Bursitis

Bursitis is when the bursa or “lubricating pad” of the shoulder joint becomes inflamed or irritated.       This is associated with pain in the shoulder with movement.  The bursa in the shoulder joint is very susceptible to nerve interference.  When the nerves to the bursa are not properly functioning, the bursa is unable to produce proper amounts of lubricant reducing its ability to lubricate.  Bursitis may also be a chemical problem that is related to diet.  This may also need to be addressed in conjunction with chiropractic adjustments.

During a chiropractic exam, nerve pressure is typically found in the areas of the lower neck, upper back or pelvis. Pressure on the nerves in these areas reduces the lubricating ability of the bursa.  Once the pressure is removed from the nerve with a specific chiropractic adjustment, the function of the bursa can be restored.  With a properly working bursa and a healthy nervous system, the shoulder should function properly without pain.

Shoulder Pain

Frozen shoulder is a term that describes the inability to fully move the arm in all directions. Typically a person has trouble lifting their arm to shoulder level or above. This can be seen in people of all ages and is usually not following an accident or injury. 

Chiropractors work with this type of issue by first evaluating the spine.  They will perform a thorough exam on the spine and nervous system paying close attention to the areas of the lower neck.  The nerves that travel out of the spinal column in this area communicate with the muscles of the shoulder that aid in movement.  If the nerves to the shoulder are pinched then the shoulder isn’t going to work as well.  If this pressure is removed from the nerve and the nerve has time to heal, normal function and movement will be regained in the shoulder. 

Allergies

Research shows that with regular chiropractic care, the body’s immune system will work more efficiently.  When the immune system is healthy and working properly it is better able to identify foreign objects such as dust, pollen, bacteria, mold, and dander.   Once detected, a healthy immune system will properly deal with these objects so the body is not harmed.  If the immune system is not working properly it can over react to these objects resulting in allergy symptoms such as runny nose, watery and itchy eyes, sneezing, and fatigue. 

Chiropractors can get great results with allergies by working with the immune system.  They typically find nerves pinched in the lower neck or low back as well.  Once the nerve pressure is removed with an adjustment by a chiropractor the immune system will work more efficiently.  If the immune system is not functioning properly, the body will over-produce histamine causing allergy type symptoms.   With a healthy and full functioning nervous system the body’s immune system will work properly and have a better ability to properly handle common allergens it is exposed to. 

Along with chiropractic adjustments and care, diet plays a big role in allergies as well.  Some foods to avoid include milk, orange juice, beer and refined foods.  These foods cause an increase in mucous production which is increased with allergies.  Helpful vitamins include vitamin A, vitamin B3, B6, vitamin C, vitamin E.  Standard process supplements that help with allergies include Allerplex, Antronex, Cal-Amo.

Asthma

Your lungs are made up of 150 to 300 million air sacs. If they were spread out flat they would cover an area the size of a tennis court!  Unfortunately when a person suffers from asthma the airways to the lungs do not function properly.

There are two things happening when a person has asthma.  The first is the airways become restricted due to constriction or tightening of the muscles which hold the airway open.  The second is the lining of the airways become inflamed as well as produce extra mucus.  Chiropractors work with the nerves of your body that communicate with the muscles holding your airways open as well as with your immune system which is involved in the inflammatory response.  When you have a healthy nervous system your body is able to fight off any invaders that trigger the asthma attack.  Also by having a full functioning nervous system the signals from the brain to the muscles of the airways are uninterrupted allowing for easy breathing. 

Chiropractors generally find nerve pressure in the middle to upper back and occasionally in the neck regions.  Great results have been achieved with specific chiropractic adjustments to these areas removing the nerve pressure and allowing the nervous system to function properly and reduce the risk of asthma attacks.

Children's Health

            During the month of August we will be discussing different topics on children’s health.  Some of these topics include: scoliosis, ADHD, bed wetting, colic and nutrition to name a few.

            Children’s spines need chiropractic care just as adult spines do.  There is a very traumatic event in most children’s life when they are born.  It is the called the birthing process and can have a major negative impact on the child’s spine and development if left uncorrected.  These minor misaligned vertebrae have a potential to cause major health issues as the child’s nervous system begins to develop and wire together.  The sooner a chiropractor can detect this nerve pressure the faster it can be corrected preventing more damage.

            During the first year of the life, the spine develops the most growing from 24cm to 36cm in length.  This is about a fifty percent increase in length in one year.  The next periods of rapid growth in the spine are ages one to five and again during the teenage years.  It is important for a chiropractor to detect any spinal misalignment as early as possible to allow the spine to develop properly during these times of rapid growth.  Once detected, a chiropractor will deliver a low force specific adjustment to the proper vertebrae removing pressure on the nerve and gradually realigning the spine. 

Skin Health

        During the month of July we will be discussing different topics that involve skin health and some issues that may arise.  We will look at how this is related to your nervous system and how a chiropractic exam could benefit.  Some of the topics we will cover this month include: Shingles, Sun burn, Psoriasis, Eczema, and Acne.

          The largest organ of your body is your skin.  Just like every organ in the body, without proper nerve supply it would not have the ability to function properly.  Your skin is a great window that shows the health of the inside of the body. When there are unhealthy organs within the body, they may show as signs on the skin such as rashes, pimples, eczema, psoriasis, shingles, etc.  Along with protecting your body form the environment, the skin also helps expel toxins and is host to bacteria that aid in protection. 

          Some recommendations along with regular chiropractic care are to avoid applying chemicals (make-up, sunscreen, perfume, lotion, etc) to the skin, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables,  drink the recommended amount of water daily, and  take vitamins A,C,E, and Omega-3 to support healthy skin from the inside.

Heart Health: A Chiropractic Approach

Heart disease is one of our nation’s number one causes of death, for men, and men are two times more likely than women to have issues with their hearts.  One of the most common reasons for hospitalization for people over the age of 65 is heart failure.  Although family and genetics play a role in risk factors so do life style choices.  Some factors that you have control over include smoking, stress, excessive weight, lack of physical activity, diets high in saturated fat, etc.

But don’t forget, the heart is connected to the nervous system, and like any organ in the body it functions properly when there is no interference in communication.  Chiropractors relieve the stress placed on the heart by removing the nerve pressure, caused by a subluxation in the spine, with a specific adjustment to that area.  Studies show that a specific chiropractic adjustment to the upper neck can have a positive effect on significantly lowering blood pressure for an extended period of time; and also that adjustment applied to the neck and or lower back can decrease overall heart rate and blood pressure.  Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeats have been alleviated with adjustments to the upper back which would have nerve supply directly to the heart.   Regular chiropractic care along with healthy lifestyle choices can help you have a healthier heart.

It's the perfect time to call the office and make an appointment to ask one of the doctors all of your questions about keeping your heart healthy and strong.

Prostate Health: A Chiropractic Approach

Like any organ in the body, the prostate gland is in constant communication with the brain and if that communication is disrupted the prostate is not working at its optimal level.  This makes it more difficult for the prostate to function normally, as well as ward off bacteria or viruses that may play a role in some forms of prostatitis.  If there is a subluxation involved, (typically in the lower back), then it is likely that the prostate will respond to specific adjustments performed by a chiropractor.  Some common symptoms associated with an unhealthy prostate include the inability to empty the bladder, decreased urine flow, and increase in frequency of urination at night, to name just a few.  Another issue that typically gets good results with specific adjustments to the lower back is erectile dysfunction.  When the prostate is unhealthy, the sex organs are involved making it difficult for some men to function normally on their own.

Interestingly, 80% of men with chronic low back pain also have prostate problems! A study done, by Dr. Winsor, found that eight out of eight male subjects who were having prostate problems also had nerve interference in the lumbar region of their backs.  This shows that a lack of communication with the prostate gland may have a role in the function and overall health of the prostate.  Restoring communication, with specific chiropractic adjustments, will help achieve or maintain a healthy prostate.

If you have questions, or are experiencing symptoms that you think may be related to prostate health, call our office and make an appointment to speak to Dr. Hackbart, Dr. Folkers, or Dr. Isaacson about restoring the nerve communication to the prostate gland. Chemical medications or invasive procedures should never be a first course of action.  Instead of masking symptoms with temporary fixes, the natural healing of chiropractic care should always be the first choice for restoring health and eliminating the root cause of the problem.

June is Men's Health Month: Why Do You Need a Sports Exam?

During the month of June we will be looking at and discussing different topics that involve men’s health.  Some examples of issues covered this month include:  sports performance, prostate health, heart health, “tough guy” syndrome and nutrition.

Amateur and professional athletes are starting to make chiropractic care a top priority in their training.  The three main ways chiropractic care helps enhance sports performance are:

1. injury prevention
2. recovery time after an injury
3. getting to the cause of the problem.

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Chiropractors work first and foremost with the nervous system of the body which controls every movement and function of the body.   An unhealthy nervous system could lead to a lack of balance, coordination, flexibility, and range of motion to name a few.  All of these may lead to injuries during sports activities.  If the nervous system is healthy, and functioning properly, a person will not only improve on all the aforementioned activities, but also have the ability to excel in their sport, while reducing the amount of time the body takes to recover after an event or injury.  Chiropractors will examine the athlete’s spine, and biomechanics, checking for any nerve pressure or misaligned vertebrae which may compromise the function of the nervous system.  Once these are removed, with specific adjustments, the body has the ability to perform at its optimal levels.

Call Hackbart Chiropractic, today, to schedule a sports exam or to speak to one of the doctors about your health questions.

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Irregular Menses: A Chiropractic Approach

Irregular menses may be caused by the nerve supply to the ovaries being restricted. This would indicate that there is a subluxation or nerve pressure in the mid to low back region. The nerves that exit the spine in these regions supply and communicate with the ovaries. Once the nerve pressure is removed the lines of communication can be restored allowing proper function of the ovaries.

An absence of menses or amenorrhea may be due to several factors. If a female allows herself to become very lean and reduces her body fat to a bare minimum amenorrhea can occur, naturally, due to a decreased amount of hormones. The area of focus for a chiropractor would be the upper neck region which supplies or communicates with the pituitary gland or the mid to low back region which supplies the adrenal glands that regulate reproductive hormone levels. Once the pressure on the nerves in these areas is removed, the body can begin to regulate its hormone levels. With proper hormone levels and time the body can start to cycle as it should.

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Call the office to make an appointment to visit with one of our doctors, if you experience any of these issues.  They are effectively and healthfully treated without the use of chemical or invasive medical interventions, by many of our patients.  When you call, ask about patient testimonials that share their success in overcoming this problem.  Make a choice for lifelong health by increasing your knowledge and understanding of spinal health.  We're excited to show you how!

Hemorrhoids: A Chiropractic Approach

Typically, chiropractic patients get great results and relief for their hemorrhoids, as their body responds to correction of the subluxations, or nerve pressure, found in the L4 and L5 area of the low back.  Occasionally, hemorrhoids are the result of sacral or pelvic subluxations.  When the pressure is removed from the nerve, the muscles that control the dilation and constriction of the blood vessels in the bowels will function properly and potentially reduce the hemorrhoids.

Other advice for hemorrhoid reduction is to avoid white flour and white sugar, which will help to establish regular bowel habits.  One to two ounces of Aloe Vera juice, a day, can help any type of intestinal irritations and support healthy bowel habits, as well.  Drinking plenty of water and or taking Fen-Cho (a Standard Process product) will help keep the bowels loose while the hemorrhoids are healing.  Strengthening the abdominal musculature may also help in the reduction of hemorrhoids.  Collinsonia Root, which is another great Standard Process product, will help with vascular toning and correction of hemorrhoids and varicose veins.

If you, or someone you love, suffers with hemorrhoids, call the office and make an appointment to consult with one of the doctors about how you can get lasting relief through consistent chiropractic care.

Gastric And Peptic Ulcers: A Chiropractic Approach

Peptic ulcers can be felt 15-30 minutes after eating and may be caused by too little mucus being secreted by the cells of the stomach.  Chiropractors relate this problem to a subluxation or nerve pressure in the mid- to upper-neck region.  This area is involved with the parasympathetic nervous system.  By removing the pressure on the nerves, it will restore mucus production to the cells of the stomach.

Gastric ulcers may subside 20 minutes after eating and may be aggravated by an increase in hydrochloric acid in the stomach.  Chiropractors look for nerve pressure in the middle of the back and, if no response is seen, they will look in the upper neck region. Once the pressure is removed and the nerve function is restored the stomach can function normally.   Also recommended is eliminating certain foods such as coffee and sugar from the diet.  Niacinamide found in corn and pork will help aid in stomach tissue regeneration as well as vitamin A and/or Gastrex Capsules, both products in the Standard Process supplement line.   Increasing water consumption has also been shown to help with digestive tract problems as many people are dehydrated and don’t realize that they are.

Acid Reflux: A Chiropractic Approach

Acid reflux is caused by your stomach producing too little, or too much, digestive enzymes or gastric acid.  By working with the mid-back region, and the neck, chiropractors can help restore normal function of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system, which regulate the function of stomach digestion.

The muscle preventing the backward flow of stomach contents is sensitive to the amount of acid in the stomach.  When more acid is being produced in the stomach, the tighter the muscle contracts, preventing the reverse flow of stomach contents.  If there is not enough acid being produced by your stomach, the muscle will be more lax and more likely to allow reverse flow. If you experience heartburn, on an empty stomach, your body is producing too much gastric acid and this could be a result of interference with the parasympathetic system. Both are causes of too little or too much gastric acid production.  Along with adjustments, we also suggest Raw Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar, available in our office or many health food stores, Gastrex (a supplement produced by Standard Process, also available at Hackbart Chiropractic), and a healthy diet.

Stomach and Digestive Disorders: April Condition of the Month

April is stomach health month, so we will be discussing topics involving the stomach and digestive tract.  We will be looking at some common issues related to these areas and ways chiropractic care can help.   Be watching for the first post in the series, on April 1.  It will be "Acid Reflux: A Chiropractic Approach".

Sinus Headaches: A Chiropractic Approach

A build up of pressure within the sinus cavities can become painful and cause pressure in the head, creating a sinus headache.  The pain or pressure is felt in the forehead or eyes and is typically caused by a buildup of pressure within the sinus cavity due to the inability of the sinuses to drain.  There are other factors that contribute to sinus headaches such as cervicogenic components or problems arising from the neck region due to misaligned vertebrae creating nerve pressure.

Chiropractors work on reducing the nerve pressure by restoring proper spinal alignment to the neck through a series of specific adjustments to the subluxated or misaligned vertebrae.  Once the pressure is removed from the nerve and it begins to heal, the sinuses will have the ability to drain properly.   Specific chiropractic care to the area of the neck can reduce the tension of the soft palate and or muscles of the throat, reduce swelling around the openings of the sinuses, and restore alignment of the neck.  These will all allow the sinuses to drain normally and prevent future problems with sinus pressure.  All of these can be achieved without harmful side effects and are safe for people of every age.

Migraine Headaches: a Chiropractic Approach

Classified into two types, common and classic, migraine headaches normally cover half of the forehead and one eye. The pain however can also spread from the back of the head or be located behind both eyes. The common migraine is less severe than the classic and is often associated with a pulsing headache and nausea. The classic migraine is preceded by an ‘aura’ which is described as flashing lights as well as light sensitivity. Migraines are thought to be caused by changes in the function of the nervous system or vascular system as well as chemical imbalances within the body.

With chiropractic care all of these causes can be addressed. Chiropractors work with the nervous system which can indirectly make changes to the vascular system as well as the chemical balance of the body. With migraine headaches the common area to adjust is in the upper or lower neck. Both of these areas contain nerves which would control the fore mentioned systems that cause the migraines. Along with chiropractic adjustments, chiropractors can help to identify specific triggers as well as give nutritional advice. Some common supplements that have been shown to help with migraines include omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, vitamin D, and others.

Relieving Tension Headaches with Chiropractic

Tension headaches typically start at the back of your head and move forward eventually including your neck, scalp, and head.  It feels like having a tight band across your head.  Some common causes of tension headaches include:

1. staying in one position for long periods of time
2. stress
3. nerve irritation.

Chiropractors work on removing the pressure on the nerve by delivering a specific adjustment.  In the case of a tension headache, the most common areas to be adjusted are up in the neck.  When improper signals are sent to the musculature of the neck is causes them to tighten up putting a lot of tension on the neck and back of the head.   When a chiropractor removes the pressure of the nerve with an adjustment to the region of the neck, proper communication can once again be restored between the brain and rest of the body.

Along with an adjustment, other helpful measures to resolve tension headaches include:

• B complex vitamins
• avoiding being in a fixed position for long periods of time (computer use, reading)
• low impact exercises
• avoid gum chewing or teeth clinching
• drinking at least eight 8 oz glasses of water daily

Headaches and Chiropractic

Caffeine, low blood sugar, muscle spasm, stress, lack of sleep, dehydration, nerve irritation and noises -- what do they all have in common?  They're all triggers or causes of headaches and migraines.

Each week, throughout March, we will be talking about and discussing headaches. We will talk about the different types and triggers, of each, as well as what chiropractic can do to help. The types of headaches we will cover include:

• tension headaches
• cluster headaches
• migraine headaches
• sinus headaches
• organic headaches.

According to the American Chiropractic Association, nine out of ten people have suffered from a headache at some point in time.  Headaches can be categorized into several different groups such as tension, cluster, or migraine.  These three types constitute ninety-five percent of all headaches.  However, it isn't the group that is important, but rather, the cause.  A majority of these headaches are caused by tension in the neck.  When people spend a large quantity of time in fixed positions or postures, such as sitting at a computer desk, joint irritation and muscle tension are common.  Other triggers of headaches include nerve irritation and improper nutrition.

Ten percent of all patients, seeing a chiropractor, suffer from headaches.  Fortunately, ninety-five percent of the time, headaches will respond favorably to chiropractic adjustments.  A report released by the Duke University Evidence-based Practice Center, in Durham, NC, found that chiropractic adjustments resulted in immediate improvement of headaches that originated from the neck; and had significantly fewer side effects, with longer-lasting relief than when using prescription medications.  The American Chiropractic Association recommends taking a break and stretching, every thirty minutes, if you spend a lot of time in one position.  Also recommended, is drinking eight glasses of water each day, low impact exercise and avoiding teeth clenching, to reduce the incidence of headaches.

What can chiropractic do for someone who is suffering from headaches and migraines?  First and foremost, a chiropractor can relieve and reduce nerve irritation and allow proper spinal function, reducing the amount of stress on the body.  They achieve this by performing a specific adjustment to areas of the spine that show evidence of inflammation and/or subluxation.

Chiropractors can also advise you about proper ergonomics and posture, stretching techniques and nutritional information.  With extensive training, specializing in the human anatomy and physiology of the nervous system, chiropractors have all the tools needed to help.  Don't be in the ten percent of Americans who needlessly suffers from headaches and migraines.  Call our office, today, for a consultation appointment with one of our doctors.

Healing Ear Infections, Naturally, with Chiropractic

Ear infections, or otitis media, account for more than 35% of visits to the pediatrician each year.  According to the American Chiropractic Association, almost half of all children will have at least one middle ear infection before they're one-year-old; and two thirds of them will have an ear infection by age three.

So, what is an ear infection and what are some signs your child may display?  The National Institute of Health (NIH) defines an ear infection as an inflammation of the middle ear and a buildup of fluid behind the eardrum.  Common signs that your child may be experiencing an ear infection include:

• tugging or pulling at the ears
• crying
• trouble sleeping
• fever
• problems with balance
• trouble hearing

Because of the structure of a child's ear, they are more susceptible to ear infections.  Despite the routine use of antibiotics, incidence of ear infections (otitis media) with fluid (effusion), in the United States, has increased by 250% from 1975 to 1990.  Is there a better solution?  Yes!

With a chiropractic adjustment, the nerves affecting the ear can be freed from interference, allowing the ear to drain off any fluid and function properly.  Chronic infections can lead to permanent hearing damage or loss as well as developmental delays.  Don't wait to have your child checked by a chiropractor!