Career In Chiropractic Care - Excellent Job Opportunities Available

Chiropractic job market is hot. Irrespective of whether the general job market is up or down, the demand for chiropractic care givers is growing. Chiropractic care professionals have no problems with job security or stability. Thanks to the baby boomers that are now aging and asking for choices in health care and also chiropractic care being the 'in' thing, job market for chiropractic care is expanding. Insurance companies have also accepted chiropractic care as legitimate and are issuing more policies covering chiropractic treatment.

While it has become easy to find employment as a chiropractic care professional, there is also the option of starting one's own practice after you have gained yourself a good reputation. With more and more Americans accepting holistic treatment for the betterment of their health and as an option to surgery, chiropractic jobs are only set to increase further.

The numbers also support the soundness of a decision to take up a chiropractic job. A salary survey for chiropractic jobs conducted in 2002 estimated the average annual salary for this profession at $65,330. People in private practice of course, earned far higher amounts than those in jobs in chiropractic care profession. Average income for an independent practitioner was nearly $81,000. Factors that impact the earning potential of chiropractic jobs include reputation, location, and advanced licensing in related disciplines like orthopaedics and geriatric care. As the salaries prove, this is a lucrative job market.

Increase in awareness about holistic healthcare and an aversion to medication that involves high cost or side effects has also led to the growth of chiropractic care. Americans are more aware now and also willing to try alternative remedies. Besides, in certain cases surgery cannot be performed due to medical reasons, leaving only the alternative of chiropractic care. Surgery involves pain and discomfort. On the other hand, chiropractic care alleviates pain. Side effects of medicines are also not a cause for fear if opting for chiropractic care. This treatment is a natural and gentle alternative to conventional medicine.

Patients also tend to form a lifelong bond with their chiropractors, rarely if ever changing them once they start treatment. So starting your chiropractic care practice in a location that does not have an oversupply of chiropractors would surely prove to be rewarding. Patients tend to change their chiropractor only if the chiropractor is retiring.

Without a doubt, chiropractic jobs are increasing by the day. This is a speciality area and with its holistic practices will be in demand in the foreseeable future. Making your career in chiropractic jobs will prove to be a good and remunerative decision. Conducting thorough research in chiropractic jobs will be your first step to starting a career with a bright future.

Visiting Your Chiropractor

How much pain can your back take? Strained and tired muscles surrounding your spine can be an extremely bothersome experience which can interfere with your effective performance at work or at home. Often this can affect the way to deliver your deadlines and perform your tasks.

The good news though is that there are several remedies to back pain that one can apply.These remedies range from a good variety of stress relief exercises, yoga poses, herbal remedies and relaxing massages. Many also prefer to resort to professional chiropractor to properly align the joints and the spinal discs of your strained and tired back.

Chiropractic manipulation also known as chiropractic adjustment, involves several professional techniques to help align your back. It is generally painless and can be relaxing at several times. In chiropractors office, a trained professional will use his or her hands, similar to several relaxing massage techniques, in order to work on the muscles and joints of the body around the spine.

Chiropractic visits are generally recommended for those experiencing back pains due to scoliosis or advanced osteoporosis. It is no secret that the wrong alignment of spinal discs can put much tension and strain to the back muscles and can result to chronic and intense back pain.

Aside from chiropractic manipulation, your trained professional chiropractor may also recommend the use of braces and the practice of several back stretching exercises to help maintain proper spinal alignment and relieve back pain. The reason behind this being, is that proper exercise can facilitate good blood flow or good blood circulation in the back muscles which can in turn help in repairing damaged muscular tissues.

A professional chiropractor may also recommend the intake of calcium and vitamin D and K supplements to strengthen our bone structure and prevent the progression of osteoporosis. Food rich in calcium includes dairy products such as milk and cheese as well as seafood. Fish, shells, shrimps and lobsters are good sources of calcium as well. On the other hand, vitamins D and K which in turn helps our body absorb calcium can be found in green leafy vegetables such as spinach and broccoli.

Always remember that your regular visit to the chiropractor should be complemented with a strictly monitored diet and proper exercise in order to help facilitate the fast healing of your painful back. Likewise, should you feel that your back pains become more intense and chronic, it may also be good to seek a second opinion as these could be symptoms of problems in your internal organs such as the kidneys or urinary tract.

Tips On Attending Chiropractor School

What do you need to do to become a chiropractor? Most people are not aware of all that goes into becoming a chiropractor. Often, this profession does not get enough attention. The fact is that you will learn just as much if not more when you attending schooling as compared to that of when you are learning to become a general medical doctor. The road to becoming a chiropractor starts with becoming familiar with what it is that you will face along the journey.

A good chiropractic school should be sought first. The good news is that this practice is offered through most schools that teach medical science. In fact, most people will spend an additional amount of time picking out just the right school for them. This will allow you to get the education that you need and ultimately will allow you to have the prestige of one school or another. Chiropractor school is a long journey, though, from actually becoming a chiropractor.

The individual that wants to become a chiropractor will need to dedicate himself to a course of study that fits with the needs of this licensing. Additionally, the course hours of science of the human body are generally just as long and difficult as those that are in the realm of medical doctors. Often, there is a greater need for these courses during chiropractor school.

After attending the chiropractic school, there is an additional time of learning that is done after graduation. During this time, the chiropractic doctor will work as an intern and in the field to get first hand knowledge that is very much necessary. This is usually a good deal of time.

Once these things are done the person that wants to become a chiropractor will need to apply for a license. Of course, passing of the necessary exams is necessary and this is generally done to allow you passage into the internship program. To secure the necessary license, the right amount of intern hours need to be spent. Once this is done, the individual can and will become a chiropractor.

There is no doubt that it will take quite a while to learn all that needs to be done to become a chiropractor. Often, the road will be difficult with learning on a first hand basis being some of the most challenging of all aspects. Still, through all of this, the benefits of chiropractic care can not be limited. There are plenty opportunities to help individuals to find the help that they ultimately need to succeed in their level of health care. To become a chiropractor, work hard to obtain the necessary schooling, intern hours and ultimately the knowledge necessary to succeed.

Personal Health Care and Common Cold Remedies

True health is harmony between the individual (body, mind, heart and soul) and his or her environment. - unknown

Your personal health care is the most important thing as it is the best long-term investment you can do for yourself. In the short term it fixes the discomfort and the mood. In the long term it sharpens the mind, improves sleep patterns and boosts the energy. Body is getting older everyday, so you're doing yourself a favour by getting it to the top shape now.

Also don't be a tough guy or girl and ignore the pain. Have ANY DISCOMFORT checked as soon as possible. Don't allow your ego to ignore the problem! Fix it NOW before it's too late! Healthy body feels good. Ideally, under normal circumstances, it should be free of any pain and discomfort.

Put up your best hopes and intentions and become your own doctor applying fixes on as many fronts as possible. Healthy diet, multi-vitamins, gently increasing exercise intensity, positive mindset, and some self-hypnosis can play a huge role in your health project. Either one of the fixes will work, or the accumulation of many small things will add up to a grand result (Kaizen).

Try to get to the root of each problem and fix it long term - not masking it with drugs. Start with a physical exam: check your chemistry, blood and urin. Then start researching and fixing whatever is broken.

If you're recovering from an accident do a lot of sleeping, physiotherapy, Shiatsu massage, acupuncture and Chinese medicine, and multi-vitamin. Follow all that with chiropractic adjustments to help the body with the healing process. The spinal cord, which is enclosed in the spine, carries all the healing impulses from the brain to the entire body, so it is crucial that the spine allows the central nervous system to operate flawlessly.

Here are some useful tips on Top Performance Health:

• Become your own doctor, do your own research, assume responsibility


• Talk to doctors from the angle of super health and top performance


• Check your spine for any problems and see a chiropractor to fix them if any


• Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water and 1-3 cups of green tea throughout the day


• Have a shot of Wheatgrass juice and Acai berries smoothie few times a week


• Consume uncooked/raw vegetables and eat healthy as much as possible


• Replace white rice/bread/sugar with brown and whole wheat equivalents


• Significantly limit dairy, meat, salt, simple sugars, coffee, alcohol and bad fats


• Exercise 3 to 5 times per week, walk and take stairs as much as possible


• Breathe through your nose and into your lower abs as often as you can


• Find your purpose - a worthwhile reason to get up joyful every morning

You will feel good, light, sharp, clear, and full of energy within days. You will effortlessly lose excess weight in a matter of weeks without dieting (ie. eating just the right size meals regularly throughout the day). You will look and feel healthy. Your body will start to heal immediately and you will see the top health progress after a few weeks. After a couple of months you will feel exploding with energy and jumping for joy!

Get pH Balance strips (little orange paper strips available at Health Stores) and measure your body's alkaline/acidity level (touch the orange paper to saliva on your tongue for a few seconds). With the top performance diet (lots of blueberries and green tea) you can easily achieve a healthy range (around 7.0). Acidic level (below 5.5) is a perfect environment for illness.

Pay attention to what your body is trying to tell you. At one point I started getting a sugar-ill feeling. It stayed with me for a few hours at a time. I kept being hungry all day and my teeth became super sensitive to sugar for no reason. Finally I figured that it was a nudge to watch my sugar intake when I relaxed my strict healthy diet regime after about a year. As soon as I limited my sugar and sweets, everything was fine within a day!

I wish you a super health and top performance of your body, mind, heart and spirit:)

Common Cold Remedies

I used to get common cold every few months on consistent basis. Since I started applying all the diet and exercise changes, and getting chiropractic adjustments,the common cold virus was catching me less and less often.

Currently I don't get sick at all, but it does happen that I feel a virus attacking me. The beginning is very subtle, but it's very important to act IMMEDIATELY. I know it's happening when I feel a little bit weaker, my throat is a bit itchy, and I have a very minor congestion.

The best way to fight cold is with heat (staying warm) and internal fire (hot spicy food). I can get rid of cold symptoms within 24-48 hours and be 99% healthy by day 3-4.

"Operation fix" as I call it, consists of the following 1-3 times per day for a few days:

• Arthur's Very Berry smoothie and orange juice with Greens+


• Large MaxVeggie juice and 2oz. shot of E3Live or Wheatgrass (at Jugo Juice)


• Super spicy Chicken Soup like Vietnamese Pho Ga or spicy Thai cuisine


• Tabasco, horseradish, pepper, Japanse wasabi, Indian curry, Mexican sauces


• Lots of garlic, onion, spinach, carrot, beet, parsley, and green salad or pita


• Herbs: hot water inhalation with chamomile, mint, linden/lime, or eucalyptus


• Fruit: ruby red grapefruit, apple, raspberries, lemon, orange, kiwi


• Hot Green Tea with Mint Oil, Propolis, lemon juice and a few raspberries


• Vitamin C (2000mg maximum per day) and/or multi-vitamin


• 1-5 minutes of sun exposure at a tanning salon (Vitamin D and the Sun light)


• Steam Room at the gym (with addition of Eucalyptus oil) - deep breathing


• When breathing, visualize good air going in (nose) and virus going out (mouth)


• Heat yoga at the gym, and possibly light cardio (elliptical or bike)


• Go to sleep early and get plenty of rest (nap throughout the day as needed)


• Dress warm (day and night to sweat it out - sleep with fleece, scarf, hat, sweat pants and socks on)


• Chiropractic adjustment (C4-5 & T3) and Paraliminal Perfect Health self-hypnosis


• Relaxing meditation at home with focus on deep breathing (into lower abs)


• Mentally feel healthy (intention) - affirm to self that body just needs a little break


• If the Cold feels strong, I'll take Advil Cold & Sinus or ColdFX


• If nose is congested, I'll spray 2 shots of Nasonex into each nostril


• If you don't get better within a week, consider a light & quick antibiotic


• When feeling "almost" well (no sore throat, no runny nose) - restart cardio exercise

You can get most of the products at quality supermarkets, health stores and pharmacies. Continue the operation minimum for 2 days or as long as required. Usually you'll feel a lot better in the morning.

The super spicy Vietnamese Chicken Soup clears my mucus, sinus, stomach heavyness, breathing, sleepiness, and overall sluggishness. Basically it restores my male power Chi (energy) in the chest and nicely heats up the insides! The best thing once in a while!

Super short (1-5 minutes) tanning sessions are like a blessing for me, especially during cold winters. I somewhat meditate while under the light and feel an amazing tingling energy all over my body, like the Vitamin D and the strong light were working miracles.

Note: consider wearing sunscreen when tanning.

You can get most of the products at quality supermarkets, health stores and pharmacies. Continue the operation minimum for 2 days or as long as required. Usually you'll feel a lot better in the morning.

The super spicy Vietnamese Chicken Soup clears my mucus, sinus, stomach heavyness, breathing, sleepiness, and overall sluggishness. Basically it restores my power Chi (energy) in the chest and nicely heats up the insides! The best thing once in a while!

Super short (1-5 minutes) tanning sessions are like a blessing for me, especially during cold winters. I somewhat meditate while under the light and feel an amazing tingling energy all over my body, like the Vitamin D and the strong light were working miracles.

Note: consider wearing sunscreen when tanning.

Mucus and Milk (cow, goat, soy)

I discussed mucus in my throat problem with Laryngologist (Ear Nose Throat doctor). He checked my vocal chords which were fine, and booked me for a cat scan of sinuses (please see this important x-ray warning). He confirmed my findings about the negative effects of Cow Milk and enzymes it contains.

Laryngologist told me he sees three long-term solutions:

1. Do nothing (my final answer after trying Nexium)
2. Try a medication (Nexium or Avamys)
3. Have an operation to adjust nasal passage (I don't think so!)

Currently I am consuming a maximum of 1 litre of goat milk per week, and if it's not available I opt for just a bit of soy milk (ie. with coffee) or lactose-free milk. Soy milk isn't the best beverage when it comes to men's libido and not so great for anybody in general, but I let you read up on that.

After about a month after I switched to goat milk the major changes were better and clearer voice and a lot less mucus.

I found that a Super Spicy and healthy Vietnamese Chicken Soup (Pho Ga) nicely clears mucus in my throat, sinus congestion, stomach bloating, breathing, sleepiness, and overall sluggishness. It basically restores my power Chi in the chest.

In a herbal medicine book I read that a spicy chicken soup or spicy meals once a day for a few weeks can get help break up the mucus (rarefaction) and allow the the body to better release and dissolve it from the throat.

Once there is relief, body can take over and heal itself by destroying throat bacteria and restoring lining in the throat that transports the mucus out. This natural remedy really worked for me. It is also for good for dealing with Asthma.

A resource for your further consideration:
Mucus Cleansing Foods

Chiropractor and Total Health

I spoke to 3 different chiropractors about my skiing mishap, my uneven body weight distribution (right side was heavier by a few pounds as revealed at a Total Health expo), and about top performance health and long life.

I experienced three different levels of chiropractic adjustments, from very strong and physical, through gentle, to purely emotional and spiritual. With the last one, I've seen people crying and laughing at the same time as deeply set emotions were released free.

For me (big guy), with a few crashes and accidents in my history, I felt that the strongest physical adjustment was the best. My first adjustment released a series of cracks in my neck like firing a machine gun. Right away I felt a huge relief and within a few hours an amazing joy came over me. Something was really blocking those nerves in my neck.

The spinal cord, which is enclosed in the spine, carries all impulses from the brain to the entire body, so it is crucial that the spine allows the central nervous system to operate flawlessly. Every organ in the body is affected by blockages (sublaxations) in the spine.

If you live in Toronto, below are the three clinics I visited a few times each (ie. shopping around).

• Dr. Brian Wolfs - personally I've had the best results with this chiropractor.
  Receive 80% off the initial consultation, examination and x-rays with the referral;
  100 Guestville Avenue, Toronto, 416.763.0034


• Dr. Elizabeth Viglasky - very gentle adjustments - my mother prefers this chiropractor.
  Receive free initial consulatation, examination, x-rays and adjustment with referral;
  Healing Source, 2425 Bloor Street West #410, Toronto, 416.604.4184


• Dr. Anthony Posa - I've experienced amazing energetic healing with this chiropractor.
  Receive free initial consultation and examination with the referral information;
  2801 Keele Street #202, Toronto, 416.638.2225

A few notes straight out of my Journal:

Went to see Dr. Brian Wolfs chiropractor first thing in the morning and got xray of my spine done. So according to Dr. Wolfs my spine is fine. My off-balance problem is not static (nothing is visibly wrong). It is dynamic. Gotta research that. The problem that he saw was no natural curve in my neck. He made a neck adjustment. It clicked on the left side like a machine gun. On the right there was a single click or two [note it's the spine movement that really counts, not the cracking]. It felt pretty good after! Good energy flow. [Few hour later] Driving back from cooking class I really feel and see the difference now.

Some major blockage was opened. Vision super crystal clear, voice low & deep (with resonance), words clearly articulated, feeling light, good, and full of Chi energy. Wow! Later did research on my case. Lateral twist of the spine is common and usually causes uneven hips and shoulders. Cause of it is head not being in the right place (uneven head level, not sitting right). Main treatment is in the C1-C2 area, and the rest will fix itself overtime. C1-C2 sublaxations may cause fatigue and low energy - hmm interesting. To heal, need to fix 3x/week for a few weeks to train the muscles to stay that way and not come back to the old (broken) state. Good sleep and good dreams. Self-woke at 7:50am and didn't need coffee in the morning!!!!

Went to see Dr. Elizabeth at Bloor and Jane. She did some tests on me and found a few things: tight right hip, problems in fore-elbows/forearms, shoulders, some heart area spine problems, and poor neck flexibility. She did the scale test and the difference was around 12lbs. She says it went down [from the expo time] because I already had an adjustment. She told me I can grab xrays from the other doctor. She did discuss the whole spine with me and showed me some other minor-ish problems. She also did a whole spine adjustment. Felt good after, but not the same as after Dr. Worlfs. [My mother felt healthier and more energetic within few weeks].

[Couple of months later] So I noticed that my lower back pain is gone! Few things: vibrating and hot chair cushion for a few hours, shiatsu, chiropractic adjustments, posture and proper sitting, and last but not least, back exercises at the gym! Interesting.

I asked Dr. Wolfs to have a look at my mid-back which hurts when riding my bike. Shiatsu therapist noticed something there, but she couldn't help. Dr. Wolfs noticed it too and said it's a rib. He cleared the sublaxation (it clicked like mad), and I felt such a relief after.

At Dr. Wolfs I mentioned this weekend's episode with shoulder, neck, and side of a head. He felt my shoulder and felt the knot - technically a shiatsu material. He made an adjustment, which clicked like crazy. I felt a huge relief, and about an hour later, I felt a healthy tingling, like the healing energy or nutrients were rushing there to fix everything. It felt like a leg that was "asleep" and now the blood is rushing in there, kinda nice tingly feeling. Really cool.

Told Dr. Wolfs that I feel so good these days it's crazy! He says that's what happens when you unblock the nervous system. Your family's and personal health care is top priority to Dr. Wolfs. I think that's fantastic.

Back pain tips from the pre-chiropractor days:

• Apply heat gel pads to your back when it hurts - it really works.


• Get vibrating and electric heat lumbar support for your home/office chair.


• Exercise back at the gym (eg. back hyper extension; start slow and safely!).


• Exercise for the forward-head syndrome: Back to the wall, thin pillow (2in) mid back, move head horizontally backwards to touch the wall. Human brain weighs 3 pounds;)

Cholesterol (HDL and LDL)

My physical exam blood test results were just barely within norms. I had to drop LDL (bad cholesterol) big time and increase HDL (good cholesterol) slightly. See your physician to book a blood test and get your exact numbers.

To easily transition into the Top Health eating habits, I did a colon cleanse and candida cleanse, which forced my go out of my way to hunt down healthy food and habits. After that ordeal, it was a lot easier to maintain the healhy diet. In fact, the unhealthy food made me feel ill (ie. like putting cheap gas into a high-end car).

Soluble fibre is the key for bad cholesterol loss. I found that President's Choice Blue Menu Fibre First cereal is the perfect addition to the wholesome breakfast in the morning. Occasional fibre supplement sprinkled on top of a dish or salad also helps. The fibre cereal is also a life saver when I get hungry late at night as it has no sugar and fibre digests for a long time. I have it with water and then I fall asleep pretty quick.

Few interesting points about Cholesterol management:

• Eat healthy, quit smoking, lose weight, exercise and have a chat with your doctor


• Exercise 3-5 times per week for minimum 20 minutes and preferably in the morning


• Duration (not intensity or frequency) is the best, eg. long walks or sports games


• Have 1 glass of red wine (low GI index) few times per week. *Drink Responsibly!*

Colon Cleansing and Diet

I did the colon cleanse first to get things moving (pun intended). In terms of difficulty, the diet was on a medium level. The benefits included overall better mood and energy, feeling cleaner and healthier on the inside, and of course a regular bowl movement.

I used the Renew Life CleanseSMART natural herbal bowel cleanse and body detox (available at GNC stores), plus fibre supplement and digestive enzymes. It all worked quite nicely for me. I had 2-3 big and easy bowl movements per day and I quickly discovered that more than half a cup of light coffee per day was killing me, which was great!

Fibre sources:

• Black beans


• Oatmeal


• Lentils


• Apples

Candida Cleanse and Diet

Although my negative lab test results (talk to your doctor to book the test) showed I didn't need candida cleansing, the candida cleanse diet was just what I needed to force myself to eat healthy. Plus I am sure it actually did clean up whatever was lurking down there as the candida symptoms disappeared after a couple of months.

According to my research and personal experience the warning signs of candida albican in the body are:

• Low energy and feeling exhausted


• Feeling hazy and not thinking clearly ("foggy thinking")


• Craving sugar, bloated abdomen, stomachache


• Some white patches or coating on tongue

I used the Renew Life CandiGONE anti-fungal and anti-bacterial herbal cleanse with CandiZYME and FloraSMART (all available at GNC stores). I did the candida cleansing twice (ie. 2 cycles in a row) as I loved the results and wanted to REALLY clean things up.

The candida diet was rough with many restrictions, but I felt overall better and I was down another belt loop on my waist! The diet consisted of fibre (beans), protein (powder, chicken), whole wheat (rice), greens (salads), and absolutely no sugar. I was also eating a lot of garlic dishes, drinking veggie juice, taking multi-vitamin, eating a lot of fibre (especially for breakfast), and having Spirulina and Wheatgrass shots. The fibre filled me up, it lasted longer, and thus I was eating less. Perfect! Thou my hair looked less than healthy, but it was better when I got back to fruit.

EAT LOTS: Salmon, beans, vegetables, chicken

AVOID: Aged cheeses, additives & preservatives, alcohol, caffeine and other stimulants, chocolate, fruits, glutenous foods, mushrooms, nuts, sugars, honeys and syrups, spices, curries & hot foods, vinegar

Feet and Arch Support

Book an appointment with your local chiropodist or podiatrist (surgical) to check your feet and ankles. Do it asap, as things can get worse very quickly.

If you need Orthotics (custom insoles worn in shoes) for your arch support, my research revealed that the best method for making them is non-weight bearing cast method. Insist that this method is used or try the next podiatrist on the list.

A few tips from my chiropodist - do the exercises daily for arch pain and flat feet:

• Rest feet on ice (frozen pop, water bottle, or small bag of peas)


• Exercise feet (do the ABC... in the air with a foot)


• Stretch feet (heal suspension from stairs, foot against a wall)


• Manual manipulation (stretching feet with hands)


• New shoes (ask for a pronation shoe - a shoe for flat feet, eg. New Balance)


• Epsom Salt Bath (soak and stretch feet in the tub)


• Get custom foot orthotics (from chiropodists, podiatrists or chiropractors)

Knees and Joint Health

I used to get a strange deep dull pain in my knees when sitting in a drafty or cool area. The condition worsened over the years happening more and more frequently and sometimes I would not be able to sleep or concentrate on work because of it. Few years ago I found that heat in the form of the Hot-Cold-Gel-Packs worn often (I used Rexall brand with a long and wide Velcro strap) delivered a great deal of relief.

This is especially important during Winter season. I purchased quality Long Johns at The Bay, plus a fashionable cashmere scarf and cool Esprit hat. Did they work fantastic! I did not experience being cold this Winter at all! Although not recommended, I slept with the braces on a few times and the knees felt amazing in the morning. My doctor said to wear them only during the day, and at night let the circulation do the work. Warming the knees up with the hot gel packs in the evening and then sleeping in sweat pants did the trick.

I also did acupuncture on my knees with Dr. Yu. It wasn't the most pleasant experience, but the results were noticeable. The chronic "cold" pain disappeared. Dr. Yu said that I had a "deep cold" in my knees. From that point on, I keep them nice and warm. When biking in the Fall or Spring I wear soft elastic knee braces to protect my knees from wind and to add a bit of stability.

To add to the great offensive of joint pain relief, I have changed my diet as much as possible, and used Nutrilite glucosamine supplement with shellfish exoskeleton and shark cartilage. I could feel my knees healing with a pleasant feeling. When I went for walks, my knees felt so light and "flowy".

My final knee test, just to make sure absolutely everything was alright, was an MRI. I went to my doc, requested referral, and then to a hospital, radiology department. I was very polite and asked if I could have it done soon. The line was few months long, but I said that I can come any time, even at night, and so I got an appointment within a week at 3am. Week later I got the MRI results. Everything in there was fine. The knees were just a little stressed. I was to take care and go easy on them.

So I took it easy on the knees for a couple of more months, and then started heavy duty workout. I let my trainer know to keep in mind my weak knees, but after a few leg workouts, the muscles just above the knee cap got stronger and the clicking greatly subsided. Today I do Muay Thai kicks and squats with 220 pounds on my shoulders and the knees are strong like a bull.

My Shiatsu massage therapist recommended that I can heal myself (eyes, knees, metabolism, anything) with self-massage and intention. I have to do it everyday, and after some time, the results will show. I did it daily for about 3 weeks and the knees did feel better. I still self-massage the knees now for maintenance. To top it all off, I tried a Salt Spa (location currently closed). Besides easier breathing, I felt nice tingling in my arms and legs - especially in my knees.

After further research on numerous solutions and fixes on jaw and knees, I found that a true belief (placebo) IS THE KEY! The body can heal the problem itself as long as there isn't an urgent physical damage and the symptoms are minimized through gentleness and care. Good night sleep is very important, too. It was even easier after the MRI results. I kept saying to myself just like the lady in The Secret: "Thank You for my healing."

Fitness Tip: Don't run! Especially if you're overweight. It's bad for your knees and back. Do fast pace walks, bike riding, swimming or use elliptical machines for 20+ minutes at a time.

I wish you a super health and top performance of your body, mind, heart and spirit:)

Learn More About Modern Chiropractic

Modern chiropractic is still based on its principle, which happens to be a hundred years old, that the body has the power to heal by itself. It is also believed that neuromusculoskeletal dysfunctions are the primary cause of physical and physiological ailment, discomfort and pain. Chiropractic still practices the drugless and non-invasive methods in treating various body aches, diseases, disorders, and abnormalities.

Modern chiropractic is more focused on the nervous system and the spinal column. Spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that is protected by the spinal column. The vertebrae of the spine should be in their proper position and structure. Any deformity, abnormality and misalignment of these vertebrae may cause nerve injury.

Abnormality or misalignment of the spinal column squeezes the nerves within. When the nerves are compressed, they become irritated and increases pain sensation. Chiropractors believe that this is the leading cause of physical discomfort and pain. Therefore, to alleviate and eliminate discomfort and body aches, these nerves must be released and freed from any form of compression.

The most common method of treatment that modern chiropractic uses is spinal manipulation. Spinal manipulation or adjustment is performed through putting some gentle and soft pressures on the spine this is done in several sessions with a chiropractor until the spine is already realigned. Only licensed chiropractors are allowed by the State to practice this technique.

Spinal manipulation can be performed with the hands of the chiropractor and by using a special device. In manual manipulation, the skillful and competent hands of the chiropractor are used to manipulate the spinal column. On the other hand, due to modern technology, a device is designed to provide manipulation, but is controlled by a chiropractor.

Chiropractors are trained and educated to provide chiropractic treatments safely and effectively. They are capable of diagnosing the patient and creating the most suitable treatment program for the patient. Each patient is designed with a specific program to meet the physical and physiological needs of the patient. Chiropractors attend seminars and training programs to enhance their knowledge regarding theories, principles, and application of modern technology.

Chiropractors can advance their education by taking field of specialization such as pediatrics, geriatrics, orthopedics, sports chiropractic, and pregnancy. Each field of specialization is designed to serve and treat a specific condition. For instance, pregnant women can reduce their pain during labor and delivery through chiropractic treatments. Sports chiropractor provides sports athletes program that will enhance their endurance and stability as well as to strengthen the muscles, bones, and ligaments. Sports chiropractic also provides their clients on how to prevent injury during training and during the game. Now, almost every athlete is recognizing the importance of chiropractors to maintain their physical health.

Modern chiropractic has evolved from many years. With the introduction of computers and innovative devices, they can now serve and address each problem precisely, effectively, safely, and appropriately. Chiropractic is known as one of the most popular alternative medicines all over the world. It aims to promote health, alleviate physical discomforts and ailments, lessen the recurrence of the cause, and maintain the general wellbeing of an individual. For more visit Read more

Middle Ear Infection - Causes, Risk Factors and Treatment Options

Ear infection is one of the most common reasons for pediatric visits to the doctor. For the purpose of this article, I'm talking about otitis media which is infection of the middle ear. Ear infections can be extremely uncomfortable producing symptoms such as ear pain and muffled hearing. School aged children with otitis media often have a difficult time concentrating in class.

Causes & Risk Factors:

Otitis media is caused by either bacterial, viral or fungal infection. Interestingly, it appears that for the majority of ear infections, both bacteria and viruses are present (1). Why do some children get ear infections and others do not? The main reason is that your child's immune system is out of balance. If the immune system were functioning optimally, the body would fight off the infection with little difficulty before it truly becomes a problem. Below are a few risk factors or triggers for ear infection.

Recent cold: An upper respiratory tract infection often precedes an ear infection. (Cold and flu infections are both viral.)

Anatomical considerations: The eustachian tube of a child is oriented more horizontally than in an adult which anatomically can result in poorer drainage of fluid from the inner ear to the back of the throat.

Exposure to second-hand smoke & other environmental toxins: Toxins in the environment and foods (like certain preservatives) can hamper immune system function making one more susceptible to ear infection (and other infections).

Food allergies and sensitivities: Food allergies and sensitivities can thicken mucus and contribute to inflammation. One of the most common culprits is milk and milk products.

Eustachian tube dysfunction: The eustachian tube connects the inner ear to the back of the throat and is responsible for allowing the inner ear's pressure to equalize with atmospheric pressure and to serve as a passageway for fluid to drain. Eustachian tube dysfunction is commonly implicated in inner ear infection.

Imbalance in overall immune system function: There are other physical, chemical and psychological factors that affect immune system function. Overall health and lifestyle choices will affect immunity.

Medical Management of Ear Infection:

The current literature supports that family doctors and pediatricians follow a "watch and wait" approach for acute ear infections. Certainly, if you suspect your child has an ear infection, he/she should be evaluated and appropriately diagnosed. That being said, most ear infections will heal on their own within a couple weeks (hence, the reason for initial watch and wait recommendation). In rare circumstances, symptoms can persist, become chronic or worsen.

The initial medical management for ear infections is antibiotic use. Keep in mind though, that antibiotics kill bacteria but not viruses and that most ear infections harbor both bacteria and viruses. So if there is a viral component, antibiotics are unlikely to work and may actually make things worse. In addition, antibiotics will destroy the healthy bacteria inhabiting the gut thus lowering one's overall immunity (as the gut plays an important role in immune system function). Overall, the evidence suggests that antibiotics are poorly effective in treating otitis media (2).

Another option is tympanostomy tube or "ear tube" insertion. This is reserved for chronic cases whereby the infection is gone but fluid persists in the ear. The child is put under general anesthesia and small tubes are surgically attached to the ear drum allowing aeration of the middle ear. Similarly, the necessity and effectiveness of ear tubes is questionable.

Chiropractic Management of Patients with Ear Infection:

For the record, chiropractors do not diagnose or claim to cure ear infection. That being said, there are many benefits to chiropractic care for patients with ear infection. Chiropractic offers an alternative approach or an additional type of care for those who opt for co-management.

Chiropractic care, through natural means, seeks to optimize nervous system function and to correct any mechanical causes or contributors to the problem. It's about putting your body in balance so that it may heal itself to its greatest potential. Healing comes from the inside.

How does chiropractic work? We know that the central nervous system controls and co-ordinates all systems and functions in the body. A nervous system free of interference will allow optimal communication and hence optimal healing. This is achieved by providing specific spinal adjustments to optimize spinal alignment and mobility. Chiropractic care has been shown to balance immune system function by reducing inflammation and stimulating antibody production (3, 4). A healthy spine = a healthy body.

Chiropractic care can often correct eustachian tube dysfunction as well. As mentioned earlier, it is often implicated in ear infection. Sometimes eustachian tube dysfunction persists after the infection is gone leading to persistence of muffled hearing and stuffiness. Correcting this dysfunction will allow the pressure to balance and the fluid to drain.

Chiropractic care is very safe and for pediatric patients, gentle techniques are used. Kids enjoy their visits to the chiropractor!

To me, chiropractic care along with other approaches to boost natural immunity is a logical option.

Has your child been diagnosed with acute or chronic otitis media? Are you searching for alternative care that is safe and effective? See a children's chiropractor!

1) Infectious Diseases Society of America (2006, November 6). Most Ear Infections Host Both Bacteria And Viruses, Study Shows.
2) Dowell, S, Marcy, M, Phillips, W, Gerber, M & Schwartz, B. (1998) Otitis media - participles of judicious use of antimicrobial agents. Pediatrics; 101(supplement)165-171.
3) Tedorzyk-Injeyan JA, et al. Spinal Manipulative Therapy Reduces Inflammatory Cytokines but Not Substance P Production in Normal Subjects. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2006 (Jan); 29 (1): 14-21.
4) Teodorczyk-Injeyan JA, et al. Interleukin-2 regulated in vitro antibody production following a single spinal manipulative treatment in normal subjects. Chiropr Osteopat, 2010;18:26.

Tension Headaches and Chiropractic Care

A tension headache basically refers to the pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck that is usually associated with muscle tightness in these areas. It is the type of which it occurs in relation to constant or periodic emotional conflicts. This condition is highly prevalent which can be disabling. Publish estimates of the prevalence of tension headaches vary over a wide range from 1.3% to 65% in men and 2.7% to 86% in women. They may occur at any age, but they are most common in adults and adolescents.

It tends to occur on both sides of your head. They often start at the back of your head and spread forward. The pain of tension headache is usually described as a feeling of heaviness, pressure or tightness which is steady rather than throbbing. If it occurs 15 or more days in a month for several months, they are considered chronic tension headaches. Chronic types feel more like throbbing in the head with more severe pain that is felt most of the time.

Muscular tension and contraction in the shoulders, neck and head are involved with tension type headaches. Usually this tension is an outcome of emotional stress, though injuries can also become a factor of muscle contractions. It is normal for muscles to contract when you are threatened, irritated or angry. Although, if work or home life creates a constant source of stress which you cannot counter, the muscular tension can become chronic which can lead to uneven stresses on the skeletal structure of the body, and changes in normal posture and movement to compensate. These misalignments result in more muscular tension and contraction which can cause headaches.

Tension headaches may be a sign that you may be doing something in your daily life that is causing stress to your body such as not eating enough, dehydration, poor posture, or eyestrain. Physical stress may also cause tension headaches. This includes activities such as prolonged manual labor or staying in one position for a long time like sitting at a desk or computer, reading, or playing video games. Staying in a cold place or sleeping in an awkward position can also be some of the triggers. Physical activities, however, do not usually worsen the pain.

Although tension headaches can be painful, they are not associated with structural changes in the brain and they are rarely a sign of more serious illness. Pain killers may help but overuse of them can cause complications such as rebound headaches which are headaches that keep coming back. A combination of lifestyle changes, relaxation techniques, and traditional and complementary therapies such as chiropractic can help reduce the pain you have.

Chiropractic care uses a holistic approach that can successfully provide permanent headache relief. It has been proven to be highly effective in treating tension and migraine headaches as well as other musculoskeletal problems.

Chiropractic adjustments if combined with other therapies such as trigger point therapy and massage can relax stressed muscles and correct misalignments. Patients with chronic headaches often get relief with just few chiropractic visits.

Even if your headache has gone, continuing to receive chiropractic adjustments is essential to help keep your body function more efficiently. In time, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and visiting your chiropractor will help you stay healthy and enjoy living life free from pain.

Chiropractor Degrees - How to Earn Yours

Find Chiropractor Degrees in the United States and Canada. Chiropractor degrees are offered to candidates who have successfully completed a comprehensive course of study in chiropractic. In many instances, chiropractic colleges will select applicants who have already achieved a bachelor's degree from an accredited school or university; therefore, it is critical that prospective students interested in attaining their doctor of chiropractor degrees examine educational prerequisites and requirements prior to applying.

Alternative medicine schools that provide academic programs resulting in doctor of chiropractor degrees will involve in-depth curriculums comprised of a minimum of 4,200 hours. A number of chiropractic colleges may offer full and part-time studies, which may be completed within 4 -7 years. Students desiring doctor of chiropractor degrees will quickly learn that curriculums are course-intensive, including philosophy and science of chiropractic, spinal anatomy, biomechanics, static palpation, clinical neurology, physiotherapy, biochemistry, radiology, diagnosis and chiropractic technique. In most programs offering chiropractor degrees, students will gain hands-on training in clinical, laboratory and class instruction.

Some chiropractic schools offering chiropractor degrees will also extend pre-chiropractic science degree programs in human biology and public health. Students who have attained chiropractor degrees will have gained an abundance of knowledge and skills in the field of chiropractic, including how to effectively use manipulation methods to "adjust" the spine. These techniques are fundamentally used in the treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders, or "dis-ease" of the musculoskeletal system. Students who have achieved chiropractor degrees will have learned the true philosophy of chiropractic; being that "subluxations" of the spine can affect functioning of the nervous system and overall health; and how to apply chiropractic adjustments to correct these areas of "dis-ease."

Successful candidates who have completed all educational requirements to achieve chiropractor degrees, and who have acquired licensure can expect personal and professionally rewarding careers in the field. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, professionals who have achieved chiropractor degrees and licensing have the potential of earning over $100,000 annually.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in attaining chiropractor degrees, let career training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs [http://school.holisticjunction.com/clickcount.php?id=6634739&goto=http://www.holisticjunction.com/search.cfm] near you.

Chiropractor Degrees: How to Earn Yours
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Don't Become a Hunchback - Importance of Correct Posture

Have you ever noticed your children aren't standing up straight? Or they walk with a foot turning in, or have a high shoulder? Have you seen little old ladies walking around stooped over, or men with a hunchback? Discover the link between poor posture and poor health.

Your posture is the window to your spine. If your posture is off, your spine is off. A high shoulder, a head tilt, forward head posture or rounded shoulders are all signs showing that the body is out of alignment.

Have you found yourself nagging at your kids telling them to stand up, have you noticed one shoe is wearing more than another, that your children stand with poor posture, rounded shoulders, or that their clothes are always twisting to one side? These are all indicators that the body has potential subluxations (misalignments) that could be effecting the level of health and vitality that either yourself or your family will experience.

Often these poor postures, or patterns have been present in the body for a long time, due to sleeping habits, sports, carrying back packs, sitting at computers or televisions or the imbalances may even stem from the birth process itself.

It is not uncommon (but not normal) when we are checking children and adults in our Chiropractic centre to find that they are carrying up to five or more kilos more on one side of the body, due to the shifts and imbalances in their body.

A simple yet powerful Chiropractic Check-Up, enables us to detect any imbalances in the body, especially from a young age, and correct them before the body has a chance to grow into a poor posture. "As the twig is bent, so grows the tree."

Try this posture test at home. Have your children stand facing you. Have them close their eyes and nod their head to their chest, and take it all the way back as far as they can go. Then ask them to open their eyes and then look straight ahead and stand still.

Look to see if their shoulders and ears are level. Does their head tilt to one side. Is their body front on, or does it twist to one side? Is their head forward over their shoulders?

If you do see any imbalances or poor postures, it is important to have a Family Wellness Chiropractor such as Dr Anthony at Body Brilliant Chiropractic, check this further to determine if subluxation could be the cause of it. By understanding the importance of your Children seeing a Chiropractor, it will allow you to prevent spinal issues such as poor posture from developing into a more serious problem.

Spinal Alignment by Chiropractor

Joint centration is a common term used to describe the proper alignment of joints. This is the most beneficial or optimal position for a joint to properly support the body, as well as to allow for the most desirable movement. In short, joint centration allows for the best possible distribution of loads at the articular surfaces. Traditionally, chiropractors have talked about "subluxations" and bones being out of place. I believe the joint centration model to be more accurate in describing the benefits that chiropractic treatments provide. In this article, I would like to briefly describe the importance of joint centration in dealing with musculoskeletal pain, and what is involved in achieving joint centration.

Primarily joint dysfunctions are the result of muscular imbalance, although traumatic injuries can surely play a role. There are many patterns of muscular imbalance, as well as mechanisms for how they develop. The take-home message is essentially that there are some areas where muscles have excessive hypertonicity, with other areas demonstrating instability. When the body has these muscular imbalances and joint dysfunctions, it leads to excessive wear and tear, as well as associated pain, disability, and increased risk for injuries.

So how do we treat these muscular imbalances and misaligned joints? Three approaches have been shown to be beneficial. I have found that integrating the following therapies gives the greatest results:

Myofascial release- Anatomists have now demonstrated that myofascial tissues run in a continuous series throughout the body. This webwork of connective tissue conveys mechanical information communicated across the entire body. Tension in one area can and usually does affect distant locations. Relaxing overactive musculature through stretching, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy both balance the body and help to eliminate pain.

Spinal manipulation- Some of the proposed mechanisms of action of spinal manipulation are releasing entrapped synovial folds, disrupting periarticular adhesions, and neurologically relaxing hypertonic musculature. The soft tissues and joint capsules of the spinal column are also rich in mechanoreceptor/proprioceptor nerve endings. Stimulation of these receptors by spinal manipulation help to override pain by releasing GABA in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, as well as releasing endorphins and serotonin down the descending inhibitory pathway. Low back research specialist Stewart McGill, PhD, emphasizes that spinal adjusting stimulates proprioceptors in such a way that it acts as a restart for the central nervous system, allowing for more coordinated muscle activity along the spine.

Functional rehabilitation- The final key component in establishing proper joint centration is regaining coordination and stability within the weak or inhibited muscles. This involves training the brain and nervous system and focuses on coordination of the muscles to provide stability of the joints. The patient is encouraged to perform slow, controlled, and purposeful movements allowing them to become more in tune with their bodies. This body awareness and ability to perform fine motor movements greatly reduces mechanical stresses on the joints and prevents the occurrence of future injuries.

Dr. O'Guin is a chiropractor practicing in St. Louis, MO. He has Saturday and evening hours available.

Stretch Your Way to Safer, More Comfortable Travel

As summer unfolds many of us will be loading our families into a car or boarding an airplane to head for enjoyable destinations. Although the reasons for vacation travel are pleasant, often the trip to a recreational locale means sitting in a cramped position for long periods. You arrive ready to relax, only to find that you are experiencing stiffness, muscle soreness, and fatigue.

Symptoms from Annoying to Serious
Frequently, the initial stresses of traveling lead to genuine pain and muscle spasms. Although less common, the result can even be severe in the form of blood clots or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), sometimes called "traveler's thrombosis." A 2003 study in New Zealand indicated that people who are immobile as well as those who fly for 4 or more hours have three times the risk of developing clots in their limbs versus those who do not travel. DVT occurs when a blood clot forms within one of the deep veins, most commonly in the leg. Development of clots sometimes leads to hospitalization and can actually be fatal. If a clot breaks off (as an "embolus"), travels upward to the lungs and remains untreated, then the risk of injury or loss of life increases.

Another study from Leiden University of the Netherlands found that one out of every 4,500 travelers develops a DVT within 8 weeks of traveling. The risk of DVT increases with longer durations and frequencies of flights, obesity, genetic predispositions for blood clots, and in those receiving hormone therapy or taking birth control pills.

Fortunately, simple stretches and exercises that you can do while traveling help offset the physical consequences of inactivity. If your vacation plans include air travel, here are a few ways to stay more comfortable - and healthier - during and after your flight. When the bell chimes after take-off and "feel free to move about the cabin" is heard over the loudspeaker, consider that announcement a green light to walk around and stretch. During longer flights it is recommended that you stand up and move every 30 to 45 minutes. Even walking to the lavatory gives you important opportunities to move rather than remain in a fixed position.

Seven Key Stretches to Help You Travel Better by Air

• Lift your feet one by one and make circular motions with each ankle, being certain to move both clockwise and counterclockwise. If you want to have some fun, point your toes to form letters, words, and sentences, which taps your ankle muscles!

• Extend your leg and place a luggage strap or belt over the sole of your shoe. While holding both ends, pull the strap toward you, keeping the leg extended. This action stretches your hamstring (the tendon behind the knee and thigh). Repeat with the other leg.

• If you find yourself standing in line to use the lavatory, bend and touch the walkway with your fingers as close as possible to your toes - another great stretch for your hamstrings.

• While in the lavatory place both hands on the wall, and put one foot in front of the other as far apart as space allows. Lunge forward. This movement is an effective stretch for your calves. (As an alternate calf stretch: put your foot up on a wall, keeping the heel on the ground, and lean forward.)

• In the aisle stand on one leg, bend the opposite knee until you bring your heel up close to your buttock, and maintain that stance for 15 seconds. Assure your balance by holding onto a seat or, if possible, a wall. Switch legs and repeat. This is an excellent stretch for thigh and quadriceps muscles.

• In your seat, keeping your head against the headrest, clasp your hands together on one side of your head, and tilt your head sideways moving your ear to your other shoulder. Hold that position. Repeat, starting on the other side.

• Also in your seat: take your right hand and touch the back left part of your shoulder. Take your left hand and place it on your right elbow and pull. Switch sides after 15 seconds. Great for your triceps!

Additional Travel Tips
If one is available, place a blanket or pillow behind your upper back and into the curve of your lower back. This position allows your head to stay on the seat's headrest and pushes your shoulders forward while promoting the natural curves of both your neck and lower back, reducing the likelihood of pain and stiffness. Drink plenty of water, as it is easy to become dehydrated in a confined space at high altitude.

Stretching during flights and during long vehicle rides helps to increase energy, flexibility, and range of motion. Stretching also decreases the probability of pain, muscle spasms, risk of DVT, and fatigue. When traveling, use the simple stretches just described, being sure to work both sides of your body. Hold each stretch for 15 seconds, repeating the entire series a few times per hour. After all, your trip is more than time away - it includes getting to your destination and home safe and sound!

If you experience back stiffness and pain for more than a day or two after a trip, then chiropractic techniques, and possibly a healing therapeutic massage, can likely help restore your cramped muscles to full pain-free function and prepare you for your next adventure. If you are experiencing deep leg or calf pain, consult your medical doctor immediately.

The Chiropractic Subluxation: What Is It?

The term subluxation is usually new to most people. It's not a word you hear very often unless you see a chiropractor. Subluxation, in chiropractic terms, refers to a joint that has become fixated or "stuck" and mispositioned, essentially losing its normal biomechanical function which simply means it doesn't move like it is supposed to. This can occur in nearly all of the joints in the body and likewise treated in nearly all of the joints in the body. In the spine, a subluxated vertebra can create interference with nerve function. This is caused not so much by "pinching" or compressing the nerve, although that is one aspect of it, but more through stretching, pulling and rubbing on the nerve that is associated with the subluxated vertebra. When a joint is not moving normally and functioning correctly, it can cause a dis-relationship between it and the nerves passing through and around it. This may create irritation of the nerve which causes inflammation which leads to pain and decreased function of whatever part of the body, whether it be organs, muscles or other tissues, it supplies. A specific chiropractic adjustment is meant to correct this problem, restoring the normal biomechanical function or movement of the vertebra and joint thus relieving any irritation of the nerve. This in turn helps relieve pain and allows the nerve supply to areas of the body function properly.

So can a subluxation really cause that many problems? The most common reason people see chiropractors is for relief of their pain. And, granted, that is the most subjective outcome that patients see. However, correcting the subluxation that is interfering with the nerve that is causing the pain is also restoring a vital function of your body, nerve transmission. Without getting into the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system, it is easily the most essential system in your body. It is, in essence, your wiring that controls and coordinates every single thing happening inside you right now. So when it's not working properly, it is inherently going to effect how your body functions. In 1921, a medical doctor by the name of Henry Winsor decided to study the relationship between organs and their nerve supply, particularly where it originated from the spinal cord. He did several autopsies and found that there was an overwhelming correlation between diseased organs and 'minor curvatures' in the spine where the nerves associated with those organs originated. If an organ is left with inadequate nerve supply it will not be able to function at its normal capacity. Other studies have found that just 8-10mm of pressure, about the weight of a dime, can reduce nerve transmission. A subluxation is much more than just a "bone out of place", it is a truly substantial problem that is often seen simply as an aggravation.

Most chiropractors have a true passion for what they do and desire to help as many people as they can. This usually comes in the form of getting patients out of pain but most also want to help their patients live a healthy life. By restoring the normal biomechanical function of your spine, chiropractors are not only alleviating pain but also allowing your body to function properly and as a whole. This creates an optimal state and opportunity in your body for it to do its job and heal itself as it was meant to do. Correcting subluxations is one step closer to restoring and preserving your health.

Do You Need a Back Pain Relief Device?

Millions of people probably think they need some kind of back pain relief device to help them beat their pain. The truth is, the only device you need is one that allows for mild inversion.

When properly used in concert with extension exercises you can successfully and totally eliminate 100% of the pain with this single back pain relief device.

Your back doesn't care whether or not you went out and bought a $500 inversion table or a $15 sheet of plywood at Home Depot. It doesn't matter if it is a perfectly balanced technical marvel or propped up on a cinder block.

For convenience, you might care. But for healing purposes, your back doesn't care what kind of inversion you do or what kind of back pain relief device you use.

What is important is that you use the device you buy or make correctly. You must do the extension correctly, and you must invert correctly.

Let your body and mother nature become you back pain relief device. Learn how to do extension exercises, and why you are doing them. Learn the truth about inversion so you don't hurt yourself like I did.

You can use any mechanical creation you choose. But you body is the only back pain relief device that conforms to natural healing. It will function as a self healing device once you provide it the environment it needs to heal. You do this by extension and mild inversion, adding flexion as the pain dissipates.

Each exercise or inversion treatment is like a chiropractor visit, without the bill.

Headaches (Cephalgia)

Headaches should be investigated and evaluated by a physician or Chiropractor. This would involve a complete case history, blood laboratory tests, x-rays, and possibly a CT scan and or an MRI. Causes of headaches are varied, and pinpointing those causes should be the first step in determining the necessary treatment and the proper course of action.

The cause of chronic headaches is generally the most difficult to diagnose. Headaches of recent origin require a more intensive investigation. Infrequent headaches are generally related to acute causes, such as fever, alcohol consumption, eyestrain, sleep deprivation and fatigue. The area of the head in which the headaches occur is extremely important a factor in determining the cause of the headache.

Tumors, although rare, can be a cause of recent onset of headaches, and may affect the area of the head where the tumor is localized. Changing the position of the head may relieve the headache or increase its' intensity. Even though the headache may be localized at first, it can become more generalized in nature. The headache of such tumors can last intermittently for a few hours each day. Tumors may have metastasized as in cancer from other sites. A cancer patient needs active investigation for metastases. There are many more causes of headache other than tumors. These are more frequent in nature and they are:

1. High blood pressure (Hypertension).


2. Sinusitis and post-nasal drip.


3. Eyestrain and other eye problems.


4. Throat problems.


5. Teeth problems.


6. TMJ (tempromandibular joint problems).


7. Problems of the ear and inner ear.


8. Muscle tension.


9. Stress (frequent cause of muscle tension).


10. Nerve pressure or traction on a nerve or nerves in the neck. (Another description can be pinched nerve).


11. Contraction or dilation of blood vessels in the head.


12. Post-traumatic such as falls, automobile accident (whiplash), and sports related injuries.


13. Cluster headaches, very common and can be related to stress, and histamine release.


14. Genetic (inherited tendency).


15. Psychological.


16. Environmental (being exposed to chemical fumes, poor air quality and allergic type plants and grasses).

Migraine headaches are one of the more severe headache types and can be very debilitating in nature. Migraines are more recurrent headaches, and may or may not be associated with visual and GI (gastrointestinal) disturbances, causing nausea and vomiting. There is no known cause, however, it is generally thought that it is due to constriction or dilation of blood vessels in the circulation of the head. Flashes of light, changes in eyesight and some numbness and tingling often precede migraine. Pain usually occurs one side of the head, but at times may be generalized. Migraines can occur on a daily basis or once in several months, and can last for hours or days. Intolerance to light, nausea and vomiting and no appetite usually accompany them. Migraines can start at any age, and are more prone in women, starting between the ages of 10 and 30. After the age of 50, migraine may or may not go into remission.

"Cluster" headaches, due to histamine release are usually abrupt in nature and severe. They are usually one-sided, involving the eye, temple, face and neck. Blood vessels are dilated on the side of pain. Flushing occurs due to the dilation of blood vessels. There is puffiness beneath the eye, tearing of the eye and running of the nose. There can be constriction of the pupil. The side of the neck can be tender around the carotid artery (the artery on the side of the neck). The headache can occur on and off.

One of the most frequent types of headaches may be due to muscle tension or a spinal problem in the neck. Misalignment of spinal vertebrae can cause nerve impingement (pinched nerve) that can result in pressures in the head. They also affect the muscles and circulation of the blood vessels. These headaches too, can last for hours, days or months. Occupation plays and enormous role in this type of headache. Those engaged in a repetitive motion jobs are uniquely prone, such as truck, taxi drivers, machine, and telephone and computer operators. Also included can be Dentists, Hygienists, construction and assembly line workers. Almost all professions are susceptible in one-way or another, and we must not exclude the "couch potato". Inactivity causes muscle disuse and results in musculoskeletal disorders.

What course can then be taken by the individual to relieve their headaches? That of course depends on how aggressive they are in pursuing their desire to help themselves. The number one priority is seeing their physician or Chiropractor for and evaluation and diagnoses. Once this has been accomplished, the course of treatment must be decided. The diagnosis will of course determine what that treatment will be. Headache caused by tumor may require chemotherapy, x-ray therapy or possibly surgery. Headaches of arterial origin may require drug therapy, and headaches of psychogenic origin may require psychological intervention. Those of musculoskeletal origin can best be treated by a Chiropractor. Correcting the spinal imbalance can alleviate pinched nerves and muscle tension.

Of course it is the individual who must be at the forefront of his own treatment. At home, self-care can be the single most important factor in whether they will be relieved of their headaches, or not. Simple aids can be of tremendous value. Using an analgesic gel three or four times daily on the muscles of the neck and upper back, can relieve the pain and tension of these sore muscles. Another modality can also accompany this treatment. Using a vibrator on this area can add to the relief, and should also be used three to four times daily.

Going to sleep the same time each night, even on weekends, can be extremely important and will prevent undue fatigue. Try to avoid stressful situations. Each day designate a time of day and reserve one half hour to be alone and meditate. Avoid eyestrain and do not read or watch television for long periods of time. Eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet and avoid foods that can trigger headaches. Such foods are: red wine, caffeine, chocolate, cheese, lentils, processed meats and citrus fruits. Avoiding monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a must. Do not sit for long periods of time. Do not sit for longer than an hour at a stretch, whether you are on the phone, playing cards, riding in an automobile or flying. Inactivity is a killer.

These are the things the individual can do to help relieve headaches and improve their general health and obtain relief from painful symptoms. The results you obtain in the long run depend on you.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Otitis Media - (Ear Infections)

A common infection that settles in the middle portion of the ear is called Otitis Media. Although adults can develop this particular ear infection, it is most commonly seen in infants and toddlers. The thing that makes this infection so unique is that both a virus and bacteria can be the cause. In addition, treatment is not the same across the board in that a person's age, exact symptoms, and an array of other factors would dictate the right type of care.

Infection Symptoms

The individual's age would determine the exact type of symptoms caused by this infection. As an example, chronic pain would be seen in adults while irritation and tugging on the ear are more common symptoms in smaller children. However, along with this, the following are symptoms commonly associated with Otitis Media in children.

• Low-grade fever


• Balance issues


• Trouble sleeping


• Nausea and/or vomiting


• Diminished hearing


• Fluid draining from the infected ears

Although there are similar symptoms regardless of the type of ear infection, Otitis Media does present with a few unique symptoms. However, before the right treatment could be offered, a firm diagnosis would be required. During a medical examination, the ear would be checked for fluid, as well as inflammation. Because Otitis Media is an infection, antibiotics might be needed but not always.

Safe and Effective Treatments

As mentioned above, antibiotics are not always the first treatment option for Otitis Media. Recent medical studies show that in many cases, the body can heal itself in three to five days. Because of this, some medical doctors now recommend a patient wait this amount of time to see if the ear infection clears up on its own. If not, then antibiotics can be prescribed but only for infections caused by bacteria, not viruses.

During this period, an individual could take over-the-counter medication to reduce pain and inflammation such as ibuprofen, which comes in formulas for adults and children but no younger than age four. Then, based on a series of factors, other treatments would be considered.

However, chiropractic care should not be ruled out as a viable treatment for Otitis Media. Using children as an example, it is common for a child to get one ear infection by age two and then one or more by age three. Usually, the lymph system in the neck cannot drain properly due to a blockage or narrowing of the tube but in some instances, it is the Eustachian tube that does not drain properly.

With conventional medicine, small children are often put under general sedation to have tubes surgically inserted in the ears. For one thing, any time a small child is anesthetized there is risk but in addition, placement of the tubes is not guaranteed to work. It has been discovered that a highly trained chiropractor would possess the necessary skills and knowledge to use gentle spinal adjustments as a means of restoring normal function to the neck and its components. As a result, occurrences of Otitis Media are greatly reduced or eliminated altogether.

As far as treatments for small children, obviously the goal is to ensure safety while finding something that actually works, which is exactly what chiropractic care offers. Sometimes during the birth process or from falling down, a child's spine will experience subluxation, which means the spine is misaligned. As nerves and nerve roots become irritated, the entire body's ability to function normally becomes compromised. By using spinal adjustments to bring the spine back into normal alignment, the body heals.

More and more parents are turning away from conventional medicine to alternative treatments for ear infections and other health issues. While there are many great options, chiropractic care has a track record of being successful. Remember, both children and adults with Otitis Media can be treated by a chiropractor and in most cases, heal faster than with standard medicine.

In addition to being an effective treatment option, spinal adjustments used as part of chiropractic care for Otitis Media does not cause any discomfort or pain. However, another benefit is that no prescription medication is administered, which reduces or eliminates risks of side effects.

Chiropractic Marketing - The Lightning Fast Way to Generate 30 New Patients a Month

What's the best way to generate 30 new patients per month?

Tap into the law of averages.

I have developed quite a few ways to generate significant patient flow using high probability methods. In this article, I'm going to discuss one highly successful and proven ways to generate serious patient flow that has stood the test of time but could be considered by some to be outside the box in approach.

What am I talking about?

Running a Chiropractic Infomercial!

This method is rarely used by doctors because it is a new idea for them. It also requires you to break through some comfort zones. But this method has proven very successful and effective.

"You've got to be kidding. An infomercial to get patients?"

Now hold on. Before you call me crazy give me the gift of an open mind here. You see for some reason a doctor is more likely to spend a few thousand dollars running a bunch of 30 second TV commercials then they are to run a 30 minute TV-show style practice infomercial that could generate substantially more patients for about the same cost.

Why is that? It is because the TV infomercial has gotten a bad rap. The Practice Infomercial is one of the most reliable and inexpensive forms of mass marketing that exists for you. Inexpensive in terms of bang for the buck.

I know what you're thinking.

I can't see myself running a television infomercial. Aren't those things for selling knives?

Let's set those misconceptions aside.

The reason the Chiropractic Infomercial works so well is for the same reason that giving community lectures works.

Imagine if you could package your proven lecture and instead of presenting it for 20 people at the rotary club, you could present it for thousands of people at once.

That's what a chiropractic infomercial really is.

Imagine the impact of 5,000 people hearing all about how you can help them?

We could both agree that the law of averages would insure us a certain percentage of patients.

The power of the Chiropractic Infomercial is you get to give a complete educational lecture to thousands of people for less than it costs for billboard advertising. If you dare to give this a try, I can assure you that your odds of success are high and you will become a mini-celebrity amongst your patients and in your town.

Rib Pain During Pregnancy

Rib pain during pregnancy can be a persistent problem, especially during the third trimester. Your rib cage may feel mildly sore or extremely tender and bruised. You may have discomfort on either side, or both sides, though it is commonly worse on the right side of the ribs. Pain occurs in and under the ribs as your uterus grows. Later in pregnancy, your abdomen becomes stretched, and your uterus stretches upward as well as outward. Your pelvis and abdomen are becoming full, and your baby is beginning to press up under your ribs and chest. This upward pressure from your baby may also make you feel short of breath. This pressure on your ribs and diaphragm may also result in shoulder pain, because there are nerves in the diaphragm which can refer pain into the shoulders.

This pain can be very sharp! It may also result in indigestion or acid reflux as your baby puts the squeeze on your stomach. Additionally, as your breast become larger, they also place pressure on your ribs. During pregnancy, your breasts may increase by one full cup size or more. The extra weight pulls your shoulders forward and down, and places strain on the upper back, neck, and often results in pain around the rib cage. As your body prepares for the delivery of your baby, your hormones are hard at work loosening your muscles and ligaments. This loosening can allow your ribs to shift and move in ways that were not natural before, causing discomfort. Your ribcage is not only loosening, but expanding as well, not only to make room for your baby, but also to help increase your breathing and lung capacity. Even though you may be feeling short of breath, your body is taking in about forty percent more air than it did before you became pregnant.

Rib pain during pregnancy can cause the greatest discomfort when you are in a sitting position. Practicing good posture is especially important. Try to make sure that you sit up straight with your shoulders back. Slouching will compress your abdomen and result in more pain. Try to wear loose clothing so that you do not add any extra pressure to your belly. Try getting a new bra. It is especially important to have a supportive bra that is not too tight. Under wire bras may put too much extra pressure on your ribs. Now may be a good time to invest in a good nursing bra. They usually offer nice support without being too tight and will be useful once your baby is born. Holding your arms up over your head can take some pressure off and provide temporary relief from rib pain by lifting the ribs away from the uterus. Practicing doorway chest stretches can also be helpful because they, too, will help rotate the shoulders up and back, which can also help lift the ribs away from the uterus.

Stretching and prenatal yoga are great for keeping your body long and loose. The less compressed you are, the less your rib cage will hurt. Breathing and relaxation exercises may also be effective. There are a variety of hands on techniques that can help to gently stretch and lift your ribs away from the uterus. Applying these techniques to your breasts, chest and abdomen, can really relieve a lot of pain and pressure from your body, though you will need a friend or partner to help you. Scheduling a visit to your massage therapist, chiropractor, or acupuncturist, may also help provide relief from rib pain during pregnancy. If you are having rib and flank pain that goes through to your back, and or burning or pain with urination, you should contact your health care provider. This could be an indication of a urinary tract infection.

Insurance Credentialing For New Healthcare Practices

Time and again new practices invest countless hours and money focused on office space, equipment, software and staffing only to open their doors for business and find significant delays in getting adequate insurance reimbursements. More often than not, the problem could've be allayed by addressing the insurance credentialing process early and thoroughly - creating the necessary relationships with insurance carriers. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind as you address the insurance credentialing process.

Timing - Start Early!

Plan on starting the insurance credentialing process early - at minimum allow at least six months before you see your first patient. Carriers will often take as much as 3-4 months to review documents and make a determination, even if everything is in order. If there are errors, missing information or a question about submitted documentation, several more weeks or even months can be added to the process. This six month allowance, starting from the time credentials are submitted, usually gives enough time to address problems should they arise. If too little time is granted before the practice opens, and you begin seeing patients before insurance credentialing is complete, you are open to the risk of getting an "out of network" rate, reimbursements might be sent to the patient, or, worst case scenario, you may not get paid at all.

Identify Target Carriers

To define which insurances you might credential with, consider your practice location and patient demographics. Will a significant percentage have Medicare or Medicaid? Is there a particular company or business in the area that employs a large portion of the surrounding population? A quick call to their human resources office to inquire what insurances they currently offer employees (as well as possible changes the near future) can be a good indicator of the carriers you'll want to consider.

Also, check with colleagues, other providers, clinics and even larger hospitals in the area and ask who their most common payors are. Inquire about which payors are best to work with - who reimburses in a timely manner, which offer the largest enrollments, and which carriers might be at capacity with other providers in your specialty.

As you identify which insurance carriers might be most popular in the area, make a list of the top 10 or 15. Then, think about what other providers are saying and pare that list down to the top 7 or 8. This will be your short list of where to go next. Don't go overboard and choose too many from the start - if nothing else, you'll run yourself ragged in keeping up with the submissions.

Contact Insurance Carriers

With your list of 7 or 8, prepare to spend at least an afternoon (or more) on the phone with the provider services offices of each of your target carriers.

One of your first questions might be to ask if they are accepting new practices in your specialty in your area. More often than not there's no problem here, but don't be discouraged if they say no - just keep moving down the list and prepare to check back with them later for an opening. (Just remember, if several carriers on your list indicate they are closed to new providers, you might want to reassess your location before moving forward - finding multiple carriers closed to new practices in the same area is a strong indicator that there's a lot of competition in the neighborhood.)

If the carrier is receptive to new providers, make sure you get all pertinent information about the process - i.e. names, addresses, phone numbers, timing, required forms, and so on. Don't forget to ask about online submission too, as many carriers today allow you to provide all information online and mail in the supporting documentation.

**Remember that carriers won't start the insurance credentialing process until you've established a practice phone number and address (a PO Boxes are not acceptable). If you've established a practice address but haven't moved in yet, carriers can usually send the forms to an alternate address, but you'll still have to identify the location to get things going.

Submitting Credentials

Now that you've completed your research and identified which insurance carriers you're going to file with, you'll need to compile and submit all of your information. Most will generally require you provide the following:

Updated resume

Personal demographic information

Practice and business information

State and federal DEA numbers

State licensing and registration information

Evidence of education - i.e. Diploma or ECFMG certificate

Malpractice insurance information

Information on any disciplinary actions

While this can be a lot, there is some good news - since most carriers ask for the same information, once the first submission is complete, you can just transcribe all the details from one form to the next. You will also benefit enormously in the future by storing copies of these documents in a safe place. As your practice matures and you seek to credential with other insurances, you'll have this same repository of information readily available.

Once you've completed the application, don't forget to double check everything. In fact triple check it and have someone else look over it as well. Don't expect carriers to correct an obvious mistake for you - it's not their responsibility, and, frankly, they just won't. The importance of double and triple checking cannot be stressed enough as the entire process can be help up by a month or more from the slightest mistake.

Finally, after your information has been submitted, allow an appropriate amount of time (1-2 weeks for mailed submissions) and follow up with the provider services office to confirm receipt. If you were able to obtain a contact name in your early research call them directly. Once receipt is confirmed don't hesitate to follow up again in say, 3-4 weeks to see if they've reviewed it yet or if they found any problems. If everything's on track, plan on checking back in another 3-4 weeks until the process is complete. This can save a lot of turnaround time if you can learn over the phone there was some sort of hold up. As alluded to above, expect this part of the process to take several months - credentialing offices are often centralized and may be reviewing hundreds of submissions for many different areas at any given time. If there's no movement after several months, you consider stepping up your calls to a weekly basis.

Hopefully your hard work and phone calls has paid off and you've made it through the insurance credentialing process in just a few short months with your original list of 7 or 8 carriers. If you're up for the challenge yet again, consider going back to your longer list of 10-15 and start the process all over again with the remaining carriers.

A few shortcuts

Here are a couple of shortcuts to credentialing not mentioned above.

Hire professional assistance: There are many different organizations that can help with the insurance credentialing process. If you've contracted with a practice management company this process is often covered already. If you're considering a medical billing company to manage your insurance and patient billing they certainly should have the experience with carriers to provide at least some guidance, if not manage the process for you. Also, there are a few professional insurance credentialing companies that specialize in this process for new practices but they can often come at a high price.

Universal Credentialing DataSource: The Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare has developed an online service intended to eliminate the need for multiple insurance credentialing submissions. In short, you complete one form for all of their participating insurance carriers and you authorize who will receive your information. The CAQH Universal Credentialing DataSource is located at: http://www.caqh.org/

Summary

The insurance credentialing process is critical to getting your practice off to a good start - and ensuring a quicker transition to profitability. While it can be time consuming, an early start will give you the chance to address problems should they arise. Just be patient and keep these tips in mind and you'll get through it:

Start early - expect the process to take up to 6 months

Choose a target list - don't try for every carrier out there

Double check your work before you send it in

Follow up regularly and keep the process moving

Don't be overwhelmed - it's just paperwork.

7 Signs That Might Indicate a Back Disc Problem

Having a back disc problem can be serious. One way to help ensure that your back stays healthy is to visit with a trusted local chiropractor. Chiropractors are not only trained in issues relating to your back, but they work with how the back relates to your nervous system and affects every part of your body given that the nerves run through the spine.

Below are 7 possible signs that you might have a disc problem in your back. It is important that you get help as early as possible to minimize any long term back problems.

1. Localized dull back pain. You may have low-grade dull back pain for some time but then something happens, such as you sneeze or bend over to pick up your child's toy and the pain suddenly gets worse.

2. Radiating pain. You may experience a sharp, electric shock-like pain that radiates down a limb. Depending on the level of the spine involved the radicular pain will vary. In your neck, you might have pain shooting into the shoulder or down the arm into one or more fingers. If the problem is in the lumbar spine, the typical radicular symptom that we think of is "sciatica." The sciatic nerve is made up of the L4, L5, and S1 nerve roots and is a well-known for its posterior leg pain. It can shoot into the hip or buttock or down the back of the thigh and sometimes even into the lower leg and foot. Also to note: one may experience similar, radiating pain on the side or front of the leg. The distinction is that this is not the sciatic nerve but a nerve arising out of the higher level of the spine, such as L3 or L2. Usually this sharp, shooting pain affects only one limb, although it occasionally affects both.

3. Numbness / Tingling. This sensation will often occur in the same distribution as listed above. Unfortunately, once you experience this sensation (or lack of it) and even once you begin healing it is often the last thing to come back and it, quite frankly, may take some time and, possibly, never come back fully to normal sensation.

4. Increased pain with sitting and bending forward. You also might experience pain with standing, walking and twisting, but usually sitting and bending forward are the most exacerbating. Imagine it this way: think of your spine like a bagel filled with cream cheese. Obviously, the bagel has a hard fibrous quality and the cream cheese is soft and malleable. Your disc is set up much the same way. It has a fibrous outer coating that with trauma or repetitive trauma -- like sitting at a desk all day -- may break down over time. The squishy cheese substance is analogous to the nucleolus pulpous that serves as the shock absorber to the disc. It is between the discs and cushions the disc. When we undergo a trauma or repetitive trauma the fibrous outer coating (bagel) may break down and get little micro tears. As this happens, the soft, squishy inner core (cream cheese) gradually leaks out into the fibrous part and may eventually rupture and become a full blown herniation.

5. Increased pain with coughing, sneezing, and bowel movements. What happens here is you increase the intrathecal pressure within your body. The intrathecal pressure is the pressure within your spinal canal. When you cough, sneeze or exert pressure for a bowel movement you are exerting a lot of force. If you have those little micro tears in the disc you may get a protrusion into and toward the spinal canal. If you increase the pressure on the spinal canal and it pushes onto a disc protrusion you are going to get some pretty serious pain.

6. Your chiropractor tells you have a misaligned or subluxated vertebra. A vertebral subluxation is a misalignment in the vertebra that puts endangering stress onto the spinal cord and spinal nerves. Each vertebra is attached to the disc. If the vertebra is out of alignment it may cause those micro tears in the outer portion of the disc, which, as we've discussed, may lead to that herniation or protrusion.

7. Difficulty controlling bowel and/or bladder. This is a big red flag. If you have a sudden inability to control your bowel and bladder then call 911 immediately. This may indicate a full blown herniation and requires immediate medical attention. Fortunately, this is relatively rare but it is extremely serious, so get help right away.

For all of the above, with the exception of the last one, chiropractic care is often the treatment of choice. Your chiropractor will be able to determine if a chiropractic adjustment will help you or if there is another specialist you may need to see.

Please note, this article is provided as information and is not a substitute for seeking medical attention. If you are experiencing any of these conditions, please consult a medical professional.

Staying Away From Bad Posture: How It Can Affect Your Health

Bad posture, something we all think about as we straighten up in our seats reading this article. I know I sat a bit more straight while writing it and I know better. Bad posture comes in a variety of ways these days, from sitting too long at a computer at work to slouching down while watching television or texting. All of these habits are easy to change with a bit of motivation and dedication to a healthier lifestyle. Many of us only think about our backs and lower backs when we think about posture yet posture effects our entire body due to the impact it has on the spine itself. Dr. Roger Sperry has demonstrated in his work that a healthy spine increases the stimulation and nutrition of the brain whereas poor posture and an unhealthy spine have the opposite effect.

The worst and most common type of injury we receive from bad posture is the loss of the natural curves in our spine. Chiropractors call it the "arc of life" and this is the 40-45 degree curve that we have in our necks. The reason this curve is called the arc of life is that it protects the brain stem, spinal canal and the nerves that extend into the entirety of our bodies. When this curve is lost, we suffer from a situation referred to as "subluxation" and simply are a misalignment of the spine that creates areas of compression and irritation within the vertebrae and discs, the good news is that it is in many cases repairable with regular chiropractic management, assuming that it has not reached an advanced stage involving surgery.

Choosing a chiropractor can be done through referrals from your primary care physician, word of mouth from family, friends, and acquaintances. Regardless of your choice of chiropractors you should always make sure they are experienced with chiropractic patient education. You should always know the extent of your injuries, the work involved and any additional information to keep you well informed and able to make good decisions about your health and well-being.

Subluxation can manifest as pain but generally what occurs is that the misalignments create other situations within the body which cause the pain. I know from personal experience, losing the arc of life in my neck caused a severe nerve pinch that caused me to be unable to use my right arm for about 45 days! My hand strength is still not 100% nor is my shoulder. The loss of the curve is as I mentioned previously able to be repaired if caught early enough by regular work with a reputable chiropractic business.

Losing the arc of life is one of the three most severe forms of subluxation; the other two are a forward head posture and scoliosis. The loss of the neck curve and the forward head position problems are caused by trauma and bad posture. Rene Cailliet of the University of California and their director of physical medicine and rehabilitation has stated that the "forward head posture can add up to 30 pounds of abnormal leverage pulling the entire spine out of alignment and may result in the loss of 30% of vital lung capacity."

The greatest cause for losing the arc of life and the forward head posture is lifestyle and employment. Slouched down watching television for several hours every day combined with texting on cell phones is only compounded by jobs where we are constantly looking at a monitor. While each of them seems harmless enough when they are combined on a daily basis the effects are compounded and work to speed up subluxation.

But, all is not lost! With a conscious focus on better posture at home, work, and combined with scheduling regular visits with a chiropractic practice, you can keep your spine healthy, your brain stimulated and live a much healthier lifestyle.