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Chiropractor Pasadena CA | Research Into Spinal Decompressio...



The process of spinal decompression is one that involves using a specialized table to provide traction for people suffering from a variety of back injuries.  Recently some studies have been conducted relating to the efficacy of the treatment specifically for those with herniated or bulging disks.  Results are mixed, but at least some of the studies have reported positive effects.

Research Indicates a Success Rate for Spinal Decompression
In one study reported in Neurology Research in 2001, a small group of patients were treated with either decompression or TENS units.  Those who were treated with decompression therapy indicated a 68% success rate, defined as those who felt significant reduction in pain.  Patients treated with the TENS units showed no signs of improvement.

Another study mentioned in the same paper as the one above also indicates success in reducing pressure levels within the disk as a result of decompression.  Yet another project indicates that decompression was used on seventeen patients in an attempt to reduce radiculopathy with a success rate of 64%, a partial success rate of 27% and 4.5% of patients experiencing no improvement or deterioration.

The problems with these studies are evident in the small number of participants and the fact that none of the studies was subjected to peer review.  No methodology was discussed in any of the papers leading to questions relating the authenticity and accuracy of the claims.  Additionally, most of the studies cited were several years' old, raising questions about why nothing timelier is presented.

Anecdotal Findings of Spinal Decompression
The catch with things like spinal decompression is that it actually seems to work for some people.  Much like dietary changes can work for some children with ADHD; spinal decompression will certainly help some people with chronic back problems.  The question isn't so much the efficacy of the treatment as whether or not it is worthwhile for a particular individual.

Spinal decompression machines are extremely expensive, making them a major investment for an office.  There is a real need to make that investment pay off.  As the consumer, you need to decide for yourself whether you feel decompression will help you out, and how much it is worth for you to try it out. 

If you have come to the point where you are considering decompression versus surgery, it can certainly be worth trying out.  Spinal surgery is something to be avoided unless you have absolutely no other options.  I would suggest that you consider decompression but go slowly and be very aware of any results, negative or positive, that you experience.

If you include spinal decompression as part of a comprehensive approach to treating back pain, it may be worthwhile.  Chiropractics, physical therapy, and massage are all aspects of treatment that you want to pursue, in addition to the possibility of OTC medications for minor discomfort, and ice for inflammation.

Before you engage in any type of innovative back treatment, it is best to consult with your primary care doctor. 

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posted by directinc on Oct 27, 2009 4:42 PM | 0 comments
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Chiropractor Hermosa Beach CA | Headaches And Children - Wha...



What can we do if they have a pain that is a little more abstract, a pain such a headache?  Headaches can be tricky to help a child with as this is not something that you can see and evaluate. 

As a parent, there isn't anything that we wouldn't do to ease our child's pain.  If they have a tummy ache, we give them an antacid and tell them lay down for a while.  If they fell off their bike, we put a band-aid on it, give them a kiss and tell them they are okay. 

Thankfully, treating a child's headache is much like treating your own.  The severity of the child's complaining is all that you have to go on when deciding upon a course of action, much like with yourself.

With a child, depending upon the age, you may not want to jump straight to over the counter pain medication.  If that is the case, it may help to just have the child lie down and rest for a while. 

Since most kids may not be to keen on this particular method of relieving their headache pain, it is sometimes a good time to allow them to quietly watch a favorite movie.  Hopefully when the movie is over, one of two things have happened, either the child has fallen asleep, allowing the headache to run its course; or the child was quiet long enough for the headache to be gone.

If this plan doesn't work, try some food.  Oftentimes, headaches occur when blood sugar is low, especially with children, who tend to burn off calories quicker than adults do.  Offer the child something healthy to snack on, some crackers or a piece of fruit can often help alleviate childhood headaches.  Pair the snack up with some quiet playtime to gain the maximum benefit.

If neither of these options work, it may just be time to give the child some over the counter pain medication made specifically for children.  These medications work exactly like adult pain medication; however, be sure to use medicines, which are especially made for children to assure the correct dosage is given. 

This type of medicine should take effect in about thirty minutes from the time it is administered.  Be prepared, as often this type of medicine makes a child drowsy and they will sleep.

If you find that your child is suffering from a headache for several days in a row, or if the pain appears to be worsening, it is highly advised that you visit your child's pediatrician or doctor.  The doctor will be able to rule out any serious illnesses that present headaches as a symptom.  Once this is done, the doctor can offer other remedies for your child's pain.

Another headache treatment that often works for adults that also works for children is to seek the help of a chiropractor.  A chiropractor works with the spine and is a specialist in how the misalignment of the spine affects the rest of the body.  Oftentimes, a misaligned spine can be the underlying cause of headaches in both children and adults.

If all mainstream remedies have been tried, call a chiropractor and see if they can help your child.

<a href="http://california.healthsourcechiro.com/city/hermosa-beach">california.healthsourcechiro.com/city/hermosa-beach</a>

posted by directinc on Oct 23, 2009 8:57 PM | 0 comments
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Chiropractor in Anaheim, CA | 6 Tried and True Remedies for...

Headaches, headaches, and more headaches. I have been getting headaches since I was eight years old. While this is young to start getting headaches, I have never been one to do anything normal.

Yet, it has made me an expert on all the tips and tricks for headache relief. I really have tried it all from lying in a dark room with a cold compress to suction cups on my back. (This is a method where someone lights a candle that heats the air to create suction.)

In my travels, I have experienced some normal remedies and some odd remedies that I am willing to share with you. I hope that my pain and suffering will help ease your pain. I also hope that my humiliation and discomfort will spare you the humiliation and discomfort of treatments that did not work out so well.

Acupuncture:
I must say, I was a little skeptical of this one since after all it involved needles. However, I was there and my head hurt, so I gave it a shot. To my utter amazement, it actually worked and I would recommend this to anyone.

Massage:
While I would love recommending massage, I find this does nothing for headaches once they start. Studies have shown that massage does do wonders in preventing headaches. They have not reduced my headache frequency in anyway. However, you can keep a headache diary and see if they reduce them for you.

Dark Room:
Thousands of people cannot be wrong, and they are not. The dark room method really does help those who have light sensitive headaches. You know if you have light sensitive headaches as you will close your eyes and go running to the nearest closet. I also like putting pressure on my eyes. It helps me. So you might give it a try and see if you like the way it feels.

Tylenol and Coca-Cola:
This odd remedy requires you to take two Tylenol and drink one Coca-Cola. Now it has to be Tylenol and Coca-Cola or at least that is what they will tell you. I get the same effect when I take any of the over-the-counter "migraine" medicines. They contain both acetaminophen (Tylenol) and caffeine (Coca-Cola).

However, I get a better effect when I take Midrin, which is the same thing except in prescription form. It is like taking a prescription Excedrin.

Spinal Manipulation
Like the acupuncture, I was reluctant to try this. I thought it was a bunch of phooey. However, I had a headache while at the chiropractor with a friend. (Yes, I know this happened while I was at the acupuncturist but I really do get headaches on a daily basis.) Surprisingly enough, it worked. My headache went away. What was even more surprising was it stayed gone for a few days.

The Neti Pot
The neti pot does help headaches if your headache is sinus related. Yes, I have stood over the bathroom sink and poured salted water in my nose. Yes, it is disgusting and yes, it is difficult.

However, if you can get past the gross and disgusting part of the neti pot, then it really can help with your sinus headache. When you clear out your sinuses, it can relieve the pressure and your headache eases up a bit.

posted by directinc on Oct 22, 2009 10:12 PM | 0 comments
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Decompression: What You Need to Know



If you suffer from spinal issues such as extremity numbness, back pain, or herniated disc, you may have been told that the only way to solve the pain is to undergo back surgery.  However, a procedure known as decompression may actually be what is needed. 

Oftentimes, doctors prescribe back surgery as a cure because not only the public, but insurance companies accept it as well.  Many people who are understandably nervous about accepting this type of procedure may be happy to try decompression as an alternative.

What is Decompression?

Simply put, decompression is a therapy that, when used correctly, produces a negative pressure inside the spine and any discs that are damaged.  This pressure allows the injury to heal in a more natural way as opposed to surgery, which is very invasive.  Decompression is often a procedure that is carried out within a chiropractor's office, with the patient awake, coherent, and completely clothed.

You should expect to be suited in a thoracic and pelvic harness and asked to either lay on your stomach or on a special table that is controlled by a computer.  In the latter instance, you will be face up.  This type of treatment allows you to converse with the chiropractor as to what is happening, giving you the opportunity to be more involved with your medical procedure.  This possible conversation will help to ensure you that your treatment is specifically tailored to your needs.

A session of decompression treatment is often expected to take up to 45 minutes; however, it could be as short as a half an hour.  While decompression is less invasive than traditional back surgery, it mustn't be perceived as a quick treatment.  In fact, decompression often takes between 20 and 30 sessions spanning over several months to completely alleviate back pain.

What to Expect during Decompression
Along with a decompression treatment during your visit to the chiropractor, it may be wise to expect the doctor to include both cyrotherapy and thermotherapy in your session.  Basically, this is the use of cold temperature, cyrotherapy, and hot temperature, thermotherapy, to help the decompression therapy alleviate back or spinal issues.  This decision is made on an individual basis as well as from visit to visit.
There are several things that the chiropractor will probably suggest that you do to speed your complete recovery.  For example, the discs inside the spine can often become dehydrated during the procedure itself.  Therefore, it is often suggested that you drink a lot of water, actually a half a gallon or more every day to speed up the re-hydration of the discs.
Follow up care
Your chiropractor will have a list of specific instructions for you to follow after your decompression session.  You may be asked to limit activity for a time to allow the spine and discs to heal fully.  You may also be asked to take particular nutritional supplements to aid in recovery.
Be sure to listen and follow the instructions of your chiropractor.  They know what is best for you and will help you to have a positive decompression experience.  Be sure to ask any questions that you may have.  Decompression is not a surgical procedure, however, that doesn't mean that it should be taken lightly.  You should always  be fully informed about any medical procedure that you are about to undergo.

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posted by directinc on Oct 16, 2009 6:58 PM | 0 comments
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