the analysis of the condition of your spinal column. You can be sure that we will examine and analyze your case specifically to correct your particular problem. We want to free you of your immediate symptoms by eliminating the cause of the problem and not simply treating the symptoms. We want to assure you that the benefit of improving the condition / cause helps avoid future troubles. Edelson Wellness and Chiropractic honors most major insurance plans. Please let us know if you have questions about your particular carrier. We will be glad to work out an arrangement that will best suit you and your family's needs. What causes subluxations of your spinal column? Often you may not even know you have a partial dislocation. At birth, many times a baby may be subluxated without even the mother or doctor being aware of it. A slap on the back, tripping on the carpet, practical jokes, slipping on an icy sidewalk, falling down steps - numerous everyday instances can cause discomfort for a short time and are dismissed as "nothing to worry about." Less obvious causes are trauma, fear, and drugs. Whatever causes depression of the nerves, or tension, increases the chances of your vertebrae becoming misaligned. Car accidents are the primary cause of many subluxations because the body is jarred or startled to a point where the vertebrae react. Never dismiss any kind of accident - get it checked by your chiropractor immediately to prevent any chance of later problems. Under good chiropractic care, patient response is between 5% and 100%. With your complete cooperation, we can work towards correction that will be 100%! Lasting relief can be accomplished only by getting rid of the cause. Temporary relief can be given with drugs, medication, and some types of therapy, but these don’t get rid of the cause. Chiropractic deals with getting rid of the cause so that you can obtain lasting relief. It takes time to get sick and it takes time to repair damaged tissue. Even when a sickness appears to happen suddenly, it usually is a condition that was caused by an accident that, perhaps at the time it occurred, did not seem to cause a problem. Don't make the mistake of thinking that relief you felt at the time equals with complete correction. Relief comes first, while correction takes a little longer. Keep your appointments until your correction is complete. www.free-press-release.com/news/200907/1248274451.html
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Post by drsteve on Jul 22, 2009 9:58:22 GMT -5
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Post by drsteve on Jul 31, 2009 7:55:38 GMT -5
Dr. Steve Edelson (813) 831-8321 in South Tampa, Florida. What is a Subluxation and what does it do to me? First, the simple explanation. Subluxation In simplest terms, a subluxation (a.k.a. Vertebral Subluxation) is when one or more of the bones of your spine (vertebrae) move out of position and create pressure on, or irritate spinal nerves. Spinal nerves are the nerves that come out from between each of the bones in your spine. This pressure or irritation on the nerves then causes those nerves to malfunction and interfere with the signals traveling over those nerves. How does this affect you? Your nervous system controls and coordinates all the functions of your body. If you interfere with the signals traveling over nerves, parts of your body will not get the proper nerve messages and will not be able to function at 100% of their innate abilities. In other words, some part of your body will not be working properly It is the responsibility of the Doctor of Chiropractic to locate subluxations, and reduce or correct them. This is done through a series of chiropractic adjustments specifically designed to correct the vertebral subluxations in your spine. Chiropractors are the only professionals who undergo years of training to be the experts at correcting subluxations. Now, the detailed explanation. Subluxations are really a combination of changes going on at the same time. These changes occur both in your spine and throughout your body. For this reason chiropractors often refer to vertebral subluxations as the "Vertebral Subluxation Complex", or "VSC" for short. In the VSC, various things are happening inside your body simultaneously. These various changes, known as "components," are all part of the vertebral subluxation complex. Chiropractors commonly recognize five categories of components present in the VSC. These five are: The osseous (bone) component is where the vertebrae are either out of position, not moving properly, or are undergoing physical changes such as degeneration. This component is sometimes known as kinesiopathology. The Nerve Component is the malfunctioning of the nerve. Research has shown that only a small amount of pressure on spinal nerves can have a profound impact on the function of the nerves. This component is scientifically known as neuropathology The Muscle Component is also involved. Since the muscles help hold the vertebrae in place, and since nerves contr ol the muscles themselves, muscles are an integral part of any VSC. In fact, muscles both affect, and are affected by the VSC. This component is known as myopathology The Soft Tissue Component is when you have misaligned vertebrae and pressure on nerves resulting in changes in the surrounding soft tissues. This means the tendons, ligaments, blood supply, and other tissues undergo changes. These changes can occur at the point of the VSC or far away at some end point of the affected nerves. This component is also known as histopathology The Chemical Component is when all these components of the VSC are acting on your body, and therefore causing some degree of chemical changes. These chemical changes can be slight or massive depending on what parts of your body are affected by your subluxations. This component is often known as biochemicalabnormalities Chiropractors have known about the dangers of subluxations for over one hundred years. Today, more scientific evidence is showing the dangers of subluxations and the health benefits of correcting them. To be truly healthy, it is vital that your nervous system be functioning free of interference from subluxations. Our goal is to allow your body to return itself to the highest level of health possible by correcting VSC. Chiropractors are the ONLY health professionals trained in the detection, location, and correction of the VSC. www.free-press-release.com/news/200907/1249044225.html<a href='http://www.free-press-release.com/news/200907/1249044225.html' target='_blank'>Press Release: Chiropractic Tampa, Chiropractor Tampa, Subluxation</a>
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Post by drsteve on Aug 19, 2009 8:39:17 GMT -5
<a href='http://www.free-press-release.com/news-chiropractic-tampa-chiropractor-tampa-arthritis-1250688906.html' target='_blank'>Press Release: Chiropractic Tampa, Chiropractor Tampa, Arthritis</a> Dr. Steve Edelson, Chiropractor of South Tampa is now accepting new patients. Call us for your appointment today (813) 831-8321. In today's article he discusses arthritis. For_Immediate_Release: (Free-Press-Release.com) August 19, 2009 -- Dr. Steve Edelson of South Tampa is now accepting new patients. Call us for your appointment today (813) 831-8321. He has been helping patients with pain and other health issues since 1995. In today's article Dr. Edelson discusses some of these issues: Osteoarthritis Arthritis is a condition characterized by the gradual breakdown of joint cartilage, most common in the weight bearing joints of the body such as the knees, hips, and back. It is also common in the neck and hands. As the joint is broken down it can lead to joint stiffness and increased strain on the muscles in that area. Additionally, as joint function changes it can lead to movement compensations and place strain on other areas of the body as well. Although degenerative changes are common with age they do not automatically result in pain. Research now shows that it is not the degeneration of the joint that is responsible for pain but the effects the degeneration has on how the joint is functioning particularly the stiffness and muscles strain. We focus on restoration and maintenance of function by emphasizing joint movement and increasing the ability of the muscles to support and stabilize the affected joints. In addition, we assess how the body as a whole if functioning to uncover any other movement abnormalities that may be affecting the degenerated area. Give us a call to set up your appointment today. We trat our patients like family. Chiropractic really works. Chiropractor Tampa , Chiropractic Tampa , Auto Accidents Tampa ### For more information: 813-831-8321 Visit our website: tampa.chiropractor-edelson.com
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Post by drsteve on Aug 20, 2009 9:57:26 GMT -5
Dr. Steve Edelson of South Tampa is now accepting new patients. Call us for your appointment today (813) 831-8321. He has been helping patients with pain and other health issues since 1995. Chiropractic is something that helps people naturally, without the use of drugs (which can give you side effects). In today's article Dr. Edelson discusses some of these issues:
Joint Dysfunction Joints of the body need to move. When this movement becomes restricted and normal motion is altered several problems arise. Most commonly joint dysfunction results in pain, stiffness, muscle tightness, cartilage breakdown/degeneration, and movement compensation leading to undue stress on other areas of the body. Joint dysfunction are common in the spine and the extremities and can commonly occur with injury, poor posture, muscles tightness, scar tissue, or muscles imbalance. The doctor will assess movement of the joints to feel for areas of altered or restricted movements. Once identified, the abnormal movement can be restored using a combination of chiropractic joint adjustments and ART. Whenever possible simple home exercises are demonstrated to facilitate and maintain proper motion in key areas. Underlying factors such as poor posture and muscle imbalance often need to be addressed in cases of chronic or recurrent joint dysfunction.
Neck/Low Back Pain Subluxations (misalignments of the spinal column) are one of the most common causes of neck and low back pain. When vertebrae are misaligned, they put pressure directly on spinal nerves, causing pain. Muscle spasms may set in, which can increase the pressure further. This extra pressure can cause even more inflammation and irritation, which leads to more pain. And the cycle continues. Often times stretching and massage may only temporarily relieve the pain, because the cause (subluxation) has not been addressed. A chiropractic adjustment focuses on correcting the cause.
Headaches 80% of headaches originate from the neck. Usually an increased amount of stress and tension held in the shoulders causes contractions of all of the surrounding neck muscles. When these muscles contract, vertebrae can become misaligned causing pressure on spinal nerves, and ultimately pain. With a typical cervicogenic (neck origin) headache, a person usually feels pain starting at the base of the skull which radiates into the temples, eyeballs, and forehead. There may be several other causes of headaches, so a proper examination is needed to determine the actual cause.
Sciatica The sciatic nerve is a long nerve originating in the lower back and extending down the back of the leg. When this nerve is irritated, it can cause pain, numbness, weakness, or other symptoms in the lower back and down the leg. There are several possible causes of this condition. A misaligned vertebra can cause inflammation of the joints, putting pressure on the nerve. Bulging discs and muscle spasms can also cause pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Several other conditions may cause this symptom, so a complete evaluation would be needed to correctly asses the exact cause.
Pinched Nerve A pinched nerve is just that. It is a severely compressed nerve, usually caused by a misaligned vertebra. When nerves get pinched they become severely inflamed and muscles may spasm, causing even more discomfort. The pain is usually so severe that you can't move that part of the body and it can cause other symptoms as well. There can be several causes of the pinched nerve; a proper examination is needed to determine the exact cause.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome These days millions of Americans have jobs which can have damaging effects on the hands and arms. Repetitive movements which are not performed with good ergonomics in mind can cause micro-trauma to the hands and wrists. This trauma combined with joint dysfunction and spinal problems may result in a condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome. The median nerve which is affected travels from the tips of the fingers through the wrist up the arm and into the neck connecting to the spinal cord. If one or more of these structures are affected, symptoms of wrist pain, numbness, weakness, burning and loss of muscle function can occur. Chiropractic can assure that all of the joints and muscles along the path of the nerve are free of obstruction and functioning normally, thus reducing nerve irritation.
Maintenance Care What many people dont know is that you don't have to be injured to benefit from chiropractic care. By staying well adjusted with maintenance chiropractic care you can help prevent injury. Some other possible benefits of maintenance care are: optimal nerve output for optimal physical performance, improved posture, decreased stiffness, increased mobility, energy, strength, circulation, and immune function just to name a few.
Everybody benefits from chiropractic a little differently, but one thing everybody has in common is that they just feel better.
Fibromyalgia Fibromyalgia is a controversial and complicated condition to understand. For proper diagnosis and treatment, a wide variety of factors need to be considered including "head-to-toe" joint and muscle function, nutrition, and lifestyle issues. A thorough examination including orthopedic and neurologic testing, as well as other specialized tests, will help to determine the exact causes of your symptoms and your individualized treatment plan. Very often, a comprehensive treatment program addressing all of these issues leads to significant improvement.
Joint and soft tissue manipulation is often very helpful in relieving the aches and pains of fibromyalgia and related conditions. Other treatment options may include ultrasound or electrical muscle stimulation, acupuncture, therapeutic exercises, and massage therapy & myofascial release techniques. These procedures, combined with nutritional & herbal medicine, and/or homeopathy constitute a comprehensive, holistic approach. Although researchers are still a long way from finding a "cure" for fibromyalgia, chiropractic care is usually very successful in the effective management of this condition. However, if after examination we conclude that your case cannot be helped with conservative care, a prompt referral will be made.
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Post by drsteve on Aug 26, 2009 9:01:38 GMT -5
Dr. Steve Edelson of South Tampa is now accepting new patients. Call us for your appointment today (813) 831-8321. He has been helping patients with pain and other health issues since 1995. Chiropractic is something that helps people naturally, without the use of drugs (which can give you side effects). In today's article Dr. Edelson discusses some current issues: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a relatively common condition that tends to emerge in children during their early school years. The most common signs of ADHD are:
* Inattention * Hyperactivity * Impulsive Behavior * Difficulty Concentrating
It is estimated that between 3 and 5 percent of children have ADHD - approximately 2 million children in the United States - and is much more common in boys than girls. This means that in a classroom of 25 to 30 children, it is likely that at least one will have ADHD. However, because many normal children may show some of these same behaviors as well, it is important that a child receive a thorough examination and appropriate diagnosis before any treatment is considered.
It is not entirely certain what causes ADHD, but the current thought is that it is a combination of an overactive nervous system, coupled with a decrease in the brain's ability to filter out extraneous sights, sounds, thoughts and emotions. Although chiropractors don't directly treat ADHD, there are a number of things that your chiropractor can do to help eliminate things that stress a child's nervous system, such as:
* Remove spinal subluxations that irritate the nervous system * Suggest dietary changes to avoid common problem foods * Test for allergies that may be stressing the nervous system * Suggest changes to the home to help reduce exposure to toxic chemicals
The most common medical treatment is the use of the drug methylphenidate, also known as Ritalin. Ritalin is actually a stimulant drug that normally speeds up the activity of the nervous system. But for reasons that are not entirely clear, it tends to have a calming effect on those who suffer from ADHD; possibly by increasing the activity in the area of the brain responsible for filtering out extraneous sensation.The problem with taking Ritalin is that is does not do anything to resolve the cause of the ADHD, it only masks the symptoms. Continued use of Ritalin over long periods of time has also been shown to have detrimental effects on the brain itself. It is important as a parent to look at all treatment options before placing your child on Ritalin and chiropractic care is a great place to start. Contact us today!
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Post by drsteve on Aug 27, 2009 10:50:00 GMT -5
Dr. Steve Edelson of South Tampa has been treating patients for a variety of reasons for over 14 years. He has also studied unde Dr. John Brimhall, who has developed a protocol for treating allergies. Allergies are often treated with chiropractic care. Many allergic and asthmatic reactions are caused by hypersensitivity of the immune system and/or respiratory system. Researchers have found that the immune and respiratory systems depend on normal communication from the brain and spinal cord to control and coordinate their functions properly. Using dr. Brimhall's protocols, Dr. Edelson can also desensitize you to that thing that makes you allergic. Therefore, if your neck is misaligned, it could cause an imbalance in your nervous system function. This upper cervical spinal joint irritation could possibly produce or exaggerate asthmatic and allergic symptoms. For example; many asthma and allergy sufferers experienced traumas such as head injuries, auto accidents, or falls which could have injured their upper cervical spines. The good news is that we can perform an upper cervical examination to determine if chiropractic care can reduce your allergic and asthmatic reactions. Schedule an appointment today! (813) 831-8321. tampa.chiropractor-edelson.com
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Post by drsteve on Sept 1, 2009 15:10:53 GMT -5
Dr. Steve Edelson of South Tampa (813)831-8321 is now accepting new patients. In today's article he discusses the verry serious issue of injuries sustained in a car accident. If you have been involved in a car accident, whiplash injuries need to be taken very seriously. Because symptoms of a whiplash injury can take weeks or months to manifest, it is easy to be fooled into thinking that you are not as injured as you really are. Too often people don't seek treatment following a car accident because they don't feel hurt. By far, the most common injury to the neck is a whiplash injury.Whiplash is caused by a sudden movement of the head, either backward, forward, or sideways, that results in the damage to the supporting muscles, ligaments and other connective tissues in the neck and upper back. Numerous studies have shown that years after whiplash victims settle their insurance claims, roughly half of them state that they still suffer with symptoms from their injuries. Unfortunately, by the time more serious complications develop, some of the damage from the injury may have become permanent.Numerous studies have shown that years after whiplash victims settle their insurance claims, roughly half of them state that they still suffer with symptoms from their injuries. If you have been in a motor vehicle or any other kind of accident, don't assume that you escaped injury if you are not currently in pain. Contact us today! (813) 831-8321 tampa.chiropractor-edelson.com & www.free-press-release.com/news-chiropractor-tampa-auto-accident-expert-1251834175.html
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Post by drsteve on Sept 2, 2009 8:29:43 GMT -5
Dr. Steve Edelson of South Tampa (813) 831-8321 is now accepting new patients. He has been treating people who suffer from back pain for over 14 years. The low back can withstand tremendous forces without injury. However, if the low back is out of adjustment or has weakened supporting muscles, something as simple as taking a bag of groceries can cause a low back injury. Eighty percent of people suffer from back pain at some point in their lives. Back pain is the second most common reason for visits to the doctor's office, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. In fact, it is estimated that low back pain affects more than half of the adult population each year and more than 10% of all people experience frequent bouts of low back pain. The susceptibility of the low back to injury and pain is due to the fact that the low back, like the neck, is a very unstable part of the spine. Unlike the thoracic spine, which is supported and stabilized by the rib cage. This instability allows us to have a great deal of mobility to touch our toes, tie our shoes or pick something up from the ground, but at the cost of increased risk of injury. As long as it is healthy and functioning correctly, the low back can withstand tremendous forces without injury. Professional powerlifters can pick up several hundred pounds off the floor without injuring their low back. However, if the low back is out of adjustment or has weakened supporting muscles, something as simple as taking a bag of groceries out of the trunk of their car, picking something up off the floor, or even simply bending down to pet the cat can cause a low back injury. Until recently, researchers believed that back pain would heal on its own. We have learned, however, that this is not true. Recent studies showed that when back pain is not treated, it may go away temporarily, but will most likely return. It is important to take low back pain seriously and seek professional chiropractic care. This is especially true with pain that recurs over and over again. Contact our chiropractor . . . we can help! The Causes of Low Back Pain There are many different conditions that can result in low back pain, including: sprained ligaments, strained muscles, ruptured disks, trigger points and inflamed joints. While sports injuries or accidents can lead to injury and pain, sometimes even the simplest movements, like picking up a pencil from the floor, can have painful results. In addition, conditions such as arthritis, poor posture, obesity, psychological stress and even kidney stones, kidney infections, blood clots, or bone loss can lead to pain. Due to the fact that there are a whole lot of things that can cause low back pain, and some of those things can be quite serious if left untreated, it is important to seek professional help. Chiropractors are the experts at diagnosing the cause and determining the proper treatment for low back pain. Here are some of the most common causes I see: Subluxations Whenever there is a disruption in the normal movement or position of the vertebrae, the result is pain and inflammation. In the lumbar spine, these usually occur at the transition between the lower spine and the sacrum. Subluxations can lead to debilitating low back pain. Fortunately, subluxations are easily treatable and often times a significant reduction in pain is experienced almost immediately after treatment. Disc Herniations Contrary to popular belief, a herniated disc does not automatically mean that you are going to suffer from low back pain. In fact, one study found that almost half of all adults had at least one bulging or herniated disc, even though they did not suffer any back pain from it. On the other hand, herniated discs can be a source of intense and debilitating pain that frequently radiates to other areas of the body. Unfortunately, once a disc herniates, they rarely, if ever, completely heal. Further deterioration can often be avoided through regular chiropractic care, but a complete recovery is much less common. Sprains, Strains and Spasms This is commonly the source of low back pain among the weekend warriors. You know, the type who have very little physical activity during the week, but once the weekend arrives, they push themselves way too much. By the end of the weekend, they are lying flat on their back counting down the hours before they can get in to see their chiropractor. Overworking the muscles or ligaments of the low back can lead to small tears in the tissues, which then become painful, swollen and tight. Stress Whenever you become stressed, your body responds by increasing your blood pressure and heart rate, flooding your body with stress hormones and tightening up your muscles. When you are stressed all the time, the chronic tension causes your muscles to become sore, weak and loaded with trigger points. If you are stressed out all of the time and you have low back pain, it is important to do some relaxation exercises, such as deep breathing, as well as to get regular exercise. Treating Low Back Pain With Chiropractic Chiropractic treatment for low back pain is usually pretty straightforward. Most commonly, it's simply a matter of adjusting the lower lumbar vertebrae and pelvis to re-establish normal motion and position of your bones and joints. Chiropractic for the low back has been repeatedly shown to be the most effective treatment for low back pain. In fact, major studies have shown that chiropractic care is more effective, cheaper and has better long-term outcomes than any other treatment. This makes sense because chiropractic care is the only method of treatment that serves to re-establish normal vertebral motion and position in the spine. All other treatments, such as muscle relaxants, pain killers and bed rest, only serve to decrease the symptoms of the problem and do not correct the problem itself. For more info on this topic, go to tampa.chiropractor-edelson.comwww.free-press-release.com/news-back-pain-improves-with-chiropractic-tampa-1251897923.html
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Post by drsteve on Sept 8, 2009 15:57:37 GMT -5
Most people do not realize how much they move their neck during the day until they are unable to do so. The degree of flexibility of the neck, coupled with the fact that it has the least amount of muscular stabilization and it has to support and move your 14 - 16 pound head, means that the neck is very susceptible to injury. You can picture your neck and head much like a bowling ball being held on top of a stick by small, thin, elastic bands. It doesn’t take much force to disrupt that delicate balance. The spinal cord runs through a space in the vertebrae to send nerve impulses to every part of the body. Between each pair of cervical vertebrae, the spinal cord sends off large bundles of nerves that run down the arms and to some degree, the upper back. This means that if your arm is hurting, it may actually be a problem in the neck! Symptoms in the arms can include numbness, tingling, cold, aching, and “pins and needles”. These symptoms can be confused with carpal tunnel syndrome, a painful condition in the hands that is often found in people who work at computer keyboards or perform other repetitive motion tasks for extended periods. Problems in the neck can also contribute to headaches, muscle spasms in the shoulders and upper back, ringing in the ears, otitis media (inflammation in the middle ear, often mistaken for an ear infection in children), temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), restricted range of motion and chronic tightness in the neck and upper back. We associate the neck and upper back together, because most of the muscles that are associated with the neck either attach to, or are located in, the upper back. These muscles include the trapezius, the levator scapulae, the cervical paraspinal muscles and the scalenes, as well as others. The Causes of Neck and Upper Back Pain Most neck and upper back pain is caused by a combination of factors, including injury, poor posture, chiropractic subluxations, stress, and in some instances, disc problems. Injuries By far, the most common injury to the neck is a whiplash injury. Whiplash is caused by a sudden movement of the head, either backward, forward, or sideways, that results in the damage to the supporting muscles, ligaments and other connective tissues in the neck and upper back. Whether from a car accident, sports, or an accident at work, whiplash injuries need to be taken very seriously. Because symptoms of a whiplash injury can take weeks or months to manifest, it is easy to be fooled into thinking that you are not as injured as you really are. Too often people don’t seek treatment following a car accident or sports injury because they don’t feel hurt. Unfortunately, by the time more serious complications develop, some of the damage from the injury may have become permanent. Numerous studies have shown that years after whiplash victims settle their insurance claims, roughly half of them state that they still suffer with symptoms from their injuries. If you have been in a motor vehicle or any other kind of accident, don’t assume that you escaped injury if you are not currently in pain. Get checked out by a good chiropractor. Poor_Posture Forward head posture is very common for people who are stooped over their computers all day long. If not taken care of with chiropractic care, subluxations like this can worsen over time. Poor Posture One of the most common causes of neck pain, and sometimes headaches, is poor posture. It’s easy to get into bad posture habits without even realizing it - even an activity as “innocent” as reading in bed can ultimately lead to pain, headaches, and more serious problems. The basic rule is simple: keep your neck in a “neutral” position whenever possible. Don’t bend or hunch your neck forward for long periods. Also, try not to sit in one position for a long time. If you must sit for an extended period, make sure your posture is good: Keep your head in a neutral position, make sure your back is supported, keep your knees slightly lower than your hips, and rest your arms if possible. Subluxations Subluxations in the neck and upper back area are extremely common due to the high degree of stress associated with holding up your head, coupled with the high degree of instability in the cervical spine. Most subluxations tend to be centered around four areas: the top of the cervical spine where it meets the skull; in the middle of the cervical spine where the mechanical stress from the head is the greatest; in the transition where the cervical and thoracic areas of the spine meet; and in the middle of the thoracic spine where the mechanical stress from the weight of the upper body is greatest. Signs of subluxation include looking in the mirror and seeing your head tilted or one shoulder higher than the other. Often women will notice that their sleeve length is different or that a necklace is hanging off center. If someone looks at you from the side they may notice that your head sits forward from your shoulders. This is known as FHP - forward head posture - and is very common for people who are stooped over their computers all day long. Subluxations are a debt to the body. If they are not taken care of soon after they occur, then they can get much worse over time due to the accumulation of compounding interest. Stress When most people become stressed, they unconsciously contract their muscles. In particular, the muscles in their back. This ‘muscle guarding’ is a survival response designed to guard against injury. In today’s world where we are not exposed to physical danger most of the time, muscle guarding still occurs whenever we become emotionally stressed. The areas most affected are the muscles of the neck, upper back and low back. For most of us, the particular muscle affected by stress is the trapezius muscle, where daily stress usually leads to chronic tightness and the development of trigger points. The two most effective ways you can reduce the physical effects of stress on your own are to increase your activity level – exercise – and by deep breathing exercises. When you decrease the physical effects of stress, you can substantially reduce the amount of tightness and pain in your upper back and neck. Disc Herniations The discs in your cervical spine can herniate or bulge and put pressure on the nerves that exit from the spine through that area. Although cervical discs do not herniate nearly as often as lumbar discs do, they occasionally can herniate, especially when the discs sustain damage from a whiplash injury. Contact us today! tampa.chiropractor-edelson.com (813) 831-8321.
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Post by drsteve on Sept 15, 2009 12:36:28 GMT -5
Dr. Steve Edelson of south Tampa, (813) 831-8321, often teaches his patients about ways to maintain good health. Chronic disease affects so many people in America. These complex problems - cancer, diabetes, and heart disease - require complex solutions. Part of the solution involves people learning to help themselves by creating health-promoting states of consciousness - this is the inner game of health. Many tools are available, including meditation, guided imagery, yoga, and visualization. Visualization is a powerful method for improving your health and for achieving your goals in life. Sit quietly and close your eyes. Create a mental image of the tissue, organ, or structure you want to help heal. If you have chronic muscular pain in your neck and shoulders, visualize those muscles as being loose, relaxed, and limber. Visualize plenty of blood flowing to those muscles. Visualize the tension in those muscles dissolving. If you have painful arthritis in your hands, visualize your fingers and wrists moving through a complete and pain-free range of motion. Visualize the swelling in those joints dissolving. Visualize yourself as being healthy and pain-free. Allow these visualizations to occur without any stress or strain. Your body is designed to respond to mental commands. Engage in the process and alllow the results to happen over time. Way back in the 1960s, when everything was brand-new, the Beatles introduced Maharishi Mahesh Yogi to national television audiences in American and the UK. The Maharishi came to the West with the Beatles to introduce a new thing - Transcendental Meditation. At the time most Westerners were not familiar with meditation in any form. The Maharishi introduced a simple method that has become well-known and popular over the years. Meditation is even more important to our health and well-being in the 21st century than ever before. It takes a lot to maintain good health these days. Of course, eating a healthy diet - with plenty of fruits and vegetables - and exercising regularly are the cornerstones of good health. Sufficient rest is another key ingredient - most of us require at least seven hours of sleep each night to restore energy and vitality. There is another essential factor - one that is less well-recognized and easy to overlook. In the early years of the 21st century we all need to find ways to manage our daily levels of stress. If we tell the truth, for most of us, our stress levels are off the charts. Meditation can be a powerful tool for reducing the impact of stress on our bodies, and for helping us better manage the stress in our lives.1,2 Meditation is simple and straightforward - all that's required is a commitment to making it happen.3 You don't need any special equipment. You don't need incense or candles. You don't even need a mat or a cushion. You can do meditation sitting in a comfortable, straight-backed chair. There are many methods and ways of practicing meditation. In Transcendental Meditation you silently repeat a simple phrase to yourself. You focus on the phrase, known as a mantra. In Zen meditation, you focus on your breath - not by breathing deeply, but rather as a means to focus your attention. Breathe in, breathe out. Your attention wanders. Notice that, and return your focus to the breath. Or, you can simply sit quietly. Close the door and turn off your cell phone. Make sure everyone in your home knows this is your alone time. Just sit quietly for ten minutes, allowing yourself to relax. Find a place within yourself on which to focus, and let yourself go. Set aside ten minutes a day. You'll find that you eagerly look forward to this quiet time and that you emerge refreshed and revitalized. Your chiropractor is an expert in helping people achieve greater levels of health and well-being. She will be glad to help you learn about methods of stress reduction that will work for you. 1Barnhofer T, et al: Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy as a treatment for chronic depression. Behav Res Ther Feb 5, 2009 2Carson JW, et al: Yoga of Awareness program for menopausal symptoms in breast cancer survivors: results from a randomized trial. Support Care Cancer Feb 12, 2009 3Sharma R, et al: Effect of yoga based lifestyle intervention on subjective well-being. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol 52(2):123-131, 2008 If you like this article, there are more just like it on our website tampa.chiropractor-edelson.comChiropractic Tampa , Chiropractor Tampa , Auto Accidents Tampa ### For more information: 813-831-8321 www.free-press-release.com/news-chiropractic-tampa-chiropractor-tampa-health-1253036009.html
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Post by drsteve on Sept 24, 2009 7:16:51 GMT -5
Dr. Steve Edelson (813) 831-8321, Chiropractor in Tampa, Florida, has over 14 years of experience in helping to eliminate the causes of health problems. He is an expert in helping people who suffer from injuries derived from an auto accident. He does not advise you to cover up your symptoms with drugs, he seeks to eliminate pain the natural way. With chiropractic. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) has become one of the most widespread occupational health problems we face today. It affects millions of people a year, and with our growing reliance on computers there seems to be no end in sight.The syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve just above the wrist. Pressure on this nerve can be caused by an injury or sustained use from common activities like typing, chopping, hammering, or pushing. Symptoms of CTS range from wrist pain, numbness, tingling, burning, weakness or loss of grip strength, and loss of sleep due to discomfort. There are a number of different ways to treat this condition. In most cases, a chiropractic adjustment to the affected area is an extremely effective solution. In some cases, a misalignment in either the back or neck can cause this condition, and chiropractic adjustments of the neck and/or spine can also serve as an effective treatment option. These treatments, along with physical therapy, stretching, and strengthening exercises, can in most cases effectively alleviate and eventually eliminate the symptoms associated with CTS. Dr. Edelson also utilizes cold laser therapy and vibratory percussion. These advanced therapeutic techniques are also very helpful in treating CTS. Contact us today! (813) 831-8321 or go on the web for more information tampa.chiropractor-edelson.comwww.free-press-release.com/news-chiropractor-tampa-chiropractic-tampa-wrist-pain-1253794438.html
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Post by drsteve on Oct 2, 2009 9:33:31 GMT -5
Dr. Steve Edelson (813) 831-8321, a chiropractor in South Tampa, has been helping people who suffer with pain for over 14 years. He helps to eliminate the cause of the pain. Dr. Edelson treats children, and people of all ages. He is also an expert at helping people who have injuries from an automobile accident. In today's article he discusses fibromyalgia. The word fibromyalgia comes from the Latin term for fibrous tissue (fibro) and the Greek ones for muscle (myo) and pain (algia). Fibromyalgia syndrome is chronic disorder which includes widespread muscle pain, fatigue, and multiple tender points that affects 3-6 million people in the United States. For reasons that are unclear, more than 90% of those who develop fibromyalgia are women. It is not currently known whether the predominance of women who suffer from fibromyalgia is a phenomenon of the socialization of women in the American culture or whether it is some combination of the female reproductive hormones and other genetic predispositions. According to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), fibromyalgia is defined as a history of pain in all four quadrants of the body lasting more than 3 months. Pain in all four quadrants means that you have pain in both your right and left sides, as well as above and below the waist. The ACR also described 18 characteristic tender points on the body that are associated with fibromyalgia. In order to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a person must have 11 or more tender points. In addition to pain and fatigue, people who have fibromyalgia may experience: * sleep disturbances * morning stiffness * headaches * irritable bowel syndrome * painful menstrual periods * numbness or tingling of the extremities * restless legs syndrome * temperature sensitivity * cognitive and memory problems (sometimes referred to as "fibro fog") Fibromyalgia is often confused with another condition called “myofascial pain syndrome” or “myofascitis.” Both fibromyalgia and myofascitis can cause pain in all four quadrants of the body and tend to have similar tender point locations, but the two conditions are worlds apart. Myofascitis is an inflammatory condition due to overuse or injury to your muscles, whereas fibromyalgia is caused by a stress-induced change in metabolism and healing. Myofascitis tend to come on rather suddenly and is usually associated with a particular activity or injury, true fibromyalgia has a slow, insidious onset, usually beginning in early adulthood. It is very important to diagnose each of these correctly, for they require very different approaches to treatment. Unfortunately, fibromyalgia is a chronic condition, meaning it lasts a long time - possibly a lifetime. However. it won't cause damage to your joints, muscles, or internal organs. The Basics of Fibromyalgia The latest research indicates that fibromyalgia is a stress-related condition that is a cousin in Systemic Lupus Erythematosis (often referred to as simply ‘lupus’) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. In all three of these conditions, there is the same predominantly female distribution, chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, irritable bowel, as well as many other similarities. You can think about these three conditions as lying on a continuum with Fibromyalgia on one end, Lupus on the other and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in the middle. All three of these conditions are caused by an abnormal stress response in the body, but with Lupus, the immune system is primarily affected, causing an autoimmune reaction that attacks your healthy tissues. On the other end of the spectrum is fibromyalgia, where metabolic abnormalities are primary. These metabolic changes are the result of a stress-induced decrease in blood flow to an area of the brain called the pituitary. This, in turn causes a decrease in a number of important hormones, such as the growth hormone releasing hormone (somatotropin) and the thyroid stimulating hormone. These hormonal changes lead to abnormal muscle healing, borderline or full-blown hypothyroid, as well as memory and cognitive changes. One of the major physical abnormalities that occurs with fibromyalgia lies in the muscle itself, where there is a build up of a protein called “Ground Substance.” Ground substance is normally found in muscle, bone and connective tissue all over the body and is responsible for making the tissues stronger and less susceptible to tearing. In a normal person, when a muscle is injured, the muscle tissue itself is able to regenerate and over time, completely heal itself. In a person with fibromyalgia, the muscle is unable to completely heal itself. Instead, an abnormally large amount of ground substance builds up in the injured area. It is the ground substance, coupled with local muscle spasm it creates that creates the muscle ‘knots’ associated with fibromyalgia. A number of tests may be done to rule out other disorders and an examination can reveal whether a person has the characteristic tender areas on the back of the neck, shoulders, sternum, lower back, hips, shins, elbows, or knees. Unlike its cousin lupus, there are currently no diagnostic laboratory tests for fibromyalgia. Because there are no clinical tests for fibromyalgia, some doctors, unfortunately, conclude that a patient's pain is not real, or they may tell them that there is little they can do. But a combination of chiropractic, trigger point therapy, and lifestyle changes has proven to be very effective in decreasing the severity and duration of the physical pain and disability of fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia can be difficult to treat. Not all doctors are familiar with fibromyalgia and its treatment, so it is important to find a doctor who is. Fibromyalgia treatment often requires a team approach, utilizing chiropractic care, trigger point therapy, massage, dietary changes, as well as exercises and stretching. Treating Fibromyalgia With Chiropractic Chiropractic care is critical for those who suffer from fibromyalgia in order to keep the spine and muscles from losing too much movement. Because fibromyalgia causes the muscles to tighten up and lose some of their natural pliability, it results in a global loss of movement in the spine. The loss of movement in the spine results in a neurological reflex that causes the muscles to tighten further. This vicious cycle will continue and over time will lead to increased pain, increased muscle tightness, a loss of movement, more difficulty sleeping and the development of more and more trigger points. The only option is to continually adjust the spine and keep it moving. It is not uncommon for those with fibromyalgia to be adjusted three to four times per month to keep everything mobile and relaxed. The biggest concern in treating people with fibromyalgia is that their muscles have a diminished healing ability. For this reason, chiropractic adjustments are usually modified slightly to be more gentle than normal. This helps to decrease the stress on all of the small supporting muscles of the spine, which can be easily injured. It is important when seeking chiropractic care, to make sure that the doctor is familiar with the muscular changes that occur with fibromyalgia so that they can adjust their treatment accordingly. Treating Fibromyalgia with Trigger Point Therapy The overwhelming characteristic of fibromyalgia is long-standing, body-wide pain with defined tender points, and frequently, trigger points. Trigger points are often confused with “tender points.” They are not the same. A trigger point needs firm pressure to elicit pain, while tender points are painful with even very light pressure. Trigger points will refer pain to other areas of the body, whereas tender points will not. Unlike tender points, trigger points can occur in isolation and represent a source of radiating pain, even in the absence of direct pressure. As discussed earlier, trigger points are purely comprised of spasmed muscle fibers, whereas tender points are knots filled with ground substance. Those with fibromyalgia almost always have a combination of the two – trigger points and tender points – and can improve dramatically with light trigger point therapy. Trigger point therapy for fibromyalgia is much like trigger point therapy for low back pain, neck pain or headaches. The points are the same. The difference is just intensity. Since the muscles in patients with fibromyalgia are easily injured and take longer to heal, it is necessary to use less pressure on their trigger points. Treating Fibromyalgia with Cold Laser Therapy Since poor healing of muscle tissue and chronic pain are characteristic traits of fibromyalgia, laser therapy is an important part of any treatment plan. Two of the major benefits of cold laser therapy is stimulation of tissue healing and decreased sensations of pain. A 1997 study of 846 people with fibromyalgia reported in the Journal of Clinical Laser Medicine and Surgery demonstrated that two-thirds of the patients experienced improved pain and mobility with cold laser therapy. Another study published in Rheumatology International in 2002, showed that those who received laser therapy had a significant improvement in pain, fatigue and morning stiffness. Self-Care for Fibromyalgia Your day to day lifestyle choices have a tremendous impact on how much impact fibromyalgia will have on your life. The difference between those who take care of themselves and those who do not is tremendous. Those who make lifestyle changes to help their fibromyalgia suffer much less pain, are able to remain more active and have a much higher quality of life than those who do not. If you have fibromyalgia, here are some of the main things that you can do on a daily basis to help your body: Getting enough good sleep —Getting enough sleep and the right kind of sleep can help ease the pain and fatigue of fibromyalgia, but is something that can be hard to get. Many people with fibromyalgia have problems such as pain, restless legs syndrome and brain-wave irregularities that interfere with restful sleep. Insomnia is very common. Although alcohol may help you to relax, it is not recommended before bed as it has been shown to interfere with restful sleep. Some of those with fibromyalgia have found 5-hydroxy tryptophan (5-HTP) very helpful, as well as the prescription anti-depressant amitriptyline. Typically, we don't recommend taking perscritpion drugs, but in this case, it is difficult to heal without enough sleep. Exercising — Improved fitness through exercise is recommended. Studies have shown that fibromyalgia symptoms can be relieved by aerobic exercise. Though pain and fatigue may make exercise and daily activities difficult, it's crucial to be as physically active as possible. The best way to begin a fitness program is to start with low impact exercises, like walking and swimming. Starting slowly helps stretch and mobilize tight, sore muscles. High-impact aerobics and weight lifting could cause increased discomfort, so pay attention to your body. The more you can exercise, the better off you will be. Making changes at work —Most people with fibromyalgia are able to continue working, but they may have to make big changes to do so. It may be necessary to reduce the number of hours at work, find a job that will allow you to have a flexible schedule, or switch to a less physically demanding job. Many people with fibromyalgia require specially designed office chairs, adjustable desks or other adaptations in order to continue working. If you face obstacles at work, such as an uncomfortable desk chair that leaves your back aching or difficulty lifting heavy boxes or files, your employer may make adaptations that will enable you to keep your job. Eating well —Foods, just like anything else, have the ability to either stress your body or to help your body heal. Foods that tend to be stressful on the body include: dairy, eggs, wheat, corn, as well as anything with monosodium glutamate (MSG), nitrates or nitrites (as are found in processed foods). Several environmental toxins may also contribute to the overall physical stress on your body, therefore fish should be avoided as well. It is important that you eat as much clean, organically grown fresh foods as possible. Base your diet around whole foods such as: brown rice, legumes, oats, spelt, rice milk, soy, hormone-free chicken or turkey, roots, nuts and berries. Nutritional supplements —There are dozens of nutritional products that claim to be ‘the answer’ for fibromyalgia. To date, none of them have proven to be of much long-term benefit for anyone. However, there are some people who have used magnesium malate with good results, some people who have used ginkgo biloba with good results and others with various herbals. The bottom line with nutritional supplements is that, do date, there is nothing that works for everyone. If you come across something that you would like to try, by all means do so, as long as you check it out with your chiropractor first to ensure that it won’t interfere with any of your other treatment. Contact us today! (813) 831-8321 or on the web <b>http://tampa.chiropractor-edelson.com</b> www.free-press-release.com/news-chiropractic-tampa-chiropractor-tampa-fibromyalgia-1254493636.html
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Post by drsteve on Oct 8, 2009 7:46:31 GMT -5
Dr. Steve Edelson (813) 831-8321, a chiropractor in South Tampa, has been helping people who suffer with pain for over 14 years. He helps to eliminate the cause of the pain. Dr. Edelson treats children, and people of all ages. He is also an expert at helping people who have injuries from an automobile accident. In today's article he discusses fibromyalgia.Headaches affect just about everyone at some point and they can present themselves in many different ways. Some people only experience pain in one part of their head or behind their eyes, some people experience a pounding sensation inside their whole head, and some people even experience nausea, while others do not. The pain itself may be dull or sharp and may last for anywhere from a few minutes to a few days. Fortunately, very few headaches have serious underlying causes, but those that do require urgent medical attention. Although headaches can be due to a wide variety of causes, such as drug reactions, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), tightness in the neck muscles, low blood sugar, high blood pressure, stress and fatigue, the majority of recurrent headaches are of two types: tension headaches (also called cervicogenic headaches) and migraine headaches. There is a third, less common, type of headaches called a cluster headache that is a cousin to the migraine. Let’s start out by taking a look at each of these three types of headaches. Tension Headaches Tension type headaches are the most common, affecting upwards of 75% of all headache sufferers. Most people describe a tension headache as a constant dull, achy feeling either on one side or both sides of the head, often described as a feeling of a tight band or dull ache around the head or behind the eyes. These headaches usually begin slowly and gradually and can last for minutes or days, and tend to begin in the middle or toward the end of the day. Tension headaches are often the result of stress or bad posture, which stresses the spine and muscles in the upper back and neck. Tension headaches, or stress headaches, can last from 30 minutes to several days. In some cases, chronic tension headaches may persist for many months. Although the pain can at times be severe, tension headaches are usually not associated with other symptoms, such as nausea, throbbing or vomiting. The most common cause of tension headaches is subluxations in the upper back and neck, especially the upper neck, usually in combination with active trigger points. When the top cervical vertebrae lose their normal motion or position, a small muscle called the rectus capitis posterior minor (RCPM) muscle goes into spasm. The problem is that this small muscle has a tendon which slips between the upper neck and the base of the skull and attaches to a thin pain-sensitive tissue called the dura mater that covers the brain. Although the brain itself has no feeling, the dura mater is very pain-sensitive. Consequently, when the RCPM muscle goes into spasm and its tendon tugs at the dura mater, a headache occurs. People who hold desk jobs will tend to suffer from headaches for this reason. Another cause of tension type headaches comes from referred pain from trigger points in the Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) or levator muscle on the side of the neck. These are much more common in people who suffer a whiplash injury due to the muscle damage in the neck region. migraine_lightening.png Many of those who suffer from migraines experience visual symptoms called an "aura" just prior to an attack that is often described as seeing flashing lights. Migraine Headaches Each year, about 25 million people in the U.S. experience migraine headaches, and about 75% are women. Migraines are intense and throbbing headaches that are often associated with nausea and sensitivity to light or noise. They can last from as little as a few hours to as long as a few days. Many of those who suffer from migraines experience visual symptoms called an "aura" just prior to an attack that is often described as seeing flashing lights or that everything takes on a dream-like appearance. Migraine sufferers usually have their first attack before age 30 and they tend to run in families, supporting the notion that there is a genetic component to them. Some people have attacks several times a month; others have less than one a year. Most people find that migraine attacks occur less frequently and become less severe as they get older. Migraine headaches are caused by a constriction of the blood vessels in the brain, followed by a dilation of blood vessels. During the constriction of the blood vessels there is a decrease in blood flow, which is what leads to the visual symptoms that many people experience. Even in people who don’t experience the classic migraine aura, most of them can tell that an attack is immanent. Once the blood vessels dilate, there is a rapid increase in blood pressure inside the head. It is this increased pressure that leads to the pounding headache. Each time the heart beats it sends another shock wave through the carotid arteries in the neck up into the brain. There are many theories about why the blood vessels constrict in the first place, but no one knows for sure. What we do know is that there are a number of things that can trigger migraines, such as lack of sleep, stress, flickering lights, strong odors, changing weather patterns and several foods; especially foods that are high in an amino acid called ‘tyramine.’You can reduce the likelihood of migraine headaches by making some lifestyle changes. CLUSTER_HEADACHE.png Cluster headaches are typically very short in duration and are usually felt on one side of the head behind the eyes. Cluster Headaches Cluster headaches are typically very short in duration, excruciating headaches, usually felt on one side of the head behind the eyes. Cluster headaches affect about 1 million people in the United States and, unlike migraines, are much more common in men. This is the only type of headache that tends to occur at night. The reason that they are called ‘cluster’ headaches is that they tend to occur one to four times per day over a period of several days. After one cluster of headaches is over, it may be months or even years, before they occur again. Like migraines, cluster headaches are likely to be related to a dilation of the blood vessels in the brain, causing a localized increase in pressure. Chiropractic Care for Headaches Numerous research studies have shown that chiropractic adjustments are very effective for treating tension headaches, especially headaches that originate in the neck. A report released in 2001 by researchers at the Duke University Evidence-Based Practice Center in Durham, NC, found that "spinal manipulation resulted in almost immediate improvement for those headaches that originate in the neck, and had significantly fewer side effects and longer-lasting relief of tension-type headache than commonly prescribed medications." These findings support an earlier study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics that found spinal manipulative therapy to be very effective for treating tension headaches. This study also found that those who stopped chiropractic treatment after four weeks continued to experience a sustained benefit in contrast to those patients who received pain medication. Each individual’s case is different and requires a thorough evaluation before a proper course of chiropractic care can be determined. However, in most cases of tension headaches, significant improvement is accomplished through manipulation of the upper two cervical vertebrae, coupled with adjustments to the junction between the cervical and thoracic spine. This is also helpful in most cases of migraine headaches, as long as food and lifestyle triggers are avoided as well. Headache Trigger Points Trigger point therapy for headaches tends to involve four muscles: the Splenius muscles, the Suboccipitals, the Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) and the Trapezius. The Splenius muscles are comprised of two individual muscles – the Splenius Capitis and the Splenius Cervicis. Both of these muscles run from the upper back to either the base of the skull (splenius capitis) or the upper cervical vertebrae (splenius cervicis). Trigger points in the Splenius muscles are a common cause of headache pain that travels through the head to the back of the eye, as well as to the top of the head. The Suboccipitals are actually a group of four small muscles that are responsible for maintaining the proper movement and positioning between the first cervical vertebra and the base of the skull. Trigger points in these muscles will cause pain that feels like it’s inside the head, extending from the back of the head to the eye and forehead. Often times it will feel like the whole side of the head hurts, a pain pattern similar to that experienced with a migraine. The Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle runs from the base of the skull, just behind the ear, down the side of the neck to attach to the top of the sternum (breastbone). Although most people are not aware of the SCM trigger points, their effects are widespread, including referred pain, balance problems and visual disturbances. Referred pain patterns tend to be deep eye pain, headaches over the eye and can even cause earaches. Another unusual characteristic of SCM trigger points is that they can cause dizziness, nausea and unbalance. The trapezius muscle is the very large, flat muscle in the upper and mid back. A common trigger point located in the very top of the Trapezius muscle refers pain to the temple and back of the head and is sometimes responsible for headache pain. This trigger point is capable of producing satellite trigger points in the muscles in the temple or jaw, which can lead to jaw or tooth pain. Avoid Headache Triggers * Stress may be a trigger, but certain foods, odors, menstrual periods, and changes in weather are among many factors that may also trigger headache. * High blod pressure can give you a headache. It is important to keep a watchful eye on your blood pressure if you are getting headaches. * Emotional factors such as depression, anxiety, frustration, letdown, and even pleasant excitement may be associated with developing a headache. * Keeping a headache diary will help you determine whether factors such as food, change in weather, and/or mood have any relationship to your headache pattern. * Repeated exposure to nitrite compounds can result in a dull, pounding headache that may be accompanied by a flushed face. Nitrite, which dilates blood vessels, is found in such products as heart medicine and dynamite, but is also used as a chemical to preserve meat. Hot dogs and other processed meats containing sodium nitrite can cause headaches. * Eating foods prepared with monosodium glutamate (MSG) can result in headache. Soy sauce, meat tenderizer, and a variety of packaged foods contain this chemical which is touted as a flavor enhancer. * Headache can also result from exposure to poisons, even common household varieties like insecticides, carbon tetrachloride, and lead. Children who ingest flakes of lead paint may develop headaches. So may anyone who has contact with lead batteries or lead-glazed pottery. * Foods that are high in the amino acid tyramine should also be avoided, such as ripened cheeses (cheddar, brie), chocolate, as well as any food pickled or fermented foods. Contact us today! (813) 831-8321 or on the web <b>http://tampa.chiropractor-edelson.com</b> www.free-press-release.com/news-chiropractic-tampa-chiropractor-tampa-headaches-1255005770.html
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