Sciatica is known to cause lower back pain that is often felt in the hips and may travel down the back of the leg into the foot. It is due to an irritation or pinching of the spinal nerve roots in the lower region of the back. Many people visit their family physician for help in caring for sciatica. This usually results in a suggestion of an over-the-counter or prescription medication. While this may give some temporary relief, unless the underlying reason for sciatica is addressed, it will probably continue to occur.
By stretching the muscles using simple exercises, sciatica may improve. Here are some good exercises to try. Please, always consult with your doctor or chiropractor before trying these.
Each exercise should be held for 30 seconds and then rest and repeat in three sets one time a day.
Another important step, if you suffer from sciatica, is to visit us here at Advanced Spinal Care in Redwood City, California. We can help determine if the cause of sciatica has to do with a misalignment of the bones of the upper neck and explain why this can cause lower back pain. We can then work to correct this problem and aid in giving you some relief from sciatica.
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 term self-manipulation refers to when you try to crack or pop the bones of your neck back into place. Have you ever felt like you would feel much better if a certain area of your neck or back would just pop? In order to do that, have you ever tried to pop or crack it yourself or asked a friend to give you a hug from behind to do so? Let’s look at why it is not a good idea and how you can find real, safe relief.
A woman who was used to cracking her own neck suddenly started to feel ill. She had a severe headache, along with neck and shoulder pain, and a general feeling of being unwell. Thankfully, she sought medical attention, and it was discovered, after a battery of tests, she had a blood clot that could have killed her. This was caused by a tear in the vertebral artery and was brought about by self-manipulation. This proves just how serious self-manipulation can be, and we warn you to please not attempt it.
If you feel as if you need to have your back or neck cracked, the best place to start is to visit us here at Advanced Spinal Care in Redwood City, California. This is especially important if you have any of the following symptoms:
We use a method that is both safe and gentle to help our patients realign their spines without popping or cracking them. They often see relief in just a few visits.
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.
When one is suffering from pain in his lower back, he most likely assumes the pain originates in that area. Therefore, it may be surprising to learn the pain may actually begin with a misalignment in the bones of the upper cervical spine, particularly the C1 and C2 vertebrae. Let’s take a closer look at how this develops.
When one has a misalignment of either the atlas (C1) or axis (C2) bones, the spine shifts out of its normal position to compensate for it, negatively impacting the muscles of the entire back. The pelvic area may shift and cause one hip to become higher than the other. One leg then becomes shorter than the other, leading to pain in the lower back. The pain will more-than-likely be one-sided and may be felt in one hip only. The longer this situation is allowed to remain, the more problems ensue. The way a person walks can be affected, resulting in pain in the feet and/or legs, sprains, and knee problems.
Many people cope with this type of pain by reaching for the nearest bottle of pills. True, this may help cover up the symptoms on a temporary basis, allowing a person to make it through the day. However, if one is seeking long-term, natural care, it is a good idea to come see us here at Advanced Spinal Care in Redwood City, California.
We examine our patients to find the exact location of the misalignment and them we work to correct the problem using a gentle method. We do not have to crack or pop the spine to get results. The technique used encourages the bones of the neck to move back into place naturally, causing long lasting relief.
The story of Nora Sue can show how helpful upper cervical care can be. She suffered from back pain so bad that she was required to use a cane for 6 years. Within 3 months of receiving upper cervical care, she was able to get around without it. Our patients report similar results.
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.
Lower back pain is very common. It seems as if almost everyone has a bout of it at one time or another. In some cases, it may lead to sciatica – pain that radiates from the lower back through the hips, buttocks, and down one leg. The cause of this is the sciatic nerve, one of the largest in the body, being irritated or pinched. In recent years, it has been noted that approximately $80 billion is spent on medicine, gadgets, support belts, shoe inserts, and similar items to relieve lower back pain.
It may sound a little strange, but may cases of lower back pain are connected to a misalignment of the bones of the upper neck. The C1 and C2 vertebrae are quite different from the other vertebrae of the spine. They are able to move freely without interlocking joints. While this is good when it comes to the range of motion for the neck and head, it also puts them at risk for being able to move out of place easily. A misalignment at this vital location can cause the rest of the spine to compensate by shifting and readjusting. A common result is lower back pain because this is where the greatest compensations take place. No matter what is done to the lower back, unless the underlying cause in the neck is addressed, pain levels may not improve, or pain may stop but then return.
At our upper cervical chiropractic practice, we recognize that a healthy upper cervical spine is vital to the overall health of our patients. We look closely at one’s posture to see just how the head is aligned with the rest of the body, and we also use specialized x-rays to help us find the exact location of the problem in the neck. Once this is determined, we use a very gentle amount of pressure to a specific area of the neck to help the bones to realign on their own. Once the head is realigned over the spine, muscle tension and nerve irritation can clear up. This is often all that is needed to help patients find some relief from lower back pain. Some see it go away completely.
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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.
Sciatica is an irritation of the sciatic nerve located in the lower region of the back. It is known for:
It may seem strange, but the actual cause of sciatica may be located much higher in the spine. In fact, it can be due to a misalignment of the upper neck. The entire spine works as a unit. Therefore, a problem in one area can affect another area.
The top bones of the neck – the C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis) – are easily misaligned due to their range of motion. It only takes a misalignment of ¼ of a millimeter to throw off the entire balance of the spine affecting the shoulders, hips, lower back, and overall posture. This may create an irritation with the sciatic nerve located near the hips. The best way to correct this problem is to address the underlying misalignment.
Medication is often the go-to answer for pain relief. While this may offer some comfort to the one suffering, it is not the end-all answer. Medication may also be accompanied by unwanted side effects and is not helpful in every case. To deal effectively with the pain of sciatica, one must address the root cause.
Advanced Spinal Care, we first examine the neck to find out whether or not the problem is being caused by a misalignment in this sensitive area. If so, we use a gentle method that encourages the bones to move back into place without popping or cracking the spine or neck. Once the adjustment is provided, the body begins to repair the damage. This may correct the irritation that was being put on the sciatic nerve and can decrease or even eliminate the pain of sciatica.
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.
It used to be that people suffering with back pain and achy joints could point their finger at changes in the weather. Changes in temperature, humidity, and air pressure have long been blamed for aggravating these conditions, but a study of 1,350 back pain and arthritis patients showed no association between their pain and the weather conditions.
For the many millions of Americans dealing with back pain, that might not be good news since it leaves some unanswered questions as to why the pain persists. The most common treatment options for people with back pain start with over the counter mediations, usually pain killers and anti-inflammatories. These might help to take the edge off the pain, but the fact still remains that the underlying reason why the pain is there in the first place never gets addressed by the use of medications, whether over the counter or prescription.
When you have back pain, it can be caused by several structures. When people say "my back hurts," it can be a problem with the vertebrae of the spine or the soft tissues that support the spine. Regardless of the source of pain, it is important to correct the root cause of the problem so that it doesn't persist.
Your spine is designed to provide protection for your spinal cord as well as all of the nerves that branch off of it. While it might not seem feasible at first, many cases of back pain originate at the very top of the neck. The entire spine is connected like links in a chain. When the top of the chain is not in proper alignment, it affects everything else below it. The atlas vertebra, which sits at the very top of the neck, has the most range of motion of the entire spine. This makes it particularly vulnerable to misaligning, and can cause a domino effect of compensations down the rest of the back. Upper cervical chiropractic is a way that many people are correcting their back pain problems at the cause. By addressing the top link in the chain, everything beneath it is allowed to return back to normal, reducing stubborn, chronic back pain so you can get back to living life.
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.
Many people believe that back pain is just a part of aging and if they ignore it and go on it may go away. Or they may feel that they will wait until it gets a lot worse before they deal with the situation. Both of these thoughts are dangerous to a person’s health and well-being. Before discussing what to do about back pain, let’s take a look at why it may be occurring.
It is vital for anyone experiencing back pain to seek immediate care, even if it seems minor. As the condition worsens, it becomes harder to repair. Most back pain conditions progress over time, but if they are caught early, they may not have to continue.
It may surprise someone to learn that the source of back pain often has to do with some kind of trauma to the head or neck. The body compensates for such trauma often leading to back pain or other health conditions.
As an upper cervical chiropractor, I work with my patients to find and then correct misalignments of the upper neck using a gentle procedure that does not require me to pop or force the spine into place. This is often all that is required to see the end of the debilitating effects 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.
Whiplash is the over-extending or straining of the neck muscles due to some sort of impact. Often it is related to car accidents, but it can also occur during a sports game, bungee jumping, shaken baby syndrome, and incidents where a direct blow to the head occurs. Whiplash associated disorders are a group of conditions brought about by whiplash. They are also known as coup contrecoup injuries.
These types of injuries have a negative effect on the cerebrum, the largest part of the brain that resides just below the skull. The cerebrum is the uppermost region of the central nervous system. It consists of the following:
What exactly is a coup contrecoup injury? Breaking it down, it is actually referring to two different injuries that often occur at the same time. The coup injury has to do with where the head was hit with an object. Usually, the moving object impacts the head. The contrecoup injury has to do with the opposite side of where the head was hit, similar to ricocheting. Usually, the moving head hits an object.
If a person has been diagnosed with whiplash, a good place to look for help is to seek the care of an upper cervical chiropractor. When whiplash happens, the neck often becomes misaligned. By realigning the bones of the upper neck vertebrae, the tissue and muscles can begin to heal, and the effects of whiplash can be done away with. If left untreated, it may lead to fibromyalgia, migraines, and a number of other conditions.
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/
Whiplash is an injury associated with trauma to the neck or head, injury in a vehicle accident, a fall, or sports-related accident. What can help you make a speedy recovery? Ice is a great way to reduce the swelling or inflammation that commonly occurs with such an injury. It helps the area feel better too. There are other ways to help ensure a full recovery from whiplash and some of the effects that may develop as a result.
Injuries such as the ones mentioned above can cause the upper cervical vertebrae to come out of alignment. To evaluate and treat this, an upper cervical chiropractor can be of invaluable assistance. Why is this type of correction important?
The misaligned vertebrae in the uppermost region of the neck can cause a host of issues over time. For example, even a vertebra that is a quarter of a millimeter off can lead to symptoms. Vertigo is a good example of what could result from this type of injury and misalignment. The normal function of the different systems that convene here—like the vestibular system that controls balance—can be impeded and cause something like vertigo to manifest. An estimated 50% of those suffering from whiplash experience vertigo.
The good news is that with upper cervical chiropractic care, whiplash and the symptoms associated with it can be corrected, even eliminated. It is advised that this type of care be sought out as soon as possible for optimal results. Evaluations for misalignments include taking measurements to ensure accurate realignment. Very gentle adjusting is then performed by the upper cervical chiropractor. With the vertebrae in proper place, the systems housed in that area are free to perform their duties unhindered.
Caring for a whiplash injury is important. Ice the area to help relieve immediate swelling and pain, then remember to have your spinal health evaluated to prevent further injury or long time effects.
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/
Whiplash has been connected to a variety of disorders. This group includes fibromyalgia, non-traumatic chronic cervical syndrome, and endogenous depression. One recently published study found that 85% of those who suffer from one of the aforementioned disorders presented with sensitivity in the upper back part of the neck. This muscle is known as the capitis muscle. Those who also had a history of whiplash were more sensitive to pain in that same region.
Pain resulting from whiplash is due to injuries sustained by joints, ligaments, muscles, nerve roots, and disks.
Common symptoms associated with whiplash include headaches, pain that radiates down the arm(s)—also known as brachialgia—dizziness, vertigo, visual disturbances, difficulty chewing or swallowing, and more. Brachialgia, mentioned above, may be due to myofascial tension. Trauma can cause mechanical failure within the muscles which would normally allow them to relax. Muscle contractions can then occur. Each individual is different and symptoms experienced can vary from one person to another. Over time, new issues may also develop.
Upper neck sensitivities, whiplash related disorders, and the symptoms related to whiplash injury make the case for caring for the spine. In particular, an upper cervical chiropractic can evaluate the uppermost vertebrae in the neck to ensure proper alignment. Whiplash injuries can often slide these vertebrae out of alignment.
When the incident happens, overextension of ligaments in the neck can pull structures from their designated location. Specific measurements and gentle adjustments can reposition a vertebra that is out of place. Realigning these structures relieves pressure put on the brainstem, nerves and other vessels necessary for normal function throughout the rest of the body.
If you have experienced a head or neck injury that has caused whiplash, come and see us at Advanced Spinal Care. An examination will reveal if the damage caused a misalignment that needs to be corrected.
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/
