How to Ease Stress-Related Neck Pain
If you are looking for neck pain relief in Redwood City, CA, we’re here to help. Neck pain is a common complaint in today’s world. Stress, technology, and our jobs can cause our neck pain. People manage stress differently. While our minds carry our mental and emotional stress, our bodies do, too. We “store” our stress in spots such as our neck.
One doctor breaks down where people store their stress.
- Women – the upper back and neck
- Men – the lower back
- Kids – the neck and middle back
When we store up our stress, it often causes tension that leads to pain, headaches, and other distressing symptoms. The impact gets worse when an upper cervical misalignment is present. Why is that so?
The Link Between Upper Cervical Misalignments and Neck Pain
When the uppermost bones of the spine — the atlas and axis — get out of alignment, it makes the rest of the spine shift to compensate for the imbalance of the head. Furthermore, it causes changes in soft tissue and pressure on the various nerves, leading to pain that radiates in the back, shoulders, and even the face.
Some people are skeptical about going to a general chiropractor as they are scared of the popping and twisting of the spine that often happens during general chiropractic adjustments. But this is not the case with upper cervical chiropractors. What makes upper cervical chiropractic different from traditional chiropractic?
- Low Force – Adjustments are gentle and long-lasting.
- Focus – It focuses on the atlas and axis, the top two bones of the neck as they can impact the entire spine.
- Precision – It uses diagnostic imaging to locate and discern misalignments down to hundredths of a degree.
- Affordable – The gentle and long-lasting adjustments of the upper neck bones hold longer. Not only does it give the body more time to heal, but it also can result in fewer visits. This can help patients save a lot of money compared to weekly adjustments.
If you want to experience these benefits and see for yourself if upper cervical chiropractic care is the best treatment option for your neck pain, schedule a consultation with Advanced Spinal Care in Redwood City, California today!
We often hear about concussions in the news involving our professional athletes. However, concussions are more common than many people think, and sports-related injuries are just a small fraction of all incidents leading to concussions. Let’s have a closer look at this condition, also referred to as a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).
How Common Are Concussions?
Many people minimize the seriousness of a head injury unless they lose consciousness. In 2010, there were 2.5 million emergency room visits due to brain injuries. That number only comprised those who went to a hospital. Concussions affect adults as well as children. In 2009, nearly a quarter of a million minors had trips to the emergency room for brain injuries.
What Causes a Concussion?
A 5-year study showed that more than 40% of brain injuries were due to trips and falls. This made up about 80% of concussions in seniors and more than 50% of concussions in children aged 14 and below. Other common causes of concussions are assaults, accidental blunt force trauma (getting hit with something unintentionally), and traffic incidents. Most assaults afflicted people between the ages of 15 and 44.
A Natural Treatment for Post-Concussion Syndrome
Following a concussion, patients may experience long-term effects and symptoms, also known as “post-concussion syndrome.” It may include cognitive difficulties, vertigo, headaches or migraines, depression and anxiety, insomnia, and other debilitating symptoms. These symptoms may also have something to do with a misalignment of the atlas vertebra that often stems from getting a head injury.
Atlas misalignments can put undue pressure on the brainstem, leading to restricted blood flow to the brain, and issues with cerebrospinal fluid drainage. As a result, these lingering symptoms may become chronic. Many people who receive upper cervical chiropractic care experience fewer symptoms or even a complete resolution of their problem. This is because the upper cervical chiropractic technique corrected their atlas misalignments naturally. Schedule a consultation here at Advanced Spinal Care in Redwood City, California to learn more about how upper cervical chiropractic can lead to the recovery of your health.
To schedule a complimentary consultation call our Redwood City office at 650-595-0500 You can also click the button below.
if you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
Temporomandibular joint disorder, commonly known as TMJ or more accurately TMD, is a painful condition. TMD sufferers may feel a radiating pain from their jaw down into the neck, and sometimes it may spread to the ears. They are unable to open their mouth widely, limiting their ability to eat, talk, or yawn. Hearing a grinding or clicking noise when they open or close their mouth is also common.
In mild cases, TMD lasts for a few days or weeks and heals on its own. However, people who have severe cases may experience constant pain that requires more than rest and self-care to go away. If this is your current situation, it’s high time you seek the help of a Redwood City chiropractic specialist for TMJ pain.
Is Jaw Surgery the Best Option?
Doctors often recommend medications, stretching exercises, and natural remedies such as eating a diet of soft foods and icing of the jaw when patients complain of difficulty chewing or talking. However, when all these strategies fail to give relief, surgery may come into the picture. Your doctor may mention considering the newest advances in surgery for TMD. Jaw surgery is often considered the best option for TMD.
A recent surgical procedure replaces the entire temporomandibular joint with a titanium one, similar to having knee, shoulder, or hip replacement. However, this is an invasive treatment that comes with various risks and complications. Before deciding or considering jaw surgery, you may want to talk to your local upper cervical chiropractor.
Resolve TMD with Upper Cervical Chiropractic in Redwood City, CA
The jaw and the muscles of the face are connected. This explains why TMD has a wide radius of pain. Even the smallest misalignment in one of the bones of the upper cervical spine or neck, specifically the C1 or C2 vertebrae, can affect and tighten the muscles in the shoulders, neck, face, and jaw. It can result in pinched nerves of the neck, causing the symptoms of TMD.
Here at Advanced Spinal Care, we use upper cervical chiropractic care, a gentle method that corrects this misalignment, eliminating pressure on the nerves. Once the bones have returned to their original place, muscles can begin to relax, and the jaw can heal, resulting in lasting relief for TMD.
To schedule a complimentary consultation call our Redwood City office at 650-595-0500 You can also click the button below.
To schedule a complimentary consultation call our Redwood City office at 650-595-0500 You can also click the button below.
if you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
Back pain ranks as the leading cause of disability in the world. As many as 4 out of 5 people will suffer from back pain in one way or another. Back pain can be chronic and debilitating, making every day a struggle. What used to be ordinary tasks become challenging to perform and often result in more pain. Let’s discuss some of the things you can easily do to ease your back pain, and how a chiropractic doctor for back pain based in Redwood City, CA can help you achieve it.
Steps to Relieve Back Pain
Here are some simple things to help you alleviate your back pain:
- Ensure proper sleeping position: Do not sleep on your stomach as it flattens the natural curve of the spine. Lay on your back to allow your head, spine, and neck to rest in a neutral position. If you’re a side sleeper, put a pillow between your knees.
- Maintain good posture: Most back problems originate from improper posture. Always practice good posture by avoiding slouching and keeping your back upright and balanced over your hips when sitting.
- Stay active: Exercise is essential when getting rid of back pain. Whatever your chosen exercise, be consistent in doing it. Avoid sitting and not changing position for an extended period. Create reminders for you to get up and move frequently.
- Try physical therapy: Therapy can help you carry out particular exercises that will strengthen your body and your back muscles. This works together with upper cervical chiropractic care to keep your spine in its best shape possible.
- Eat healthily: Lack of vitamin D in the body can result in back pain. Supplements can help if your body does not produce enough vitamin D. Inflammation is a crucial contributor to pain, so avoid foods that trigger inflammation, such as the following:
- Processed foods
- Trans fat
- Sugar
- Gluten — especially if you have celiac disease or gluten intolerance
Upper Cervical Chiropractic Resolves Back Pain
Keeping your back in its best shape is the number one way to maintain your overall healthy body. Here at Advanced Spinal Care in Redwood City, California, we work on maintaining the proper alignment of the uppermost bones of the neck. Misalignment in this area is often the reason for back pain in many people. We adjust the bones to return to their correct positions, resulting in a decrease or elimination of back pain.
To schedule a complimentary consultation call our Redwood City office at 650-595-0500 You can also click the button below.
if you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
A staggering 38 million people suffer from migraines across the United States, including men, women, and children. This figure shows just how common migraines have become. Some people mistakenly believe that migraines are just bad headaches, but migraines are much more than headaches. The truth is that headaches can be absent from migraines.
A terrible headache may be its hallmark, but migraines involve other symptoms:
- Aura – An aura is a visual disturbance, such as seeing flashing lights. This is experienced by about 25% of people with migraines.
- Mood changes – Mood shifts can occur either before or after a migraine attack and can cause a person to feel unfocused, anxious, or depressed.
- Nausea or vomiting – Since migraines are neurological and involve the brain, they can bring about dizziness and nausea.
- Extreme sensitivity to sound, light, and odor – People who live with migraines prefer to rest in a cold, dark, and quiet room to survive a migraine attack.
Migraines are Linked to Neck Alignment
There are many avenues out there that migraine sufferers can try to get relief. Standard treatment options include a combination of medications to alleviate various symptoms. It’s sad to say, but most of these options are either a short-lived solution or ineffective in providing the needed relief.
Alternatively, upper cervical chiropractic concentrates on getting to the root cause of migraines. The natural technique ensures the proper alignment of the C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis) vertebrae. These are the topmost vertebrae in the neck, just underneath the base of the skull. They can impact the body’s blood flow, cerebrospinal fluid drainage, and the normal function of the nervous system. When any of these factors are not functioning properly, migraine episodes can come about.
At Advanced Spinal Care, we use a gentle yet extremely precise method for correcting atlas misalignments. Once adjustments are made and healthy spinal alignment is achieved, the body can bring back its normal function. The brain can translate signals appropriately through the spinal cord and nerves, and the healing process can begin. Just like in most of our patients, this means the end of health conditions such as migraines. Schedule an appointment in our treatment clinic in Redwood City for your migraine headaches.
References:
http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/signs-of-a-migraine-that-arent-headache#1
To schedule a complimentary consultation call our Redwood City office at 650-595-0500 You can also click the button below.
if you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
A concussion is a form of a mild traumatic brain injury, or MTBI. It occurs after the head or neck experience trauma or injury, often from a fall, being hit hard, or bumping the head on something. People may think that a concussion will result in a problem in the head. However, an equally concerning issue is the problem it can bring to the neck. The sudden jerking of the head can result in a misalignment of the bones in the neck. It may be a mild injury, but its consequences on the body can be severe. Most of the time, however, it is non-life-threatening.
Concussions Can Alter a Person’s Life and Personality
Post-concussion-syndrome (PCS) can happen when a person has experienced a concussion but neglected to care for it immediately. According to a neuroscientist from the University of San Diego, when someone has an MTBI, sharp ridges are formed within the skull that can lead to bruising each time the brain quickly moves forward. It can impact a person’s behavior, ability to control emotions, and movement.
This information reveals something about self-control and control functions on people. These functions may be affected in some cases, such as ADHD, Tourette’s, stuttering, and addictions if the person has undergone some concussion or brain trauma.
Effects of Concussions Can Go Beyond the Brain
The brain isn’t the only body part that absorbs the impact of a concussion. During a concussion, a misalignment in the top bones of the spine, particularly in the C1 and C2 vertebrae, may occur. It can negatively affect the brainstem and spinal cord, thus obstructing the communication between the brain and the body. This can result in more health conditions if not addressed immediately.
A misalignment is not a permanent situation; therefore, it can be reversed. The bones of the neck can go back to their correct alignment through a unique specialty of chiropractic called upper cervical chiropractic care. This practice uses a gentle technique to realign the bones without using force to do cracking or popping of the spine. You can begin receiving upper cervical chiropractic care here at Advanced Spinal Care in Redwood City, California. Our accurate adjustments can restore the body’s overall health and reduce the damaging effects of a concussion.
To schedule a complimentary consultation call our Redwood City office at 650-595-0500 You can also click the button below.
if you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
Several studies in the past have revealed the connection between migraines and multiple sclerosis (MS). Doctors and researchers have established that these two conditions can share the same root cause, and a common resolution was noted in helping patients with both disorders.
Similarities Between Migraines and Multiple Sclerosis
Dr. Raymond Damadian, the inventor of the MRI scanner, conducted several studies that examined the brains of patients during an MRI. Together with his team of researchers, they inspected the flow of cerebrospinal fluid – a lubricant of the brain and spinal cord. They discovered that biochemical barriers bring about migraines and multiple sclerosis. What’s even more exciting, they found out that these barriers could be removed, resulting in a reduction of migraine and MS symptoms.
This revelation implies that the presence of a misalignment in the upper bones of the neck may put undue stress on the brainstem, leading to an obstruction in nerve communication, cerebral spinal fluid flow, and blood flow to and from the brain.
Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care Can Heal Migraines and MS
People who are suffering from migraines and MS caused by an upper neck misalignment can benefit from upper cervical chiropractic care. This specific type of chiropractic care realigns the top bones of the upper cervical spine, without popping or cracking the bones. It utilizes a gentle technique to encourage the neck vertebrae to return into correct alignment. Its adjustments are precise and accurate, leading to a natural and longer-lasting adjustment. Many patients have responded well to upper cervical chiropractic care, sharing a reduction in frequency and severity of both their migraine and MS symptoms. Some have also reported complete remission.
If your MS or migraines have been taking their toll on your health and happy life, visit us at Advanced Spinal Care in Redwood City, California or schedule a consultation with us to learn how we can help you with either of these conditions.
To schedule a complimentary consultation call our Redwood City office at 650-595-0500 You can also click the button below.
if you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
The acronym TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint (which is the jaw joint), and problems related to it are called temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The TMJ attaches the lower jaw to the skull and allows movements such as talking, eating, and making facial expressions. If something causes the TMJ not to function appropriately, you will experience the discomfort and pain of TMD.
Possible Causes of TMD
Listed below are just three of the many reasons for the occurrence of TMD:
- Swelling in the joint
- Damage due to an injury
- Cartilage damage due to arthritis
Symptoms of TMD
Symptoms of TMJ disorders differ depending on the severity of the case. Some of the common signs and symptoms include the following:
- Inability to open the mouth fully
- A clicking or grinding noise when you open and close your mouth
- Jaw pain that radiates to the neck and face
- Discomfort when chewing
- Pain or achy feeling near the ear
So, what are the treatment options available to ease your TMJ pain? Your doctor may suggest over-the-counter pain killers or prescription medications to relieve the pain temporarily. But if you opt for a natural and long-lasting solution, a Redwood City chiropractic specialist for TMJ pain can help address the aching and get to the underlying cause of the disorder.
Proper Spinal Alignment Can Stop TMJ Pain
A misalignment in the bones of the upper spine is seen as another cause of TMD. This is very likely especially if you had an injury or trauma before the onset of your TMD. Any damage to the head or neck may cause the top bones of the neck — the C1 or C2 vertebra — to misalign, which can result in contraction of the muscles in the face, jaw, and neck. Pain and swelling may persist after this type of misalignment.
Here at Advanced Spinal Care in Redwood City, California, we take a unique approach to help the bones of the neck realign. We utilize scientific measurements and imaging to locate your misalignments. After we have discovered the location, we use a gentle system to help the bone return into the correct position. Once corrected, the muscles of the jaw, face, and neck will begin to relax, and your TMJ pain can be alleviated.
To schedule a complimentary consultation call our Redwood City office at 650-595-0500 You can also click the button below.
if you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
Vertigo can strike unexpectedly. You may be sitting at your desk at work or performing your normal day-to-day activities, and suddenly the room starts to spin. You may need to sit or lie down until the false sensation of spinning or moving subsides. These are just some of the things chronic vertigo sufferers have to go through every day.
Vertigo can come with other symptoms:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Tinnitus or ringing in the ears
- Sweating
Other medical conditions have vertigo as a primary symptom. Three of the most common conditions are listed below:
- BPPV, or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
- Meniere’s disease
- Labyrinthitis
Conventional Care for Vertigo
The first step in finding help for vertigo is consulting a doctor that specializes in the ear, nose, and throat. A doctor may most likely suggest one of these things:
- Vestibular suppressants
- Anti-nausea medicine
- Steroid shots
While these medications do provide short-lived relief when one is experiencing a severe attack of vertigo, they are not long-term solutions. To get a long-lasting result, you may need to figure out and address the root cause of vertigo.
Natural, Long-Lasting Vertigo Relief
At Advanced Spinal Care in Redwood City, California, our specialty is making sure that the spine is in correct alignment. We concentrate mainly on the C1 and C2 vertebrae. The C1, or atlas, has the critical job of protecting the brainstem. If it gets out of alignment, the normal brainstem function may be disrupted. The brainstem is the communication highway between the brain and body. If the signals it sends become distorted, symptoms of vertigo may arise.
We are an upper cervical chiropractic clinic based in Redwood City, and our method is personalized for each of our patient’s cases and individual needs. We use a gentle, accurate technique that encourages the bones of the neck to return into place more naturally than popping or cracking the neck like other chiropractors do. Once an adjustment is made, the body can engage in the healing process without hinderance. Most of our vertigo patients have reported a decrease in severity and frequency of their vertigo episodes after receiving our care. Some even experienced a complete disappearance of their symptoms.
To schedule a complimentary consultation call our Redwood City office at 650-595-0500 You can also click the button below.
if you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
If you suffer from persistent headaches, one of the remedies you most likely do to relieve pain is to take over-the-counter pain medications regularly. While it does the job, it can start a cycle of pain and pills that gets worse and worse over time. Little do people know, medication overuse can cause even more problems as headaches are one of the side effects of using pain relievers.
Medication overuse is a global concern. According to the WHO (the World Health Organization), about 2% of the world population is experiencing rebound headaches from taking too many painkillers. What makes the problem harder to stop is the difficulty to set apart a rebound headache from a regular one as they share the same characteristics. Most people have no idea that rebound headaches can happen, so they continue reaching for the pill bottle. Those who suffer from tension headaches and migraines are the most likely to end up getting stuck in a pattern of medication overuse headaches.
Overcoming Headaches in Redwood City, California
If you are seeking a migraine headache treatment clinic in Redwood City that provides drug-free, natural relief, you’ve come to the right place. Many headaches and migraines can be attributed to a misalignment in the upper cervical spine. A misalignment of the atlas, the topmost vertebra of the spine, can result in the following:
- Pressure in the brainstem
- Constrained cerebrospinal fluid drainage
- Reduced blood flow to the brain
All of these conditions lead to headaches. The key to ending the issue is addressing the underlying cause instead of just covering over symptoms with medication that may do more harm than good.
At Advanced Spinal Care, our focus is on giving gentle and specific adjustments to the atlas vertebra. We use scientific diagnostic imaging and other tests to determine, down to fractions of a degree, the type of every patient’s atlas misalignment. Once the atlas gets adjusted and returns to its correct alignment, only occasional adjustments are necessary to keep the spine healthy. For many headache sufferers, this could mean fewer and less intense headaches or even a complete elimination of the condition. This saves you a ton of money over buying expensive and short-lasting pain relievers regularly.
To schedule a complimentary consultation call our Redwood City office at 650-595-0500 You can also click the button below.
if you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.