Neck pain is all too common in today’s world. In fact, it affects about 70% of people in America. However, there are some proactive steps you can begin doing today so as to avoid future issues with your neck.
Sitting at a desk all day can negatively affect the neck. One way to assist in this area is to use some ergonomic supplies for your office. There are ways to adjust your computer monitor so as to keep the computer screen at eye level. You may also be able to use a system to keep your documents at eye level so as to avoid continuously looking down. It is important for you not to stress your neck too much. This is done by making sure your head is positioned over your neck, not bent forward. Using an ear piece while talking on the phone is much safer than talking with the phone between the ear and shoulder.
Posture is important whether you are sitting or standing. It is vital to keep your spine as straight as possible at all times. Do not sit in one position for an extended period of time. In an hour’s time, it is a good idea to get up 3 to 4 times and move about, stretching your neck, back and leg muscles.
Sleeping posture is important also. This means not sleeping on your stomach. Sleeping on your back or on your side with a pillow between your knees is ideal. Using the right pillow is important as well. Something that does not prop the head up, but keeps it supported is a good idea.
Another area to look into to reduce neck pain is seeking the care of an upper cervical chiropractor. Here at Advanced Spinal Care in Redwood City, California, we use a gentle method to give our patients adjustments only when absolutely needed. This helps keep the atlas or the C1 vertebra healthy and often eliminates neck 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.
Neck pain is very common and it is about half as common as back pain. When people have neck pain, it can make it hard for them to have mobility in the neck area, making driving a car or even washing their hair quite a chore.
Most family doctors will care for neck pain by using anti-inflammatories. This does not always work and comes along with unwanted and dangerous side effects, especially if taken on a regular basis. This is making people look for alternative ways to care for neck pain. General chiropractic has worked for some but not always on a long-term basis. So, what does upper cervical chiropractic care offer that differs from general chiropractic?
The main difference between the two types of chiropractic comes down to the way a patient is adjusted. While general chiropractors often resort to popping or cracking the spine to move the bones into place, upper cervical chiropractic uses a gentle, precise method that takes measurements and images to help find the exact location of the misalignment. Allowing the bones to move back into place more naturally results in a longer-lasting adjustment. Over time, this leads to lower financial costs for the patient and fewer adjustments.
Looking back at a number of neck pain patients who received upper cervical care reveals an interesting trend. The study reported that the average pain score of patients before getting an adjustment was 5.89 out of 11. After an adjustment, the pain decreased to 1.76. As far as disability with neck pain goes, the average score had been 35.1 out of 100 and went down to 14.3.
Here at Advanced Spinal Care in Redwood City, California, we aim to get similar results for our patients. A few gentle adjustments may be all that is needed to help a person feel better long-term.
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.
Neck pain is often related to a part of the body that we spend little time thinking about—our nerves. They play a vital role in health and send messages to and from every part of the body. The brainstem, located where the skull meets the neck, is a key part of this internal information highway in the body. Disruptions of this delicate system can cause various neurological issues, problems with the ears, and pain.
One person who has really pioneered the connection between neck problems and overall health is Dr. Michael Burcon. His findings include the fact that subluxations of the upper spine caused by whiplash or other injuries can actually result in things like lesions on the Eustachian tubes that lead to chronic ear issues and vertigo.
Sometimes these injuries take years to surface. Even the initial pain of the injury may be long gone when other symptoms arise. Sometimes there was no neck pain to begin with, but then neck problems begin 15 or more years later.
Just because the damage occurred years ago doesn’t mean it is too late to try and find relief. Some people may experience neck pain and not even acknowledge something like a car accident from 15 years ago in their patient history. I want to encourage you to include everything in your patient history and let your health care provider determine what is relevant.
For example, at Advanced Spinal Care, we take a history of head or neck trauma seriously, even if the injury was a long time ago and maybe not even that severe. That pain you feel today may still be related, and diagnostic imaging can often reveal if an injury is old or recent. Either way, a specific adjustment to your upper neck ay be exactly what you need to resolve that neck pain.
To find a Doctor in your area go to www.NUCCA.org or if you are in the Redwood City California area to schedule your NUCCA evaluation, click the button below:
Want to hear from people like you? Check out our reviews here.
Dr. Pete Tsiglieris of Advanced Spinal Care in Redwood City, California is an Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). His upper cervical clinic also serves San Mateo, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, San Carlos, and Sunnyvale. They are uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraines and other headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, back pain and shoulder pain and weakness. More information can be found on our website at https://bayareanuccacare.com/
Some people experience neck pain that never seems to subside. They may also have a cracking or popping of the neck that accompanies the pain. This type of neck pain can have a significant effect on other parts of the body. What has modern technology taught us about neck pain?
Modern technology aids in looking into the body on a deeper level. One such thing that can be revealed that is related to neck pain is a misalignment of the atlas bone. This is the uppermost bone of the neck, also called the C1 vertebra. A misalignment here can hinder the signals being sent to and from the brain and body. It can also affect the nervous system, causing problems with neurological function. The brain may be receiving signals telling it that it is in a lot of pain when there actually is not that much pain. Chronic pain in the neck can actually indicate a problem going on in other areas of the body. It is not something to be ignored.
It is time to seek the care of a professional in the field of spinal health. Upper cervical chiropractors are trained to detect and then correct misalignments in the upper neck. We understand that a healthy spine means a healthy person. We, also, realize the connection between the nervous system and the brain.
At Advanced Spinal Care, we begin an exam by using specific tools and techniques to see if a patient actually has a misalignment and where exactly it is. Once this is determined, we will discuss a course of treatment with the person. An adjustment is only given when necessary, not just routinely.
Our NUCCA methods are gentle and pain-free. There is no popping, cracking, or twisting of the spine. When the misaligned vertebrae are back in proper position, healing can begin. Proper blood and spinal fluid flow can return, neurological issues can begin to clear up, and the patient should begin feeling much better.
References:
Damadian RV, Chu D. The possible role of craniocervical trauma and abnormal CSF hydrodynamics in the genesis of multiple Sclerosis. Physiol Chem Phys. 2011;41:1-17
Abeles A, Pillinger M, Solitar B, Abeles M. Narrative review: The pathophysiology of fibromyalgia. Ann Intern Med. 2007; 146:726-734.
Ceko M, Bushnell MC, Gracely RH. Neurobiology underlying fibromyalgia symptoms. Pain Res Treat. 2012; 585419:1-8.
Grostic JD, Dentate ligament-cord distortion hypothesis. CRJ 1988; 1(1):47-55
To find a Doctor in your area go to www.NUCCA.org or if you are in the Redwood City California area to schedule your NUCCA evaluation, click the button below:
Want to hear from people like you? Check out our reviews here.
Dr. Pete Tsiglieris of Advanced Spinal Care in Redwood City, California is an Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). His upper cervical clinic also serves San Mateo, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, San Carlos, and Sunnyvale. They are uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraines and other headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, back pain and shoulder pain and weakness. More information can be found on our website at https://bayareanuccacare.com/
If your child loves sports, there are some facts you should be aware of. Some of the most common sports for children to get injuries in are lacrosse, hockey, football, soccer, rugby, basketball, or any other contact sport. It does not take a huge blow or injury for a child to get post-concussive syndrome. What is this and how serious is it?
The Mayo Clinic defines a concussion as a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) that occurs from a blow to the head. It can be caused by a fall, physical abuse or fighting, a car accident, or a sports injury. You do not have to lose consciousness to be diagnosed with a concussion. Post-concussive syndrome comes on after the injury. It will usually occur within the first 7-10 days. Generally, symptoms will not last past three months, although some cases have gone on for a year or more.
If your child has suffered an injury from playing sports, you must keep in mind that a blow to the head is related to injury to the neck. Injury to the neck can cause problems related to the brainstem and spinal cord. Communication between the brain and the body is diminished, and it can cause lingering problems that go on after the injury. This is post-concussive syndrome. It shows up as headaches, problems concentrating, behavioral problems, and more. If you are noticing these things suddenly coming on in your child and they play sports, it is possible they have suffered an injury.
It is important that you get your child evaluated by an upper cervical chiropractor, such as Dr. Pete Tsiglieris of Redwood City, California. Dr. Tsiglieris is specially trained to detect these misalignments in the neck. He will use 3-dimensional x-rays to see what is going on in the upper neck area. Once he determines there has been a misalignment, he can go about correcting this and getting your child back to feeling like himself. It is a gentle adjustment and will cause your child no pain what-so-ever, but rather will help him perform better in sports and life in general. Call Dr. Tsiglieris today to set up an appointment.
To find a Doctor in your area go to www.NUCCA.org or if you are in the Redwood City California area to schedule your NUCCA evaluation, click the button below:
Want to hear from people like you? Check out our reviews here.
Dr. Pete Tsiglieris of Advanced Spinal Care in Redwood City, California is an Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). His upper cervical clinic also serves San Mateo, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, San Carlos, and Sunnyvale. They are uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraines and other headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, back pain and shoulder pain and weakness. More information can be found on our website at https://bayareanuccacare.com/
There is very possibly a link between the underlying factor in scoliosis and torticollis, and how injuries caused at birth can affect the upper neck.
Dr. Gutmann has been researching upper neck injuries in infants and how these can relate to the health of children. He began his research back in the 1960's. In 1987, he published his research highlighting the link between upper neck problems and how they can cause such things as ear infections, colic, torticollis, and many more common childhood problems.
In 1992, addition research on this subject was published by Dr. Biedermann. In combining the research done by these two doctors, you can see that they have studied over 1,000 infants. The studies showed a very high incidence of upper cervical misalignments. This was most commonly caused by birth trauma, such as vacuum extraction, forceps delivery, and even normal birthing when a woman is on her back rather than in a standing position where gravity can help. These are very traumatic experiences for the neck and head of newborn babies.
As a baby, if there is a diagnosis of torticollis, it is very likely that you will grow up with scoliosis. About 25 in every 1,000 people have scoliosis at a 10-degree curvature or more. Many people never even know they have scoliosis until they are diagnosed later in life. Even a curve that falls in the 7, 8, or 9-degree area can have a significant impact on the health of a person. Some people go most of their life without even realizing they have a 10-15 degree curvature of scoliosis.
What does this all mean? Well, if the head is not balanced over the spinal column properly, it can result in postural changes such as tilting of the head and shoulders, uneven hip alignment, and improper leg balance. When this develops in children and infants, it is more likely for them to be diagnosed with scoliosis when they get older.
To correct scoliosis, it is very important to detect the problem as early as possible. It is recommended that all children be assessed after birth and as they grow up to see if they have any misalignments in their upper neck. If any misalignment is discovered, it should be treated immediately. If scoliosis has already reached an advanced state due to not being detected be sooner, the misalignment should still be corrected. Exercises can be given to prevent it from continuing to get worse. If the curvature has been there for an extended period, it will likely not be able to be corrected completely.
If you are concerned that your child may have a curvature in their spine or that he or she has torticollis, it is a great idea to contact an upper cervical chiropractor like Dr. Pete Tsiglieris of Redwood City, California. Dr. Tsiglieris can get your child back on track and feeling better soon.
To find a Doctor in your area go to www.NUCCA.org or if you are in the Redwood City California area to schedule your NUCCA evaluation, click the button below:
Want to hear from people like you? Check out our reviews here.
Dr. Pete Tsiglieris of Advanced Spinal Care in Redwood City, California is an Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). His upper cervical clinic also serves San Mateo, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, San Carlos, and Sunnyvale. They are uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraines and other headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, back pain and shoulder pain and weakness. More information can be found on our website at https://bayareanuccacare.com/
Millions of Whiplash SufferersEvery year, 2,000,000 people in the U.S. suffer from whiplash due to auto accidents. Just to explain what happens to the neck, the ligaments are extended beyond their normal limits, thus cause the vertebrae that support the neck to become sprained or torn. That stretching of those ligaments forces that vertebrae out of their normal position.
Though, what many people do not consider is that whiplash can happen at low-speed impacts of as slow as five MPH. This type of neck injury most often occurs when a person's vehicle is rear-ended by another vehicle at six to 12 MPH. This is not a high enough speed to cause any property damage to the car itself, but it is a high enough speed to cause a neck injury.
Though, this type of injury does not require a vehicle to be involved at all. It may be the result of other injuries, such as those listed below
While it's easy to think that all you will need to do is ice your neck and back, it is important to note that while we do encourage you to ice those areas where you feel the pain, they are limited to reducing any inflammation to the injured area. It is important not to only rely on ice because research shows whiplash can be the underlying cause of various health issues including dizziness, speech problems, throat problems, and even hearing loss.
Though, whiplash responds positively to a specific and gentle type of chiropractic known as upper cervical chiropractic, which focuses on aligning the top two vertebrae in the neck. It is important to align those two bones because they are situated at the base of the brainstem, which is the main venue through which the brain communicates with the body. An upper cervical chiropractor will examine the upper neck vertebrae for any misalignments and make the necessary adjustments, so as to restore the brain's ability to communicate with the body.
To find a Doctor in your area go to www.NUCCA.org or if you are in the Redwood City California area to schedule your NUCCA evaluation, click the button below:
Want to hear from people like you? Check out our reviews here.
Dr. Pete Tsiglieris of Advanced Spinal Care in Redwood City, California is an Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). His upper cervical clinic also serves San Mateo, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, San Carlos, and Sunnyvale. They are uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraines and other headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, back pain and shoulder pain and weakness. More information can be found on our website at https://bayareanuccacare.com/
Another look at Neck SurgeryIn last week's blog, we looked at some of the possible complications that may result from neck surgery. We wanted to make you aware of a few more complications, as well as to make you aware of an alternative to this type of surgery.
If you haven't had a chance to read that blog yet, you should be aware that because the neck is one of the more fragile parts of the body neck surgery comes with a higher risk of complications. Those risks can cause complications that could cause you need to more surgery or could even change the quality of your life for the worse. Let's look at a few more of those complications.
Infection
A risk of any type of surgery is always infection due to exposure to bacteria the body cannot fight. It's very important to treat such a complication right away, as untreated infections could lead to further complications. Though, that means it's important to watch for signs of possible infections, even after the surgery, which can often be seen through weakness in the body or complications walking or talking.
Damage to Nerves
Unfortunately, not only is this a risk that every patient faces, but surgeons are unable to determine which patients are more prone to suffer from nerve damage. Damage to the nerves can lead to more pain after the surgery than was experienced before, and some people experience ongoing tingling and numbing sensations in those areas where the surgery was performed. A second surgery will be in order if nerve damage does occur during neck surgery.
Paralysis
The type of surgery that has the highest risk of causing nerve damage to the spine is cervical spinal fusion surgery. That's because of the location of this type of surgery in relation to the spinal cord. This type of nerve damage can cause more pain, weakness, loss of feeling or sensation, or even paralysis of the arms and legs.
Now, we understand surgery isn't always avoidable, but when it is, there is an alternative that won't come with those high complications. People are just so accustomed to taking the easy way out, but what appears to be the easy way can often come with the most consequences.
The key to recovering from any neck injury is to get to the underlying cause so that the neck can properly heal. Head and neck injuries will frequently lead to misalignments in the upper neck. These misalignments will lead to changes in posture, muscle tone, nerve flow and more. Restoring normal alignment in the upper neck is commonly the first step to truly recovering your health and life.
For that reason, we want to make you aware of a much safer alternative.
To find a Doctor in your area go to www.NUCCA.org or if you are in the Redwood City California area to schedule your NUCCA evaluation, click the button below:
Want to hear from people like you? Check out our reviews here.
Dr. Pete Tsiglieris of Advanced Spinal Care in Redwood City, California is an Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). His upper cervical clinic also serves San Mateo, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, San Carlos, and Sunnyvale. They are uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraines and other headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, back pain and shoulder pain and weakness. More information can be found on our website at https://bayareanuccacare.com/
Knowing Neck Surgery FactsIf your doctor ever diagnosed you with the narrowing of the blood vessels, severe osteoarthritis, or thyroid problems, then there is a chance they may have also said neck surgery is an option. Yes, it is an option, but just because something is an option doesn't make it the best option or even a good option.
Now, you should be aware that the neck is much more fragile than the shoulder or the knee, as well as many other parts of the body, so performing neck surgery comes with very high risks. It's important to know the risks because complications in neck surgery can change your life. And not for the better!
In order to help you make the best decision for yourself, over the next two weeks we'll look at those risks. We'll also offer an alternative to you, which will allow you to go on living your life risk free and pain free.
Dysfunctional Complications - The loss of sex drive or other sexual problems is a very significant risk of this type of surgery. Dysfunctional problems due to this type of surgery may also lead to complications with one's bladder or bowels.
Medical Complications - There is always the risk of damage to the spinal cord, which may cause blood clots, a heart attack, stroke, or possibly death during surgery.
Abnormal Bleeding - Some people experience excessive or abnormal bleeding after the surgery. A medical transfusion is often administered, so more serious medical complications, including the possibility of death, do not occur.
Of course, you're taking a risk when you take a walk down the street or eat an ice cream cone. Life is full of risks, and there may be times when neck surgery is unavoidable, but that doesn't mean we should take risks we don't need to take. Neck surgery should be a last resort, not an option of convenience.
Luckily, upper cervical chiropractic is a gentle and specific type of chiropractic, meaning there is no cracking or popping of the spine, that offers many people an alternative to such a risky type of surgery. This method focuses on spinal correction and has a very high success rate at offering people relief from neck pain, so they can avoid neck or back surgery.
To find a Doctor in your area go to www.NUCCA.org or if you are in the Redwood City California area to schedule your NUCCA evaluation, click the button below:
Want to hear from people like you? Check out our reviews here.
Dr. Pete Tsiglieris of Advanced Spinal Care in Redwood City, California is an Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). His upper cervical clinic also serves San Mateo, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, San Carlos, and Sunnyvale. They are uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraines and other headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, back pain and shoulder pain and weakness. More information can be found on our website at https://bayareanuccacare.com/
The Health of Your SpineWhen most people think of arthritis, they think of it effecting a person's hands or knees, but some people experience arthritis in their spine. Okay, we know that you may be unfamiliar with this, and that's probably because you've heard it called by a different name than arthritis of the spine. You may have heard it called one of the following conditions.
Now, the thing to understand is that this type of arthritis is a degenerative disease, which means it will worsen over time. That process of degeneration will not happen quickly and can occur slowly over a 20 year period. It can not only take that long to occur, but it can take as long as 40 to 60 years to fully set in.
Of course, many people do not think to consider that a trauma such as an auto accident, sports-related injury, or perhaps even a birth injury may be the underlying cause of the degeneration of a person's spine. The result of that injury will be that the body will attempt to stabilize the joints by fusing the bones that make up the joints.
The body does this by moving calcium into the inflamed joint, so the calcium to cause those bones to fuse. That, of course, will lead to abnormal bone growth, thus causes a degenerative effect that will worsen a person's health over time.
For that reason, it is important to maintain proper joint alignment and movement, so as to prevent spinal degeneration. An upper cervical chiropractor can examine your upper neck vertebrae for any misalignments that may be the underlying cause of or lead to any further damage to your spine. They will then make any adjustments to your upper cervical spine, so as to enable your body to begin to heal itself, thus preventing the potential of arthritis affecting your spine.
To find a Doctor in your area go to www.NUCCA.org or if you are in the Redwood City California area to schedule your NUCCA evaluation, click the button below:
Want to hear from people like you? Check out our reviews here.
Dr. Pete Tsiglieris of Advanced Spinal Care in Redwood City, California is an Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). His upper cervical clinic also serves San Mateo, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, San Carlos, and Sunnyvale. They are uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraines and other headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, back pain and shoulder pain and weakness. More information can be found on our website at https://bayareanuccacare.com/
