Blog - Page 10 of 11 - Healthcare in Friendswood, TX

By DrJoeDenke 0 Comments Neck Pain

5 Tips For Picking The Perfect Pillow

Neck Pain Pillow — Do you find yourself blaming your pillow for your neck pain?

Neck pain is nobody’s friend, and it is definitely not an ideal sleeping companion. Pain-filled nights can leave a person dull, groggy, and not ready to face the day in the morning. Unfortunately, certain sleeping positions can further aggravate neck pain to the point it robs a person of a good night’s sleep.

If you suffer from neck pain, the toll it takes on deep sleep isn’t news to you. What may surprise you, however, is choosing the right pillow can make a huge difference in whether you lie awake grumpily watching the clock or snuggle cozily into dream land.

A million pillow choices await you. The first order of business is determining the primary position you sleep in. Certain shapes of pillows cradle the head and neck more comfortably, depending on the sleeping position.

Now that you have determined your favorite sleeping position, you are ready to shop for a new pillow. Be certain to keep these five tips in mind before you settle on your new bed mate.

#1: Do your research.

Fire up the Internet and search for pillows by your sleeping position. Read the reviews from people who also have neck pain, and see which pillows helped them. Note the pillow name, price, and store that sells it.

#2: Think about the filling.

Pillows are filled with a variety of materials, and you will need to consider which one is right for you. Feather pillows may offer neck comfort, but if you are allergic this is the wrong choice.

Memory foam is a popular choice because of it’s ability to contour to your body’s shape. Give some thought to the type of filling that best suits your sleeping style.

#3: Consider the size.

Pillows should generally be between 4-6 inches in height, and should alleviate the pressure points around your neck and shoulders. Extra thick pillows or especially flat ones are most likely the wrong choices (again, this depends on your sleeping position).

Your size should also be considered when choosing a pillow. A large person needs a bigger pillow, while a more petite person should go with a smaller pillow. The bottom line is the pillow should provide support and comfort, and hold your neck in a neutral position.

#4: Don’t try to ‘make do’ with a budget pillow.

Pillows designed to reduce neck pain are not going to be cheap. With all the less expensive pillows available, its tempting to settle for a more modestly priced option.

Before you end up spending a smaller amount of cash on a pillow that won’t alleviate your current problem, remember the many painful nights and groggy mornings that you would have paid a ton of money just to feel good. Then open your wallet and buy the pillow that will minimize that from ever happening again. Parting with the cash won’t kill you. We promise.

#5: Ask your Friendswood Chiropractor for his recommendation.

Before selecting your new pillow, talk to the person who understands the cause of your neck pain, your chiropractor. He or she will give you some valuable pointers on choosing the pillow that will be most beneficial.

Neck pain and the lack of sleep that results is a serious issue. Addressing it with a good chiropractor is the first step toward improving the situation.

Shopping for the perfect pillow is a close second in importance. By following these tips and taking the time to choose the right pillow, you will be snoozing away pain-free in no time at all!

By DrJoeDenke 0 Comments Arthritis

How Chiropractic Can Help Your Arthritis

Arthritis Pain and Chiroprcatic — Arthritis can cause uncomfortable joint pain and stiffness. This pain can be managed with conservative Chiropractic care.

Chiropractic excels in treating a wide variety of conditions like arthritis. In today’s article, we’ll explore how chiropractic can help patients who suffer from arthritis and give you additional suggestions on how to alleviate the pain that’s associated with it.

What Is Arthritis?

Put simply, arthritis is inflammation or degeneration in the joints which result in joint pain, stiffness and limited range of movement. There are over 200 different varieties of the ailment. While it is generally associated with age, it can also affect young people. It can strike almost any area of the body, with each region having a different cause and name. In some cases, arthritis can cause damage to soft tissues and muscles, like the heart and lungs.

Osteoarthritis, also called degenerative joint disease, is the most common type of arthritis. It results from repeated trauma to the joint and becomes more common in the elderly.

Other common forms of arthritis include:

- Rheumatoid arthritis, the second most common form in which the body’s immune system attacks the joint.

- Psoriatic arthritis, another autoimmune form of arthritis.

- Ankylosing spondylitis, also a type of arthritis where the body attacks itself.

- Septic arthritis, which is caused by a viral or bacterial infection of the joint.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing arthritis involves a complete and thorough examination. If a chiropractor feels the need to co-manage the case, a medical work-up by a rheumatologist may be recommended. This can include radiology (x-ray) or an MRI, urine and blood analysis and physical examinations.

It is important to have your condition properly diagnosed so you can more effectively treat the symptoms of the disease.

Chiropractors and Arthritis

The most common treatment for arthritis is medication, which can take down the inflammation and swelling and reduce pain. However, chiropractors can be of great help in managing arthritis. While medications work, it has long-term health risks such as impairing healing, damage to the stomach lining and internal bleeding.

By visiting a chiropractor you may be able to reduce your reliance upon these medications while managing your pain and symptoms naturally. A chiropractor can:

- Improve the range of motion and function of the spine.

- Improve endurance and flexibility.

- Increase your strength and muscle tone.

- Recommend an exercise regimen that’s conducive to arthritis.

Treating the Symptoms

Please understand that chiropractors cannot cure your arthritis. At this time, there is no cure for this ailment. They can, however, help to alleviate the symptoms and slow the progression of the illness. They may use spinal manipulation in conjunction with other treatments to address the disease. These options can include:

- Hot and cold therapy

- Massage

- Electrical Muscle Stimulation

- Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

- Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy

The Best Results

With a disease like arthritis, the best results are achieved from attacking it at all angles. This means working with your chiropractor and rheumatologist to combine treatments, if necessary. In addition to their care, a healthy diet and active exercise regime will help move you in the right direction toward a healthier outcome.

If you or a loved one are suffering with arthritis, don’t hesitate to give us a call today. We’re here to help in any way we can!

By DrJoeDenke Neck Pain

5 Things You Should Know About “Text Neck”

Text Neck Pain Treated By Chiropractor in Friendswood — Neck pain caused by frequently looking down at a phone or mobile device, commonly called text neck, is becoming more common in today’s society.

Remember how your mom always said, “Nothing in life is free”? Well, she was right. High-tech gadgets and smart phones advancing at the speed of light are a modern convenience unlike little else, but the advantages of communication at our fingertips come with a price: text neck.

Here are 5 things chiropractic patients ought to know about text neck, the epidemic that is taking the world by storm:

1. Text neck is caused by poor posture.

Specifically, habitually looking down at a phone or laptop puts extra pounds of unwanted pressure on the cervical spine, causing wear and tear and even degeneration over time. Additionally, in the space between the neck and shoulder is a cluster of nerves. If these nerves are compressed, misaligned, or damaged, the pain is excruciating and difficult to treat.

In short: Text neck puts the head, neck, and spine at risk.

2. Text neck is increasingly common among young people.

Spending as little as two to four hours a day hunched over a smart phone is enough to make a serious impact on the body over time. And though two to four hours may not seem like a long time, it isn’t hard to arrive at two hours by adding several 15-minute or half-hour segments together.

For teenagers, specifically, two to four hours on a smart phone is not unfathomable. Some teens likely spend twice that much time in a given afternoon or the space between classes or over lunch. Consider the impact of 1500+ hours of bad posture in a year. It is no surprise that teenagers are at risk.

The lasting impact of text neck on today’s young people could be costly.

3. Text neck in combination with a sedentary lifestyle is a recipe for disaster.

With hours of looking down at a smart phone often come hours of relaxing on the couch or sitting still. Generally speaking, we aren’t prone to be active when we are engaged in surfing the Internet or texting our friends.

Though the list of ailments for poor posture is long and discouraging, it is made worse by sluggishness or inactivity. The best thing to do is to put the phone down on occasion, stretch, exercise, and return to the technology only once in a while.

The benefits of technology do not outweigh the consequences of inactivity.

4. Text neck can be corrected.

Practicing good posture is the easiest place to start. Making an appointment with a chiropractor is a good move for anyone who is facing the painful side effects of hours spent looking down.

Taking small steps toward better posture can save money and pain in the long run. Choosing to engage in technology as a treat instead of around the clock is a good practice for anyone who wants to live a long and healthy life.

5. Text neck can be avoided.

To be clear: No one is asking anyone to stop using cell phones. Text neck can be avoided without going 1980 on cell phone usage. But avoiding extra pressure on the neck and spine does require forethought and follow-through.

In today’s ever-increasing technological age, choosing to dodge smart phone usage doesn’t happen accidentally. One good strategy is to look with the eyes instead of moving the neck. Another strategy is to ask friends and family to say something when they notice prolonged periods of poor posture.

In short, text neck is nothing to LOL about. Take it seriously and make any necessary changes before text neck gets the best of you. Let us know how we can help by giving us a call today.

By DrJoeDenke 0 Comments Neck Pain

How Chiropractic Relieves Neck Pain

Chiropractor in Friendswood for neck pain If you have pain in any part of your body, it can range from uncomfortable to downright debilitating. In the case of your neck, any degree of irritation can impede your ability to function. Because of this, it is important that you learn about how chiropractic relieves neck pain so that you can find the assistance you need.

When you first visit a chiropractor, you should take along medical records that relate to your neck pain. This includes any medical history that outlines the description and symptoms of your condition by another physician. For instance, whether the pains are sharp or dull, throbbing or steady can provide valuable information to your chiropractor.

You should also make sure to bring a copy of any recent imaging, like x-rays or MRIs . If you do not have any, that is okay because we can order them if necessary.

On the first visit, your Chiropractor will perform a consultation and exam in relation to your primary complaint. He/she will formulate a diagnosis and begin treatment as soon as possible.

During this initial period, your local chiropractor may administer the following pain relief methods for neck pain:

Ice or Heat
Interferential therapy, electrical stimulation and/or other physical therapy modalities
Light soft tissue work or massage
Direct you in light stretches or exercises
Perform spinal manipulation

Additionally, your local chiropractor may make pain relief recommendations that you can use back home to help reduce your neck pain until your next visit. These typically include the proper use of ice as well as the administration of a topical analgesic like BioFreeze®.

During your subsequent visit, a detailed treatment plan will be presented to you if your chiropractor believes he or she can help correct the problem. If so, be consistent with the treatment plan your diagnosis warrants so that your neck pain is not only relieved but potentially corrected.

When people are experiencing neck pain, it can diminish their quality of life. It becomes difficult to perform regular tasks such as driving. Visiting a chiropractor and allowing them to treat the area is a smart choice. These professionals have undergone extensive training in their field and are capable of treating neck pain effectively. So if you or a loved one are experiencing neck pain, give us a call. We’re here to help!

By DrJoeDenke 0 Comments Back Pain, Research

How To Choose The Best Chiropractor In Friendswood, TX

How To Find The Best Chiropractor in Friendswood, TX?

Finding the “Best Chiropractor in Friendswood TX” can be difficult, so we put together some valuable information to help you make the best decision.

Neck and back pain are so common that nearly 65% of the US population has experienced enough pain they saw a healthcare practitioner. With that being said, there are many people out there looking for the right place to go when they need relief from their pain. I hope this article helps you make the best choice for you and your needs when choosing the best Chiropractor in Friendswood TX.

What Do The Numbers Tell Us?

In a recent poll studying the utilization of Chiropractors, the following statistics were reported from a group who said they would not see a Chiropractor for neck or back pain, each person was allowed to choose 3 answers.

I have another healthcare provider I would go to. 33%
I don’t trust chiropractors. 29%
I don’t think chiropractic care is safe. 23%
Chiropractic care requires too many visits. 19%
I don’t know what to expect when I see a chiropractor. 18%
There is too much variation between chiropractors. 15%
Chiropractic care is not effective for treating neck or back pain. 13%
Chiropractic care is too expensive. 10%
I don’t know how to find a good chiropractor. 9%

The Best Chiropractor in Friendswood TX (A Bird’s Eye View)

Looking from the inside out, we (as good Chiropractors) completely understand your point of view. If I had to choose a Chiropractor for myself, I would do a ton of research on my options before deciding which was best for me. I would even consider going to an initial visit with more than one before I made my final decision. When I have a patient moving to a new area, I always do my own research and call the office to ask pertinent questions before sending a patient to a new Chiropractor. Below, we address each bullet point to help you narrow your choices and make the best decision for you.

For brevity, lets combine the following 3, as the all seem to be similar.

I have another healthcare provider I would go to. 33%
I don’t trust chiropractors. 29%
I don’t think chiropractic care is safe. 23%

I Have Another Provider:

Those who would use another healthcare provider are probably the same who chose the options of trustworthiness and safety as they are similar concerns. I believe most who wouldn’t see a Chiropractor would start with their PCP for neck and back pain. Albeit a wise decision to seek care, the PCP is most likely to give NSAIDs, recommend rest and refer to another specialist. A good Chiropractor will work with your PCP and could also be one of the specialist your PCP will refer too! Its also important to understand, a Chiropractor and a MD/DO have very similar education when it comes to human anatomy and organ systems. They differ as MD/DO study medicine and surgery, while Chiropractors study palpation, manipulation and physical medicine.

Best Chiropractor in Friendswood TX - Education

I Don’t Trust Chiropractors:

Trust is a huge issue. To not trust is to not believe in the reliability or truth in someone or something. Again, I understand this thought process. One of the main reasons a trust issue occurs between the general population and Chiropractors is that a percentage of the Chiropractic profession believes in a theory called the spinal subluxation. This theory is based on a bone being out of place or “misaligned”, pinching nerves and not allowing the innate process of healing to occur. The HUGE problem with this is that after 100+ years of Chiropractic, there is no evidence to confirm it. Many Chiropractors don’t even believe in this theory and no other medical professionals believe it either. This theory leads to many of the other bullet points, but we will get to those later. The main point here, when searching for the best Chiropractor in Friendswood TX, if you look on their website or go to their office and he/she says you have a subluxation, you may want to find a new Chiropractor, one that is more evidence based. Another key factor that may help would be to visit your state board’s website to see if there has been any board complaints or actions against one of the Chiropractors you are considering.

Board complaints against Chiropractors in Friendswood, TX

I Don’t Think Chiropractic Care Is Safe:

Safety is a popular topic, but easy to address. Your fear of safety comes from TV, movies, hearsay and misinformation. There are mountains of research that show the safety of Chiropractic care. With that said, always make sure the Chiropractor you chose does a proper consultation, reviews your medical history and performs a proper exam before treating you. There are people who are at risk for injury and should not be treated with spinal manipulation. A proper consultation and exam would exclude these patients from spinal manipulation. As seen in this chart, there is a much higher risk of side effects with other treatment options that are used more frequently than Chiropractic care. Below are the results and links to just a few of the studies that relate to the safety of Chiropractic care.

Now, lets combine a few other bullet points.

Chiropractic care requires too many visits. 19%
Chiropractic care is too expensive. 10%

Too Many Visits:

This is also highly dependent on the Chiropractor you choose. So its is extremely important for you to make the right decision when searching for the best Chiropractor in Friendswood TX. There’s an old saying that once you go to a Chiropractor, you have to keep going. Well, there are some Chiropractors that preach this model and even try to get their potential patients to sign up for an unnecessary number of visits and pay up front. They usually do this by requiring everyone to take x-rays and using scare tactics to convince people who are in pain that they need more care than they really do. What you should look for is a Chiropractor who has your best interest in mind. You would be able to spot this easily because he/she would offer more treatment options than the standard spinal manipulation Chiropractors are typically known for. We all know, movement is medicine. So combining movement, like physical therapy, home exercise instruction are key components to helping patients recover as quickly as possible. Also, sometimes the muscles are really tight and a Chiropractor who uses one of the many forms of muscle work or incorporates massage into the treatment plan has a multi-pronged approach for a faster recovery. Evidence based Chiropractors start with a trial of care that may range from 1 to 4 weeks depending on the condition, then make the appropriate changes as the patient progresses.

Too Expensive:

As for the expense, if you avoid the “year long treatment plan guy”, Chiropractic care can be extremely inexpensive when compared to other options, especially when your insurance covers it. At Select Spine & Sports Medicine, we are in-network with all major medical insurance carriers to help reduce the cost for our patients. We also offer affordable payment options for patients without insurance coverage. With that considered Chiropractic is probably the most economical way to treat your neck and back pain. A typical medical approach to unresolved neck and back pain is as follows:

PCP –> X-rays –> Prescriptions –> Referral to Specialist –> Physical Therapy –> MRI –> Spinal Injections (up to 3) –> Surgery –> Prescriptions –> More PT.

Of course, some of those options may be necessary for some patients, but some can be avoided with Chiropractic care, which would save you time and money.

Two other very similar points are:

I don’t know what to expect when I see a chiropractor. 18%
There is too much variation between chiropractors. 15%

This brings us back to the two general groups of Chiropractors, the Subluxation based group and the Evidence based group. I personally would not go to the Subluxation based Chiropractor because I wouldn’t know what to expect either and there is a lot of variation in what they do. However, with an evidence based Chiropractor, I can tell you exactly what you would expect, as this is how we treat patients in our office and the process is very similar to going to any other doctor’s office.

First, the consultation to discuss the complaint and review medical history.
Next, you will be examined.
After that, a review of the exam findings will explain your diagnosis.
Next, a treatment plan will be outlined.
Following that, a discussion of a referral may be necessary.
Lastly, treatment will be performed and home exercises will be prescribed.

***Keep an eye out for the Chiropractors who want to stop short after the exam and ask that you come back another day to go over your exam and treatment plan. This is a sales tactic. Avoid this like the plague because the long term treatment plan and high fees are coming next! When calling to schedule, always ask “Do you normally perform treatment on the first visit?”

One of the last bullet points is simply erroneous.

Chiropractic care is not effective for treating neck or back pain

While Chiropractic care is not effective for 100% of the population, neither is any other treatment option for any condition. There is a mountain of evidence to support Chiropractic care for neck and back pain. Listed below are just a few.

Neck

Low Back

Finally, this brings us to the last bullet point:

I don’t know how to find the “Best Chiropractor in Friendswood TX.”

By now, this article should help you understand how to find the best Chiropractor in Friendswood TX. There are some other bullet points I’d like to add that you may consider.

Additional certifications and credentials – this signifies the Chiropractor is furthering his/her education in an attempt to give you the best care possible.
Takes appointments – some offices are “walk-in only.” This is not a barber shop, its a doctors office. The best Chiropractor in Friendswood TX works by appointmet only to ensure each patient is given the proper amount of time and attention to treat their injury effectively.
X-rays are NOT necessary for the majority of patients to receive Chiropractic care.
- The American Chiropractic Association has issued a similar statement to help patients avoid unnecessary exposure to radiation and expense. The best Chiropractor in Friendswood TX does dont do x-rays on every patient.

I hope you found everything you need to find the best Chiropractor in Friendswood TX and of course I would be pleased with the opportunity to be your Chiropractor in Friendswood, TX.

By DrJoeDenke 0 Comments Back Pain

How Losing Weight Can Help Reduce Back Pain

Back pain due to obesity Back pain is one of the most common and most troublesome problems that people experience. Eight out of 10 individuals will struggle with back pain during some point in their life, the US National Library of Medicine reports. Low and chronic back pain can be aggravated by many triggers. Mechanical stress, excessive strain, muscle weakness, poor sleeping position, lack of exercise and excessive weight could all contribute to making the situation worse.

The good news is that chiropractic ranks among the most popular and effective treatment options available today for back pain. Through the chiropractic adjustment, chiropractors not only help ease the pain but also work toward correcting the problem. According to chiropractors, spinal manipulation is more effective when combined with weight loss.

In today’s article, we’ll exam the following:

How Obesity and Back Pain are Related
How Weight Loss Helps Reduce Back Pain
Improving Back Health through Chiropractic

How Obesity and Back Pain are Related

Individuals that are classified as overweight or obese are much more likely to experience back pain than people that aren’t according to the American Obesity Association.

Obesity prevents individuals from engaging in everyday physical activities, as well as healthy exercises. These are essential for strengthening the core muscles. A stronger core can take some of the burden away from the back, thus making back pain less likely.

In addition, the spinal cord becomes excessively burdened in the case of obese individuals. This is because it’s trying to compensate for the additional weight, which can cause tilting and uneven stress. Both of these can contribute to serious and chronic back pain. Thus the reason obesity is one of the most prominent aggravating factors in the case of lower back pain.

How Weight Loss Helps Reduce Back Pain

According to weight loss experts and chiropractors, weight loss can contribute to partial or complete reduction in the back pain symptoms. The research on the connection between weight loss and back pain is still insufficient but numerous practitioners report that they’ve seen cases of patients experiencing serious reduction in pain after losing weight.

Obviously, this occurs because the extra weight is taken off the spine. As a result, the spine doesn’t experience further stress.

According to the American Spine Society, individuals that stay within 10 pounds of their ideal weight are the ones least likely to experience spinal problems, particularly chronic lower back pain.

Improving Back Health through Chiropractic Care and Physical Activity

The combination of exercise and chiropractic care can produce noticeable, long-term improvements in spinal health.

Besides aiding in weight loss, exercise is also great for strengthening the core muscles and guaranteeing a proper distribution of the body’s weight throughout the spine. Stronger muscles, less weight and better posture will provide amazing long-term benefits for chiropractic patients that suffer from back pain.

If you need more pointers on how to incorporate weight loss and exercise in your daily routine, speak to your trusted Friendswood Chiropractor. If you aren’t currently seeing a chiropractor, give us a call, we are here to help!

By DrJoeDenke 0 Comments Nutrition

3 Nutritional Tips That Will Help Boost Your Immune System

Immune Tips In today’s fast-paced society, we’re bombarded with various forms of stress that can wreak havoc on our immune systems. Let’s take a look at three nutritional tips that will help you boost your immune system.

Nutritional Tip #1 — Get Your Vitamin D

Vitamin D is known for strengthening bones and teeth by helping the body absorb calcium. People who get too little vitamin D may develop soft, thin, and brittle bones, a condition known as rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.

But did you know that it is also known to offer sufficient protection against a wide range of illnesses and chronic diseases like cancer? In addition, it improves the body’s natural response to bacterial infections like tuberculosis and helps to increase the production of antimicrobial peptides which are very important in boosting the immunity.

Since each patient’s health situation is different, ask your chiropractor how much vitamin D you need for optimal health.

Nutritional Tip #2 — Get Your Veggies

In culinary terms, vegetables are edible plants or their parts, intended for cooking or eating raw. You can quickly find what foods are in the vegetable group by visiting ChooseMyPlate.gov.

Vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli and Brussels (all from the brassica family) produce chemicals that are know to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and boost the body’s immune system. One great way to make sure you’re getting all of your vegetables for the day is through juicing. If you’re new to juicing, check out this great resource on juicing vegetables.

Nutritional Tip #3 — Avoid Alcohol

Why? Because research has proven that alcohol can cause immunodeficiencies that, in return, can make you more susceptible to tuberculosis, bacterial pneumonia and many other communicable diseases.

In addition, the use of alcohol is linked to cancer. Although many people in our society consume it for recreational purposes, it is important to note that alcohol is a drug that can deplete you of essentials vitamins and minerals. Therefore, zero alcohol consumption translates into a super strong immune system.

By DrJoeDenke 0 Comments Back Pain

What You Need To Know About Low Back Pain

Low back pain chiropractic friendswood Nearly 80% of the population will experience low back pain at some point in their life. According to the American Chiropractic Association, that is 31 million Americans at any give time. Even though low back pain plagues many people, finding the exact cause can be a challenge.

As you seek help from your local chiropractor, you’ll want to keep the following things in mind:

Prevention Is Key

Prevention is often the best cure for low back pain. When a patient sees a chiropractor, they’ll not only find relief for the low back pain they’re experiencing, but they’ll also learn ways to prevent such pain in the future. By using proper exercise and ergonomic techniques, they can ease their pain before it even starts. Amazing results are easily obtained simply by patients listening to the instructions given by their chiropractic doctor.

Treatment Options Are Available

Fortunately, there are many treatment options for low back pain. Based off of the diagnosis provided by your Doctor of Chiropractic, he or she will be able to suggest the ones that will benefit you the most. These treatments may include one or more of the following:

Spinal manipulation
Hot or cold compresses
Physical medicine & rehabilitation
Electrical muscle stimulation therapy
Massage Therapy or some other form of soft tissue work
Spinal decompression therapy

Getting Relief From Your Pain

If you were prescribed pain medication by a medial doctor before seeing your chiropractor, it may still be required to help reduce your pain levels. However, the good news is that you may be able to decrease your pain medication quicker than usual by seeing a Chiropractor at the same time.

Rehab Through Exercise

As your care progresses from pain relief to rehabilitation of the spine, your chiropractor will recommend certain exercises to help strengthen your core muscles which, in return, will help stabilize and protect your lower back. Typically, these exercises are performed at the chiropractic office to make sure you understand how to do them without re-aggravating your original complaint. Once you’ve been educated on their purpose and know how to perform them correctly without supervision, you’ll be able to continue them at home in conjunction with the spinal adjustments you receive.

Surgery May Be Avoided

Depending on your condition, you may be able to avoid surgery if you choose to see a chiropractor before your injuries or pain become worse. In some instances, a chiropractor can help you to avoid surgery entirely by helping correct the problem instead of just masking it through pain relief.

The key is to make sure you follow the recommendations of your chiropractor after a thorough consultation and examination are performed. Part of the examination procedures may require advanced imaging to come to a specific diagnosis. These not only benefit the chiropractor when he or she is developing your treatment plan but will also give you the peace of mind that the problem will be found.

The bottom line is that a chiropractor is the ideal professional to consult with for any unexplained pain in the musculoskeletal system. They’re not only well-qualified to treat conditions like low back pain but also achieve great results in a very affordable and effective manner. If you or a loved one are suffering from low back pain, gives us a call. We’re here to help!

By DrJoeDenke 0 Comments Headaches

How We Can Help Your Headaches

Friendswood Chiropractor For headaches If you are among the 45 million Americans who suffer headaches regularly, you are undoubtedly familiar with the traditional methods that people use to treat them, including taking some type of over the counter medication that is supposed to eliminate the pain and reduce any associated swelling. There are many other types of treatment that you may have attempted as well, including taking pharmaceuticals designed to treat pain. However, none of these solutions provide permanent relief that addresses the problem at the core.

In the past few decades, there have been an increasing number of patients throughout the country that have begun to seek alternative forms of therapy for all types of conditions, including headaches. One form of treatment that is very promising for physical as well as other types of pain is chiropractic.

This form of care has been used successfully for over a hundred years and has become a regular part of the American healthcare delivery system. In fact, there are a majority of insurance providers that are willing to pay for chiropractic because of its effectiveness.

During Chiropractic school, the human anatomy is studied in great detail, just like other medical professionals. A large focus of that study is placed on the neuro-musculoskeletal system. It is a fact that the most common headaches are known as Tension Headaches. This tension is caused by tightness in a group of four muscles at the base of the skull.

These muscles are call the sub-occipital musccles and when tight can also squeeze nerves. While it usually manifests itself as physical pain, this is not always the case. In some instances, the person may experience difficulties with sleep or other routine habits as well as decrease range of motion in the neck.

On the first visit with a chiropractor, a review of previous health issues will be completed. We will listen attentively and make an assessment, including determining what types of treatment will best suit the patient.

In the case of headaches, the patient usually has stiffness in the cervical spine. This may be accompanied by muscles that are unduly tight in the neck, shoulders and nearby areas. Pressure on the nerves may cause sharp stabbing pains or there may be a continual dull throb in the region.

After the exam, we will move forward with treatment in order to relieve the pressure and pain. The relief can instantaneous, with an increase in positive symptoms for the following few hours.

However, at Select Spine & Sports, we don’t just focus on relieving symptoms but rather correcting the problem; therefore, we will teach you stretches and exercises to perform on your own to help prevent the headaches from returning.

If you need further help with your headaches or are ready to see how beneficial chiropractic care can be to your health, please give us a call so that you can schedule an appointment with our Friendswood Doctor of Chiropractic. Friendswood Chiropractor For headaches

By DrJoeDenke Sports Medicine

What You Should Know About Stretching

Stretching with a Chiropractor in Friendswood When you suffer from joint or muscle pain, it is important to work on maintaining as much flexibility as possible. The more flexible you are, the less likely you will be to further injure yourself. One of the best ways to improve your flexibility is by stretching before you are active.

However, you need to warm up your muscles before you stretch. If you stretch first, you can actually injure yourself by pushing your joints too far. Spend a few minutes doing some light activity before you stretch. This can be as simple as a brisk walk or some basic calisthenics.

If you have been seeing a chiropractor, he or she may be able to recommend some stretches for you. Otherwise, you can use some of these basic techniques. There are two basic forms of stretching, static and dynamic.

Static Stretching vs. Dynamic Stretching

Static stretches involve holding a position for a certain period of time to loosen up your muscles. These tend to be what most people think of when they think about stretching. However, dynamic stretches are also important. With these, you move parts of your body to work on your flexibility.

Many of the most effective stretches for back pain can be done right at home. For example, lie on your back with your knees bent. Grasp one knee in both hands and pull it up towards your chest. Hold this position for 30 seconds and then lower the knee to the starting pose. Repeat with the other knee. You can also do both knees at the same time.

A similar stretch begins in the same position as the previous one. However, instead of lifting your knee to your chest, roll both legs to one side so that your knees are as close to the floor as possible. Hold this position for 10 seconds, and then roll to the other side.

Another common stretch recommended by many chiropractors comes from yoga, where it is known as the “cat pose.” Get down on the floor on your hands and knees, with your hands underneath your shoulders. First, let your abdomen drop down towards the floor. Then, reverse this movement by arching your back. Repeat this cycle three to five times.

More dynamic stretches can also be good for your muscle pain. Try doing hand-walks to stretch your shoulders and abdominal muscles. Stand up straight and slowly lower your hands towards the floor. Walk your hands out in front of you until you are as far down as you can go. Then walk your hands back to the starting position.

A final stretch that can help your back muscles is known as the “scorpion.” Lie face-down and stretch your arms out to the sides. First, slowly move your right foot towards your left arm. Then, move your left foot towards your right arm. Make sure to move in a slow and controlled fashion.

When you are suffering from muscle or joint pain, it is a good idea to stretch both in the morning and the evening. By incorporating these exercises into your daily routine, you can avoid many common injuries.

If you need further instruction regarding stretches, please give us a call so that you can schedule an appointment with our Friendswood Chiropractor.